Profunda Artery Perforator Flap Tongue Reconstruction: An Effective and Safe Alternative to the Anterolateral Thigh Flap.

BACKGROUND: The anterolateral thigh (ALT) perforator flap is a workhorse flap for tongue reconstruction. The authors present an alternative option using the profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap for glossectomy reconstruction compared to the ALT flap. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of 65 patients who underwent subtotal or total glossectomy reconstruction between 2016 and 2020 (46 ALT vs. 19 PAP flaps). Flap volume was assessed using CT scans at two different time points. Quality of life and functional outcomes were measured using the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory for head and neck cancer (MDASI-HN). RESULTS: Patients undergoing a PAP flap had significantly lower BMI compared to ALT flaps (22.7±5.0 vs. 25.8±5.1; p=0.014). Donor site and recipient site complications were similar as was the mean flap volume seven months after surgery (30.9% for ALT vs. 28.1% for PAP; p=0.93). Radiation and chemotherapy did not appear to have a significant effect on flap volume change over time. The most frequently reported high-severity items in MDASI-HN were swallowing/chewing and voice/speech for both cohorts. Patients who had reconstruction with a PAP flap had significantly better swallowing function (p=0.034). CONCLUSION: Both the PAP and ALT flaps appear to be safe and effective choices for subtotal and total tongue reconstruction. The PAP flap can serve as an alternative donor site, especially in the setting of malnourished patients with thin lateral thigh thickness undergoing reconstruction of extensive glossectomy defects.

Managing cold intolerance after hand injury: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review seeks to understand whether cold intolerance (CI) improves with time and if there is any role for management strategies such as behavioural therapy, surgery, or pharmacotherapy. METHODS: Two independent reviewers used a predefined search strategy to query MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases. Articles written in English, Studies of interventions (such as pharmacotherapy or behavioural therapy) for cold intolerance in adult patients with a history of hand injury along with prevalence over time were included for review. RESULTS: Seventeen studies were included, with twelve prognostic studies of the effect of time on CI, four studies of self management/behavioural therapies, and a single study of surgical treatment of neuromas. No studies of pharmacotherapies were identified for inclusion in the hand injury literature. Most studies (76.4%) were either prevalence or prospective cohort studies; no level I or II evidence studies were included. CONCLUSIONS: Cold intolerance does not resolve over time for the vast majority of patients. Behavioral and self-management studies have low efficacy and studies presented had a high risk of bias. There is a lack of evidence for the use of pharmacotherapy in CI and this could be considered for future studies.

Outcomes of Free Muscle Flaps versus Free Fasciocutaneous Flaps for Lower Limb Reconstruction following Trauma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Free flap reconstruction of the lower limb following trauma often suffers higher complication rates than other areas of the body. The choice of muscle or fasciocutaneous free flap is an area of active debate. METHODS: A systematic review of EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Cochrane Register from inception to April 1, 2022 was performed. Articles were assessed using the methodological index for non-randomized studies instrument. The primary outcome was to assess and compare the major surgical outcomes of partial or total flap failure, reoperation, and amputation rates. RESULTS: Seventeen studies were included. All studies were retrospective in nature, of level three evidence, and published between 1986 and 2021. The most common muscle and fasciocutaneous free flaps used were latissimus dorsi flap (38.1%) and anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap (64.8%), respectively. Meta-analysis found no significance difference in rates of total flap failure, takeback operations, or limb salvage, whereas partial flap failure rate was significantly lower for fasciocutaneous flaps. The majority of studies found no significant difference in complication rates, osteomyelitis, time to fracture union, or time to functional recovery. Most, 82.4% (14/17), of the included studies were of high methodological quality. CONCLUSION: The rate of total flap failure, reoperation, or limb salvage is not significantly different between muscle and fasciocutaneous free flaps after lower limb reconstruction following trauma. Partial flap failure rates appear to be lower with fasciocutaneous free flaps. Outcomes traditionally thought to be managed better with muscle free flaps, such as osteomyelitis and rates of fracture union, were comparable.

