Physiology and Clinical Manifestations of Pathologic Cranial Suture Widening.

Cranial sutures are complex structures integrating mechanical forces with osteogenesis which are often affected in craniofacial syndromes. While premature fusion is frequently described, rare pathological widening of cranial sutures is a comparatively understudied phenomenon. This narrative review aims to bring to light the biologically variable underlying causes of widened sutures and persistent fontanelles leading to a common outcome. The authors herein present four syndromes, selected from a literature review, and their identified biological mechanisms in the context of altered suture physiology, exploring the roles of progenitor cell differentiation, extracellular matrix production, mineralization, and bone resorption. This article illustrates the gaps in understanding of complex craniofacial disorders, and the potential for further unification of genetics, cellular biology, and clinical pillars of health science research to improve treatment outcomes for patients.

Initial UK series of endoscopic suturectomy with postoperative helmeting for craniosynostosis: early report of perioperative experience.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic suturectomy with postoperative helmeting (ESCH) has emerged as a successful treatment for craniosynostosis, initially in North America. We report early outcomes from the first cohort of ESCH patients treated in the United Kingdom (UK). METHODS: Retrospective cohort study with electronic chart review. RESULTS: 18 consecutive patients from the first ESCH procedure in UK (May 2017) until January 2020 identified. 12 male and 6 female infantsd, with a mean age of 4.6 months (range 2.5-7.8 months) and weight of 6.8 kg (range 4.8-9.8 kg). Diagnoses were metopic (n = 8), unicoronal (n = 7), sagittal (n = 2) and multi-sutural (n = 1) synostoses. Median incision length was 3 cm (range 2-10 cm). 16/18 received no blood products, with 2 (both metopics) requiring transfusion (1 donor exposure). Mean operative time (including anaesthesia) was 96 min (range 40-127 min). Median length of hospital stay was 1 night. 1 surgical complication (superficial infection). All patients are currently undergoing helmet orthosis therapy. So far, no patients have required revisional or squint surgery. CONCLUSION: Early experience from the first UK cohort of ESCH suggests that this is a safe and well tolerated technique with low morbidity, transfusion and short hospital stay. Long-term results in terms of shape, cosmetic and developmental outcome are awaited.

Peripheral nerve surgical competency in plastic surgery and neurosurgery residents.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the case volume and self-perceived competence of current mandatory skills in peripheral nerve surgery. DESIGN: Cross sectional survey based study examining case volume and self-reported competence in peripheral nerve surgery. SETTING: Canadian Neurosurgery and Plastic Surgery accredited residency programs PARTICIPANTS: All Canadian Neurosurgery and Plastic Surgery senior trainees (PGY 3+) invited to participate RESULTS: Much variability exists in both exposure to cases and perceived senior resident competence for both plastic and neurosurgery residents. Confidence in surgical ability as perceived competency is lower in trainees for more advanced peripheral nerve procedures. Self- reported confidence increased with post-graduate experience. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the findings in this study highlight the importance of increasing operative experience in complex peripheral nerve surgery among surgical residents.

Finite element method for the design of implants for temporal hollowing.

Temporal indentations are the most impacting craniofacial complication after coronal flap dissection. It is mainly due to a temporal fat pad or temporalis muscle dissection. Because of the great improvements achieved recently in CAD-CAM-aided surgery and the possibility of performing accurate pre-surgical virtual planning, it is now possible to correct it with a customised virtual approach. Furthermore, advancements in material science have allowed surgeons to rely on biocompatible materials like PEEK (showing a low complication and recurrence rate) for the manufacturing of patient-specific implants. We hereby describe our experience on a case of secondary and corrective surgery after a fronto-orbital remodelling, in which we used PEEK implants designed by CAD and optimized by finite element modelling.

