Measuring the Unilateral Cleft Lip Nasal Deformity: Lateral Deviation of Subnasale Is a Clinical and Morphologic Index of Unrepaired Severity.

OBJECTIVE: Objective measurement of pre-operative severity is important to optimize evidence-based practices given that the wide spectrum of presentation likely influences outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation of objective measures of form with a subjective standard of cleft severity. DESIGN: 3D images were ranked according to severity of nasal deformity by 7 cleft surgeons so that the mean rank could be used as the severity standard. PATIENTS: 45 patients with unilateral cleft lip and 5 normal control subjects. INTERVENTIONS: Each image was assessed using traditional anthropometric analysis, 3D landmark displacements, and shape-based analysis to produce 81 indices for each subject. MAIN OUTCOME: The correlation of objective measurements with the clinical severity standard. RESULTS: Lateral deviation of subnasale from midline was the best predictor of severity (0.86). Other strongly-correlated anthropometric measurements included columellar angle, nostril width ratio, and lateral lip height ratio (0.72, 0.80, 0.79). Almost all shape-based measurements had tight correlation with the severity standard, however, dorsum deviation and point difference nasolabial symmetry were the most predictive (0.84, 0.82). CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative measures of severity transcend cleft type and can be used to grade clinical severity. Lateral deviation of subnasale was the best measure of severity and may be used as a surrogate of uncoupled premaxillary growth; it should be recorded as an index of pre-operative severity with every cleft lip repair. The correlation of other measures evaluated clarify treatment priorities and could potentially be used to grade outcomes.

Parental Perceptions Following Cleft Lip Repair in Their Children.

OBJECTIVE: Cleft lip (CL) repair at 3 months is chosen mostly out of convention and offers minimal functional benefit. Potentially, a better cosmetic outcome is possible by delaying repair. This study examines parental perceptions around repair at 3 months to determine if current guidelines are appropriate. DESIGN: Retrospective cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Tertiary-care institution. PARTICIPANTS: Parents of children with CL ±â€ŠP under age 6 years who underwent CL repair from 2004 to 2011 at our center were surveyed (n = 64). Response rate was 61% (n = 37). METHODS: Open-ended survey asked about various aspects of parental perceptions before and after repair. Qualitative data analysis is used to interpret survey responses. STATISTICS: Fisher exact test using contingency tables to identify statistically significant results. RESULTS: Nearly all (36/37) parents felt repair was important, citing reasons such as feeding, speech, and appearance. Most (28/37) felt surgery would fix the problem. A portion of parents (15/37) would delay repair if better aesthetics were possible later, but most would not (20/37). Most parents were satisfied with repair quality (33/37). On average, repair did not impact parent-child bonding, and eliminated negative interactions with strangers that parents found distressing. CONCLUSIONS: Arguably, positive parental perceptions of their child's condition reflect favorably on the child's well-being, and may outweigh any future aesthetic benefit. Therefore, current recommendations should be upheld. However, given that some parents would consider delaying repair, they could be offered this option. Future efforts should examine cultural factors, and aesthetic and developmental outcomes of repair at different ages to determine optimal repair timing.

Feasibility of Surgeon-Delivered Audit and Feedback Incorporating Peer Surgical Coaching to Reduce Fistula Incidence following Cleft Palate Repair: A Pilot Trial.

BACKGROUND: Improving surgeons' technical performance may reduce their frequency of postoperative complications. The authors conducted a pilot trial to evaluate the feasibility of a surgeon-delivered audit and feedback intervention incorporating peer surgical coaching on technical performance among surgeons performing cleft palate repair, in advance of a future effectiveness trial. METHODS: A nonrandomized, two-arm, unblinded pilot trial enrolled surgeons performing cleft palate repair. Participants completed a baseline audit of fistula incidence. Participants with a fistula incidence above the median were allocated to an intensive feedback intervention that included selecting a peer surgical coach, observing the coach perform palate repair, reviewing operative video of their own surgical technique with the coach, and proposing and implementing changes in their technique. All others were allocated to simple feedback (receiving audit results). Outcomes assessed were proportion of surgeons completing the baseline audit, disclosing their fistula incidence to peers, and completing the feedback intervention. RESULTS: Seven surgeons enrolled in the trial. All seven completed the baseline audit and disclosed their fistula incidence to other participants. The median baseline fistula incidence was 0.4 percent (range, 0 to 10.5 percent). Two surgeons were unable to receive the feedback intervention. Of the five remaining surgeons, two were allocated to intensive feedback and three to simple feedback. All surgeons completed their assigned feedback intervention. Among surgeons receiving intensive feedback, fistula incidence was 5.9 percent at baseline and 0.0 percent following feedback (adjusted OR, 0.98; 95 percent CI, 0.44 to 2.17). CONCLUSION: Surgeon-delivered audit and feedback incorporating peer coaching on technical performance was feasible for surgeons.

