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The upper extremity is the most common site for nerve injuries. In most cases, direct repair can be performed, but when a critical gap occurs, special techniques must be used to enhance nerve regeneration and allow recovery of sensory and motor functions. These techniques include the use of autografts, processed nerve allografts, and conduits. However, surprisingly few studies have compared outcomes from the different methods of nerve gap repair in a rigorous fashion. There is a lack of evidence-based guidelines for the management of digital and motor and mixed nerve injuries with a nerve gap. The purpose of this study is to perform a comprehensive literature review and propose a rational algorithm for management of nerve injuries with a critical gap.

Background Radiation-induced skin injuries have been treated with different medical therapies and have shown diverse outcomes. We aim to evaluate the effect of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) therapy on radiation-induced skin injury. Methods We performed a review by querying PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases from inception to April 2020 following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The MeSH terms "adipose-derived stem cells," "wound healing," "radiation," and synonyms in combinations determined our search strategy. Experimental peer-reviewed articles describing the protocol and comparing the results with controls were included. Non-English studies were excluded. Results Our search recorded a total of 137 articles. Only 8 studies met our inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Five studies evaluated the use of ADSC alone, whereas the others evaluated the efficacy of ADSC seeded in scaffolds. Adipose-derived stem cell-based therapies, either alone or seeded in scaffolds, were shown to improve wound healing in most studies when compared with controls. Conclusions There is evidence supporting the positive benefits from ADSC-based therapies in radiation-induced skin injury. However, further studies are needed to standardize the method of ADSC extraction, radiation-induced skin injury experimental model, and increase the time of follow-up to evaluate the results accurately.

Many communities far from treatment centers and large health systems are expanding access to local sober-living homes.

BACKGROUND External ear melanoma (EEM) is a rare condition with controversies in the literature. We analyzed patients with EEM in the United States compared to other head and neck melanomas (OHNMs). METHODS The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was used to select patients with head and neck melanoma from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2015. Mann-Whitney and χ tests were used to estimate statistical significance, and multivariate logistic regression to identify independent associations adjusted for confounders. RESULTS A total of 137,233 patients met the study criteria. Among them, 16,991 (12.4%) had EEM and 120,242 (87.6%) had OHNM. For patients with EEM, the mean (standard deviation) age was 66.26 (15.798) years. Most of the patients with EEM were men (85.5%), insured by Medicare (52.4%), and treated in Academic/Research Programs (47.7%) or Comprehensive Community Cancer Programs (32.3%). Most of the EEM tumors had invasive behavior (68.0%) were Stages 0 (30.3%) or I (40.3%), and were without ulceration (76.9%). Mean time to receive any treatment was 14.1 days for EEM compared with 14.6 days for OHNM (P

BACKGROUND Eyelid melanoma (EM) is a rare condition that accounts for

BACKGROUND The obesity epidemic has led to larger numbers of obese patients seeking breast reconstruction. The aim of this study was to compare complication rates and patient satisfaction between obese and nonobese women undergoing autologous breast reconstruction using abdominal free flaps. METHODS The records of all patients who underwent microsurgical breast reconstruction by one surgeon for 15 years were reviewed. Patients were divided into obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30 kg/m and nonobese groups. Demographic data, medical and smoking history, cancer type and treatments, surgical details, and complications were recorded. Breast-Q surveys were mailed to all patients, and satisfaction ratings were compared between obese and nonobese patients. RESULTS There were 109 patients and 149 breast reconstructions, with a mean age of 49 years. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 112 months (median = 19 months). There were 59 patients in the obese group and 52 in the nonobese group. The 2 groups did not differ significantly in median age, follow-up, pathology type, presence of chemotherapy or radiation, or smoking history. Obese group had a higher incidence of mastectomy flap necrosis (19.3% vs 7.7%, P < 0.01) and a higher rate of unplanned reoperations (38.6% vs 21.1%, P < 0.01). Obesity was not associated with a higher risk of microsurgical complications or flap loss (7.0% vs 3.8%, P = 0.21). Overall wound complications did not differ between the groups, but the obese group had a higher rate of severe wound complications requiring operative intervention (15.8% vs 3.8%, P < 0.01). The obese group had a higher incidence of hernia or bulge (10.5% vs 0%, P = 0.03). Thirty-three patients returned completed surveys (response rate of 30%). There was no statistically significant difference in any Breast-Q category associated with BMI. CONCLUSIONS Obesity was associated with higher rates of wound complications, reoperation, and abdominal bulge after microsurgical breast reconstruction. However, patient satisfaction remained high. Patients should be counseled regarding their relative risks, but high BMI should not be considered an absolute contraindication for microsurgical breast reconstruction.

