Analysis of Facial Injuries in Motor Vehicle Accidents According to the Location of the Seat and Seat-Belt Use.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate facial trauma in accidents involving a passenger car. In particular, the authors assessed differences in types of facial trauma and severity according to the location of the seat and seat-belt use. A 7-year retrospective review of data was conducted for 419 patients with facial trauma resulting from motor vehicle accidents. Patients who used a seat belt faced a lower risk of severe soft-tissue injury in comparison with having mild soft-tissue injury than patients who did not use a seat belt (P = 0.0129). Additionally, patients who used a seat belt had a lower risk of accompanying facial bone fracture requiring surgical operation than patients who did not use a seat belt (P = 0.0168). In terms of facial bone fracture according to seat location, patients who had sat in the back seat had more risk of accompanying facial bone fracture than patients who had sat in the passenger's seat (P = 0.0392). In terms of facial bone fractures requiring surgical operation, the patients who had sat in a back seat faced more risk of needing a surgical operation than patients who had sat in the driver's seat (P = 0.0479). The results of the study reveal that wearing a seat belt effectively reduces severe facial soft-tissue injury and facial bone fracture requiring surgical operation. In particular, the authors note that sitting in a back seat is riskier in terms of facial bone injury than sitting in a front seat.

Use of Acellular Dermal Matrix in Treatment of Congenital Muscular Torticollis in Patients Over Eight Years of Age.

BACKGROUND: Treatment for neglected or recurred congenital muscular torticollis should be differentiated from primary patients due to the long-standing adjacent tissue contracture. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) on surgery of recurred and neglected patients of congenital muscular torticollis. METHODS: Forty-nine patients were included in the study. All patients underwent resection at the distal end of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. In the study group of 18 patients (ADM group), the defect caused by myectomy and scar tissue removal was covered with ADM. Passive range of neck motion, head tilt, cosmetic and functional satisfaction, and scar was evaluated and compared with the control group of 31 patients (non-ADM group) during follow-up. Logistic and linear regression analyses with adjustment by propensity score were performed to determine the association between ADM implantation and postoperative variables. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 18.8 months. No patient required further operation for recurrence during follow-up. The improvement of neck motion in ADM group was significantly superior to non-ADM group at the 1-year follow-up, and the overall assessment score was significantly higher in the ADM group. Acellular dermal matrix implantation was not associated with increased discharge of total drain. CONCLUSIONS: In patients over 8 years of age with recurred or neglected congenital muscular torticollis, use of dermal substitute to fill the defect caused by torticollis release is effective in achieving satisfactory neck motion. Surgical sectioning of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and ADM graft should be considered in recurred and neglected torticollis.

Effectiveness of Acellular Dermal Matrix on Autologous Split-Thickness Skin Graft in Treatment of Deep Tissue Defect: Esthetic Subjective and Objective Evaluation.

BACKGROUND: A split-thickness skin graft (STSG) is performed to cover a large full-thickness skin defect. Esthetic and functional deficits can result, and many studies have sought to overcome them. This study compared the effectiveness of the acellular dermal matrix (ADM) graft and STSG concerning esthetic and functional effectiveness of ADM on scar quality. METHODS: Of the patients who underwent anterolateral thigh free flap from 2011 to 2015, patients who received skin graft only (n = 10) or skin graft with ADM (n = 20) for coverage of the donor site were enrolled. In all cases, autologous STSG was performed with 1:1.5 meshed 0.008-0.010-inch-thick skin. In the skin graft with ADM group, 0.008-0.013-inch-thick meshed ADM (CGderm®; CGBio, Inc., Seungnam, Korea) was co-grafted. Negative-pressure wound therapy (CuraVAC®; CGBio, Inc., Seungnam, Korea) was applied to both groups in continuous mode at -120 mmHg. We investigate early outcomes (skin loss rate, duration of negative-pressure wound therapy, days to removal of stitches, days to achieve complete healing, and complications) and late outcomes in terms of scar quality (vascularity, pigmentation, pliability and height) and graft-related symptoms (itching sensation and pain). Assessments used the Vancouver Scar Scale and the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale. Skin fold was measured to evaluate the elasticity of scar tissue. RESULTS: In the Vancouver Scar Scale, vascularity subscore (p = 0.003) and total score (p = 0.016) were significantly lower in the skin graft with ADM group. In Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale, the pain (p = 0.037) and stiffness subscores (p = 0.002), and total score (p = 0.017) were significantly lower in the skin graft with ADM group. CONCLUSIONS: Skin graft with ADM results in better scar quality in objective and subjective aspects. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Computed tomography contrast media extravasation: treatment algorithm and immediate treatment by squeezing with multiple slit incisions.

