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The female breast is a symbol of femininity and plays a key role in the female body image. However, factors influencing the preferences for different breast shapes and sizes are still not elucidated. In particular, the role of the emerging social media in breast perception has not been analyzed yet. A representative cohort of 1,049 adults completed a web-based questionnaire containing hyperrealistic 3D models of the female breast in the United States. A machine-learning algorithm (Classification and Regression Tree [CART]) was implemented to identify the most influential factors. The study was able to identify the frequency of pornographic and social media consumption as the most influencing factor for altered breast preferences. Although digital media exposure did not alter satisfaction with the own breast among female participants, the tendency to undergo or history of conducted aesthetic surgery correlated with higher access frequency to digital media. Taken together, the overpowering impact of social media and pornographic consumption on the own body image was shown in preference alterations for different anatomical aspects of the breast in the whole population and distorted self-perception about the breast in female participants.

Impaired microcirculation, along with an increase in chronic medical conditions in the geriatric cohort, may favor the development of soft-tissue defects in the lower extremity and equally impair the options for plastic-reconstructive surgery. In particular, outcome analyses in the increasing patient cohort ≥ 80 years (octogenarians) are limited.Setting 80 years as the cutoff, we conducted an age-related outcome analysis of all patients undergoing free-flap reconstruction of the lower extremity from 2014 to 2020, comprising the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) as the possible outcome predicting factors.During the study period, a total of 424 free flaps were performed in 385 patients (∅: 54.7 years ± 16.1; range: 9-89), including 19 octogenarians. Compared with the younger patient cohort, there was a significantly higher rate of early flap revision (p = 0.023) and flap loss (p = 0.028). Furthermore, the mean length of hospital (60.6 ± 37.6 vs. 51.1 ± 37.0) and intensive care unit/intermediate care stay (6.5 ± 15.0 vs. 3.5 ± 8.5) was extended (n.s.). The ASA score presented an independent predictor for major surgical [odds ratio (OR): 1.66; p = 0.041) and medical complications (OR: 3.97; p0.001). Neither the CCI nor the ASA served as an independent predictor for total flap loss.Free-flap reconstruction of the lower extremity in octogenarians is associated with a higher risk of flap revision and flap loss. Considering the prolonged immobilization associated with increased morbidity following limb amputation, it presents still a reasonable option to achieve limb salvage in carefully chosen patients. An adequate tool to predict the success of free-flap survival is still unavailable.

ZusammenfassungEinleitung Der freie Transfer einer Gewebelappenplastik mit mikrochirurgischem Anschluss ist häufig eine tagesauslastende Tätigkeit. Eine Standardisierung dieser Operationen gestaltet sich auf Grund der eingeschränkten Planbarkeit des OP-Verlaufs mit einhergehender zeitlicher Varianz immer wieder als schwierig. Dies erschwert die Planung und damit die optimale Kapazitätsauslastung erheblich. Methoden In den Jahren 2018–2020 wurden die Schnitt-Naht-Zeiten (SNZ) bei den in der Klinik am häufigsten durchgeführten freien ALT-Lappenplastiken zur Extremitätenrekonstruktion bezogen auf das Erfahrungsniveau des Operationsteams (Kategorie 1:200 freie Lappenplastiken) und die Nebenerkrankungen der Patienten analysiert. Die Kostenstruktur am Standort wurde mit der InEK Kostenmatrix abgeglichen.Ergebnisse In der vorliegenden Arbeit konnte gezeigt werden, dass im Rahmen der mikrochirurgischen Extremitätenrekonstruktion das Erfahrungsniveau des Operationsteams einen signifikanten Einfluss auf die SNZ hat. Bei ALT-Lappenplastiken waren unter Berücksichtigung von Komplikationen Kategorie 2 Operateure durchschnittlich 45 Minuten, Kategorie 3 Operateure 167 Minuten schneller. Umgekehrt hatten Nebenerkrankungen keinen signifikanten Einfluss auf die Operationsdauer. Bezogen auf die Kostensituation zeigte sich eine zumeist defizitäre Situation in Relation zur InEK Kostenmatrix. Eine weitere Analyse zeigte hingegen, dass die SNZ für freie Lappenplastiken im Durchschnitt, die Personalkosten/Schnitt-Naht-Minute unseres Krankenhauses knapp unter dem Bundesdurchschnitt lagen. Die Kosten für einen mikrochirurgischen Weiterbildungseingriff liegen nach dieser Berechnung in der Größenordnung von 1000 €/Fall. Diskussion & Schlussfolgerung Freie Lappenplastiken zur Extremitätenrekonstruktion sind nicht komplett adäquat im deutschen DRG-System abgebildet. Bezogen auf die Weiterbildung konnte gezeigt werden, dass diese bedingt durch längere SNZ nicht kostenneutral ist. Durch Hinterlegung der identifizierten operateurbedingten Zeiten im Krankenhausinformationssystem sollte eine bessere Vorgabezeitgüte mit aufgewerteter Termintreue und effizienterer Auslastung der wertvollen Ressource OP-Kapazität resultieren.

