Evaluating the role of the Minimal Incision Retroperitoneal Necrosectomy (MIRN) in the management of infected pancreatic necrosis: Experience from a tertiary care center.

Background: The conventional open necrosectomy was associated with high mortality and morbidities like secondary organ failure, incisional hernia, enterocutaneous fistula, and external pancreatic fistula. In acute pancreatitis, collections are primarily confined to the retroperitoneal space. Hence, the retroperitoneal approach can be used to drain the collection and necrotic material. It benefits smaller incisions and better outcomes in terms of morbidity and mortality than the conventional open necrosectomy. This study primarily aims to describe the effects of minimal incision retroperitoneal necrosectomy versus conventional open necrosectomy for treating INP. Moreover, it provides evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of this method. Methods: A single-center retrospective study of the prospectively maintained database from April 2008 to December 2021. Results: A total of 122 patients were included in the study. Seventy-eight patients had an open necrosectomy, 30 had a MIRN, and 14 had a VARD procedure. These three groups were comparable in demographic variables. Preoperative variables like APACHE II at presentation, Modified CTSI, percentage of necrosis, multi-organ failure, time to surgery, and need for preoperative ICU stay were comparable among the three groups. Postoperative mortality was low in the MIRN group{open 35.8 % vs. MIRN 20.5 % vs. VARD 35.7 %, p = 0.066}. The postoperative stay was also significantly low in the MIRN and VARD group {open 23.62 ± 16.61 vs. MIRN 11.77 ± 7.73, VARD 8.86 ± 2.98, p = 0.00}. No significant difference in re-intervention rate, postoperative bleeding, and enterocutaneous fistula. Conclusion: MIRN is a simple and easy-to-adapt procedure for infected pancreatic necrosis in the appropriately selected patient group.

Do the Clinical Characteristics of Lipomas Influence the Incision Length During Minimal Incision Extraction?

BACKGROUND: Minimal incision extraction technique is widely accepted for the surgical removal of lipomas, but no consensus for the incision length has been made yet. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical characteristics of lipomas which affect the minimal incision length during the minimal incision extraction. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 50 patients who underwent minimal incision extraction for 55 medium-sized (3-5 cm) or large lipomas (> 5 cm) between March 2020 and May 2022. If the mass is not fully dissected, or adequate visual field for hemostasis was not provided through the initial one-third incision, the incision was extended to the minimal extent. RESULTS: There were 33 males and 17 females with a mean age of 53.5 ± 12.7 years. There was no statistical difference in the minimal % incision length, defined as [(incision length) / (tumor diameter)] x 100, between the medium-sized (n = 31) and large lipomas (n = 24). Lipomas of the long incision group (minimal % incision length ≥66.7%, n = 21) had a higher frequency of head and neck location than lipomas of the short incision group (minimal % incision length <66.7%, n = 34) (odds ratio = 14.5, P < .05). However, no association was found between the tumor diameter or depth and the minimal % incision length. The occurrence of postoperative complications was not associated also (P = .296). CONCLUSION: The minimal % incision length for lipoma removal does not show statistical difference between medium-sized and large lipomas, and is affected by its anatomical location, but not by tumor diameter or depth.

Clinical efficacy of minimal hydrocelectomy with the aid of scrotoscope in the treatment of testicular hydrocele / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To explore the application value of scrotoscopy in the treatment of testicular hydrocele. 【Methods】 The clinical data of 27 patients with testicular hydrocele who were successfully treated with minimal hydrocelectomy with the aid of scrotoscope (MHS group) and 32 patients with traditional open surgery (TH group) during Dec.2017 and Dec.2021 were retrospectively analyzed and compared. 【Results】 Compared with TH group, the MHS group needed shorter average operation time [(32.22±5.25) min vs.(57.34±8.71) min, P<0.01], shorter incision length [(0.95±0.15) cm vs.(5.09±0.55) cm, P<0.01], shorter hospital stay [(3.63±0.97) d vs.(4.72±0.89) d,P<0.01] and lower postoperative incision visual analogue scale (VAS) (P<0.01), and milder degree of edema on the 3rd and 7th day after operation (P<0.05), but higher recurrence rate (14.81% vs.3.13%, P=0.256) 24 weeks after operation. 【Conclusion】 Scrotoscopy is safe in the treatment of testicular hydrocele, which has the advantages of short operation time, small incision, mild postoperative incision pain, mild scrotal edema and short hospital stay, but the recurrence rate tends to be higher than that of traditional open surgery.

