Pediatric Nasal Tip Amputation Successfully Treated with Nonmicrovascular Replantation and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Nasal tip amputation is a rare but difficult problem to manage. Nonmicrovascular nasal tip replantation is a valid and relatively simple repair option for moderate nasal defects, but tissue ischemia and graft failure occur frequently. CASE REPORT: We present the case of a pediatric nasal tip amputation from a dog bite treated with replantation within 5 hours. The 2.5-cm avulsed tip contained skin, cartilage, and mucosa and was replanted as a 3-layer composite graft. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy was initiated for 2 weeks postoperatively. The outcome was functionally adequate, and the majority of the native nasal tissue was salvaged. CONCLUSION: HBO therapy can be used after nonmicrovascular nasal tip replantation to improve graft survival and potentially decrease the need for revision surgery.

Free Auricular Composite Graft for Acquired Nasal Stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Acquired nasal stenosis poses a reconstructive challenge for the facial plastic surgeon. Many surgical options are available, ranging from primary closure to skin grafts to free flap reconstruction for complex defects. The free auricular composite graft is a single-stage procedure that can be used to repair nasal vestibular stenosis causing nasal obstruction. CASE REPORT: We present the case of a patient with acquired nasal stenosis as a result of prolonged nasal tampon placement secondary to severe epistaxis and subsequent nasal vestibular infection. Repair via auricular composite graft was successful, and we provide a thorough explanation of graft design and operative technique. CONCLUSION: Free auricular composite grafts can produce desirable functional and aesthetic outcomes and should be considered in patients presenting with acquired nasal stenosis.

Periosteal readhesion after brow-lift in New Zealand white rabbits.

OBJECTIVES: To define the postoperative time interval required for elevated periosteum to readhere to the skull and regain its preoperative strength, and to evaluate whether fixation of the periosteum affects this interval or the strength of postoperative readhesion. DESIGN: Prospective analysis of variance and covariance with repeated measures. SUBJECTS: Thirty-six New Zealand white rabbits, each serving as its own control. INTERVENTIONS: Subperiosteal elevation was performed on one side of the skull, leaving the contralateral periosteum untouched. The periosteum in half of the subjects was lifted and fixed to a resorbable screw, with the comparison group undergoing subperiosteal elevation only, without lifting and fixation. Several adhesion characteristics were subsequently examined at postoperative weeks 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12. Half of the subjects were assessed histologically to determine attachment of periosteum onto underlying bone. The other half underwent analysis of periosteal readhesion strength. RESULTS: The 3 independent measures of periosteal adherence to the skull all lacked significant differences between sides after the first postoperative week. Blinded histologic analysis showed no evidence of ongoing periosteal healing and demonstrated no difference between operated-on and nonoperated-on sides. Analysis of periosteal stiffness (P =.76) and energy density (P =.74) also demonstrated no significant differences between sides. CONCLUSIONS: Periosteal readhesion after surgical elevation is virtually complete by the seventh postoperative day. In addition, tension secondary to periosteal elevation with suspension has no influence on postoperative healing. These findings will contribute to the debate regarding the most appropriate brow-lift fixation technique.