Impact of Insurance Type on Access to Pediatric Surgical Care.

Background: This study aimed to measure the impact of insurance type on access to pediatric surgical care, clinical and surgical scheduling decisions, provider-driven cancelations, and missed care opportunities (MCOs). We hypothesize that patients with public health insurance experience longer scheduling delays and more frequently canceled surgical appointments compared with patients with private health insurance. Methods: This retrospective study reviewed the demographics and clinical characteristics of patients who underwent a surgical procedure within the plastic and oral surgery department at our institution in 2019. Propensity score matching and linear regressions were used to estimate the effect of insurance type on hospital scheduling and patient access outcomes while controlling for procedure type and sex. Results: A total of 457 patients were included in the demographic and clinical characteristics analyses; 354 were included in propensity score matching analyses. No significant differences in the number of days between scheduling and occurrence of initial consultation or number of clinic cancelations were observed between insurance groups (P > 0.05). However, patients with public insurance had a 7.4 times higher hospital MCO rate (95% CI [5.2-9.7]; P < 0.001) and 4.7 times the number of clinic MCOs (P = 0.007). Conclusions: No significant differences were found between insurance groups in timely access to surgical treatment or cancelations. Patients with public insurance had more MCOs than patients with private insurance. Future research should investigate how to remove barriers that impact access to care for marginalized patients.

Effects of Sociodemographic and Child Opportunity Index on Pediatric Plastic and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical Volume Trends in the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused disruptions to pediatric surgical care. Although surgical capacity has returned to the prepandemic state, barriers to surgical access may still exist for children who are medically underserved. We assessed pediatric plastic and oral and maxillofacial surgical volumes by sociodemographic characteristics before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A 72-month retrospective cohort analysis of 10,681 pediatric plastic and oral and maxillofacial procedures between 2016 and 2021 was conducted. Multivariable logistic regression and interrupted time series analyses were used to analyze surgical volume trends by sociodemographic groups and Child Opportunity Index (COI). Results: Compared with prepandemic, patients undergoing procedures were more likely to be older than 18 years (P < 0.001) and Hispanic/Latino (adjusted odds ratio 1.38; 95% confidence interval, 1.14-1.68; P < 0.01). Surgical volume trends among patients from the lowest COI levels were lower than where they were estimated to have been if the pandemic did not occur (P = 0.040). Patients who spoke a primary language other than English or Spanish (P = 0.02) and patients with the lowest COI levels (P = 0.04) continued to have unrecovered surgical volumes. Conclusions: There were differences in the sociodemographic case-mix of patients undergoing plastic and oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures before and during the pandemic, and surgical volumes did not recover at the same rate for all patients. Further research can determine why certain sociodemographic groups and patients with low COI levels had decreased surgical access compared with prepandemic trends, and develop interventions focused on equitable pediatric surgical access.

The Impact of Tuberous Breast on Adolescents: A Cross-sectional Study.

Background: Tuberous breast deformity is a nondiagnostic, descriptive term for a congenital breast difference that becomes apparent at puberty. Although the negative physical and psychosocial effects of macromastia and breast asymmetry are established, no studies to date have explored the impact of tuberous breasts on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes using a robust sample size. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, HRQoL surveys were administered to adolescent women with tuberous breasts and healthy female controls, aged 12-21 years. Surveys included the Short-Form 36v2, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Eating Attitudes Test-26. Demographics were compared, and linear regressions were fit to determine the effect of tuberous breast deformity on survey scores, with body mass index (BMI) category as a covariate. Results: Thirty-four patients with tuberous breasts and 264 controls participated. Patients with tuberous breasts had higher mean BMI than controls (P < 0.05). After adjusting for differences in BMI category, patients with tuberous breasts scored lower than controls on the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and in Short-Form 36v2 domains related to physical and psychological health (P < 0.05, all). Compared with controls, patients with tuberous breasts had a higher mean score on the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Tuberous breast deformity may negatively impact patients' physical and psychosocial HRQoL and increase their risk for disordered eating and higher BMIs. It is imperative that healthcare providers and third-party payors understand tuberous breast deformity is not just a cosmetic issue and tailor care and coverage policies accordingly.

