Enhancing mandibular bone regeneration and perfusion via axial vascularization of scaffolds.

OBJECTIVE: Reconstruction of large and complex bone segments is a challenging problem facing maxillofacial surgery. The majority of current regenerative approaches rely on extrinsic vascularization, which is deficient after cancer ablation and irradiation. The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of intrinsic axial vascularization of synthetic bone scaffolds in the management of critical-size mandibular defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Scaffold-guided mandibular regeneration in two groups of adult male goats was compared. Only the scaffolds of the second group were axially vascularized via in situ embedding of an arteriovenous loop through microsurgical anastomosis of facial vessels. After 6 months of follow up, both groups were compared through radiological, biomechanical, histological and histomorphometric analysis. RESULTS: The axially vascularized constructs have showed significantly more central vascularization (p = 0.021) and markedly enhanced central bone formation (p = 0.08). The biomechanical characteristics were enhanced, but the difference between both groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.98). CONCLUSIONS: Axially vascularized synthetic mandibular grafts show better vascularization at their central regions, permitting more efficient bone regeneration. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The encouraging results of the proposed technique could be of benefit in optimizing the reconstruction of large critical-size bone defects.

Suture granuloma extending intra-abdominally, detected five months postappendectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Suture granulomas are localised inflammatory reactions that develop at the site of retained suture material. They are a rare surgical complication that is sometimes radiologically challenging to diagnose, especially if the intra-abdominal is communicating with the anterior abdominal wall. METHODS: The case reported here was a 22-year-old female who presented with right iliac fossa pain 5 months post-appendectomy, which turned out to be due to a suture granuloma. Ultrasonography and CT with and without contrast misdiagnosed the lesion as an abscess or less likely as neoplasm. Conclusive diagnosis was based upon histopathological examination of tissue obtained by biopsy. CONCLUSION: When reviewing the images of patients who present with post-operative surgical complications, it is crucial to consider suture granuloma as a distinct possibility. A definitive diagnosis saves the patient from undergoing unnecessary extensive surgeries and improves the patient experience.

Popliteal venous aneurysms and iliac vein compression: a possible association.

Popliteal venous aneurysms have always been linked to death from pulmonary embolism. Incidental finding of an asymptomatic popliteal venous aneurysm during duplex scan performed for patients with chronic venous disease is increasingly diagnosed but the relation between popliteal venous aneurysms and chronic venous disease remains unknown. We report the incidental finding of three asymptomatic popliteal venous aneurysms associated with iliac vein compression in patients with chronic venous disease who had undergone computed tomography venography with direct pedal contrast injection. An association between popliteal venous aneurysms and iliac vein compression is postulated.