Infection following breast augmentation is a rare event, with an incidence of 0–4% in most studies. We present the case of a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bilateral breast implant infection in a 42-year-old female, 19 years after submuscular saline breast augmentation. Her history was significant for intravenous drug abuse and concomitant osteomyelitis of the sternum and manubrium. She underwent washout and debridement, with explantation of the breast implants, and long-term intravenous vancomycin. This represents the longest reported occurrence of late infection in breast augmentation and the only report of a breast implant infection due to hematogenous spread/seeding from intravenous drug abuse. Level of Evidence: Level V, risk study.

Processed nerve allografts (PNAs) have been demonstrated to have improved clinical results compared with hollow conduits for reconstruction of digital nerve gaps less than 25 mm; however, the use of PNAs for longer gaps warrants further clinical investigation. Long nerve gaps have been traditionally hard to study because of low incidence. The advent of the RANGER registry, a large, institutional review board-approved, active database for PNA (Avance Nerve Graft; AxoGen, Inc, Alachua, FL) has allowed evaluation of lower incidence subsets. The RANGER database was queried for digital nerve repairs of 25 mm or greater. Demographics, injury, treatment, and functional outcomes were recorded on standardized forms. Patients younger than 18 and those lacking quantitative follow-up data were excluded. Recovery was graded according to the Medical Research Council Classification for sensory function, with meaningful recovery defined as S3 or greater level. Fifty digital nerve injuries in 28 subjects were included. There were 22 male and 6 female subjects, and the mean age was 45. Three patients gave a previous history of diabetes, and there were 6 active smokers. The most commonly reported mechanisms of injury were saw injuries (n = 13), crushing injuries (n = 9), resection of neuroma (n = 9), amputation/avulsions (n = 8), sharp lacerations (n = 7), and blast/gunshots (n = 4). The average gap length was 35 ± 8 mm (range, 25-50 mm). Recovery to the S3 or greater level was reported in 86% of repairs. Static 2-point discrimination (s2PD) and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament (SWF) were the most common completed assessments. Mean s2PD in 24 repairs reporting 2PD data was 9 ± 4 mm. For the 38 repairs with SWF data, protective sensation was reported in 33 repairs, deep pressure in 2, and no recovery in 3. These data compared favorably with historical data for nerve autograft repairs, with reported levels of meaningful recovery of 60% to 88%. There were no reported adverse effects. Processed nerve allograft can be used to reconstruct long gap nerve defects in the hand with consistently high rates of meaningful recovery. Results for PNA repairs of digital nerve injuries with gaps longer than 25 mm compare favorably with historical reports for nerve autograft repair but without donor site morbidity.

BACKGROUND Shifting preference for implant-based breast reconstruction has resulted in an increased use of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) in tissue-expander breast reconstruction. The benefits afforded by ADM must be weighed against a potential increased risk for postoperative complications. Dermal autograft-assisted breast reconstruction using autograft harvest from the lower abdomen has been shown to result in equivalent aesthetics and patient satisfaction compared with ADM at a lower cost, with fewer complications. The purpose of this study was to review a series of patients who underwent bilateral mastectomy and immediate dermal autograft-assisted tissue expander (TE) breast reconstruction using the non-cancerous breast as a donor site, comparing the outcomes with a concurrent cohort of patients undergoing ADM-assisted reconstruction to determine the relative safety, cost, and effectiveness of the 2 procedures. METHODS The study population included all patients who underwent dermal autograft-assisted TE breast reconstruction, using the contralateral cancer-free breast as the source of dermal autograft, between 2010 and 2015. The ADM cohort consisted of patients who underwent bilateral mastectomy and immediate ADM-assisted TE breast reconstruction during the same period. Univariate analysis was performed for demographic data, complications, operative cost, and operative time. Data were compared using the Wilcoxon rank sum test for nonparametric data and χ analyses for continuous and categorical variables. Significance was defined as P value less than 0.05. RESULTS Seventeen patients received dermal autograft using the non-cancerous breast donor site. Twenty-seven patients who underwent ADM-assisted reconstruction during the same period were identified. Significantly higher cost was demonstrated between groups (ADM, US $9999.87; autograft, US $3924.19; P < 0.0001). No significance difference existed operative time (autograft, 97 min; ADM, 120 min). No difference was found in wound healing complications (ADM, 14.8%; autograft, 23.53%; P = 0.47). No significant difference was found in major complications (ADM, 26%; autograft, 17.65%; P = 0.52) or infectious complications (ADM, 26%; autograft, 17.65%; P = 0.52). CONCLUSIONS Dermal autograft-assisted breast reconstruction using the contralateral non-cancerous breast as the source of dermal autograft harvest represents a lower cost alternative to ADM without increased risk of postoperative complications.

