Pubic Aneurysmal Bone Cyst Following Penile Inversion Vaginoplasty: A Case Report.

Background: Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) are aggressive, expansile, and locally destructive vascular lesions. The exact etiology of ABCs is currently unknown and hypothesized to be related to vascular malformations or disruption of osseous vascularity. To date, there have been no reports describing the development of pubic ABCs following penile inversion vaginoplasty (PIV). Methods: This report describes the development of a pubic ABC in a transgender patient who had previously undergone PIV, possibly indicating a very rare complication of this gender-affirming operation. Results: A 37-year-old transgender female was initially referred to the orthopedic oncology clinic for evaluation of a 12-month history of left hip and groin pain. She had undergone gender-affirming PIV about 19 months prior to presentation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast revealed a low T1 signal intensity and heterogenous T2 hyperintensity 7.5 × 4.9 × 4.3-cm destructive mass in the left superior pubic ramus extending across the pubic symphysis into the right superior pubic ramus. A needle core bone biopsy demonstrated a variably cellular spindle and round lesion with islands of osteoid formation and focal necrosis. The cells were negative for CD34, S100, and desmin. There was no evidence suggesting osteosarcoma, and final review favored the diagnosis of an ABC. Given the highly destructive nature of the mass, it was resected, and the resulting wound was reconstructed with a biologic dermal mesh. Conclusions: Although it is impossible to distinguish coincidence from causation in this case, the patient's recency of PIV and development of a rare ABC in a nearby bone warrants the speculation and discussion provided in this report.

Decreasing Seroma Incidence Following Abdominoplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of High-Quality Evidence.

Background: Seroma formation is the most common complication of abdominoplasties. Many preventive interventions have been proposed, but none have been recognized as a definitive solution, partly due to varying levels of evidence (LOE) in the literature. Objectives: We aimed to analyze seroma prevention methods supported by high-level evidence. Methods: The PubMed database was queried through August 2023. Primary articles of interest included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), prospective comparative studies, and meta-analyses of these studies. The LOE for each article was determined according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Rating Scale. The "seroma occurrence ratio," or ratio of seroma events in the interventional group to respective control group, was calculated to compare incidence rates between techniques. Results: Twenty articles and 9 categories of techniques were analyzed. Study designs included 10 RCTs, 2 prospective cohort studies, 7 prospective comparative studies, and 1 retrospective randomized study. The use of progressive-tension and quilting sutures had the most data supporting a statistically significant reduction in seroma (occurrence ratio 0.306, P < .001). Tissue adhesives and preservation of Scarpa's fascia were also well reinforced (0.375, P < .01 and 0.229, P < .011, respectively), while increasing the number of drains was not (P = .7576). Meta-analysis demonstrated that compared with 2 drains alone, alternative techniques were more effective at reducing seroma occurrence (pooled risk ratio 0.33, 95% CI, 0.11-0.99). Conclusions: This review highlights multiple seroma prevention techniques for abdominoplasty investigated in recent high-quality literature. We suggest future randomized comparative studies of the various seroma prevention methods to fully ascertain their efficacy following abdominoplasty.

A Systematic Review of the Impact of Patient Factors on BREAST-Q Outcomes After Reduction Mammoplasty.

