Incidence, Characteristics, and Outcomes of Robin Sequence: A Population-Based Analysis in the United States.

INTRODUCTION: While the literature is replete of clinical studies reporting on the Robin sequence (RS), population-based analyses are scarce with significant variability within the literature in terms of reported incidence, demographic parameters, and outcomes. The authors have conducted a 20-year population-based analysis to guide clinical practice. METHODS: A birth cohort was created from the available datasets in the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project-Kids' Inpatient Database (HCUP-KID; 2000-2019). Robin sequence patients were identified and further stratified by syndromic status. Incidence, demographic parameters, and outcomes including mortality and tracheostomy rates were computed. A subset analysis comparing the isolated and syndromic cohorts was conducted. Data was analyzed through a χ 2 or t test. RESULTS: The incidence of RS was 5.15:10,000 (95% CI: 4.99-5.31) from a birth cohort of 7.5 million. Overall, 63.3% of the cohort was isolated RS and 36.7% had syndromic RS. Robin sequence patients had a significantly higher rate of cardiac (25.9%) and neurological (8.6%) anomalies compared with the general birth cohort and were most commonly managed in urban teaching hospitals ( P <0.0001). The pooled mortality and tracheostomy rates were 6.6% and 3.6%, respectively. Syndromic status was associated with a longer length of hospital stay (27.8 versus 13.6 d), tracheostomy rate (6.2% versus 2.1%), and mortality (14.1% versus 2.2%) compared with isolated RS ( P <0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The true incidence of RS is likely higher than previously reported estimates. Isolated RS patients have a low associated mortality and tracheostomy rate and are typically managed in urban teaching hospitals. Syndromic status confers a higher mortality rate, tracheostomy rate, and length of stay compared with nonsyndromic counterparts.

The Effect of Tranexamic Acid Administration During Liposuction on Bleeding Complications and Ecchymosis: A Systematic Review.

Liposuction is the most frequently performed cosmetic procedure. Tranexamic acid (TXA) has emerged as a promising blood loss reducing agent in plastic surgery, but its value in liposuction is still being studied. This systematic review investigates the safety and efficacy of TXA in reducing blood loss during liposuction procedures. A systematic review of PubMed (US National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD), MEDLINE (US National Library of Medicine), EMBASE (Elsevier, Amsterdam, the Netherlands), and Cochrane databases (Wiley, Hoboken, NJ) from inception to June 2023 was performed. The primary objective was to compare blood loss, hematoma rate, and ecchymosis from liposuction procedures in patients who received TXA versus those who did not. The secondary objective was to assess the incidence of TXA-related complications. A total of nine studies were included, published between 2018 and 2023 of which eight were prospective and one was retrospective. A total of 345 intervention versus 268 control arms were compared. Follow-up time ranged from 1-14 days. Mean age, and mean BMI ranged from 33 - 50 years, 23 to 30 kg/m2, respectively. Blood loss in aspirate was significantly less with TXA administration assessed by five studies (p < 0.05). Of the five studies that assessed the incidence of ecchymosis, all reported less bruising with TXA use. Among all the studies, only one found post-operative complications with five patients requiring transfusion in the control group (without TXA). The evidence provided in the literature suggests that TXA use in liposuction is safe and effective for reducing blood loss and ecchymosis with IV and local administration.