Objective Assessment of the Unilateral Cleft Lip Nasal Deformity Using Three-Dimensional Stereophotogrammetry: Severity and Outcome.

BACKGROUND: Optimization of care to correct the unilateral cleft lip nasal deformity is hampered by lack of objective measures to quantify preoperative severity and outcome. The purpose of this study was to develop a consensus standard of nasal appearance using three-dimensional stereophotogrammetry; determine whether anthropometric measurements could be used to quantify severity and outcome; and determine whether preoperative severity predicts postoperative outcome. METHODS: The authors collected facial three-dimensional images of 100 subjects in three groups: 45 infants before cleft lip repair; the same 45 infants after cleft lip repair; and 45 children aged 8 to 10 years with previous repairs. Five additional age-matched unaffected control subjects were included in each group. Seven expert surgeons ranked images in each group according to nasal appearance. The rank sum score was used as consensus standard. Anthropometric analysis was performed on each image and compared to the rank sum score. Preoperative rank and anthropometric measurements were compared to postoperative rank. RESULTS: Interrater and intrarater reliability was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient, >0.76; Pearson correlation, >0.75) on each of the three image sets. Columellar angle, nostril width ratio, and lateral lip height ratio were highly correlated with preoperative severity and moderately correlated with postoperative nasal appearance. Postoperative outcome was associated with preoperative severity (rank and anthropometric measurement). CONCLUSIONS: Consensus ranking of preoperative severity and postoperative outcome can be achieved on three-dimensional images. Preoperative severity predicts postoperative outcomes. Columellar angle, nostril width ratio, and lateral lip height ratio are objective measures that correlate with consensus ratings by surgeons at multiple ages.

Reliability of Oronasal Fistula Classification.

OBJECTIVE: Oronasal fistula is an important complication of cleft palate repair that is frequently used to evaluate surgical quality, yet reliability of fistula classification has never been examined. The objective of this study was to determine the reliability of oronasal fistula classification both within individual surgeons and between multiple surgeons. DESIGN: Using intraoral photographs of children with repaired cleft palate, surgeons rated the location of palatal fistulae using the Pittsburgh Fistula Classification System. Intrarater and interrater reliability scores were calculated for each region of the palate. PARTICIPANTS: Eight cleft surgeons rated photographs obtained from 29 children. RESULTS: Within individual surgeons reliability for each region of the Pittsburgh classification ranged from moderate to almost perfect (κ = .60-.96). By contrast, reliability between surgeons was lower, ranging from fair to substantial (κ = .23-.70). Between-surgeon reliability was lowest for the junction of the soft and hard palates (κ = .23). Within-surgeon and between-surgeon reliability were almost perfect for the more general classification of fistula in the secondary palate (κ = .95 and κ = .83, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first reliability study of fistula classification. We show that the Pittsburgh Fistula Classification System is reliable when used by an individual surgeon, but less reliable when used among multiple surgeons. Comparisons of fistula occurrence among surgeons may be subject to less bias if they use the more general classification of "presence or absence of fistula of the secondary palate" rather than the Pittsburgh Fistula Classification System.

The Effects of Secondary Cleft Procedures on Alar Base Position and Nostril Morphology in Patients with Unilateral Clefts.