Area Deprivation Index is Associated with Variation in Quality of Life and Psychosocial Well-being Following Breast Cancer Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Neighborhood-level factors have been shown to influence surgical outcomes through material deprivation, psychosocial mechanisms, health behaviors, and access to resources. To date, no study has examined the relationship between area-level deprivation (ADI) and post-mastectomy outcomes. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of adult female breast cancer patients who underwent lumpectomy or mastectomy between January 2018 to June 2019 was carried out. Patient-specific characteristics and ADI information were abstracted and correlated with postoperative global- (SF-12) and condition-specific (BREAST-Q) quality-of-life performance via multivariable regression. Patients were classified into three ADI terciles: 0-39 (low deprivation), 40-59 (moderate deprivation), and 60-100 (high deprivation). RESULTS: A total of 564 consecutive patients were identified, being mostly white (75%) with mean age of 60.2 ± 12.4 years, median body mass index of 27.8 [interquartile range (IQR) 24.3-32.2) kg/m2, median Charlson Comorbidity Index of 3 (IQR 2-5), and mean ADI of 42.3 ± 25.7. African American and Hispanic patients and those with high BMI were more likely to reside in highly deprived neighborhoods (p = 0.003 and p < 0.001). In adjusted models, patients in highly deprived neighborhoods had significantly lower mean SF-12 physical (44.9 [95% CI, 43.8-46.0] versus 44.9 [95% CI, 43.7-46.1] versus 46.3 [95% CI, 45.3-47.3], p = 0.03) and BREAST-Q psychosocial well-being scores (63.5 [95% CI, 59.32-67.8] versus 69.3 [95% CI, 65.1-73.6] versus 69.7 [95% CI, 66.4-73.1], p = 0.01) relative to moderate- and low-deprivation groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients residing in the most deprived neighborhoods were identified to have worse psychological well-being and quality-of-life. The ADI should be incorporated into the shared decision-making process and perioperative counseling to engender value-based and personalized care, especially for vulnerable populations.

Area Deprivation Index and Rurality in Relation to Financial Toxicity among Breast Cancer Surgical Patients: Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study of Geospatial Differences in Risk Profiles.

BACKGROUND: Financial toxicity (FT) depicts the burden of cancer treatment costs and is associated with lower quality of life and survival in breast cancer patients. We examined the relationship between geospatial location, represented by rurality and Area Deprivation Index (ADI), and risk of FT. STUDY DESIGN: A single-institution, cross-sectional study was performed on adult female surgical breast cancer patients using survey data retrospectively collected between January 2018 and June 2019. Chart reviews were used to obtain patient information, and FT was identified using the COmprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity questionnaire, which is a validated instrument. Patients' home addresses were used to determine rurality using the Rural Urban Continuum Codes and linked to national ADI score. ADI was analyzed in tertiles for univariate statistical analyses, and as a continuous variable to develop multivariable logistic regression models to evaluate the independent associations of geospatial location with FT. RESULTS: A total of 568 surgical breast cancer patients were included. Univariate analyses found significant differences across ADI tertiles with respect to race/ethnicity, marital status, insurance type, education, and rurality. In multivariable analysis, advanced cancer stage (odds ratio [OR] 2.26, 95% CI 1.15 to 4.44) and higher ADI (OR 1.012, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.02) were associated with worsening odds of FT. Increasing age (continuous) (OR 0.976, 95% CI 0.96 to 0.99), married status (vs unmarried) (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.70), and receipt of bilateral mastectomy (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.96) were protective of FT. CONCLUSIONS: FT was significantly associated with areas of greater socioeconomic deprivation as measured by the ADI. However, in adjusted analyses, rurality was not significantly associated with FT. ADI can be useful for preoperative screening of at-risk populations and the targeted deployment of community-based interventions to alleviate FT.

A comparative study using electromyography to assess hand exercises for rehabilitation after ulnar nerve decompression.

Ulnar nerve (UN) entrapment is a common peripheral neuropathy and can lead to dysfunction of both sensory and motor function of the hand. Surgical release is the mainstay of treatment, but post-operative rehabilitation of UN innervated intrinsic muscles is lacking evidence. This cohort study utilized surface electromyography (EMG) and assessed the activation of UN innervated intrinsic and extrinsic hand muscles during four exercises in healthy participants. Exercises included rotating baoding balls, squeezing a stress ball or grip device every second, and repetitive finger abduction against a rubber band. Normalized percent activation of each muscle was calculated for each exercise. It was demonstrated that rubber band resistance (RBR) finger abduction showed significantly increased activation in both intrinsic muscles tested, while minimizing activation of the one tested UN innervated extrinsic muscle. Thus, to best target the intrinsic hand muscles without fatiguing extrinsic muscles, the inexpensive and practical RBR exercise is beneficial in post-UN release rehabilitation.