Primary breast augmentation is one of the most commonly requested aesthetic procedures. Considering the large number of procedures performed in connection with a high demand, it is crucial to prevent complications. For this reason, finding and avoiding possible sources of complications is decisive.Between January 2010 and December 2021, 1625 female patients underwent an aesthetic breast augmentation performed by a single surgeon. The data collected were analyzed through a machine learning technique for binary recursive partitioning. This made it possible to detect unknown sources of a complication and determine a vertex for the various features.When analyzing the data, for most features a high importance score with low entropy was achieved, concluding a high significance. In addition, reproducibility was demonstrated through detailed testing and training accuracies in the algorithm. With this procedure, in addition to known risks such as a high BMI and round implant shape, a larger than A preoperative bra-cup size (OR: 2.7) and a taller body could also be identified as most significant influencing factors for complications.Preoperative breast size plays an exceptionally important role in the occurrence of complications and should be a factor held in a surgeon's considerations. In addition, this study shows ways to transfer artificial intelligence into plastic surgery to increase medical quality.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 .

Wound healing after resection of large soft-tissue tumors is often impaired by large dead space and fluid collection. Recently, the authors were able to show an association of wound complications with worse oncologic outcome in soft-tissue sarcomas. The aim of the study was to examine the value of closed-incision negative pressure wound therapy on postoperative wound drainage and wound complications after soft-tissue tumor resection.Patients for whom resection is planned of a soft-tissue tumor larger than 10 cm in diameter of the extremities or the trunk were allocated randomly to one of two groups. After wound closure, patients in the study group received closed-incision negative-pressure wound therapy for a duration of 5 days, whereas those in the control group received regular dressings. The amount of drainage fluid, course of wound healing, length of hospital stay, and wound edge perfusion at postoperative day 5 measured by white-light infrared spectroscopy were compared.Sixty patients could be included in the study with even distribution to both study arms, meeting the goal. The postoperative course of wound drainage volume was significantly lower in the study group, and hospital stay was significantly shorter, with 9.1 ± 3.8 days versus 13.9 ± 11.8 days. The occurrence of wound complications was significantly lower in the study group on time-to-event analysis (one versus six). Tissue spectroscopy revealed a significantly higher oxygen saturation increase in the wound edge for the study group versus the control group.Closed-incision negative-pressure wound therapy should be considered for patients undergoing resection of large soft-tissue tumors.Therapeutic, II.

