Conversion Rate of Abstracts Presented at Plastic Surgery The Meeting From 2010 to 2019: A 10-Year Analysis of Factors for Success.

BACKGROUND: Presentations are an important means of knowledge generation. Publication of these studies is important for dissemination of findings beyond meeting attendees. We analyzed a 10-year sample of presented abstracts at Plastic Surgery The Meeting and describe factors that improve rate and speed of conversion to peer-reviewed publication. METHODS: Abstracts presented between 2010 and 2019 at Plastic Surgery The Meeting were sourced from the American Society of Plastic Surgery Abstract Archive. A random sample of 100 abstracts from each year was evaluated. Abstract information and demographics were recorded. The title or author and keywords of each abstract were searched using a standardized workflow to find a corresponding published paper on PubMed, Google Scholar, and Google. Data were analyzed for trends and factors affecting conversion rate. RESULTS: A total of 983 presented abstracts were included. The conversion rate was 54.1%. Residents and fellows constituted the largest proportion of presenters (38.4%). There was a significant increase in medical student and research fellow presenters during the study period (P < 0.001). Conversion rate was not affected by the research rank of a presenter's affiliated institution (ß = 1.001, P = 0.89), geographic location (P = 0.60), or subspecialty tract (P = 0.73). US academics had a higher conversion rate (61.8%) than US nonacademics (32.7%) or international presenters (47.1%) (P < 0.001). Medical students had the highest conversion rate (65.6%); attendings had the lowest (45.0%). Research fellows had the lowest average time to publication (11.6 months, P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Lower levels of training, factors associated with increased institution-level support, and research quality affect rate and time to publication. These findings highlight the success of current models featuring medical student and research fellow-led projects with strong resident and faculty mentorship.

Understanding diabetic cheiroarthropathy: a focus on clinical presentation.

Diabetic cheiroarthropathy (DCA) is a relatively uncommon and underdiagnosed complication of poorly controlled diabetes. It is caused by non-enzymatic glycation of collagen that ultimately leads to microvascular damage and polyarticular stiffness. If diagnosed early, optimal management of serum glucose levels may lessen joint stiffness and prevent microvascular and macrovascular complications associated with diabetes mellitus. We review the case of a 55-year-old male with type 2 diabetes mellitus who was diagnosed with DCA after complaints of chronic joint stiffness and immobility.

The Impact of a Centralized Plastic Surgery Research Infrastructure on Scholarly Productivity and Output.

Although research and innovation is a key within the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery, the impact of team structure, interpersonal dynamics, and/or standardized infrastructure on scholarly output has been infrequently studied. In this work, we present the formation and implementation of a novel plastic surgery research program that aims to unite previously disparate clinical and translational research efforts at our institution to facilitate critical inquiry. From July 2022 to June 2023, our department launched a pilot research program based on three pillars: (1) formalization of a research curriculum (monthly research meetings for agenda setting and discussion for project honing, formal research leadership for meeting facilitation and workflow regulation), (2) development of a centralized database to compile ongoing research (Google Drive repository to house all ongoing research documents, facilitate real-time editing, and provide resources/templates for assisting in the research process), and (3) bolstering of a core research identity built on mentorship and collaboration (more frequent interactions to shift previously siloed faculty-student mentorship into a robust milieu of intercollaboration). During the first year, we saw an increased number of publications and presentations, as well as robust participation and contribution from faculty, residents, and medical students. Future directions will focus on addressing resource limitation, such as project idea availability and funding, to sustain the success and growth of this novel research infrastructure.

The Impact of Venous Reconstruction on Finger Replantation Success Rates Based on Level of Injury.

