Progressive Surgical Management of Hemifacial Myohyperplasia for Improved Functional and Aesthetic Results.

Hemifacial myohyperplasia (HMH) is a rare congenital disorder characterized by the unilateral enlargement of facial muscles and unilateral hypoplasia of the skeletal structures. The causes, risk of recurrence in subsequent offspring, and pathogenesis of HMH remain unclear, and the condition can involve a number of features. Among them are pronounced facial asymmetry and changes to both hard and soft tissue structures, as well as facial hemiparesis. We describe the long-term surgical management of HMH in a 3-year-old girl who presented to our department with no other systemic manifestation. We describe the treatment options as well as our approach, which included the use of botulinum toxin injections, and our considerations when choosing to employ careful preservation of the facial nerve and facial mimetic muscles (rather than facial paralysis and facial reanimation) in 2 stages using muscle and nerve grafts. We found that sequential debulking procedures undertaken at significant intervals have offered our patient improved aesthetic and functional results in comparison with the use of nonsurgical techniques, comparable to the more complex grafting technique used in facial reanimation surgery. Due, in part, to the rarity of HMH, there is currently no consensus regarding the optimal treatment approach to the condition. Our use of serial debulking rather than the more complex and problematic microsurgical approach of facial reanimation surgery offers a feasible surgical solution with both aesthetic and functional improvement for these patients.

[FACIAL NERVE PARALYSIS - THERAPEUTIC APPROACH, FACIAL REANIMATION AND ADJUNCTIVE TREATMENT].

INTRODUCTION: Paralysis of the facial mimetic muscles causes loss of voluntary and non-voluntary muscle function, as well as facial tone. This is a devastating condition with profound functional, aesthetic and psychological consequences. Etiologies include congenital paralysis and acquired paralysis following viral infection, trauma, head and neck tumors, iatrogenic damage and more. Clinical presentation includes ocular symptoms (dry eye, epiphora, corneal irritation), nasal symptoms (nasal obstruction) and oral symptoms (drooling and speech disturbances). Reconstruction of facial nerve function is based on renewing the neural input to the paralyzed face in parallel with transferring a functioning muscle. The gold standard in long term facial paralysis reanimation includes a two-stage procedure that involves cross-face nerve grafting and later on a free gracilis muscle transfer. This method allows reconstruction of a symmetric, spontaneous and voluntary smile. In cases when cross-face nerve grafting is impossible, a free-gracilis muscle transfer is performed with neural coaptation to another cranial nerve, most commonly the motor nerve to the masseter muscle (of the trigeminal nerve). Non-microsurgical methods for facial reanimation exist, however, nowadays they are rarely performed. In addition to the surgical reconstruction, other surgical and non-surgical procedures are performed for functional and aesthetic symmetrization purposes. These include fat injection to the face, botulinum toxin injection, oculoplastic procedures and more. In this article we describe our patient population with facial nerve paralysis, common facial reanimation procedures, considerations in choosing the appropriate reconstruction procedure and the general approach for treatment of facial paralysis in our multidisciplinary facial paralysis clinic.

Incomplete Facial Paralysis: The Use of the Ipsilateral Residual Facial Nerve as a Donor Nerve for Facial Reanimation.

