Upper Extremity Infections in the Transplant Population.

PURPOSE: As the duration of lifetime survival after organ transplantation continues to increase, the consequences of long-term immunosuppression, such as opportunistic and rare infections, are a high-risk reality. This study examined upper extremity infections in the transplant population to determine the current clinical risk profile, management, and outcomes. METHODS: An institutional database of 16,640 patients who underwent transplantation was queried for upper extremity infections from 2005 to 2017, defined as the presence of infection from the shoulder to the fingertips. The resulting data were analyzed using multivariable linear and logistic regression modeling. RESULTS: A total of 230 eligible patients experienced upper extremity infections at a mean age of 54.1 ± 15.3 years, occurring, on average, 7.9 ± 8.6 years after transplantation. The most commonly transplanted organ was the kidney (51.3%), followed by the liver (20%). The most common location of infection was the forearm (31.7%), digits (27.4%), and upper arm (17%). The most common types of infection were cellulitis (69.1%), abscess (33.5%), joint sepsis (6.5%), infectious tenosynovitis (3.9%), and osteomyelitis (1.3%). Patients taking an antifungal medication, those who had a joint infection, or those who had undergone lung transplantation had an approximately 2.5-day longer stay in the hospital. For every 1-year increase in age at the time of transplantation, the time from transplantation to infection decreased by 0.21 years. Those who had undergone bone marrow transplantation or those who were taking tacrolimus were expected to have approximately 8- and 6-year decreases, respectively, in the time from transplantation to infection. CONCLUSIONS: Upper extremity infections should be individually evaluated and treated because of the heterogeneity of transplant type, immunosuppression medications, the age of the patient, and infection characteristics. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic IV.

Ten-Year Institutional Experience to Predict Risk of Calvarial Bone Flap Loss Using Long-Term Outcome Data.

BACKGROUND: Calvarial bone flap (CBF) loss is a common complication following craniotomy and subsequent skull reconstruction can be challenging. Defining predictors of CBF failure not only improves patient outcomes but reduces the need for complex reconstruction often requiring plastic surgery consultation. As CBF failure can occur many years following craniotomy, this study aimed to determine risk factors of CBF loss using long-term follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included patients who underwent craniotomy with CBF reinsertion between 2003 and 2013 at a tertiary academic institution. Patients were included if demographics, comorbidities, and long-term outcomes were available. Multivariable logistic regression modeled the odds of CBF failure, defined as permanent removal for bone flap-related issues. The median follow-up was 6.9 years (interquartile range: 1.8-10.8 y). RESULTS: There were 222 patients who met inclusion criteria and underwent craniotomy with CBF reinsertion, primarily for tumor resection or intracranial pressure relief. CBF failure occurred in 76 (34.2%) patients. Up to 4 CBF reinsertions were performed in both failure and nonfailure groups. The risks of CBF loss increased with each additional CBF elevation by 17-fold ( P <0.001), male sex by 3-fold ( P =0.005), and tumor etiology by 3-fold ( P =0.033) ( C -index=0.942). CONCLUSIONS: Each CBF reinsertion dramatically increases the risk of CBF loss. This finding may optimize patient selection and surgical planning. Early multidisciplinary discussions between plastic surgeons and neurosurgeons may avoid multiple CBF elevations and prevent the adverse sequela of high-risk calvarial reconstruction efforts.

Comorbidity Trends in Patients Requiring Sternectomy and Reconstruction: Updated Data Analysis From 2005 to 2020.