Understanding Hematoma Risk: Study of Patient and Perioperative Factors in a Large Cohort of Young Women Undergoing Reduction Mammaplasty.

BACKGROUND: Despite high satisfaction rates, reduction mammaplasty can have complications such as hematoma. Factors such as age, tobacco use, and comorbidities are known contributors, whereas the influence of race, BMI, certain medications, and blood pressure (BP) remain contentious. This study investigates hematoma risk factors in young women undergoing reduction mammaplasty. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review was conducted including all female patients who underwent bilateral reduction mammaplasty at a single institution between 2012 and 2022. Data on demographics, BMI, medical comorbidities, surgical techniques, medications, and perioperative BP were collected. Differences between patients who developed a hematoma and those who did not were assessed using chi-square, Fisher's exact, and t -tests. The relationship between perioperative BP and hematoma formation was assessed using logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 1,754 consecutive patients, 3% developed postoperative hematoma of any kind, with 1.8% returning to the operating room. Age (odds ratio [OR] 1.14, p = 0.01) and ketorolac use (OR 3.93, p = 0.01) were associated with hematoma development. Controlling for baseline BP, each 10 mmHg incremental increase in peak intraoperative BP (systolic BP [SBP]: OR 1.24, p = 0.03; mean arterial pressure: OR 1.24, p = 0.01) and postoperative BP (SBP: OR 1.41, p = 0.01; mean arterial pressure: OR 1.49, p = 0.01) escalated the odds of hematoma. Postoperative SBP variability also incrementally increased hematoma odds (OR 1.48, p < 0.01). Other factors, including race and surgical technique, were not significantly influential. CONCLUSIONS: Age, ketorolac use, and intra- and postoperative BP peaks and variability are risk factors for hematoma in reduction mammaplasty. This emphasizes the importance of perioperative BP management and optimizing pain management protocols.

What is the Success Rate of Repeat Alveolar Bone Graft?

BACKGROUND: Success rates for alveolar bone grafting range from 30 to 96%. There is limited information regarding the success of repeat grafts. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the radiographic success rate of repeat alveolar bone grafts. STUDY DESIGN: The study designs was a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent repeat grafting by 1 surgeon over 15 years. To be included, subjects had to have: cleft lip and alveolus and a cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan obtained >6 months after repeat graft. Patients were excluded if CBCT was inadequate. PREDICTOR VARIABLE: Predictor variables were sex, age at repeat graft, cleft type, presence of an erupted canine, premaxillary osteotomy at time of repeat graft, presence of a visible oronasal fistula, size of bony defect, presence of a bony palatal bridge, and whether the surgeon who performed the repeat graft also performed the initial graft. MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLE: The outcome variable was graft success determined using CBCT assessment and defined as a score of >3 out of 4 in each domain: vertical bone level, labiopalatal thickness, and piriform symmetry. COVARIATES: The covariates were time from bone graft to CBCT (months) and age at time of CBCT (years). ANALYSES: Frequency distributions, relative risk with 95% confidence intervals, medians, and interquartile ranges were calculated. Pearson c2 and Fisher exact tests were performed to determine predictors of outcome. A P < .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Fifty subjects (54% male) who had repeat bone grafting to 59 cleft sites were included. Median follow-up time from repeat graft to CBCT was 7.0 months (interquartile range: 5.9 months). The radiographic success rate was 81.4%:91.7% if the same surgeon performed both initial and repeat grafts, but 78.7% if initial graft was completed by another surgeon (P = .43). CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: Despite being a multifactorial issue, extensive and bilateral clefts, the presence of an erupted tooth in the cleft area, a visible oronasal fistula, and concomitant osteotomy of the premaxilla are warning signs of the possibility of failure. Performing repeat alveolar bone grafting by an experienced surgeon appears to increase the chance of success.