OBJECTIVE: To compare effects of secondary cleft procedures on alar base position and nostril morphology. DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: Multidisciplinary cleft clinic at tertiary center. PATIENTS, PARTICIPANTS: Seventy consecutive patients with unilateral clefts were grouped according to secondary procedure. INTERVENTIONS: Alveolar bone graft versus total lip takedown with anatomic muscle repair versus single-stage total lip with cleft septorhinoplasty (nose-lip) versus rhinoplasty alone. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Anthropometric measurements were recorded from pre- and postoperative photographs. Ratios of cleft to noncleft side were compared within and across groups pre- and postoperatively using parametric and nonparametric tests. RESULTS: Within the bone graft group, no differences were seen postoperatively in alar base position in long-term follow-up. The total lip group demonstrated greater symmetry at the alar base (P < .001), increased vertical lip dimension (P < .001), and decreased nostril height (P = .004) postoperatively. Within the nose-lip group, increased vertical dimension and alar base support (P < .001) were also seen postoperatively. Across groups, the single-stage nose-lip group demonstrated greatest alar base symmetry on worm's-eye view (P < .04). CONCLUSIONS: Alar base asymmetry in patients with unilateral clefts may be related to soft tissue deficiency and was not affected by alveolar bone grafting. Total lip takedown with anatomic muscle reapproximation was associated with increased alar base symmetry and vertical lip dimension on cleft to noncleft side. Greatest symmetry at the alar base was seen following single-stage nose-lip reconstruction, which may be an effective technique for correcting the secondary cleft lip nasal deformity.

Facial Fractures.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After reading this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Demonstrate an understanding of some of the changes in aspects of facial fracture management. 2. Assess a patient presenting with facial fractures. 3. Understand indications and timing of surgery. 4. Recognize exposures of the craniomaxillofacial skeleton. 5. Identify methods for repair of typical facial fracture patterns. 6. Discuss the common complications seen with facial fractures. SUMMARY: Restoration of the facial skeleton and associated soft tissues after trauma involves accurate clinical and radiologic assessment to effectively plan a management approach for these injuries. When surgical intervention is necessary, timing, exposure, sequencing, and execution of repair are all integral to achieving the best long-term outcomes for these patients.

The effects of nonvascularized versus vascularized bone grafting on calvarial defect healing.

It remains unknown whether bone graft vascularity influences calvarial healing. The purposes of this study were (1) to develop a model to study nonvascularized and vascularized calvarial grafts as well as (2) to compare effects of bone graft vascularity on calvarial healing. Bilateral calvarial defects were created in 26 Wistar rats. The defects were left empty within 1 parietal region. On the contralateral side, the defects were partially closed with native parietal bone (control group, n = 6), nonvascularized (N-V, n = 10), or vascularized bone grafts (VAS, n = 10). The vascularized grafts were supplied by perforating dural arterioles. Bone mineralization and healing patterns from serial microcomputed tomographic scans were compared within and across the groups using parametric and nonparametric tests. Differences in bone mineral content across sides were significant between the groups at weeks 6 (P = 0.016) and 12 (P = 0.025). Bone formation was greater within both the control and VAS groups versus the N-V group at weeks 6 and 12 (P < 0.05). Healing patterns differed between the groups (P < 0.05), progressing through islands of new bone formation within the control and VAS groups while limited to defect margins on the N-V graft side. In conclusion, a bilateral calvarial defect model was established to study bone graft vascularity. Bone quantity and healing patterns differed in the presence of the nonvascularized versus vascularized grafts. Although the calvarial defect model is often applied within the plastic surgery literature to study bone substitutes, greater understanding of basic mechanisms influencing calvarial healing is first needed to avoid confounding results.

Accounting for cranial vault growth in experimental design.

OBJECTIVE: Earlier studies have not accounted for continued growth when using the rat calvarial defect model to evaluate bone healing in vivo. The purpose of this study was: 1) to calculate rat cranial vault growth over time; and 2) to determine the effects of accounting for growth on defect healing. STUDY DESIGN: Bilateral parietal defects were created in 10 adult Wistar rats. Serial microscopic computerized tomography scans were performed. Bone mineral content (BMC) measured according to standard technique and repeated accounting for cranial growth over time was compared with the use of parametric and nonparametric tests. RESULTS: Cranial vault growth continued through 22 weeks of age, increasing 7.5% in width and 9.1% in length, and calvarial defects expanded proportionately. BMC was greater within defects accounting for growth 2-12 weeks postoperatively (P < .003). CONCLUSIONS: BMC was underestimated through standard analysis, which demonstrates the importance of accounting for cranial growth given advances in serial imaging techniques.

Critical analysis of consecutive unilateral cleft lip repairs: determining ideal sample size.