In our hospital, an adverse event reporting system was initiated that alerts the plastic surgery department immediately after suspecting contrast media extravasation injury. This system is particularly important for a large volume of extravasation during power injector use. Between March 2011 and May 2015, a retrospective chart review was performed on all patients experiencing contrast media extravasation while being treated at our hospital. Immediate treatment by squeezing with multiple slit incisions was conducted for a portion of these patients. Eighty cases of extravasation were reported from approximately 218 000 computed tomography scans. The expected extravasation volume was larger than 50 ml, or severe pressure was felt on the affected limb in 23 patients. They were treated with multiple slit incisions followed by squeezing. Oedema of the affected limb disappeared after 1-2 hours after treatment, and the skin incisions healed within a week. We propose a set of guidelines for the initial management of contrast media extravasation injuries for a timely intervention. For large-volume extravasation cases, immediate management with multiple slit incisions is safe and effective in reducing the swelling quickly, preventing patient discomfort and decreasing skin and soft tissue problems.

Change of Facial Asymmetry in Patients With Congenital Muscular Torticollis After Surgical Release.

BACKGROUND: A number of studies have shown that facial asymmetry improves in congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) patients after surgical release. This study confirmed the improvement in facial asymmetry, and analyzed factors that affect the change of facial asymmetry in CMT patients after surgical release by using objective and quantitative methods. METHODS: Facial asymmetry was analyzed in 60 CMT patients who underwent surgical release before 10 years of age. Horizontal and lower facial asymmetry angles (HFAA and LFAA) in the clinical photograph were used to measure facial asymmetry. Postoperative improvements in HFAA and LFAA were evaluated in each age group, after grouping the patients by age. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the postoperative head tilt and functional deficit. Postoperative improvements in HFAA and LFAA were compared between 2 groups. The relationships between postoperative improvements in HFAA and LFAA and independent variables (age, follow-up period, preoperative HFAA or LFAA, postoperative head tilt, and postoperative functional deficit) were analyzed. RESULTS: Mean age at operation was 34.8 months (range, 6-120 mo). Horizontal facial asymmetry angle was improved significantly postoperatively in groups <5 years of age. Lower facial asymmetry angle was improved significantly postoperatively in all age groups. No significant difference was found in the postoperative improvements in HFAA and LFAA between 2 groups according to the postoperative head tilt and functional deficit. In the correlation analysis, postoperative improvements in HFAA and LFAA were proportional to the follow-up period (r = 0.256, P = 0.048) and preoperative HFAA or LFAA (r = 0.600, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Facial asymmetry in CMT patients can be improved in part if surgical release is performed before 10 years of age and the possibility of improvement may be different according to the area of the face. After surgical release, facial asymmetry will improve over a long period of time, and patients with more severe facial asymmetry have a better remodeling potential to achieve facial symmetry.

Molecular classification of basal cell carcinoma of skin by gene expression profiling.

Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are more common kinds of skin cancer. Although these tumors share common pathological and clinical features, their similarity and heterogeneity at molecular levels are not fully elaborated yet. Here, by performing comparative analysis of gene expression profiling of BCC, SCC, and normal skin tissues, we could classify the BCC into three subtypes of classical, SCC-like, and normal-like BCCs. Functional enrichment and pathway analyses revealed the molecular characteristics of each subtype. The classical BCC showed the enriched expression and transcription signature with the activation of Wnt and Hedgehog signaling pathways, which were well known key features of BCC. By contrast, the SCC-like BCC was enriched with immune-response genes and oxidative stress-related genes. Network analysis revealed the PLAU/PLAUR as a key regulator of SCC-like BCC. The normal-like BCC showed prominent activation of metabolic processes particularly the fatty acid metabolism. The existence of these molecular subtypes could be validated in an independent dataset, which demonstrated the three subgroups of BCC with distinct functional enrichment. In conclusion, we suggest a novel molecular classification of BCC providing insights on the heterogeneous progression of BCC.