BACKGROUND: As reduction mammoplasty rises in popularity, it will become increasingly important to understand the patient-reported outcome measurements associated with a successful operation. There has been a growing body of literature on BREAST-Q outcomes for patients undergoing reduction mammoplasty, but meta-analyses of patient factors and BREAST-Q Reduction Module scores are lacking. This study sought to ascertain which patient factors were associated with improvements in BREAST-Q scores compared with preoperative levels. METHODS: A literature review through August 6, 2021, was conducted using the PubMed database to select publications using the BREAST-Q questionnaire to evaluate outcomes after reduction mammoplasty. Studies examining breast reconstruction, breast augmentation, oncoplastic reduction, or breast cancer patients were excluded. BREAST-Q data were stratified by comorbidities, age, body mass index (BMI), complication rate, and resection weight. RESULTS: Among 14 articles and 1816 patients, the mean age ranged from 15.8 to 55 years, mean BMI ranged from 22.5 to 32.4 kg/m2, and bilateral mean resected weight ranged from 323 to 1845.96 g. Overall complication rate was 19.9%. On average, satisfaction with breasts improved by 52.1 ± 0.9 points (P < 0.0001), psychosocial well-being improved by 43.0 ± 1.0 points (P < 0.0001), sexual well-being improved by 38.2 ± 1.2 points (P < 0.0001), and physical well-being improved by 27.9 ± 0.8 points (P < 0.0001). The mean age was positively correlated with preoperative sexual well-being (Spearman rank correlation coefficient [SRCC]: 0.61, P < 0.05). Body mass index was negatively correlated with preoperative physical well-being (SRCC: -0.78, P < 0.01) and positively correlated with postoperative satisfaction with breasts (SRCC: 0.53, P < 0.05). The mean bilateral resected weight was significantly positively correlated with postoperative satisfaction with breasts (SRCC: 0.61, P < 0.05). No significant correlations were observed between complication rate and preoperative, postoperative, or mean change in BREAST-Q scores. CONCLUSIONS: Reduction mammoplasty improves patient satisfaction and quality of life as reflected by the BREAST-Q. Although preoperative or postoperative BREAST-Q scores may be individually influenced by age and BMI, these variables demonstrated no statistically significant effect on the average change between these scores. This literature review suggests that reduction mammoplasty delivers high satisfaction across a diverse range of patient populations, and additional prospective cohort or comparative studies gathering robust data on other patient factors would benefit this area of research.

Has the Increase of Women in Surgical Training Programs Led to a Concomitant Increase in Female Leadership Positions? A 10-Year Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Women represent greater than 50% of medical students in America and are becoming increasingly well represented in surgical fields. However, parity at the trainee level has yet to be accomplished, and surgical leadership positions have remained disproportionately biased toward men. To date, there have been no comparisons on the progress within plastic surgery and other surgical specialties. This investigates the gender disparity in resident and leadership representation over the past 10 years within surgical specialties and how these disparities compare to plastic surgery. METHODS: Counts of female and male residents and surgical society leaders were collected from 2008 to 2018. Surgical fields included plastic, vascular, urologic, neurologic, orthopedic, cardiothoracic, and general surgery. Leadership positions were defined as board seats on executive committees of major surgical societies or board associations. Data were acquired from publicly available sources or provided directly from the organizations. Resident data were obtained from the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education residents' reports. Individuals holding more than 1 leadership position within a year were counted only once. RESULTS: In our aggregated analysis, the proportion of women in surgical leadership lags behind women in surgical residency training across all specialties (13.2% vs 27.3%, P < 0.01). General surgery had the highest proportion of female residents and leaders (35% and 18.8%, P < 0.01), followed by plastic (32.2% and 17.3%, P < 0.01), vascular (28.2% and 11.3%, P < 0.01), urologic (24.3% and 5.1%), and cardiothoracic surgery (20.5% and 7.8%, P < 0.01). Women in surgical leadership, however, increased at a faster rate than women in surgical training (11% vs 7%, P < 0.05). Plastic surgery showed the greatest rate of increase in both residents and leaders (17% and 19%, P < 0.05) followed by cardiothoracic surgery (16% and 9%, P < 0.05) and general surgery (8% and 14%, P < 0.05). For neurologic and orthopedic surgery, neither the difference in proportions between residents and leaders nor the yearly growth of these groups were significant. CONCLUSIONS: Between 2008 and 2018, women in plastic surgery training and leadership positions have shown the most significant growth compared with other surgical subspecialties, demonstrating a strong concerted effort toward gender equality among surgical professions.