Under California's Whole Person Care program, Sacramento is using Medicaid funds to help its homeless population find housing.

Background Direct comparison studies of outcomes and aesthetic satisfaction of anatomic implants compared to other implants are scarce in the literature. Objectives The objective of this study was to compare outcomes and aesthetic satisfaction of patients who underwent breast reconstruction with anatomic implants vs other implants (smooth round silicone). Methods A retrospective chart review was performed of patients who underwent implant-based breast reconstruction over 3 years. Outcomes including complications, number of surgeries, need for revisions, and aesthetic satisfaction of patients were tracked and compared. Results A total of 156 patients met inclusion criteria for this study. A total of 123 underwent reconstruction with a round implant, and 33 underwent reconstruction with an anatomic implant. Of the 156 patients, 38 underwent a 1-stage direct-to-implant reconstruction and the remainder underwent a 2-stage implant reconstruction. The round and anatomic implant groups did not differ with regards to number of surgeries, revisions, utilization of contralateral symmetry procedures, implant-related reoperations, complications, implant loss, infection, capsular contracture, and seroma. The Breast Q survey had a response rate of 27%. On all parameters, the round and anatomic implant groups did not significantly differ. Conclusions There were no significant differences among round and shaped implants in regards to complications, revision surgeries, and overall outcomes. Furthermore, patients showed no differences regarding satisfaction and well-being when surveyed on the Breast Q survey. The decision of implant choice in breast reconstruction should be based on surgeon comfort and the patient’s needs/body type. Level of Evidence: 4

At a San Francisco primary care clinic, trauma is recognized as a root cause of many health challenges.

Background: Sublingual buprenorphine/naloxone, a common treatment for opioid dependence, is frequently abused by intravenous injection. Inadvertent intra-arterial injection of buprenorphine/naloxone can produce acute ischemic insult to the hand due to gelatin embolism. Our purpose was to review a series of these patients in order to describe the clinical entity, review the outcomes, and propose a rational treatment algorithm. Methods: Clinical records of all patients evaluated by the hand surgery team between 2011 and 2015 for ischemia of the hand after buprenorphine/naloxone injection were reviewed. Treatment, complications, and amount of tissue loss were recorded. Patients presenting within 48 hours of the injection were treated with intravenous heparin for 5 days, followed by oral aspirin and clopidogrel for 30 days. Those presenting after 48 hours were treated with aspirin and clopidogrel only. Results: Ten patients presented during the review period. Average follow-up time was 13 weeks. Eight had ischemia of the radial side of the hand, 1 of the ulnar side, and 1 had bilateral ischemia. Three patients were treated with intravenous heparin and 5 with oral agents. Two presented with dry gangrene and did not receive anticoagulation. All patients experienced tissue loss. There was no difference in outcome regardless of treatment. Conclusions: With the increasing use of sublingual buprenorphine/naloxone in opioid dependency, ischemic hand injuries will be seen with greater frequency. Whereas outcomes did not vary with treatment modality in this series, further study is needed to determine the most effective treatment of these injuries.

Fat grafting has become a widely accepted modality of soft tissue restoration and has found applications in many areas of aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. Numerous claims have been made regarding the regenerative effects of fat grafting on the recipient bed. The purpose of this paper is to survey the available literature to answer the question of whether fat grafting has a positive effect on the surrounding tissues. It has been convincingly demonstrated that fat grafts contain viable adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs). The fate of these cells is determined by the microenvironment of the recipient bed, but animal studies have shown that a large fraction of ASCs survive engraftment. Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated the positive effects of fat grafting on recipient tissues. Improvement in validated scar scores as well as scar stiffness measurements have been documented after fat grafting of burn scars. Fat grafting has also been convincingly demonstrated to improve the quality of irradiated tissues, as measured by validated clinical scales and staged histology. It is ultimately unclear whether ASCs are responsible for these effects, but the circumstantial evidence is weighty. Fat grafting is effective for volumizing and improving skin quality in the setting of radiation, burns, and other scars. The observed effects are likely due to ASCs, but the evidence does not support the routine use of ASC-enriched fat grafts.

