Cadaveric Meniscus Arthroplasty for Post-Traumatic Arthritis: A Case Report.

We present a novel treatment for post-traumatic arthritis of the hand and fingers using joint resurfacing with cadaveric meniscus. A 20-year-old man presented to the clinic with chronic pain and stiffness after an intra-articular fifth metacarpal fracture. Meniscus allograft, which has been used successfully in treatments for thumb carpometacarpal and radiocarpal degenerative osteoarthritis, was used to reconstruct the joint surface with complete resolution of stiffness and pain.

Functional Outcomes for Basilar Joint Arthroplasty with Meniscus Allograft Compared with Trapeziectomy Alone.

BACKGROUND: Advanced thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint arthritis is widely treated with trapeziectomy. To obviate the need for autologous tissue, maintain thumb length, and reduce the risk of scaphoid impingement, the senior author developed an interposition arthroplasty technique using meniscal allograft. We hypothesize that the use of meniscus improves outcomes and subsequent functionality compared with trapeziectomy alone. METHODS: Twenty-three patients with Eaton stage III-IV CMC osteoarthritis underwent arthroplasty with meniscal allograft, and 7 patients underwent trapeziectomy alone. Preoperative Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), pain, grip and pinch strength, and range of motion scores were compared with postoperative scores at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year. RESULTS: The study group consisted of 17 women and 6 men, and the control group consisted of 5 women and 2 men. The mean age was similar at 61.4 (48-72) years and 65.7 (56-78) years for the study and control groups, respectively. The DASH scores dropped by 61.8% in the study group compared with 38.8% in the control group (<0.01), whereas pain decreased 86.0% and 69.8%, respectively (P < .01). Strength and range of motion improvement was similar between the groups. Subsidence of the joint space was 1% in the study group compared with 18.4% in the control group. There were no surgical complications in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Joint resurfacing with meniscal allograft represents a viable joint salvage option in severe cases of CMC arthritis. Early results suggest that, compared with trapeziectomy alone, the approach results in greater reduction in subjective pain and disability scores, similar improvement in strength measures and range of motion, and less subsidence.

Surgical Complexity and Physician Compensation: An Analysis of Relative Under-Valuation for Pediatric Brachial Plexus Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Brachial plexus reconstruction (BPR) is a rapidly advancing field within hand surgery. BPR procedures are complex, time-intensive, and require microsurgical expertise. As physician reimbursement rates for BPR are poorly defined, relative to more common hand procedures, we sought to analyze compensation for BPR across different payor groups and understand the factors contributing to their reimbursement. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of surgeries by a single senior staff member in a 4-year period to evaluate Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes from BPR cases. For comparison, all finger fracture fixations and skin graft reconstructions performed by the same surgeon over the same time period were analyzed as well. RESULTS: A total of 57 BPR cases, 94 finger fracture fixation cases, and 69 skin grafting cases met inclusion criteria. Among the top 5 insurance providers, average work relative value unit (wRVU)/hour was 6.55, 3.49, and 12.67 for BPR, fracture fixation, and skin grafts, respectively. Reimbursements were an average $685.76/hour for BPR, compared to $590.10/hour for fracture fixation and $1,197.94/hour for skin grafts. CONCLUSIONS: BPR demonstrates a relative undervaluation, in terms of reimbursement per hour, given the time and surgical skill required for such cases, particularly compared to shorter, less complex cases such as skin grafting and fracture fixation. We find that this discrepancy is amplified across multiple levels of coding, billing, and reimbursement. We suggest specific strategies for physician leadership to more directly participate in the financial decisions that affect themselves, their patients, and their specialty.

Functional Outcomes for Meniscal Allograft Interposition Arthroplasty of the Hand.