Are Surgical Approaches Correlated With BREAST-Q Score Improvements After Reduction Mammoplasty? A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Despite the commonly recognized benefits and drawbacks of each surgical technique for reduction mammoplasty, data on the influence of each surgical approach on patient quality of life and satisfaction remains limited. Our study aims to evaluate the association between surgical factors and BREAST-Q scores for reduction mammoplasty patients. METHODS: A literature review through August 6, 2021, was conducted using the PubMed database to select publications that used the BREAST-Q questionnaire to evaluate outcomes after reduction mammoplasty. Studies examining breast reconstruction, breast augmentation, oncoplastic reduction, or breast cancer patients were excluded. The BREAST-Q data were stratified by incision pattern and pedicle type. RESULTS: We identified 14 articles that met selection criteria. Among 1816 patients, the mean age ranged from 15.8 to 55 years, mean body mass index ranged from 22.5 to 32.4 kg/m 2 , and bilateral mean resected weight ranged from 323 to 1845.96 g. Overall complication rate was 19.9%. On average, satisfaction with breasts improved by 52.1 ± 0.9 points ( P < 0.0001), psychosocial well-being improved by 43.0 ± 1.0 points ( P < 0.0001), sexual well-being improved by 38.2 ± 1.2 points ( P < 0.0001), and physical well-being improved by 27.9 ± 0.8 points ( P < 0.0001). No significant correlations were observed when mean difference was modeled against complication rates or prevalence of superomedial pedicle use, inferior pedicle use, Wise pattern incision, or vertical pattern incision. Complication rates were not correlated with preoperative, postoperative, or mean change in BREAST-Q scores. A negative correlation was noted between the prevalence of superomedial pedicle use and postoperative physical well-being (Spearman rank correlation coefficient [SRCC], -0.66742; P < 0.05). The prevalence of Wise pattern incision was negatively correlated with postoperative sexual well-being (SRCC, -0.66233; P < 0.05) and physical well-being (SRCC, -0.69521; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although either preoperative or postoperative BREAST-Q scores may be individually influenced by pedicle or incision type, there was no statistically significant effect of surgical approach or complication rates on the average change of these scores, and overall satisfaction and well-being scores improved. This review suggests that any of the main surgical approaches to reduction mammoplasty provide equally substantial improvements in patient-reported satisfaction and quality of life, but more robust comparative studies would strengthen this area of research.

Complications Following Alloplastic Chin Augmentation: A Systematic Review of Implant Materials and Surgical Techniques.

BACKGROUND: Alloplastic implantation has become a popular method of chin augmentation. Historically, silicone was the most commonly used implant, but porous materials have grown in favor due to improved fibrovascularization and stability. Nevertheless, it is unclear which implant type has the most favorable complication profile. This systematic review aims to compare the complications of published chin implants and surgical approaches to provide data-driven recommendations for optimizing chin augmentation outcomes. METHODS: The PubMed® database was queried on March 14, 2021. We selected studies reporting data on alloplastic chin augmentation excluding additional procedures such as osseous genioplasty, fat grafting, autologous grafting, and fillers. The following complications were extracted from each article: malposition, infection, extrusion, revision, removal, paresthesias, and asymmetry. RESULTS: Among the 39 articles analyzed, the year of publication ranged from 1982 to 2020; additionally, 31 were retrospective case series, 5 were retrospective cohort or comparative studies, 2 were case reports, and 1 was a prospective case series. More than 3104 patients were included. Among the 11 implants reported, the 3 implants with the highest number of publications were silicone, high-density porous polyethylene (HDPE), and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). Silicone demonstrated the lowest rates of paresthesias (0.4%) compared to HDPE (20.1%, P < 0.01) and ePTFE (3.2%, P < 0.05). In contrast, there were no statistically significant differences in rates of implant malposition, infection, extrusion, revision, removal, or asymmetry when stratified by implant type. Various surgical approaches were also documented. Compared with subperiosteal implant placement, the dual-plane technique demonstrated higher rates of implant malposition (2.8% vs 0.5%, P < 0.04), revision (4.7% vs 1.0%, P < 0.001), and removal (4.7% vs 1.1%, P < 0.01), but a lower incidence of paresthesias (1.9% vs. 10.8%, P < 0.01). Compared with extraoral incisions, intraoral incisions resulted in higher rates of implant removal (1.5% vs 0.5%, P < 0.05) but lower rates of asymmetry (0.7% vs 7.5%, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Silicone, HDPE, and ePTFE had low overall complication rates, demonstrating an acceptable safety profile regardless of implant selection. Surgical approach was found to significantly influence complications. Additional comparative studies on surgical approach while controlling for implant type would be beneficial for optimizing alloplastic chin augmentation practices.