Introduction Partner involvement in the decision-making process concerning breast reconstruction (BR) after a breast cancer diagnosis may be very supportive for the patient. So far, no study evaluates partner satisfaction with the outcome after BR and the relationship to patient satisfaction. The aim of this study was to assess and compare partner satisfaction of BR with autologous tissue (ABR) and prosthetic implants (IBR), respectively, and compare it to patient-reported outcomes. Patients and Methods All patients undergoing ABR and IBR between January 2014 and December 2020 were asked to participate with their partners. Patient and partner satisfaction with breast reconstruction, overall outcome as well as patient’s perceived and self-reported psychosocial well-being were evaluated using the Breast-Q and a modified partner questionnaire, respectively. Results Fifty-three couples participated (IBR: n=30, ABR: n = 23). Patient and partner satisfaction with breast (r = 0.552), outcome (r = 0.465) as well as patient’s perceived and self-report psychosocial well-being (r = 0.495) were highly correlated with partners scoring significantly higher (p Conclusion Both reconstructive procedures achieve satisfactory results in terms partner satisfaction whereas patient’s psychosocial well-being was highly overestimated by their partners. Hence, partner inclusion in the regular psycho-oncological support might further sensitize them of the high psychological burden of a breast cancer diagnosis and therefore stabilize patients private support system. Level of Evidence III 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.

Patients with soft tissue tumors of extremities are at risk to develop secondary lymphedema after tumor resection caused by disruption of lymphatic vessels and sclerosis. Subsequently, this study aimed to evaluate the beneficial effects of lymphaticovenous anastomoses (LVAs) after soft tissue tumor resection of the thigh in a prophylactic approach.In a retrospective cohort study, we compared eight patients with a median age of 68.5 years (49-80) who received LVAs in combination with tumor resection for treatment of soft tissue tumors of the thigh region with a prior cohort of 20 patients with a median age of 63.0 years (23-84) who received soft tissue sarcoma resection of the thigh region. All patients of LVA cohort received 1-2 LVAs (mean 1.25 ± 0.49) at the dorsum of the foot and three patients at the SEKI-point (mean 0.375 ± 0.51). Mean maximum tumor diameter of LVA group was 19.5 ± 5.2 cm and 12.3 ± 6.6 cm of control group. All patients receiving LVA were assessed for development of lymphedema via bilateral measurements of circumference and assessment of lymphedema quality of life index (LyQLI).One of the eight patients who received LVAs showed moderate impairment in the LyQLI at a follow-up of 12 months while 45% of the control cohort complained about symptoms of secondary lymphedema at a median follow-up of 22 months (p-values LyQLI: p = .018 [physical domain]; p = .018 [psychosocial domain]; p = .020 [practical domain]).LVAs performed in combination with tumor resection of thigh soft tissue tumors reduce negative consequences of lymph stasis and prevent development of secondary lymphedema.

Bone regeneration and fracture healing are impaired in diabetic patients due to defective functions of associated cells. Thus, the search for molecular causes and new treatment strategies are of particular clinical relevance. We investigated the gene expression profile of bones from type 2 diabetic (db- /db- ) mice and wild-type (wt) mice by comparative microarray analyses before and after placing tibial defects and examined the expression of several osteogenesis- and osteoclastogenesis-related markers by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. In regenerating wt bones, pathways related to, for example, inhibition of matrix metalloproteases were activated, whereas in db- /db- bones activation of pathways related to, for example, osteoarthritis, transforming growth factor-beta (Tgfb), or hypoxia-inducible factor 1a were detected during regeneration. We defined the Tgfb pathway as a potential therapeutic target and locally applied a single dose (0.5 µg) of the Tgfb 1, 2, and 3 neutralizing antibody 1D11 on tibial defects in db- /db- mice (n = 7). Seven days postoperation, histological and immunohistochemical stainings were performed. Decreased bone regeneration, osteogenic differentiation, osteoclast invasion, and angiogenesis in db- /db- mice were significantly restored by local 1D11 application in comparison to the phosphate-buffered saline controls. Thus, local treatment of db- /db- bony defects with Tgfb neutralizing antibody 1D11 might be considered a good candidate for the successful acceleration of bone regeneration.