Combining vascularized lymph node transfer with autologous breast reconstruction: A Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Database cost-utility analysis.

BACKGROUND: The cost effectiveness of combining vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) with autologous breast reconstruction has not been established. Herein we describe the use of Markov modeling to evaluate the cost utility of VLNT with delayed autologous breast reconstruction for patients with breast cancer related lymphedema (BCRL). METHODS: We conducted a cost effectiveness analysis using a Markov model with microsimulation. The characteristics and associated life expectancy of the hypothetical patients were derived from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Costs of were derived from the publicly available sources and health economics literature. The utilities were based on the best available literature. The relative effectiveness of VLNT was derived from a meta-analysis of the literature. A specific strategy is considered attractive if the estimate of incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER) is less than the amount decision makers are willing to pay for an additional quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gain. A baseline willingness to pay of $50,000 USD per additional QALY was used for analysis. RESULTS: The base case situation demonstrated an overall ICER of $13898.76/QALY for adding VLNT to delayed autologous abdominally based breast reconstruction in the situation where lymphedema is already present, which suggests it is cost-effective at the chosen willingness to pay. DISCUSSION: This cost-utility simulation demonstrates that it is cost effective to combine delayed breast reconstruction with VLNT in patients with existing lymphedema. This could have implications for the application of the evolving technique of VLNT in the treatment of different subpopulations of breast cancer patients, and future clinical research.

Higher Distress in Patients with Breast Cancer Is Associated with Declining Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Distress among newly diagnosed patients with breast cancer is common and may have an impact on their surgical decision-making. The revised Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS-r) is a validated instrument that provides an estimate of patients' total distress, and no previous study has related preoperative scores to the choice to have breast reconstruction. METHODS: Women with breast cancer treated at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in 2014 were reviewed, and patient and tumor characteristics were collected from local databases. Breast reconstruction status was obtained from patients' electronic medical records until April 2017. A multivariable logistic regression model assessed for an independent association between preoperative ESAS-r total distress scores and patients' decision to have breast reconstruction. RESULTS: A total of 312 patients were analyzed. ESAS-r values had an overall median score of 10.0 and ranged from 0 to 69 (interquartile range, 17). Of these patients, 82 chose to undergo breast reconstruction surgery (26.8%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that higher ESAS-r scores were associated with patients forgoing breast reconstruction surgery (lumpectomy-alone group: odds ratio estimate, 1.034 [1.004-1.064], P = 0.025; mastectomy-alone group: odds ratio estimate, 1.031 [1.004-1.059], P = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: This study of patients with breast cancer found that higher distress scores as measured by the ESAS-r were associated with reduced breast reconstruction. Distress in patients with breast cancer is important to address, as it is often treatable, and its resolution may unmask a desire for breast reconstruction, which has known benefits psychosocially.

Reconstruction of massive chest wall defects: A 20-year experience.

BACKGROUND: Large chest wall resections can result in paradoxical chest wall movement leading to prolonged ventilator dependence and major respiratory impairment. The purpose of this study was to determine as to which factors are predictive or protective of complications in massive oncologic chest wall defect reconstructions. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of consecutive patients who underwent immediate reconstruction of massive thoracic oncologic defects (≥5 ribs) was performed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified risk factors. RESULTS: We identified 59 patients (median age, 53 years) with a mean follow-up of 36 months. Rib resections ranged from 5 to 10 ribs (defect area, 80-690 cm2). Sixty-two percent of the patients developed at least one postoperative complication. Superior/middle resections were associated with increased risk of general and pulmonary complications (71.4% vs. 35.3%; OR 4.54; p = 0.013). The 90-day mortality rate following massive chest wall resection and reconstruction was 8.5%. Two factors that were significantly associated with shorter overall survival time were preoperative XRT and preoperative chemotherapy (p = 0.021 and p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with massive oncological thoracic defects have a high rate of reconstructive complications, particularly pulmonary, leading to prolonged ventilator dependence. Superior resections were more likely to be associated with increased pulmonary and overall complications. The length of postoperative recovery was significantly associated with the size of the defect, and larger defects had prolonged hospital stays. Because of the large dimensions of chest wall defects, almost half of the cases required flap coverage to allow for appropriate defect closure. Understanding the unique demands of these rare but challenging cases is critically important in predicting patient outcomes.