Background: Current repair options for peripheral nerve injuries where tension-free gap closure is not possible include allograft, processed nerve allograft, and hollow tube conduit. Here we report on the outcomes from a multicenter prospective, randomized, patient- and evaluator-blinded, pilot study comparing processed nerve allograft and hollow conduit for digital nerve reconstructions in the hand. Methods: Across 4 centers, consented participants meeting inclusion criteria while not meeting exclusion criteria were randomized intraoperatively to either processed nerve allograft or hollow conduit. Standard sensory and safety assessments were conducted at baseline, 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after reconstruction. The primary outcome was static 2-point discrimination (s2PD) testing. Participants and assessors were blinded to treatment. The contralateral digit served as the control. Results: We randomized 23 participants with 31 digital nerve injuries. Sixteen participants with 20 repairs had at least 6 months of follow-up while 12-month follow-up was available for 15 repairs. There were no significant differences in participant and baseline characteristics between treatment groups. The predominant nerve injury was laceration/sharp transection. The mean ± SD length of the nerve gap prior to repair was 12 ± 4 mm (5-20 mm) for both groups. The average s2PD for processed allograft was 5 ± 1 mm (n = 6) compared with 8 ± 5 mm (n = 9) for hollow conduits. The average moving 2PD for processed allograft was 5 ± 1 mm compared with 7 ± 5 mm for hollow conduits. All injuries randomized to processed nerve allograft returned some degree of s2PD as compared with 75% of the repairs in the conduit group. Two hollow conduits and one allograft were lost due to infection during the study. Conclusions: In this pilot study, patients whose digital nerve reconstructions were performed with processed nerve allografts had significantly improved and more consistent functional sensory outcomes compared with hollow conduits.

BACKGROUND Skin-sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction can yield excellent aesthetic results, but high rates of mastectomy flap necrosis have been reported. A prospective cohort study was undertaken to compare three methods of assessing mastectomy flap viability following skin-sparing mastectomy and immediate reconstruction to determine which is most effective in reducing mastectomy flap necrosis. METHODS The study group included 60 consecutive patients (99 breasts) undergoing skin-sparing mastectomy and immediate reconstruction with either tissue expanders (n = 39) or transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flaps (n = 21). Mastectomy flap viability was assessed either visually (n = 20), with fluorescein dye and Wood's lamp imaging (n = 20), or by indocyanine green angiography (n = 20). Variation across groups was analyzed using analysis of variance for continuous variables and chi-square test for dichotomous variables. RESULTS The mean follow-up was 10 months. There were no significant differences in mean age, body mass index, medical history, smoking history, pathologic diagnosis, chemotherapy, or reconstruction type. Mastectomy flap necrosis was observed in eight of 30 breasts in the direct visualization group (27 percent), compared with 14 percent in the indocyanine green angiography group and 3 percent in the fluorescein group (p = 0.03). The reoperation rate in the direct visualization group was 20 percent, compared with 15 percent in the indocyanine green angiography group and 0 percent in the fluorescein group. CONCLUSIONS Fluorescein dye was associated with the lowest rate of complications after skin-sparing mastectomy, but indocyanine green angiography was also shown to reduce mastectomy flap necrosis compared with direct visualization. Routine imaging of mastectomy flap perfusion seems to be beneficial in skin-sparing mastectomy, but intravenous fluorescein may be as effective as more expensive modalities. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic, II.

Background: Infection following augmentation and prosthetic-based breast reconstruction can cause significant physical and psychological distress for patients. It may delay adjuvant therapies and compromise aesthetic outcomes. The aim of this study is to identify modifiable risk factors for infection and identify common bacterial isolates to achieve optimal outcomes for patients. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed for patients undergoing implant-based breast reconstruction over a 2-year period. In each case, we documented demographics, co-morbidities, complications and antibiotic use. We reviewed treatments, infectious species cultured where applicable and all outcomes. Results: A total of 292 patients met the inclusion criteria. Fifty-five patients (19%) developed an infection. Univariate analysis showed a significantly increased infection rate with longer operative times (P = 0.001) and use of tissue expanders (P = 0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis confirmed drain use and elevated body mass index (BMI) as risk factors (odds ratio [OR] 2.427 and 1.061, respectively). After controlling for BMI, smoking status and radiation, we found an increased odd of infection with allograft use (OR 1.838) and a decreased odd with skin preparation using 2% chlorhexidine gluconate in 70% isopropyl (OR 0.554), though not statistically significant. Forty of 55 patients with infections had cultures, with 62.5% of isolates being Gram-positive species and 30% Gram-negative species. The median time to clinical infection was 25 days. Implant salvage with surgical interventions was achieved in 61.5% of patients. Conclusions: This study identified judicious use of drains and efficiency in the operating room as modifiable risk factors for infections following implant-based breast reconstruction. Prospective trials to analyse techniques for infection prevention are warranted. Implant salvage following infection is a possible end-point in the appropriate patient.