Bone infections are one of the main reasons for impaired bone regeneration and non-union formation. In previous experimental animal studies we could already demonstrate that bone defects due to prior infections showed a markedly reduced healing capacity, which could effectively be enhanced via application of Wnt3a and Adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs). For a more in-depth analysis, we investigated proliferation and mineralization of cultured osteoblasts infected with staph aureus and sought to investigate effects of Wnt3a and ASCs on infected osteoblasts. Primary murine osteoblasts were isolated from calvariae and infected with staph aureus. Infected osteoblasts received treatment via application of recombinant Wnt3a, ASC conditioned medium and were furthermore cocultured with ASCs. Osteoblasts were evaluated by Alamar blue assay for metabolic activity, TUNEL-assay for apoptosis, ALP and Alizarin Red staining for mineralization. In addition, immunoflourescent staining (IF) and qRT-PCR analyses were performed. Infected osteoblasts showed a markedly reduced ability for mineralization and increased apoptosis, which could be restored to physiological levels by Wnt3a and ASC treatment. Interestingly, metabolic activity of osteoblasts seemed to be unaffected by staph aureus infection. Additional analyses of Wnt-pathway activity revealed effective enhancement of canonical Wnt-pathway activity in Wnt3a-treated osteoblasts. In summary, we gained further osteoblast-related insights into pathomechanisms of reduced bone healing capacity upon infections.

Microvascular reconstructions can be lengthy procedures lasting the entire day. As a result of unforeseeable events, the standardization of these procedures can be challenging. Moreover, the length of these procedures varies strongly, which impedes adequate scheduling and, therefore, optimal capacity utilization. Within the years 2018-2020, the duration of ALT free flap extremity reconstructions was correlated with the experience of the microsurgeon (category 1:50 free flaps life-time experience, category 2: 50-200, category 3:200) and comorbidities. The resulting costs were compared with the matrix of the German DRG Institute InEK. The surgical experience of the microsurgeon had a significant impact on the duration of surgery in extremity reconstruction. In due consideration of potential complications, category 2 microsurgeons were 45 minutes faster and category 3 microsurgeons were 167 minutes faster than category 1 microsurgeons. Comorbidities, by contrast, did not have a significant impact on procedure duration. Cost analysis revealed deficits for these procedures in relation to the InEK matrix. However, an additional analysis showed that the duration of surgery was within the German average while costs for personnel/OR minute were slightly below the average. According to this calculation, costs for microsurgical training were approximately 1000€/case. The reimbursement for flaps in extremity reconstruction is not entirely mapped in the German DRG system. Given the longer procedure times, microsurgical training is associated with higher costs. Defining the duration of microsurgery based on the level of expertise should result in improved adherence to schedule and more efficient utilization of the valuable operating room time.Einleitung Der freie Transfer einer Gewebelappenplastik mit mikrochirurgischem Anschluss ist häufig eine tagesauslastende Tätigkeit. Eine Standardisierung dieser Operationen gestaltet sich auf Grund der eingeschränkten Planbarkeit des OP-Verlaufs mit einhergehender zeitlicher Varianz immer wieder als schwierig. Dies erschwert die Planung und damit die optimale Kapazitätsauslastung erheblich. Methoden In den Jahren 2018–2020 wurden die Schnitt-Naht-Zeiten (SNZ) bei den in der Klinik am häufigsten durchgeführten freien ALT-Lappenplastiken zur Extremitätenrekonstruktion bezogen auf das Erfahrungsniveau des Operationsteams (Kategorie 1:50 freie Lappenplastiken, Kategorie 2: 50–200 freie Lappenplastiken, Kategorie 3:200 freie Lappenplastiken) und die Nebenerkrankungen der Patienten analysiert. Die Kostenstruktur am Standort wurde mit der InEK Kostenmatrix abgeglichen.Ergebnisse In der vorliegenden Arbeit konnte gezeigt werden, dass im Rahmen der mikrochirurgischen Extremitätenrekonstruktion das Erfahrungsniveau des Operationsteams einen signifikanten Einfluss auf die SNZ hat. Bei ALT-Lappenplastiken waren unter Berücksichtigung von Komplikationen Kategorie 2 Operateure durchschnittlich 45 Minuten, Kategorie 3 Operateure 167 Minuten schneller. Umgekehrt hatten Nebenerkrankungen keinen signifikanten Einfluss auf die Operationsdauer. Bezogen auf die Kostensituation zeigte sich eine zumeist defizitäre Situation in Relation zur InEK Kostenmatrix. Eine weitere Analyse zeigte hingegen, dass die SNZ für freie Lappenplastiken im Durchschnitt, die Personalkosten/Schnitt-Naht-Minute unseres Krankenhauses knapp unter dem Bundesdurchschnitt lagen. Die Kosten für einen mikrochirurgischen Weiterbildungseingriff liegen nach dieser Berechnung in der Größenordnung von 1000 €/Fall. DiskussionSchlussfolgerung Freie Lappenplastiken zur Extremitätenrekonstruktion sind nicht komplett adäquat im deutschen DRG-System abgebildet. Bezogen auf die Weiterbildung konnte gezeigt werden, dass diese bedingt durch längere SNZ nicht kostenneutral ist. Durch Hinterlegung der identifizierten operateurbedingten Zeiten im Krankenhausinformationssystem sollte eine bessere Vorgabezeitgüte mit aufgewerteter Termintreue und effizienterer Auslastung der wertvollen Ressource OP-Kapazität resultieren.

