Injury to arms protruding through vehicle windows.

Driving with an arm protruding through a window can result in limb threatening injury. A series of seven upper limb injuries sustained during motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) with a limb protruding from the vehicle window is described. The severity and complexity of these injuries are related to the ultimate functional recovery for the limb. This study serves to highlight the severity of injury and morbidity following these modalities of trauma, which although rarely fatal, carry extensive consequences and could be easily prevented with appropriate education programmes and legislation.

Blindness and severe visual impairment in facial fractures: an 11 year review.

We present an 11 year review of facial fractures treated in the Australian Craniofacial Unit and the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, specifically looking at those fractures in adults that resulted in blindness or severe visual impairment. During the period 1989-2000, a total of 2516 patients with facial fractures were treated operatively. From our facial-fracture database, 317 patients were identified as having an ophthalmological complication on presentation. Of these, 19 had severe visual impairment or blindness. The exact fracture pattern and craniofacial disruption score were recorded for each of these 19 cases using the Cooter-David facial-fracture scoring system. Laterally directed forces are implied as major causative factors in these injuries. Recommendations are made based on these findings.

Fading of nipple-areolar reconstructions: the last hurdle in breast reconstruction?

Fading of nipple-areolar reconstructions is commonly reported, but there are few formal studies of this phenomenon. The purpose of this study was to determine whether deficiencies in nipple-areolar reconstruction and pigmentation were perceived by patients, their partners and independent observers, and whether a technique could be developed to measure nipple-areolar colour reliably. A total of 57 patients, 32 partners and four independent observers completed questionnaires about the appearance of the patients' breast reconstructions in general and specifically about their nipple-areolar reconstructions. Scores for the general attributes of the breast reconstruction were used as internal controls for the scores of the nipple-areolar reconstruction. A computer software package was developed to analyse colour in photographs of the reconstructions. Independent observers thought that nipple-areolar reconstruction improved the appearance of a breast reconstruction 81% of the time. Considerably fewer patients were happy with their nipple-areolar colour than were happy with the more general attributes of the breast reconstruction (P < 0.005). Colour analysis objectively demonstrated measurable mismatch between normal and reconstructed nipple-areolar skin, which was positively correlated with time since surgery due to fading of the nipple-areolar reconstruction. In our patients, the quality of nipple-areolar reconstruction, in particular its pigmentation, is seen as inferior to that of the rest of the breast reconstruction in the eyes of patients, their partners and independent observers. The poor colour match and fading of reconstructed nipple-areolar skin are phenomena that can be measured using colour analysis.

Effect of healing on the expression of transforming growth factor beta(s) and their receptors in chronic venous leg ulcers.

The transforming growth factor betas are of major importance in the wound repair process; however, no studies to date have investigated the role of the transforming growth factor beta receptors in chronic venous leg ulcers or what effect healing has on these proteins. To determine whether the transforming growth factor beta peptides and their receptors are expressed in chronic venous wounds, we used immunofluorescent analysis and quantitative competitive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction to identify the protein and mRNA expression, respectively. Biopsy samples from wounds and normal skin were collected from 12 patients with chronic venous leg ulcers and three patients undergoing reconstructive surgery, respectively. Additionally four of the chronic venous leg ulcer patients were re-biopsied between 2 and 8 wk after the first biopsy when the wounds had entered the healing phase. The tissue excised from the ulcers included the surrounding intact skin, the ulcer edge, and the ulcer base. Immunofluorescent staining for transforming growth factors beta1, beta2, and beta3 was observed within the epidermis of the skin surrounding the chronic venous ulcers and in fibroblasts and inflammatory cells of the dermis, although this staining was not as strong as that seen in normal unwounded skin. Very little staining could be seen within the ulcers for any of the ligands, however. In contrast the transforming growth factor beta type I receptor was observed throughout the ulcers and the normal unwounded skin biopsies, particularly in the basal epidermal cells. No immunofluorescence for the type II transforming growth factor beta receptor was observed in any of the ulcer biopsies investigated, although it was observed throughout the epidermis and in fibroblasts and inflammatory cells in the surrounding skin. Quantitative, competitive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze mRNA expression for transforming growth factor beta1 and the type II receptor in the nonhealing ulcers and normal unwounded skin biopsies. These studies revealed that transforming growth factor beta1 and transforming growth factor beta receptor II mRNA was expressed in all the chronic nonhealing ulcers albeit at very low levels for the type II receptor. In marked contrast to the staining observed in nonhealing chronic ulcers, positive immunostaining was observed for the transforming growth factor betas and both the type I and type II receptors in healing ulcers. These results suggest that the absence of a viable receptor complex for the transforming growth factor betas in nonhealing chronic venous ulcers may contribute to wound chronicity.

Mitogenic whey extract stimulates wound repair activity in vitro and promotes healing of rat incisional wounds.