BACKGROUND: The reconstructive approach for incomplete facial paralysis is not yet determined. In this article, the authors present a new surgical approach for patients with incomplete facial paralysis in which residual, ineffective movement is detected preoperatively in the ipsilateral buccozygomatic territory of the paretic facial nerve. METHODS: Sixteen patients with incomplete facial paralysis were found eligible for the procedure and underwent one-stage facial reanimation performed by the senior author (E.G.). Reanimation was performed using free gracilis muscle transfer with neural coaptation to an active facial nerve branch(es) responsible for the predetected buccozygomatic residual movement. Patients were reviewed in a systematic fashion using a combined still photographic and video scoring scale for symmetry at rest and at dynamic states. RESULTS: Following surgery, improved symmetry was observed in the majority of observations of the mouth region at rest and while smiling and of the nasolabial fold region while smiling. There was no significant change in symmetry in the majority of observations of the eye region at rest and while smiling and the nasolabial fold region at rest. Video assessment of dynamic facial symmetry while smiling demonstrated improved symmetry in 91 percent of the observations (n = 191 observations). Comparison of mean scores for dynamic smile symmetry produced a statistically significant improvement of 1.68 points following surgery (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Based on this series, the authors recommend that use of the ipsilateral facial nerve buccozygomatic residual branch be considered as a donor nerve for facial reanimation using a free gracilis muscle transfer in patients with incomplete facial paralysis with residual preoperative movement in the midface. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Pediatric burns in Israeli natives versus asylum seekers living in Israel: Lessons learned.

BACKGROUND: Burn injuries are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population. In early childhood, burns have a wide range of adverse long-term consequences ranging from functional impairment to psychological implications. Children from low-income and middle-income countries are at a higher risk of suffering from burn injuries. In the last 10 years the population of asylum seekers from low-income countries in Israel has increased dramatically. About 25,000 or 60% of asylum seekers are living in the Tel Aviv area, making up roughly 6% of the city's total population (about 405,000). AIM: A retrospective study aimed to profile the pediatric burn injuries treated at the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center over the last 9 years in an effort to examine the distinct characteristics of African asylum seekers who suffer burn injuries in comparison with Israeli nationals. PATIENTS & METHODS: Medical records of 876 patients under the age of 18 years presenting between 2007-2015 were retrospectively reviewed. The parameters collected included gender, causality, total body surface area (TBSA), burn depth and patient outcome. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference regarding: age; male-female ratio; scald-types burns; limb involvement. However, hospitalization and length of hospital stay were significantly higher among asylum seekers, as was family burden. Questions may be raised regarding prevention, education & social support. Our research provides a small glimpse into the world of asylum seekers in Israel. We hope it will serve as a window into the much grander problems that this population faces on a daily basis.

Superomedial Pedicle Vertical Scar Breast Reduction: Objective and Subjective Assessment of Breast Symmetry and Aesthetics.

BACKGROUND: The superomedial vertical scar breast reduction (SVBR) described by Hall-Findlay is gaining popularity among surgeons worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate its long-term aesthetic outcome, the extent of quality of life improvement and the factors that influence patient satisfaction and reviewers' evaluation of aesthetic/surgical outcome. METHODS: In this historical prospective study, we included women who underwent SVBR at least one year prior to enrollment and responded to a quality of life questionnaire. Their breasts were photographed, measured and evaluated by the plastic surgery staff. RESULTS: A total of 40 patients responded to the questionnaire, and the breasts of 31 of them were measured and photographed. All 31 patients had good breast symmetry according to objective breast measurements. There was a clear correlation between the patients' and the reviewers' scores of breast symmetry, scar appearance and breast shape (r = 0.4-0.65, r = 0.432-0.495 and r = 0.335-0.403, respectively). The factor that most influenced reviewers' and patients' satisfaction with the overall aesthetic outcome was the breast-to-body proportion. CONCLUSIONS: The proportions between the breast size and the patient's body habitus are pivotal to patient satisfaction and should be taken into consideration when planning a reduction mammaplasty. The SVBR technique for breast reduction provided good cosmetic outcome and symmetry over a long-term follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Optimizing Patient Selection for Direct-to-Implant Immediate Breast Reconstruction Using Wise-Pattern Skin-Reducing Mastectomy in Large and Ptotic Breasts.

