Are there sex-based disparities in cataract surgery?

AIM: To investigate sex-based differences in the occurrence of intra-operative and post-operative complications and associated visual outcomes following cataract surgery. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of patients who had phacoemulsification cataract surgery at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Data collected included the patient's health history, ocular comorbidities, operative and post-operative complications, and the post-operative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). The data were analyzed using univariate and multivariable logistic regression with generalized estimating equations to account for the correlation of some patients having two eyes included in the study. RESULTS: A total of 11 977 eyes from 7253 patients were included in the study. Ocular comorbidities differed by sex, with males having significantly higher percentages of traumatic cataracts (males 0.7% vs females 0.1%), prior ocular surgery (6.7% vs 5.5%), and mature cataracts (2.8% vs 1.9%). Conversely, females had significantly higher rates of pseudoexfoliation (2.0% vs 3.2%). In unadjusted analysis, males had higher rates of posterior capsular rupture (0.8% vs 0.4%) and vitreous loss (1.0% vs 0.6%), but this difference was not significant after adjustment for confounders. Males had a significantly increased risk of post-operative retinal detachment, but in multivariable analysis this was no longer significant. Males were significantly less likely to undergo post-operative neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomy for posterior capsule opacification (OR=0.8, 95%CI=0.7-0.9, P=0.0005). The BCVA was slightly worse for males pre-operatively; but post-operatively, both sexes exhibited similar visual acuity of Snellen equivalent 20/25. CONCLUSION: The study finds that in a cohort of patients presenting for cataract surgery, sex differences exist in pre-operative comorbidities and surgical characteristics that contribute to higher rates of some complications for males. However, observed surgical complication rates exhibit almost no difference by sex after adjusting for pre-operative differences and post-operative BCVA is similar between sexes.

New Classification for Pediatric Proximal Fifth Metatarsal Fractures.

Proximal fifth metatarsal fractures are the most common foot fractures in children. Attempts to classify these injuries are misapplied and inadequately predict outcomes. This is the first study to identify factors associated with healing in pediatric fifth metatarsal fractures. In this retrospective cohort study (N = 305), proximal fifth metatarsal fractures were classified on radiographs by location on the bone, alignment (transverse or oblique), displacement (>2 mm), and completion through the bone. Based on the literature, they were secondarily sorted by category: apophyseal, intra-articular metaphyseal, extra-articular metaphyseal, and diaphyseal. Primary outcomes included times to healing, indicated by clinical symptoms, immobilization, and return to sports, as well as radiographic callus formation, bridging, and remodeling. Healing times were compared by ANOVA and linear regression. Location had a significant effect on times of immobilization and return to sports, but alignment, displacement, and completion were not associated with healing. When re-classified, the categories were also associated with immobilization and return to sports. Apophyseal fractures healed fastest and diaphyseal fractures required the most time to heal. There was no difference between extra- and intra-articular fractures. For every year of age, symptoms resolved about 2 days sooner. Neither gender nor body mass index (BMI) was positively or negatively associated with healing times. In conclusion, classifying fractures by apophyseal, metaphyseal, and diaphyseal is the most concise, accurate, and useful system. This is the largest series of nonoperatively treated proximal fifth metatarsal fractures in children and a robust standard to which surgical management can be compared.

Comparison of the Modified Jones Tube Technique and the DMEK EndoGlide Technique With and Without Viscoelastic Material for DMEK Tissue Preparation.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare endothelial cell loss for DMEK (Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty) tissue preparation techniques using the modified Jones tube and the DMEK EndoGlide with and without viscoelastic material to protect the endothelium. METHODS: This ex vivo study included 10 DMEK grafts prepared using each of the 3 abovementioned techniques. After tissue preparation, transport conditions were simulated for a minimum of 45 hours before deployment of the DMEK tissue and quantification of endothelial cell loss. Comparisons between preparation technique groups were made using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. RESULTS: The Jones tube group had a mean endothelial cell loss of 11.0 ± 4.8% compared with the EndoGlide group with 12.9 ± 6.7% and the EndoGlide with viscoelastic group with 25.7 ± 15.0%. The differences between the EndoGlide with viscoelastic group and the other 2 were statistically significant both before (P < 0.01 and P = 0.01) and after (P = 0.01 and P = 0.02) adjusting for baseline characteristics. The difference between the EndoGlide and Jones tube groups was not significant (P = 0.73 and P = 0.53 after adjustment). Microscopy revealed endothelial cell loss in the area of viscoelastic use for the EndoGlide with viscoelastic group. CONCLUSIONS: Both the Jones tube and DMEK EndoGlide resulted in similar low rates of endothelial cell loss after tissue preparation, transport, and deployment. However, use of viscoelastic material to protect the endothelium using the DMEK technique actually resulted in increased cell loss in the area of its application resulting in overall higher rates of cell loss across the DMEK tissue.