INTRODUCTION: Comorbidity trends after median sternectomy were studied at our institution by Vasconze et al (Comorbidity trends in patients requiring sternectomy and reconstruction. Ann Plast Surg. 2005;54:5). Although techniques for sternal reconstruction have remained unchanged, the patient population has become more complex in recent years. This study offers insight into changing trends in this patient population. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent median sternectomy followed by flap reconstruction at out institution between 2005 and 2020. Comorbidities, reconstruction method, average laboratory values, and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 105 patients were identified. Comorbidities noted were diabetes (27%), immunosuppression (16%), hypertension (58%), renal insufficiency (23%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (16%), and tobacco utilization (24%). The most common reconstruction methods were omentum (45%) or pectoralis major flaps (34%). Thirty-day mortality rates were 10%, and presence of at least 1 complication was 34% (hematoma, seroma, osteomyelitis, dehiscence, wound infection, flap failure, and graft exposure). Univariate analysis demonstrated that sex (P = 0.048), renal insufficiency, surgical site complication, wound dehiscence, and flap failure (P < 0.05) had statistically significant associations with mortality. In addition, body mass index, creatinine, and albumin had a significant univariate association with mortality (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Similar to the original study, there is an association between renal insufficiency and mortality. However, the mortality rate is decreased to 10%, likely because of improved medical management of patients with increasing comorbidities (80% with greater than one comorbidity). This has led to the increased use of omentum as a first-line option. Subsequent wound dehiscence and flap failure demonstrate an association with mortality, suggesting that increasingly complex patients are requiring a method of reconstruction once used a last resort as a first-line option.

Free vascularized fascia lata flap for total columella reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: Despite their relatively small size, columellar defects, including both external and internal elements, are exceedingly difficult to reconstruct. Local, regional, and distant flaps have been described for reconstruction. Herein, we present a novel technique for reconstruction of the columella using vascularized free fascia lata from the anterolateral thigh with structural replacement and skin grafting. METHODS: This novel technique utilizes a small anterolateral thigh flap, formed into vascularized fascia lata without the overlying subcutaneous fat or skin. The fascia lata is inset into the columellar and caudal septal defect after a cartilage framework is constructed and is microsurgically anastomosed to either distal facial or angular vessels. A skin graft from the ALT donor site is then secured over the fascia. RESULTS: This technique has been applied successfully in patients with either isolated columella or in multi-subunit reconstruction following total rhinectomy with no flap or reconstructive failures. Given the low morbidity of flap harvest and minimal access incisions, this has been reliably accomplished with short (1-2 day) hospital stays. CONCLUSION: Rapid and aesthetically acceptable reconstruction of total nasal columella defects in isolation or with additional nasal subunit reconstruction, is possible utilizing this novel technique. Here we discuss pearls and pitfalls of its use following surgical resection of malignancy.

Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma With Invasive Chest Wall Masses.

BACKGROUND: Breast implant-associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) might occur in any patient with a history of textured breast devices, and often presents as a spectrum of disease: from a simple late-onset seroma, to complex advanced locally aggressive disease with chest wall involvement. The combination of medical therapy and surgical implant removal with complete capsulectomy is believed to be curative. OBJECTIVES: In patients with advanced cases, however, and although generalized recommendations exist, no consensus exists regarding the ideal medical and surgical management of those presenting with invasive disease. METHODS: This preliminary report describes 2 distinct presentations of rare invasive chest wall BIA-ALCL, both treated successfully, by using a combined medical and surgical multidisciplinary team approach. Subsequently, we discuss considerations and the current literature surrounding the treatment of advanced BIA-ALCL with chest wall and adjacent structure involvement. RESULTS: All patients necessitated chest wall resection and composite reconstruction due to tumor involvement of the thorax with residual hypermetabolic activity, despite chemotherapeutic pretreatment with different neoadjuvant medical therapies. All healed well after surgery and experienced resolution of symptoms without signs of relapse on regular follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In the rare subset of patients presenting with invasive BIA-ALCL, the question persists as to which systemic treatment remains optimal. However, the evidence supports multiple, particularly in combination with surgical extirpation and reconstruction. Here we present 2 proven treatments, both in timing and modalities chosen, as part of the first step to establish a formally accepted treatment paradigm for advanced BIA-ALCL patients with invasive chest wall involvement.