Background Progress in the field of microsurgery allows more detailed reconstructions of the smallest tissue structures. The applied instruments are left with biological residues after coming into contact with body fluids or tissue, leading to compromised surgical precision. Designing of residue-free innovative instruments would reduce the necessity of subsidiary practices and would improve the surgical precision. Methods We designed a ceramic coating (Lotus ceramic coating system 26—LCC-26) that exhibits self-cleaning surface properties on coated titanium specimens. A titanium surface was modified by blasting technology and electropolishing, followed by applying a high-performance ceramic and sol-gel finish layer. The physical surface characterization was performed by scanning electron microscopy and measuring the contact angle. The cell-repellent properties and cytotoxicity were investigated using live-dead staining, BrdU, and lactate dehydrogenase assay. Furthermore, bacterial and fluid-adhesion tests were performed. Finally, blood compatibility was analyzed according to DIN ISO 10993. Results The composite system LCC-26 increased the hydrophobic character of the titanium surface (the water contact angle of 74.9 degrees was compared with 62.7 degrees of the uncoated native titanium; p Conclusion Titanium surface modification on surgical instruments exhibits cell, bacteria, and blood-repellent properties with a full guarantee of cyto- and hemocompatibility. Thus, innovatively coated instruments could contribute to increased precision during microsurgical interventions and optimized medical operation routines in the future.

ZusammenfassungDie nekrotisierende Fasziitis (NF) ist eine schwerwiegende Infektion, die sich entlang der Faszien auf das subkutane Fett und die darüber liegenden Weichteile, die Haut und schließlich die Muskulatur ausbreitet und unbehandelt schnell zu septischem Schock und Tod führt. Um eine massive systemische Ausbreitung des infektiösen Prozesses zu vermeiden, ist schon bei Verdacht ein sofortiges und umfassendes radikales chirurgisches Debridement des nekrotischen Gewebes erforderlich, ergänzt durch eine kalkulierte intravenöse antibiotische Therapie. Die Mortalität ist trotzdem mit 20–40 % anhaltend hoch. Aufgrund des Fehlens spezifischer klinischer Merkmale im Anfangsstadium der Krankheit wird sie häufig unterschätzt oder mit einem lokalen Infekt oder Abszess verwechselt. In 85–100 % der Fälle kommt es zu einer verspäteten Diagnose mit dem Verstreichen kostbarer Zeit.Das Ziel dieser Übersichtsarbeit ist es, die für die Diagnose relevanten klinischen und laborchemischen Parameter sowie die wesentlichen therapeutischen Schritte zusammenzufassen.