The Impact of Delaying Breast Reconstruction on Patient Expectations and Health-Related Quality of Life: An Analysis Using the BREAST-Q.

PURPOSE: An understanding of patient expectations predicts better health outcomes following breast reconstruction. No study to date has examined how patient expectations for breast reconstruction and preoperative health-related quality of life vary with time since breast cancer diagnosis. METHODS: Women consulting for breast reconstruction to a single surgeon's practice over a 13-month period were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Patients were asked to prospectively complete the BREAST-Q expectations and preoperative reconstruction modules. A retrospective chart review was then performed on eligible patients, and patient demographics, cancer-related factors, and comorbidities were collected. BREAST-Q scores were transformed using the equivalent Rasch method. Multivariate linear regression models were constructed to assess the association between BREAST-Q scores and time since cancer diagnosis. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients met inclusion criteria for analysis and are characterized by a mean age of 53 ± 11 (34-79) years and a mean body mass index of 28 ± 6 (19-49). Most patients were treated by mastectomy (58%) or lumpectomy (23%). At the time of retrospective chart review, 29 (43%) patients had undergone reconstruction, most of which were delayed (59%). The mean latency from cancer diagnosis to reconstruction was 685 ± 867 days (range: 28-3322 days). Latency from cancer diagnosis to reconstruction was associated with a greater expectation of pain (ß = 0.5; standard error [SE] = 0.005; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.003-0.027; P < .05), and a slower expectation for recovery (ß = -0.5; SE = 0.004; 95% CI: -0.021 to -0.001; P < .05) after breast reconstruction. Latency from cancer diagnosis to reconstruction was associated with an increase in preoperative psychosocial well-being (ß = 0.578; SE 0.009; 95% CI: 0.002-0.046; P < .05). CONCLUSION: Delaying breast reconstruction may negatively impact patient expectations of postoperative pain and recovery. Educational interventions aimed at understanding and managing patient expectations in the preoperative period may improve health-related quality of life and patient-related outcomes following initial breast cancer surgery.

OBJECTIF: La compréhension des attentes des patientes est prédictive de meilleurs résultats cliniques après une reconstruction mammaire. Jusqu'à présent, aucune étude n'a porté sur la manière dont les attentes des patientes à l'égard de la reconstruction mammaire et de la qualité de vie liée à la santé avant l'opération varient dans le temps à compter du diagnostic de cancer du sein. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Les femmes qui ont consulté le cabinet d'un seul chirurgien en vue d'une reconstruction mammaire sur une période de 13 mois ont participé à la présente étude transversale. Les patientes ont été invitées à remplir de manière prospective les modules BREAST-Q sur les attentes préopératoires et la reconstruction. Les chercheurs ont ensuite procédé à un examen rétrospectif des dossiers des patients admissibles, puis ont colligé des données sur la démographie des patients, les facteurs liés au cancer et les morbidités associées. Ils ont transformé les scores BREAST-Q à l'aide du modèle de Rasch équivalent. Ils ont construit des modèles de régression linéaire multivariés pour évaluer l'association entre les scores BREAST-Q et la période écoulée depuis le diagnostic de cancer. RÉSULTATS: Soixante-cinq patientes respectaient les critères d'inclusion. Elles se caractérisaient par un âge moyen de 53 ± 11 ans (34 à 79 ans) et un indice de masse corporelle moyen de 28 ± 6 (19 à 49). La plupart des patientes ont été traitées par mastectomie (58 %) ou lumpectomie (23 %). Au moment de l'analyse rétrospective des dossiers, 29 (43 %) avaient subi une reconstruction, dont la plupart avaient été retardées (59 %). La latence moyenne entre le diagnostic de cancer et la reconstruction était de 685 ± 867 jours (plage de 28 à 3 322 jours). La latence entre le diagnostic de cancer et la reconstruction s'associait à une plus grande anticipation de la douleur (ß=0,5; ÉT=0,005; intervalle de confiance [IC] à 95 % de 0,003 à 0,027; P<0,05) et à des anticipations plus basses envers la convalescence (ß = -0,5; ÉT = 0,004; IC à 95 % de -0,021 à -0,001; P<0,05) après la reconstruction mammaire. La latence entre le diagnostic de cancer et la reconstruction était liée à une augmentation du bien-être psychosocial préopératoire (ß = 0,578; ÉT = 0,009; IC à 95 % de 0,002 à 0,046; P<0,05). CONCLUSION: Le report de la reconstruction mammaire peut avoir un effet négatif sur l'anticipation des patientes à l'égard de la douleur préopératoire et de la convalescence. Des interventions pédagogiques pour comprendre et gérer les attentes des patientes pendant la période préopératoire peuvent améliorer la qualité de vie liée à la santé et les résultats cliniques des patientes après la chirurgie initiale d'un cancer du sein.