Correction of infraorbital and malar deficiency using costal osteochondral graft along with orthognathic surgery in Crouzon syndrome.

In syndromic craniosynostosis, such as Crouzon syndrome, midfacial hypoplasia can cause exophthalmos and concave facial profile. Though midfacial hypoplasia in Crouzon syndrome patients can be treated with midface advancement, known as a Le Fort II or Le Fort III osteotomy, such method can change nasal appearance and frequently fails to achieve class I occlusion after surgery. This report presents a case of an aesthetically and functionally successful midfacial augmentation using rib and cartilage graft along with orthognathic surgery (Le fort I and bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy) for patients with Crouzon syndrome. The patient was a 21-year-old male with Crouzon syndrome, who had undergone augmentation rhinoplasty 2 years ago. His main issues were midfacial retrusion and mild anterior open bite and cross bite and, furthermore, did not want any change in his nasal appearance. To augment midfacial volume, rib bone graft was inserted on the inferior orbital rim and costal cartilage graft was done on the zygomatic area. The costal osteocartilage was fixed with titanium screws. Additionally, Le Fort I osteotomy and bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy were done to treat the anterior open bite and cross bite. The maxillary segment was advanced 2 mm and posteriorly impacted 2.5 mm. Then, 5 mm of mandibular setback was done and the maxillomandibular segment was rotated clockwise. Finally, genioplasty with 5-mm advancement was done to compensate for the chin retrusion after performing the mandibular setback. The operation took 425 minutes and estimated blood loss was 500 mL. After 6 months since surgery, the patient had convex facial profile and class I occlusion. For the patient with mild midface hypoplasia, good nasal profile, and malocclusion, rib bone graft along with Le Fort I and bilateral sagittal ramus osteotomy can be a good surgical modality.

Continuous high-pressure negative suction drain: new powerful tool for closed wound management: clinical experience.

BACKGROUND: Although various reconstructive flap surgeries have been successfully performed, there still are difficult wound complications, such as seroma formation, wound margin necrosis, delayed wound healing, and even flap failures. The negative-pressure wound therapy has been described in detail in the literature to assist open chronic/complex wound closure in reconstructive surgery. However, the negative-pressure wound therapy was difficult to be applied under the incisional closed wounds. METHODS: A total of 23 patients underwent the various reconstructive flap surgeries with continuous high-pressure negative suction drain. Instead of using regular suction units, Barovac (50-90 mm Hg, Sewoon Medical, Seoul, Republic of Korea) drainage tubes were connected to the wall suction unit, providing continuous high-powered negative pressure. In addition, continuous subatmospheric suction pressure (100-300 mm Hg) was applied. Outcome of the measures was obtained from the incidence of seroma, volume of postoperative drainage, hospitalization period, and incidence of other typical wound complications. Dead space was evaluated postoperatively with ultrasonography. RESULTS: Using continuous high-pressure negative suction drain, successful management of seroma was obtained without any major complication such as wound infection, flap loss, and wound margin necrosis, except for only 1 case of seroma after discharge from the hospital. The indwelling time of the drain in the latissimus dorsi donor site was significantly reduced in comparison with the authors' previous data (P = 0.047). The volume of drainage and hospitalization period were also reduced; however, these were not statistically significant. The dead space with continuous high-pressure negative suction drain was more reduced than in the control group in the immediate postoperative period and confirmed with ultrasonography. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous high-pressure negative suction drain might be the simple and powerful solution in the management of challenging closed wounds.

Successful reconstruction of irradiated anterior skull base defect using the dual flap technique involving local pericranial flap and radial forearm free flap.