The ability of single growth factors to promote healing of normal and compromised wounds has been well described, but wound healing is a process requiring the coordinated action of multiple growth factors. Only the synergistic effect on wound healing of combinations containing at most two individual growth factors has been reported. We sought to assess the ability of a novel milk-derived growth factor-enriched preparation ¿mitogenic bovine whey extract (MBWE), which contains six known growth factors, to promote repair processes in organotypic in vitro models and incisional wounds in vivo. MBWE stimulated the contraction of fibroblast-populated collagen lattices in a dose-dependent fashion and promoted the closure of excisional wounds in embryonic day 17 fetal rat skin. Application of MBWE increased incisional wound strength in normal animals on days 3, 5, 7, and 10 and reversed the decrease in wound strength observed following steroid treatment. Wound histology showed increased fibroblast numbers in wounds from normal and steroid-compromised animals. These data suggest the mixture of factors present in bovine milk exerts a direct action on the cells of cutaneous wound repair to enhance both normal and compromised healing.

Microvascular free-tissue transfers in elderly patients: the leeds experience.

Free-tissue transfer in the elderly has received increasing attention in the literature. Existing reports are limited by small samples or inadequate definition of the term elderly. This study reviewed 5 years' experience with free-tissue transfer in a geriatric population (mean age 75 years, range 70 to 83 years). Forty-nine free flaps were performed in 42 patients between 1986 and 1991. This review focuses on the 39 flaps undertaken in 33 head and neck cancer patients, the main indication being reconstruction after tumor resection (80 percent). In the head and neck cancer group, donor sites included the radial forearm (20), rectus abdominis (6), jejunum (5), and others (8). Thirty-four flaps (87 percent) were primarily successful. Reexploration was required in 10 patients (26 percent) for compromised flaps (5) and bleeding (5). Three of the compromised flaps were salvaged, giving an overall flap success rate of 95 percent. One patient (3 percent) died within 30 days of surgery. These results compare favorably with other published series in elderly patients, as well as with larger cohorts of younger subjects. Free flaps are safe in the elderly. Chronologic age alone should not be an exclusion criterion when selecting patients for free-tissue transfer.

Petrosectomies for invasive tumours: surgery and reconstruction.

Tumours involving the temporal bone have historically carried a bad prognosis. The only prospect of cure is radical en bloc resection. Temporal bone resection for malignancies is, however, such a formidable undertaking that many centres label such tumours as unresectable. Additionally, the enormity of the surgical defect poses a major reconstructive challenge. A review of 14 petrosectomies (in 12 males and 2 females) performed for extensively invasive neoplasms in and around the ear is presented. All underwent immediate reconstruction, the majority (12/14) with free tissue transfers. 9 of the 14 patients (64%) are still alive after a mean follow-up of 70 months (range 4-8 years). With the use of free tissue transfers, an aggressive approach with regard to the resection margins can safely be adopted in the full knowledge that the eventual size of the defect need not compromise tumour clearance. Additionally, free flaps provided a reliable dural seal. This approach of radical en bloc resection with free flap reconstruction has decreased the mortality (compared to the literature), while largely reducing the morbidity to that of unavoidable cranial nerve resection.

The influence of maxillary dentures on mid-facial fracture patterns.

The presence of upper arch dentures modifies fracture patterns occurring in mid-facial trauma. The fracture patterns of 16 upper denture wearers suffering maxillary fractures were retrospectively studied. Mid-facial fractures in this group were predominantly of the Le Fort I type and in 14 patients demonstrated an atypical fracture path with a vertical fracture passing from the main Le Fort I fracture to the inferior orbital rim. Full upper arch dentures generally protected the upper alveolus from fracture but, where there was discontinuity of the prosthesis, alveolar fractures mirroring the edge of the denture as it crossed the alveolar region were seen. These findings should alert the clinician to the possibility of unusual maxillary fractures in denture wearers and aid our understanding of fracture patterns in the mid-facial skeleton.

Submucous cleft palate with a discontinuous bony deformity.

An unusual submucous palatal cleft is presented. In addition to the usual triad of bifid uvula, posterior bony notching, and diastasis of the velar musculature, there was a linear bony cleft involving only the maxillary component of the hard palate. The palatine bone was intact between the posterior notch and the maxillary cleft. A discontinuous palatal cleft is an extremely rare deformity and is interesting because existing theories of cleft pathogenesis do not readily explain such a defect.

Crouzon twins with cloverleaf skull malformations.

We describe unique monozygotic twins with Crouzon's disease and cloverleaf-shaped skull deformities who have been closely followed since birth. Their abnormal skull shapes were identified during antenatal ultrasound examination. The twins had gross exophthalmos and hydrocephalus with papilledema, so early calvarial decompression surgery was required. Although born to healthy parents of normal appearance, a third cousin of the twins had a milder form of Crouzon's disease, and there was a family history of high-arched palate on the twins' paternal side. Because Crouzon's disease is an uncommon condition and the cloverleaf skull shape is unusual in patients with Crouzon's disease, identical twins with this constellation of deformities must be exceptionally rare.

Burn wound zygomycosis caused by Apophysomyces elegans.