PURPOSE: The requirement for anatomic venous reconstruction in digit replantation is an ongoing area of research. In this study, we evaluated our institutional experience to study whether replantation success is affected by the presence or absence of vein repair, stratified by the level of injury. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed at an urban, level-1 trauma center of all single-digit replantations performed in adults from 2012 to 2021. Patient demographics, injury mechanism, level of injury, whether a vein was repaired, and replant survival were recorded. RESULTS: Sixty-seven single replanted digits were included. Patients were, on average, 38 years old, and 94% were men. The most common mechanism of injury was a sharp laceration (81%). The overall survival rates for all replantations were 68.7% (46/67) and 60% (12/20) for distal finger replantation. Patients with digital replantations at Tamai zone III or more proximal exhibited a 1.8 times increase in survival rates when one vein was repaired versus zero veins (84.4% vs 46.7%). Patients with digital replantations at Tamai zones I and II exhibited similar survival rates. CONCLUSIONS: Replantations at or proximal to the middle phalanx should be repaired with at least one artery and vein to maximize the chance for success. However, for distal finger replantations, artery-only replantation is a viable option when vein anastomosis is not achievable. TYPO OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Infection Management for the Hand Surgeon.

Infections of the upper extremity can be challenging to diagnose and treat because of the complex anatomy and range of offending pathogens. Early recognition of infections that require an emergent surgical intervention, such as necrotizing fasciitis and septic joints, is imperative for good clinical outcomes. In addition, prompt diagnosis and intervention for deep closed space infections, such as deep abscesses or flexor tenosynovitis, is necessary to avoid chronic pain and dysfunction. Complicating factors such as underlying osteomyelitis, atypical pathogens, and immunocompromised states of patients should always be considered when treating upper-extremity infections.

Evaluation of microMend wound closure device in repairing skin lacerations.

BACKGROUND: microMend, a novel microstaple skin closure device, may be able to close simple lacerations. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of using microMend to close these wounds in the ED. METHODS: This was an open-label, single-arm clinical study conducted at two EDs within a large urban academic medical centre. Wounds closed with microMend underwent assessments performed at days 0, 7, 30 and 90. Photographs of treated wounds were rated by two plastic surgeons using a 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS) and a wound evaluation scale (WES), which has a best possible score of 6. Participants rated pain during application and both participants and providers rated their satisfaction with the device. RESULTS: Thirty-one participants were enrolled in the study: 48% were female and the mean age of participants was 45.6 (95% CI 39.1 to 52.1). The mean wound length was 2.35 cm (95% CI 1.77 to 2.92), with a range of 1-10 cm. Mean VAS and WES scores at day 90 as evaluated by two plastic surgeons were 84.1 mm (95% CI 80.2 to 87.9) and 4.91 (95% CI 4.54 to 5.29), respectively. The mean pain score with application of the devices was 7.28 mm (95% CI 2.88 to 11.68) on a scale of 0-100 mm using VAS. Local anaesthesia was used in 9 patients (29%, 95% CI 20.7 to 37.3) of participants (of whom 5 required deep sutures). Ninety per cent (90%) of participants rated their overall assessment of the device as excellent (74%) or good (16%) at day 90. There were no serious adverse events in any participants in the study. CONCLUSION: microMend appears to be an acceptable alternative for closing skin lacerations in the ED, providing good cosmetic results, with high levels of satisfaction by patients and providers. Randomised trials are needed to compare microMend with other wound closure products. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03830515.

Limited Flexor Sheath Incision and Drainage in the Emergency Department in the Management of Early Pyogenic Flexor Tenosynovitis.

BACKGROUND: Pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis (PFT) has been considered a surgical emergency. Varying operative approaches have been described, but there are limited data on the method, safety, and efficacy of nonoperative or bedside management. We present a case series where patients with early flexor tenosynovitis are managed using a limited flexor sheath incision and drainage (I&D) in the emergency department (ED) to both confirm purulence within the flexor sheath and as definitive treatment. METHODS: A retrospective study of all patients clinically diagnosed in the ED with flexor tenosynovitis at our institution from 2012 to 2019 was performed. Patients with frank purulence on examination were taken emergently to the operating room (OR). Patients with equivocal findings underwent limited flexor sheath I&D in the ED. Safety and efficacy were studied for patients with early flexor tenosynovitis managed with this treatment approach. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients met the inclusion criteria. Ten patients underwent direct OR I&D, and 24 patients underwent ED I&D. In the ED I&D group, 96% (24 of 25) of patients did not have frank purulence in the flexor sheath and were managed with bedside drainage alone. There were no procedural complications and no need for repeat operative intervention. Time to intervention (3.1 hours vs 8.4 hours) was significantly shorter for the ED I&D group compared with the OR I&D group. Within the ED I&D group, 86% of patients exhibited good/excellent functional scores. CONCLUSIONS: Limited flexor sheath I&D in the ED provides a potential safe and effective way to manage patients with early flexor tenosynovitis.