Objective : Cleft surgeons often show 10 consecutive lip repairs to reduce presentation bias, however the validity remains unknown. The purpose of this study is to determine the number of consecutive cases that represent average outcomes. Secondary objectives are to determine if outcomes correlate with cleft severity and to calculate interrater reliability. Design : Consecutive preoperative and 2-year postoperative photographs of the unilateral cleft lip-nose complex were randomized and evaluated by cleft surgeons. Parametric analysis was performed according to chronologic, consecutive order. The mean standard deviation over all raters enabled calculation of expected 95% confidence intervals around a mean tested for various sample sizes. Setting : Meeting of the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association in 2009. Patients, Participants : Ten senior cleft surgeons evaluated 39 consecutive lip repairs. Main Outcome Measures : Preoperative severity and postoperative outcomes were evaluated using descriptive and quantitative scales. Results : Intraclass correlation coefficients for cleft severity and postoperative evaluations were 0.65 and 0.21, respectively. Outcomes did not correlate with cleft severity (P  =  .28). Calculations for 10 consecutive cases demonstrated wide 95% confidence intervals, spanning two points on both postoperative grading scales. Ninety-five percent confidence intervals narrowed within one qualitative grade (±0.30) and one point (±0.50) on the 10-point scale for 27 consecutive cases. Conclusions : Larger numbers of consecutive cases (n > 27) are increasingly representative of average results, but less practical in presentation format. Ten consecutive cases lack statistical support. Cleft surgeons showed low interrater reliability for postoperative assessments, which may reflect personal bias when evaluating another surgeon's results.

Neurofibromatosis and velopharyngeal insufficiency: is there an association?

OBJECTIVE: Velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) is an often underrecognized disorder of palatal and nasopharyngeal closure that leads to the production of hypernasal speech. However, the potential clinical association between VPI and neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) remains undefined in the literature. The purpose of this study sought to identify and describe the potential clinical association of VPI in NF1 patients. DESIGN: A combined retrospective and prospective study. SETTING: Tertiary referral centre. METHODS: The NF1 database from 1998 to 2007 from the Medical Genetics Unit of our institution was used for this project. All NF1 patients seen during this period were sent a letter soliciting their participation in the study, which was designed to screen for the presence of VPI. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Perceptual testing was undertaken using the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA) clinical database form and acoustic measurement of nasal flow, including standard nasometry and nasalance scores. A comprehensive chart review was also performed. RESULTS: One hundred forty-nine NF1 patients were identified from the database; 18 patients responded to our request for participation, with 3 additional participants recruited from recent clinical visits. Eleven of these 21 patients exhibited VPI based on perceptual evaluation and nasometry screening. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study attempted to identify a potential association between NF1 and VPI. Although this sample of NF1 patients was small, the finding of 11 of 21 patients being positively identified with some degree of VPI is of clinical interest, and further research is warranted.

The pedicled masseter muscle transfer for smile reconstruction in facial paralysis: repositioning the origin and insertion.

BACKGROUND: The pedicled masseter muscle transfer (PMMT) is introduced as a new reconstructive option for dynamic smile restoration in patients with facial paralysis. The masseter muscle is detached from both its origin and insertion and transferred to a new position to imitate the function of the native zygomaticus major muscle. METHODS: Part one of this study consisted of cadaveric dissections of 4 heads (eight sides) in order to determine whether the masseter muscle could be (a) pedicled solely by its dominant neurovascular bundle and (b) repositioned directly over the native zygomaticus major. The second part of the study consisted of clinical assessments in three patients in order to confirm the applicability of this muscle transfer. Commissure excursion and vector of contraction following PMMT were compared to the non-paralyzed side. RESULTS: In all eight sides, the masseter muscles were successfully isolated on their pedicle and transposed on top of and in-line with the ipsilateral zygomaticus major. The mean length of the masseter and its angle from Frankfurt's horizontal line after transposition compared favorably to the native zygomaticus major muscle. In the clinical cases, the mean commissure movements of the paralyzed and normal sides were 7 mm and 12 mm respectively. The mean angles of commissural movement for the paralyzed and normal sides were 62° and 59° respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The PMMT can be used as a dynamic reconstruction for patients with permanent facial paralysis. As we gain experience with the PMMT, it may be possible to use it as a first-line option for patients not eligible for free micro-neurovascular reconstruction.

Correction of the cleft lip lateral bulge deformity using anatomic muscle repair.

