K-wire Fixation of Closed Hand Fractures Outside the Main Operating Room Does Not Increase Infections.

Closed reduction and internal fixation (CRIF) of closed hand fractures in the main operating room (OR) is much more expensive than outside of the OR. However, there is a reluctance to fix fractures out of the OR due to the perceived increase in infections. Our goal was to prospectively analyze the infection rates of performing CRIF of closed metacarpal and phalangeal fractures in these two settings. Methods: A multicenter prospective analysis of patients undergoing CRIF of metacarpal or phalangeal fractures inside or outside the OR was performed. Demographic data, injury characteristics, surgery information and postoperative infectious complications were recorded, including cellulitis, frank pus, and osteomyelitis. Results: The study involved 1042 patients with a total of 2265 Kirschner-wires (K-wires). Infection rates were not statistically higher in the 719 patients who had CRIF outside of the OR (cellulitis 2.5%, frank pus 1.4%) compared with the 323 patients with CRIF in the OR group (cellulitis 3.4%, frank pus 2.5%). The OR group had a longer time to operation and a longer procedure time, but a shorter time with the K-wires in place. Conclusion: K-wire fixation of closed hand fractures outside of the OR under field sterility is safe because it does not increase infectious complications compared to CRIF in the main OR under full sterility.

Axilla versus Wrist as the Recipient Site in Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer for Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Vascularized lymph node transfers (VLNT) are being used with increasing frequency for the treatment of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). However, there is a lack of consensus in the surgical field as to which recipient site should be utilized. We, therefore, aim to assess the evidence comparing the wrist and axilla as recipient sites for VLNT in BCRL. METHODS: We conducted a systematic literature review to compare the wrist and axilla as recipient sites for VLNT in BCRL. Demographic data, as well as circumference reduction rate (CRR), excess volume reduction (EVR), postoperative decrease in infections per year, postoperative discontinuation of compression garments, and overall pooled complication rate were extracted from included studies. These were compared through a meta-analysis. RESULTS: A total of 37 studies met the inclusion criteria for a total of 689 patients. VLNTs to the wrist and axilla resulted in a decrease in CRR of 42.1 and 51.5%, and a decrease in EVR of 35.6 and 48.8%, respectively. However, our meta-analysis showed no significant differences between CRR or EVR and between wrist and axilla as recipient sites. Similarly, we found no differences in postoperative decrease in infections per year, postoperative discontinuation of compression garments, and overall pooled complication rate. CONCLUSION: These data suggest noninferiority between the wrist and axilla as recipient sites for VLNT in the context of BCRL. In the absence of randomized, prospective data, we hope these results can be used as an evidence-based reference and facilitate future studies.

Pyrocarbon Arthroplasty Implants in the Upper Extremity: A Systematic Review of Outcomes and Pooled Analysis of Complications.

BACKGROUND: Growing use of pyrocarbon implants in upper extremity arthroplasty has culminated in a breadth of literature ascertaining outcomes and complications at long-term follow-up. However, at present, the literature remains devoid of studies synthesizing the available evidence for upper extremity surgeons to adequately assess the safety and utility of these implants relative to other available options. METHODS: A systematic search of the National Library of Medicine, MEDLINE, and Embase databases was performed to determine clinical outcomes and complication and reoperation rates following pyrocarbon arthroplasties in the upper extremity. A breakdown of complication and reoperation rates for each independent joint (shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand joints), and according to specific causes necessitating surgery, was also compiled. RESULTS: A comprehensive summary of functional outcomes following upper extremity pyrocarbon arthroplasties is presented. Overall complication and reoperation rates in the hand and wrist were determined to be 28.2 percent and 17 percent, respectively. The proximal interphalangeal joint was associated with the highest complication rate (42.7 percent), followed by carpometacarpal joint (18.8 percent), metacarpophalangeal joint (17.6 percent), wrist (16 percent), elbow (15.7 percent), and shoulder (12.9 percent). In the hand and wrist, major complications included dislocations and subluxations (8.4 percent), stiffness and limited motion (4.4 percent), deformity (3.1 percent), hardware failure (1.9 percent), fractures (1.7 percent), persistent pain (1.7 percent), and infections (0.9 percent). CONCLUSION: In the absence of large clinical trials, systematic reviews such as these can help inform clinical guidelines and provide practitioners with an evidence-based reference to improve informed consent.