BACKGROUND: Osteochondral defects of the carpometacarpal (CMC), metacarpophalangeal (MCP), and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints often necessitate arthrodesis or arthroplasty. Meniscal allograft has been used for large joint resurfacing, but its application to smaller joints is less well understood. We propose its use for hand joint resurfacing as an off-the-shelf alternative to address osteochondral defects and restore articular function. METHODS: Thirty-one patients with osteoarthritis of the CMC, MCP, or PIP joints underwent arthroplasty with meniscal allograft. Patient demographics and operative information were recorded. Preoperative Disability of the Shoulder, Arm, and Hand, Wong Baker pain, grip and pinch strength, and range of motion were compared to postoperative scores at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year. RESULTS: Twenty-three women and 8 men, mean age 62.8 years, underwent 39 joint reconstructions, including CMC (n = 26), thumb MP (n = 2), thumb IP (n = 2), digit MP (n = 2), and digit PIP (n = 7). At 1 year, mean Disability of the Shoulder, Arm, and Hand scores decreased from 41.3 to 15.6 (P < 0.001) and pain scores from 6.9 to 1.0 (P < 0.001). Grip strength increased from 38.1 to 42.9 (P = 0.017) and radial and palmar abduction from 43.1 to 49.2 (P = 0.039) and 43.7 to 51.6 (P = 0.098), respectively. There were no complications related to the meniscus. CONCLUSIONS: Meniscal allograft represents an alternative to arthrodesis which obviates the need for a donor site and avoids many of the complications inherent to synthetic alternatives. Our early results demonstrate its successful use to reduce subjective pain and disability scores, improve objective strength measures, and maintain range of motion.

A Sustainable Approach to Prepectoral Breast Reconstruction Using Meshed Acellular Dermal Matrix.

BACKGROUND: Prepectoral implant-based breast reconstruction provides an alternative to submuscular reconstruction, but the increased acellular dermal matrix (ADM) required has the potential to lead to increased costs and decreased supply of this limited-resource material. We present a method for prepectoral reconstruction utilizing skin-graft meshing techniques to increase the surface area of usable ADM. METHODS: Forty-four patients underwent this technique from February 2019 to February 2020. Patient characteristics, operative details, and outcomes, including complications and patient satisfaction utilizing the BREAST-Q, were analyzed. Cost analysis relative to projected cost of nonmeshed techniques was performed. RESULTS: There were 20 unilateral and 24 bilateral procedures, for a total of 68 breast reconstructions. Mean age was 45.9 years (32-71). Mean implant volume was 485 cm3 (265-800), and one sheet of ADM was used for each breast with an average surface area of 161 cm2. Median follow-up was 350 days (212-576). Minor complications included an infection treated with oral antibiotics. Major complications included one axillary hematoma and one delayed implant loss. One patient underwent revision for asymmetry. Mean BREAST-Q score was 47.4/60. Cost ranged from $4113 to 5025 per breast, compared with the projected $9125-18250 per breast for other techniques in the literature. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to previously described uses of ADM in prepectoral reconstruction, meshing maximizes resource utilization by expanding the coverage of a single sheet. Early findings demonstrate minimal complications and high patient satisfaction, suggesting the approach has potential to provide the benefits of prepectoral reconstruction while responsibly preserving product availability and tempering healthcare costs.

Surgical Outcomes, Complications, and Long-Term Functionality for Free Vascularized Fibula Grafts in the Pediatric Population: A 17-Year Experience and Systematic Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: In the pediatric population, bony defects of the extremities pose a significant challenge for which free vascularized fibular grafts (FVFGs) represent a valuable reconstructive option. The purpose of this study was to explore surgical outcomes, complications, and long-term functionality of FVFG for this patient group. METHODS: Using MEDLINE and PubMed databases, studies were identified of pediatric extremity reconstruction using FVFG which reported functional outcomes and/or complications. The operative logs at a tertiary pediatric center were then reviewed for cases of FVFG between January 2000 and 2017. Demographic characteristics, surgical indications, operative details, graft survival, bony union, complications, and functionality of the reconstruction were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 366 studies were identified with 23 ultimately meeting inclusion criteria in the systematic review. In the institutional series, 29 patients were included with mean age of 9.7 years (1-17 years). Indications for reconstruction included malignant bone tumor (n = 11), osteomyelitis (n = 9), congenital pseudoarthrosis (n = 6), and osteofibrous dysplasia (n = 3). Major postoperative complications included graft nonunion (24.1%), fracture (17.2%), and hardware failure (17.2%). Thirteen patients (44.8%) experienced delayed complications, while two (6.8%) experienced an immediate complication. Complications occurred in the donor site in 2 cases and the recipient site in all 13 cases. Long-term graft survival was achieved in 27 patients (93.1%), and 23 (79.3%) had full functional recovery, with an average Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score of 90% (60-100%). Mean follow-up was 5.17 years (2-12 years). CONCLUSION: This review and institutional series demonstrate the versatility of FVFG to facilitate limb reconstruction in large defects or serve as a salvage option in complex cases. While immediate and donor-site complications are uncommon, delayed recipient-site complications are frequent, and patients and families should be counseled regarding this expectation. Though technically challenging, excellent long-term graft viability and functional recovery can be achieved in the large majority of patients.

