The Effects of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Originating Exosomes on Nerve Allograft Regeneration: An Experimental Study in Rats.

INTRODUCTION: Nerve regeneration has been the subject of many studies because of its complex mechanism and functional outcome. Mesenchymal stem cells and exosomes are promising factors in regeneration in many areas. Reconstruction of nerve defects is a controversial issue, and nerve allografts are promising alternatives with many advantages. In this study, it is aimed to evaluate the nerve regeneration in cellularized and decellularized nerve allografts and whether it is possible to accelerate this process with adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ad MSC) or ad MSC-originating exosomes. METHOD: This study was performed with 36 Lewis and 18 Brown Norway isogenic male rats aged 10 to 12 weeks and weighing 300 to 350 g. The Lewis rats were divided into 6 groups. Nerve allografts at a length of 12 mm that were obtained from the Brown Norway rats' proximal portion of both sciatic nerve branching points were coapted as cellularized in group A and decellularized in group B to the sciatic nerve defects of the Lewis rats. Group A received oral tacrolimus (0.2 mg/kg) for 30 days. Perineural saline (A1-B1), ad MSC (A2-B2), or ad MSC-originating exosomes (A3-B3) were applied to these groups. Walking track analysis, pinch-prick test and electromyelography were applied at the 8th and 16th weeks following surgery. Nerves were examined histopathologically at the 16th week. RESULTS: Between cellularized groups, better results were shown in A3 about axon-myelin regeneration/organization (P = 0.001), endoneural connective tissue (P = 0.005), and inflammation (P = 0.004). Better results were shown in the B2 and B3 groups electromyelographicaly about latency period (P = 0.033) and action potential (P = 0.008) at late period, and histomorphologicaly at vascularization (P = 0.012). DISCUSSION: It is argued that regeneration is accelerated with decellularization of nerve allografts by removing the chondroidin sulfate proteoglycans. The positive effects of stem cells are derived by exosomes without the cell-related disadvantages. In this study, better results were obtained by decellularization and perineural application of ad MSC and/or ad MSC exosome.

Patient symptoms and magnetic resonance imaging correlation in temporomandibular joint internal derangement

Background/aim: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) internal derangements consist of reduced and nonreduced disc dislocations and are often diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The main symptom of these derangements is TMJ pain. This study aimed to evaluate whether there is a correlation between TMJ pain and disc dislocation. Materials and methods: One hundred and four patients experiencing pain were evaluated retrospectively with the examination charts that we use routinely in our clinics and MRI. Patients were separated into two main groups as MRI(+) and MRI(-) groups according to their internal derangement findings in MRI. Mean VAS levels were compared between these two groups. Results: There were no significant differences between the MRI(+) and MRI(-) groups and no differences between the reduced disc dislocation group and nonreduced disc dislocation group. Conclusion: Although pain is maybe the most irritating symptom for TMJ patients, it cannot take the diagnostic place of MRI and MRI is still the gold standard method to make the exact diagnose of internal derangement.

Management of huge and extraordinary metal-penetrating injuries to the hand.

OBJECTIVE: Foreign-body and penetration injuries of the hand are common emergencies. Metallic foreign bodies are common among all foreign masses; however, the examination of huge bodies differs from that of other metallic masses. The purpose of this study was to clarify an algorithm for the management of the huge metallic masses via our therapeutic approaches for metal-penetrating injuries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seven patients who had a huge, metallic object-penetration injury to their upper extremity were included in our study. Patients were classified according to the age, injury type, character of metallic body, injury zone, diagnostic methods, anesthesia type, and treatment received, and an algorithm to approach the management of foreign metallic bodies was clarified. RESULTS: The causes of injury were knitting hook, iron fence, mixer, and metal nail. Plain radiography was performed for all patients. Prophylactic tetanus was administered and urgent exploration in the operation room under tourniquet followed by foreign-body extraction through cutting and not pulling were conducted. No residue was retained. CONCLUSION: Many patients referred to emergency services with foreign bodies. For diagnosis, the patient's history and a minimum of two-way radiograms are crucial. For treatment, we recommend surgical exploration under general anesthesia and tourniquet and extraction of the metallic body by cutting and not pulling without retaining any residual mass in the operation room.

Posterior interosseous flap versus reverse adipofascial radial forearm flap for soft tissue reconstruction of dorsal hand defects.

