Clinical Study Between Percutaneous Ultrasound-Guided Release and Open Classic Surgery in Treating Multiple Trigger Fingers.

Background: A trigger finger is recognized as the most common hand tendinopathies that reduce functional ability. The present study compares the clinical outcomes of open classic release surgery with ultrasound-guided percutaneous surgery in cases of multiple finger involvement. Materials and Methods: A cohort study has been performed from March 2019 to December 2020 by participating 34 trigger finger patients with multiple involvements. These patients were treated using classical open release and ultrasound-guided percutaneous release methods and both methods were compared in patients. The pain severity and functional ability obtained from the quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (Quick-DASH) test scores were compared. Results: The pain intensity in the classical open surgery patients was not significantly different from the ultrasound-guided group, and a one-month follow-up showed that the pain intensity in the ultrasound-guided patients was significantly less than in the other group (P = 0.02). Besides, no significant difference was observed between the functional abilities before and after the one-month follow-up. Indeed, the two groups had the same situations. Also, the recovery time in the ultrasound-guided percutaneous release group was significantly faster than in the other group. These cases had statistical differences as P = 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively. The surgical release was 100% successful in both groups. The patients' satisfaction rates in the ultrasound-guided and open classic surgery treatment methods were 94.1 and 76.4%, respectively. Conclusions: Classical open release and ultrasound-guided percutaneous surgery could successfully treat multiple trigger fingers. However, ultrasound-guided percutaneous surgery provided faster recovery and less pain intensity than the other method.

Aesthetic and Functional Consequences of Spreader Graft without Suturing To the Upper Lateral Nasal Cartilage: A Randomized Double-Blinded Clinical Trial.

Background: Considering the importance of the spreader graft technique in order to prevent collapse and airway retention and the importance of its effect on the dorsal aesthetic line and nasal width, in this study we compared the outcome of suturing spreader graft to septum _upper lateral cartilageas the classic technique to suturing spreader graft only to septum. Methods: This comparative observational study was conducted on 50 consecutive patients referred to Rhinoplasty Department in 15 khordad Hospital from 2019 - 2020 . The study participants were randomly assigned into two groups which scheduling the new spreader graft technique without suturing the upper lateral cartilage (n = 25) or the frequent spreader graft technique with suturing to both septum and upper lateral nasal cartilage (n = 25). The nasal obstruction degree, the status and health-related quality of life, patients' satisfaction, and subjective mental image of the nasal structure were the study endpoint. The patients were followed-up for six months. Results: The two groups were matched for gender and age. Although all study endpoints significantly improved in both groups, but the six-month trend of the change in each parameter was different in the two groups with superior improvement in those who planned for spreader graft technique without suturing the upper lateral cartilage. Conclusion: In patients scheduling for selective rhinoplasty, new procedural technique including spreader graft without suturing to upper lateral cartilage can lead to more postoperative favorable outcome with regard to patients' satisfaction of the procedure, lack of obstructive symptoms, aesthetic feature, and health-related quality of life as compared to suturing to both septum and upper lateral cartilage.

Two Forehead Flaps for Nasal Reconstruction of a Patient with Arhinia.

Complete or total arhinia, in which nasal soft tissue is absent, is an extremely rare disease. The embryological origin of the defect is thought to be the maldevelopment of paired nasal placodes. In this article, we introduce nasal reconstruction with two forehead flaps. The reconstruction was done with two forehead flaps in a 20-year-old male patient with arhinia. Using one frontal flap of the forehead as the inner layer and the other one as the outer layer. The postoperative care was uneventful. He was able to breathe through the nose. No chest pain or any difficulty was mentioned in daily activities. The principal advantage of this technique over previous techniques is that the operation is performed in two stages and at the end of the procedure the patient has the final shape of the nose and is able to breathe normally. Furthermore, this technique could be performed for all age groups.

The Effect of Subcutaneous Epinephrine Dosage on Blood Loss in Surgical Incisions.

BACKGROUND: Epinephrine is commonly used in plastic and reconstructive surgeries to reduce the blood loss, and to achieveing the lowest and the most effective dosage of epinephrine can improve the results of the surgery. METHODS: Thirty two rats were divided in four groups. Local injection of epinephrine solution (3 mL) with concentrations of 1:200,000, 1:400,000 and 1:1,000,000 was undertaken in three different groups; and the fourth group was the control in which 3 mL of normal saline was administered 15 minutes before making the incision. The bleeding amount was compared in these groups. RESULTS: A significant difference in blood loss was noted between the control and other groups, but no significant difference was present between epinephrine concentrations of 1:200,000, 1:400,000 and 1:1,000,000. CONCLUSION: Local injection of epinephrine solution was shown to reduce bleeding from surgical incisions, but the difference between various pinephrine concentrations was not significant. The use of the lowest concentration (1:1,000,000) was suggested to decrease epinephrine side effects.