Combination therapy: Etanercept and intravenous immunoglobulin for the acute treatment of Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis.

BACKGROUND: Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) is an autoimmune condition with significant morbidity and mortality. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed at a single institution. All patients admitted to the LAC+USC burn unit from May 1st 2015-January 1st 2018 with a histologic diagnosis of SJS/TEN were reviewed. Patient characteristics and outcomes were recorded. These outcomes were compared to our previously published cohort. RESULTS: Thirteen total consecutive SJS/TEN patients were treated with etanercept. Compared to non-etanercept treated patients, etanercept-treated patients did not experience a significant difference in mortality (15.4% vs. 10%, P=0.58), ICU days (6.9 vs. 15.1, P=0.08), length-of-stay (9.8 vs 16.4, P=0.11), or infections (38.5% vs. 57.5%, P=0.58). The standardized mortality ratio in etanercept-treated patients was 0.44 (95% CI, 0.21, 0.65). In general, etanercept-treated patients had higher SCORTENs (3 vs. 2, P=0.03) and longer delays to presentation (5.2 vs. 2.7 days, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Etanercept can be considered in the treatment of SJS/TEN patients in addition to IVIg, and supportive care in a burn unit.

Google Glass for Remote Surgical Tele-proctoring in Low- and Middle-income Countries: A Feasibility Study from Mozambique.

BACKGROUND: Untreated surgical conditions account for one-third of the total global burden of disease, and a lack of trained providers is a significant contributor to the paucity of surgical care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Wearable technology with real-time tele-proctoring has been demonstrated in high-resource settings to be an innovative method of advancing surgical education and connecting providers, but application to LMICs has not been well-described. METHODS: Google Glass with live-stream capability was utilized to facilitate tele-proctoring between a surgeon in Mozambique and a reconstructive surgeon in the United States over a 6-month period. At the completion of the pilot period, a survey was administered regarding the acceptability of the image quality as well as the overall educational benefit of the technology in different surgical contexts. RESULTS: Twelve surgical procedures were remotely proctored using the technology. No complications were experienced in any patients. Both participants reported moderate visual impairment due to image distortion and light over-exposure. Video-stream latency and connection disruption were also cited as limitations. Overall, both participants reported that the technology was highly useful as training tool in both the intraoperative and perioperative setting. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience in Mozambique demonstrates the feasibility of wearable technology to enhance the reach and availability of specialty surgical training in LMICs. Despite shortcomings in the technology and logistical challenges inherent to international collaborations, this educational model holds promise for connecting surgeons across the globe and introducing expanded access to education and mentorship in areas with limited opportunities for surgical trainees.

Ectropion in Facial Tissue Expansion in the Pediatric Population: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Treatment Options.

BACKGROUND: Despite advances in the field of tissue expansion, the face is especially difficult to reconstruct using this technique due to its dynamic nature and high incidence of distortional scarring. This article aimed to review complications seen in pediatric facial tissue expansion, specifically ectropion, as well as its restorative treatment. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of pediatric patients treated by tissue expansion for congenital facial lesions, trauma, or burns at Children's Hospital Los Angeles from January 2000 to present was performed. Patients were analyzed for preoperative diagnosis, reconstruction area, tissue expander location, number and fill volume of expanders, incidence of complications, including ectropion, and type of revision surgery. RESULTS: A total of 88 patients with 150 expander reconstructions were examined. The total complication rate was 43.1% with an 11.3% rate of ectropion. Of the 10 cases of ectropion, 9 were treated with canthoplasty, whereas 1 was managed conservatively. In addition to canthoplasty, full-thickness skin graft was preformed in 1 patient, Z-plasty in 1, and lid switch in 2. DISCUSSION: Tissue expansion is a safe and effective method of reconstruction for facial defects in the pediatric population despite complication rates being higher than other areas of the body. Specifically, ectropion can be a devastating complication, often requiring surgical correction. As such, careful planning should go into orientation and design of the reconstruction, and staged procedures should be strongly considered. Additionally, and possibly the most important, is setting patient and parental expectation about the possibility of ectropion and the necessity often for multiple corrective surgeries.