We present an unusual case in an 8-year-old male that presented with a severe crushing injury to the right lower extremity with grade IIIB open tibia/fibula fracture and composite loss of the majority of the posterior muscle compartments and overlying skin and segmental loss of the tibial nerve. Composite reconstruction was performed with internal fixation, cable autografting of the tibial nerve, and a functional latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap. A motor branch of the tibial nerve to the soleus was used as the donor motor nerve. The patient achieved a bony union and began ambulating at 8 weeks postoperatively. At 24 months, the patient was running and jumping with plantar push-off. Recovery of plantar flexion was to the M5 level. Static and moving 2-point discrimination of the plantar foot was 8 mm and 6 mm, respectively. Functioning muscle transfer in a child with a severe lower extremity injury with composite tissue loss may provide soft tissue and motor-unit defect reconstruction with an acceptable functional restoration. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2015.

The use of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) in tissue expander breast reconstruction has been touted to reduce capsular contracture rates and improve aesthetic outcomes. Autogenous dermal grafts have shown to be a safer and more cost-effective alternative to ADM. The purpose of this study was to compare the capsular contracture rates and long-term aesthetic outcomes of tissue expander breast reconstruction using dermal autografts with ADM-assisted reconstruction.Patients undergoing tissue expander breast reconstruction with either ADM or dermal autografts were enrolled. Autografts were harvested from the lower abdomen. The capsular contracture rate was assessed via physical examination using the Baker scale. Standardized patient photographs were scored for aesthetic appearance on a 7-point Likert scale by blinded female observers. The ADM and autograft groups were compared using Student t test. Significance was defined as P0.05.Forty-eight patients were enrolled (76 breasts). The average follow-up time for the ADM group was 9.6 months and 9.9 months for the dermal autograft group. Twenty-seven patients received ADM, and 21 patients received dermal autograft. Capsular contracture scores were identical between the 2 groups (mean Baker grade = 1.15, P = 0.55). The average long-term aesthetic outcome score for dermal autograft-assisted breast reconstruction was 3.85, compared to 3.79 for ADM-assisted reconstruction. This difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.87).In addition to an improved safety profile and lower cost, dermal autograft-assisted tissue expander breast reconstruction affords equivalent aesthetic results and capsular contracture rates, when compared to ADM.

Background Short-gap digital nerve injuries are a common surgical problem, but the optimal treatment modality is unknown. A multicenter database was queried and analyzed to determine the outcomes of nerve gap reconstructions between 5 and 15 mm with processed nerve allograft. Methods The current RANGER registry is designed to continuously monitor and compile injury, repair, safety, and outcomes data. Centers followed their own standard of care for treatment and follow-up. The database was queried for digital nerve injuries with a gap between 5 and 15 mm reporting sufficient follow-up data to complete outcomes analysis. Available quantitative outcome measures were reviewed and reported. Meaningful recovery was defined by the Medical Research Council Classification (MRCC) scale at S3-S4 for sensory function. Results Sufficient follow-up data were available for 24 subjects (37 repairs) in the prescribed gap range. Mean age was 43 years (range, 23–81). Mean gap was 11 ± 3 (5–15) mm. Time to repair was 13 ± 42 (0–215) days. There were 25 lacerations, 8 avulsion/amputations, 2 gunshots, 1 crush injury, and 1 injury of unknown mechanism. Meaningful recovery, defined as S3-S4 on the MRCC scales, was reported in 92% of repairs. Sensory recovery of S3+ or S4 was observed in 84% of repairs. Static 2PD was 7.1 ± 2.9 mm ( n = 19). Return to light touch was observed in 23 out of 32 repairs reporting Semmes-Weinstein monofilament outcomes (SWMF). There were no reported nerve adverse events. Conclusion Sensory outcomes for processed nerve allografts were equivalent to historical controls for nerve autograft and exceed those of conduit. Processed nerve allografts provide an effective solution for short-gap digital nerve reconstructions.