Effectiveness of minimally invasive surgery using incomplete phalangeal osteotomy for symptomatic curly toe of adults with a trapezoidal phalanx: An observational study.

Background and aims: Digital deformity in flexion, varismus (external rotation), and adduction with the toe in both supraduction and infraduction are called clinocampodactyly or curly toe. All adult patients with symptoms and a diagnosis of semirigid/rigid curly toes underwent radiological examination to verify the presence of a trapezoidal phalanx. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively determine the degrees of improvement of a dysmetric phalanx after incomplete phalangeal osteotomy using minimally invasive surgery. The points of improvement were determined using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale score. Methods: Between May 2021 and June 2022, 30 patients diagnosed with curly toes underwent unicortical osteotomy of the affected phalanx. The convergence angle was measured and the AOFAS scale scores were compared. Results: A total of 33 toes underwent surgery. The average reduction of the convergence angle was 9°. The average improvement in the AOFAS scale score was 53 points at 6 months and reached almost 90 points (89.9 ± 6.1 points). Conclusions: Incomplete phalangeal osteotomy performed with minimally invasive surgery of the trapezoidal phalanges of curly toes of adults can improve alignment and AOFAS scale scores.

Trans-Thoracic Extra-Pleural Percutaneous Spinal Fixation-A Technical Note.

Study Design: Cross-sectional analysis of defined parameters of patients who underwent the presented technique. Patients undergoing thoracic spine fixation for various pathologies. Objective: This technique attempts to limit the incision size in extrapleural thoracotomy for multi-level spinal fixation. Summary of Background Data: Dorsal spine is traditionally approached by either transpleural or extrapleural approach. The extrapleural approach carries a limitation of being restricted in number of levels it can address. By incrementally modifying the present technique, we were able to employ the approach in greater number of levels with lesser morbidities. Method: Classical extrapleural thoracotomy approach is employed with incision size limited to the levels of pathology (~5 cm). Thereafter, proper exposure using Kittner dissection and defining of screw entry points follows. Stab incision is made and screws placed percutaneously through a K-wire-defined trajectory. Results: Eighteen patients underwent fixation through this technique, of which 11 were infectious, four were traumatic, and the rest were neoplastic in pathology. None except three patients had ICU stay of more than 1 day. All patients had a pain score of 6 or lower except for two. Conclusion: Combining the technique of percutaneous screw placement with traditional extrapleural thoracotomy reduces the size of the incision, tissue damage, and morbidity while reducing the cost and duration of hospitalization without comprising the extent of pathology that can be dealt with.

Super-Minimal Incision Technique in Pediatric Kidney Transplantation: A Paired Kidney Analysis.

Background: Recently, the demand for minimally invasive techniques in kidney transplantation (MIKT) has increased. However, there is only a limited number of studies on MIKT, especially in pediatric kidney transplants. Hence, we evaluated whether there is a difference between the super-minimal incision technique in pediatric kidney transplantation (SMIPKT) and conventional kidney transplantation (CKT). Methods: Between December 2018 and November 2021, 34 patients who underwent pediatric kidney transplantation with a follow-up of 1 month were enrolled. A paired kidney analysis was performed to minimize donor variability and bias. The SMIPKT and CKT groups included 17 patients. Results: There was no difference in baseline clinical characteristics, including age, sex, the donor/ recipient weight ratio (DRWR), choice of dialysis modality, pretransplant dialysis time, BMI, renal artery number, cause of ESRD, DGF, length of the kidney and cold ischemic time, tacrolimus concentration at 3 and 7 days, serum creatinine at 1 month and postoperative complication rate between the SMIPKT and CKT groups (all P > 0.05). However, the length of the incision, operation time, intraoperative bleeding, postoperative drainage volume within 24 h and Vancouver scar scale at 1 month were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). Conclusion: Compared with CKT, our results indicated that SMIPKT showed more satisfactory cosmetic results, shorter SMIPKT operating time, and reduced intraoperative bleeding and postoperative drainage volume within 24 h. There were also no statistical differences in postoperative complications. Hence, we suggest that SMIPKT is an appropriate method for pediatric kidney transplantation.