The Utility of the Schnur Sliding Scale in Adolescent Patients.

BACKGROUND: Although the Schnur Sliding Scale (SSS) was not intended to be utilized by third-party payors, it has become the national standard for coverage decisions regarding macromastia treatment in women of all demographics. Adolescents were neither included in the cohort that created the SSS, nor have they been represented in subsequent validation studies. METHODS: In this prospective study, health-related quality of life surveys were administered to adolescent females aged 12 to 21 years of age, before and after undergoing reduction mammaplasty to treat macromastia. The SSS was used to preoperatively estimate the amount of tissue to be resected. Before and after surgery, subjects completed the Short Form-36v2 (SF-36), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), Breast-Related Symptoms Questionnaire (BRSQ), and Eating Attitudes Test-26. Demographic data were compared, and linear regressions evaluated the effect of resection amounts meeting the SSS value on survey scores. RESULTS: Resection amounts fell below the SSS for 39 patients and above the SSS for 255 patients. Groups featured no difference in mean age or BMI. Both groups had significant postoperative survey score improvements on the RSES, BRSQ, and in 7/8 SF-36 domains (P < .05, all). Both groups had comparable postoperative survey scores on the RSES, BRSQ, and in 8/8 SF-36 domains (P > .05, all). CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents undergoing reduction mammaplasty above and below the SSS experienced comparable physical and psychosocial benefits. These findings underscore the need for third-party payors to broaden coverage for adolescent reduction mammaplasty, as the common coverage cutoff has no impact on overall postoperative benefit.

Reduction Mammaplasty in Younger Patients: An Evidence-Based Approach to Treatment.

Macromastia is a common condition that can lead to physical pain, emotional burden, and behavioral impairment, with significant decrements in quality of life. Reduction mammaplasty offers the only effective treatment of symptomatic macromastia, and patients experience significant improvements in their physical and psychosocial health through surgical correction. Although symptoms typically arise during adolescence, most women seeking surgical intervention do not undergo reduction mammaplasty until their fifth decade of life. Providers often delay surgery due to speculative concerns about emotional immaturity, postoperative breast regrowth, and future lactation performance. The strict guidelines related to age and body mass index imposed by insurance companies further restrict the options available to younger patients with macromastia. This review offers an evidence-based approach to treating macromastia in younger patients. After more than 15 years of treatment and research centered on adolescents and young adults with macromastia led by the senior author (B.I.L.), a pediatric plastic surgeon, we have found that reduction mammaplasty is a safe and effective treatment option for this patient population. It is our hope that our work will enable care providers to make data-supported decisions when treating younger patients with symptomatic macromastia.

Predictors of Outcomes in 900 Alveolar Bone Grafts.

BACKGROUND: Significant discrepancies exist in the reported variables influencing alveolar bone graft outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate graft success and identify outcome predictors in a large patient cohort using an objective Cone Beam Computed Tomographic (CBCT) assessment tool. METHODS: Consecutive patients with cleft lip/palate who underwent alveolar bone grafting by one surgeon were included. Predictor variables were age at graft, oronasal fistula, canine position, concurrent premaxillary osteotomy, size of cleft, presence of bony palatal bridge, history of failed graft, location of primary repair, and surgeon experience. The outcome variable was graft success determined using a CBCT assessment tool and defined as a score of > 3 out of 4 in each domain: vertical bone level, labiopalatal thickness, and nasal piriform symmetry. RESULTS: The sample included 900 alveolar cleft sites (median graft age 9.9 years). The success rate was 94.6%. Presence of an erupted canine, large cleft defect, and premaxillary osteotomy were independent predictors of graft failure, while presence of a bony palatal bridge was associated with graft success (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Presence of an erupted canine, large bony defect, and premaxillary osteotomy increase failure, and a bony palatal bridge portends success. Variables of age > 12 years, visible oronasal fistula, history of failed graft, primary cleft repaired at outside institution, and surgeon experience were associated with higher graft failure but were not independent predictors when controlling for co-variates. Surgeons should be aware that these factors in combination increase the odds of graft failure.