BACKGROUND: Immediate breast reconstruction in large and ptotic breasts is challenging, often requiring skin-reducing procedures. The Wise-pattern skin-reducing mastectomy (WPSRM) technique provides reliable one-stage implant coverage using the pectoralis muscle and a de-epithelialized inferiorly based dermal flap. However, de-vascularization may result in mastectomy skin flap necrosis. We aimed to critically evaluate and isolate patients at high risk of complications using this procedure. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients undergoing WPSRM by the senior author from January 2008 to December 2011. Data collected included patient demographics, breast cancer staging, smoking, preoperative radiation, chemotherapy, BMI, mastectomy weight, implant size and type. We analyzed their effect on complications, revisions and failure rate. RESULTS: Fifty-nine WPSRMs were performed in 39 patients with a minimum of 12-month follow-up. Complications occurred in 43.75% patients and 34.88% breasts. Multivariate statistical analysis revealed that age (p = 0.093) and BMI (p = 0.631) were not significant risk factors as opposed to previously published data. Mastectomy weight was significantly associated with major complications requiring secondary surgery (odds ratio per 100 g of breast tissue was 1.18; 95% CI 1.01-1.39; p = 0.036) as 90.5% of our complications occurred in those patients with mastectomy weight exceeding 700 g. Complications were reduced twofold when selecting a Becker adjustable implant over a silicone one for these higher mastectomy weights. CONCLUSION: WPSRM was found to be associated with an increased complication rate in patients with high mastectomy weights and immediate reconstruction with silicone implants. We propose an algorithm offering better patient selection for this technique in immediate breast reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

An Oncoplastic Breast Augmentation Technique for Immediate Partial Breast Reconstruction following Breast Conservation.

BACKGROUND: Patients with a small breast volume and a relative large lumpectomy volume are at risk of developing severe breast deformity and asymmetry following breast conservation, presenting a unique surgical challenge. METHODS: A series of patients undergoing immediate reconstruction by means of an oncoplastic breast augmentation technique following breast conservation are described. The technique includes local tissue rearrangement and bilateral subpectoral breast augmentation with implants of different sizes and shapes, immediately after lumpectomy for a malignant tumor. RESULTS: Twenty-one consecutive patients underwent the oncoplastic breast augmentation technique (mean follow-up, 23 months; range, 12 to 48 months). Three patients (14.3 percent) had tumor-positive surgical margins. Postoperative complications included grade III/IV capsular contracture in five patients (23.8 percent) and breast infection in two patients (10 percent). All patients received postoperative radiation therapy. The cosmetic outcome was evaluated at least 6 months after radiation therapy, and it was favorable according to the reported high patient satisfaction (81 percent) and independent observers' evaluation scores (76 percent). CONCLUSIONS: The oncoplastic breast augmentation technique described in this article is an acceptable option in small-breasted patients with a relatively large lumpectomy volume who elect to undergo breast conservation. This technique allows conservation of the affected breast and minimizes potential breast deformation and asymmetry following radiation therapy. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Frontosphenoid synostosis: an unusual cause of anterior plagiocephaly.

Nonpositional anterior plagiocephaly results commonly from unilateral coronal craniosynostosis. We present 2 patients of a rare cause of anterior plagiocephaly known as frontosphenoid synostosis. This condition is characterized by the absence of a harlequin eye (or the harlequin sign on computed tomography), which is usually present in unilateral coronal synostosis. We also observed no reduction in the ear-eye distance, which can distinguish it from coronal craniosynostosis.

Oncoplastic reduction using the vertical scar superior-medial pedicle pattern technique for immediate partial breast reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Oncoplastic breast reduction in women with medium to large breasts has reportedly benefitted them both oncologically and cosmetically. We present our experience with an oncoplastic breast reduction technique using a vertical scar superior-medial pedicle pattern for immediate partial breast reconstruction. METHODS: All patients with breast tumours who underwent vertical scar superior-medial pedicle reduction pattern oncoplastic surgery at our centre between September 2006 and June 2010 were retrospectively studied. Follow-up continued from 12 months to 6 years. RESULTS: Twenty women (age 28-72 yr) were enrolled: 16 with invasive carcinoma and 4 with benign tumours. They all had tumour-free surgical margins, and no further oncological operations were required. The patients expressed a high degree of satisfaction from the surgical outcome in terms of improved quality of life and a good cosmetic result. CONCLUSION: The vertical scar superior-medial pedicle reduction pattern is a versatile oncoplastic technique that allows breast tissue rearrangement for various tumour locations. It is oncologically beneficial and is associated with high patient satisfaction.