The ideal flap for reconstruction of circumferential pharyngeal defects: A systematic review and meta-analysis of surgical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of consensus regarding the superiority of the common free flaps for the reconstruction of circumferential pharyngeal defects. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted to identify studies reporting the complications of circumferential pharyngeal reconstruction between 2005 and 2020. Anterolateral thigh free flaps (ALTFF), jejunal free flaps (JFF), and radial forearm free flaps (RFFF) were compared. Various complications were compared by meta-analysis. Primary endpoints were fistula and stricture rates. RESULTS: Forty studies were included (2230 patients). Stricture rate was similarly low with tubed ALTFF (13.3%, n = 36/270) and JFF (13.2%, n = 176/1334). Fistula rate was the lowest with JFF (9.2%, n = 58/634). ALTFF was associated with the lowest rates of partial and complete flap failure (3.8%, n = 6/157, and 2.8%, n = 5/178), infection (2.8%, n = 3/106), donor site morbidity (3.9%, n = 5/130), and mortality (0%, n = 0/101) within 30 days. A meta-analysis demonstrated that there was no statistically significant difference in stricture and fistula rates between ALTFF and JFF. Moreover, JFF was associated with a significantly lower fistula rate than that of RFFF (p < 0.001). ALTFF was associated with a significantly lower infection rate than that of JFF (p = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest the use of ALTFF for circumferential pharyngeal defects. In the absence of randomized, prospective data, the authors hope the results presented can be used as an evidence-based reference.

Spontaneous necrosis of a single digit: watershed necrosis.

Anatomical variations in the superficial and deep palmar arches are common, but rarely lead to digital necrosis. We report the case of necrosis of the third digit caused by a 'watershed' effect in the context of atherosclerotic disease and rare congenital variations of the superficial and deep palmar arches.

A National Survey to Assess the Population's Perception of Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma and Breast Implant Illness.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to gauge the public's general perception of breast implants, levels of concern, spontaneous word associations, and misperceptions that might need to be addressed by plastic surgeons regarding breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) and breast implant illness (BII). METHODS: An anonymous survey was completed by a total of 979 female participants in the United States by means of Amazon Mechanical Turk. RESULTS: Over 91 percent of participants indicated that they had never heard the term BIA-ALCL. Of the respondents who were aware of the term, 37.21 percent reported being moderately or extremely concerned about BIA-ALCL and 85.4 percent were less likely to recommend breast implants to a friend. Awareness of BII was significantly higher at 50.9 percent, whereas almost 40 percent of participants reported being either moderately or extremely concerned about BII. Over 78 percent of participants were less likely to recommend breast implants to a friend because of BII. The most common word association with BII was "pain," followed by "cancer." The terms "cancer" and "scary" were the two most common word associations with BIA-ALCL. A significant overlap in word associations was observed between BIA-ALCL and BII, potentially representing a lack of distinction between the two terms. The survey demonstrated a paucity of important knowledge within the general population; notably, 71 percent of respondents who were not aware that, to date, only textured implants/expanders were associated with BIA-ALCL. CONCLUSION: These findings support the need for further targeted awareness to remedy existing misperceptions and fill the knowledge gaps relating to BII and BIA-ALCL.

Breast Implant-associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma: A Canadian Surgical Oncology Survey.

BACKGROUND: Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) awareness has increased, resulting in concerns regarding the safety of implant-based reconstruction. Breast cancer patients are first seen by surgical oncologists, who are therefore potentially the first health-care professionals to encounter concerns regarding BIA-ALCL. We therefore surveyed surgical oncologists on their understanding of BIA-ALCL to better assess potential effects on plastic surgery practice. METHODS: An anonymous web-based survey consisting of 9 multiple-choice questions was sent to breast surgical oncologists that are members of the Canadian Society of Surgical Oncology (n = 135). RESULTS: Forty-two members responded (n = 42/135, 31%) and all participants were aware of BIA-ALCL. All participants reported that BIA-ALCL has not deterred them from referring patients for implant-based reconstruction. Twenty-two respondents (52%) discuss BIA-ALCL with their patients and 21% (n = 9) believe that BIA-ALCL typically follows a metastatic course. Eight respondents (19%) reported having a poor understanding of BIA-ALCL, while 14% (n = 6) were unable to identify the link to textured implants. There were no statistical differences based on case-load volume. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately half of the respondent Canadian breast surgical oncologists discuss BIA-ALCL with their patients, yet there is a knowledge gap in terms of the epidemiology and clinical-pathological course of BIA-ALCL. It is of utmost importance to ensure that the plastic surgery community aims at including surgical oncologist colleagues in educational platforms regarding BIA-ALCL to ensure collaboration and unity in an effort to offer the most accurate information to patients, and prevent misinformation that may deter patients from seeking implant-based reconstruction.

Perception of Implants among Breast Reconstruction Patients in Montreal.

