Fat Grafting for Improved Ileostomy Ostomy Device Fit: A Case Report.

For patients with an ostomy, a poor fitting appliance may cause leakage, peristomal dermatitis, and frequent appliance changes. PURPOSE: The purpose of this case study was to report the outcome of fat grafting to augment peristomal soft tissue and improve appliance fit. CASE STUDY: A 57-year-old woman with a history of Crohn's disease presented with soft-tissue deficiency and uneven contour around her ileostomy site. She was unable to properly fit an ostomy appliance, which resulted in leakage, chronic skin irritation, and frequent appliance changes. The patient underwent 2 rounds of fat grafting using fat harvested from her medial thighs and knees infused with dilute lidocaine with epinephrine. The patient noted immediate improvement after 34 cc of processed fat was injected in the first round. Appliance change frequency decreased from daily to every 3 to 4 days. A second graft of 32 cc provided 3 months later further improved appliance fit, reducing appliance change frequency to every 5 to 7 days and obviating the need to use adjustment rings and glue. Pre- and postoperative computed tomography showed increased thickness of abdominal wall subcutaneous tissues. CONCLUSION: Fat grafting around an ostomy site presents a viable option to improve contour and appliance fit with reduced skin irritation and leakage.

Treatment of the Prominent Ear: A Standardized Approach Without Intraoperative Measurements.

BACKGROUND: Candidates for otoplasty have variable anatomy that may result in an aesthetically suboptimal appearance. The authors describe an algorithm to obtain ideal aesthetic position of the ear using a standardized suturing only technique. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted at a major children's hospital. Pre- and postoperative distances from the mastoid to the posterior lateral helical rim were measured at 3 consistent points (upper helix, mid helix, and lobule). Cosmetic outcomes were determined by visual analog cosmetic score (VACS), assigned by 3 independent reviewers. RESULTS: A total of 26 patients underwent otoplasty for prominent ear (average age 8.2 years). Duration of follow-up was an average of 32 weeks postoperatively. Pre- and postoperative VACSs were determined for all patients: overall-appearance, 25.8 versus 71.3; overall-ear appearance, 25.7 versus 70.0; shape, 24.4 versus 72.6; and projection, 23.7 versus 73.9 (P < 0.05 for all). There was no inter-rater difference between scores. There was greater symmetry between ears postoperatively (P < 0.05). Measurements were significantly improved pre- versus postoperatively: upper-helix 2.04 versus 1.20 cm, mid-helix 2.22 versus 1.18 cm, and lobule 1.85 versus 1.49 cm (P < 0.05.) Postoperative measurements are in accordance with established norms for ideal ear position (1.0-1.2 cm upper third of the ear). Two patients recurred, and 1 experienced a spitting suture (11.5%). CONCLUSION: Aesthetic ideal was established on the operating table based on the appearance of the ear. Postoperative measurements fell within aesthetic ideal for a normal ear, suggesting that the use of intraoperative measurements are not needed to obtain an aesthetically acceptable outcome.

Biomechanical Integrity in Craniofacial Surgery: Calvarial Reconstruction in Favorable and Infected Defects with Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2.

BACKGROUND: The limitations of autologous and alloplastic reconstruction for craniofacial bone defects have created a clinical need for viable tissue-engineering strategies. Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) has shown promise in this setting. The aim of this study was to determine the long-term biomechanical properties of rhBMP-2-mediated calvarial reconstruction. METHODS: Twelve-week-old New Zealand White rabbits underwent subtotal calvarectomy. Defects were repaired in one of several groups: immediate reconstruction with autologous graft, immediate reconstruction with cryopreserved bone graft, immediate reconstruction with rhBMP-2 (favorable), and delayed reconstruction with rhBMP-2 following infection and subsequent débridement (unfavorable). Cryopreserved reconstructions were measured at 6 weeks; autologous reconstructions were measured at 6 weeks and 6 months; and both favorable and unfavorable rhBMP-2 reconstructions were assessed at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year after reconstruction. Healing was assessed with computed tomography. An unconfined compression test was performed for biomechanical analysis. Stress at 20 percent strain, percentage relaxation, tangent modulus, and final strain at 1800 N were compared between groups. RESULTS: Nearly complete radiographic coverage was achieved by 6 months for autologous reconstruction and by 6 weeks for rhBMP-2 reconstruction. Favorable rhBMP-2 reconstruction demonstrated a larger final strain at 1800 N through 1 year compared with native bone. Bone in unfavorable rhBMP-2 reconstruction was more compressible than native bone, with a larger final strain at 1800 N at 1 year. There were no significant differences between favorable and unfavorable groups. CONCLUSIONS: Despite providing radiographic coverage, the biomechanical properties of rhBMP-2 bone differ from those of native bone. Further studies are warranted to determine how these properties affect overall strength and structural integrity.