An Anatomical Feasibility Study on the Use of the Hypoglossal and Hemihypoglossal Nerve as a Donor Motor Nerve for Free Functioning Muscle Transfer in Upper Extremity Reconstruction.

PURPOSE: Brachial plexus injuries (BPI) with complete root avulsions remains a clinical challenge due to a paucity of nerves available for nerve transfer and innervation of free functioning muscle transfers (FFMT). The hypoglossal and hemihypoglossal nerve has not been studied as a donor nerve option for FFMTs in brachial plexus reconstruction, despite successful outcomes of hypoglossal nerve transfers in facial reanimation surgery. We hypothesized that the hypoglossal nerve could be an appropriate candidate for surgical repair of BPI using FFMT. METHODS: A cadaveric study was performed to determine the anatomic feasibility of using the hypoglossal and hemihypoglossal nerves as donor nerves to neurotize the gracilis or latissimus dorsi muscle in an FFMT to restore elbow flexion. Twelve cadavers (6 males and 6 females) were studied. The hypoglossal nerve, thoracodorsal nerve, and obturator nerve branches to the gracilis muscle were dissected, measured, and analyzed. RESULTS: The average length of the hypoglossal nerve was 6.3 ± 0.5 cm in both sexes. The average distance between the lowest point of the hypoglossal nerve and the lateral clavicle was 8.4 ± 1.3 cm in males and 7.7 ± 0.8 cm in females. When the hypoglossal nerve was transected distally, the average distance to the clavicle was 4.5 ± 1.6 cm in males and 3.8 ± 1.5 cm in females. CONCLUSIONS: The maximum theoretical length of the donor nerve required to perform an adequate FFMT using the hypoglossal nerve was 8.9 ± 1.2 cm, which was well exceeded by the lengths of the thoracodorsal nerve (14.5 ± 1.3 cm) and nerve to the gracilis muscle (12.7 ± 1.7 cm). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This cadaveric study demonstrated that the hypoglossal or hemihypoglossal nerves may be used as potential motor donor nerves to innervate a free gracilis or latissimus dorsi muscle transfer for the restoration of elbow flexion via a direct nerve transfer without the need for nerve grafting.

Interrupting Negative-pressure Wound Therapy with Dakin's Solution Is Associated with Increased Skin Graft Survival.

Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has improved split-thickness skin graft (STSG) survival rates, but prolonged application increases bacterial bioburden. Antimicrobial NPWT adjuncts have demonstrated efficacy, but strong evidence is lacking. We hypothesized that simultaneously replacing NPWT dressings within 48-72 hours and cleansing with Dakin's solution-a well-known antimicrobial agent-would increase STSG take. Methods: We performed a controlled retrospective case series on three groups of STSG patients treated between January 2014 and December 2020: bolster dressings, continuous NPWT (C-NPWT), and Dakin's NPWT (D-NPWT). Patients with documented measurements of STSG survival were included. The primary outcome was the percentage of STSG take calculated by survival area using surgical tape measures 2 weeks after surgery. Results: Fifty-nine patients were followed up for greater than or equal to 3 months. Average wound size for bolsters was smaller than that for D-NPWT (83 cm2 versus 204 cm2; P < 0.05). Average treatment time was 6.4 ± 2.4 days (bolsters), 6.5 ± 0.9 days (C-NPWT), and 2.8 ± 0.9 days (D-NPWT; P < 0.01). Average percentage of STSG take was 92% ± 0% (bolsters), 82% ± 0% (C-NPWT), and 99% ± 0% (D-NPWT; P < 0.01); there were significant differences between bolsters versus C-NPWT (P < 0.05) and C-NPWT versus D-NPWT (P < 0.05), but not between bolsters and D-NPWT. Conclusions: Interrupting NPWT with 0.125% Dakin's solution cleansing is associated with increased STSG survival compared with standard NPWT protocols, but not bolster dressings. These findings warrant further investigation due to limitations of this retrospective case series.