BACKGROUND: In light of the recent surge of media coverage and social media influence regarding breast implants, it is essential to understand patients' concerns and misconceptions so that we can better serve them. METHODS: The authors designed a survey study for assessing the awareness and perception of patients toward breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) and breast implant illness (BII). In total, 130 patients presenting to the senior author's breast reconstruction clinic completed the survey. The survey assessed patients' knowledge on and their perception of BIA-ALCL and BII. RESULTS: "News article" and "Television" were most often selected as sources of information for BIA-ALCL (21% and 20%, respectively) and BII (20% and 25%, respectively). A total of 100 patients (77%) had previous knowledge of BIA-ALCL. Forty-seven percent (n = 47/100) responded that they were unsure of the fate of a person diagnosed with BIA-ALCL, and 25% (n = 25/100) were unaware of the association between BIA-ALCL and specific implant type. Patients who were unaware of BIA-ALCL prognosis reported being less likely to receive breast implants in the future (P = 0.012, χ2 = 19.48). Eighty-nine patients (68%) had previous knowledge of BII. A total of 60 symptoms were mentioned by patients, with "Fatigue" (12%, n = 26) being cited the most often. CONCLUSIONS: The present survey highlights the importance for plastic surgeons to frequently discuss these entities with their patients. This should be done despite the obscurity of BII, in an effort to offer the best available evidence to our patients.

COVID-19 pandemic and medical education: A medical student's perspective.

The specific impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on medical education remains elusive and evolving. Clinical teaching opportunities have become limited with the shift in focus of supervising physicians away from trainees and towards the care of the sick and vulnerable. The presence of medical students in hospitals has come to represent an added strain on vital resources, and the added risk of viral dissemination into communities has left medical students eager to help observing from only the sidelines. The present article provides a medical student's perspective on this unique, evolving situation, and identifies several learning opportunities that medical students may reflect upon and carry forth into their careers ahead. By exploring the current and future impact of this pandemic on clerkship, pre-clerkship and post-graduate medical training, specific challenges and future direction for both medical students and educators are discussed.

L'impact précis de la pandémie de la COVID-19 sur la formation en médecine reste insaisissable et en constante évolution. Les opportunités d'enseignement clinique sont devenues limitées étant donné le changement de priorité demandé aux médecins enseignants, les éloignant de la supervision des étudiants pour se concentrer aux soins des malades et des personnes vulnérables. La présence d'étudiants en médecine dans les hôpitaux représente une pression accrue sur les ressources essentielles et ajoute un risque de propagation du virus dans les collectivités. Par conséquent, les étudiants en médecine qui sont prêts à apporter leur aide ne peuvent qu'observer de loin. Le présent article explique la perspective d'un étudiant en médecine sur cette situation sans précédent et toujours en évolution et identifie les plusieurs opportunités d'apprentissage auxquelles les étudiants en médecine peuvent réfléchir et retenir pour leur future carrière. Il traite également de l'impact actuel et futur de cette pandémie sur l'externat, le préexternat et la formation médicale post-doctorale, de défis particuliers et desorientations futures pour les étudiants en médecine et des éducateurs.

Trapezoidal fractures: Overview and introduction of a novel diagnostic classification system.

INTRODUCTION: Trapezoidal fractures account for only 0.4% of all carpal bone fractures. Owing to their rarity, there is paucity in the literature regarding the clinical findings and treatment. This paper aims to summarize the current understanding of trapezoidal fractures and present a novel classification algorithm. METHODS: A diagnostic classification algorithm was created based on the known blood supply and ligamentous attachment of the trapezoid. The proposed treatment algorithm was then applied to trapezoidal fractures in the literature to validate the algorithm and determine whether patients received treatment that was in accordance. RESULTS: A total of 19 articles, representing 22 trapezoidal fractures were included, with two additional cases presented by the authors. Presenting symptoms were pain (n = 21) and swelling (n = 12). Diagnosis was made on CT in a majority of the time, 79.2% (n = 18). All outcomes were favorable with symptomatic resolution and full range of motion after treatment, except in four patients that had co-existing wrist injuries. When the algorithm was applied, 89.5% (n = 17) of the patients received treatment in accordance with the proposed algorithm and demonstrated good outcomes. In the remaining patients (n = 2) whose treatment differed, one had diminished grip strength and the other was lost to follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Given a degree of clinical suspicion including a history of blunt trauma to the hand and persisting pain, trapezoidal fractures should remain on the differential when plain radiographs fail to identify any fracture. Operative treatment is suggested if there is any significant displacement, compromise of the dorsal surface, or breech of the trapezoidal ligaments causing possible dislocation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV - Diagnostic.