The effect of silicone gel versus contractubex gel on the upper-extremity postsurgical scars: A randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial.

Background: Wound healing is a process that has three overlapping inflammatory, proliferative, and reconstruction phases. Silicone gel and Contractubex (onion extract gel) are two main topical agents used for the prevention and treatment of hypertrophic scars. This clinical trial study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of onion extract and silicone gel on hypertrophic scars of the upper extremity and compare it to non-treated patients. Methods: This randomized, double-blind, parallel, clinical trial was done on 120 male patients who had undergone upper extremity sharp injury repair. Patients were assigned to three groups, i.e., Silicone gel (Kelo-cortTM; WA, USA) (group 1; 40 patients), Onion extract (ContractubexTM, Merz Pharma, Frankfurt, Germany) gel (group 2; 40 patients), and No Intervention (group 3; 40 patients), using drawing sealed envelopes and a computer-based table of randomization. Data were recorded using the Vancouver scale in each visit by two surgeons who were blinded to the study groups. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 22.0. (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp). Data were compared using the ANOVA test. A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Vascularity (p=0.200), pliability (p=0.058), pigmentation (p=0.701), and height (p=0.438) as subjective scar parameters were approximately similar in post-upper extremity sharp injury wound hypertrophic scar among the three groups. Conclusion: Vascularity, pliability, pigmentation and height, as subjective scar parameters, were not statistically different in post-upper extremity sharp injury wound hypertrophic scar among the groups. Even though onion extract gel and Silicone gel show preventive effects in the literature, especially in burns wounds, further studies are recommended to be conducted to prove the topical effects of above-mentioned gels in patients.

The Effect of Topical Vitamin A and E on Ischemic Random Skin Flap Survival.

BACKGROUND: Ischemia of skin flaps is an important complication in reconstructive surgery. This study evaluated the efficacy of topical vitamins A and E on improving flap survival. METHODS: Twenty-four white-albino male rats were randomly divided into two groups of treatment and control. Standard rectangular, distally based dorsal random pattern skin flap was elevated. Intra-peritoneal cephazoline was administered to prevent any unexpected infection. No pharmaceutical agent was administered for the control group, but pure vaseline ointment. In treatment group, vaseline plus vitamins A and E were administrated daily after surgery for 10 days. The rats were evaluated on the 10th day after surgery for viable and necrotic portions of the flaps. RESULTS: The mean values of necrosis in the flaps were 625±189.56 and 920.00±247.31 in the treatment and control groups, respectively. Vaseline plus vitamins increased flap survival significantly. CONCLUSION: Topical vitamins A and E may be effective pharmaceutical agents to increase viability of random skin flaps in rats. They can be added to vasoactive topical agents to reach better results.

Surgical Correction of Unicoronal Craniosynostosis with Frontal Bone Symmetrization and Staggered Osteotomies.

BACKGROUND: Craniosynostosis is the premature fusion of one or more cranial sutures that produce abnormal head shape. Plagiocephaly is a general term that describes unilateral flattening of the anterior or posterior quarter of the cranium. Anterior plagiocephaly is almost always due to unilateral coronal synostosis. Early surgical treatment is the best option for these patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the surgical correction results of unicoronal craniosynostosis with frontal bone symmetrization and staggered osteotomies. METHODS: All unicoronal craniosynostosis cases treated surgically from 2013 to 2016 at our hospital, with frontal bone symmetrization and staggered osteotomies and fronto-orbital advancement, were reviewed. The following variables were analyzed: sex, age, weight, hospital stay time, ICU stay time, per os (PO) starting time, anesthetic time, estimated blood loss volume (ml), estimated blood loss as percentage of total volume, surgical complication, follow-up time, and Whitaker grade. All data were analyzed with SPSS. RESULTS: The study consisted of 33 patients (19 females, 14 males). Average age was 10.24 months, average weight was 8.97 Kg, average hospital stay time was 7.84 days, average ICU stay time was 1.69 days, average PO starting time was 1.24 days after surgery, average anesthetic time was 397.72 minutes, average estimated blood loss was 213.78 ml, and estimated blood loss as percentage of total volume was 31.69%. One case (3.03%) needed reoperation and two cases had postoperative seizure. No mortality was seen. CONCLUSION: It is supposed that surgical correction of unicoronal craniosynostosis with frontal bone symmetrization and staggered osteotomies results in lower blood loss, lower complication rate and reoperation, and more durable results.