Outcomes of minimally invasive osteosynthesis of intertrochanteric fractures with dynamic hip screw: A prospective case series.

BACKGROUND: Intertrochanteric fractures are a public health concern, especially in geriatric patients. Early surgical management is crucial to allow early mobilization, which helps reduce the disability and increase patients' survival. In this article, we report the outcomes of minimally invasive osteosynthesis of intertrochanteric fractures with dynamic hip screw (DHS). METHODS: The present study was a prospective case series of patients who had intertrochanteric fractures treated with minimally invasive DHS technique. Postoperative patient satisfaction rate was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS) of pain. Functional outcomes were evaluated using the Harris hip score (HHS) and the Merle-d'Aubigne-Postel (MDP) scoring system at 12 months of follow-up. Satisfactory results were considered with HHS of ≥80 points and MDP scores of ≥15. Postoperative complications were noted. RESULTS: In this study, 70 patients were included, 41 (58.6%) males and 29 (41.4%) females, with an average age of 69.3 ± 8.3 years. The mean length of hospital stay was 2.1 ± 0.9 days. The average follow-up period was 23.9 ± 7.1 months. The mean time to radiological union was 16.8 ± 1.9 weeks. The mean postoperative VAS score for pain was 2.5 ± 1.1. The mean HHS was 87.1 ± 4.7 points and the mean MDP score was 15.6 ± 2.3 at 12 months follow-up. An average of 10.6 ± 2.9 weeks was required for full weight bearing. CONCLUSION: The minimally invasive DHS technique effectively treats intertrochanteric fractures with minimal incision, less bleeding, shorter operative time, early discharge from hospital, faster rehabilitation, and favorable functional outcomes.

Minimal Incision Technique for Gynecomastia.

BACKGROUND: Gynecomastia or enlargement of the male breasts affects a large proportion of males, with most patients requiring surgical intervention as only a few lesions are actually resolved with medical management alone. Surgery cures the patients of their problems, albeit, at the cost of scarring and other cosmetic problems in some patients. Therefore, refinements in the surgical process are still ongoing so as to provide the best results with minimal scarring. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To find out the feasibility of a minimal incision technique for glandular excision after liposuction in patients with gynecomastia so as to decrease the final visible scars in these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July 2018 to September 2018, eight patients were subjected to gynecomastia surgery employing liposuction and gland removal through a single transverse 5-7 mm incision in the nipple. All the patients subjected to this technique had Grade IIa gynecomastia as per Simon's scale. The Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale, comprising a 5-point Likert scale, was employed to find out the satisfaction level of the patients 12 months after surgery; this level was compared with that of a similar population of patients being operated on by employing liposuction and subcutaneous mastectomy by the periareolar technique. RESULTS: The mean operating time was 110 min, and there was minimal bleeding during the procedure. Complications were also negligible, and all patients achieved an excellent chest contour with restoration of protective nipple sensation when evaluated 12 months after surgery. The difference in mean between the 2 patient groups was 0.125 with a p-value of 0.64. CONCLUSIONS: Glandular excision through a single transverse incision made through the nipple is a safe approach in selected patients and it produces excellent cosmetic outcomes. However, it requires patience on the part of the surgeon to achieve the desired goals of the surgery.

[Minimally invasive osteotomy and manual reduction for hallux valgus].