Utility and Comparative Performance of Current Artificial Intelligence Large Language Models as Postoperative Medical Support Chatbots in Aesthetic Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Large language models (LLMs) have revolutionized the way plastic surgeons and their patients can access and leverage artificial intelligence (AI). OBJECTIVES: The present study aims to compare the performance of 2 current publicly available and patient-accessible LLMs in the potential application of AI as postoperative medical support chatbots in an aesthetic surgeon's practice. METHODS: Twenty-two simulated postoperative patient presentations following aesthetic breast plastic surgery were devised and expert-validated. Complications varied in their latency within the postoperative period, as well as urgency of required medical attention. In response to each patient-reported presentation, Open AI's ChatGPT and Google's Bard, in their unmodified and freely available versions, were objectively assessed for their comparative accuracy in generating an appropriate differential diagnosis, most-likely diagnosis, suggested medical disposition, treatments or interventions to begin from home, and/or red flag signs/symptoms indicating deterioration. RESULTS: ChatGPT cumulatively and significantly outperformed Bard across all objective assessment metrics examined (66% vs 55%, respectively; P < .05). Accuracy in generating an appropriate differential diagnosis was 61% for ChatGPT vs 57% for Bard (P = .45). ChatGPT asked an average of 9.2 questions on history vs Bard's 6.8 questions (P < .001), with accuracies of 91% vs 68% reporting the most-likely diagnosis, respectively (P < .01). Appropriate medical dispositions were suggested with accuracies of 50% by ChatGPT vs 41% by Bard (P = .40); appropriate home interventions/treatments with accuracies of 59% vs 55% (P = .94), and red flag signs/symptoms with accuracies of 79% vs 54% (P < .01), respectively. Detailed and comparative performance breakdowns according to complication latency and urgency are presented. CONCLUSIONS: ChatGPT represents the superior LLM for the potential application of AI technology in postoperative medical support chatbots. Imperfect performance and limitations discussed may guide the necessary refinement to facilitate adoption.

Patient-Specific Implants and Fat Grafting for Contour Deformities Post Craniosynostosis Reconstruction: A Therapeutic Approach.

BACKGROUND: Contour deformities after fronto-orbital advancement for craniosynostosis reconstruction are commonly encountered. There is a paucity of literature describing secondary procedures to correct such deformities with reported outcomes. An approach to defect analysis and procedure selection is lacking. The authors present our experience utilizing fat grafting (FG) and patient-specific implant (PSI) reconstruction as management strategies for this population. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of consecutive patients who underwent secondary onlay PSI or FG for contour deformities after primary craniosynostosis reconstruction was carried out. Patient demographics, defect analysis, surgical approach, postoperative complications, and esthetic outcomes were recorded. Data were pooled across the entire cohort and presented in a descriptive manner. RESULTS: Fourteen patients (36% syndromic and 64% isolated) were identified that either underwent PSI (n = 7) with a mean follow-up of 56.3 weeks, FG (n = 5) with a mean follow-up of 36 weeks or a combination of both (n = 2) for deformities postcraniosynostis surgery. Supraorbital retrusion and bitemporal hollowing were the most common deformities. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. All patients achieved Whitaker class I esthetic outcomes and there were no additional revisions during the defined study period. The presence of a significant structural component or large (>5 mm) depression typically necessitated a PSI. CONCLUSIONS: Contour deformities after fronto-orbital advancement reconstruction can be successfully managed using FG and PSI either as a combination procedure or in isolation. The authors have proposed anatomical criteria based on our experience to help guide procedure selection. Future prospective studies would be beneficial in providing more objective assessment criteria.

Description of a Novel Web-Based Liposuction System to Estimate Fat Volume and Distribution.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative planning for liposuction is vital to ensure safe practice and patient satisfaction. However, current standards of fat assessment before surgery are guided by subjective methods such as visual inspection, skin-pinch tests, and waist circumference measurements. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to develop an inexpensive software-based tool that utilizes ultrasound (US) imaging and an online platform to accurately simulate regional subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) distribution and safe volume estimation for liposuction procedures. METHODS: The authors present a web-based platform with integrated 2-dimensional (2D) and 3-dimensional (3D) simulations of SAT to support liposuction planning and execution. SAT-Map was constructed using multiple sub-applications linked with the python framework programming language (Wilmington, DE). RESULTS: The SAT-Map interface provides an intuitive and fluid means of generating patient-specific models and volumetric data. To further accommodate this, an operational manual was prepared to achieve consistent visualization and examination of estimated SAT content. The system currently supports static 2D heatmap simulation and 3D interactive virtual modelling of the SAT distribution. Supplementary clinical studies are needed to evaluate SAT-Map's clinical performance and practicality. CONCLUSIONS: SAT-Map revolutionizes the concept of preoperative planning for liposuction by developing the first combined web-based software that objectively simulates fat distribution and measures safe liposuction volume. Our software approach presents a cost-efficient, accessible, and user-friendly system offering multiple advantages over current SAT assessment modalities. The immediacy of clinically accurate 3D virtual simulation provides objective support to surgeons towards improving patient conversation, outcomes, and satisfaction in liposuction procedures.