Meta-Analyses in Plastic Surgery: Can We Trust Their Results?

BACKGROUND: Meta-analyses are common in the plastic surgery literature, but studies concerning their quality are lacking. The authors assessed the overall quality of meta-analyses in plastic surgery, and attempted to identify variables associated with scientific quality. METHODS: A systematic review of meta-analyses published in seven plastic surgery journals between 2007 and 2017 was undertaken. Publication descriptors and methodologic details were extracted. Articles were assessed using the following two instruments: A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) and AMSTAR 2. RESULTS: Seventy-four studies were included. The number of meta-analyses per year increased. Most meta-analyses assessed a single intervention (59.5 percent), and pooled a mean of 20.9 studies (range, two to 134), including a mean of 2463 patients (range, 44 to 14,884). Most meta-analyses were published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (44.6 percent) and included midlevel evidence (II to IV) primary studies. Only 16.2 percent of meta-analyses included randomized controlled trials. Meta-analyses generally reported positive (81.1 percent) and significant results (77.0 percent). Median AMSTAR score was 7 of 11 (interquartile range, 5 to 8). Higher AMSTAR scores correlated with more recent meta-analyses that provided a rationale for statistical pooling, and appropriately managed methodologic heterogeneity (r = 0.66; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Despite an increase in number and quality, meta-analyses are at high risk of bias because of the low level of evidence of included primary studies and heterogeneity within and between primary studies. Plastic surgeons should be aware of the pitfalls of conducting and interpreting meta-analyses.

Effectiveness and safety of the use of gracilis muscle for dynamic smile restoration in facial paralysis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Smiling is a fundamental component of social interactions. Significant challenges arise for patients with facial palsy. One of the key procedures for dynamic smile restoration is the microneurovascular transfer of a gracilis muscle. We aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of dynamic smile reanimation surgery using the free gracilis muscle unit in patients with facial palsy. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting surgical outcomes of dynamic smile restoration using free gracilis muscles identified from EMBASE, Medline, and Web of Science databases from their inception to March 15, 2018. Two-stage screening and data extraction were performed by two independent reviewers. Pooled proportions were calculated using random-effects models. RESULTS: Thirty-one studies including 1647 patients who underwent 1739 free gracilis flaps were included. Twelve (38.7%) studies measured perioperative smile excursion change using six different tools. Six of these studies were homogeneous and were used in meta-analyses of smile excursion improvement, which revealed a mean change of 7.5 mm (95% CI 6.0-9.0 mm, I2 86.7%) perioperatively. Twenty (64.5%) studies reported perioperative complications, and pooled proportions of flap failures were of 2.9% (95% CI 1.3-4.5%, I2 47.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Dynamic smile restoration using a free gracilis muscle may represent an effective procedure to regain oral commissure motion and is associated with an approximately 3% rate of flap failure. Masseteric nerve coaptations lead to larger improvements in perioperative smile excursion (10 mm) than cross-facial nerve grafts (6.8 mm). Future studies with homogeneous reporting of smile excursion and patient-reported outcome measures are needed.