Operative Time as the Predominant Risk Factor for Transfusion Requirements in Nonsyndromic Craniosynostosis Repair.

Despite recent advances in surgical, anesthetic, and safety protocols in the management of nonsyndromic craniosynostosis (NSC), significant rates of intraoperative blood loss continue to be reported by multiple centers. The purpose of the current study was to examine our center's experience with the surgical correction of NSC in an effort to determine independent risk factors of transfusion requirements. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of patients with NSC undergoing surgical correction at the Montreal Children's Hospital was carried out. Baseline characteristics and perioperative complications were compared between patients receiving and not receiving transfusions and between those receiving a transfusion in excess or <25 cc/kg. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to determine independent predictors of transfusion requirements. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients met our inclusion criteria with a mean transfusion requirement of 29.6 cc/kg. Eighty-seven patients (87%) required a transfusion, and 45 patients (45%) required a significant (>25 cc/kg) intraoperative transfusion. Regression analysis revealed that increasing length of surgery was the main determinant for intraoperative (P = 0.008; odds ratio, 18.48; 95% CI, 2.14-159.36) and significant (>25 cc/kg) intraoperative (P = 0.004; odds ratio, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.23-3.07) transfusions. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest increasing operative time as the predominant risk factor for intraoperative transfusion requirements. We encourage craniofacial surgeons to consider techniques to streamline the delivery of their selected procedure, in an effort to reduce operative time while minimizing the need for transfusion.

A comparison of delayed versus immediate reconstruction following lower-extremity sarcoma resection.

BACKGROUND: Identifying patients who may be at high risk for wound complications postsarcoma resection and reconstruction is essential for improving functional outcomes and quality of life. Currently, the effect of timing on sarcoma reconstruction has been poorly investigated. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of delayed and immediate reconstruction in the setting of sarcoma resection requiring flap reconstruction in the lower extremity. METHODS: A retrospective review of the senior author's sarcoma reconstruction patients from January 2005 to July 2017 was completed. All patients undergoing flap reconstruction of the lower extremity were included. Complications in the early postoperative period were compared between delayed and immediate reconstructive procedures. RESULTS: A total of 32 patients (7 delayed, 25 immediate) were included in this study. There was a significantly increased rate of overall complications (100% vs. 28.0%, P=0.001) and rate of hematomas (28.6% vs. 0.0%, P=0.042) in the delayed reconstruction group. Other complications including dehiscence, seroma, infection, venous thrombosis, and total/partial flap loss were also increased in the delayed reconstruction group, but this was not considered to be significant. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that delayed reconstruction following sarcoma resection of the lower extremity had a higher incidence of overall complications and hematoma formation. We emphasize the importance of early plastic and reconstructive surgeon referral and the necessity to closely monitor delayed reconstruction patients for complications.

Complications of tissue expansion in the head and neck.

BACKGROUND: The authors aim to present a comprehensive review detailing the present state of evidence with regard to complications following tissue expansion in the head and neck. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted to identify all studies reporting complications of tissue expansion in the head and neck between 2000 and 2019. Subgroup comparisons based on expander locations and planes were conducted. RESULTS: A total of 7058 patients were included. Tissue expansion was associated with an overall complication rate of 8.73% (616/7058). The most common complications were extrusion (207/7009; 3.0%) and hematoma (200/7009; 2.9%). Overall complications were highest in the scalp (65/238; 27.3%) and lowest in the mastoid (347/5688; 6.1%). Complications were more common with expansion in the non-subcutaneous plane (63/590; 10.7%). CONCLUSION: In the absence of large clinical trials, systematic reviews such as these can help inform clinical guidelines and provide practitioners with an evidence-based reference to improve informed consent.

Management of Pediatric Mandibular Fractures Using Resorbable Plates.

INTRODUCTION: Despite there being several clinical studies reporting promising outcomes of resorbable plates for fixation of pediatric mandible fractures, the literature is devoid of large studies or comprehensive reviews assessing safety rates, complications and long-term outcomes. The purpose of the current review is to obtain a global consensus, shed light on efficacy and complications, and provide the reader with evidence-based data to help guide clinical management. METHODS: A systematic review of clinical studies assessing outcomes for resorbable plates in pediatric mandibular fractures was carried out. The main outcomes included infection, hardware failure, hardware exposure, malocclusion, reoperation and nonunion. Overall rates were pooled and stratified by fracture and implant type. RESULTS: Ten studies were included yielding 232 patients with 269 fractures. The mean age at surgery was 8.24 years with a mean follow up of 1.03 years. The overall complication rate was 5.2% (n = 12). Complications included infection (n = 4, 1.7%), hardware exposure (n = 3, 1.29%), wound dehiscence (n = 2, .86%) and intra-oral fistula formation (n = 2, .86%). One patient (0.43%) had malocclusion and none (0%) had hardware failure, nonunion or revision surgery. Patients with multiple fractures (≥ 2) had higher complication rates compared to isolated fractures (12.5% versus 1.7%). CONCLUSION: The use of resorbable plates for pediatric mandibular fractures is a viable option with similar rates of post-operative complications and outcomes compared to standard metallic counterparts. In the absence of large studies or systematic reviews, this study provides craniofacial surgeons with an evidence-based reference to guide decision making and improve informed consent.