Flexible Flat Foot, Short Tendo-Achilles, and Altered Gait.

Background Pediatric patients often present with vague complaints involving the anterolateral foot and ankle, the medial knee, the lower back, and the hip. In our experience, closer examination of these patients reveals a constellation of symptoms that involve pathology in the ankle, knee, back, and hip. This study aimed to detail the identification and treatment of patients with the triad of flexible flat feet, tight Achilles complex, and altered gait, and their clinical course over time. Methods All patients of age 18 years or younger who presented to our urban academic center outpatient clinic with foot, ankle, patellar, low back, or hip pain or pathology were included. Patients with identified tarsal coalitions, accessory naviculars, malalignment syndrome, bone cysts or tumors, soft tissue tumors, arthropathy, neuropathy, infection, limb length inequality, patellar subluxation or dislocation, or spinal pathology were excluded. For each patient, demographic information, symptom description, treatment, and clinical course, including the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) was recorded. Results A total of 62 patients were included in our study. Patients mostly presented with low back pain (n=24, 38.7%), medial patellar pain (n=36, 58.1%), anterolateral ankle pain (n=35, 56.5%), and vague foot pain (n=13, 21.0%). Overall, 53.8% of patients with back pain at the initial visit, 35.0% of patients with knee pain, 44.4% of patients with ankle pain and 80.0% of patients with foot pain improved at final follow up. While patient-reported sports and recreation subscale scores demonstrated a significant improvement at the final follow-up compared to baseline scores (p=0.02), all other scores did not significantly differ compared to baseline scores. At final follow-up, 12 of 26 (46.2%) patients reported being able to return to play in their desired sport. Conclusion Complaints of back, hip, knee, ankle, or foot pain in the pediatric population can be early markers for a constellation of conditions that include low back pain, flexible flat feet, Achilles contracture, and altered gait due to increased lateral subluxation of the patella and hip flexion.

Risks and rewards of increasing patient access to medical records in clinical ophthalmology using OpenNotes.

BACKGROUND: The implementation of OpenNotes and corresponding increase in patient access to medical records requires thorough assessment of the risks and benefits of note-sharing. Ophthalmology notes are unique among medical records in that they extensively utilize non-standardized abbreviations and drawings; they are often indecipherable even to highly-educated clinicians outside of ophthalmology. No studies to date have assessed ophthalmologist perceptions of OpenNotes. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from 4/28 to 5/12/2016. A survey was distributed to 30 clinicians (25 ophthalmologists, three optometrists, two nurses) in the University of Colorado's Department of Ophthalmology to evaluate provider attitudes towards granting patients access to online medical records. RESULTS: Many clinicians felt patients would have difficulty understanding their records and may be unnecessarily alarmed or offended by them. Some clinicians worried their workload would increase and feared having to change the way they document. Perceived benefits of OpenNotes included improving patient understanding of their medical conditions, strengthening patient-physician trust, and enhancing patient care. Many perceived risks and benefits of note-sharing were associated with conceptions of the ideal clinician-patient relationship. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians in ophthalmology perceived both benefits and consequences of increasing patient access to ophthalmic records, and there were significant correlations between these perceptions and their conceptions of the clinician-patient relationship. This is the first study to assess potential ophthalmology provider attitudes toward sharing ophthalmic records. Although limited in sample size and power, this study demonstrates some ways patient-accessible ophthalmic records can affect the clinical practice of ophthalmology and emphasizes the unique challenges of OpenNotes in ophthalmology.