Acellular Dermal Matrix as an Adjunct Material in Cleft Le Fort I Osteotomies.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the use of acellular dermal matrix in the management of nasal lining deficiency at the time of Le Fort I osteotomy. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with residual/recurrent oronasal fistulae who underwent Le Fort I osteotomy. In instances where there was an inadequate volume of nasal mucosa for tension-free closure or for defects >1 cm in width, the acellular dermal matrix was used for augmentation. Demographic and cleft-related factors were recorded. Complications (recurrent fistula, infection, seroma, and wound dehiscence) were recorded. RESULTS: Over the 3-year period, the authors used acellular dermal matrix to augment nasal lining in 8 subjects. The sample's mean age was 18.7 ± 3.1 years; 5 subjects were male. Six patients had bilateral cleft defects. The mean follow-up time was 20.2 ± 3.2 years. There were no episodes of infection, seroma, wound dehiscence, or recurrent fistula. CONCLUSION: Acellular dermal matrix is a useful adjunct for managing nasal liningdeficiency at the time of Le Fort I osteotomy. There were no episodes of bone graft extrusion, infection, tooth loss, or bone graft loss. The Enemark scores improved significantly across both subsets (P <0.001). There was 1 recurrent fistula in the allograft bone alone group.Residual alveolar clefts and oronasal fistulae can be successfully managed at the time of Le Fort I osteotomy using allograft bone and acellular dermal matrix.

Repair of a Complicated Calvarial Defect: Reconstruction of an Infected Wound With rhBMP-2.

BACKGROUND: Management of the previously infected craniofacial defect remains a significant clinical challenge, posing obstacles such as wound healing complications, lack of donor site availability, and predisposition to failure of the repair. Optimal therapy would reconstruct like with like, without donor site morbidity. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2)-mediated bone regeneration with the current standard of autologous bone graft for repair of previously infected calvarial defects. METHODS: Nineteen adult New Zealand white rabbits underwent subtotal calvariectomy. Bone flaps were inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus and replanted. After 1 week of infection, bone flaps were removed, and wounds were debrided, followed by 10 days of antibiotic treatment. After 6 weeks, animals underwent scar debridement followed by definitive reconstruction in 1 of 4 groups: empty control (n = 3), vehicle control (buffer solution on absorbable collagen sponge [ACS], n = 3), autologous bone graft (n = 3), or rhBMP-2 repair (rhBMP-2/ACS, n = 10). Animals underwent computed tomography imaging at 0, 2, 4, and 6 weeks postoperatively, followed by euthanization and histological analysis. Percent healing was determined by 3-dimensional analysis. A (time × group) 2-way analysis of variance was performed on healing versus treatment group and postoperative time. RESULTS: At 6 weeks postoperatively, rhBMP-2/ACS and autologous bone graft resulted in 93% and 68% healing, respectively, whereas the empty and vehicle control treatment resulted in 27% and 26% healing (P < 0.001). Histologically, compared to autologous bone graft, bone in the rhBMP-2/ACS group was more cellular and more consistently continuous with wound margins. CONCLUSIONS: The rhBMP-2 therapy is effective in achieving radiographic coverage of previously infected calvarial defects.

Treatment for Infantile Hemangiomas: Selection Criteria, Safety, and Outcomes Using Oral Propranolol During the Early Phase of Propranolol Use for Hemangiomas.

OBJECTIVE: Despite the increasing popularity of propranolol for treatment of infantile hemangioma (IH), there is need for further evidence of efficacy and safety. This study is a retrospective review of one institution's experience treating IH with propranolol using a standard protocol. METHODS: Between 2009 and 2014, patients with IH were evaluated for treatment with propranolol. Exclusion criteria included a history of hypoglycemia, respiratory disorders, and cardiovascular disorders. Propranolol, 2 mg/kg/d, was initiated during 48-hour inpatient stay. Weight and complications were monitored. Appearance was assessed by Visual Analog Cosmetic Scale (VACS) via serial photography. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients were treated with propranolol. Average age at initiation of therapy was 14.9 weeks. Twenty-two lesions were on the head and neck, and 1 was on the trunk. Average treatment duration was 54.3 weeks (range 24-148 wk). Treatment was confirmed to be complete in 23 patients at the time of review (91.3%). Two patients were lost to follow-up. Posttreatment color, size, and VACS improved significantly (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between first and most recent weight. Two patients experienced hypoglycemia, 1 during a diarrheal illness and 1 during inpatient treatment initiation. CONCLUSION: The authors present a series of patients with IH safely treated with 2 mg/kg/d of propranolol. Using a strict protocol, few complications were observed. Patients achieved significant reduction in size and improvement of the overall appearance of IH.