BACKGROUND: The lateral bulge deformity may result after primary cleft lip repair. In a pilot study, greater orbicularis oris thickness and levator width underlying the lateral bulge were identified using ultrasound. The purpose of this study was to evaluate postoperative results of anatomic muscle repair for lateral bulge correction. METHODS: Patients with a lateral bulge after primary unilateral cleft lip repair were prospectively recruited. Oronasal musculature and connective tissue dimensions were measured using ultrasound, preoperatively and postoperatively. Guided by preoperative ultrasound findings in each patient, lateral bulge correction consisted of total lip takedown and anatomic orbicularis oris reapproximation. Within each group, measurements between sides at corresponding landmarks were compared using t-tests. Ratios between sides at corresponding landmarks preoperatively and postoperatively were compared using parametric and nonparametric tests. Repeat measurements were performed to calculate intrarater reliability. Standardized video assessments of dynamic lip function were recorded preoperatively and postoperatively. RESULTS: Average patient age was 17.4 years. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively (n=14) at 7.8 months' mean follow-up. Cleft-side orbicularis thickness and levator width were greater preoperatively versus postoperatively (P=0.003 and P=0.018, respectively). Postoperatively, no differences were seen between sides for both orbicularis thickness (P=0.763) and levator width (P=0.626). All patients demonstrated improved lip contour and symmetry, both static and dynamically, on video assessments. CONCLUSIONS: Lip contour, function, and aesthetics improved clinically, and lip muscle anatomy normalized postoperatively as assessed using ultrasound. Complete orbicularis oris takedown and anatomic reapproximation effectively addressed the lateral bulge deformity.

Definition of the lateral bulge deformity after primary cleft lip repair using real-time high-resolution ultrasound.

The lateral bulge is a common secondary deformity after primary cleft lip repair; however, its underlying anatomy remains undefined. The purpose of this study was to use real-time high-resolution ultrasound to better understand the anatomy underlying the lateral bulge deformity. Twenty-three patients with a lateral bulge were included in addition to 12 patients without clefts to validate ultrasound measurements. Muscle and connective tissue dimensions were recorded at standardized landmarks using ultrasound, both at rest and with movement. The cleft and noncleft sides (right and left in noncleft patients) were compared within groups, and ratios between sides were compared across groups using parametric and nonparametric tests. Repeat measurements were recorded to calculate intrarater reliability. Orbicularis oris thickness was greater on the cleft side in the lateral bulge group at rest, both at the philtral column and alar crease (P < 0.001), and with facial movement at the corresponding landmarks (alar crease: smile P < 0.001 and pucker P = 0.003; philtral column: smile P < 0.001 and pucker P = 0.001). The ratio for levator width was also greater in the lateral bulge group (P < 0.001). No differences were identified between sides at the corresponding landmarks in the noncleft group. Ultrasound enabled real-time high-resolution evaluation of anatomic differences underlying the lateral bulge deformity. It was associated with greater orbicularis oris thickness and levator width on the cleft side. Findings from this study may guide future surgical correction of the lateral lip bulge.

Atrophy among mucosa-only versus muscular mucosa superiorly based pharyngeal flaps: a pilot animal study.

BACKGROUND: Velopharyngeal insufficiency is frequently managed surgically via the superiorly based pharyngeal flap procedure. The flap used in this procedure traditionally consists of both mucosa and muscle. Although muscle is included to potentially increase survival and tissue bulk, its inclusion may result in postoperative dysfunction of pharyngeal sidewall motion. Although the benefits of pharyngeal flap surgery are established, the denervated muscular portion of the flap appears to atrophy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether a flap consisting entirely of mucosa provides the same tissue bulk as a conventional pharyngeal flap 12 weeks postoperatively. METHODS: Ten laboratory-grade cats served as direct patient surrogates. Cats were randomized to undergo a superiorly based pharyngeal flap procedure with flaps composed of either both muscle and mucosa (n = 5) or mucosa only (n = 5). Blinded volumetric analysis was performed by three board-certified neuroradiologists using magnetic resonance imaging of the pharynx immediately after surgery and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. RESULTS: At 12 weeks postoperatively, pharyngeal flaps composed of both mucosa and muscle atrophied to reach volumetric equivalence with mucosa-only flaps. Evaluation of final pharyngeal flap volume demonstrated no statistical differences between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates equivalent final superiorly based pharyngeal flap tissue bulk for flaps composed of only mucosa when compared with conventional pharyngeal flaps. Thus, the mucosa-only pharyngeal flap may yield similar outcomes while potentially providing for an earlier return of normal pharyngeal function.

Muscle shape as a predictor of traumatic enophthalmos.