CONTEXTE: Chez des femmes qui avaient une poitrine de moyenne à volumineuse, la réduction mammaire oncoplastique aurait exercé des bienfaits, tant au plan oncologique que cosmétique. Nous présentons notre expérience d'une technique de réduction mammaire oncoplastique à cicatrice verticale et pédicule supéromédian pour une reconstruction mammaire partielle immédiate. MÉTHODES: Tous les cas de tumeurs mammaires soumis à la réduction à cicatrice verticale et pédicule supéromédian en chirurgie oncoplastique dans notre centre entre septembre 2006 et juin 2010 ont été passés en revue rétrospectivement. Le suivi s'est échelonné sur 1 à 6 ans. RÉSULTATS: Vingt femmes (âgées de 28 à 72 ans) ont été inscrites : 16 étaient atteintes d'un cancer envahissant et 4 de tumeurs bénignes. Elles présentaient toutes des marges chirurgicales libres de tumeur et aucune autre intervention oncologique n'a été nécessaire. Les patientes ont exprimé un degré élevé de satisfaction à l'endroit des résultats de la chirurgie pour ce qui est de l'amélioration de leur qualité de vie et de l'effet cosmétique positif. CONCLUSION: La technique de réduction à cicatrice verticale et pédicule supéromédian est une technique oncoplastique flexible qui permet un réarrangement des tissus mammaires en fonction de la localisation des tumeurs. Au plan oncologique, elle est bénéfique et associée à un degré élevé de satisfaction chez les patientes.

Increased expression of CD24 in nonmelanoma skin cancer.

BACKGROUND: Skin cancer detection is based on the macroscopic and microscopic appearance of the lesions and the experience of the surgeon. The final diagnosis is done by pathological analysis, based on established criteria. Currently, there is no serum marker that can be used for the diagnosis of skin cancer. CD24, a mucin-like glycoprotein, is overexpressed in a variety of cancers including skin malignancies. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the potential utility of CD24 expression in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) for the detection of nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSC). METHODS: Twenty-nine consented individuals attending Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center for excision of suspected skin lesions, and 21 age- and gender-matched subjects were prospectively recruited. The resected lesions were examined by an expert dermatopathologist. PBLs were isolated from blood samples and protein extracts were subjected to sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and immunoblotting. The study was double blinded. RESULTS: CD24 expression in PBLs distinguishes between NMSC and healthy subjects, with high sensitivity (81%) and specificity (67%) for basal cell carcinoma, and 100% and 71%, respectively, for squamous cell carcinoma. CONCLUSION: The CD24 test can successfully distinguish NMSC from healthy subjects. CD24 may serve as a new potential and promising diagnostic biomarker for the detection and surveillance of NMSC.

The Christmas tree foreheadplasty: a novel technique used in combination with a bandeau for fronto-orbital remodelling in craniosynostosis.

PURPOSE: Craniosynostosis of the coronal, metopic and frontosphenoidal sutures results in deformity of the forehead. This may cause both functional and psychological difficulties for patient and parent. We describe a novel surgical technique, the 'Christmas tree foreheadplasty', used in combination with a supraorbital bandeau to achieve fronto-orbital remodelling. METHODS: Between November 2008 and September 2011, 32 patients with craniosynostosis underwent fronto-orbital remodelling with a supraorbital bandeau in combination with Christmas tree foreheadplasty. Indications for surgery, age at surgery, blood transfusion requirements, length of hospital stay and perioperative complications were assessed. A 'blinded', independent reviewer, age-matched controlled, panel photograph study was also undertaken to review results of the surgery. A parental satisfaction survey by telephone questionnaire was undertaken. RESULTS: Mean age at surgery was 16 months. Average hospital stay was 3 days. Mean follow up time to this report was 19.5 months. Indications for the procedure included unicoronal, frontosphenoidal, metopic and bicoronal synostosis. Thirty of the 32 patients required a blood transfusion. One patient has required revision surgery following extrusion of prosthetic fixation plate. Surgical outcome measured by 'blinded' independent reviewers indicated that a significantly different preoperative score from normal was rendered to no significant difference from age-matched normal controls postoperatively. Parental satisfaction score of forehead appearance was significantly improved by the technique. CONCLUSION: The Christmas tree foreheadplasty is a commendable and reproducible technique for forehead remodelling in combination with supraorbital bandeau and is now used more widely for forehead reconstruction for congenital cases.