Mapping the Mandibular Lingula in Pierre Robin Sequence: A Guide to the Inverted-L Osteotomy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The inverted-L osteotomy for mandibular distraction in Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) is a useful technique for avoiding injury to the tooth root and inferior alveolar nerve. Identification of the lingula is understudied and may decrease iatrogenic complications. This study aims to map the position of the lingula in the micrognathic mandible and compare the location of the lingula in relative normal mandible. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of symptomatic PRS patients. Three-dimensional CT scans were reviewed and the relative lingula position described. RESULTS: The study includes 11 PRS patients and 4 controls. The average measurements were overjet 9.99 (PRS) versus 4.28 mm (control) (P = 0.001), vertical ramus height 16.05 versus 23.04 mm (P = 0.003), and width 15.16 versus 20.67 mm (P = 003); horizontal ramus length 26.58 versus 40.62 mm (P = 0.001), gonial angle 132.64° versus 123.5° (P = 0.018); horizontal lingula position 7.25 versus 10.75 mm (P = 0.001), vertical position 9.02 versus 11.34 mm (P = 0.026). The ratio along the x-axis in PRS was 0.44 versus 0.52 in controls (P = 0.138); along the y-axis, the ratio was 0.57 versus 0.49 (P = 0.078). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to normal controls, overjet is greater, vertical ramus height and widths are lesser, horizontal ramus length is lesser, and the gonial angle is greater in PRS patients. When analyzed as proportions along the height and width of the vertical ramus, there is no statistical difference (P > 0.05) in the position of the lingula between PRS patients and normal controls.

Transforming growth factor beta 1 augments calvarial defect healing and promotes suture regeneration.

BACKGROUND: Repair of complex cranial defects is hindered by a paucity of appropriate donor tissue. Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFß1) have been shown separately to induce bone formation through physiologically distinct mechanisms and potentially improve surgical outcome for cranial defect repair by obviating the need for donor tissue. We hypothesize that a combination of BMP2 and TGFß1 would improve calvarial defect healing by augmenting physiologic osteogenic mechanisms. METHODS/RESULTS: Coronal suturectomies (3×15 mm) were performed in 10-day-old New Zealand White rabbits. DermaMatrix™ (3×15mm) patterned with four treatments (vehicle, 350 ng BMP2, 200 ng TGFß1, or 350 ng BMP2+200 ng TGFß1) was placed in suturectomy sites and rabbits were euthanized at 6 weeks of age. Two-dimensional (2D) defect healing, bone volume, and bone density were quantified by computed tomography. Regenerated bone was qualitatively assessed histologically. One-way analysis of variance revealed significant group main effects for all bone quantity measures. Analysis revealed significant differences in 2D defect healing, bone volume, and bone density between the control group and all treatment groups, but no significant differences were detected among the three growth factor treatment groups. Qualitatively, TGFß1 treatment produced bone with morphology most similar to native bone. TGFß1-regenerated bone contained a suture-like tissue, growing from the lateral edge of the defect margin toward the midline. Unique to the BMP2 treatment group, regenerated bone contained lacunae with chondrocytes, demonstrating the presence of endochondral ossification. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Total healing in BMP2 and TGFß1 treatment groups is not significantly different. The combination of BMP2+TGFß1 did not significantly increase bone healing compared with treatment with BMP2 or TGFß1 alone postoperatively at 4 weeks. We highlight the potential use of TGFß1 to regenerate calvarial bone and cranial sutures. TGFß1 therapy significantly augmented bony defect healing at an earlier time point when compared with control, regenerated bone along the native intramembranous ossification pathway, and (unlike BMP2 alone or in combination with TGFß1) permitted normal suture reformation. We propose a novel method of craniofacial bone regeneration using low-dose, spatially controlled growth factor therapies to minimize potentially harmful effects while maximizing local bioavailability and regenerating native tissues.