Patient-Centred Outcomes Following Open Carpal Tunnel Release: A Systematic Review of the Current Literature.

Background: Patients' individual interpretations of their own health outcomes are becoming increasingly important metrics in defining clinical success across all specialties, especially in hand surgery. However, there is a relative paucity of data using validated health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) assessments for carpal tunnel release (CTR). The purpose of this study was to review published outcomes on traditional open CTR to formally assess the current need for more accurate, validated assessment tools to evaluate CTR-specific HR-QoL. Methods: PubMed, MEDLINE and Cochrane Library databases were queried according to PRISMA guidelines for all studies investigating patient-reported outcomes following traditional open CTR. Analysis focused on HR-QoL, symptomatic relief, functional status, overall satisfaction and return to work or activities of daily living (ADLs). Results: In total, 588 unique articles were screened, and 30 studies met selection criteria. HR-QoL was formally assessed in only 3 studies using the validated 36-Item Short Form Survey. Symptomatic relief was measured in 29 (97%) studies, making it the most frequently reported item, whereas functional ability was reported by 19 (63%) studies. The Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire was the most frequently utilised tool to assess symptomatic relief (13/30) and functional improvement (11/30). Using unvalidated custom surveys, 14 studies (47%) reported patient satisfaction and 12 studies (40%) documented time to return to work/ADLs. Conclusion: There is a dearth of studies utilising HR-QoL assessment tools to evaluate outcomes following traditional open CTR. The creation and validation of new CTR-specific HR-QoL tools accounting for both physical and psychological health is warranted. Level of Evidence: Level II (Therapeutic).

Primary Distal Interphalangeal Joint Tenosynovial Chondromatosis of the Small Finger: A Case Report With Literature Review.

Primary synovial chondromatosis is a rare, benign proliferative disease of the joint synovium, tenosynovium, or bursal lining, in which cartilage metaplasia leads to the development of multiple intra-articular and periarticular loose osteocartilaginous bodies. This disease usually involves larger joints (knee, hip, elbow, and shoulder), but it has also rarely been reported in the hand. Patients with this disease complain of pain, swelling, nodules, and decreased range of motion of the affected joint. Due to its nonspecific symptoms and low prevalence, this disease often goes misdiagnosed, leading to delays in patient treatment. In the literature to date, there are only a few reports of primary synovial chondromatosis. In this case report, we present a patient with a rare case of primary synovial chondromatosis localized to right small finger distal interphalangeal joint.

A scoping literature review of post-traumatic lymphedema: Where are we now?

Post-traumatic lymphedema of the extremities is a significant source of morbidity largely unrecognized by practitioners. Given the unclear body of evidence on diagnosing and managing post-traumatic lymphedema, we performed a systematic scoping review of the literature for all reports on this topic in order to establish a benchmark for current knowledge, treatment modalities, patient outcomes, and future areas of research. After screening 733 titles and abstracts, 16 relevant articles were ultimately selected for analysis, producing 19 data entries. Study designs largely consisted of case reports and case series. The most frequently reported injuries included burns (n = 12), motor vehicle accidents (n = 7), degloving injuries (n = 6), and open tibial fractures (n = 4). A majority of patients were managed with compression therapy. Among patients pursuing surgical intervention, 15 underwent free tissue transfer and 2 underwent lymphovenous anastomoses. All patients had clinical improvement of their lymphedema.With clinical advances in our understanding of lymphedema and its medical and surgical treatments, it is critical that we identify patients in a timely manner to be able to provide them with the best medical care as well as identify areas of future research. We believe that patients with post-traumatic lymphedema are currently largely unrecognized and that collaboration as well as further research will allow for optimized outcomes in this population.