Ultrasound Calculation of Fat Volume for Liposuction: A Clinical Software Validation.

BACKGROUND: Fat manipulation procedures such as liposuction contain a degree of subjectivity primarily guided by the surgeon's visual or tactile perception of the underlying fat. Currently, there is no cost-effective, direct method to objectively measure fat depth and volume in real time. OBJECTIVES: Utilizing innovative ultrasound-based software, the authors aimed to validate fat tissue volume and distribution measurements in the preoperative setting. METHODS: Eighteen participants were recruited to evaluate the accuracy of the new software. Recruited participants underwent ultrasound scans within the preoperative markings of the study area before surgery. Ultrasound-estimated fat profiles were generated with the in-house software and compared directly with the intraoperative aspirated fat recorded after gravity separation. RESULTS: Participants' mean age and BMI were 47.6 (11.3) years and 25.6 (2.3) kg/m2, respectively. Evaluation of trial data showed promising results following the use of a Bland Altman agreement analysis. For the 18 patients and 44 volumes estimated, 43 of 44 measurements fell within a confidence interval of 95% when compared with the clinical lipoaspirate (dry) volumes collected postsurgery. The bias was estimated at 9.15 mL with a standard deviation of 17.08 mL and 95% confidence interval between -24.34 mL and 42.63 mL. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative fat assessment measurements agreed significantly with intraoperative lipoaspirate volumes. The pilot study demonstrates, for the first time, a novel companion tool with the prospect of supporting surgeons in surgical planning, measuring, and executing the transfer of adipose tissues.

Ethics of Facial Transplantation: The Effect of Psychological Trauma Associated With Facial Disfigurement on Risk Acceptance and Decision Making.

OBJECTIVE: This study examines and contrasts the effect of risk disclosure on risk acceptance and perceived changes in quality of life (QoL) among individuals with and without facial disfigurement. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Psychological distress has been previously shown to alter patients' perception of certain treatments. Due to the grave risks and complications of FT, it is important to understand whether the psychological trauma associated with facial disfigurement alters their perception of FT and its associated risks. METHODS: Participants with and without facial disfigurement were recruited to complete a questionnaire about their perceived QoL, sense of identity, and willingness to proceed with FT in the context of 3 different hypothetical scenarios involving facial disfiguration. RESULTS: Four hundred nine nonfacially disfigured and 74 facially disfigured participants were included. When both healthy and facially disfigured individuals were presented with the risks and benefits of a FT, they both perceived their QoL to be as low, or significantly lower, than if they had severe facial disfigurement. Furthermore, presenting the risks of FT significantly altered the decision making and risk acceptance of healthy individuals with no facial disfigurement. However, risk disclosure did not affect the decision making among facially disfigured individuals. CONCLUSION: This study highlights that presenting the complication profile of FT decreases risk acceptance of FT in healthy individuals but has no significant effects on facially disfigured individuals. The psychological impact of facial disfigurement and its influence on accepting the significant risks of FT should be considered and warrants further investigation.

Efficacy and Complications of Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis for Airway Obstruction in the Robin Sequence Population: A Comprehensive Literature Review.