Successful reconstruction of complex pediatric nasal lesions: improving outcomes using dermal regenerative templates.

BACKGROUND: Dermal regenerate templates are currently widely used in both adult and pediatric burn reconstruction. Despite this, the safety and efficacy of regenerate templates combined with full-thickness skin grafts for the reconstruction of pediatric facial defects traditionally treated with local flaps is not widely published. The aim of this study is to report the safety and efficacy of pediatric nasal defect reconstruction using regenerative templates/full-thickness skin grafts. METHODS: A retrospective review of one institution's experience with pediatric nasal defects treated with regenerative templates was performed. All patients (n = 4) were treated with a multistage protocol. Two reviewers independently assigned Visual Analogue Cosmetic Scale (VACS) scores: 1 surgeon and 1 nonsurgical researcher not involved in patient care. Standardized photographs (anteroposterior, oblique, lateral, and worm's eye view) were assigned VACS scores according to a 100-point scale: "abhorrent," 0-24; "poor," 25-49; "moderate," 50-74; and "excellent," 75-100. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon paired signed-rank tests. RESULTS: Four patients (2 boys and 2 girls, average age 6.8 yr) who met the inclusion criteria were identified. A total of 5 nasal lesions (2 spitz nevi, 1 vascular lesion, and 2 congenital nevi) were removed. The preoperative VACS score was 45.2 (range, 5-70), compared with 84.5 (range, 45-100) postoperatively (P <0.000). There was no significant difference between raters (preoperative, P = 0.346; postoperative, P = 0.678). CONCLUSIONS: The reconstruction of complex pediatric nasal lesions using dermal regenerative templates and full-thickness postauricular skin grafts is safe and effective, and associated with low morbidity and significant improvement in VACS scores.

Improving speech outcomes after failed palate repair: evaluating the safety and efficacy of conversion Furlow palatoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Velopharyngeal insufficiency occurs in a nontrivial number of cases following cleft palate repair. We hypothesize that a conversion Furlow palatoplasty allows for long-term correction of VPI resulting from a failed primary palate repair, obviating the need for pharyngoplasty and its attendant comorbidities. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients undergoing a conversion Furlow palatoplasty between 2003 and 2010 was performed. Patients were grouped according to the type of preceding palatal repair. Velopharyngeal insufficiency was assessed using Pittsburgh Weighted Speech Scale (PWSS). Scores were recorded and compared preoperatively and postoperatively at 3 sequential visits. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients met inclusion criteria and were grouped by preceding repair (straight-line repair (n = 37), straight-line repair with subsequent oronasal fistula (n = 14), or pharyngeal flap (n = 11). Median PWSS scores at individual visits were as follows: preoperative = 11, first postoperative = 3 (mean, 114.0 ± 6.7 days), second postoperative = 1 (mean, 529.0 ± 29.1 days), and most recent postoperative = 3 (mean, 1368.6 ± 76.9 days). There was a significant difference between preoperative and postoperative PWSS scores in the entire cohort (P < 0.001) with overall improvement, and post hoc analysis showed improvement between each postoperative visit (P < 0.05) with the exception of the second to the most recent visit. There were no differences between postoperative PWSS scores in the operative subgroupings (P > 0.05). Eight patients failed to improve and showed no differences in PWSS scores over time (P > 0.05). Patients with a PWSS score of 7 or greater (n = 8) at the first postoperative visit (0-6 months) displayed improvement at the most recent visit (P< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Conversion Furlow palatoplasty is an effective means for salvaging speech. Future studies should elucidate which factors predict the success of this technique following failed palate repair.

Bilateral congenital amazia: a case report and systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Congenital breast anomalies present challenging management decisions to the plastic surgeon. One must consider the optimal age of reconstruction as well as the ideal surgical technique. Amazia, a very rare condition characterised by a complete lack of breast tissue in the presence of a nipple areolar complex (NAC), is one such congenital breast anomaly. METHODS: A comprehensive systematic review of the literature was performed to examine the various approaches to reconstruction of congenital breast anomalies. From this review, the data compiled included patient demographics and operative details, including type of reconstruction, treatment of the contralateral breast and treatment of the NAC. A case of bilateral amazia is also reported. RESULTS: Of 178 articles, 13 ultimately met the inclusion criteria and 54 individual patient reconstructions were identified from these papers. At the time of reconstruction, the patients were in the range of 13-54 years, with an average age of 27.6 years. Prosthetic and autologous reconstructions were equally represented (19 patients each, 35.2%; Table 2). Autologous reconstruction with prosthesis was slightly less common (15 patients, 27.8%). One patient was reconstructed using autologous lipo-augmentation only. Of the 36 cases in which the approach to the NAC was addressed, most (66.7%) were not reconstructed. CONCLUSIONS: Amazia is a very rare congenital anomaly of the breast. This systematic review of the literature highlights the need for better reporting and examination of this type of data to allow for future study and to better advise on decision making regarding the timing of reconstruction, surgical technique and the approach to the NAC.