BACKGROUND: Our objective was to compare the outcomes of dorsal hand defect reconstruction using a posterior interosseous artery flap (PIAF) and a reverse adipofascial radial forearm flap (RARFF). METHODS: From 2008 to 2013, 23 patients who underwent hand soft tissue defect reconstruction with PIAF (11 patients) and RARFF (12 patients) were included in this retrospective study. Reconstruction methods were compared in terms of functionality with disability of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score and range of motion (ROM) and aesthetically with scar assessment. Operation times, length of hospital stay, and donor site problems were compared. RESULTS: We found no statistically significant differences between PIAF and RARFF in terms of ROM, DASH score, and length of hospital stay. Statistically significant differences were found in operation time, scar assessment, and donor site problems between PIAF and RARFF patients. CONCLUSION: RARFF showed better results than PIAF in dorsal hand defects, but in RARFF, the major arteries of the hand are sacrificed.

Foot and ankle reconstruction with vertically designed deep inferior epigastric perforator flap.

INTRODUCTION: The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is one of the most commonly utilized flaps of reconstructive surgery. Although the horizontal flap design is the most commonly used, this flap can be vertically designed to avoid drawbacks such as excessive tissue dissection, relatively reduced flap perfusion, and scarification of the contralateral flap opportunity. The aim of this report is to present our case series for foot and ankle reconstruction with vertical designed DIEP flap. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The free vertically designed DIEP flaps (VDIEP) were used in eight patients (7 male, 1 female) whose age is in a range of 20-66 years for soft tissue reconstructions in the ankle and foot region over a five-year period. The range of defects' size was from 8 × 5 cm to 15 × 7 cm and the causes were electrical burn, trauma and diabetic foot infections. RESULTS: Flap dimensions varied from 10 × 6 cm to 17 × 9 cm. All the flaps had two or more perforators, and all flaps survived completely. There were no early or late complications. We followed up the patients for 10 months in average. We observed no functional problems, especially in main motions of foot and ankle like eversion, inversion, flexion or extension except one patient. Donor site scars were acceptable in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: The VDIEP flap may be an option for selected lower extremity soft tissue reconstructions, and it may be an alternative to classically designed abdominal flaps.

Camouflaging Cleft Lip Scar Using Follicular Unit Extraction Hair Transplantation Combined with Autologous Fat Grafting.

BACKGROUND: The scar that occurs after cleft lip surgery poses a serious cosmetic problem. One of the methods used to solve this problem in adult male patients is hair transplantation. However, satisfactory results with this method cannot always be achieved because of possible graft loss. The corrective feature of fat grafting has been reported in many studies. The authors' aim with this report is to share their results with hair transplantation combined with fat grafting in patients with cleft lip. METHODS: This study included 20 patients who had both a scar and alopecia in the cleft lip area. The patients underwent fat grafting from the periumbilical region by means of miniature liposuction harvesting cannulas. Three months after fat injection, hair transplantation was performed with hair from the submental area and scalp using the folliculate unit extraction technique. Patients were followed for 12 months. Survival rate of transplanted hair and patient satisfaction were analyzed after the procedures. RESULTS: After this camouflaging technique with fat grafting and hair transplantation, the scar was hidden quite well. The graft survival rate was also better compared with results from similar studies. Patient and observer satisfaction results with the scar tissue were significantly improved, which was confirmed statistically. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that this combined camouflaging technique is a very effective treatment in male patients with cleft lip who have serious secondary upper lip scars. The authors present a series of patients treated with this technique, which resulted in a high level of patient satisfaction. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Simultaneous Reconstruction of Both Facial Paralysis and Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis With a Composite Flap From Dorsum of Foot.

Free extensor digitorum brevis muscle flap in facial paralysis, and the second metatarsophalangeal joint flap is used at the temporomandibular joint reconstruction for a long time. Anatomically, these flaps can be harvested through even the same pedicle flap even on the same regions. Literature is available of their usage along with the use of hand and upper extremity reconstruction. Unlike this example, the authors have used these flaps in maxillofacial region where facial paralysis and temporomandibular joint reconstruction will be performed together. In this study, clinical report and surgical details of this flap have been shared.

Perforation With Submucosal Cleft Palate in a Previously Undiagnosed Adult Patient.

Perforation with a submucosal cleft palate (SMCP) is a rare condition with a limited number of cases reported in the literature. However, most described cases include neonates and infants, but not cases due to trauma or infection. Here, we present a case of an adult patient with SMCP with a perforation of the palate who was undiagnosed. In light of this case, diagnosis and treatment of perforation in SMCP are presented. A new diagram that can be used in the management of these patients with velopharyngeal insufficiency is proposed.