Validation of the Short-Form 36 for Adolescents Undergoing Reduction Mammaplasty.

Health-related quality of life improvements after reduction mammaplasty have been reported by patients. Although instruments exist for adults, a validated outcomes survey is not available for adolescents. This study aims to validate the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) for adolescents undergoing reduction mammaplasty. Methods: Patients aged 12-21 years were prospectively recruited between 2008 and 2021 to unaffected or macromastia cohorts. Patients completed four baseline surveys: SF-36, Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, Breast-related Symptoms Questionnaire, and Eating Attitudes Test. Surveys were repeated at 6 and 12 months postoperatively (macromastia cohort), and at 6 and 12 months from baseline (unaffected cohort). Content, construct, and longitudinal validity were assessed. Results: A total of 258 patients with macromastia (median age: 17.5 years), and 128 unaffected patients (median age: 17.0 years) were included. Content validity was established, and construct validity was fulfilled: internal consistency was confirmed for all domains (Cronbach alpha >0.7); convergent validity was satisfied through expected correlations between the SF-36 and Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, Breast-related Symptoms Questionnaire, and Eating Attitudes Test, and known-groups validity was established through significantly lower mean scores in all SF-36 domains in the macromastia cohort compared with unaffected patients. Longitudinal validity was established by significant improvements in domain scores from baseline to 6 and 12 months postoperatively in patients with macromastia (P < 0.05, all). Conclusions: The SF-36 is a valid instrument for adolescents undergoing reduction mammaplasty. Although other instruments have been used for older patients, we recommend the SF-36 when assessing health-related quality of life changes in younger populations.

Prognosis of Maxillary Central Incisors in Patients with Bilateral Cleft Lip/Palate.

Evaluate periodontal bone support of maxillary central incisors (MCI) in patients with bilateral complete cleft lip and palate (BCCLP). Determine if syndromic diagnosis, age at time of alveolar bone graft (ABG), presence of maxillary lateral incisor (MLI), history of dentofacial orthopedics, maxillary expansion, and pre-maxillary osteotomy are associated with the periodontal bone support of MCI.Retrospective radiographic study.Tertiary care children's hospital.One hundred seventy-nine patients with BCCLP (22 syndromic) who had post-operative ABG cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans taken between 2002-2018.Crown to root (C/R) ratio of MCI measured on CBCT scans.The C/R ratio in 65% of MCI indicated periodontally compromised teeth. Presence of a MLI improved bone support on adjacent MCI when compared to those missing a MLI (51.4% vs 28.4%, P = .010). There was no significant difference in C/R ratios for syndromic diagnosis, age at ABG, history of dentofacial orthopedics, maxillary expansion, and pre-maxillary osteotomy.The majority of MCI in patients with BCCLP are periodontally compromised but bone support is improved when cleft adjacent lateral incisors are present.

Mental Health Conditions and Health-related Quality of Life Changes after Reduction Mammaplasty in Younger Patients.