The Anatomic Feasibility of a Functional Chimeric Flap in Complex Abdominal Wall Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Dynamic and functional abdominal wall reconstruction (FAWR) remains a complex challenge. The ideal flap should have a minimal donor-site morbidity and cover a large surface area with motor and sensory capabilities. The goal was to investigate the feasibility of using a free chimeric flap with anterolateral thigh (ALT) and rectus femoris (RF) components pedicled only on the motor nerve branch. METHODS: Ten fresh cadavers were dissected with a designed chimeric thigh flap including ALT and RF flaps. Anterolateral thigh was designed and raised with the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve integrated, and the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery was preserved. Rectus femoris was elevated and the common pedicle was dissected up to the femoral origin. Accompanying motor nerve branches were carefully dissected to their femoral origin. RESULTS: Twenty RF flaps were dissected and 9 were harvested as a true chimeric flap with ALT. The mean number of neurovascular bundles associated with RF flap was 2.11 ± 0.47, and the mean primary motor nerve average length was 9.40 ± 2.42 cm. The common vascular bundle in all 9 chimeric flaps was ligated, and the flap was rotated toward the abdomen pedicled only by primary motor nerve of the RF muscle. Nerve length was adequate for reach up to xiphoid area in all 20 flaps. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the feasibility of the chimeric ALT/RF muscle free flap pedicled only by the motor nerve branch, with adequate flap rotation. Even with the limitations in a live patient, this flap would be an excellent option for FAWR in the right patient.

A controlled cost and outcomes analysis of acellular dermal matrix and implant-based reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: The use of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) for breast reconstruction continues to change in both single- and two-stage reconstruction. Determining optimal outcomes clinically, aesthetically, financially as well as for the patient's quality of life has become a priority. METHODS: A retrospective review of implant-based reconstructions was performed at a single center from 2010 to 2016, with patients blindly matched 1:1:1 into three cohorts based on reconstruction type: 1) single stage direct to implant with ADM, 2) two-stage tissue expander to implant (TE/I) without ADM, and 3) two-stage TE/I with ADM. Relative cost between groups, esthetic outcomes, and quality of life within each group was analyzed. RESULTS: Group 1 was more likely to be older and use intraoperative angiography, but with fewer overall surgeries and postoperative visits (p<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in reconstructive success among all three groups (p = 0.85). Cost was significantly higher for group 3 relative to groups 1 and 2. Overall appearance was higher in groups 1 and 3 relative to group 2, with radiation therapy the only independent factor. Group 1 had higher scores using Breast-Q for the physical well-being domain (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: This is the first study to incorporate clinical outcomes, esthetic visual grading, and patient-reported quality within the same cohort of individuals, considering both use of ADM and staging. Despite the added ADM cost, it is proven safe, eliminates time and cost associated with tissue expanders, decreases post-operative visits and can lead to equally as functional and aesthetically pleasing outcomes in single- and two-stage breast reconstructions.