Lateral Lower Lip Cleft: A Report of a Rare Craniofacial Cleft in a Child.

INTRODUCTION: Craniofacial clefts are unusual. Perioral clefts that are discussed in the literature include cleft lip and cleft palate is more common. Midline mandibular and lower lip clefts are rare. Lateral lower lip cleft with only soft tissue involvement is so rare that it has not been reported until now. CLINICAL REPORT: A 44-month-old girl with a 1-cm-length cleft on the lateral side of the lower lip 8 mm medial to the commissure in lateral one-third of the lower lip referred to the authors' clinic. Repair of the lip consisted of excision of excess mucosa, muscle repair, and 2 z plasties at the level of skin and mucosal layer. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of a new foreseen type of Tessier clefts which may be classified as one of the clefts 15 to 29. Repair of this cleft can be done by soft tissue considerations when there are no underlying hard structure defects.

Synchronous Soleus and Reverse Sural Flap for Large Soft Tissue Defect Reconstruction of Leg.

BACKGROUND: Extended Soft tissue defect of leg including middle and distal parts always has been a challenge for many plastic surgeons and also a frustrated problem for patients and families. To introduce the use of the soleus muscle and reverse sural flaps as synchronous surgical treatment alternative of the leg bone exposure with large soft tissue defect, this study was conducted. METHODS: The medical records of patients undergoing transposition of the soleus muscle for treating exposed bone in the leg and simultaneous sural flap were retrospectively analyzed from January 2009 to July 2014, while gathering information on the used muscle was to cover the lesion. RESULTS: Twelve patients with varying ages between 22 and 58 years (10 males and 2 females) were enrolled. The main initial injury was trauma (84.8%), consisting of tibia and/or fibula fractures. Only 1 patient developed insignificant distal flap necrosis who was treated subsequently with surgical debridement and flap re-advancement. CONCLUSION: The treatment of bone exposure with local muscle flaps (soleus and sural) enables obtaining satisfactory results in covering of exposed structures, favoring local vascularization and improving the initial injury. It offers the advantage of providing a treatment in only one surgical procedure, an earlier recovery and reduced hospital stay. Sometimes, this method may be applied instead of free tissue transfer.

Thrombosis Prevention with Botulinum Toxin A after Traumatic Crush Injury in a Rat Model.

BACKGROUND: Revascularized digits may fail because of vessel thrombosis. The current study aimed to develop a standard model for crush injury in the rat femoral artery to evaluate the antithrombotic effect of perivascular botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) injection. METHODS: We explored bilateral femoral arteries of 10 rats using a microscopic technique. The crush injury was reproduced using a bulldog clamp. One randomly chosen leg of each rat was injected with BTX-A. The other side received normal saline as its own control. After 24 hours, the femoral arteries were ligated distal to the trauma site and were divided between the traumatized and ligated sites. RESULTS: All arteries injected with BTX-A had pulsatile bleeding without thrombosis. Arteries injected with normal saline had thrombosis without bleeding, except for one with oozing. The results showed the efficacy of BTX-A and its potential use in microvascular trauma (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The use of BTX-A preoperatively in the emergency department may help reduce traumatic stress and subsequent thrombosis and improve trauma management results. Complementary studies are needed to assess the ability of BTX-A to reduce thrombosis and vasospasm and improve survival of traumatized digits.

Comparison of Aesthetic and Functional Outcomes of Spreader Graft and Autospreader Flap in Rhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Although the assignment and suturing of the spreader graft to the septum is a routine part of rhinoplasty, it is a time wasting procedure and some problems may occur. Rather, autospreader flap is a new method that the dorsal part of the upper lateral cartilage is used as its own graft. In the present study, we intended to compare the functional and aesthetic outcomes of these two techniques of rhinoplasty. METHODS: In a clinical trial, patients who referred to 15 Khordad Hospital for elective rhinoplasty during 2013-2014 were enrolled. The functional and aesthetic outcomes were compared between the two techniques of spreader graft and autospreader flap using rhinomanometry and satisfaction questionnaire in two stages before and one months after the surgery. RESULTS: Total nasal airway resistance increased significantly by both spreader graft and autospreader flap, but the difference between the two methods was not statistically significant. The total nasal flow before and after the surgery significantly decreased using both techniques, but this reduction was not significant between the two methods of surgery. When questioned about the satisfaction with the surgery outcomes, 18 subjects (36%) had complete aesthetic satisfaction, 25 (50%) were partial satisfied and 7 subjects (14%) were unsatisfied from aesthetic results. The rate of patient's satisfaction in both groups was higher for functional outcome. Overall, 32 (64%) subjects were completely satisfied, 13 (26%) were partially satisfied and 5 (10%) subjects did not report satisfaction. Loss of respiratory function in both groups was inevitable due to short time post-operative period. CONCLUSION: Both spreader graft and autospreader flap techniques can be used in the preservation and restoration of the normal internal nasal valve angle, as well as restoration of dorsal aesthetic lines of the nasal dorsum.