INTRODUCTION: Mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) is becoming the procedure of choice for patients with Robin Sequence (RS) as it offers superior long-term respiratory outcomes in avoidance of tracheostomy. Lacking, is an analysis of the short- and long-term complications. To that end, we have conducted a comprehensive review focusing on complications of MDO. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review of primary clinical studies reporting outcomes and complications of MDO in RS patients. Outcomes included tracheostomy avoidance and decannulation rate. Complications included dental trauma, nerve injury, surgical site infection and hardware failure. Complications were stratified according to distractor type (internal versus external) and age (>2 months versus <2months). RESULTS: A total of 49 studies yielded 1209 patients with a mean follow-up of 43.78 months. The tracheostomy avoidance rate was 94% (n = 817/870) and the mortality rate was 0.99% (n = 12/1209). The complication rate was 28.9% (n = 349/1209) with surgical site infections (10.5%) being most common. Dental and nerve injuries occurred in 7.9% and 3.2% of patients, respectively. Hardware replacement occurred in 1.2% of patients. internal distractors had higher rates of dental injury whereas external distractors had higher technical failure rates. There were no differences in complication rates ( P= 0.200), mortality ( P = 0.94) or tracheostomy avoidance ( P = 0.058) between patients >2months or <2months of age. CONCLUSION: Mandibular distraction osteogenesis is highly reliable and effective with a low mortality and high tracheostomy avoidance rate. There are important complications including nerve and dental injuries which require long-term follow-up. Neonatal patients do not appear to be at higher risk of complications reinforcing the safety of MDO in this population.

Decreasing Incidence of Palatoplasty in the United States.

INTRODUCTION: Cleft palate is amongst the most common birth defect across the world. Although its etiology is multifactorial, including genetic and environmental contributors, the investigators were interested in exploring whether its incidence was changing over time. METHODS: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample database, the largest publically available healthcare database in the United States, was used to identify all primary palatoplasties performed under 2 years of age and births which occurred over a 17-year period from 1999 to 2015. The change in rate of palatoplasties and overall maternal demographics were assessed longitudinally using the chi-squared test. Significance level was set at P < 0.001. RESULTS: A total of 13,808,795 pregnancies were reviewed during the time period, from 1999 to 2015, inclusively. A total of 10,567 primary palatoplasties were performed in that period of time reflecting an overall rate of 7.7 palatoplasties per 10,000 deliveries. Palatoplasty rates decreased across the study period from 9.5 per 10,000 in 1999 to 7.1 per 10,000 died/delivered pregnancies in 2015 which corresponds to an average compounded year-to-year decrease of 1.76%, P < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of primary palatoplasties, as a proxy for the rate of cleft palate prevalence, has been significantly decreasing over the last 2 decades and may represent improvements in early diagnosis in pregnancy, changing genetic or racial demographics, and/or environmental factors such as decreased maternal smoking in the US population. Future research may be directed at better understanding the definitive etiology of this decreasing prevalence of children undergoing primary cleft palate repairs in the United States.

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis, Psychosocial, and Utility Outcomes of Early Mandibular Distraction in Craniofacial Microsomia.

BACKGROUND: The cost-effectiveness, utility outcomes, and most optimal timing of mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) in craniofacial microsomia (CFM) continue to be a topic of debate, especially in the population of patients with mild or nonsignificant functional issues. The objective of this study was to quantitatively assess the burden of mandibular asymmetry in CFM, and to accurately evaluate the impact of early MDO on patients' perceived quality of life and social acceptance, in addition to examining the cost-effectiveness of early MDO in CFM. METHODS: A validated crowdsourcing platform was utilized to recruit participants. Psychosocial acceptance and utility outcomes were assessed for patients with CFM. Participants were presented with health-state scenarios supplemented with pre- and postoperative images. Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were subsequently calculated and costs were estimated based on Medicare fee schedules using the Current Procedural Terminology codes. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios for early MDO were calculated and plotted against a $100,000/QALY threshold. RESULTS:: A total of 463 participants were included in the study. The mean visual analog scale score for untreated mandibular hypoplasia in CFM was 0.48 ±â€Š0.24, which improved significantly (P < 0.0001) to 0.63 ±â€Š0.20 following early MDO. Time trade-off scores for an imaginary surgery leading to perfect health with no complications were not statistically different from undergoing early MDO (P = 0.113). Early mandibular distraction decreased social distance in all 8 social situations assessed. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios varied by the duration of time between early MDO and a potential second intervention, ranging from $148,142.09 per QALY gained at an interval of 1 year to $9876.14 per QALY gained after 15 years. Using a willingness-to-pay threshold of $100,000/QALY, early MDO in CFM becomes cost-effective when patients enjoy an improved health-state post-MDO for more than 1.48 years before a potential second intervention, if deemed necessary. CONCLUSION: Early mandibular distraction may lead to tangible positive gains in CFM patients based on utility outcome scores, psychosocial acceptance, and social distance. Therefore, although further interventions may be needed at skeletal maturity, early MDO can improve the psychological well-being of CFM patients during their crucial developmental years in a cost-effective manner. The incremental cost per QALY gained post-early MDO correlates negatively with time until a second potential surgical intervention.

