The Frontal View of the Nose: Lighting Effects and Photographic Bias.

BACKGROUND: Most aesthetic rhinosurgeons rely on proper photographic documentation of the nose using several different views. The frontal view is probably the most important, but it is also the most demanding. OBJECTIVES: In the frontal view, delicate, 3-dimensional (3D) anatomic structures require special photographic skills. Lighting is crucial for detail rendition and 3D reproduction of the nose, and for apparent photographic bias. METHODS: We compared the quality of reproduction and photographic bias with different symmetric and asymmetric lighting in common clinical practice described in the literature. The photographs were compared for anatomic reproduction, shadowing, 3-dimensionality, and apparent changes of nasal shape (bias). RESULTS: Symmetric lighting did not satisfy the demands of the rhinosurgeons because of marginal 3-dimensionality, reduced detail rendition, or photographic bias. Strongly asymmetric lighting altered the nasal shape adversely for bias depending on the side of illumination, but led to very good 3-dimensionality. Slightly asymmetric lighting demonstrated the best results for detail rendition and 3-dimensionality. CONCLUSIONS: Classic symmetric quarter light is a practicable lighting technique with limitations in the rendition of detail and 3-dimensionality. Slightly asymmetric lighting offered a perfect compromise, with substantially improved detail rendition and 3-dimensionality. Strongly asymmetric lighting may lead to photographic bias depending on the side of illumination. Frontal documentation of the nose with asymmetric lighting should, therefore, always be performed in duplicate, with asymmetric lighting from the right side and from the left side, to prevent misleading interpretations.

Simultaneous proximal interphalangeal joint arthroplasty and extensor tendon reconstruction in adjacent fingers: case report.

We present a case of a young man with heavily injured proximal interphalangeal joints and deficits of the extensor mechanism in 2 fingers treated by silicone proximal interphalangeal joint arthroplasty and 2-stage reconstruction of the extensor mechanism. The postoperative result was satisfactory with a painless, if limited, active arc of motion of the proximal interphalangeal joints of 50° in the middle finger and 35° in the ring finger.