Practical Management of Lumps and Bumps of the Fingers, Hand, and Wrist.

BACKGROUND: Primary care physicians encounter many patients who present with lumps and bumps on their fingers, hands, and wrists. Some benign lesions including ganglion cysts, epidermal inclusion cysts, and giant cell tumors of the tendon sheath that are benign and can be managed by primary care clinicians most of the time in an outpatient setting. METHODS: We conducted a narrative of review of literature on the clinical presentation, diagnosis, prognosis, and management of common types of lumps and bumps found on the fingers, hand, and wrist. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the literature review and our clinical practice, we provide indications for referral to plastic surgeons or other specialists for these lesions.

Practical Management of Lumps and Bumps of the Fingers, Hand, and Wrist.

BACKGROUND: Primary care physicians encounter many patients who present with lumps and bumps on their fingers, hands, and wrists. Some benign lesions including ganglion cysts, epidermal inclusion cysts, and giant cell tumors of the tendon sheath that are benign and can be managed by primary care clinicians most of the time in an outpatient setting. METHODS: We conducted a narrative of review of literature on the clinical presentation, diagnosis, prognosis, and management of common types of lumps and bumps found on the fingers, hand, and wrist. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the literature review and our clinical practice, we provide indications for referral to plastic surgeons or other specialists for these lesions.

Rethinking the Need for Nail Plate Removal: A Comparison of the Risks Between Standard Nail Bed Repair and Nonoperative Management.

PURPOSE: Nail bed injuries are commonly treated with nail plate removal and repair due to concern for future nail deformity. There is controversy whether this is necessary. We compared the outcomes for adult patients with simple nail bed lacerations who underwent either formal nail bed repair or nonoperative management. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed of adult patients with nail bed lacerations from 2012 to 2019. Nail bed lacerations were diagnosed in patients with fingertip injuries resulting in subungual hematoma greater than 50% or in any subungual hematoma in the setting of a distal phalanx fracture. All patients included had an intact nail plate. Patients were treated with nail bed laceration repair or nonoperatively without nail plate removal. The primary outcome was the development of a nail deformity. Secondary outcomes included infection, fracture nonunion, and patient-reported functional outcomes using the quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients with nail bed lacerations were treated nonoperatively, and 40 patients were treated with nail bed repair. The average follow-up time was 4.5 weeks in the office. In addition, 1-year evaluation of patients was performed through telephone interview. The patients in the nonoperative group exhibited no statistically significant difference in the calculated risk for nail deformities compared with the nail bed repair group (13% vs 23%, relative risk = 0.58, P = 0.40, 95% confidence interval = 0.42-1.25). There were no significant differences in secondary outcomes or quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores between groups. CONCLUSIONS: The authors observed no meaningful difference in the rate of nail deformities in adult patients who underwent nail bed repair compared with those managed nonoperatively.

Exogenous pulmonary surfactant in COVID-19 ARDS. The similarities to neonatal RDS suggest a new scenario for an 'old' strategy.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) related to SARS-CoV-2 infection has some unusual characteristics that differentiate it from the pathophysiology described in the more 'typical' ARDS. Among multiple hypotheses, a close similarity has been suggested between COVID-19 ARDS and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). With this opinion paper, we investigated the pathophysiological similarities between infant respiratory diseases (RDS and direct neonatal ARDS (NARDS)) and COVID-19 in adults. We also analysed, for the first time, similarities in the response to exogenous surfactant administration in terms of improved static compliance in RDS and direct NARDS, and adult COVID-19 ARDS. In conclusion, we believe that if the pathological processes are similar both from the pathophysiological point of view and from the response in respiratory mechanics to a recruitment treatment such as surfactant, perhaps the latter could be considered a plausible option and lead to recruitment in clinical trials currently ongoing on patients with COVID-19.