Pushing the Envelope: Skin-Only Mastopexy in Single-Stage Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy with Direct-to-Implant Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Despite advances in skin envelope reduction techniques and experienced nipple-sparing mastectomy flap procedures, the rate of nipple malposition and secondary revision in these patients remains high and eligible candidates are limited. In this article, the authors present a novel technique combining skin reduction nipple-sparing mastectomy surgery with single-stage skin-only mastopexy and direct-to-implant reconstruction. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed at a single institution from 2015 to 2018. All patients were operated on using this technique consecutively, by a breast and plastic surgeon team (A.F. and A.M.). Surgical technique and outcomes were compared with the currently accepted literature. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients (40 breasts) underwent this technique; all were single-stage direct-to-implant reconstructions. The average body mass index was 31 kg/m2. A Wise pattern was used in 35 breasts (87.5 percent) and prepectoral placement was used in 25 breasts (62.5 percent). Overall complications included seroma [n = 6 (15 percent)], vertical/T-junction dehiscence [n = 4 (10 percent)], skin necrosis [n = 4 (10 percent)], superficial or partial nipple necrosis [n = 4 (10 percent)], with no total nipple-areola complex lost and no reconstructive failures at 18.7 months' average follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In this article, the authors share a novel reconstructive technique in which the skin envelope is reduced, the nipple-areola complex is repositioned, and a direct-to-implant reconstruction is performed in a single stage at the time of mastectomy. Consideration of pearls and pitfalls accompanies a review of the authors' experienced complication profile, and is discussed in the context of current literature. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Challenges in Microsurgical Reconstruction for Craniofacial Osteomyelitis With Resultant Osteonecrosis.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic osteomyelitis is characterized by compromised blood supply and eventual osteonecrosis. Definitive treatment requires aggressive resection of affected bone. The resultant defect poses a unique challenge to reconstructive surgeons. Much of the literature on craniofacial osteomyelitis focuses on infection eradication, rather than subsequent reconstruction. This article reports representative cases from our experience with free flap reconstruction for defects secondary to chronic osteomyelitis of the craniofacial skeleton. METHODS/RESULTS: The authors selected 5 of the most difficult reconstructive cases of craniofacial osteomyelitis from our experience in a single tertiary referral institution with a follow-up of at least 6 months. Three of the 5 cases arose in the setting of previous head and neck cancer treated with resection and radiation therapy. One case had a previous surgical craniotomy complicated by osteomyelitis and multiple failed alloplastic reconstructions. The final case was due to multiple gunshots to the head, with subsequent cerebral and cranial abscess (>1000cc). In each case, the defect was successfully treated with free tissue transfer. Two cases required creation of recipient vessels with an arteriovenous loop. CONCLUSIONS: Free tissue transfer provides a versatile and effective tool in the reconstruction of extensive craniofacial osteomyelitis defects. Furthermore, the addition of vascularized tissue can protect against further episodes of osteomyelitis. Finally, arteriovenous loops can be employed successfully when prior radiation and infection of the wound bed precludes the use of local recipient target vessels.

The Timing of Alloplastic Cranioplasty in the Setting of Previous Osteomyelitis.

BACKGROUND: Management of cranial osteomyelitis is challenging and often includes débridement of infected bone and delayed alloplastic cranioplasty. However, the optimal interval between the removal of infected bone and definitive reconstruction remains controversial. The authors investigated the optimal time for definitive reconstruction and factors influencing cranioplasty reinfection. METHODS: A retrospective review of 111 alloplastic cranioplasties for osteomyelitis between 2002 and 2015 was performed. Patients were divided into four subgroups based on timing of reconstruction: group 1, less than 3 months; group 2, 3 to 6 months; group 3, 6 to 12 months; and group 4, more than 12 months. Multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate the probability of cranioplasty reinfection based on risk factors. Median follow-up was 45.9 months (range, 12.4 to 136.9 months). RESULTS: The combined reinfection rate was 23.4 percent. The reinfection rate in group 1 was 39.6 percent; group 2, 12.5 percent; group 3, 8.0 percent; and group 4, 0.0 percent (p < 0.001). The mean interval between the infected bone removal and cranioplasty was shorter in patients with reinfection than in patients without reinfection (2.2 ± 3.9 months versus 6.1 ± 8.3 months; p < 0.001). The strongest independent predictors of reinfection were chemotherapy (OR, 10.1; 95 percent CI, 2.9 to 35.2), composite defect requiring scalp reconstruction at the time of cranioplasty (OR, 3.3; 95 percent CI, 1.2 to 8.9), and early reconstruction. Each month of delay in reconstruction reduced the reinfection rate by 10 percent (OR, 0.9 per each month of delay; 95 percent CI, 0.8 to 1.0). Cranioplasty material was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Early alloplastic cranioplasty following osteomyelitis carries an unacceptably high risk of reinfection. This risk decreases by 10 percent with each month of delay. The authors' regression model can be used to predict the probability of reinfection for all time periods. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Donor skin allograft survival after bone marrow transplantation: Case report and systematic review of the literature☆.