Step-Specific Simulation: The Utility of 3D Printing for the Fabrication of a Low-Cost, Learning Needs-Based Rhinoplasty Simulator.

BACKGROUND: Rhinoplasty is a complex procedure that requires meticulous planning and precise execution. Plastic surgeons involved in teaching residents must balance a trainee's hands-on experience while ensuring appropriate execution of difficult maneuvers. Surgical simulation, a field of growing importance with the shift towards competency-based education, may aid in trainee skill development. Through the concept of deliberate practice, the authors looked to explore the utility and economics of 3-dimensional (3D) printing technology to develop a step-specific rhinoplasty simulator. OBJECTIVES: The main objective of this study was to address rhinoplasty skills previously identified as "learning areas of weakness" and develop a low-cost, step-specific simulator to help rhinoplasty teaching. METHODS: A patient's facial bones, upper and lower lateral cartilages, and septum were segmented from a computed tomography scan and rendered in 3D format. This was 3D printed utilizing Ultimaker Polylactic filament with a polyvinyl acetate dissolvable support for bone, a mixture of Rigur 450 and Tango plus polyjet material for cartilage, and Smooth-On Dragon Skin for skin. RESULTS: A modular simulator was developed with 3 separate, interchangeable components with a perfect fit design. The simulator allowed for deliberate practice of the 5 rhinoplasty learning areas of weakness, with a maximal recurring cost of $75 CAD. CONCLUSIONS: Through the employment of 3D printing, a low-cost, maneuver-specific rhinoplasty simulator reinforcing deliberate practice was developed. This concept of simulation-based deliberate practice may be of increasing interest when considering the implementation of competency-based curricular standards in plastic surgery education.

Ultrasonography Technique in Abdominal Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Measurement: A Systematic Review.

There are currently several reported techniques of sonographic subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) measurement described in the literature. This systematic review aims to report techniques of SAT measurement using ultrasonography. A systematic literature search was performed and identified 39 relevant articles using ultrasonography to quantify abdominal SAT. The following parameters were collected: type of measurement, ultrasound machine make/model, transducer frequency, external/internal landmarks, pressure applied on probe, special techniques and inter-/intraobserver reliability. Literature findings related to the above parameters were summarized. A summary of the most common techniques and parameters is provided, serving as a reference for a necessary standardized approach.

Making Augmented and Virtual Reality Work for the Plastic Surgeon.

Augmented and virtual reality is an evolving technology at the forefront of medicine. It can provide physicians with hands-free, real-time access to the vast resources of the Internet and electronic medical records, allowing simultaneously recording of clinical encounters or procedures. Mixed reality platforms can be applied as a clinical tool, educational resource, or as an aid in enhancing communication in health care. This article will explore how various augmented and virtual reality platforms have enabled real-time visualization of patient information, recording of surgical cases, point-of-view photography, and intraoperative consults-all while remaining sterile in the operating room. Although this technology is of potential value to a number of different surgical and medical specialties, plastic surgery is ideally suited to lead this charge.

The Role of Preoperative Computed Tomography in Nonsyndromic Craniosynostosis.