Physician burnout in ophthalmology: U.S. survey.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of physician burnout among ophthalmologists in the United States and identify associated risks. SETTING: All practice types within the United States. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: A survey was distributed through email listservs to several national ophthalmology societies. Participants completed a modified Mini Z Burnout Survey, a 10-item questionnaire measured in 5-point Likert scales, followed by demographic questions. The Mini Z Burnout survey assessed 3 main outcomes: stress, burnout, and work satisfaction. The percentage of subgroups experiencing burnout were presented and comparisons made with odds ratios from logistic regression modeling. RESULTS: Of the 592 ophthalmologists responding to the survey, 37.8% (224) self-reported symptoms of burnout with a low of 30.8% (12/39) for vitreoretinal specialists to a high of 45.4% (30/66) for uveitis specialists. Most of those reporting burnout were categorized as mild (65.2% [146/224]), followed by moderate (29.5% [66/224]) and severe (5.4% [12/224]). Women had almost twice the odds of reporting burnout (odds ratio [OR] = 1.9 [95% CI: 1.3-2.7]; P = .0005). Physicians employed in academic (OR = 2.0 [95% CI: 1.2-3.2]; P = 0.007) and hospital facilities (OR = 2.4 [95% CI: 1.3-4.6]; P = .008) reported higher rates of burnout compared with those in large private groups. Burnout was associated with self-reported low work control, insufficient time for documentation, and misalignment with departmental leaders (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Ophthalmologists exhibited a high degree of self-reported burnout in the U.S. This study highlights sex, employment autonomy, and practice type as major factors associated with burnout.

Persistent opioid use in cataract surgery pain management and the role of nonopioid alternatives.

Cataracts are a leading cause of preventable blindness globally. Although care varies between developing and industrialized countries, surgery is the single effective approach to treating cataracts. From the earliest documented primitive cataract removals to today's advanced techniques, cataract surgery has evolved dramatically. As surgical techniques have developed, so have approaches to surgical pain management. With current cataract surgical procedures and advanced technology, anesthesia and intraoperative pain management have shifted to topical/intracameral anesthetics, with or without low-dose systemic analgesia and anxiolysis. Despite this, pain and discomfort persist in some patients and are underappreciated in modern cataract surgery. Although pain management has progressed, opioids remain a mainstay intraoperatively and, to a lesser extent, postoperatively. This article discusses the evolution of pain management in cataract surgery, particularly the use of opioids and the associated risks as well as how ophthalmology can have a positive impact on the opioid crisis.

Post-Operative Splinting Versus Casting of Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fractures.

Background Supracondylar humerus fractures (SCH) are common upper extremity fractures in children and are usually treated by closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. Post-operative management may cause complications, but the difference between cast and splint has not been closely investigated. Purpose Our objective was to compare casting and splinting of SCH fractures with respect to post-operative complications. Patients and methods We reviewed 1,146 pediatric SCH fractures that were reduced, percutaneously pinned, and immobilized by cast or splint. Open fractures, openly reduced fractures, and pre-operative neurological injuries were excluded. Over the course of immobilization, we noted if the initial cast or splint was maintained and if the patient returned due to complications. Results Post-operative casting was performed on 1,091 (95.2%) fractures and 55 (4.8%) were splinted. Age was a significant factor, increasing the likelihood of splinting by 12% with each year of age (p = 0.023). A total of 28 patients (2.4%) returned for unscheduled visits due to immobilization complaints, infection, and pain, but the rate difference between cast and splint was negligible. Reoperation was required for five patients (0.4%), and more likely for splinted fractures (p = 0.021). After controlling for age, splinting was still associated with reoperation (OR: 15.1, p = 0.004). Conclusions Although complications inevitably exist, both casting and splinting are effective immobilization methods. Both resulted in few complications such as post-operative discomfort, pain, infection, loss of reduction, or damage. It was difficult to evaluate significance with few splinted cases, but considering no major differences between splinted and casted fractures, clinicians should consider splinting to reduce the cost associated with casting.

Iris manipulation during phacoemulsification: intraoperative and postoperative complications.

