Subungual Osteochondromas of the Toe: Two Case Reports for Diagnosis and Treatment.

Benign cartilaginous tumors, known as chondrogenic tumors, show cartilage components in the microscopic diagnosis. We present two clinical cases with cartilaginous tumors of the toes showing distinctive clinical manifestations. Two juvenile patients visited our outpatient clinic due to tumors with toenail deformities. A 10-year-old girl presented with a palpable mass with a nail deformity on the left third toe. The initial pathology report was soft tissue chondroma until complete resection. Another 15-year-old male patient visited the dermatology department with a toenail deformity and underwent a punch biopsy. The pathology report was fibrosis with myxoid degeneration. Excisional biopsies were performed for both patients. In the operative field, we observed exophytic tumors connected to the distal phalangeal bones. The final pathology reports were subungual osteochondroma on both patients. The specimen exhibited mature bone trabeculae with a focal cartilaginous cap. Benign cartilaginous tumors have a slow, progressive course and do not show significant symptoms. However, tumors in subungual areas are accompanied by toenail deformities and they can cause pain. Their clinical characteristics lead to a delayed diagnosis. Surgeons can be confused between soft tissue and chondrogenic tumors. When they conduct physical examinations, these categories should be considered in the differential diagnosis.

Extended Suprabrow Lift with Relief of Glabellar Wrinkles.

BACKGROUND: Eyebrows define one's facial appearance; brow ptosis, which can occur with aging, can convey a negative expression. Various methods have been used to correct eyebrow position and shape. We endeavored to repair brow ptosis and glabellar wrinkles and present the outcome. METHODS: This retrospective study reviewed 40 patients who underwent extended suprabrow lift accompanied by relief of glabellar wrinkles between January 2018 and August 2020. The procedure was considered when patients exhibited brow ptosis, glabellar wrinkles, and a wide forehead. Fat graft was implemented after glabellar muscle division. The results were assessed based on measurements performed preoperatively and at 6 and 18 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Overall, patients were satisfied with the outcomes. To assess glabellar wrinkles, the Modified Fitzpatrick Wrinkle Assessment score revealed adequate correction during neutral and furrowed gazes (P < 0.05). The forehead and brow heights were also analyzed after repair, exhibiting decreased forehead height and elevated brow position (P < 0.05). At 6 and 18 months after surgery, adequate maintenance of the repair was evident (P < 0.05). A visible scar was observed in two patients, which was managed using a fractional ablative laser procedure. CONCLUSION: Extended suprabrow lift, when based on preoperative measurements, led to the correction of brow ptosis, glabellar wrinkles, and a wide forehead. For periorbital rejuvenation, it is imperative to decide locations where the skin and soft tissues should be preserved or removed. The use of fat grafts for wrinkle repair effectively maintains the repair postoperatively. 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 .

Combination treatment utilizing fractional ablative and continuous wave CO2 lasers for hypertrophic burn scars.

BACKGROUND: Hypertrophic scars are devastating outcomes of severe burn injuries, producing physical and mental burdens. Adequate treatment is of benefit to relieve these burdens. Laser therapy has shown scar reducing effects. In this study, we compared outcomes after combination of two different lasers or single laser treatment to treat severe hypertrophic burn scars. METHODS: Forty patients with hypertrophic burn scars were included in one of two therapeutic groups: continuous wave CO2 laser and fractional ablative CO2 laser group (group 1, n = 20) or fractional ablative CO2 laser alone group (group 2, n = 20). Hypertrophic scars were evaluated by the observer-rated Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) before and after treatment and by patient-completed questionnaires after treatment. Comparative analyses were performed before and after treatment, and time-dependent improvement was also analyzed. RESULTS: Forty patients (54 hypertrophic scars) completed the laser treatment protocols. Group 1 exhibited significantly more improvement in VSS vascularity, pliability, and height indices than group 2 (p < 0.05). Time-dependent analysis of total VSS scores suggested that group 1 experienced more improvement during a shorter treatment period (p < 0.05). For patient-reported outcomes, group 1 noted better grades than group 2 in four indices, namely scar appearance, scar thickness, pain, and pruritus (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Effective scar reduction was achieved using combination laser treatment, with significant improvement in multiple observer- and patient-reported outcomes. The shorter treatment period of the combination method can be a merit, as prolonged hypertrophic scars may increase morbidity. Nonetheless, cautious treatment protocols are necessary to avoid undesirable sequelae related to laser application.