Antibiotic Prophylaxis and Resistance in Surgical Site Infection After Immediate Tissue Expander Reconstruction of the Breast.

BACKGROUND: A recent survey of plastic surgeons showed that the majority prescribed prophylactic antibiotics after hospital discharge for breast reconstruction. There is no clinical evidence that this practice reduces surgical site infection (SSI) after immediate tissue expander breast reconstruction. Furthermore, multiple studies have suggested that current antibiotic choices may not be appropriately covering the causative organisms of SSI. METHODS: An institutional breast reconstruction database from January 2005 to December 2011 was queried to identify patients undergoing immediate tissue expander reconstruction of the breast. The bacteriology of the infection, prophylactic and empiric antibiotic use, and antibiotic sensitivities were analyzed. RESULTS: In 557 cases of immediate tissue expander breast reconstruction performed in 378 patients, SSIs were diagnosed in 50 (9.0%) cases. Two hundred patients were given oral antibiotics at discharge; 178 did not receive antibiotics. Surgical site infection developed in 12.0% of patients given oral antibiotics and in 13.5% of those not receiving antibiotics (P = 0.67). Wound culture data were obtained in 34 SSIs. Twenty-nine had positive cultures. The most common offending organisms were methicillin-sensitive (11) and methicillin-resistant (6) Staphylococcus aureus. Despite increased use of postoperative prophylaxis over the years, SSI incidence remained unchanged. However, trends toward increased resistance of SSI organisms to the preoperative and postoperative prophylaxis agents were observed. When first-generation cephalosporins were used as prophylaxis, SSI organisms showed resistance rates of 20.5% (preoperative cefazolin) and 54.5% (postoperative cephalexin). CONCLUSIONS: Administration of extended prophylactic antibiotics does not reduce overall risk of SSI after expander-based breast reconstruction but may influence antibiotic resistance patterns when infections occur. The organisms most commonly responsible for SSI are often resistant to cefazolin.

Time to completion of nipple reconstruction: what factors are involved?

BACKGROUND: Nipple reconstruction is often used as a marker for completion of the breast reconstructive process. The purpose of this study was to determine the average time to nipple reconstruction and the factors that influence this process. METHODS: All patients who underwent postmastectomy breast reconstruction at Emory University between 2005 and 2011 were reviewed. Only those who had completed nipple reconstruction were included. Variables recorded were body mass index, age, smoking history, surgeon, presence of preoperative or postoperative chemotherapy or radiation therapy, type of reconstruction, timing of reconstruction, unilateral or bilateral reconstruction, and complication history. Time to completion of nipple reconstruction was calculated and comparisons were made. RESULTS: A total of 451 patients completed nipple reconstruction (128 implant reconstructions, 120 latissimus plus implant reconstructions, 23 latissimus only reconstructions, and 180 transverse rectus abdominus myocutaneous flap [TRAM] or deep inferior epigastric perforator flap [DIEP] reconstructions). Average time to nipple reconstruction was 12.25 months. Patients who underwent TRAM or DIEP flaps completed reconstruction on average earlier than implant-based reconstruction and latissimus-only reconstruction (8.67 vs 11.2 and 11.3 months, respectively, P = 0.0016). Patients who underwent postoperative chemotherapy or radiation therapy were delayed compared to those that did not (11.3 vs 9.33 and 13.87 vs 9.87 months, P = 0.0315 and P = 0.0052). Timing of completion was also dependent on attending surgeon (9.8 and 11.43 months for the 2 senior surgeons, P = 0.0135) and presence of complications (10.3 compared to 9.77 months for patients without complications, P = 0.0334). Body mass index, smoking history, preoperative chemotherapy or radiation therapy, timing of reconstruction, and unilateral versus bilateral reconstruction did not affect time to nipple reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: Type of reconstruction, surgeon, presence of complications, and need for postoperative chemotherapy or radiation therapy all affect timing to completion of breast reconstruction. Patients should be counseled as to these factors at the initial consultation to set appropriate expectations.