Health Literacy Among Surgical Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Health literacy is the extent to which patients are able to understand and act upon health information. This concept is important for surgeons as their patients have to comprehend the nature, risks and benefits of surgical procedures, adhere to perioperative instructions, and make complex care decisions about interventions. Our review aimed to determine the prevalence of limited health literacy of the surgical patient population. A search of MEDLINE and EMBASE was performed from inception until January 14th 2017 for experimental and observational studies reporting surgical patients' health literacy measurement. Overall pooled proportion of surgical patients with limited health literacy was calculated using a random-effects model and methodologic quality was assessed. A total of 40 studies representing 18,895 surgical patients were included in our quantitative synthesis. Pooled estimate of limited health literacy was 31.7% (95%CI 24.7-39.2%, I2 99.0%). There was low risk of bias among the majority of the 51 studies included in the qualitative synthesis. Statistical heterogeneity could not be fully accounted for by methodologic quality or patient and surgical characteristics. However, some of the heterogeneity was accounted by measurement tool [combined proportions with the REALM and NVS of 35.6 (95%CI 31.5-39.9, I2 73.0%)]. A number of different health literacy measurement tools were used (19 overall). Our review demonstrates a high prevalence of limited health literacy among surgical patients with considerable heterogeneity. Our findings suggest the importance of recognizing and addressing surgical patients with limited health literacy and the need for standardization in measurement tools.

Comparison of Distraction Osteogenesis and Single-Stage Remodeling for Correction of Unilateral Coronal Craniosynostosis.

BACKGROUND: Unilateral coronal craniosynostosis is a challenging condition in craniofacial surgery. Frontoorbital advancement by single-stage resorbable remodeling and distraction osteogenesis (DO) techniques have known intraoperative differences, but their comparative outcomes are less well characterized. METHODS: A systematic literature search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, and Web of Science databases was conducted. The search was performed using terms related to craniosynostosis and its operative management. The primary outcome of interest was the Whitaker classification. Secondary outcomes included cranial volume or cranial index change, and infection and reoperation rates. RESULTS: A total of 6978 eligible articles were identified of which 26 met inclusion criteria. A total of 292 patients were included in the studies, with 223 undergoing a single-stage remodeling procedure (76.4%) and 69 DO procedures (23.6%). There was a trend toward patients with DO having better Whitaker aesthetic outcomes. Only 2 studies reported volumetric changes. There was a substantial difference in planned and unplanned reoperation rates but not in infection rates. CONCLUSION: The results of this systematic review suggest that the techniques have similar outcomes and complications, although there was a trend toward better Whitaker outcomes with DO procedures. Inherent to the DO technique is the need for multiple operations to both insert and remove internal hardware which may affect the overall cost effectiveness.

Visual Estimation of Dupuytren's Flexion Contractures-A Prospective Comparative Trial.

PURPOSE: Surgeons and resident physicians in a clinic setting often visually estimate Dupuytren flexion contractures of the hand to follow disease progression and decide on management. No previous study has compared visual estimates with a standardized instrument to ensure measurement reliability. METHODS: Consecutive patients consulted for Dupuytren flexion contractures of the hand had individual joint contractures estimated in degrees (°) by both a resident physician and staff surgeon. Estimates were compared with goniometer measurements to generate intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), and residents and surgeons were compared based on their accuracy. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients enrolled in this study, which provided a total of 80 hand joints for analysis. Resident physicians achieved an ICC of 0.42, which indicates poor reliability. The hand surgeon achieved an ICC of 0.86, which indicates high reliability. The surgeon also had better accuracy than the residents. CONCLUSION: Hand surgeons should be mindful of the limitations of visual estimates of Dupuytren flexion contractures, particularly when conducted by trainees. Joint angle measurements taken for the purposes of research should be done with a goniometer at minimum.

OBJECTIFS: Les chirurgiens et les résidents en milieu clinique font souvent une évaluation visuelle des contractures de Dupuytren pour suivre l'évolution de la maladie et prendre des décisions thérapeutiques. Aucune étude n'a comparé les évaluations visuelles à un instrument standardisé pour garantir la fiabilité de la mesure. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Des patients consécutifs qui avaient consulté en raison de contractures de Dupuytren avaient des contractures articulaires individuelles qu'un résident et un plasticien ont évaluées en degrés. Les auteurs ont ensuite comparé les résultats à des mesures goniométriques pour produire des coefficients de corrélation intraclasse (CCI), puis ont comparé la précision des résidents à celle des plasticiens. RÉSULTATS: Vingt-huit patients ont participé à l'étude, pour un total de 80 articulations de la main pouvant être analysées. Les résidents ont obtenu un CCI de 0,42, ce qui fait foi d'une faible fiabilité. Le plasticien de la main a obtenu un CCI de 0,86, ce qui est indicateur d'une fiabilité élevée. Les résultats du plasticien étaient également plus précis que ceux des résidents. CONCLUSION: Les plasticiens de la main devraient être conscients des limites des évaluations visuelles des contractures de Dupuytren, particulièrement lorsqu'elles sont effectuées par des stagiaires. À tout le moins, il faudrait utiliser un goniomètre pour effectuer les mesures d'angle des articulations obtenues aux fins de la recherche.