Central Pedicle Reduction in Gigantomastia Without Free Nipple Graft.

BACKGROUND: Various pedicle techniques have been described in breast reduction surgery. However, in cases of massive hypertrophy, the free nipple graft technique is still being performed by some surgeons out of fear of losing the nipple-areolar complex (NAC). As such, we evaluated patients with severe gigantomastia who underwent the central pedicle horizontal scar reduction mammaplasty technique. METHODS: The records of 257 patients who underwent the central pedicle reduction technique were retrospectively reviewed. The demographic properties of the patients and the distances from the midclavicular point to the nipple were recorded. Patients whose distance from the midclavicular point to both nipple areolar complexes (NACs) was 38 cm or greater were included in this study. Resection weights and postoperative complications were evaluated. RESULTS: The distance from the midclavicular point to both NACs was 38 cm or greater in 53 patients (106 breasts). The age range of the patients was 17 to 73 years, and the mean body mass index was 39.6 kg/m. The range of distances from the midclavicular point to the nipple was 38 to 52 cm. The weight of the breast tissue excised ranged between 1450 and 2785 g. None of the patients experienced total nipple loss postoperatively, and all of the patients were satisfied with the aesthetic results. CONCLUSION: We were able to reduce all of the breasts safely, without using the free nipple grafting technique, even in very large breasts. This study shows that the central pedicle horizontal scar reduction technique is a very safe and effective method for use in massive reductions. Therefore, we strongly recommend using the central pedicle reduction mammaplasty technique in cases of gigantomastia.

Reverse Adipofascial Radial Forearm Flap Surgery for Soft-Tissue Reconstruction of Hand Defects.

Objective: The reverse radial forearm flap has been used for soft-tissue hand defect surgical procedures worldwide. One of the major drawbacks of this flap, however, is donor site morbidity, as the donor site is closed with a skin graft. Problems with skin graft donor areas include adhesion, contracture, and wound-healing complications. In this study, only the adipofascial component of a reverse radial forearm flap was used to prevent these problems; in addition, a skin graft was applied over the flap instead of over the donor site. Methods: Between January 2011 and December 2013, a total of 13 hand defects were reconstructed with a reverse adipofascial radial forearm flap. Patients were evaluated for functional results using total active motion criteria and disability of the arm, shoulder, and hand scores, operation time, hospitalization time, and patient satisfaction. Results: All flaps and grafts placed on flaps survived completely and donor sites healed without complications. The total active motion criteria and the disability of the arm, shoulder, and hand score demonstrated that the functional outcomes were successful. Patient satisfaction scores using the visual analog scale had a mean of 88.3 (SD = 2.95) mm. Operation time for the flap surgery was 126.1 (SD = 21.80) minutes, and patients were discharged at an average of 6.3 (SD = 1.44) days. Conclusion: Use of an adipofascial component in reverse radial forearm flap surgery is appropriate for reducing problems with donor site skin grafts. Patients' functional outcomes denoted that the reverse adipofascial radial forearm flap is a reliable and effective method to cover soft-tissue defects of the hand. Level of Evidence: IV.

Extracorporeal Septoplasty Combined With Valve Surgery in Rhinoplasty Patients.

External nasal deviation is caused primarily by severely a deformed septum. The nose functions as a whole composed of the septum, valve systems, and mucosal structures. Patients with severely deviated septums also have deformed nasal valve systems. Extracorporeal septoplasty is advocated for an extremely deviated nasal septum. Nasal valve dysfunctions can be resolved successfully with spreader grafts. Application of extracorporeal septoplasty in combination with spreader grafts in patients with nasal valve dysfunction not only enables nasal respiration but also supports aesthetic appearance. The 19 patients in our study had undergone aesthetic rhinoplasty and presented with breathing problems and septal deviations. The patients were treated with extracorporeal septoplasty and spreader grafts. The patients were followed with clinical measures and computed tomographic scanning. No complications such as relapse, perforation, or saddling were encountered during follow-up. Aesthetically and functionally satisfactory results were obtained.

V-Y and rectangular flap combination for syndactyly repair.