Skull base reconstruction presents a challenging therapeutic problem requiring a multispecialty surgical approach and close cooperation between the neurosurgeon, head and neck surgeon, as well as plastic and reconstructive surgeon during all stages of treatment. The principal goal of skull base reconstruction is to separate the intracranial space from the nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal cavities, creating support for the brain and providing a water-tight barrier against cerebrospinal fluid leakage and ascending infection. We present a case involving a 58-year-old man with anterior skull base defects (2.5 cm × 3 cm) secondary to the removal of olfactory neuroblastoma. The patient received conventional radiation therapy at 6000 cGy in 30 fractions approximately a month before tumor removal. The patient had radiation therapy before surgery and was planned to have postoperative radiation therapy, which would lead to a higher complication rate of reconstruction. Artificial dura was used for the packing of the dural defect, which was also suspected to increase the complication rate of reconstruction. For these reasons, we chose to apply the dual flap technique, which uses both local pericranial flap and de-epithelized radial forearm free flap for anterior skull base defect to promote wound healing. During 28 months of follow-up after coverage of the anterior skull base defect, the dual flap survived completely, as confirmed through follow-up magnetic resonance imaging. The patient was free of cerebrospinal fluid leakage, meningitis, and abscess, and there was minimal donor-site morbidity of the radial forearm free flap. Reconstruction of anterior skull base defects using the dual flap technique is safe, reliable, and associated with low morbidity, and it is ideal for irradiated wounds and low-volume defects.

Transient and isolated neurogenic blepharoptosis after medial orbital wall reconstruction.

Neurogenic blepharoptosis related to orbital surgery is very rare and only 1 report was published in the literature. This report presents 1 case of transient and isolated neurogenic blepharoptosis after medial orbital wall reconstruction. A 12-year-old male patient who suffered from periorbital trauma visited our hospital with right periorbital pain. During the physical examination, mild ecchymosis and eyelid edema were reported; however, there were no signs of either limitation of ocular motion or anisocoria. On the orbital CT images, a 17 mm × 20 mm-sized medial orbital bony defect was observed and the medial rectus muscle and orbital fat were herniated. The operation was performed 12 days after injury and the transcaruncular approach was used to reach the medial orbital wall. After the operation, he had right side blepharoptosis with mild eyelid edema and ecchymosis. However, ocular movement was normal and there were no signs of anisocoria. He did not receive any additional medication for blepharoptosis and was discharged 3 days postoperation. By the ninth day of postoperative recovery, the patient still suffered from right blepharoptosis with no levator palpebrae superioris muscle function. We prescribed a low dose of oral corticosteroid and the patient was monitored on a weekly basis. Finally, he recovered completely with normal symmetric eyelid position and levator function.

Usefulness of serum C-reactive protein level for predicting flap complication after performing free microvascular head and neck reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Free microvascular head and neck reconstruction requires minimal complication and safety. However, clinical observation of the wound in head and neck area is very difficult because of its narrow and inaccessible anatomy. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level is commonly used as a marker of acute inflammatory response and quantitative test that shows predictable kinetics. Therefore, awareness of natural CRP trend of free microvascular head and neck reconstruction may help in the early diagnosis of postoperative complications. The goal of this study is to describe the time course of serum CRP level and prove the usefulness of CRP as a predictor of postoperative flap wound complication after performing free microvascular reconstruction in head and neck area. METHODS: Between June 2009 and November 2012, we retrospectively analyzed the data of 25 patients who received free microvascular tissue transfer for head and neck reconstruction at Ajou University Hospital. The characteristics of patients and surgical information were analyzed. From the first day after surgery, CRP levels were daily measured for 2 weeks. The average CRP values were daily calculated for the normal group and the complicated group and compared between each groups. The amount of time taken to reach the peak CRP level and to reach half of the peak was compared. RESULTS: A total of 25 patients were included in this study. The amount of time taken to reach the peak of the CRP level is significantly less in the normal group (2.9 d) than the complicated group (7 d) (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the amount of time to reach half of the peak was significantly different between groups (7.2 d vs. 10.1 d, respectively, P < 0.05). In the normal group (17/25), there were 14 cases which reached peak CRP level before postoperative day 4. However, in the complicated group (8/25), there was only 1 case which reached peak CRP level before postoperative day 4 (P < 0.05). The complication rate is 32.7 times higher when CRP value reaches peak on or after postoperative day 4 (95% confidence interval, 30.26-35.14; P = 0.002). Patients in the complicated group showed significantly elevated CRP levels compared to those in the normal group at day 6 to 9 and day 12 to 13 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In head and neck reconstructions, the high probability of flap wound complications are indicated through the result of having highest CRP values on or after postoperative day 4, slow normalization of plasma CRP level, and secondary rise in serial CRP values.