Resorbable Implants for Mandibular Fracture Fixation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Mandibular fractures in adults commonly require rigid fixation to ensure proper occlusion while minimizing infection risks. Numerous centers have assessed the efficacy of resorbable materials as a potential alternative to metallic plates. The purpose of the current systematic review and meta-analysis is to shed light on overall outcomes for resorbable implants and to compare these results to those for metallic counterparts. METHODS: A systematic review of clinical studies reporting outcomes for resorbable plates for mandible fractures was carried out. The reported outcomes were hardware failure/exposure, infection, wound dehiscence, reoperation, malocclusion, and nonunion. The results were pooled descriptively and stratified according to fracture and implant type. A subset meta-analysis of prospective studies comparing metallic and resorbable implants was also carried out. RESULTS: Eighteen studies were included for a total of 455 patients managed with resorbable implants (mean follow-up, 8.95 months) with an overall complication rate of 19.8 % (n = 90/455). Infection (n = 31/455, 6.8%) and wound dehiscence (n = 28/455, 6.2%) were the most common complications. Nonunion occurred in 1.1% (n = 5/455) of patients. Seven studies were included in a meta-analysis, and the rates of adverse events in the resorbable and metallic groups were 18.0% (n = 32/178) and 18.3% (n = 33/180), respectively, with no statistically significant difference between both cohorts (95% CI 0.58, 1.82, P = 0.93). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that there are no statistical differences in outcomes for patients with mandible fractures managed with resorbable or metallic implants. In the absence of meta-analyses or large randomized controlled trials, the current study provides surgeons with an evidence-based reference to guide decision-making.

A Review of Wound Infusion With Local Anesthetics in Plastic Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Suboptimal pain management is a common, yet largely unrecognized, problem in the postsurgical patient population. Current treatment protocols heavily rely on opioid use and, though generally effective in providing pain relief, are associated with multiple side effects. The present systematic review aims to offer plastic surgeons insight into the current state of literature on prolonged local anesthetic wound infusion regimens, evaluating both their efficacy in lowering pain scores and the potential opioid-sparing effect. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search of the Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases was performed to identify relevant studies published between 1980 and December 2017 evaluating the use of prolonged local anesthetic wound infusion for postoperative pain management in plastic surgery. RESULTS: A total of 28 articles were selected, including 3904 patients. The overall infection rate in all patients treated with postsurgical local anesthetic wound infiltration was 0.28% (7/2536). There were no reported cases of systemic toxicity. An opioid-sparing effect was found in 92% (12/13) of studies when compared to an active comparator and 88% (7/8) of those comparing to placebo. Pain scores were decreased in 90% (9/10) of studies comparing wound infiltration to narcotic-based regimens and in 67% (6/9) of those comparing to placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous or intermittent wound infusion is safe and effective in reducing pain scores and opioid consumption in plastic surgery. Though the overall pain-lowering effect appears to be modest, ease of catheter insertion and patient satisfaction make this technique an alluring alternative to more validated approaches such as neuraxial or peripheral nerve blocks.

Spontaneous Osteogenesis of a Traumatic Mandibular Defect in the Pediatric Population.

Spontaneous osteogenesis of traumatic mandibular defects in the pediatric population remains a relatively rare phenomenon with only 2 patients reported in the literature. In the adult population, a low threshold exists for bone graft placement in the presence of small mandibular gaps, with no role for spontaneous osteogenesis in significant mandibular defects. The approach to traumatic mandibular defects in the pediatric population is not clearly described in the literature and the risks and benefits associated with donor site morbidity of bone graft harvest must be tempered by the possibility for potential spontaneous osteogenesis. The present study reports 1 such patient in whom a significant mandibular defect healed by means of rigid fixation of the defect and spontaneous osteogenesis, with no functional or esthetic sequelae at long-term follow-up. A review of the pertinent literature was performed, and the authors' approach is discussed. The authors propose that traumatic mandibular defects of < 3 cm in patients under the age of 10 years should be considered for treatment with rigid internal fixation alone and spontaneous osteogenesis.