Treatment of earlobe keloids by extralesional excision combined with preoperative and postoperative "sandwich" radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Earlobe keloids can form after cosmetic ear piercing, trauma, infection, or burns, or spontaneously. These keloids are highly resistant for treatment and are followed by severe cosmetic implications. There are various surgical and nonsurgical treatment modalities for earlobe keloids, with no universally accepted treatment policy and a wide range of reported recurrence rates. The authors present their experience of treating earlobe keloids using the "sandwich" technique protocol; extralesional excision and external-beam radiotherapy are given a day before and a day after the operation. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed all patients with earlobe keloids treated by the "sandwich" technique between the years 1996 and 2005. Patients were categorized into two groups: a high-risk group for previously treated patients and patients with a tendency for hypertrophic scars and keloids, and a low-risk group for the others. All patients underwent extralesional excision of the keloid and local radiotherapy before the excision and following it. Follow-up was a minimum of half a year and included a patient satisfaction questionnaire and documentation of keloid recurrence or cure. RESULTS: A total of 23 patients were treated by this protocol; 57 percent were male. Patients had an average age of 24 years. The most common keloid etiology was earlobe piercing. Recurrence rates for the low-risk and high-risk groups were 25 and 27 percent [percent of the patients], respectively. Overall patient satisfaction was high. CONCLUSION: The combined excision and "sandwich" radiotherapy technique is a simple and effective method for treating earlobe keloids, with high patient satisfaction and low recurrence and complication rates.

Malignant melanoma and pregnancy: second thoughts.

Malignant melanoma (MM) was considered a hormone-sensitive tumour, and pregnancy was thought to increase its risk and cause faster progression and earlier metastasis. Several controlled studies demonstrated similar survival rates between pregnant and non-pregnant patients and concluded that early reports of advanced MM of pregnancy were probably due to late diagnosis. We retrieved information from our database between 1997 and 2006 on all patients diagnosed as having MM during and up to 6 months after pregnancy (n=11) and compared them to age-matched, non-pregnant, MM patients (n=65, controls) treated by us during that period. The mean Breslow thickness was 4.28mm for the pregnant patients and 1.69mm for the controls (p=0.15). The sentinel nodes were metastatic in five pregnant patients compared to four controls (p<0.0001). Two patients in the pregnancy group and one control died of MM (p=0.0532). Our results indicate a negative effect of pregnancy on the course of MM.

Comprehensive approach in surgical reconstruction of facial nerve paralysis: a 10-year perspective.

Facial paralysis presents diverse functional and aesthetic abnormalities. Reconstruction may be achieved by several methods. We reviewed the management and outcome of facial paralysis patients to establish principles on which a comprehensive reconstructive approach may be based. Records were reviewed of all patients operated for facial paralysis at our institution between 1998 and 2007. Ninety-five patients were included, of which 15 patients had static reconstruction alone, and 80 patients had dynamic reconstruction. Presented is our experience in reconstruction of facial paralysis over the past decade, delineating a comprehensive approach to this condition. Various surgical techniques are described.

Large-volume breast reduction: Long-term results.