Peri-Operative Outcomes Comparison of General Anaesthesia and Brachial Plexus Block for Open Reduction Internal Fixation of Metacarpal Fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Brachial plexus blockade (BPB) is a procedure of growing popularity amongst surgeons and anaesthesiologists involved with upper limb surgery. The safety and benefit in hand surgery is unclear. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed examining all operative hand cases over a 2-year period. All cases of metacarpal open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) were included. Cases were excluded if paediatric patient, additional procedures performed, and/or a decreased LOC. Parametric statistical tests were performed. RESULTS: In total, 54 cases with general anaesthesia (GA) and 48 cases with BPB were identified for the study (n = 102). The average total time from operating theatre to discharge was 245 ± 72 minutes in GA group and 195 ± 54 minutes in BPB (P < .001). Of those who had a GA, 47/54 patients required analgesia post-operatively versus 12/48 in the BPB (P < .001). Of all, 25/52 and 5/48 patients required anti-emetics post-operatively in the GA and BPB groups, respectively (P < .001). Need for any parenteral medication post-operatively was also significantly different (P < .001). CONCLUSION: This is the first study to specifically examine anaesthetic techniques for ORIF of hand fractures; adding to the body of literature establishing BPB as a safe and efficient method of anaesthesia.

INTRODUCTION: Le bloc du plexus brachial (BPB) est une intervention de plus en plus utilisée par les chirurgiens et les anesthésiologistes qui font des opérations des membres supérieurs. Le caractère sécuritaire et les avantages de ces interventions ne sont pas définis pour les chirurgies de la main. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Les chercheurs ont procédé à une analyse rétrospective de tous les dossiers d'opération de la main sur une période de deux ans. Ils ont inclus tous les cas de fixation métacarpienne interne par réduction chirurgicale et exclu les cas de patients pédiatriques, d'interventions supplémentaires ou de diminution du niveau de soins. Enfin, ils ont effectué des tests statistiques paramétriques. RÉSULTATS: Dans le cadre de l'étude (n = 102), Les chercheurs ont extrait 54 cas d'anesthésie générale (AG) et 48 cas de BPB. La durée moyenne totale entre l'opération et le congé était de 245 ± 72 minutes dans le groupe d'AG et de 195 ± 54 minutes dans celui du BPB (p < 0,001). Chez ceux qui ont subi une AG, 47 des 54 patients ont eu besoin d'une analgésie après l'opération par rapport à 12 des 48 patients ayant subi un BPB (p < 0,001). Par ailleurs, 25 des 52 patients et cinq des 48 patients des groupes d'AG et de BPB ont eu besoin d'antiémétiques après l'opération, respectivement (p < 0,001). Les besoins de médication parentérale après l'opération étaient également très différents (p < 0,001). CONCLUSION: C'est la première étude à porter expressément sur les techniques anesthétiques pour la fixation interne par réduction ouverte des fractures de la main et sur l'ajout du bloc du plexus brachial parmi les méthodes sécuritaires et efficaces d'anesthésie conseillées dans les publications scientifiques.

Long Term Speech and Feeding Outcomes in Patients With Pierre Robin Sequence.