Reduction mammaplasty is increasingly common in younger patients with macromastia. Unfortunately, a recent surge in mental health disorders has been documented in this population. It is unknown how mental health disorders affect patients undergoing reduction mammaplasty. This study examines the impact of concurrent mental health conditions on health-related quality of life outcomes after reduction mammaplasty. Methods: A prospective cohort study was performed on patients aged 12-21 years undergoing reduction mammaplasty. Patients were assigned to unaffected or affected (baseline mental health condition) cohorts based on psychological history. Patients completed the Short-form-36, Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, Eating Attitudes Test 26, and Breast-related Symptoms Questionnaire at baseline and postoperatively. Results: A total of 250 patients were included (81 affected and 169 unaffected). Mean age at surgery was 17.9 ± 2.0 and 18.1 ± 1.8 years for affected and unaffected patients, respectively. Anxiety (n = 59, 23.6%) and depression (n = 38, 15.2%) were the most prevalent conditions. Affected patients were outscored by controls at baseline and postoperatively in most measures. However, significant score improvements were also reported in the affected cohort. In fact, the magnitude of score improvements observed in both cohorts were similar (P > 0.05, all). Conclusions: Baseline mental health conditions are common in young patients presenting for reduction mammaplasty. After surgery, health-related quality of life in affected patients remains below unaffected peers; however, significant and similar gains are achieved. We advise providers to recommend mental health treatment to affected patients, but not preclude otherwise appropriate candidates from surgery.

Trends in Outcomes and Variation by Race and Ethnicity in Pediatric Plastic Surgery in the United States.

The American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Project-Pediatric Data manages a multicenter dataset for monitoring outcomes in pediatric surgical care. We explored trends in outcomes in the most frequently sampled current procedural terminology codes related to craniofacial and cleft lip and palate (CLP) surgical procedures over a 7-year period. Methods: We used National Surgical Quality Improvement Project-Pediatric Data on 28,147 pediatric patients who underwent plastic surgical procedures between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2018. Eighteen relevant current procedural terminology codes were selected and sorted into two procedure groups: CLP and craniofacial. For each group, we explored trends in readmission, reoperation, extended length of stay, morbidity, and racial and ethnic variation. Results: The proportion of readmissions following CLP repair saw a significant reduction per year (from 3.6% to 1.7%). African American or Black CLP patients had significantly higher rates of readmission and extended length of stay when compared to the overall cohort. Asian and White CLP patients had significantly lower rates of experiencing an extended length of stay. For craniofacial cases, extended length of stay decreased significantly per year (from 7.7% to 2.8%). One possible driver of this change was a decrease in transfusion rates during the study period from 59% to 47%. Conclusions: Pediatric CLP and craniofacial cases saw significant improvements in safety, as indicated by reductions in readmission and extended length of stay. Given the racial differences observed, especially among CLP patients, continued research to identify and address systems of racism in health care remains a priority.

Presentation and Referral Patterns in Pediatric Closed Hand Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Although pediatric hand fractures are common and generally have good outcomes, they remain a considerable source of anxiety for non-hand surgeons, who are less familiar with these injuries. We hypothesized that this anxiety may manifest as inefficiency in referral patterns. METHODS: The records of pediatric patients with isolated, closed hand fractures without concurrent trauma seen at our institution by a hand surgeon between January 2017 and December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: There were 454 patients included; 62.1% were men, and the mean age was 9.6 years at initial encounter. Most patients (89.6%) were treated nonoperatively and incurred few complications (0.5%). Roughly half of all cases (n = 262) initially presented to an outside provider. Of these, 24.0% (n = 64 of 262) were evaluated by 2+ providers before a hand surgeon. Most commonly, these patients were referred from an outside emergency department (ED) to our ED before hand surgeon evaluation (n = 45 of 64). Forty-seven patients required surgery; however, none were performed urgently. Although a greater proportion of 7- to 11-year-old patients saw 2+ providers prior to a hand surgeon (P = .007), fewer required surgery (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric closed hand fractures are mainly treated nonoperatively and nonemergently with generally excellent outcomes. Our data suggest that many patients continue to be referred through the ED or multiple EDs/providers for treatment. These inefficient referral patterns demonstrate the need for better education for ED and primary care providers, as well as better communication between these providers and local pediatric hand surgeons. Advancements in these areas are likely to improve efficiency of care and decrease costs.