Age Group-Specific Improvement of Vertebral Scoliosis after the Surgical Release of Congenital Muscular Torticollis.

Background Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is a common musculoskeletal disorder in children. Secondary scoliosis can occur in patients with CMT; however, the extent of inclination and improvement of scoliosis after surgical correction of CMT have not been adequately studied. In this study, we aimed to evaluate and measure the improvement in vertebral tilting after surgical correction according to age at the time of surgery. Methods Between June 2007 and January 2020, 831 patients with CMT underwent sternocleidomastoid release. Among them, 426 patients were enrolled, and their medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Ultimately, 210 patients available for radiological evaluation and analysis were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into four groups according to age at the time of surgery to determine the relationship between age and changes in scoliosis. Results Our findings showed an improvement in scoliosis in all age groups after surgery. The results for follow-up after 1 year confirmed long-term improvement in vertebral tilting. The degree of improvement in scoliosis was significantly higher in the younger age group than in patients aged 18 years or older. Conclusion The effect of surgical release on scoliosis was significant in all age groups. The findings of this study suggest that CMT should be corrected before the age of 3 years to ensure an optimal surgical mitigation of scoliosis. Furthermore, in cases of neglected CMT, surgical release should be actively attempted because there is significant improvement.

New type of sauna-related burn: conductive contact burn.

A 70-year-old woman visited a Korean-style hot dry sauna room. The patient had a medical history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia. During the sauna, the patient slept for 30 minutes. During the sleep, the right medial thigh was covered with a fully wet towel. The patient sustained a second-degree burn on the right medial thigh area with multiple bullas. On physical examination, erythema, heating sensation, and swelling around the bullas were noted. The patient was admitted and received intravenous antibiotics for 7 days. A dressing with Silmazine 1% cream (sulfadiazine) was applied twice a day for prevention of local infection. The patient was discharged on day 14 without complication. In this case, the mechanism of the burn was different. Hot air has much thermal energy but is not conducted to the skin directly. A wet towel will have a relatively higher thermal capacity or heat capacity than a dry or damp towel, and the sodden water might be a medium for the conduction of thermal energy. Owing to the global popularity of sauna bathing, it is important to recognize all sources of sauna-related burns.

Dermatofibroma located on the tarsal plate after upper blepharoplasty?

Dermatofibroma is a firm, skin-colored or reddish-brown sessile papule or nodule. It arises spontaneously without a known cause or after a minor trauma, such as an insect bite. A 39-year-old Asian woman complained of a palpable mass and tenderness in the right upper eyelid. On physical examination, a firm palpable subcutaneous mass was detected in the upper eyelid. Surgical exploration under local anesthesia showed a fibrotic and firmly attached mass to the tarsal plate. In histopathologic examination, the mass was characterized by a fibroblast proliferation in the dermis with an overlying hyperplastic epidermis with frequent basal hyperpigmentation. As far as we know, there have been no previous reports of dermatofibroma located on the tarsal plate. This article is a good example for intratarsal location of dermatofibroma.

Modified folding radial forearm flap in soft palate and tonsillar fossa reconstruction.

Wide excision of cancer arising from the tonsillar fossa and soft palate has several functional sequelae (e.g., speech, swallowing, chewing, and breathing) that require surgical restoration of the pharyngeo-palatal structure and optimal velopharyngeal function. For this purpose, several kinds of surgical procedures have been introduced. Our method to reconstruct the tonsillar fossa and soft palate entails folding the flaps and reconstructions at the same time as the oral and nasal planes, with some modifications.Patient 1 was a 64-year-old man with left soft palate cancer. After wide excision of the tumor, the defect size of the nasal floor was 3 × 3 cm, and that of soft palate and tonsillar fossa was 8 × 5 cm. Patient 2 was a 49-year-old man with left tonsil cancer. The defect size of the nasal floor was 3 × 3 cm, and that of left lateral wall of the tonsillar fossa was 8 × 3 cm. For reconstruction of oral, nasal, and tonsillar plane, we designed the flap fit to the defect site, especially cutting of the edge of the square plane of the flap to a round shape.Both patients achieved good functional recovery without surgical complications. The average speech intelligibility score in the 2 patients was 10. Swallowing functional score was 4 in both patients. Creative reconstruction with modified radial forearm free flap for tonsillar and soft palate area makes it possible to restore velopharyngeal function to levels close to the preoperative condition.