OBJECTIVE: Airway obstruction in newborns with Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) may be managed with tongue-lip adhesion (TLA), mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO), or tracheostomy to prevent airway compromise when conservative airway interventions fail or are contraindicated based on the type of obstruction present. Unfortunately, some of these procedures have the potential to affect a child's speech and feeding development. METHOD: The authors retrospectively reviewed the records of all children with PRS treated at our institution in the last 25 years. Our primary outcomes of interests were: (1) consonant production errors; (2) achievement of full oral feeds; (3) need for prolonged gastrostomy tube feeds; and (4) avoidance of tracheostomy. RESULTS: Seven (7/73, 10%) children required intubation at birth for respiratory failure. Forty-two children were treated with TLA (42/73, 58%), 2 with MDO (2/73, 3%), and 1 (1/73, 1%) with tracheostomy. Twenty-one (21/73, 29%) were treated with conservative airway interventions. Of the 7 children requiring intubation, 1 required tracheostomy, and 6 required TLA. Five children who received TLA initially proceeded to tracheostomy. Of the 3 children who underwent MDO, 2 required tracheostomy. Of the 2 patients who underwent MDO, 2 failed, requiring tracheostomy. One child required tracheostomy as the first airway intervention. Among all children with PRS, /s,z/ speech errors were the most common. Children treated with conservative airway interventions had significantly fewer /sh/ errors at age 3 (X = 6.604, P < 0.05) relative to those treated with TLA, MDO, and/or tracheostomy. Consonant production errors extinguished over time, with significantly less /s,z/ errors produced at age 8 compared to at ages 3 (Z = -2.263, P < 0.01), 4 (Z = -2.449, P < 0.05), 5 (Z = -2.775, P < 0.01), and 6 (Z = -2.049, P < 0.05). Among all children, 70% (51/70) were able to achieve full oral feeds. CONCLUSIONS: This study describes speech-production and feeding outcomes in children with PRS. Tongue-tip sound errors, including /s,z/, are prominent early in speech development but later extinguish, a pattern of speech maturation that follows that of typically-developing children.Most children were able to achieve full oral feeds, with few requiring prolonged g-tube placement. We hope these results serve as a useful tool in managing speech and feeding in children with TLA, and when counselling patients with PRS requiring definitive airway surgery.

Mechanical and morphological properties of parietal bone in patients with sagittal craniosynostosis.

Limited information is available on the effect of sagittal craniosynostosis (CS) on morphological and material properties of the parietal bone. Understanding these properties would not only provide an insight into bone response to surgical procedures but also improve the accuracy of computational models simulating these surgeries. The aim of the present study was to characterise the mechanical and microstructural properties of the cortical table and diploe in parietal bone of patients affected by sagittal CS. Twelve samples were collected from pediatric patients (11 males, and 1 female; age 5.2 ± 1.3 months) surgically treated for sagittal CS. Samples were imaged using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT); and mechanical properties were extracted by means of micro-CT based finite element modelling (micro-FE) of three-point bending test, calibrated using sample-specific experimental data. Reference point indentation (RPI) was used to validate the micro-FE output. Bone samples were classified based on their macrostructure as unilaminar or trilaminar (sandwich) structure. The elastic moduli obtained using RPI and micro-FE approaches for cortical tables (ERPI 3973.33 ± 268.45 MPa and Emicro-FE 3438.11 ± 387.38 MPa) in the sandwich structure and diploe (ERPI1958.17 ± 563.79 MPa and Emicro-FE 1960.66 ± 492.44 MPa) in unilaminar samples were in strong agreement (r = 0.86, p < .01). We found that the elastic modulus of cortical tables and diploe were correlated with bone mineral density. Changes in the microstructure and mechanical properties of bone specimens were found to be irrespective of patients' age. Although younger patients are reported to benefit more from surgical intervention as skull is more malleable, understanding the material properties is critical to better predict the surgical outcome in patients <1 year old since age-related changes were minimal.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Plastic Surgery Training in the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia-A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Surgical trainees worldwide have been thrust into a period of uncertainty, with respect to the implications COVID-19 pandemic will have on their roles, training, and future career prospects. It is currently unclear how plastic surgery trainees are being affected by COVID-19. This study examined the experience of plastic surgery trainees in Canada, the UK, and Australia to determine trainee roles during the early COVID-19 emergency response and how training changed during this time. Methods A cross-sectional survey-based study was designed for plastic surgery trainees in the UK, Canada and Australia. In total, 110 trainees responded to the survey. Statistical tests were conducted to determine differences in responses, based on year of training and country of residence. Results In total, 9.7% (10/103) of respondents reported being deployed to cover another service. There was a significant difference between redeployment based on country ( p = 0.001). Within the UK group, 28.9% of respondents were redeployed. For trainees not deployed, 95.5% (85/89) reported that there has been a reduction in operative volume. Ninety-seven (94.1%) respondents reported that there were ongoing teaching activities offered by their program. The majority of trainees (66.4%) were concerned about their training. There was a significant difference between overall concern and country ( p < 0.05). Conclusion In these unprecedented times, training programs in plastic surgery should be aware of the major impact that COVID-19 has had on trainees and will have on their training. The majority of plastic surgery trainees have experienced a reduction in surgical exposure but have maintained some form of regular teaching.