Perioperative Pain Management After Primary Palate Repair: A 3-Surgeon Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: Pain management strategies following palatoplasty vary substantially. Despite efforts to reduce narcotic utilization, specific analgesic regimens are typically guided by surgeon preference. Our aim was to define analgesic variables that affect postoperative narcotic use and time to resumption of oral intake. DESIGN: This is a retrospective review from 2015 to 2018. PATIENTS: Nonsyndromic patients undergoing primary palate repair. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: Analgesic variables included: local anesthetic, pterygopalatine ganglion nerve block, palatal pack, and postoperative use of ketorolac, dexamethasone, and nursing-controlled analgesia (NCA) opioid dosing. Proxy measures for pain included time to resumption of oral intake and morphine equivalence (mg/kg/h) administered. RESULTS: Veau phenotypes for the 111 patients included were: I (28%), II (19%), III (33%), IV (16%), and submucous (4%). Age, weight, local anesthetic, and postoperative use of ketorolac, dexamethasone, and palatal pack had no effect on either proxy measure (P > .05). Postoperative narcotic usage was significantly lower in patients who had an intraoperative suprazygomatic peripheral nerve block and significantly higher when NCA was utilized (P < .05). Neither variable had a significant impact on time to resumption of oral intake (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Several perioperative analgesic strategies lead to comparable postoperative consumption of narcotic and time to resume oral intake. The authors advise careful consideration of NCA due to the potential for increased narcotic utilization that we found in our institution. Based on our promising findings, further studies are warranted to assess risks, benefits, and costs of performing peripheral nerve blocks at the time of palatoplasty.

How Have the Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis Changed Over Time?

PURPOSE: Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) is a rare inflammatory condition characterized by sterile bone lesions. There appears to be a shift in the diagnostic modalities and treatment over the past decades despite insufficient published data. The purpose of this study was to document: 1) the number of patients diagnosed with CRMO, 2) patient demographics, 3) disease characteristics at presentation, 4) diagnostic modalities employed, and 5) treatments prescribed at our institution over a 30-year period. METHODS: This single-center, retrospective cohort study included children diagnosed with CRMO who presented between 1990 and 2020. The electronic medical records were queried using numerous search terms. Patients were excluded if CRMO was included in the differential diagnosis but was not confirmed at the time of chart review or if CRMO was suspected early in the disease course but the patient was ultimately diagnosed with another condition. The predictor (time in years) and outcome variables (diagnostic modalities and treatment types) were tested using bivariate analyses using IBM SPSS, Version 27 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). RESULTS: A total of 224 patients were diagnosed with CRMO during the observation period (68.3% female; 67.4% white). The number of patients diagnosed over the past decade rose by 215%, as compared to the previous 2 decades (1990 to 2010). Regional magnetic resonance imaging (83.8%) and biopsy (66.5%) were the most utilized diagnostic modalities over the past decade, with a statistically significant decline in the proportion of biopsies performed (66.5% during the past decade vs 84.9% in the previous 2 decades, P = .01). Over the past decade, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (40.1%), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (27.1%), and tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (21.1%) were the most commonly used treatments, with a statistically disproportionate increase in the use of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (21.1% during the past decade vs 3.8% in the previous 2 decades, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: This is one of the largest CRMO cohort studies and the only study to observe changes in diagnostic modalities and treatment over a 30-year period. Future studies should assess the impact of variations in clinical presentation, time to diagnosis, diagnostic modalities, and management as predictors of disease outcomes.

Body Mass Index (BMI) Impact on Anesthetic Safety among Adolescents Undergoing Bilateral Reduction Mammaplasty.