BACKGROUND: There is currently no consensus on the utility of preoperative computed tomography (CT) in nonsyndromic craniosynostosis. This systematic review and meta-analysis examines the evidence available on the necessity of preoperative CT for the treatment of nonsyndromic craniosynostosis. METHODS: A comprehensive literature review of the National Library of Medicine (PubMed) database was performed. The following variables were analyzed: concordance of findings between clinical examinations and CT, incidental findings reported on imaging, and the effect of imaging on subsequent management. Concordance between clinical examination/CT and the presence of incidental findings were collected and displayed as descriptive data. The effect of imaging on subsequent diagnosis/management was analyzed by meta-analysis. RESULTS: Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria for a total of 728 patients. Overall, physical examination concordance with CT diagnosis was 97.9% (371/379). Overall, incidental findings led to additional imaging/workup in 1.79% of cases (5/278). The results of the meta-analysis revealed that, in the absence of alternative imaging modalities, CT scans significantly altered diagnosis or led to additional investigations in 12 cases (4.8%, 95% confidence interval = 3%-8%). Preoperative CT scans led to additional investigations in 5 cases and detected incomplete/wrong diagnoses in 7 cases. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present meta-analysis support the use of preoperative CT scans for nonsyndromic craniosynostosis in the absence of alternative imaging modalities. The results also suggest that in properly selected patients, alternative imaging modalities may be appropriate, potentially obviating the need for CT scans.

Routine Postoperative Admission to the Intensive Care Unit Following Repair of Nonsyndromic Craniosynostosis: Is it Necessary?

BACKGROUND: Cranial vault surgery for craniosynostosis is generally managed postoperatively in the intensive care unit (ICU). The purpose of the present study was to examine our center's experience with the postoperative management of otherwise healthy patients with nonsyndromic craniosynostosis (NSC) without routine ICU admission. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of patients with NSC operated using a variety of vault reshaping techniques in our pediatric center between 2009 and 2017 was carried out. Patients with documented preexisting comorbidities that would have required admission to the ICU regardless of the surgical intervention were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 102 patients were included in the study. Postoperatively, 100 patients (98%) were admitted as planned to a general surgical ward following observation in the recovery room. Two patients (2%) required ICU admission due to adverse intraoperative events. There were no patients who required transfer to the ICU from the recovery area or surgical ward. Within the surgical ward cohort, 6 patients (6%) had minor postoperative complications that were readily managed on the surgical floor. Postoperative anemia requiring transfusion was the most common complication. CONCLUSION: The results from this study suggest that otherwise healthy patients with NSC undergoing cranial vault surgery can potentially be safely managed without routine admission to the ICU postoperatively. Key elements are proper preoperative screening, access to ICU should an adverse intraoperative event occur and necessary postoperative surgical care. The authors hope that this experience will encourage other craniofacial surgeons to reconsider the dogma of routine ICU admission for this patient population.

The State of Technology in Craniosynostosis.

INTRODUCTION: Craniosynostosis, the premature fusion of ≥1 cranial sutures, is the leading cause of pediatric skull deformities, affecting 1 of every 2000 to 2500 live births worldwide. Technologies used for the management of craniofacial conditions, specifically in craniosynostosis, have been advancing dramatically. This article highlights the most recent technological advances in craniosynostosis surgery through a systematic review of the literature. METHODS: A systematic electronic search was performed using the PubMed database. Search terms used were "craniosynostosis" AND "technology" OR "innovation" OR "novel.' Two independent reviewers subsequently reviewed the resultant articles based on strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Selected manuscripts deemed novel by the senior authors were grouped by procedure categories. RESULTS: Following review of the PubMed database, 28 of 536 articles were retained. Of the 28 articles, 20 articles consisting of 21 technologies were deemed as being novel by the senior authors. The technologies were categorized as diagnostic imaging (n = 6), surgical planning (n = 4), cranial vault evaluation (n = 4), machine learning (n = 3), ultrasound pinning (n = 3), and near-infrared spectroscopy (n = 1). CONCLUSION: Multiple technological advances have impacted the treatment of craniosynostosis. These innovations include improvement in diagnosis and objective measurement of craniosynostosis, preoperative planning, intraoperative procedures, communication between both surgeons and patients, and surgical education.

Insights into the Pathophysiology of Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids: How Do They Differ?