Monobloc Distraction and Facial Bipartition Distraction with External Devices.

Monobloc and bipartition advancement by external distraction plays a major role in the treatment of syndromic craniosynostosis. They can reverse the associated facial deformity and play a role in the management of ocular exposure, intracranial hypertension, and upper airway obstruction. Facial bipartition distraction corrects the intrinsic facial deformities of Apert syndrome. Both procedures are associated with relatively high complication rates principally related to ascending infection and persistent cerebrospinal fluid leaks. Modern perioperative management has resulted in a significant decline in complications. External distractors allow fine tuning of distraction vectors and improve outcome but are less well tolerated than internal distractors.

Beare-Stevenson Syndrome With Blepharoptosis as a Complication of Front-Orbital Advancement and Remodeling.

Beare-Stevenson syndrome (BSS) is an extremely rare genetic disorder characterized by a broad range of congenital malformations including craniosynostosis, cutis gyrata, facial deformities, and abnormal genitalia. The authors report a case of a 7 month old female who developed a mechanical ptosis secondary to dermatochalasis as a complication of fronto-orbital advancement and remodeling (FOAR) surgery which subsequently required multiple lid surgeries to reverse ptosis. This is the first report of blepharoptosis correction in a child with BSS as a complication of FOAR.

The Utility and Efficiency of a Resident Hand Clinic for the Management of Acute Hand Trauma at the University of Alberta.

BACKGROUND: The University of Alberta established a resident-run hand clinic in 2005 to expeditiously manage the growing numbers of patients with traumatic hand injuries. The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical volume and types of cases assessed and treated in the clinic, as well as gauge patient satisfaction with care received. METHODS: A retrospective chart review and patient satisfaction questionnaire were conducted for patients assessed in the hand clinic in 2015. Demographic data, referral data, and treatment required were recorded. Patients were asked to complete a survey on their experience at the end of their visit. RESULTS: A total of 1022 charts were reviewed. The most common reason for referral was a fracture or dislocation (57%), followed by tendon injury (18%). The average wait time to be seen in clinic was 2.97 ± 2.13 days in the winter and 4.12 ± 2.14 days in the summer. Forty-seven percent of patients required splinting, 17% required a procedure, and 21% of patients were referred for surgery. Patient satisfaction on average was 9.29 ± 0.87 on a satisfaction scale of 10. CONCLUSION: In a 6-month period, residents attending hand clinic assessed and treated 1022 patients, providing timely management of acute injuries. A resident-run hand clinic is an effective model to decrease wait times for patients, to decrease time spent assessing nonemergent injuries in the emergency department, and to concentrate hand trauma in a setting conducive to resident training, while still maintaining high patient satisfaction.