Traumatic nerve injuries are common conditions treated by hand surgeons, and the optimal treatment of a severed nerve requires providing a healthy wound bed, generous trimming to healthy nerve substance, and a minimal-tension approximation. The gold standard for repair of a critical nerve gap has been the nerve autograft. However, results are generally less favorable than direct suture. Autogenous and synthetic conduits and processed nerve allografts have been developed as less morbid and more convenient alternatives to autografts, but the reported outcomes have been uneven. Engineered neural tissues show great promise in inducing nerve regeneration across a gap.

Skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) with immediate tissue expander reconstruction poses a challenge in the patient with macromastia or excessive ptosis. Skin reduction via the Wise pattern has been described but is associated with high rates of skin necrosis. The study group consisted of 43 women with grade 2 or 3 ptosis who underwent SSM and immediate reconstruction with tissue expanders, using the Passot (horizontal) skin reduction pattern. Age ranged from 31 to 67 years (mean, 51 years). The endpoints measured were time to final expansion, mastectomy skin flap necrosis, infectious complications, and total complications. Thirty reconstructions were bilateral and 13 were unilateral (73 breasts total). Follow-up ranged from 6 to 55 months (mean, 20). Common comorbid conditions included hypertension (n = 16), obesity (n = 22), and smoking (n = 9). The mean body mass index was 30.6 (range, 19.4-58.6). Twenty-one patients underwent chemotherapy; 12 received radiation. The mean initial fill was 196 mL (range, 0-420 mL), and the mean time to final expansion was 84 days (range, 28-225 days). Five patients did not complete the reconstruction, 2 because of cancer recurrence and 3 because of infection. There were 3 cases of mastectomy flap necrosis occurring after tissue expander placement (7%). There were 7 infectious complications (16%). The use of a horizontal breast reduction pattern at the time of expander placement produces consistently good esthetic outcomes and a low rate of skin necrosis, and it should be considered as an option in patients with macromastia or ptosis undergoing SSM and immediate reconstruction.

Numerous techniques have been described for repair of myelomeningoceles, but outcome data is scarce. A retrospective review was performed in 32 consecutive patients who underwent neonatal myelomeningocele repair and extra-dural closure to determine the influence of repair type on outcome. All procedures for myelomeningocele closure were classified into one of three groups, which included primary closure, myocutaneous flaps, and fasciocutaneous flaps. Defect size ranged from 1 to 48 cm2. Primary skin closure was performed in 3 patients, fasciocutaneous flaps in 13 patients, and myocutaneous flaps in 16 patients. The overall complication rate was 18 %. No difference in the complication rates among the primary closure, myocutaneous, and fasciocutaneous flap groups was observed in our analysis. While not statistically significant, our data documents an association of fasciocutaneous flaps with postoperative complications that were not evident with primary skin closure or myocutaneous flaps (odds ratio 3.8; p = 0.15). The occurrence of one or more complications was associated with a longer hospital stay. Myocutaneous flaps provide a secure repair and should be considered for smaller myelomeningocele defects in addition to the larger defects where they are more traditionally used. We propose a tissue-based classification of closure techniques strictly for multi-institution outcome comparison that may ultimately inform clinical decision-making.

Melanoma of the hand represents a complicated clinical entity. Anatomic features of the hand create challenges in successful management of melanoma not encountered elsewhere in the body. The objectives of this article are to outline current standards for managing melanoma of the hand including diagnosis, surgical, and chemotherapeutic management. Particular emphasis will be placed on currently debated topics of the role of sentinel lymph node biopsy, the role of Mohs micrographic surgery, tissue sparing management of subungual melanoma, and the consideration of melanoma of the hand as a distinct entity based on clinical and molecular studies.

Osteomyelitis of the carpal bones is rare and usually occurs in the setting of penetrating wounds or immune compromise. A case of hardware-associated scaphoid osteomyelitis is reported in a 33-year-old man who underwent screw fixation of a scaphoid fracture more than 20 years prior to presentation. The patient was treated with operative debridement including a total scaphoidectomy as well as intravenous antibiotics. Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from intraoperative cultures. A secondary proximal row carpectomy was performed to provide a stable wrist. Delayed presentation of isolated hardware-associated scaphoid osteomyelitis is exceedingly rare, and little is reported regarding the incidence or management of this entity in the current literature.