Obesity is common in adolescents with macromastia seeking surgery, prompting concerns over anesthesia-related complications due to obesity. This may lead to weight-based surgical policies, despite limited research. This study's purpose is to examine the impact of obesity status on perioperative anesthetic-related adverse events/surgical complications in adolescents/young adults undergoing bilateral reduction mammaplasty. Methods: A medical record query was performed to retrospectively identify patients who underwent bilateral reduction mammaplasty at our institution between January 2021 and December 2021. Patient demographics and clinical/surgical data were obtained from medical records. Pearson's chi-square, Fisher exact, and Median tests were used to examine associations between body mass index (BMI) category and clinical/demographic data. Results: Two hundred patients were included in analyses, with a median age at surgery of 18.0 years. The majority of patients were obese (63.5%, n = 127), and none were underweight. The most common comorbidity was asthma (27.0%, n = 54). There were no anesthetic-related intraoperative complications or delayed waking. The following did not significantly differ by BMI category: proportion of patients who experienced oxygen desaturation (pre-, intra-, or postoperatively), frequency of postoperative complications, and length of postanesthesia care unit and total hospital stays (P > 0.05, all). Conclusions: While institutions may implement weight-based surgical policies due to anesthesia-related complication concerns in patients with obesity, our study showed that BMI category did not significantly impact anesthetic-related adverse events/surgical complications in our sample. This suggests that such policies are not warranted in all situations, and that decisions regarding their necessity be data-driven.

Risk Factors Associated with Severe Macromastia among Adolescents and Young Women.

BACKGROUND: Macromastia is common among adolescents and young women and has well-documented negative physical and psychosocial effects. The pathogenesis of idiopathic macromastia has been attributed to increased end organ sensitivity to circulating gonadal hormones. Despite the known negative effects of macromastia, there is a paucity of literature examining the clinical risk factors associated with macromastia severity in this age group. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, standardized clinical forms were administered to patients between the ages of 12 and 21 years undergoing reduction mammaplasty. Data were collected pertaining to patient demographics, biometrics, breast symptoms, medical and family history, and breast tissue resection mass at the time of reduction. Resection mass was normalized to patient body surface area in analyses. RESULTS: A total of 375 patients were included in analyses. Mean age at surgery was 18.1 years. The following risk factors were positively associated with macromastia severity in both univariate and multivariate logistic regression models: overweight or obesity, racial or ethnic minority status, patient-reported gynecologic or endocrine complaints, and early menarche ( p < 0.05, all). More severe cases of macromastia were associated with approximately three times the odds of being overweight or obese or achieving menarche before 11 years old. CONCLUSIONS: In our sample, overweight or obesity, racial or ethnic minority status, early menarche, and patient-reported gynecologic or endocrine complaints were all positively associated with macromastia severity. Awareness of these factors can empower physicians to identify and address modifiable risk factors to prevent progression to more severe disease. Macromastia itself should prompt screening for gynecologic or endocrine complaints with referral as indicated. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, III.

The Impact of Combined Oral Contraceptives on Adolescents with Macromastia.

BACKGROUND: The combined oral contraceptive pill, containing both estrogen and progestin, is commonly prescribed to adolescents for numerous health benefits. However, there is concern among patients and providers that its use may exacerbate breast growth. This retrospective, case-control study examined the association between combined oral contraceptive pill use and macromastia-related breast hypertrophy and symptoms in adolescents. METHODS: A total of 378 patients undergoing reduction mammaplasty between the ages of 12 and 21 years were assessed for baseline and postoperative breast symptoms and combined oral contraceptive pill use. In addition, the medical records of 378 female controls of the same age range were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Although a lower proportion of the macromastia cohort used any hormonal contraception compared to controls (37.8 percent versus 64.8 percent; OR, 0.33; 95 percent CI, 0.24 to 0.44; p < 0.001), they were more often prescribed combined oral contraceptive pills (82.5 percent versus 52.7 percent; OR, 1.93; 95 percent CI, 1.29 to 2.68; p < 0.001). Participants with macromastia who used combined oral contraceptive pills had a smaller median normalized amount of breast tissue resected during reduction mammaplasty than those who never used hormonal contraception (639.5 g/m 2 versus 735.9 g/m 2 ; p = 0.003). Combined oral contraceptive pills were not associated with breast-related symptoms or clinical impairment, or postoperative breast growth ( p > 0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: Combined oral contraceptive pill use during adolescence may be associated with developing less severe breast hypertrophy. Combined oral contraceptive pills do not appear to exacerbate macromastia-related symptoms or impact postoperative growth in young women following reduction mammaplasty. Although additional research is needed, providers are encouraged to consider combined oral contraceptive pills for their patients with macromastia when indicated and appropriate. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, III.

