Comparison of Intramedullary Screw Fixation, Plating, and K-Wires for Metacarpal Fracture Fixation: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Metacarpal fractures are common injuries with multiple options for fixation. Our purpose was to compare outcomes in metacarpal fractures treated with intramedullary screw fixation (IMF), Kirschner wires (K-wires), or plating. METHODS: A systematic literature review using the MEDLINE database was performed for studies investigating metacarpal fractures treated with IMF, plating, or K-wires. We identified 34 studies (9 IMF, 8 plating, 17 K-wires). A meta-analysis using both mixed and fixed effects models was performed. Outcome measures included mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores, total active motion (TAM), grip strength, time to radiographic healing, and rates of infection and reoperation. RESULTS: Patients with IMF had significantly lower DASH scores (0.6 [95% confidence interval [CI], 0.2-1.0]) compared with K-wires (7.4 [4.8-9.9]) and plating (9.8 [5.3-14.3]). Intramedullary screw fixation also had significantly lower rates of reoperation (4%, [2%-7%]), compared with K-wires (11% [7%-16%]) and plating (11% [0.07-0.17]). Grip strength was significantly higher in IMF (104.4% [97.0-111.8]) compared with K-wires (88.5%, [88.3-88.7]) and plating (90.3%, [85.4-95.2]). Mean odds ratio time was similar between IMF (21.0 minutes [10.4-31.6]) and K-wires (20.8 minutes [14.0-27.6]), but both were shorter compared with plating (52.6 minutes [33.1-72.1]). There were no statistically significant differences in time to radiographic healing, TAM, or rates of reoperation or infection. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis compared the outcomes of metacarpal fixation with IMF, K-wires, or plating. Intramedullary screw fixation provided statistically significant lower DASH scores, higher grip strength, and lower rates of reoperation, suggesting that it is a comparable method of fixation to K-wires and plating for metacarpal fractures.

Performance of ChatGPT on the Plastic Surgery Inservice Training Examination.

BACKGROUND: Developed originally as a tool for resident self-evaluation, the Plastic Surgery Inservice Training Examination (PSITE) has become a standardized tool adopted by Plastic Surgery residency programs. The introduction of large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT (OpenAI, San Francisco, CA), has demonstrated the potential to help propel the field of Plastic Surgery. OBJECTIVES: The authors of this study wanted to assess whether or not ChatGPT could be utilized as a tool in resident education by assessing its accuracy on the PSITE. METHODS: Questions were obtained from the 2022 PSITE, which was present on the American Council of Academic Plastic Surgeons (ACAPS) website. Questions containing images or tables were carefully inspected and flagged before being inputted into ChatGPT. All responses by ChatGPT were qualified utilizing the properties of natural coherence. Responses that were found to be incorrect were divided into the following categories: logical, informational, or explicit fallacy. RESULTS: ChatGPT answered a total of 242 questions with an accuracy of 54.96%. The software incorporated logical reasoning in 88.8% of questions, internal information in 95.5% of questions, and external information in 92.1% of questions. When stratified by correct and incorrect responses, we determined that there was a statistically significant difference in ChatGPT's use of external information (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: ChatGPT is a versatile tool that has the potential to impact resident education by providing general knowledge, clarifying information, providing case-based learning, and promoting evidence-based medicine. With advancements in LLM and artificial intelligence (AI), it is possible that ChatGPT may be an impactful tool for resident education within Plastic Surgery.

Utilization of ChatGPT for Plastic Surgery Research: Friend or Foe?

On November 20, 2022, ChatGPT was made available to the general public free of charge. As a large language model (LLM), the software was able to process inquiries by users and generate text based on compiled datasets in a humanist manner. Due to the importance of research in the Plastic Surgery community, we set out to determine if ChatGPT could be utilized to produce novel systematic review ideas relevant to Plastic Surgery. Out of 80 systematic review ideas generated by ChatGPT, we found that the software was highly accurate in creating novel systematic review ideas. Beyond aiding in Plastic Surgery research, ChatGPT has the potential to be used for virtual consultations, pre-operative planning, patient education, and post-operative care for patients. ChatGPT may be a simple solution for the complex problems encountered in Plastic Surgery.