BACKGROUND: We present a case of skin allograft survival in a patient who previously received a bone marrow transplant from the same HLA-matched donor. DNA fingerprinting of skin biopsies showed mixed cellularity originating from the donor and recipient (68% and 32% donor DNA in the allograft skin and the native recipient's skin, respectively). Histologic sections demonstrated both grade 3/4 rejection and graft-versus-host-disease. We have conducted a systematic review in search for other cases of donor skin allograft survival after a bone marrow or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. METHODS: All reported cases in English, Spanish, French, and German were captured using the electronic databases. Bibliographies of relevant articles were manually searched. RESULTS: Nineteen patients (12 females) who received skin allografts from their bone marrow or hematopoietic stem cell donors were identified. Average age was 27.2 years (range: 5 months to 64 years). Skin allografts were used to treat graft-versus-host-disease, Herlitz junctional epidermolysis bullosa, and to test tolerance before a kidney transplantation from the same donor. Eight cases were not receiving immunosuppressive therapy. Allografts survived in all patients. In three patients, skin punch biopsies were taken, and these biopsies demonstrated mixed donor and recipient cellularity. The pathology result is specified in two more cases, with no signs of rejection. CONCLUSIONS: The same donor skin allografts may be a safe option to treat severe cutaneous conditions in recipients of a bone marrow/hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. However, future studies are needed to confirm these results.

Small Finger to Ring Finger Ray Transposition: Modern Surgical Technique and Case-based Review of the Literature.

Ray transposition for central digital amputation has been performed following traumatic injury to the hand for decades. Small finger to ring finger ray transposition has been well described in the literature, with good functional and aesthetic outcomes reported. Originally described by Bunnell, the fourth metacarpal can be disarticulated and the fifth metacarpal base transposed with reconstruction of the intermetacarpal ligament allowing progressive closure between the third and fifth rays. However, osteotomy-based transpositions are utilized placing the osteotomy at the level of the metacarpal, followed by transposition and fixation of the small finger to the base of the ring finger metacarpal; or, by making an intracarpal wedge-osteotomy of the hamate with subsequent radial translocation of the entire small finger ray. Recent literature has suggested the intracarpal wedge osteotomy to be superior technically, and with less postoperative complications. However, for this somewhat uncommon reconstructive procedure, no high-level evidence exists to determine which of these techniques is truly more favorable. Here, we present an interesting case of ray amputation and transposition following an isolated fourth metacarpal traumatic firearm injury, and comprehensive modern surgical technique. Upon review of the literature, small to ring finger ray transposition has been shown to have acceptable functional and aesthetic outcomes regardless of the osteotomy technique used, and should be considered when the nature of presenting injury and the patient's lifestyle and postoperative expectations are appropriate.

Single-stage versus two-stage arteriovenous loop microsurgical reconstruction: A meta-analysis of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Arteriovenous (AV) loops can be utilized in a single- or two-stage approach in free flap reconstruction when proper vessels are not available. However, there exists no consensus on which method leads to superior microsurgical and patient outcomes. The purpose of this article was to review single- versus two-stage AV loops utilized in free flap reconstruction with a focus on complications and overall outcomes. METHODS: A systematic review of AV loops for autologous free tissue transfer was conducted. Endpoints investigated included flap characteristics, timing to second stage, complications, and outcomes. A Student's t-test and forest plots were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Thirty-five unique papers discussed utilizing AV loops in a single- or two-stage approach, yielding 260 and 98 single- and two-stage AV loops, respectively. There was a statistically significant higher rate of major complications in two-stage as compared to single-stage AV loops. There was a non-statistically significant difference in rate of minor complications in the single-stage as compared to two-stage AV loops. Overall, there was a statistically significant higher success rate in the single-stage as compared to two-stage AV loops CONCLUSION: There was a statistically significant higher rate of major complications and failures in two-stage AV loops. As well-conducted randomized controlled studies are nearly impossible to perform in this population, the decision to pursue a single- versus two-stage reconstruction should ultimately be determined based on individual patient co-morbidities, the size and etiology of defect, and the type of free tissue transfer planned.

Traumatic Facial Myopericytoma: A Differential to Consider.