OBJECTIVE: For syndactyly repair, several delicate, well-planned flap combination techniques have been reported. This study presents technique details with functional and aesthetic results of a dorsal rectangular and volar V-Y advancement flap combination for web reconstruction and S incisions for finger separation in patients with syndactyly. METHOD: Ten patients with 16 syndactyly webs were treated. Patients were examined in terms of function and aesthetic. Evaluation criteria included the Vancouver Scar Scale, range of motion, degree of web creeping, parent's satisfaction rates, and finger abduction. During the initial period, vascular compromise of fingers, haematoma, infection, seroma, flap necrosis, or graft failures were not noted in any patients. No patients required revision surgery. During the later period, parent satisfaction scores were excellent or good, finger function was complete, and the Vancouver Scar Scale showed that two webs had hyperpigmented areas and two had supple pliability. CONCLUSION: This simple syndactyly release technique can provide a low rate of web creep, good scar quality, and optimal functional results.

Dupuytren-Like Contracture of the Foot: Ledderhose Disease.

Introduction Plantar fibromatosis is a rare hyperproliferative disease of plantar aponeurosis and is also called Ledderhose disease. Case properties and treatment are discussed in this report. Case Report A 30-year-old man presented with painful bilateral plantar nodules. He had multiple and bilateral fixed and solid nodules on the plantar and medial side of his feet measuring 1 cm each. Ultrasound was performed and hypoechoic homogeneous nodules were detected. The patient underwent surgery, and the nodes were removed via a plantar incision with 2-cm safety distance. Discussion Ledderhose disease is a rare, hyperproliferative disorder of the plantar aponeurosis. The nodules are slow growing and found in the medial part of the plantar fascia. The precise etiology remains unknown. The treatment options are conservative management, steroid injections, radiotherapy, and surgery. Conclusion The main cause of this disease remains uncertain. Related conditions should be evaluated, and a patient who presents with Dupuytren or Peyronie disease should also be investigated for Ledderhose disease.

Fingertip Reconstruction With Reverse Adipofascial Homodigital Flap.

UNLABELLED: Due to the importance of hand functions, fingertip injuries should be reconstructed by flap coverage. Although reverse homodigital island flap is an option that is widely used, the classical homodigital flap, which includes a skin graft for the donor site, leads to many donor-site problems such as maceration, and primary or secondary contraction. Reverse homodigital adipofascial flap (RHAF) has been chosen to prevent donor-site complications. To emphasize the efficacy of this flap, we report the outcome of 14 RHAFs, which were used for fingertip reconstruction following traumatic amputations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From May 2010 to June 2012, 14 fingertip amputations were reconstructed with reverse adipofascial homodigital flap. Six months following surgery, the patients were evaluated with examination using 2-point discrimination, measurement of the range of motion of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP) and distal interphalangeal joint (DIP), pain [evaluated with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)], and the time to return to their previous activities. RESULTS: All flaps survived completely. Donor sites healed without any complication. Two-point discrimination was a mean of 4.86 ± 0.95 mm. The range of motion of the PIP and DIP joints was similar to that of the contralateral finger. The VAS score was a mean of 0.9 (range 0-2). All patients returned to their previous occupations within 30 to 60 days (average 40 days). The operation did not impair functional and other activities. CONCLUSIONS: Reverse adipofascial homodigital flaps maintain the perpetuation of digital length, volume of pulp, and service of finger function. The donor site on the lateral surface of the proximal phalanx can be primarily closed. For traumatic fingertip amputation, this flap delivers consistent aesthetic and functional results.

Inframammarial Giant Fibroadenoma Removing and a Nipple-sparing Breast Reconstruction in an Adolescent: A Case Report.

Fibroadenomas are common, benign breast tumors that usually affect women in the second and third decade of life. Giant fibroadenomas often cause significant concern for the patient or family regarding malignant potential and altered breast development. Most fibroadenomas are benign. Local excision of small lesions through a circumareolar or inframammary incision rather than radical surgery is appropriate. Breast ultrasound represents the most commonly used imaging modality for the study of pediatric female breast masses and fibroadenomas. Detailed descriptions of the sonographic appearances of fibroadenomas in young girls are sparse. We believe that surgical treatment for the patient should include tumor extirpation and immediate restoration of breast appearance, minimizing visible scars, protection of the developing breast bud, nipple, and areola. This modality reduces psychosocial comorbidity.