HISTORIQUE: En 2005, l'université de l'Alberta a mis sur pied une clinique de la main dirigée par des résidents pour accélérer la prise en charge du nombre croissant de patients ayant des lésions traumatiques des mains. La présente étude visait à examiner le volume clinique et le type de cas évalués et traités en clinique, ainsi qu'à évaluer la satisfaction des patients à l'égard des soins reçus. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Les chercheurs ont procédé à une analyse rétrospective des dossiers et ont distribué un questionnaire sur la satisfaction des patients qui avaient été évalués dans la clinique de la main en 2015. Ils ont consigné les données démographiques, les données sur l'envoi vers un médecin et le traitement requis. Les patients ont été invités à remplir un sondage sur leur expérience à la fin de leur rendez-vous. RÉSULTATS: Au total, les chercheurs ont examiné 1 022 dossiers. La principale raison de l'orientation vers un médecin était une fracture ou une dislocation (57 %), suivie d'une lésion du tendon (18 %). Le temps d'attente moyen pour être vu en clinique était de 2,97 ± 2,13 jours pendant l'hiver et de 4,12 ± 2,14 jours pendant l'été. De plus, 47 % des patients ont eu besoin d'une attelle, 17 % ont eu besoin d'une intervention et 21 % des patients ont été envoyés en chirurgie. En moyenne, la satisfaction des patients était de 9,29 ± 0,87 sur une échelle de satisfaction de 10. CONCLUSION: Sur une période de six mois, les résidents qui ont travaillé à la clinique de la main ont évalué et traité 1 022 patients, assurant une prise en charge rapide des lésions aiguës. Une clinique de la main dirigée par des résidents est un modèle efficace pour réduire les temps d'attente pour les patients, réduire le temps passé à évaluer des blessures non urgentes à l'urgence et concentrer les traumatismes de la main dans un milieu favorable à la formation des résidents tout en assurant une satisfaction élevée des patients.

Long-Term Follow-Up of Osseointegrated Orbital Prosthetic Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Osseointegrated implants have been used for craniofacial prosthetic reconstruction since 1979. The authors sought to review long-term outcomes of osseointegrated orbital reconstruction at the Institute for Reconstructive Sciences in Medicine (iRSM). METHODS: Twenty-six patients have undergone osseointegrated orbital prosthetic (OOP) reconstruction at iRSM since 1991. A retrospective chart review was performed and patient satisfaction assessed through a questionnaire used in previous osseointegration studies. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between smoking, age, sex, and previous radiation treatment with the occurrence of skin reactions and implant failures. A χ test was used to assess the relationship between implant position within the orbit and development of a skin reaction or implant failure. RESULTS: Patients received an average of 5.8 implants during the course of treatment. Follow-up ranged from 6 months to 24 years (mean = 10.6 years). A statistically significant correlation was found between skin reaction and age (P = 0.022), with younger patients more likely to develop a reaction. No variables in our model were significant for predicting implant failure. Overall, there were 39 failures of 155 osseointegrated implants, for a success rate of 74.8%. There was no relationship between skin reaction and implant failure compared to implant position within the orbit. Survey responses were received from 11 of 19 patients (58% response rate). Ninety-one percent of patients were overall satisfied with their prosthesis. CONCLUSIONS: There are minimal contraindications for consideration of OOP reconstruction. Patients find their prosthesis comfortable, report increased self-confidence, and are happy to have undergone reconstruction.

Why do surgeons teach? A qualitative analysis of motivation in excellent surgical educators.

INTRODUCTION: Given that teaching is so vital to the maintenance of the medical profession, it is surprising that few authors have examined the factors which motivate physicians and surgeons to engage in this activity. AIM: It was the aim of this study to examine the factors which motivate excellent surgical educators to teach. METHODOLOGY: Grounded theory methodology was used to analyze transcribed semi-structured interviews. The top 20 ranked surgical educators at the University of Alberta were invited to participate. In total, 15 surgeons of various specialties were interviewed. RESULTS: There were five main factors which motivate surgeons to teach. These were: (1) a sense of responsibility to teach future physicians (2) an intrinsic enjoyment of teaching (3) the need to maintain and expand one's own knowledge base (4) watching students develop into competent practicing physicians and playing a role in their success, and (5) fostering positive lifelong professional relationships with learners. DISCUSSION: This is the first study in surgery to use an explorative qualitative methodology. This framework of motivating factors can be used to guide professional development activities. The framework represents motivating factors for those known to be effective teachers only. We plan to use this information to engage more surgeons in teaching by providing a basis for promoting education as part of a busy surgical practice.