PMMC Flap Revisited and its Clinical Outcome in 150 Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Pectoralis myocutaneous flap remains the workhorse for the reconstruction of large defects in the head and neck region despite free flaps gaining popularity; because of its drawbacks such as long operating hours, high cost and special skill techniques, it is not used in most of the institutions. Even in our institution, free tissue transfers are carried out on a regular basis, but there is a definite scope and role for PMMC flap in reconstruction. We present our experience with pectoralis major myocutaneous flap in terms of postoperative complications, donor site morbidity, flap survival and long-term healing of the flap. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 150 patients who underwent pectoralis myocutaneous flap reconstruction from 2008 to 2016 were analysed for postoperative complications like donor site morbidity, flap survival and long-term healing of the flap. RESULTS: On analysis of our data, it was found that the most common complication was wound dehiscence, which was seen in 25 patients(16%), followed by orocutaneous fistula in 15 (10%), wound infection and partial skin margin necrosis, which was seen in a maximum of 12 each(8%), hematoma in 5 (3%), and donor site wound dehiscence in 5 (3%), and there was no case of total flap failure or carotid blowout. DISCUSSION: We conclude that PMMC flap along with its modifications is the most cost-effective and associated with least complications.

Clinical Criteria for Selective Exploration of Orbital Floor in Zygomaticomaxillary Complex Fractures.

PURPOSE: Exposing the orbital floor requires a surgical procedure that has its own challenges. Despite the meticulous clinical examination followed by sophisticated imaging modalities, orbital floor defects associated with zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fractures may evade diagnosis and appropriate management. If surgeons can decide about the need for orbital floor exploration in patients with ZMC fracture, the chance of a postoperative eyelid deformity can be prevented. The aim of this article is to assess whether an association exists between the pattern of fracture line and the need for exploration of the orbital floor in ZMC fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of 94 patients with isolated, unilateral ZMC fractures who were treated at our unit by open reduction of the ZMC complex with internal orbital exploration from January 2016 to January 2018. The records of all patients were reviewed and specific data related to fracture pattern and orbital floor defect were registered and assessed. RESULTS: Of the 94 cases with isolated, unilateral ZMC fractures, in 80 cases the fracture line propagated to the orbital floor, which required exploration but did not required any reconstruction and only the infraorbital rim was addressed; 14 of them required orbital floor reconstruction. Among the cases which required orbital floor reconstruction, the majority of the cases where those with fracture involving medial side of infraorbital foramen (n = 10) followed by lateral side (n = 3) and through the foramen (n = 0) and lastly bilateral side of the foramen (n = 1). CONCLUSION: The present study highlights the pattern of fracture line at the level of infraorbital rim can predict the need for orbital floor exploration while treating ZMC fractures for purpose of orbital floor reconstruction. Based on the results and a review of the records, authors strongly recommend the need for exploration of orbital floor when the fracture line passes medial to the infraorbital foramen.

Double-loop technique using titanium molybdenum alloy wire for fabrication of nasal stents in nasoalveolar molding therapy for cleft lip and palate patients.

This article presents a technique for fabricating a modified nasoalveolar molding appliance using 0.032-inch titanium-molybdenum alloy wire for nasal stents incorporating a double loop. The nasal stents are included in the acrylic molding plate at the time the appliance is inserted. The acrylic retention button used in a conventional appliance is replaced by a simple retention hook fabricated using titanium-molybdenum alloy wire. This technique is an effective alternative to a conventional appliance, and it simplifies the appliance-modification process during follow-up visits.

Double-Loop Technique Using Titanium-Molybdenum Alloy Wire for Fabrication of Nasal Stents in Nasoalveolar Molding Therapy for Cleft Lip and Palate Patients.

This article presents a technique for the fabrication of a modified nasoalveolar molding appliance using 0.032-inch titanium-molybdenum alloy wire for nasal stents incorporating a "double loop." The nasal stents are included in the acrylic molding plate at the time of appliance insertion. The acrylic retention button used in a conventional appliance is replaced by a simple retention hook fabricated using titanium-molybdenum alloy wire. This technique can be used as an effective alternative to the conventional appliance, which also simplifies the appliance-modification process during follow-up visits.