Brow Ptosis after Upper Blepharoplasty: Findings in 70 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Brow ptosis is a potential complication after upper eyelid blepharoplasty. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of upper blepharoplasty on eyebrow position. METHODS: In this Between April 2011 and March 2013, eighty three patients (166 eyes with mean age of 49.7 years) underwent upper eyelid blepharoplasty. The patients were assessed using pre- and post-operatively digital photographs, in the primary position of the eye while the distance between the upper lid margin and the brow were measured before surgery. The postoperative degree of brow ptosis was evaluated as being mild (<2 mm), moderate (2-4 mm), and marked (>4 mm). RESULTS: The postoperative brow position was unchanged in 46 cases (65.8%), and brow depression was noted in 24 cases ( 34.2%), including 7 males (58.3%) , and 17 females (29.3%). CONCLUSION: Our study shows that postoperative brow position should be explained to patients before surgery, particularly in male and senile patients as concomitant brow lift or internal brow fixation through the blepharoplasty incision can help to stabilize the eyebrow in the proper position and to prevent this complication.

The Mid-Term Changes of Pulmonary Function Tests After Phrenic Nerve Transfer.

BACKGROUND: In the restoration of elbow flexion, the phrenic nerve has proven to be a good donor, but considering the role of the phrenic nerve in respiratory function, we cannot disregard the potential dangers of this method. OBJECTIVES: In the current study, we reviewed the results of pulmonary function tests (PFT) in four patients who underwent phrenic nerve transfer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed the results of serial spirometry tests, which were performed before and after phrenic nerve transfer surgery. RESULTS: All patients regained Biceps power to M3 strength or above. None of our patients experienced pulmonary problems or respiratory complaints, but a significant reduction of spirometric parameters occurred after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the close link between the role of the phrenic nerve and pulmonary function, such that the use of this nerve as a transfer donor leads to spirometric impairments.

Successful Excision of Gynecomastia with Nipple Repositioning Technique Utilizing the Dermoglandular Flap.

There are many surgical techniques for treating gynecomastia. We report a new surgical technique in an adolescent with fatty glandular gynecomastia grade III, who was referred from an endocrinologist to our clinic. We excised the gynecomastia with nipple repositioning utilizing the dermoglandular flap (about 1 cm thickness and 10 cm width). After one month, no complication was detected and the patient was satisfied with his new breasts. We suggest this technique for fatty glandular gynecomastia grade III.

Pulmonary artery pressure in patients with markedly deviated septum candidate for septorhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: The nasal septal deviation (NSD) is one of the major causes of nasal obstruction. This condition increases upper airway resistance. In This study we evaluated the mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP) in patients with markedly deviated septum. METHODS: Sixty two patients with NSD (Age range: 26-45 years, 34 men and 28 women) were included in the study. Mean pulmonary artery pressure was measured in preoperative period by Doppler echocardiography with the assistance of an expert cardiologist. RESULTS: The mean preoperative MPAP value (22.5 mmHg in men and 20.03 mmHg in women) of the patients in this study was higher than normal population (20 mmHg). The MPAP of nine patients (14.5%) was greater than 25 mmHg. This value was significantly higher than values for normal population. CONCLUSION: Markedly deviated septum had improper effects in cardiovascular system due to increase in MPAP.

Comparison of three different methods of dressing for partial thickness skin graft donor site.

BACKGROUND: Split- thickness skin graft is one of the most common operations in plastic surgery. It is always painful and patient discomfort from donor site often is more significant than recipient site. There is not still a standard method for treatment of the donor site. The purpose of this study was to determine the best method of dressing the donor site among three different methods with respect to the rate of healing, pain, secretion, infection and cost. METHODS: The study includes 60 patients that were randomly divided into three groups. Donor site and thickness of the graft was the same and were dressed with one of the methods including Method A: Paraffin fine mesh gauze, Method B: Nitrofurazone soaked fine mesh gauze and Method C: Dry fine mesh gauze. Each method included an intermediate layer of sterile plastic sheet witch was covered with 10 layers of dry gauze. Comparison with respect to the rate of healing, pain, secretion, infection and cost was done. RESULTS: Thirty seven patients were men and 23 were women. The mean age of the patients was 27.2 years. There was a significant difference between three methods in average time of repair and superiority of dressing with Method B was noted. Pain severity was the least in Method B and difference between the methods was significant. Dressing with Method B had the least secretion and there was a statistically significant difference between three methods. There was no statistically significant difference in cost of the management. CONCLUSION: This study showed that dressing the donor site with nitrofurazone ointment soaked gauze used as the first layer of dressing and intermediate layer of sterile plastic sheet which was covered with 10 layers of dry gauze was the best method of dressing and had the least complications.