AIM: To quantify intraoperative and postoperative complications in complex phacoemulsification cataract extraction (phacoemulsification) with iris manipulation compared to non-complex and complex phacoemulsification without iris manipulation. METHODS: All phacoemulsification cases at the University of Colorado between January 1, 2014, and June 30, 2017 were included. Exclusion criteria for the primary outcome of intraoperative complications were planned combination surgery and eyes with less than 28d follow-up. Exclusion criteria for the secondary outcomes of postoperative complications were unplanned additional surgery, and chronic steroid eye drop use prior to surgery. Data including sex, race/ethnicity, surgery length, visual acuity, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and intraocular pressures (IOP) were collected and analyzed utilizing general linear and Logistic regression modeling. RESULTS: The medical records of 5772 eyes were reviewed (500 complex without iris manipulation, 367 with iris manipulation). The number of any intraoperative complication in the complex with iris manipulation and complex without iris manipulation groups was 15 (4.1%) and 26 (5.2%), respectively, compared to 41 (0.8%) in the non-complex group. Postoperative inflammation was found in 135 (2.8%) non-complex cases, 20 (4.1%) complex cases without iris manipulation, and 20 (5.6%) complex cases with iris manipulation. The adjusted odds ratio of postoperative inflammation in phacoemulsification with iris manipulation compared to non-complex was 2.3 (95%CI: 1.3-4.0, P=0.005). The rate of IOP spikes >10 mm Hg was significantly greater in cases with iris manipulation (P=0.001). CONCLUSION: Complex cases have more intraoperative complications. However, only complex cases with iris manipulation led to increase rates of postoperative inflammation and IOP spikes >10 mm Hg.

Dissociation of a Femoral Intramedullary Magnetic Lengthening Nail During Routine Hardware Removal: A Case Report.

CASE: A 15-year-old boy with a right femur length discrepancy secondary to infection underwent hardware removal 1-year status-post right femur osteotomy with placement of an antegrade intramedullary magnetic lengthening nail after successful lengthening of 4.2 cm. During hardware removal, dissociation between the proximal (outer) and distal (inner) components of the device was observed. The distal component was removed using an endoscopic pituitary rongeur after considering multiple possible techniques. CONCLUSIONS: In the event of nail disconnection during removal of an intramedullary implant, we recommend use of a long pituitary rongeur to retrieve the distal nail component.

Time Utilization and Refractive Prediction Enhancement Associated with Intraoperative Aberrometry Use During Cataract Surgery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the time cost of intraoperative aberrometry (IA), to compare IA prediction error to the prediction error associated with conventional formulas using preoperative calculations (PC) and evaluate when IA provides clinically relevant benefit. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of eyes that underwent cataract phacoemulsification surgery with IA at an academic eye center. IA versus PC prediction error were compared amongst various preoperative and intraoperative characteristics. Additionally, a dichotomous variable indicating clinically relevant benefit of IA, where IA absolute prediction error was less than 0.5D and PC absolute prediction error greater than 0.5D, was associated with clinical factors. RESULTS: Five hundred eyes of 341 patients were included in the analysis. The quantitative difference between mean absolute prediction errors for IA versus PC was between 0.0D and 0.03D in most subgroups. For the 11.0% of eyes that had clinically relevant benefit to IA, the multivariable model identified the following strongest predictors: prior myopic corneal refractive surgery (Odds ratio (OR) 3.9, p<0.01 for myopic LASIK/PRK, OR 5.5, p=0.01 for radial keratotomy), toric or multifocal/EDOF lens implantation (OR 2.7, p=0.03 for toric monofocal lenses, OR 3.1, p=0.01 for EDOF/multifocal lenses), and short and long axial lengths (p<0.01). On average, IA implementation added 3.0 minutes to surgery (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: For greatest likelihood of a clinically meaningful improvement in outcomes despite increased surgical time, surgeons and patients should consider using IA for eyes with extremes in axial length, eyes with prior myopic corneal refractive surgery, or when implanting lenses with toric or extended-depth-of-focus/multifocal properties.

Accuracy of Intraoperative Aberrometry, Barrett True-K With and Without Posterior Cornea Measurements, Shammas-PL, and Haigis-L Formulas After Myopic Refractive Surgery.