The use of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) in tissue expander breast reconstruction has several advantages but increased complications have been reported. Dermal autografts may offer a safer and more cost-effective alternative. The purpose of this prospective study was to compare the outcomes of tissue expander breast reconstruction using dermal autografts with ADM-assisted reconstruction. Patients undergoing tissue expander breast reconstruction with either ADM or dermal autografts were enrolled. Autografts were harvested from the lower abdomen. At each follow-up visit, patients were surveyed on a seven-point scale for scar and overall satisfaction. Biopsies taken at the time of device exchange were evaluated histologically with CD34 staining to assess tissue integration and vessel ingrowth. Expansion parameters, complications, procedural costs, and operative times were compared. Forty-eight patients were enrolled (76 breasts). Twenty-seven patients received ADM, and twenty-one patients received dermal autograft. Wound healing complications were significantly higher in the ADM group (14.8% versus 4.8%, p-value = 0.03), as were major complications (18.5% versus 0%, p-value < 0.01). Histologic vessel counts in the autograft group averaged 21 vessels/mm(2), compared to 7 vessels/mm(2) in the ADM group (p-value < 0.01). There was no difference between the two groups in scar satisfaction or overall satisfaction. Patients receiving dermal autograft had a lower incidence of major complications and delayed wound healing than patients who received ADM. Despite harvest time, the overall cost of the ADM-assisted expander placement was higher. Dermal autograft-assisted breast reconstruction offers many of the benefits of ADM, but with a lower cost and improved safety profile.

As nearly 1 of 5 adult Americans are smokers, plastic surgeons should be familiar with the effect of smoking on perioperative risk, the importance of smoking cessation, and the tools to help patients quit. Cigarette smoke contains over 250 known toxins, including nicotine, carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, and nitric oxide, which all are known to impair wound healing, through multiple mechanisms. The relationship of smoking and delayed postoperative wound healing has been established in numerous prospective and retrospective cohort studies (level 2 and 3 evidence), and has been demonstrated across a wide range of surgical disciplines and procedures, including many common plastic surgical procedures. The ameliorating effects of cessation are supported by level 1 evidence, which suggests that the optimal duration of preoperative cessation is 4 weeks or longer. Nicotine replacement therapy and smoking cessation medications are effective aids for quitting and should be familiar to plastic surgeons.

The superomedial pedicle vertical-scar breast reduction is an effective technique, but high revision rates have been reported. The purpose of this study is to determine if revision rates can be lowered by the rational use of an inverted-T technique in a subset of patients who undergo superomedial pedicle reduction.Records were reviewed of 127 breast reductions performed between 2002 and 2011. Group 1 (2002-2007) consisted of 51 patients who underwent a superomedial pedicle vertical-scar reduction. Four of these patients (8%) required a subsequent revision. Based on this, indications were adopted where vertical-scar reductions were performed in patients with proposed nipple position to inframammary fold (PNP-IMF) distances of less than 22 cm, with the remainder undergoing reduction with a superomedial pedicle and inverted-T skin resection pattern. In Group 2 (2008-2011), there were 41 vertical reductions and 35 "hybrid" reductions. Age, BMI, preoperative medical conditions, and reduction size did not differ significantly between the two groups.Nine patients in Group 1 (18%) experienced one or more minor complications, as did 12 patients in Group 2 (16%), (p=0.62). There were four revisions in Group 1 (8%) and none in Group 2 (p0.001). Mean operative time was 177 min in Group 1 compared to 136 min in Group 2 (p0.001).Breast reduction employing a superomedial pedicle can be used effectively in a wide range of patients. Revision rates can be reduced by employing an inverted-T skin resection in patients with a long PNP-IMF distance, while not significantly increasing complication rates or operative time.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 .

