Effects of Delayed-Onset Muscle Pain on Respiratory Muscle Function.

BACKGROUND: Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) has been widely examined in the peripheral muscles; however, studies showing the potential effects of DOMS on respiratory function are limited. HYPOTHESIS: DOMS in trunk muscles has a negative effect on respiratory function parameters, respiratory muscle strength, respiratory muscle endurance, and exercise capacity. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2. METHODS: In 24 healthy participants with a mean age of 21 ± 2 years, DOMS was induced for the trunk muscles with a load equal to 80% of the maximum repetitive voluntary contraction. Pulmonary function parameters, respiratory muscle strength and endurance, exercise capacity, pain, fatigue, and dyspnea perception severity were recorded before DOMS and at 24 and 48 hours after DOMS. RESULTS: After DOMS, decreases were observed in respiratory function parameters, namely, forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in the first second, vital capacity, and 25% to 75% flow rate value of forced expiratory volume (25% to 75%) (P = 0.02, P = 0.02, P < 0.01, P = 0.01, respectively). Maximal inspiratory pressure and exercise capacity also decreased (P = 0.02, P < 0.01, respectively). No difference was observed between all 3 measurements of maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) and MEP% values (P1 = P2 = P3 ≥ 0.99). The results of the respiratory muscle endurance tests did not reveal a significant difference in terms of load and time in all 3 conditions (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: After DOMS, there was a 4% to 7.5% decrease in respiratory function parameters, and a 6.6% decrease in respiratory muscle strength. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The occurrence of DOMS before a competition can have a detrimental impact on pulmonary performance. Hence, it is imperative to consider this factor when devising training and exercise programs. In addition, the development of treatment protocols becomes crucial if DOMS arises.

A double-layered, stepped spreader graft for the deviated nose.

BACKGROUND: In deviated noses, a beveled hump resection is recommended to preserve the shorter nasal wall. Even with this precaution, in some patients, the shorter wall does not reach the planned dorsal level when the lateral wall is transposed toward the midline after the lateral osteotomy. METHOD: A double-layered, stepped spreader graft was used on the shorter wall side to construct symmetrical lateral nasal walls. The composite graft was constructed by fixing a smaller cartilage graft to the side of the dorsal border of a slightly larger than normal standard spreader graft. The smaller graft component adds height to the shorter lateral wall while the larger one functions as a usual spreader graft. RESULTS: Stepped spreader grafts were used in 4 primary and 2 secondary rhinoplasty cases. All compound grafts were harvested from the septal cartilage except for one of the secondary cases, in which auricular cartilage was used. Two patients received a usual spreader graft on the contralateral side. Postoperatively, none of the patients exhibited significant recurrent deviation, and acceptable symmetrical dorsal esthetic lines were obtained in all patients. CONCLUSION: This technique should be considered whenever the height of the lateral wall is shorter than desired after centralization of a deviated nose. Reconstruction of the shorter wall by adding height with a stepped spreader graft results in a more stable dorsum that resists relapse. Dorsal esthetic lines can also be reconstructed at the same time.

Three-dimensional modeling of nasal septal deviation.

BACKGROUND: Some deviated nasal septa can never be straightened completely due to their 3-dimensional (3-D) nature. Based on a study of models and clinical cases, a basic classification and treatment strategy was proposed for 3-D septal deviations. METHODS: Basic types of 3-D septal L struts were crafted from pieces of thick plastic sheeting. By a carefully placed through-and-through incision in the angle area and overlapping the resultant segments, the models became 2 dimensional (2-D). We used this technique intraoperatively, in some cases resecting the overlapping area of septal tissue, along with a septal extension graft, in 11 patients who were followed up for more than 6 months. RESULTS: External nasal deviation due to a deviated septum was obvious in 5 cases, and all were relieved postoperatively. Preoperative breathing difficulties were improved in 7 of 8 patients. CONCLUSION: Correction of 3-D septal L deformity can be successfully performed by constructing 2-D L struts by making a full-thickness incision of the angle area and then overlapping the segments. This approach is especially beneficial in those having a septal extension graft that need a perfectly straight caudal septum upon which to fix the extension graft.

Late diagnosis of a lateral abdominal wall hematoma presenting with nonspecific findings: report of a case.

We report a case with a late diagnosis of posttraumatic lateral abdominal wall hematoma. The patient was admitted with a giant hematoma presenting with pleural effusion, anemia and weight loss on postoperative 30th day after a blunt trauma. Computerized tomography analysis revealed a hematoma extending from axilla to the gluteus. Fine-needle aspiration revealed an exudative fluid and five liters of fluid collection was drained. Misdiagnosed lateral abdominal wall hematomas can be diagnosed with nonspecific findings as in this case.

A simplified use of septal extension graft to control nasal tip location.

BACKGROUND: For defining the shape and projection of the nasal tip, the bilateral and symmetric batten-type septal extension grafts proposed by Byrd and colleagues have drawbacks. The main problems are stiffness of the nasal tip and thickening of the septum in the nasal valve area. METHODS: Since 1998, unilateral single-batten grafts, and more frequently, bilateral asymmetric batten grafts as compared with Byrd's bilateral symmetric application, have been used for 72 patients in our facility. RESULTS: At the 6-month postoperative follow-up assessment, tip projection was found to be satisfactory in 61 patients. Less than desired projection occurred in three cases and overprojection in two cases. Nasal lobule deviation was evident in one patient. The loss of the columellar break point was evident in five cases. CONCLUSION: Unilateral or asymmetric bilateral batten grafts facilitate adjustment of the nasal tip intraoperatively. This technique results in a more pliable nasal tip in the horizontal plane. Construction of a three-layered cartilage in the nasal valve area is not needed, and the nasal airway is preserved. With this modification, a reliable and predictable nasal tip location is obtained with a minimum of graft usage.