Forehead Flap Practices: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons.

Background: The paramedian forehead flap (PMFF) is a well-established technique utilized for reconstruction of complex nasal defects. Objective: To identify the different techniques and management of patients undergoing PMFF reconstruction and compare these with current literature. Methods: Members of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery were sent a practice survey highlighting various nuances in PMFF reconstruction. The survey included questions about flap design, operative techniques, and perioperative care. Results: In total, 172 responses were received (14% response rate). Mean years of practice after fellowship was 15.8 years with most respondents performing either 1-5 (33.1%) or 6-10 (27.3%) PMFFs per year. Common practices included the use of general anesthesia, elevation of PMFF in the subgaleal plane (59.6%), and pedicle division at 3 weeks (80%) (p < 0.001). Complication rates ranged between 1% and 5%. The nose was the most common site for revision (p < 0.001) and the average number of secondary procedures after forehead flap division was 1.1 (standard deviation 0.81). The most variability in responses was seen for methods of internal lining reconstruction. Conclusion: Reconstructive surgeons frequently divide the PMFF pedicle at 3 weeks or later and have variable approaches to reconstruction of the internal lining with low complication rates overall.

Oral cavity cancer in young, non-smoking, and non-drinking patients: A contemporary review.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in non-smoking and non-drinking (NSND) individuals appears to be distinct from the traditional head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The incidence of this subset is increasing, as are the number of studies examining its characteristics. NSND OSCC individuals tend to be younger (<45 years) compared to traditional HNSCC patients. The proportion of females in the NSND OSCC cohort is also higher. The tongue is the predominantly affected subsite. Studies have revealed several gene mutations and unique epigenomic profiles but no definitive genetic etiology. Transcriptomic analysis has not found any causative viral agents. Other proposed etiologies include chronic dental trauma, microbiome abnormalities, marijuana consumption, and genetic disorders. There are international efforts to determine the relative prognostic outcome of this unique cohort, but no consensus has been reached. Here, we review the incidence, demographics, subsite, possible etiologies, prognosis, and therapy implications of the NSND OSCC cohort.

Diagnostic approaches to carcinoma of unknown primary of the head and neck.

Squamous cell carcinoma in cervical lymph nodes arising from an undetected primary tumour, termed carcinoma of unknown primary (SCCUP), is a well-recognized clinical presentation within head and neck oncology. SCCUP is a common presentation for patients with human papillomavirus-mediated oropharyngeal cancer (HPV + OPSCC), as patients with HPV + OPSCC often present with smaller primary tumours and early nodal metastasis. Meticulous work-up of the SCCUP patient is central to the management of these patients as identification of the primary site improves overall survival and allows for definitive oncologic resection or more focused radiation when indicated. This review summarizes the comprehensive diagnostic approach to the SCCUP patient, including history and physical examination, methods of biopsy of the cervical lymph node, imaging modalities and intraoperative methods to localize the unknown primary. Novel techniques such as transcervical ultrasound of the oropharynx, narrow band imaging and diagnostic transoral robotic surgery are also discussed.

Patients With Valgus Alignment and Patients With Varus Alignment Are Not Mere Opposites of Each Other Prior to Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Although it is common practice to assess alignment prior to total knee arthroplasty, preoperative knee alignment and its effect on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) postoperatively has not been well studied. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine if there are differences in PROs between patients with valgus deformities and patients with varus deformities. Further, this study assessed the baseline differences between these 2 groups preoperatively. Patients were placed into either the valgus or the varus group. Data collected included age, sex, race, height, weight, body mass index, knee alignment, Kellgren-Lawrence grade, and 2 PRO measures. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed preoperatively and at 5 scheduled follow-up visits during the first year postoperatively. The authors found that a higher percentage of female patients had a valgus deformity (84.9%). The varus group tended to have a higher body mass index. Radiographs revealed differences in tibia and femur deformities. The overall deformity was less in patients with a valgus deformity than in patients with a varus deformity (mean, 6.6° [SD, 4.4°] vs 8.6° [SD, 4.8°], P=.010). Preoperative Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score symptoms were significantly worse in the valgus group (P=.033). After adjusting for the significant baseline differences, all patients reported improved PROs during the postoperative period (P<.0001). Preoperatively, patients with valgus deformities and patients with varus deformities do not appear to be mere opposites of one another. The groups differed by sex, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score symptoms, and tibia, fibula, and overall deformity. Postoperatively, there were no significant differences in PROs during and up to 1 year. [Orthopedics. 2018; 41(6):e783-e788.].