[Anatomical Identification and Possibilities of Transfer of the Masseteric Nerve for Facial Reanimation]. / Anatomische Auffindbarkeit und Möglichkeiten des Transfers des Nervus massetericus zur Gesichtsreanimation.

BACKGROUND: The masseteric nerve (MN) is often used as a donor nerve for facial reanimation. In addition to already established techniques, MN transfer is rapidly gaining importance, mainly due to the single-stage approach of the procedure and its reconstructive potential. This anatomical study and the associated questionnaire study aimed to evaluate the established methods for identification of the MN and its suitability for direct nerve transfer as well as to assess the importance of MN transfer in the daily clinical routine. MATERIAL AND METHODOLOGY: Bilateral dissection of 25 fresh-frozen head specimens (n=50; 13 female, 12 male) was performed with accompanying measurement of the MN. In a questionnaire study conducted at established centres for facial surgery in German-speaking countries, clinical experience data of MN transfer was collected using the SurveyMonkey software. The data obtained was statistically analysed using Microsoft Excel and presented in numerical tables and boxplots. RESULTS: Using anatomical landmarks such as the zygomatic arch and the mandibular notch for orientation, the MN was found in 100% of cases. Its average length from the emerging point below the zygomatic arch towards its entry into the masseter muscle was measured to be 22 mm and was the length available for nerve transposition. Tension-free coaptation of the MN with the zygomatic branch was possible in 94% of cases. The questionnaire showed that the MN is considered an important donor nerve for motor nerve transfers and that MN transfer is now largely established as a standard procedure. DISCUSSION: In accordance with previously published studies, the MN was reliably found at the height of the mandibular notch and, in the vast majority of cases, was suitable for tension-free coaptation with the zygomatic branch. Differences to the existing literature, however, can be seen in the length of the nerve available for nerve transposition and the frequency of its division into several branches before entering the masseter muscle. In German-speaking countries, Cross-Face Nerve Grafting (CFNG) is still the preferred method for facial reanimation surgery. However, MN transfer is also well established by now, both as an alternative and a supplement to other techniques, possibly due to its low donor site morbidity and short time to regeneration.

Donor site morbidity after the harvest of microvascular flaps from the medial and lateral femoral condyle region: Objective, radiologic, and patient-reported outcome of a multi-center trial.

BACKGROUND: With the experience-based hypothesis of low donor site morbidity (DSM) for free flaps from the distal femur, this cohort study aimed to evaluate the DSM according to objective and reproducible criteria. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-six patients who had a flap harvest from either the medial or lateral femoral condyle region between 2005 and 2017 were included. A retrospective chart review was performed for all patients. In total, 97 patients were available for a follow-up examination. Outcomes were assessed according to objective (Knee Society Score; Larson Knee Score; OAK Score; 0-100 points), patient-reported (IKDC Score; KOOS Score; 0-100 points), and radiologic criteria (Kellgren and Lawrence Score; MRI Osteoarthritis Knee Score). RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 1529 days (range: 248-4,810). The mean Knee Society Score (94.8 ± 10.1), Larson Knee Score (94.5 ± 10.1), and OAK Score (95.5 ± 6.6) showed nearly unimpaired knee function. The overall patient-reported DSM was low (IKDC Score: 86.7 ± 17.4; KOOS Score: 89.3 ± 17.1). Osteochondral (OC) flaps had a significantly higher DSM, regardless of the donor site. Bone flaps did not show any relevant radiologic morbidity in the Kellgren and Lawrence Score. Besides the procedure-associated cartilage lesions at the OC donor sites, MRI Osteoarthritis Knee Score did not show any significant presence of further knee pathologies in the bilateral MRI Scans. The obvious cartilage lesions did not have a relevant impact on the knee function of most patients. CONCLUSION: The DSM for bone and soft-tissue flaps from the femoral condyle region is negligible. OC flaps are associated with a significantly higher DSM, although a clinically relevant impact on knee function was not evident in the majority of patients.

[Management of surgical therapy for advanced hidradenitis suppurativa with special consideration of perioperative antibiotic treatment - a questionnaire study]. / Management der chirurgischen Therapie der fortgeschrittenen Hidradenitis suppurativa unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der perioperativen Antibiose ­ Eine Fragebogenstudie.