PURPOSE: To assess the accuracy of intraoperative aberrometry, the Barrett True-K No History (Barrett TKNH), Barrett TKNH with posterior corneal measurements (Barrett TKNH with PC), Shammas-PL, and Haigis-L formulas in patients with cataract who had prior myopic refractive surgery. METHODS: This was a retrospective consecutive case series of patients with prior myopic refractive surgery undergoing cataract extraction. Mean absolute error (MAE) and median absolute error (MedAE) of refraction prediction were compared for each formula. Interactions of each biometry measurement were modeled for each formula to evaluate those with the most significant impact on refraction prediction. RESULTS: One hundred sixteen eyes of 79 patients were analyzed. MAE was 0.40 ± 0.33 diopters (D) for intraoperative aberrometry and 0.42 ± 0.31 D for the Barrett TKNH, 0.38 ± 0.30 D for the Barrett TKNH with PC, 0.47 ± 0.38 D for the Shammas-PL, and 0.56 ± 0.39 D for the Haigis-L formulas. Comparisons between formulas were significant for Barrett TKNH versus Barrett TKNH with PC formulas (P = .046), Barrett TKNH with PC versus Shammas-PL formulas (P = .023), and for all comparisons with the Haigis-L formula (P < .001), and not significant for all other comparisons (P > .05). Eyes were within ±0.50 D of prediction 73%, 72%, 69%, 62%, and 52% of the time for intraoperative aberrometry, the Barrett TKNH with PC, Barrett TKNH, Shammas-PL, and Haigis-L formulas, respectively. Corneal asphericity (Q value) was significantly associated with prediction error for all five methods. Changes in anterior chamber depth had a significant impact on Shammas-PL prediction errors. CONCLUSIONS: Newer technology using information from the posterior cornea modestly improved outcomes when compared to established methods for intraocular lens selection in eyes that had previous laser refractive surgery for myopia. [J Refract Surg. 2021;37(1):60-68.].

What Is the Cost of a Posterior Capsule Rupture Complication?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To examine the cost of a posterior capsule rupture (PCR) in patients who underwent planned phacoemulsification. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of 8,113 cataract surgeries performed between January 2014 and December 2017 at one academic institution. The rate of PCR was 0.55%, and 34 patients with PCR who met inclusion criteria were identified. Investigators evaluated the added operating room time required to manage PCR, subsequent surgeon visits beyond the typical average, referrals to other specialties, further imaging, and additional required surgeries. RESULTS: Patients with PCR had an additional 2.76 (standard deviation [SD] ± 3.27) postoperative encounters and 3.06 (SD ± 3.78) visits to another subspecialty. Operating room time was found to average 61.43 minutes (range: 21 to 191 minutes) at an additional cost of $455.48 (SD ± $407.37). Additional visits, imaging, and procedures added $655.59 (SD ± $767.21). The total additional average cost was $1,111.07 (SD ± $1,021.20) per PCR. CONCLUSION: Posterior capsular ruptures impose a substantial cost burden on the health care system. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2020;51:444-447.].

Prevention and management of refractive prediction errors following cataract surgery.

Patient satisfaction after modern day cataract surgery requires excellent surgical technique but increasingly demands superior refractive outcomes as well. In many cases, there exists an expectation from patients, as well as surgeons, to achieve emmetropia after cataract surgery. This is particularly true in patients electing premium intraocular lens technology to correct astigmatism and presbyopia to minimize spectacle dependence. Despite continued advances in preoperative and intraoperative diagnostics, refractive planning, and surgical technology, residual refractive error remains a primary source of dissatisfaction after cataract surgery. The need to enhance refractive outcomes and treat residual astigmatic or spherical refractive errors postoperatively becomes paramount to meeting the expectations of patients in their surgical outcome. This article reviews the potential preoperative and intraoperative pitfalls that can be the source of refractive error, the various options to enhance refractive outcomes, and potential future technologies to limit residual refractive error after cataract surgery.

A simple approach for determining tendon limb length in open Achilles lengthening: technical note.