Purse-string suture as a complementary technique with conventional flaps in repairing fingertip amputation.

The main aim of the treatment in fingertip amputations is to establish the functional and aesthetic construction of the fingertip. The aim of this study is to discuss how to use purse-string suture as a complementary technique accompanying conventional flaps repair in fingertip amputation. Fifty-four patients with fingertip amputations on the nail bed referred to our center for fingertip reconstruction. From which 41 patients who had at least one-third of their nail remained (to preserve the nail) were chosen to undergo this new technique. Patient's satisfaction of the achieved functional results (in case of pain and motion) was as follows: 32 responded excellent, 8 good, and 1 fair. Also, patient's satisfaction of the achieved aesthetic results were Excellent = 7 and Good = 2 in females (n = 9) and Excellent = 19, Good = 7 and Fair = 6 in males (n = 32). 93% (38 patients) of the patients had two-point discriminationof less than 3 mm. No flap necrosis was observed in this study. The flap donor site was covered by primary closure (in 24 cases), secondary intention (in 11 cases), and skin graft (in 6 cases). The nail and finger contour are important for achieving a satisfying aesthetic and functional result. We believe that this new complementary technique could be an easy way for reaching this end. It is recommended that this technique be applied to all fingertip injuries to preserve the nail.

Multiple trigger fingers in a musician: a case report.

Trigger finger is a common disease which particularly occurs in middle-aged women. We present a rare case of a male musician with six trigger fingers (five in the left hand and one in the right hand). Mostly these fingers had been used for playing the guitar. The patient had previously been treated with local steroid injections in his fingers, however no response was seen. Therefore, we performed a surgical procedure. Four weeks after surgery, the patient could play the guitar without discomfort in his hands.

Posterior scoring of the scapha as a refinement in aesthetic otoplasty.

Numerous otoplasty techniques have been developed during the past decade. However, no single ideal technique is universally adopted. The creation of a normal scapha with prevention of retroprotrusion of the helix after creation of an aesthetically well-folded antihelix remains controversial and is regarded as a neglected aspect of otoplasty. The present study is a report of creating a natural fold of cartilage using a combination technique of cartilage incision at the border between the antihelix and scapha, with medial scoring of the scapha and lateral scoring of the antihelix region. Sutures were used to preserve the created fold. In a retrospective study, 45 cases of prominent ear corrections, after an average of 1 year follow-up using a four-scale grading system, were: very good, good, satisfactory and poor. The results indicated that 95% of the patients regarded the operation as very good and good, 22 patients were extremely satisfied and three were satisfied. There were no major complications. None of the patients developed a recurrence, or retroprotrusion of the helix, and none required a further operation for correction. The proposed procedure is a simple surgical technique. The reconstructed ear shows reliable results in stability, size and normal convolutions. Furthermore, sharp cartilaginous ridges and hidden helix are avoided. We propose this technique as an alternative approach to manage the antihelix-scapha-helix complex during otoplasty.

Vertical plication of attenuated orbital septum: a modification for reduction of lower lid bulge.

Aesthetic surgery for correction of the lower lid bulge can be classified into 3 groups of subtractive surgery, redraping, and repositioning. The authors present a new repositioning technique with vertical plication of the orbital septum for correction of lower lid bulge. This procedure was performed on 30 individuals during a 3-year period between March 2003 and March 2006. The length of follow-up varied from 3 months to 1 year, with an average of 6 months. There was no lower lid retraction or ectropion. Contour was smooth without any visible deformation or palpable suture line along the vertical plication. In the follow-up visits of minimum of 3 months, no recurrence of bulge was present and the scar was inconspicuous. Vertical plication of the orbital septum is an effective way to reposition the orbital fat inside the orbit. It anatomically corrects lower lid bulge, preserves the orbital fat pad and the vertical dimension of the lower lid, and provides a smooth contour in the periorbital area without the need to penetrate the orbital septum or manipulate the fat pad. Morbidity is minimal and transient, and the results are satisfactory. We suggest this technique for correction of lower lid bulge when there is excess lower lid skin and a subciliary approach is selected.