Myopericytoma is a slow-growing, benign soft tissue neoplasm that arises from perivascular smooth muscle cells. This tumor is a rare entity itself, but it is only scarcely mentioned in the literature occurring secondary to trauma. The authors report a 21-year-old male patient who presented with a pulsatile mass in the medial canthal area where he had experienced previous trauma from a car accident 1-year prior. The mass was excised and histopathology revealed myopericytoma. This clinical report adds to the limited body of evidence supporting trauma as an etiology for this rare tumor.

Assessment of long-term kyphosis following transthoracic corpectomy with single adjacent level posterior instrumentation.

Anterior thoracic spinal instrumentation has traditionally been supported by a posterior thoracic construct spanning from at least two levels above to two levels below; however, instrumentation at a single-level above and below may be adequate to support such a construct. We report two cases of transthoracic corpectomy with short-segment posterior fixation with success in long-term stabilization. Two patients with thoracic vertebral malignancy resulting in spinal deformity and spinal cord compression underwent transthoracic corpectomy with placement of an expandable cage proceeded by posterior fixation one level above and one level below. Using the Cobb angle, the degree of kyphosis was measured at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Long-term spinal stabilization was achieved in both patients. There was no significant increase in kyphosis and no evidence of hardware failure in either patient during the follow-up period. Transthoracic corpectomy with supplementary posterior fixation one level above and below may be adequate to stabilize the spine.

No regional gray matter atrophy differences between pediatric- and adult-onset relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate differences in region-specific gray matter (GM) damage between adults with pediatric-onset (PO) multiple sclerosis (MS) and adult-onset (AO) MS. METHODS: Twenty-four relapsing-remitting (RR) adults with POMS (mean age = 35 years, mean disease duration = 18.4 years) were compared to 23 age-matched (AOA, mean age = 33.9 years, mean disease duration = 2.4 years) and 24 disease-duration matched (AOD, mean age = 45.9 years, mean disease duration = 18.5 years) RRMS adults who developed MS after the age of 18. Three-dimensional-T1-weighted images were acquired on a 1.5 T MRI. Image analysis was conducted using voxel-based morphometry (Statistical Parametric Mapping 8). RESULTS: There were no regional GM atrophy differences between POMS and AODMS groups. No regional GM atrophy differences were found between POMS and AOAMS patients when disease duration was included as a covariate. CONCLUSIONS: Regional GM differences were not found between POMS adults and MS controls matched for age or disease duration. Although of limited sample size, these findings suggest that there are no regional GM atrophy differences between RR POMS and AOMS.

Tract-based spatial statistics analysis of diffusion-tensor imaging data in pediatric- and adult-onset multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: White matter (WM) microstructure may vary significantly in pediatric-onset (PO) and adult-onset (AO) patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), a difference that could be explained by the effects of an inherent plasticity in the affected pediatric brains early in the disease, and a phenomenon that does not occur later in life. This hypothesis would support the observation that disease progression is much slower in POMS compared to AOMS patients. OBJECTIVES: To examine WM microstructure in the brain of adults with POMS and AOMS, using tract based spatial statistics (TBSS) analysis of diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI). METHODS: Adults with relapsing-remitting (RR) POMS, who were diagnosed before age of 18 years (n = 16), were compared with age-matched (AOA, n = 23) and disease duration-matched (AOD, n = 22) RR patients who developed MS after the age of 18 years. Scans were analyzed using the FSL software package (Oxford, UK) and statistics were performed using TBSS to evaluate WM microstructure between groups based on the mean fractional anisotropy (FA) values obtained from the DTI. RESULTS: Widespread cortical and deep WM area differences characterized by increased FA values were seen in the AOAMS compared with POMS group (P < 0.05, TFCE corrected). Significantly increased FA values of posterior WM areas were detected in the AODMS compared with POMS group (P < 0.05, TFCE corrected). CONCLUSION: Increased FA values in WM areas of the AOMS compared with the POMS patients suggest that diffuse WM microstructure changes are more attributable to age of onset than a simple function of disease duration and age.