3D Printed N-95 Masks During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Lessons Learned.

Early in 2020, the pandemic resulted in an enormous demand for personal protective equipment (PPE), which consists of face masks, face shields, respirators, and gowns. At our institution, at the request of hospital administration, the Lifespan 3D Printing Laboratory spearheaded an initiative to produce reusable N95 masks for use in the hospital setting. Through this article, we seek to detail our experience designing and 3D printing an N95 mask, highlighting the most important lessons learned throughout the process. Foremost among these, we were successful in producing a non-commercial N95 alternative mask which could be used in an era when N95 materials were extremely limited in supply. We identified five key lessons related to design software, 3D printed material airtightness, breathability and humidity dispersal, and ability for communication. By sharing our experience and the most valuable lessons we learned through this process, we hope to provide a helpful foundation for future 3D-printed N95 endeavors.

Primary ciliary dyskinesia: a major player in a bigger game.

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is an inherited disorder of clinical and genetic heterogeneity resulting from mutations in genes involved in the transport, assembly and function of motile cilia. The resulting impairment in mucociliary clearance means patients suffer from chronic progressive lung disease, bronchiectasis, rhinosinusitis and middle ear disease. Subfertility is common to both male and female patients. Situs abnormalities occur in around half of patients, with a subgroup suffering more complex situs arrangements where congenital heart defects or other organ abnormalities frequently coexist. Variations from the classical PCD phenotype are increasingly recognised where overlapping features across a range of motile and nonmotile ciliopathies are redefining our approach to both diagnosis and management of these complex conditions. PCD offers an ideal opportunity for direct visualisation of ciliary function and structure, following nasal brush biopsy, allowing opportunities for researchers to directly interrogate the downstream impact of loss of function mutations. In turn, this has led to rapid advances in the development of new diagnostic tests. These advances mean that PCD is an excellent disease model for understanding the genetic and mechanistic causes of the clinical phenotype for all respiratory ciliopathies. Furthermore, the overlapping role of motile ciliary defects in a wider set of complex and syndromic disorders related to loss of function mutations in primary, nonmotile cilia has been recognised. As we better understand the role of ciliary defects in a broad spectrum of diseases, we should aim to map out a framework through which we can identify, diagnose and treat all respiratory ciliopathies. KEY POINTS: Primary ciliary dyskinesia is just one of a group of conditions where a heterogeneous array of genetic mutations affect the assembly or structure of motile cilia.Overlapping phenotypes between motile and nonmotile ciliopathies are redefining the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to encompass all ciliopathy patients with a respiratory phenotype.An extended diagnostic algorithm may be required to capture the majority of cases with a respiratory ciliopathy, including patients with syndromic ciliopathies.The terminology around disorders of motile cilia is becoming more descriptive to better reflect the heterogeneity and underlying disease mechanisms across the spectrum of respiratory ciliopathies. EDUCATIONAL AIMS: To summarise the existing knowledge base around the disease mechanisms for respiratory ciliopathies, including primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD).To explore and understand the reasons for changing terminology around respiratory ciliopathies.To emphasise key messages around the diagnosis and treatment of all ciliopathies.Diagnosing PCD is complex and time consuming, and there is no single stand-alone test that can confirm or exclude a diagnosis in all cases.

Eosinophilic Polymyositis: A Rare Cause of Atraumatic Compartment Syndrome of the Forearm.

Background Eosinophilic polymyositis is a rare disorder in which eosinophils infiltrate muscle and supporting connective tissue structures, resembling autoimmune or immunologically mediated disease. This disorder can be associated with muscle inflammation and death, and can be a cause of atraumatic compartment syndrome. Methods This is a retrospective chart review of a case report as well as review of pertinent literature. Results This report presents a rare case of atraumatic compartment syndrome of the forearm caused by eosinophilic polymyositis. It provides a case summary and histological examination of this patient. Conclusion This is an important case to report because it highlights eosinophilic polymyositis as a unique etiology of compartment syndrome. In appropriate clinical situations where patients do not improve despite standard interventions, one should consider the rare and unusual etiology of compartment syndrome due to eosinophilic polymyositis. Furthermore, primary surgical intervention should not be delayed while waiting to ascertain a definitive diagnosis.