Forty-three women had reduction mammaplasty during the period 1992-2000 and the cosmetic outcome was evaluated using subjective and objective measures. The inferior pedicle technique was used in all cases. The mean (SD) weight of resected tissue was 1121 (415) g. All objective measurements were within the ideal range except for breast volume and nipple-to-inframammary-line distance, which were more than ideal. Overall, the median difference in measurements between the two breasts of each woman was less than 10%. However, the subjective evaluations given by both clinicians and the patients for overall symmetry and for general aesthetic appearance fell below the preset threshold. The shape of the breast correlated best with the grades of symmetry and general appearance. There was no correlation between the objective and subjective evaluations of symmetry. The disappointing subjective scores, which may be attributed to the specific characteristics of our sample group, are heavy breasts and overweight patients, a double team approach, and the inevitable pseudoptosis that develops with the inferior pedicle approach. These direct us to recommend searching for an alternative operative technique and to evaluate its long term results, as well as placing the nipple-areola complex lower than the standard inframammary fold projection.

Constriction rings: the missing link.

OBJECTIVE: Amniotic band syndrome is an uncommon clinical entity with a spectrum of presentation including constriction rings, syndactyly, amputations, and spontaneous abortion. The bands themselves are not present at the time of birth. This has created controversy regarding the pathogenesis of the disorder. METHODS: The unusual case of a neonate with a persistent band of fibrous amniotic material and the associated deformity of a constriction ring is evaluated. The significance of this unique case is discussed in the context of existing understanding of the syndrome. RESULTS: The amniotic band was released in the neonatal intensive care unit shortly after birth. Despite removal of the band, the constriction ring persisted. CONCLUSION: The presence of a fibrous amniotic band at the site of a constriction ring is an extremely unusual finding. This case further demonstrates the importance of amniotic material in the etiology of constriction rings.

Paravertebral turnover flaps for closure of large spinal defects following tethered cord repair.

Reconstruction of large congenital spinal defects remains a challenge. We present our experience in closure of difficult spinal defects following repair of tethered cord, using paravertebral fascial or myofascial turnover flaps. Between 1996 and 2005, 23 patients were operated using paravertebral turnover flaps for closure of large spinal defects associated with tethered cord. Fifteen (65%) patients had lipomyelomeningoceles. Eleven (48%) patients had sacral defects, 10 (43%) had lumbosacral defects, and 2 (9%) had lumbar defects. Fourteen (61%) patients underwent closure using fascial turnover flaps. Myofascial turnover flaps were used in 9 (39%) patients. Following surgery, none of the patients developed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, pseudomeningoceles, or subcutaneous infection. One patient suffered superficial necrosis and infection of the skin suture line, which healed secondarily. We conclude that fascial or myofascial paravertebral turnover flaps provide reliable coverage of difficult defects of the spinal CNS.

Epidemiology of pediatric bite/sting injuries. One-year study of a pediatric emergency department in Israel.

Animal bite/sting injuries are a known source of morbidity with a significantly higher incidence among children who are most often bitten in the face, head, and neck. The objective of this study was to provide a better understanding of bite/sting injuries treated at the pediatric emergency department in order to guide preventive efforts. The sociodemographic, epidemiological, and clinical data on all bite/sting injuries treated in one representative pediatric emergency department in Israel over a 1-year period were retrieved and analyzed. Two hundred of the 9,309 pediatric trauma cases treated in the emergency department were bite/sting injuries (2.1%). Non-Jewish patients were under-represented in this subgroup. The majority of patients were males (61.5%). Age distribution from 0-12 years was fairly even, except for an unexplained peak at 8 years. Dogs inflicted 56%, cats 11%, and hornets 9.5% of the injuries. Limbs were affected in 64% and the head and neck in 27%. Specialists, mostly plastic surgeons, were consulted in 42 cases (21%). The incidence rate for hospitalization (7%) was similar to that seen in other types of injuries. Children with scorpion or hornet stings and young age were more likely to be hospitalized. Preventive and educational aspects are discussed.