Correction of 4th and 5th metacarpal synostosis in a skeletally mature hand using de-rotational osteotomies.

We present the successful surgical treatment and management of metacarpal synostosis in a near-skeletally mature 15-year-old patient, the significance of which is underscored by an updated review of the literature. We additionally outline a reliable surgical approach for patients with similar clinical presentations and disease severity.

Body Contouring in Massive Weight Loss Patients Receiving Venous Thromboembolism Chemoprophylaxis: A Systematic Review.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) events are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in plastic surgery. Currently, there is no consensus regarding the use of VTE chemoprophylaxis in the context of the risk for bleeding following specific body contouring procedures. Furthermore, there is increasing popularity of these procedures in the massive weight loss (MWL) patient population, who may be at higher risk due to multiple risk factors. The purpose of this study was to stratify the incidence of VTE and bleeding events among individual, specific body contouring procedures in MWL patients receiving chemoprophylaxis. METHODS: A systematic review was designed according to PRISMA guidelines. We screened all articles published between 1988 and 2018 reporting chemoprophylaxis status, VTE, and bleeding events in MWL patients undergoing body contouring procedures. RESULTS: Thirty-one publications were reviewed. The VTE incidence for any procedure was too low to reach significance. Overall, hematoma incidence in single-procedure patients (8.7%) was significantly higher than concomitant-procedure patients (4.2%, P < 0.01). However, when stratified into operative and nonoperative hematomas, no significant difference between single- and concomitant-procedure groups overall was demonstrated for either category. Individually, only thighplasty patients had a higher rate of operative hematomas when undergoing thighplasty alone (5.3%) compared with thighplasty with concomitant procedures (0.6%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, MWL patients undergoing single body contouring procedures (among abdominoplasty, belt lipectomy, thighplasty) were found to have a higher risk of hematoma compared with those undergoing combined contouring procedures. However, stratified hematoma data revealed no differences in overall risk between single- and multiple-procedure operations.

Diagnosis and Treatment of a Benign Pediatric Mandible Tumor.

Pediatric mandible tumors are rare and generally benign but can be locally aggressive. Diagnosis and treatment involve tumor identification, excision, and subsequent reconstruction. Successful reconstruction should address form and function of the mandible while minimizing morbidity. The authors review the diagnosis and treatment of a benign pediatric mandible tumor and the use of nonvascularized rib graft for mandible reconstruction. The subject of interest is an 8-year-old boy who presented with progressive left-sided facial swelling and examination findings concerning for a mandibular neoplasm. A large bony tumor of the left mandibular ramus and condyle was identified on computed tomography scan. Needle aspiration was performed but was nondiagnostic. The patient underwent en bloc resection and immediate reconstruction utilizing nonvascularized rib graft. Pathologic analysis demonstrated a benign fibro-osseous lesion consistent with fibrous dysplasia, ossifying fibroma, or aneurysmal bone cyst. The patient had excellent recovery of jaw function and resumption of solid diet 5 weeks after reconstruction. Mandibular defects >6 cm in length often require free vascularized bone flaps for reconstruction; however, these procedures can have greater morbidity in the skeletally immature patient. Nonvascularized rib graft is a viable alternative that also allows for reconstruction of the mandibular condyle using the costocartilagenous cap of the harvested rib. The authors present this case as an example of a rare pediatric head and neck tumor and review of the approach to diagnosis and treatment, including special considerations for complex pediatric mandibular reconstruction.