OBJECTIVE: To explore clinical effects of minimally invasive osteotomy and manual reduction in treating hallux valgus. METHODS: From January 2018 to May 2019, 31 patients (42 feet) with hallux valgus were treated with minimally invasive osteotomy and manual reduction, including 3 males and 28 females aged from 18 to 76 years old with an average of (50.1± 4.9) years old. Preoperative and postoperative hallux valgus (HVA), intermetatarsal angles(IMA), length difference between 1 and 2 metatarsals were recorded and compared, and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS)score were observed and measured. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients (42 feet) were followed up from 14 to 18 months with an average of (15.1± 1.2) months. HVA, IM before operation were (38.5±5.4)°, (13.0± 1.1)°, and improved to (14.3±4.7)°and (9.1±1.5)°after operation respectively(P<0.05). Preopertaive length difference between 1 and 2 metatarsals was 2-4(-0.59±1.80) mm, and 0 to -6(-3.53±1.60) mm after operation, the average shortening of the first metatarsal was 2.94 mm. There were significant difference between preoperative and postoperative. Preoperative AOFAS score was 57.8±9.7, increased to 92.1±9.3 at the final follow-up, there was significant differences (P<0.05). According to standard of AOFAS score, 32 feet obtain excellent results, 16 good and 3 moderate. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive osteotomy and manual reduction in treating hallux valgus have advantages of shorter operation time, less length of incision, and could correct hallux valgus deformity, improve front feet and receive good clinical effect in further.

Modified superior oblique intrasheath tenectomy in A-pattern with superior oblique overaction.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effect of modified superior oblique intrasheath tenectomy (MSOIT) on superior oblique overaction (SOOA) with A-pattern. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data of 66 patients (130 eyes) with SOOA and A-pattern underwent MSOIT at the nasal border of the superior rectus under an operating microscope between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2018. The superior oblique (SO) tendon fibres were resected, and the sheath was preserved in all patients. The preoperative and postoperative SOOA, objective torsion, ocular motility, and A-pattern deviation findings were compared. The correlation between the preoperative A-pattern deviation and the corrected deviation was analysed. The average follow-up period was 33.45 ± 29.88 (range: 12-122) months. RESULTS: The mean SOOA deviation improved from 2.95 ± 0.54 to 0.34 ± 0.55 (P < 0.001), while the A-pattern deviation difference between upgaze and downgaze improved from 23.15 ± 7.59 prism diopters (PD) to 3.50 ± 2.90 PD (P < 0.001). The average objective fundus intorsion value improved from + 2.96 ± 0.58 to + 0.38 ± 0.60 (P < 0.001). The magnitude of correction in A-pattern was significantly correlated with the preoperative severity of A-pattern (r = 0.812, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: MSOIT at the nasal border of the superior rectus (SR) under an operating microscope is safe and yields beneficial outcomes in patients with SOOA and A-pattern.

Minimally invasive osteotomy and manual reduction for hallux valgus / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore clinical effects of minimally invasive osteotomy and manual reduction in treating hallux valgus.@*METHODS@#From January 2018 to May 2019, 31 patients (42 feet) with hallux valgus were treated with minimally invasive osteotomy and manual reduction, including 3 males and 28 females aged from 18 to 76 years old with an average of (50.1± 4.9) years old. Preoperative and postoperative hallux valgus (HVA), intermetatarsal angles(IMA), length difference between 1 and 2 metatarsals were recorded and compared, and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS)score were observed and measured.@*RESULTS@#Thirty-one patients (42 feet) were followed up from 14 to 18 months with an average of (15.1± 1.2) months. HVA, IM before operation were (38.5±5.4)°, (13.0± 1.1)°, and improved to (14.3±4.7)°and (9.1±1.5)°after operation respectively(@*CONCLUSION@#Minimally invasive osteotomy and manual reduction in treating hallux valgus have advantages of shorter operation time, less length of incision, and could correct hallux valgus deformity, improve front feet and receive good clinical effect in further.

Fixation Principles in Minimal Incision Hallux Valgus Surgery.

Minimal incision surgical principals rely on the soft tissue envelope to maintain stability that is supplemented by a variety of clinically recommended fixation methods. The extended distal first metatarsal osteotomy has renewed interest because of the ability to laterally translate, angulate, and rotate the metatarsal head in proper alignment with the sesamoids to a neutral alignment. The soft tissue envelope of capsule, ligaments, and tendons will re-align once the bone deformity is corrected. The periosteum is maintained to provide a biologic scaffold for new bone formation and must be minimally disrupted during the intervention."