Estimating the appropriate tendon length and associated skin incision needed to achieve a plantigrade foot without compromising function are essential steps in open Achilles tendon lengthening. Here we describe a technique using basic surgical instruments referencing anatomic landmarks without the need for radiographs. The center of ankle rotation in the sagittal plane is found referencing the tip of the medial malleolus. This point is translated to the plantar surface of the foot, and a straight instrument in line with the foot is used to make a mark at the posterior calcaneal fat pad. The straight instrument is then rotated (representing the plantar surface of the foot) as if dorsiflexing the ankle along the axis of the transposed tibiotalar joint from a plantar-flexed position to the desired final position and a second mark is made at the posterior heel. The distance between the marks is measured, representing the amount of Achilles lengthening required. The skin incision and tendon limb lengths area a sum of the operative correction and the amount of desired tendon overlap, typically 2 cm of tendon overlap is optimal to allow for suture fixation, ensure tendon healing, and maintain the integrity of the repair. A Z-type lengthening is then performed using this tendon limb length. This technique allows an accurate and simple approach to lengthening the Achilles tendon. In this way the ideal tendon limb length is selected to optimize function while minimizing incision length, associated wound complications, inadequate lengthening, and overlengthening. Level of evidence: Technical note, Level V.

Comparison of Visual Outcomes of Extended Depth of Focus Lenses in Patients With and Without Previous Laser Refractive Surgery.

PURPOSE: To compare visual outcomes of eyes with and without previous laser refractive surgery that received an extended depth of focus intraocular lens during cataract surgery. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of all eyes implanted with an extended depth of focus intraocular lens by two surgeons. Preoperative demographic and eye examination information were collected, as well as postoperative refraction, uncorrected distance visual acuity, and Visual Function Index (VF-14) questionnaire responses. Medical records were reviewed postoperatively to collect the number of patients who required a refractive touch-up or lens exchange. RESULTS: Most patient eyes (187 of 215, 87%) had no prior refractive surgery, and there was no significant difference in preoperative characteristics between this group and the 28 eyes that did have previous laser refractive surgery. Postoperatively, most patients had a refractive error within ±0.50 diopters (D) (79% without vs 77% with previous laser refractive surgery, P = .40). Although more patients in the group without previous laser refractive surgery achieved 20/20 uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) (56.8% versus 28.6%, P = .01), the majority in both groups achieved 20/25 or better UDVA (79.5% versus 85.7% for without versus with previous laser refractive surgery, P = .42). Postoperative subjective visual function score was also similar between the two groups as measured by the VF-14 questionnaire (86.9 vs 79.4, P = .15). Few patients required refractive surgery enhancement in either group (9 of 187 (4.8%) versus 1 of 28 (3.6%) for without versus with previous laser refractive surgery, P = .77). CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that extended depth of focus lens implantation can have successful results for patients with prior laser refractive surgery. [J Refract Surg. 2020;36(1):28-33.].

Club foot in association with the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome: An observational study.

The 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome (22q11.2DS) occurs in ~1:3,000-6,000 individuals. Features less typically associated with 22q11.2DS, such as orthopedic manifestations, may be overlooked or may not lead to appropriate diagnostic testing. Club foot has a general population prevalence of ~1:1,000 and has been occasionally described in association with 22q11.2DS. Our hypothesis is that the prevalence of club foot is higher in patients with 22q11.2DS. We performed a retrospective review in two specialized 22q11.2DS centers to determine the prevalence of club foot. "True club foot" requires treatment (either conservative or surgical), therefore we only included those patients with proof of treatment. We investigated whether congenital heart disease (CHD) and/or cleft palate were associated with the presence of club foot within 22q11.2DS. The records of 1,466 patients were reviewed. Of these, 48 (3.3%) had confirmation of club foot (95% Confidence Interval: 2.4-4.3): 22 (46%) had a bilateral, 12 (25%) left, and 14 (29%) right club foot. Within our study, neither a CHD and/or a cleft palate were associated with a club foot. The prevalence of club foot in 22q11.2DS is 30 times higher than that observed in the general population. This suggests the diagnosis of club foot, especially in the face of other typically associated abnormalities of 22q11.2DS, should provoke consideration of 22q11.2DS as an underlying diagnosis, particularly in the neonatal setting.

Surgical techniques and adjuvants for the management of primary and recurrent pterygia.

The removal and rate of recurrence of pterygium have been discussed for years. The disorder is highly associated with environmental factors, and recurrence rates can be unacceptably high and cannot be successfully predicted. New techniques and graft preparations and postoperative management strategies are helping to reduce the recurrence rates and provide an ocular surface that is near ideal for future cataract or refractive surgery. This review discusses the advantages and disadvantages of various treatment strategies.