The Impact of Time of Mobilization After Split Thickness Skin Graft on Lower Extremity Wound Healing-Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Systematic Review registration: : Prospero CRD42017070990.

Comparing the thoracodorsal and internal mammary vessels as recipients for microsurgical autologous breast reconstruction: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Our aim was to determine whether the thoracodorsal (Td) vessels have comparable clinical outcomes to the internal mammary (IM) vessels as recipients for autologous free tissue transfer for breast reconstruction. METHODS: Systematic searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and World of Science from inception to June 2016 were performed by two independent reviewers. Studies that included adult females undergoing autologous free tissue transfer for breast reconstruction were selected. The two comparison groups were the use of IM or Td as recipient vessels. Our primary outcome was rate of flap survival. We assessed the methodologic quality of included studies using the JADAD and MINOR scales. RESULTS: A total of 1897 patients underwent 2644 free abdominal flap tissue transfer in the 10 articles that were included in our analysis. There was one randomized controlled study (Jadad score 2/5) and 9 nonrandomized controlled studies (MINORS scores 11-19/24). There was no difference between the uses of either vessel in terms of flap loss (1.18; 95% CI 0.71-1.95). Complication rate among the IM vessels ranged from 5 to 12%, compared with 3.4-12% among Td vessels. Hematoma and seroma rates were variable. Fat necrosis was higher with Td vessels in two studies. Performing Td vessels anastomosis was associated with shorter operative time and higher risk of encountering unusable vessel. CONCLUSION: Both recipient vessels are safe, reliable and demonstrate equivocal results in the absence of contraindications. Utilizing either as a first-line vessel is reasonable, depending on surgeons' preference or certain clinical scenarios. QUESTION: Therapeutic, Level of evidence: III.

Night Orthosis After Surgical Correction of Dupuytren Contractures: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: To determine the role of night orthosis use after surgical correction of Dupuytren contracture. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, OTSeeker, and CENTRAL for articles published from inception of the databases to August 2015. Assessment was undertaken by 2 independent reviewers (O.A.S. and S.A.). Methodological quality of randomized controlled trials was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa instrument. RESULTS: Seven studies met the standard for inclusion in this review. A total of 659 patients across these 7 studies were included in the analysis, with follow-up ranging from 3 to 72 months. None of the included studies assessed recurrence. The analysis revealed no significant improvement in range of motion of hand joints for patients who received a static night orthosis after Dupuytren surgery compared with patients without an orthosis. Similarly, no differences were found in patient-reported functional status across the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: The current literature does not appear to support the use of static night orthosis in addition to hand therapy after surgical correction of Dupuytren contracture. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Sensory outcomes following brachial plexus birth palsy: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP) affects approximately 1.5 in 1000 live births and can lead to significant functional impairment and reduced quality of life. To date, studies have focused on grading motor function and strength to assess patient outcomes, with less attention paid to sensory recovery. The authors aimed to systematically review the current literature on sensory outcomes following BPBP. METHODS: A systematic review of the best evidence available assessing sensory outcomes following BPBP was conducted. Two independent reviewers used a predefined search strategy to query Cochrane, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases. Articles written in English reporting sensory outcomes in patients with BPBP, such as tactile sensation, pain, and proprioception, were included for review. A kappa score was calculated to ensure reviewer agreement. RESULTS: Twenty-nine reports with 1647 cases were included. Tactile sensation was most frequently assessed (75.9%), followed by pain (44.8%) and proprioception (17.2%). Among all cases included in the analysis, 75.8% of articles were found to have patients with suboptimal results in sensory outcomes. The majority of articles (86.2%) were case series or case reports; no level 1 or 2 evidence studies were identified. CONCLUSION: Sensory outcomes are underreported following BPBP, and significant deficits and neuropathic pain are not uncommon and likely underappreciated in this patient population. The current report underscores the need for prospective studies that look beyond motor recovery alone and evaluate sensory outcomes following BPBP.