Use of retrograde pyelogram to plan for miniature open incision in pediatric pyeloplasty.

INTRODUCTION: As robotic-assisted surgery becomes increasingly utilized for pediatric ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction, open surgeons have countered by using muscle-splitting, miniature (≤2 cm) incisions. To prepare for this type of incision during pyeloplasty, it is necessary to define the exact location of the UPJ. The use of retrograde pyelogram (RPG) at the time of pyeloplasty helps the surgeon to identify the exact location of UPJ, and thus be able to use a muscle-splitting, miniature incision for open pyeloplasty. OBJECTIVE: We hypothesize that when performing a muscle-splitting, miniature incision open approach; preoperative RPG frequently changes the traditional pyeloplasty flank incision at the tip of the 11th or 12th rib. MATERIALS & METHODS: A retrospective review of open pyeloplasties performed by a single surgeon at our institution from 7/1/2010 to 12/31/2018 was performed to determine rate of use of RPG, open pyeloplasty incision location and to determine what factors are predictive of incisional site. RESULTS: 114 of 122 (93.4%) patients with 115 renal units had pyeloplasties with preoperative RPG performed. Of the 8 procedures without RPG, two had a pelvic kidney diagnosed prior to surgery, two had narrow ureteric orifices that were difficult to cannulate, and four had associated reflux. In 31/115 (27%) pyeloplasties the incision was changed from a standard incision position at the 11th or 12th rib to an alternative incision (i.e. extended muscle-transecting incision at the tip of the 11th or 12th rib, or to an alternate incision site including Gibson, McBurney's incision, or low anterior abdominal incision). 84/115 (73.0%) had a miniature (<2 cm) incision at the tip of the 11th or 12th rib. Grade IV hydronephrosis was a significant predictor for changing the traditional incision site (p = 0.02). Preoperative nephrostomy tube insertion was also associated with an increased likelihood of having an alternate incision (p = 0.04). Incision site was not significantly affected by age of the patient at surgery, patient sex, size of the affected kidney, T1/2 times of <30 min, split function of <30%, kidney length differential, or laterality. CONCLUSION: The consistent use of RPG prior to pyeloplasty helps surgeons to plan for a small muscle-splitting, miniature open incisions. In our experience, 27% of pyeloplasties required alternative incision sites based on the results of pre-operative RPG.

Comparing the Temperature Effect of Dedicated Minimally Invasive Motor System to the Discontinuous Use of Rotatory Burrs in the Correction of Hallux Valgus.

The purpose of this study was to compare 2 motor systems for percutaneous osteotomy. The study consisted of 2 stages. In the first stage, bone temperatures during osteotomy using burrs or saw was measured using a thermal camera. In the second stage, the tissue and burr temperature elevation during surgery in 80 consecutive patients (96 feet) with hallux valgus undergoing distal first metatarsal and phalangeal osteotomies (hallux and in 61/96 feet lesser digits) were measured. The burr osteotomy procedure included the use of irrigated 2- or 4.1 mm rotary wedge burrs in discontinuous cutting bursts of less than 20 seconds. Tissue surface temperature was measured with a thermal camera. The temperature generated during the procedure was found to be significantly associated with the burr diameter used but was not affected by the type of motor. At the 6-week visit, thickness of the soft tissues over the first metatarsal head was similar in both groups. Temperature control using a noninvasive thermal camera is recommended to prevent tissue damage associated with heat generated during the use of rotary burrs. A dedicated low-speed high-torque system does not seem to be necessary and standard orthopaedic equipment can be used.Levels of Evidence: Level II: Comparative prospectively collected series.

A Modified Ponseti Method for the Treatment of Rigid Idiopathic Congenital Clubfoot.