INTRODUCTION: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, recurrent, inflammatory skin disease, which affects areas of the body that bear apocrine glands. In extensive cases, a combination of surgical and antibiotic treatment is often needed. Studies are available on the effects of clindamycin, also in combination with rifampicin, or tetracyclines. However, there are few precise recommendations for the perioperative application of antibiotic agents. PATIENTS/MATERIAL AND METHODS: An anonymous survey was conducted to determine the current status quo of perioperative antibiotic treatment. Physicians and surgeons were surveyed who worked at a department for plastic surgery, general surgery or dermatology in the German-speaking area. The questionnaire itself was created with Limesurvey© and was sent out to qualified departments, with the help from federal ministries of health. The responses were statistically analysed with IBM® SPSS® version 23. RESULTS: In most cases, the antibiotic treatment started before surgical intervention. Bacterial swabs were the most important factor in the selection of antibiotic agents. Most of theparticipants adjusted the treatment to the microbiological results, regardless of the chosen moment of application. Clindamycin was the most often used topical and systemic agent. The combination with rifampicin was most common. Adalimumab was the most commonly used antibody against tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). In nearly half of the cases, antibodies were combined with antibiotics, and then the duration of treatment was usually longer. The extent of the disease was the most important factor for the necessity of surgical interventions. The wide excision of the whole affected area with subsequent healing by secondary intention was the surgical method of choice in all but one area. CONCLUSION: This study has shown that there are significant differences in the treatment between disciplines and countries. On the one hand, the disease severity, on the other hand, individual experience and preferences affect the treatment. Depending on the discipline that determined the therapy, some treatments are provided more rarely or not at all. Revised and up-to-date guidelines embodying all relevant disciplines would be desirable for a standardised therapy.

[Long-term experience with Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum (CCH, Xiapex®) for the treatment of Dupuytren's contracture: lessons learned]. / Langzeiterfahrung mit Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum (CCH, Xiapex®) zur Behandlung der Dupuytrenschen Kontraktur: Lessons learned.

INTRODUCTION: CCH (Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum; Xiapex®) has become established as a simple and reliable alternative to traditional treatments for Dupuytren's contracture. This study aims to analyse our results and discuss our modifications of this therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 312 fingers treated with CCH between 2011 and 2018 (256 patients; 225 men and 31 women). There were 157 fingers (50.3 %) with an isolated joint contracture, while multiple joints were affected in 155 fingers (49.7 %). The average age at surgery was 65.8 years. The follow-up period averaged 41.2 weeks. A retrospective data analysis evaluated our results and the effect of our technical modifications on treatment success. RESULTS: The average presurgical degree of contracture was 63.3 degrees. The average contracture reduction compared to the initial value was 94 % immediately after surgery and 81 % at the last follow-up. There were skin cracks in 22.1 %. The postsurgical course was uneventful in 99.4 %, with minor complications in 0.6 %. The recurrence rate was 14.4 % Extension of the time interval until stretching (24 vs. 48 hours) had no significant effect on the immediate success rate or the rate of skin lesions. CONCLUSIONS: If the indication is chosen correctly and the treatment is performed by an experienced surgeon, the success rate with CCH is comparable to other current treatment options.

Descending genicular artery. Branching patterns and measuring parameters: A systematic review and meta-analysis of several anatomical studies.

BACKGROUND: The medial femoral condyle (MFC) flap is based on the descending genicular artery (DGA), which is a vessel with different variations in its course and branching patterns. Many studies have dealt with the vascular anatomy of the MFC. However, the results of the investigations differ markedly. METHODS: The authors performed a systematic literature search in MEDLINE for articles published until May 2017 on the vascular anatomy of the DGA. After the screening, 23 relevant studies with a similar topic were included into this comprehensive analysis. RESULTS: The systematic review examined the lengths and diameters of the individual arteries with regard to the vascularized bone flap of the MFC. The DGA is present in 94% of cases with an average length of 1.8 cm. In 63% of the investigated cases, the DGA divides into three terminal branches. The articular branch has an average length of 7.7 cm, the saphenous branch has a length of 10.7 cm, and the muscular branch has a length of 3.2 cm. CONCLUSION: To ensure a secured survival of this free flap, a detailed understanding of the convoluted vascular anatomy above the MFC is necessary. We recommend the Dubois classification for a systematic classification of the anatomical patterns of the DGA.We present a summary of all anatomical studies dealing with the vascular supply to the MFC and the DGA to date.

The posterior interosseous artery flap: clinical results with special emphasis on donor site morbidity.

This study evaluated the clinical results, and especially the donor site morbidity of the posterior interosseous artery flap. A retrospective study included 40 patients with defects covered with posterior interosseous flaps. Twenty-one patients were available for a follow-up examination to assess donor site morbidity by evaluating the dimensions and quality of the donor site scar and the forearm contour as well as complaints and subjective satisfaction with the aesthetic result. The flaps and related donor sites healed uneventfully in 29 cases (72.5%); healing was delayed in 11 cases (27.5%), with total flap loss in two cases. Further surgery was required in six cases. The quality of the donor site scar rated with the Vancouver Scar Scale averaged 2.4 points. Eleven patients (55%) reported impaired sensibility around the donor site and four patients (20%) had physical complaints. Subjective and objective donor site evaluation revealed significantly lower donor site morbidity for directly closed as opposed to skin grafted donor sites, although subjectively, there was a high level of satisfaction in both groups. Our data indicated that the posterior interosseous flap is a valuable option for the management of soft-tissue defects on the dorsum of the hand, due to its anatomical reliability and soft and pliable tissue, its low donor site morbidity and high patient acceptance.