The literature on enophthalmos is reviewed to understand its etiology and its prevention following orbital fractures. Specifically, the importance of muscle shape changes in predicting enophthalmos is discussed. The indications for surgical repair of orbital blowout fractures are well established. However, 7 to 10% of patients still develop enophthalmos despite these criteria. Because late repair of enophthalmos is associated with poor esthetic and functional results, the sensitivity and specificity of the current indications need to be further improved. Increased orbital volumes after fracture together with soft tissue displacement and herniation are the two most important factors causing enophthalmos. The loss of both bone and periorbita as supporting structures is seen on coronal computed tomography scan as changes in shape of the extraocular muscles. In floor fractures, the inferior rectus changes from an ellipse to a more rounded shape. The same is true for the medial rectus in medial wall fractures. It is the degree of rounding measured as a ratio of height to width that has been shown to be predictive of enophthalmos. Therefore, because rounding signifies loss of bone and soft tissue support, it may be a more important indication for surgical intervention than fracture size alone.

Gingivoperiosteoplasty following alveolar molding with a Latham appliance versus secondary bone grafting: the effects on bone production and midfacial growth in patients with bilateral clefts.

BACKGROUND: The role of gingivoperiosteoplasty in closure of bilateral alveolar clefts remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate bone production and midfacial growth in patients with bilateral clefts treated with gingivoperiosteoplasty following alveolar molding with a pin-retained Latham appliance versus secondary bone grafting. METHODS: Patients with complete bilateral clefts past permanent canine eruption were included. Ethics approval and informed consent were obtained. Periapical films and lateral cephalograms were analyzed by one blinded rater based on three radiographic grading scales--Bergland, Witherow et al., and Long et al.--and standard cephalometric landmarks, respectively. Repeated measurements were recorded to assess intrarater reliability. Measurements were grouped according to gingivoperiosteoplasty versus secondary bone grafting and compared using parametric and nonparametric tests. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients (gingivoperiosteoplasty, n = 43; secondary bone grafting, 10) met inclusion criteria. Average age was 15 years and 66 percent were male patients. Thirty-five patients had adequate radiographs for evaluation (gingivoperiosteoplasty, n = 25; secondary bone grafting, n = 10). Gingivoperiosteoplasty was clinically less successful than secondary bone grafting, 58 percent versus 90 percent, respectively. The quantitative radiographic success rate of gingivoperiosteoplasty, however, was 28 percent. Secondary bone grafting demonstrated higher Bergland, eight-point, and location grading (p < 0.002), and less alveolar notching (p = 0.008). Anteroposterior maxillary and mandibular dimensions were significantly decreased for the gingivoperiosteoplasty group versus the secondary bone grafting group. CONCLUSIONS: Bone quantity and location were inferior following bilateral gingivoperiosteoplasty versus secondary bone grafting, and the majority of patients required subsequent bone grafting. The gingivoperiosteoplasty group had decreased maxillary growth with mandibular compensation. Secondary bone grafting therefore remains our first choice for repair of bilateral alveolar clefts.

Effect of autologous platelet adhesives on dermal fat graft resorption following reconstruction of a superficial parotidectomy defect: a double-blinded prospective trial.

BACKGROUND: Dermal fat grafts are used to reconstruct facial contour defects but may undergo variable resorption. Application of autologous platelet adhesive may improve outcomes. The primary objective was to compare resorption of dermal fat grafts for parotidectomy defects, between patients receiving autologous platelet adhesive versus controls. METHODS: This was a double-blinded prospective cohort at a tertiary care center. Volumetric analyses of dermal fat graft measured by MRI scans. Resorption was determined by comparing 1- and 6-month MRIs in each patient. Complications, Frey's Syndrome, and patient satisfaction were also assessed. RESULTS: Twelve patients completed the study. A significant reduction in graft resorption was seen in the treatment group (57% vs. 31%, p = .01). Three patients in the control group developed fat liquefaction. Patient perceived significant differences in scar and contour. CONCLUSION: Application of autologous platelet adhesives improved graft viability and patient satisfaction at 6 months.

Klebsiella oxytoca necrotizing fasciitis after orthotopic heart transplant.

We report a case of Klebsiella necrotizing fasciitis after heart transplantation. The infection required debridement of discontinuous areas on three extremities as well as on the trunk. Klebsiella sp necrotizing fasciitis is a rare entity and has not been described previously in concert with heart transplantation. Klebsiella cases classically have skip lesions as described herein. Klebsiella oxytoca is a rare cause of necrotizing fasciitis in North America and presents with multifocal infection sites. This along with the patient's blunted immune response after organ transplantation necessitated a high index of suspicion for diagnosis and treatment.