A case of zygomycosis caused by Apophysomyces elegans in a patient having 25% full-thickness burns is described. Amputation of the leg was necessary to control rapid tissue invasion. The fungus was isolated from soil in the burn environment.

Computed tomography in the assessment of protective helmet deformation.

Damage to a helmet worn by a motorcyclist or pedal cyclist involved in a crash can provide information of importance to those investigating impact responses of the helmeted head. In the past the retrieval of this information has been incomplete as it has involved the destructive dismantling of a helmet into its component layers. Conventional radiology, whilst being noninvasive, has the disadvantage that all structures traversed by the X-ray beam are superimposed in the final image. In an attempt to overcome the limitations of existing methods, computed tomography (CT) was evaluated in a study of 25 protective helmets. This was found to be an informative, noninvasive technique of investigation that provided faithful images of each helmet layer and delineated helmet damage that was not observed with other methods. Additional advantages of CT include the ease of computed data storage, the ability to reformat CT data into a variety of planes as either two- or three- dimensional images, and the facility to measure distance and density. Limiting factors include scanning cost and artefacts produced by metal in the helmet.

Oblique craniofacial fractures in children.

The protected childhood environment and the anatomy of the craniofacial skeleton largely protect children from experiencing facial fractures. However, when major trauma to the head and face is sustained, an oblique pattern of fractures has been observed, distinct from those common in adults and explicable in terms of the anatomic differences between the child's and the adult's head and face. This difference in pattern of facial fracturing is relevant in terms of the examination, investigation and treatment of the primary injury, and prevention of any subsequent facial growth disturbances.

Pontomedullary tears and other gross brainstem injuries after vehicular accidents.

In a series of 988 autopsied victims of road crashes, there were 36 (3.6%) cases of gross primary brainstem injury. These fell into three groups. The first comprised eight cases of pontomedullary tearing without other gross brain injury: in seven of these, there were associated atlanto-occipital dislocations and/or high cervical fracture-dislocations. The usual cause appeared to be facial impact inducing acute hyperextension. Second, there were 17 cases of pontomedullary tearing associated with other brainstem lacerations and/or major damage elsewhere in the brain: in all, there were fractures of the skull base, typically transverse middle fossa fractures. Most of these injuries appeared to be due to facial impacts transmitting force to the anterior skull base, although hyperextension was also a factor in some. There was a third heterogeneous group of 11 cases with brainstem lacerations in sites other than the pontomedullary junction: in some of these it appeared that the impacts had caused skull base fractures by inducing calvarial torsion. In this series, the proportion of motorcyclists (41.7%) was double the expected figure. The use of a helmet modifies the mechanisms of impact head injury; the overall benefits of helmet use are well established, but there is need for more research on helmet design.

Tessier clefts revisited with a third dimension.

The classification by Tessier of rare craniofacial clefts brought, for the surgeon, order to a previously confusing array of anatomic and developmental descriptions. An ordered two-dimensional categorization of severe clefting malformations evolved from his clinical, radiologic, and surgical observations. The purpose of this paper is to report a complete series of facial clefts studied with computed tomography (CT) and three-dimensional reconstruction. The CT analysis supports some, but contradicts other, hypotheses and speculations presented by Tessier. The CT data reveal the scale of the reconstructive challenge and allow the assessment of our therapeutic interventions.

The Tessier number 9 cleft.

The clinical, radiologic, and operative examination of two patients with the Tessier number 9 cleft has allowed the first complete description of this, the rarest of the rare craniofacial clefts. Soft-tissue disruption extends from the lateral third of the upper eyelid through a distorted lateral end of the eyebrow to the temporal scalp, with an associated hairline indicator. The skeletal disturbance similarly radiates superolaterally from the superolateral orbital rim across the greater wing of the splenoid to the upper squamous temporal. The three-dimensional extent of the bony disruption is associated with distortion of the cranial base and calvaria above.

Computer-based coding of fractures in the craniofacial region.

A systematic approach to the coding of fractures in the craniofacial region is presented. An alpha-numeric code is formulated from an alpha component depicting the anatomical region of interest and a number which reflects the degree of disruption.

Hairline indicators of craniofacial clefts.

The review of a complete series of Tessier craniofacial cleft patients presenting to the South Australian Cranio-facial Unit has identified within the hairline a regular marker of clefting. Tongue-like projections of the temporal and frontal hairline pointing in the direction of their respective clefts have been identified for Tessier clefts numbered 7 to 14. No hairline indicator was revealed in "southbound" clefts numbered 0 to 6 without "northbound" extension. The hairline markers of laterally and superiorly bound clefts are a complementary element of the Tessier classification system.

Helmet-induced skull base fracture in a motorcyclist.

Observations after a fatal motorcycle accident suggested that the face bar of a full-face helmet may transmit an impacting force to the skull base via the chin strap and the mandibular rami and condyles, bypassing the energy-absorbing facial bones. If this mechanism is confirmed, the structural properties of these face bars will need to be reassessed.