Management of failed alveolar bone grafts: improved outcomes and decreased morbidity with allograft alone.

BACKGROUND: This study demonstrates the safety and efficacy of allograft alone in revision alveolar bone graft surgery. METHODS: A retrospective review of the authors' institution's alveolar bone graft experience (from 2004 to 2012) with open iliac crest bone graft, minimal-access iliac crest bone graft plus supplemental allograft, and revision allograft alone was performed. All patients (n = 47) were treated with alveolar fistula repair with primary closure. RESULTS: Group 1 patients (12 male, 10 female; average age, 10 years) received iliac crest bone graft alone; 17 had unilateral and five had bilateral clefts. Group 2 (eight male, six female; average age, 9 years) received an iliac crest bone graft plus allograft; six clefts were unilateral and eight were bilateral. Group 3 (six male, five female; average age, 13 years) received revision allograft alone; seven clefts were unilateral and four were bilateral. Average operative time/alveolus was shortest in group 3 compared with groups 1 and 2 (p < 0.0005). Average engraftment was better in group 3 than in group 1 (p < 0.001) and similar to that in group 2 (p < 0.079). Revision alveolar bone graft with allograft alone improved Enemark scores from 3.7 preoperatively to 1.0 postoperatively (p < 0.0001). Hospital stay was shortest in group 3 compared with groups 1 and 2 (p < 0.0001). Bone graft extrusion occurred in six patients (27.3 percent) in group 1, no complications occurred in group 2, and a single necrotic central incisor was lost at the time of revision bone grafting in group 3 (9.1 percent). CONCLUSION: Allograft alone is safe and effective and provides a reliable alternative when traditional alveolar bone graft with iliac crest bone graft has failed. CLINICAL QUESTIONS/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Pediatric frontal sinus fracture conservative care: complete remodeling with growth and development.

We report a case of an 11-year-old patient presenting with a displaced anterior table frontal sinus fracture, resulting in a contour deformity. Fractures of the anterior table that result in contour irregularities may be an indication for operative management. The frontal sinus, however, continues to develop through late adolescence, and our patient's fracture remodeled completely within 1 year from injury, without operative management. This clinical report indicates that displaced anterior frontal sinus fractures in the skeletally immature have the potential to completely remodel with time, and therefore may be successfully managed non-operatively.

Nonfatal sport-related craniofacial fractures: characteristics, mechanisms, and demographic data in the pediatric population.

BACKGROUND: Few reports exist on sport-related craniofacial fracture injuries in the pediatric population. Most patients with craniofacial injuries are adults, and most studies on pediatric sport injuries do not focus specifically on craniofacial fractures. The authors' goal was to provide a retrospective, descriptive review of the common mechanisms of sport-related craniofacial injuries in the pediatric population, identifying the characteristics of these injuries and providing a description of the demographics of this population. METHODS: The study population included children between the ages of 0 and 18 years who were seen in the emergency department at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center between 2000 and 2005. Of the 1508 patients identified, 167 had injuries caused by sport-related trauma (10.6 percent). RESULTS: After evaluation in the emergency department, 45.5 percent were hospitalized, and 15.0 percent of these were admitted to the intensive care unit. The peak incidence of sport-related injuries occurred between the ages of 13 and 15 years (40.7 percent). Nasal (35.9 percent), orbital (33.5 percent), and skull fractures (30.5 percent) were most common, whereas fractures of the maxilla (12.6 percent), mandible (7.2 percent), zygomaticomaxillary complex (4.2 percent), and naso-orbitoethmoid complex (1.2 percent) were observed less frequently. Baseball and softball were most frequently associated with the craniofacial injuries (44.3 percent), whereas basketball (7.2 percent) and football (3.0 percent) were associated with fewer injuries. The most common mechanisms of injury were throwing, catching, or hitting a ball (34.1 percent) and collision with other players (24.5 percent). CONCLUSION: These data may allow targeted or sport-specific craniofacial fracture injury prevention strategies.