Expanding Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Research With ChatGPT.

BACKGROUND: In the past 3 months, OpenAI, a San Francisco-based artificial intelligence (AI) research laboratory, has released ChatGPT, a conversation large language model. ChatGPT has the ability to answer user questions, admit to mistakes, and learn from users that are accessing the program. OBJECTIVES: Due to the importance of producing evidence-based research in plastic surgery, the authors of this study wanted to determine how accurate ChatGPT could be in creating novel systematic review ideas that encompass the diverse practice of cosmetic surgery. METHODS: ChatGPT was given commands to produce 20 novel systematic review ideas for 12 different topics within cosmetic surgery. For each topic, the system was told to give 10 general and 10 specific ideas that were related to the concept. To determine the accuracy of ChatGPT, a literature review was conducted with PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Cochrane. RESULTS: A total of 240 "novel" systematic review ideas were constructed by ChatGPT. We determined that the system had an overall accuracy of 55%. When topics were stratified by general and specific ideas, we found that ChatGPT was 35% accurate for general ideas and 75% accurate for specific ideas. CONCLUSIONS: ChatGPT is an excellent tool that should be utilized by plastic surgeons. ChatGPT is versatile and has uses beyond research, including patient consultation, patient support, and marketing. As advancements in AI continue to be made, it is important for plastic surgeons to consider the utilization of AI in their clinical practice.

The Combination of Fractional Tendon Lengthening and the Wide Awake, Local Anesthesia, No Tourniquet Technique for Secondary Tendon Reconstruction.

Rupture is a major concern after primary flexor tendon repair. The predominant treatment for rupture of the primary repair is immediate surgical exploration and repeat repair. However, repeat repair is challenging, including achieving ideal tension in the flexor mechanism. Further, immediate repeat repair is associated with poor outcomes, particularly in the small finger. As such, there is a need to improve both the technique and outcomes of repeat repair of primary flexor tendon rupture. We present a case of primary flexor tendon repair rupture treated with a novel combination of fractional tendon lengthening and the wide awake, local anesthesia, no tourniquet technique. A combination of these techniques has multiple benefits. An intraoperative, dynamic assessment of the digits enables immediate optimization of the repair. Further, these techniques allow for better intraoperative patient education and communication, increasing the likelihood of adherence to postoperative therapy and better overall outcomes.

Intramedullary Screw Fixation Comprehensive Technique Guide for Metacarpal and Phalanx Fractures: Pearls and Pitfalls.

BACKGROUND: Phalangeal and metacarpal fractures are the second and third most common upper extremity fractures after distal radius fractures with varying methods of fixation techniques. Intramedullary screw fixation is an increasingly preferred method of fixation. Benefits include early range of motion, faster recovery, limited dissection, and reduced complications. Improper technique, which is readily avoidable, can lead to suboptimal results. METHODS: A review of recent literature on current techniques aims to summarize the biomechanics of intramedullary screw fixation and outline appropriate technique of placing headless compression screws for metacarpal and phalangeal fractures. RESULTS: We discuss through images and videos the indications, preoperative workup, and technical pearls and pitfalls to encourage surgeons to add this technique to their armamentarium and improve outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: intrameduallry screw fixation is a powerful option for metacarpal and phalanx fixation that allows rigid stability, enabling early return of function with excellent rates of union and total active motion. With knowledge of technical pearls presented in this article, common mistakes can be avoided to improve efficiency of screw placement and optimize patient outcomes.

3D printed patient specific customised surgical jig for reverse shoulder arthroplasty, a cost effective and accurate solution.