Do Race and Ethnicity Affect the Age When Third Molars are Extracted?

PURPOSE: Socioeconomic and racial statuses are barriers to dental and medical healthcare in America leading to poor health outcomes. Delayed management of third molars may increase the risk of complications. There have been no large-scale studies examining the role race and ethnicity have on timing of third molar extraction. The purpose of this study is to explore the associations of race and ethnicity on age of third molar extractions and complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study composed of patients who underwent third molar extraction at Boston Children's Hospital from April 2011 to March 2021. Patients self-identified race as White, Black/African American, Asian, Native American/Pacific Islander, other, and prefer not to answer. Patients identified ethnicity as Hispanic or non-Hispanic. Subjects with incomplete medical records were excluded. Primary predictor variables were race and ethnicity. The primary outcome variable was the age of third molar extractions and the secondary outcome variable was postoperative complications. Descriptive, univariate, and multivariate statistics were conducted. P < .05 was considered statistically significant. Covariates included gender, insurance type, interpreter requirements, and preoperative symptoms. RESULTS: This study included 3,933 patients after exclusion criteria were applied. The mean age was 18.6 ± 2.49 years. When third molars were removed, White patients were older than the non-White population (18.8 vs 18.2 years, P < .001). Black or African American patients were younger than all other races (18.1 vs 18.7 years, P < .001). Hispanics were younger compared to non-Hispanics (18.1 vs 18.7 years, P < .001). Patients with preoperative symptoms removed their wisdom teeth at an older age compared to those who were asymptomatic (19.0 vs 18.5 years, P < .001). Black patients experienced more preoperative symptoms than other races (46.2% vs 29.2%, P < .001). White patients experienced the most postoperative complications (7.7% vs 5.0%, P = .003), while Black or African American patients experienced less postoperative complications (2.7% vs 7.5%, P < .001). CONCLUSION: This study provides no evidence that patients from historically under-represented racial and ethnic groups had inadequate access for removal of their third molars. Patients from these communities experienced a lower rate of complications after third molar extractions confirming quality of care was not compromised for these patients.

Cost and Satisfaction Implications of Using Telehealth for Plagiocephaly.

Patients with deformational plagiocephaly are often referred for evaluation by a plastic surgeon. During the early COVID-19 pandemic, visits were performed predominantly via telehealth. This study compares costs, satisfaction, and technological considerations for telehealth and in-person consultations for plagiocephaly. Methods: This prospective study evaluated telehealth and in-person consultation for plagiocephaly between August 2020 and January 2021. Costs were estimated using time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) and included personnel and facility costs. Patient-borne expenses for travel were assessed. Post-visit questionnaires administered to patients' families and providers measured satisfaction with the consult and technical issues encountered. Results: Costing analysis was performed on 20 telehealth and 11 in-person consults. Median total personnel and facility costs of providing in-person or telehealth consults were comparable (P > 0.05). Telehealth visits saved on the cost of clinic space but required significantly more of the provider's time (P < 0.05). In-person visits had an additional patient-borne travel cost of $28.64. Technical difficulties were reported among 25% (n = 5) of telehealth consults. Paired provider and patient experience questionnaires were collected from 17 consults (11 telehealth, six in-person). Overall satisfaction with care did not differ significantly between consult types or between the provider and patient family (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Costs of providing in-person and telehealth plagiocephaly consultations were comparable, whereas patients incur greater costs when coming in person. Practices that treat patients with plagiocephaly may wish to consider expanding their virtual consult offerings to families desiring this option. Long-term outcome studies are necessary to evaluate the efficacy of both visit types.