BACKGROUND: Acellular dermal matrices are commonly used in breast reconstruction but add cost to the procedure and have been associated with complications. Dermal autograft may represent a useful alternative to matrices. METHODS: Sixteen patients (26 breasts) underwent breast reconstruction using tissue expanders and dermal autograft. Their ages ranged from 41 to 66 years (median, 51 years). Autografts were harvested by wide excision of preexisting abdominal scars. Demographic data, clinical history, and harvest and preparation time were recorded. The initial fill volume, number of expansions, and complications were recorded and compared with published data for acellular dermal matrix-assisted reconstruction. Patients rated their satisfaction with scar appearance on a seven-point scale. RESULTS: Follow-up ranged from 6 to 16 months (mean, 10 months). Three patients were smokers. Mean body mass index was 30.5 (range, 19.1 to 48.8). Three patients received chemotherapy between reconstructive stages, and none required irradiation. The mean time of autograft harvest was 38 minutes, the mean initial fill was 190 cc, and the average number of expansions was 3.5. There were no implant losses. There were three minor complications (19 percent). Initial expander fill, number of expansions, and complication rate were equivalent to historical values for matrix-assisted breast reconstruction. Fourteen of 16 patients (88 percent) were "very satisfied" with their scars. CONCLUSIONS: The use of dermal autograft in tissue expander breast reconstruction offers the advantages of acellular dermal matrix, without the associated expense. The technique adds minimally to the operative time and morbidity and is associated with a low complication rate. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

On April 9, 2014, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released 10 million billing records of over 880,000 physicians and other health care providers and accounts for over $1 billion in Medicare payments distributed in 2012. This action was part of an effort to improve the transparency, accountability, and affordability of the U.S. health care system. This study was performed to mine this unprecedented data set to delineate patterns of billing and reimbursement for plastic surgeons.The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Provider Utilization and Payment Database was accessed to analyze 2012 plastic surgery claims data with respect to providers and beneficiaries, services, and reimbursements. Pivot tables and other methods were used by means of Microsoft Excel.In 2012, a total of $133,472,772 was distributed to 3726 plastic surgery physician providers for 735 unique Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System codes for 1,399,404 procedure claims. Of specialty care, plastic surgery ranks twenty-sixth among 29 subspecialties for total Medicare payments. The average plastic surgeon was paid $35,821.58 by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in 2012. Forty-six percent of plastic surgeons did not receive reimbursement for services from Medicare.The release of an enormous amount of provider level claims data by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services may serve as a new tool for locating potential fraud, pinpointing needs, and assessing levels of growth in care. Plastic surgeons need to understand implications of changes to Medicare, which will likely affect patient mix, physician documentation, billing, coding, reimbursement, and active participation in quality reporting.

Acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) are commonly used in tissue expander breast reconstruction, but they add cost to the procedure and have been associated with increased complications. In addition, many patients are uncomfortable with devices of cadaveric origin and prefer an autologous option. Dermal autograft can be harvested from the lower abdomen with minimal additional operative time and low donor site morbidity. Harvest from the contralateral breast is feasible in patients undergoing bilateral skin-reducing mastectomy. Upon device exchange, autografts are consistently seen to have more complete tissue incorporation and greater vascularity than ADM, and this has been confirmed histologically. Dermal autograft-assisted tissue expander breast reconstruction has been shown to produce aesthetic results equivalent to ADM-assisted reconstruction, with a lower total cost and more favorable risk profile.

Purpose Reconstruction of peripheral nerve discontinuities with processed nerve allograft has become increasingly relevant. The RANGER Study registry was initiated in 2007 to study the use of processed nerve allografts in contemporary clinical practice. We undertook this study to analyze outcomes for upper extremity nerve repairs contained in the registry database. Methods We identified an upper extremity–specific population within the RANGER Study registry database consisting of 71 nerves repaired with processed nerve allograft. This group was composed of 56 subjects with a mean age of 40 ± 17 years (range, 18–86 y). We analyzed data to determine the safety and efficacy of processed nerve allograft. Quantitative data were available on 51 subjects with 35 sensory, 13 mixed, and 3 motor nerves. The mean gap length was 23 ± 12 mm (range, 5–50 mm). We performed an analysis to evaluate response-to-treatment and to examine sensory and motor recovery according to the international standards for motor and sensory nerve recovery. Results There were no reported implant complications, tissue rejections, or adverse experiences related to the use of the processed nerve allografts. Overall recovery, S3 or M4 and above, was achieved in 86% of the procedures. Subgroup analysis demonstrated meaningful levels of recovery in sensory, mixed, and motor nerve repairs with graft lengths between 5 and 50 mm. The study also found meaningful levels of recovery in 89% of digital nerve repairs, 75% of median nerve repairs, and 67% of ulnar nerve repairs. Conclusions Our data suggest that processed nerve allografts offer a safe and effective method of reconstructing peripheral nerve gaps from 5 to 50 mm in length. These outcomes compare favorably with those reported in the literature for nerve autograft, and exceed those reported for tube conduits. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic III.