INTRODUCTION: The reverse shoulder arthroplasty is a common orthopaedic procedure, where placement of the initial guiding wire is paramount to the implant instrumentation and position. To improve the position of the guiding wire, navigation and patient specific instrumentation have been used. These are however expensive and lengthy with many logistical issues. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We utilised in house 3D printing to create a surgical guide to help with positioning of the central guiding wire. Pre and post op CT scans were utilised to determine positioning of the central screw. RESULTS: Position of the screw tip was a mean of 3.3 mm away from the central point of the thickest portion of bone in the scapula with good bony purchase. There were no complications reported. DISCUSSION: We report our experience in creation of the 3D printed surgical jig and the pearls of its creation, detailing from CT scan image acquisition to creation of surgical guide to intraoperative usage. 3D printing is a cost effective and accurate solution for the positioning of orthopaedic instrumentation. This can be easily applied to other operations in our institution, even with a low start up cost.

The Prevalence of Blepharoptosis in Facial Rejuvenation Patient Population.

BACKGROUND: Facial rejuvenation results, commonly seen in publications or national presentations, are fraught with uncorrected eyelid ptosis. This study was conducted to investigate the frequency of blepharoptosis in the rejuvenation population and to help increase awareness in recognizing this under corrected condition. METHODS: Fifty-nine consecutive patients being evaluated for facial rejuvenation were included in the study. Patients who had previous eyelid or forehead surgery, congenital abnormalities, or post-traumatic deformities were excluded. Standard preoperative photographs were obtained. Each photograph was analyzed to determine blepharoptosis by measuring the distance between the upper eyelid margin and the upper limbus in each eye using Adobe Photoshop. Patient age, gender, and race were reported. Ptosis was defined as more than 1.0 mm overlap between the upper eyelid margin and the upper limbus. RESULTS: Mean age was 63.7. Among 59 patients, 34 patients (57.6%) had blepharoptosis and 25 patients did not. Patients with blepharoptosis were likely to be older and male. CONCLUSION: Blepharoptosis becomes more common as patients age due to involution of eyelid and orbital tissue. It is commonly missed due to patient compensation by recruiting the frontalis muscle to lift the eyelids. It is imperative for the patient and the plastic surgeon to be aware of existing blepharoptosis and discuss expectations and formulate a comprehensive surgical plan. Awareness of the high prevalence of ptosis in the facial rejuvenation population allows plastic surgeons to provide better outcomes and higher patient satisfaction. 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 .

Unilateral acute idiopathic maculopathy secondary to yellow fever disease: a case report.

PURPOSE: To report a case of unilateral acute idiopathic maculopathy (UAIM) associated with yellow fever. OBSERVATIONS: A 59-year-old man presented with acute blurring of his vision 30 days after symptoms of yellow fever virus infection. Findings resembling unilateral acute idiopathic maculopathy of the left eye were noted on ophthalmoscopy, fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography. The right eye exam was normal. He was managed conservatively and recovered complete visual function in 8 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: We describe a case of unilateral acute idiopathic maculopathy disease in a patient infected by yellow fever virus confirmed with reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

Transcranial direct current stimulation: a study on naming performance in aphasic individuals. / Estimulação transcraniana por corrente contínua: estudo sobre respostas em tarefas de nomeação em afásicos.

PURPOSE: Compare the results in naming tasks of after-stroke aphasic individuals divided into active and placebo groups pre- and post-transcranial direct current stimulation. METHODS: A double-blind, randomized, controlled study conducted with 14 individuals. Patients underwent five 20-min sessions with stimulation of 2mA's on consecutive days. The cathode was placed over the Broca's homologous area and the anode was placed over the supraorbital region of the left hemisphere. Boston and Snodgrass naming tasks were assessed before and after the stimulation sessions and the results were compared between the groups. RESULTS: No significant results were observed for sequences 1 and 2 in the Snodgrass test. The Boston test results indicated significant difference related to mean time for correct responses with strategy. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that simultaneous transcranial direct current stimulation (anodic and cathodic) is a method that can improve the rehabilitation of patients with anomic and Broca's aphasia after stroke, and that language strategies should be considered in the analysis of naming task responses.