Novel animal model of calvarial defect: part IV. Reconstruction of a calvarial wound complicated by durectomy.

BACKGROUND: Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) has been shown to be an effective therapy in the acute calvarial defect wound and in calvarial defects complicated by chronic scar and radiation. The authors assessed the effectiveness of rhBMP-2-mediated bone regeneration in calvarial defects complicated by durectomy. METHODS: Sixteen adult New Zealand White rabbits underwent subtotal calvariectomy and dural removal, followed by dural repair and reconstruction in one of four groups: empty (n = 3), vehicle (buffer solution on an absorbable collagen sponge, n = 2), autologous graft (n = 3), or rhBMP-2 repair (rhBMP-2/absorbable collagen sponge, n = 8). Animals underwent computed tomographic imaging at 0, 2, 4, and 6 weeks postoperatively, followed by euthanasia and histologic analysis. Percent healing was determined by three-dimensional analysis. A 4 × 3 mixed model analysis of variance was performed on healing versus treatment group/postoperative time. RESULTS: The rhBMP-2/absorbable collagen sponge and autograft repair groups had 51.4 and 37.3 percent healing, respectively, at 6 weeks; empty and vehicle control groups had 7.8 and 17.9 percent healing, respectively, at 6 weeks. Compared with immediate favorable reconstruction (96.8 percent healing), rhBMP-2 in this setting was significantly less effective (p = 0.001). Bone in the rhBMP-2/absorbable collagen sponge group was compact and cellular but appeared only over the intact sagittal sinus and irregularly within the absorbable collagen sponge. CONCLUSIONS: Although promising in the acute calvarial wound and other complex defects, rhBMP-2 therapy is less effective in reconstruction following dural compromise. Future studies using additional growth factors and cell therapy may improve results in this especially difficult scenario.

Pleomorphic adenoma: a rare intraoral pediatric tumor.

Minor salivary gland tumors are rare in the pediatric population. The most common minor salivary gland neoplasm is pleomorphic adenoma of the hard palate. We report a case of a 7-year-old patient presenting with a slow-growing palatal lesion, which upon diagnosis we confirm to be a pleomorphic adenoma. These lesions require radical excision with careful dissection due to risks of malignant transformation, pain, interference with dentition, and tumor seeding. Given the risk of recurrence, it is important that these patients be monitored long term following extirpation. Our patient remains recurrence free at most recent follow-up, 5 years following initial extirpation. The addition of this case contributes further information regarding demographics, diagnosis, and treatment of these tumors.

Novel animal model of calvarial defect: part III. Reconstruction of an irradiated wound with rhBMP-2.

BACKGROUND: Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) has been shown to be an effective therapy in the acute calvarial defect wound and in calvarial defects complicated by chronic scar. The authors compared the effectiveness of rhBMP-2 with the accepted standard of autologous graft for repair of irradiated calvarial defects. METHODS: Nineteen adult New Zealand White rabbits underwent subtotal calvariectomy. Four days postoperatively, animals received 15 Gy to their wound. Six weeks postoperatively, scars were débrided and defects reconstructed in one of four groups: empty (n = 3), vehicle (buffer solution/absorbable collagen sponge; n = 3), cryopreserved autograft, (n = 3), or rhBMP-2 repair (rhBMP-2/absorbable collagen sponge, n = 10). Animals underwent computed tomography imaging at 0, 2, 4, and 6 weeks, followed by euthanization and histological analysis. Percent healing was determined and a 4 × 3 mixed model analysis of variance was performed on healing versus treatment group/postoperative time. RESULTS: According to radiopacity, rhBMP-2/sponge and autografts were statistically equivalent, with 99 and 89 percent healing at 6 weeks. Empty and vehicle treatment groups, with 35 and 34 percent healing, were inferior to the rhBMP-2/sponge and autograft groups (p < 0.05). Histologically, bone in the surgical control (autograft) group was less cellular and trabecular than bone formed after rhBMP-2/sponge treatment. CONCLUSIONS: rhBMP-2 therapy was as effective in reconstructing calvarial defects in the unfavorable irradiated wound as in the acute, favorable calvarial wound. Compared with cryopreserved autologous graft, rhBMP-2-regenerated bone resulted in equal defect coverage, similar thickness, and greater cellularity. Further studies are necessary to demonstrate the long-term viability and remodeling rhBMP-2/sponge-generated bone.