This study reviewed the efficacy of a modified Ponseti method (MP) for treating rigid clubfeet insufficiently corrected by the classic Ponseti method. Briefly, the MP consisted of 3 procedures. First, Achilles tenotomy, abductor hallucis tenotomy, and plantar fasciotomy were conducted through 3 small incisions. Second, the talocalcaneal and talonavicular joints were manually reduced. Third, plaster immobilization was introduced to maintain the initial correction. Dimeglio scores, radiographs, and pain evaluations were used to analyze outcomes. All 38 patients with 56 clubfeet enrolled in the present study achieved initial correction after the MP, followed by a mean of 3.68 ± 0.77 (range 3 to 5) cast immobilizations, which were changed each week. The average duration of treatment was 30.63 ± 6.45 days (range 23 to 47), and 6 (10.71%) clubfeet exhibited cast-related pressure injury. After a mean follow-up period of 19.71 ± 4.83 months (range 12.47 to 31.33), no child presented foot pain, and except for 1 patient with relapse, all patients received correction, with Dimeglio scores of 0.55 ± 1.06 points (range 0 to 7). The recurrence rate was 1.79% (1 of 56) at the first year. The anteroposterior talocalcaneal angle was 34.83° ± 10.65°, and the lateral talocalcaneal angle was 31.38° ± 9.86° at the last follow-up period, and both were significantly improved compared with the corresponding preoperative angles (p < .001). The anteroposterior talus-first metatarsal angle was 12.33° ± 10.04°, and the lateral calcaneal tibial angle was 74.15° ± 14.12°, which were significantly decreased compared with the preoperative values (p < .001). In conclusion, the present short-term evaluation of this minimally invasive soft-tissue release method showed promising results for treating rigid clubfoot that was not responsive to the traditional Ponseti method.

Peritomy-sparing scleral buckle.

PURPOSE: To introduce a modified technique for encircling circumferential scleral buckling without peritomy thorough a small conjunctival opening for the repair of uncomplicated rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD). METHODS: This technique was performed in 10 eyes of 10 patients with primary rhegmatogenous RD who underwent encircling circumferential scleral buckling without peritomy. Transconjunctival traction sutures were placed in four rectus muscles. After transconjunctival location of the retinal break, a 5- to 6-mm radial conjunctival incision was performed in 4 quadrants without cutting the limbal conjunctiva-Tenon's capsule. A 240-silicone band in scleral belt loops was used for an encircling circumferential buckle. After drainage and cryopexy, SF6 was used for tamponade. The incision was closed via layered closure only ocassionally. RESULTS: Primary attachment success of 100% was achieved by single procedure. The intraoperative and postoperative complications observed included subconjunctival hemorrhage observed in 5 (50%) of eyes. These disappeared in the postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS: Minimal conjunctival incision in scleral buckle without peritomy can achieve excellent anatomical success in patients with rhegmatogenous RD without distorting ocular surface anatomy. This is the first description of technique preserving corneal limbus anatomy that could convert buckling surgery to more attractive option for retina surgeons.

A modified V-shaped incision combined with superficial musculo-aponeurotic system flap for parotidectomy.

BACKGROUND: V-shaped incision (VSI) for parotidectomy had been introduced for cosmetic purpose. Despite having aesthetic superiority, it required excessive retraction or an additional hairline incision for adequate surgical exposure. To overcome these problems, we conceptualized a modified VSI approach combined with a separate superficial musculo-aponeurotic system flap. AIMS: This study aimed to propose this approach and evaluate its technical feasibility and efficacy for excision of parotid tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective, nonrandomized study involving 74 patients with small-to-medium (<4 cm), benign parotid tumors located superficially. The patients were divided into two groups based on the incision techniques used: modified VSI and modified Blair incision (MBI). The clinical outcomes of both approaches for parotidectomy were analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients underwent modified VSI approach, while 40 underwent MBI. All parotidectomies with modified VSI were successfully completed without any further incision, and no facial nerve injury or intraoperative tumor rupture complication was reported. There were no significant differences in the complications between both approaches, such as hematoma, infection, wound dehiscence, skin necrosis, sialocele, or sensory disturbance. The modified VSI group showed better cosmetic satisfaction results than did the MBI group (9.2 and 7.8, respectively; p < .001). CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: The modified VSI approach is safe and feasible for small-to-medium benign parotid tumors. This approach could be a possible option for patients with a high cosmetic demand. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective pilot study.