OBJETIVO: Comparar os resultados nas tarefas de nomeação de pacientes afásicos após AVC dos grupos ativo e controle. MÉTODO: Estudo duplo-cego, randomizado controlado com 14 pacientes. Os indivíduos foram submetidos a cinco sessões de 20 minutos de 2 mA em dias consecutivos. O catodo foi posicionado na área homóloga à Broca e o anodo sobre a região supraorbital do hemisfério esquerdo. Os testes de Boston e Snodgrass foram aplicados e os resultados comparados entre os grupos. RESULTADOS: Não houve resultados significativos para as sequências 1 e 2 no teste do Snodgrass. No teste de Boston, os dados indicaram uma diferença significativa para o tempo médio de acertos com estratégia. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados sugerem que a ETCC simultânea (anódica e catódica) é um método que pode auxiliar a reabilitação de pacientes com afasia do tipo anômica e de Broca, após AVC, e que as estratégias linguísticas deveriam ser consideradas nas análises das respostas dos testes de nomeação.

Isolated Post-Shunt Metopic Synostosis and Neural Tube Defects.

BACKGROUND: Craniosynostosis is an uncommon complication after shunting procedures for congenital hydrocephalus. We report a case of a child with myelomeningocele and normocephaly at the time of birth. She underwent ventricular shunting for Chiari malformation and hydrocephalus at 3 days of age. An immediate postoperative CT scan confirmed all sutures were open. Serial CT scans document an open metopic suture at 2 months, closed metopic suture at 5 months, and trigonocephaly at 11 months with concomitant slit ventricle syndrome, and collapsed lateral and third ventricles. METHODS: An Ovid MEDLINE search within the dates of 1948 through 2017, using the keywords "synostosis AND shunt" was carried out. A tabulation of all patients and their respective synostosis patterns were recorded. RESULTS: We identified 8 case series and 2 case reports during 43 years (1966-2017). Seventy-eight patients with 79 suture synostosis patterns were identified (one patient underwent a second cranial reconstruction for identification of a separate, newly formed synostosis). Eighteen (30.5%) cases were associated with a neural tube defect (NTD). Patients with NTD and secondary craniosynostosis had on average earlier age of shunt placement (P = 0.001), craniosynostosis presentation (P = 0.146), and cranioplasty (P = 0.325) than secondary craniosynostosis patients without NTD. CONCLUSIONS: Ventricular shunt drainage in treating hydrocephalus rarely may lead to early synostosis and cranial deformity, especially in patients with NTDs. Early shunt placement poses significant risk in patients with NTD. Close follow-up may be necessary to evaluate overdrainage and cranial deformity after shunting procedures.

Estimulação transcraniana por corrente contínua: estudo sobre respostas em tarefas de nomeação em afásicos / Transcranial direct current stimulation: a study on naming performance in aphasic individuals

RESUMO Objetivo Comparar os resultados nas tarefas de nomeação de pacientes afásicos após AVC dos grupos ativo e controle. Método Estudo duplo-cego, randomizado controlado com 14 pacientes. Os indivíduos foram submetidos a cinco sessões de 20 minutos de 2 mA em dias consecutivos. O catodo foi posicionado na área homóloga à Broca e o anodo sobre a região supraorbital do hemisfério esquerdo. Os testes de Boston e Snodgrass foram aplicados e os resultados comparados entre os grupos. Resultados Não houve resultados significativos para as sequências 1 e 2 no teste do Snodgrass. No teste de Boston, os dados indicaram uma diferença significativa para o tempo médio de acertos com estratégia. Conclusão Os resultados sugerem que a ETCC simultânea (anódica e catódica) é um método que pode auxiliar a reabilitação de pacientes com afasia do tipo anômica e de Broca, após AVC, e que as estratégias linguísticas deveriam ser consideradas nas análises das respostas dos testes de nomeação.

ABSTRACT Purpose Compare the results in naming tasks of after-stroke aphasic individuals divided into active and placebo groups pre- and post-transcranial direct current stimulation. Methods A double-blind, randomized, controlled study conducted with 14 individuals. Patients underwent five 20-min sessions with stimulation of 2mA's on consecutive days. The cathode was placed over the Broca's homologous area and the anode was placed over the supraorbital region of the left hemisphere. Boston and Snodgrass naming tasks were assessed before and after the stimulation sessions and the results were compared between the groups. Results No significant results were observed for sequences 1 and 2 in the Snodgrass test. The Boston test results indicated significant difference related to mean time for correct responses with strategy. Conclusion The results suggest that simultaneous transcranial direct current stimulation (anodic and cathodic) is a method that can improve the rehabilitation of patients with anomic and Broca's aphasia after stroke, and that language strategies should be considered in the analysis of naming task responses.