Subcutaneous sarcoidosis of the upper and lower extremities: A case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous disease of unknown etiology that most often impacts the lungs. Cutaneous manifestations of sarcoidosis are seen among 9%-37% of patients. Subcutaneous sarcoidosis is a rare presentation of cutaneous sarcoidosis with estimates of frequency ranging from 1.4%-16%. To date, very few articles and case reports have been written about this subject. In this paper, we describe a case of subcutaneous sarcoidosis and perform a review of the literature to determine if there are commonalities among patients who present with subcutaneous sarcoidosis. CASE SUMMARY: A 38-year-old female, with a past medical history of arthritis and recurrent nephrolithiasis, presents with an 8-mo history of 4 firm, asymptomatic, skin-colored nodules on her left and right upper extremities and neck. Needle biopsy and post-excisional pathology report both revealed well-formed, dense, non-caseating granulomas localized to the subcutaneous tissue. Chest computed tomography revealed mild mediastinal lymphadenopathy. A diagnosis of subcutaneous sarcoidosis was made, and the lesions were surgically removed. CONCLUSION: Commonalities among patients presenting with subcutaneous sarcoidosis include: middle-aged female, lesions localizing to the upper or lower limbs, lymphadenopathy or pulmonary infiltration on chest imaging, elevated serum angiotensin-converting enzyme.

A Cross-Sectional Survey Study among Hand Surgeons in the United States on Standardizing Microsurgery Training.

Although microsurgery plays a more expansive role in hand surgery, microsurgery training systems may not have followed the same evolution, as have other operative techniques. A cross-sectional survey study with 13 multiple choice questions was administered to the members of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand; 503 out of 3,395 responded to the survey (14.8% response rate), and 58% did not have a microsurgical laboratory in their institution, whereas 42% did. Of the institutions that had a microsurgical laboratory, 32.4% also had a microsurgical rat laboratory. Of all respondents, 78% agreed or strongly agreed that their training program should have microsurgery training outside of the operating room, and 53% agreed or strongly agreed that their curriculum needed improvement; 65.6% agreed or strongly agreed that training should be standardized across the nation. Our results indicate that the training needs standardization and that institutional training curriculum needs to be improved. This is a Level III study.

Transabdominal Breast Augmentation: A Review of 114 Cases Performed over 14 Years.

BACKGROUND: Abdominoplasty patients are frequently candidates for breast rejuvenation as well. Transabdominal breast augmentation permits insertion of breast implants through the abdominoplasty incision. This combined procedure is preferentially performed in an outpatient setting under monitored anesthesia care and nerve blocks. METHODS: This study was a 14-year retrospective review of a single surgeon's technique and outcomes using transabdominal breast augmentation through a low transverse abdominoplasty incision in select patients requesting simultaneous abdominoplasty and bilateral breast augmentation. Patients had minimal ptosis, smoking cessation a minimum of 4 weeks before surgery and indefinitely thereafter, and a lack of superior abdominal or significant breast surgery. RESULTS: The study's 114 patients had a mean follow-up of 19.2 months. The procedure was performed under monitored anesthesia care with intercostal nerve blocks for most patients [n = 107 (93.9 percent)] and general anesthesia [n = 7 (6.1 percent)] for a few. Seventy-nine patients [n = 74 (64.9 percent)] underwent additional procedures, with most (n = 48) undergoing suction-assisted lipectomy. Many patients underwent multiple procedures. Most complications occurred predictably along the central distal abdominoplasty flap and were minor (small wound breakdown, seroma, and mild skin infection). Major complications [n = 8 (7.0 percent)] included two patients with implant malposition requiring revision and one patient with a Baker grade III capsule; notably, this patient was a half-pack-per-day smoker with a body mass index of 27 kg/m. CONCLUSIONS: Transabdominal breast augmentation is a safe, reliable procedure in the appropriately selected, healthy patient and may be used in minimally to moderately ptotic patients who request concurrent breast augmentation and abdominoplasty. Morbidity compares favorably to reported abdominoplasty series in the appropriately selected patient. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.