Long delayed traumatic carotid-cavernous sinus fistula.

Traumatic carotid-cavernous sinus fistula (TCCF) is a rare but significant vascular abnormality in the skull base found after craniomaxillofacial trauma. Although the direct type is usually caused by trauma, the onset of symptoms in TCCF may present several weeks after injury. We present the case of a patient who sustained a blunt head injury from falling down and was hospitalized with skull base fracture associated with zygomatic complex fractures on the right side. After surgery, the recovery was uneventful and the patient was discharged without any problems. On the eighth week postoperatively, the patient returned to hospital presenting tinnitus, bruit on the right orbital area, diplopia, eye pain, and headache. The patient also had severe limitation of ocular movement on lateral gaze. After having brain angio-CT, which showed a dilated superior ophthalmic vein, the diagnosis of CCF with cranial nerve VI was confirmed. The fistula was occluded successfully by using coils. After the procedure, tinnitus, bruit, and headache were reduced immediately. On following up 4 months after coiling, cranial nerve VI palsy and related symptoms-diplopia and limit of ocular movement-were improved significantly. Although TCCFs usually manifest symptoms early after trauma, in this case, the patient presented clinical signs 8 weeks post-injury, while the longest time that was acknowledged in another previously released article was 6 weeks. According to this case, we recommend a careful follow-up until 2 months for patients with skull base fracture in order to rule out the risk of CCF.

Closed reduction of fractured anterior wall of the frontal sinus using threaded K-wires.

Classic approach of the anterior wall of frontal sinus fracture involves bicoronal or direct forehead incisions. However, these methods have some disadvantages, for example, paresthesia, scarring, and even alopecia. The purpose of this study was to introduce the simple and effective method of reduction of the anterior wall of frontal sinus fracture with threaded K-wires. Thirteen patients with fracture of the anterior wall of the frontal sinus underwent our method from December 2005 to September 2011. The distance of threaded K-wires was measured by facial computed tomography, and those marks were made directly on the threaded K-wires with an aseptic pencil. Closed reduction with these K-wires was tried carefully until a tolerable level was attained with digital palpation. Facial computed tomography was performed the following day for comparison. On postoperative day 7, following disappearance of swelling, the patient and the doctor mutually evaluated the outcome; both were satisfied with the results. The postoperative course was uneventful, without any complications. Unlike other methods, this method can guarantee a short operating time, effective reduction, and inconspicuous scar.

Infected sialocele: complication in masseter reduction using radiofrequency coagulation.

Radiofrequency coagulation was introduced to reduce the volume of masseter muscle. Radiofrequency procedure causes focal necrosis in masseter muscles, which leads to muscle hypoplasia and a slender lower face. We present a case of a 24-year-old woman who underwent radiofrequency coagulation to reduce masseter muscles. The patient experienced progressive erythematous swelling and noticed the mass around the right cheek 5 days after the procedure. On radiologic evaluation, a round cavity of 4-cm diameter containing air and fluid was observed. Incision and drainage was performed, and antibiotics were administrated intravenously. Blood-tinged purulent fluid was obtained, which was subsequently found to have a high amylase level. The swelling subsided, and there is no relapse up to 6 months after drainage. There are several complications of radiofrequency coagulation reported such as mucoserous fluid collections, late bleeding, infections, long-lasting pain, Stensen duct injury, facial nerve injuries, and limitation of temporomandibular joint movement. A well-designed operation plan and skilled technique are required to avoid these complications.

Cutaneous paraganglioma of the vertex in a child.

Paraganglioma is a neuroendocrine neoplasm that may develop at various body sites, including the head, neck, thorax, and abdomen. Approximately 85% of paragangliomas develop on the abdomen, 12% develop on the chest, and only 3% develop on the head and neck. These tumors are found in locations that parallel the sympathetic chain ganglion in the thoracolumbar regions and parasympathetic nervous system in craniosacral regions, and all head and neck paragangliomas arise from the parasympathetic nervous system. Although the skin has a rich neural network, it is devoid of ganglia. There has been only 1 report of a paraganglioma on the scalp of a child. We describe a 3-year-old child with a primary cutaneous paraganglioma of the vertex scalp and review the literature on paragangliomas.