Massive Intradural Dermoid Cyst Without Sinus Tract.

Dermoid cysts can present as a rare, benign, congenital intracranial tumor of neuroectoderm origin trapped during embryogenesis. Past clinical reports have reported lesions in the posterior fossa, at the midline, and in the intradural region all in conjunction with a superficial sinus tract. The authors present a unique patient of a completely intracranial, intradural, dermoid tumor of the midline cerebellum devoid of any evidence of sinus tract. The histological characteristics, radiological features, and management of this unusual patient are described.

Restorative Tissue Transplantation Options for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus: A Review.

Symptomatic osteochondral lesions of the talus remain a challenging problem due to inability for cartilage lesions to heal. Numerous treatment options exist, including nonoperative management, marrow stimulating techniques, and autograft-allograft. Arthroscopic marrow stimulation forms fibrocartilage that has been shown to be biomechanically weaker than hyaline cartilage. Restorative tissue transplantation options are being used more for larger and cystic lesions. Newer biologics and particulated juvenile cartilage are currently under investigation for possible clinical efficacy. This article provides an evidenced-based summary of available literature on the use of biologics for treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus.

Delayed pacemaker lead perforations: Why unusual presentations should prompt an early multidisciplinary team approach.

Our first case is an 84-year-old female diagnosed with sick sinus syndrome. She underwent implantation of dual chamber permanent pacemaker without complications. On the 8th day status-postimplantation, she returned to the emergency department (ED) with moderately severe left anterior chest pain and significant ecchymosis. She was given an initial diagnosis of shingles and discharged. Two days later, she returned to the ED with increasing chest pain, dyspnea, nausea, and vomiting. Lead migration and cardiac perforation was confirmed by chest X-ray and computed tomography (CT), respectively. She was taken to the operating room (OR) for lead repositioning, and she was discharged the next day. Our second case is a 64-year-old female with a diagnosis of 2:1 high-grade third-degree atrioventricular block. A dual chamber permanent pacemaker system was implanted without initial complication. Five days after implantation, she presented to the ED following an episode of syncope due to hypotension (67/46), shortness of breath, left flank pain, and fatigue. The initial diagnosis was sepsis. A chest CT was obtained, noting lead perforation and hemothorax. The patient was taken to the OR for lead repositioning.

Transsacral-Transiliac Screw Stabilization: Effective for Recalcitrant Pain Due to Sacral Insufficiency Fracture.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of transsacral-transiliac screw fixation for the treatment of sacral insufficiency fractures that fail nonoperative treatment. DESIGN: A pilot study series of consecutive patients identified over 5 years were treated and followed prospectively. SETTING: Academic-affiliated, tertiary referral, level 1 trauma center in Dallas, TX. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Patients were selected on the basis of presenting diagnosis, and failure of nonoperative treatment of their sacral insufficiency fracture. Eleven patients entered to the study, and 10 completed follow-up. INTERVENTION: Placement of transsacral-transiliac screws for sacral insufficiency fracture. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Comparison of preoperative and postoperative Visual Analog Scale scores and Oswestry Low Back Disability Index scores. RESULTS: Patients experienced statistically significant improvement in both outcome measures after intervention. No complications encountered. CONCLUSIONS: Transsacral-transiliac screw fixation seems to be a safe and effective treatment for sacral insufficiency fractures recalcitrant to nonoperative management. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Deep Vein Thrombosis in Foot and Ankle Surgery.

The routine use of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in patients undergoing foot and ankle procedures is not well supported in the literature. Multiple studies draw conclusions from heterogeneous populations, and specific studies have small numbers of specific pathologic conditions. Depending on the study, recommendations for and against venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in foot and ankle surgery can be made. The identification of risk factors for venous thromboembolism is paramount in the decision making of postoperative venous thromboembolism prophylaxis.