[Effectiveness of tibio-talo-calcaneal arthrodesis with full thread headless compression screws via combined minimal incisions].

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of tibio-talo-calcaneal arthrodesis with full thread headless compression screws via combined minimal incisions. Methods: Between January 2012 and December 2016, 36 patients (36 feet) with ankle diseases underwent tibio-talo-calcaneal arthrodesis with parallel double thread headless compression screws via minimal anterior and lateral oblique incisions. There were 14 males and 22 females with an average age of 53.8 years (range, 18-76 years). There were 19 cases of left feet and 17 cases of right feet. There were 21 cases of talar necrosis, 7 cases of post-traumatic arthritis, 3 cases of rheumatoid arthritis, 2 cases of tuberculosis infection (inactive), 1 case of talar absence, 1 case of Charcot's disease, and 1 case of pigmented villonodular synovitis of ankle and subtalar joints. Preoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and visual analogue scale (VAS) score were 53.7±2.5 and 5.9±0.2, respectively. The operation time was recorded and the wound healing and complications were observed. The bone healing was assessed by X-ray film and CT scanning. The function and pain of joint were evaluated by AOFAS and VAS scores. Results: The mean operation time was 49.8 minutes (range, 33-82 minutes). Incision infection occurred in 1 patient (2.8%) at 3 weeks after operation, and recovered after debridement. The other incisions healed by first intention without complications. Thirty-five patients were followed up with an average of 18.5 months (range, 12-29 months). Imaging examination showed fusion of the ankle and subtalar joints with an average fusion time of 10.9 weeks (range, 8-15 weeks). After 1 year, the AOFAS score (84.7±0.6) and VAS score (0.3±0.1) were significantly higher than preoperative scores ( t=12.596, P=0.000; t=30.393, P=0.000). Conclusion: It is an effective surgical method of tibio-talo-calcaneal arthrodesis with full thread headless compression screws via combined minimal incisions for end-stage ankle disease because of the less complications incidence and the higher postoperative fusion rate.

Facial Growth at 5 and 10 Years After Veau-Wardill-Kilner Versus Minimal-Incision Technique Repair of Isolated Cleft Palate.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the Veau-Wardill-Kilner technique with the Minimal-Incision technique repair of isolated clefts of the hard and soft palate regarding facial growth at 5 and 10 years of age. DESIGN: Retrospective study of lateral cephalograms. SETTING: Hospital and university based. PATIENTS: A consecutive series of 145 Caucasian nonsyndromic children born with isolated cleft palate between 1980 and 1996 were studied. Children with Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) were included in the study. The patients were divided into 4 groups: 2 groups regarding surgical technique and 2 groups regarding cleft length. INTERVENTION: Veau-Wardill-Kilner or Minimal-Incision palatoplasty. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Eleven skeletal and 1 soft tissue measurement were evaluated from lateral cephalograms taken at 5 and 10 years of age. RESULTS: Only minor differences in cephalometric morphology were found between the Veau-Wardill-Kilner technique group and the Minimal-Incision technique group. Similar results were found independent of cleft length or the inclusion of PRS in the sample. CONCLUSION: The craniofacial cephalometric morphology at 5 and 10 years of age in patients with isolated cleft palate is similar between the Veau-Wardill-Kilner and the Minimal-Incision technique group.

Minimal Incision/Minimally Invasive Medializing Displacement Calcaneal Osteotomy.

Minimally invasive techniques are readily applicable to calcaneal osteotomies and have the potential to accomplish hindfoot correction equivalent to open procedures with less morbidity and pain. Use of a guidance jig makes the procedure more predictable. While most anatomic features of the procedure are the same as those with open techniques, special care must be taken to avoid neurovascular injury because there is no open exposure. Anatomic guidelines have been established for appropriately localizing the osteotomy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V, expert opinion.