The Comparison of Intrathecal Morphine and IV Morphine PCA on Pain Control, Patient Satisfaction, Morphine Consumption, and Adverse Effects in Patients Undergoing Reduction Mammoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Following breast reduction procedures, the level of postoperative pain can be severe, and sufficient pain control influences a patient's physiological, immunological, and psychological status. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the use of intrathecal morphine (ITM) in breast reduction surgery with patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). METHODS: Sixty-two female patients who underwent breast reductions with the same technique participated in this study. The study group (ITM + PCA) included 32 patients; a single shot (0.2 mg) of ITM and intravenous morphine with PCA were administered. In the control group, morphine PCA alone was intravenously administered to 30 patients. Comparisons between the groups of cumulative morphine consumption, visual analog scale scores, and patient satisfaction scores, which were the primary outcome measures, and adverse effects, which were the secondary outcome measures, were conducted. RESULTS: The patients in the 2 groups had similar degrees of pain and satisfaction scores. The study group had lower cumulative morphine consumption (P = .001) than the PCA-only control group; there was no statistically significant difference in adverse effects between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Intrathecal morphine may effectively control pain with lower total morphine consumption following breast reduction surgery.

Analysis of unilateral complex orbital fractures with a new treatment algorithm.

The aim of this study is to investigate preoperative and postoperative properties, the management of unilateral complex orbital fractures, and to offer an algorithm for orbital fractures. For this research study, 248 patients with orbital trauma were evaluated according to an offered algorithm. Diplopia, enophthalmos, dystopia, infraorbital nerve dysfunction, and ocular movement limitations were documented for clinical assessment. Orbital rim displacement and an orbital volume check with computed tomography (CT) were used for indication of surgery. The injured orbital volume was compared with the healthy orbital volume in the preoperative and postoperative periods. In total, 58 patients required operations among the 248 patients, according to the algorithm. The preoperative mean injured orbital volume measurements of the operated patients were statistically different than the healthy orbital volume measurements (30.13 cm3 ± 2.69 cm3 and 27.15 cm3 ± 1.29 cm3, respectively). In the postoperative period, there was no difference between the injured and healthy orbital volume. In conclusion, an algorithm may facilitate the approach to unilateral complex orbital fractures. Ophthalmic examination, rim displacement, and the measurement of orbital volume using computed tomography are key points of orbital fractures with regard to management.

Intra-articular platelet-rich plasma injection for the treatment of temporomandibular disorders and a comparison with arthrocentesis.

BACKGROUND: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) internal derangements are progressive painful conditions and cause joint dysfunction, joint sound, malocclusion, and locking of the mouth. Conservative and invasive techniques can be used for the treatment of TMJ internal derangements. The objective of the present study was to examine the benefit of an intra-articular platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection and to compare this with arthrocentesis. METHODS: Twenty patients (female: male; 15:5; age 26, 3 ± 9.3 years) for a total of 32 joints with reducible anterior disc dislocation, as confirmed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), were divided into two groups. PRP was used for the study group, and arthrocentesis was used for the control group. Pain intensity, maximal interincisal opening, and TMJ sounds were assessed and compared for evaluation of treatment success. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant reduction in pain intensity and joint sound and an increase in mouth opening in the study group when compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that intra-articular PRP injection for the treatment of reducible disc displacement of the TMJ is a more effective method than arthrocentesis.

The worth of sound recording as evaluation criteria of response to surgery in non-reduced anterior disc dislocation.

AIM: The objective of the present study was to examine whether joint sounds are objective criteria for evaluating the success of surgery for non-reduced anterior disc dislocation. METHOD: Twenty-seven patients (age, 35.6 ± 10.6 years; female/male, 22:5) with non-reduced disc dislocation, as confirmed by MRI, were included in the study. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sounds were assessed and digitized by custom-made device. As a surgical treatment, all patients underwent "disc plication technique". The success of surgery was evaluated with maximal interincisial opening (MIO), pain, patient satisfaction scores, MRI examination, and TMJ sound intensity. Recording of sounds of TMJ and pain and satisfaction scores were repeated again at postoperative 12 months and compared to preoperative results. RESULTS: Mean preoperative sound intensities with jaw opening and closing and left-right movement were 79.37 ± 3.52 dB and 81.0 ± 4.99 dB, respectively. Mean postoperative sound intensity with jaw opening and closing was 64.81 ± 4.54 dB whereas that with left-right movement was 65.6 ± 5.38 dB. Examination of preoperative and postoperative sounds showed that decreased volume level related with clinical improvement and postoperative replaced disc image in MRI. MIO values increased from 25.89 ± 1.76 mm to 34.26 ± 1.403 mm. Postoperative pain scores were lower than preoperative period and patient satisfaction improved markedly. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that patients who underwent plication for non-reduced disc dislocation had clinical improvement, which was related with the decreasing volume level of the click sound, reducing the pain, improving satisfaction, and replacing the disc to normal position in MRI.