GENERAL PURPOSE: To provide information about the clinical presentation of hypertrophic scars and keloids based on their varied structural components. TARGET AUDIENCE: This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care. LEARNING OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES: After completing this continuing education activity, you should be able to: ABSTRACT: Hypertrophic scars and keloids are firm, raised, erythematous plaques or nodules that manifest when the cicatrix fails to properly heal. They result from pathologic wound healing and often cause pain and decreased quality of life. The appearance of such cosmetically unappealing scars affects the confidence and self-esteem of many patients. These scars can also cause dysfunction by interfering with flexion and extension across joints. Both possess some unique and distinct histochemical and physiologic characteristics that set them apart morphologically and at the molecular level. While these entities have been the focus of research for many years, differentiating between them remains challenging for clinicians.This article reviews the clinical presentation of aberrant scars and illustrates how they can be differentiated. It outlines their pathophysiology and emphasizes the unique molecular mechanisms underlying each disorder. It also examines how altered expression levels and the distribution of several factors may contribute to their unique clinical characteristics and presentation. Further research is needed to elucidate optimal treatments and preventive measures for these types of aberrant scarring.

The Montreal Augmentation Mammaplasty Operation (MAMO) Simulator: An Alternative Method to Train and Assess Competence in Breast Augmentation Procedures.

BACKGROUND: Surgical residents' exposure to aesthetic procedures remains limited in residency training. The development of the Montreal augmentation mammaplasty operation (MAMO) simulator aims to provide an adjunctive training method and assessment tool to complement the evolving competency-based surgical curriculum. OBJECTIVES: To perform face, content, and construct validations of the MAMO simulator for subpectoral breast augmentation procedures and assess the reliability of the assessment scales used. METHODS: Plastic surgery staff and residents were recruited to perform a subpectoral breast augmentation on the simulator. Video recordings of their performance were blindly evaluated using the objective structured assessment of technical skills (OSATS) system consisting of the global rating scale (GRS), mammaplasty objective assessment tool (MOAT), and a surgery-specific Checklist score. RESULTS: Fourteen plastic surgery residents and seven expert plastic surgeons were enrolled. Experts' performance was significantly higher than residents' according to each of GRS, MOAT, and Checklist scores. Mean values of residents and experts were 23.4 (2.5) vs 36.9 (3.1) (P < 0.0001) for GRS score, 30.4 (2.2) vs 40 (3.2) (P < 0.0001) for MOAT scores, and 9.7 (1.5) vs 12 (1) (P < 0.001) for Checklist scores, respectively. Face and content validations showed excellent results among parameters evaluated, with an overall mean score of 4.8 (0.3) on 5. Cronbach's alpha was 0.96 and 0.83 for GRS and MOAT scores, respectively. Intraclass correlation coefficients for interrater reliability were excellent at 0.93, 0.92, and 0.89 for the GRS, MOAT, and Checklist scores, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study proves the construct simulator to be valid and the assessment scales to be reliable.

A Review of Techniques Used in the Management of Growing Skull Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Growing skull fractures (GSFs) are rare complications of pediatric head trauma that comprise skull fractures associated with an underlying dural tear and an intact arachnoid membrane. They are often misdiagnosed, and delay in management can lead to progression of the disease along with its neurological sequelae. Multiple clinical reports and qualitative reviews on this entity exist. To our knowledge, this represents the largest clinical review reporting on established techniques in the management of these fractures. METHODS: A literature search was performed on the databases Embase, Medline, Cochrane, and PubMed from their inception until February 2015 using the terms "Growing," "Skull," "Fracture," and their equivalent terms. Studies included were case series with 5 or more patients describing GSFs and their management. RESULTS: Twenty-two articles reporting 440 patients were included in the analysis. The mean age at trauma was 8.8 months, with the mean at presentation of 21.9 months and 57.8% of the patients being males. Most commonly, a combined dura-cranioplasty was done in 61.6% of the patients. A range of autoplastic and alloplastic materials were used in both of these techniques. Improvement from preoperative clinical status in seizures and neurological deficits was noted in 18 (12.7%) and 11 (7.05%) of the patients, respectively, following operative repair and medical management. DISCUSSION: Early recognition is crucial in the management and treatment of GSF. Children at risk for developing GSF should be monitored clinically for up to 3 months following the initial insult. The surgical treatment depends on the size of the fracture and the age of the patient. A summary of the presentation, management, associated outcomes, complications, and recommendations discussed in the literature are reported within.