Summary Objective Non-invasive Remote Ischemic Conditioning (RIC) offers an approach to reduce tissue damage in various organs/tissues. Besides attenuation of Ischemia-Reperfusion injury (I/R), beneficial effects on cutaneous microcirculation of free microsurgical flaps have been reported. Given the recency of this technique, there are considerable gaps in the current understanding of its mechanism of action. As a result, clinical transfer of RIC is prolongated in several fields. We aimed to optimize the RIC protocol by examination of different RIC-cycle numbers and its effect on changes of cutaneous microcirculation and duration. Methods 80 subjects were divided into groups (1, 3, 5, 7 RIC cycles). RIC was applied via an inflatable tourniquet. Cutaneous microcirculation was continuously assessed at the contralateral anterior lateral thigh utilizing a ©O2C-device continuously. Results RIC caused significant and sustained changes in microcirculation. Four hours after completion of RIC, a maximum increase of +80.8% (CI 1.395–2.221) in blood flow and +23.5% (CI 1.098–1.372) in tissue oxygen saturation was measured (three-cycle group). A higher number of applied cycles was accompanied with significant higher mean pain. Conclusion Acute improvement of cutaneous microcirculation due to RIC lasted for at least 4 h after completion of the RIC-protocol. Dose-dependent effects of RIC are likely. With regard to the increase in pain, we recommend a RIC protocol of 3 cycles for future clinical application.

Zusammenfassung Einleitung Das enzymatische Debridement (ED) auf Bromelain-Basis (Nexobrid®) wird seit seiner Markteinführung 2013 zunehmend in Verbrennungszentren eingesetzt. Die Literatur belegt die Effizienz der Escharentfernung sowie eine Überlegenheit im Vergleich zum Standard-of-Care in Bezug auf periprozeduralem Blutverlust und Notwendigkeit operativer Maßnahmen. Während ausreichende Erfahrung eine zuverlässige Anwendung ermöglicht, müssen zur Implementierung der Technik einige praktische und logistische Hürden überwunden werden, die weder in den Herstellerangaben noch in der verfügbaren Literatur ausreichend beschrieben sind. Methode Ein multiprofessionelles Panel, bestehend aus erfahrenen Anwendern aus deutschsprachigen Brandverletztenzentren, wurde zu einem Expertenworkshop eingeladen. Vorab wurden mit den Teilnehmern Themenkomplexe aus den Bereichen Indikationsstellung, Definition von Behandlungspfaden, praktische Durchführung des enzymatischen Debridements, Nachbehandlung sowie Komplikationen abgestimmt, um diese im Rahmen des Expertenworkshops zu erörtern. Ergebnisse Zu den vordefinierten Themenkomplexen wurden konkrete Handlungsempfehlungen im Expertenpanel erarbeitet und konsentiert. Zusammenfassende Kernaussagen wurden zusätzlich herausgestellt. Sie richten sich sowohl an Einsteiger als auch an erfahrenere Anwender und bieten Unterstützung, um möglichst optimale Ergebnisse durch ED zu erzielen. So entstanden unter anderem Hinweise für den Einsatz von ED über klassische Indikationen hinaus, unterschiedliche Behandlungspfade je nach Verbrennungstiefe und Verlauf des ED mit jeweils angepasster Nachbehandlung, Management von Therapieversagen sowie Empfehlungen hinsichtlich infrastruktureller Rahmenbedingungen zur Implementierung von ED. Diskussion Obwohl die Wirksamkeit von ED durch die vorhandene Literatur belegt und eine Überlegenheit hinsichtlich mehrerer Aspekte der Behandlung von Verbrennungswunden gezeigt werden konnte, sind bislang nur wenige anwenderorientierte Empfehlungen zur praktischen Implementierung von ED verfügbar. Wenngleich die hier publizierten Handlungsempfehlungen und Expertenaussagen nur zum Teil durch Evidenz aus eindeutigen Studien zu untermauern sind, basieren sie dennoch auf der gebündelten Erfahrung des Expertenpanels, die die Anzahl der bisher publizierten Fälle um ein Vielfaches übertrifft und dadurch erlaubt, wertvolle Unterstützung bei der erfolgreichen Implementierung der Technik bereitzustellen.

Mesenchymal stromal cells are promising candidates for regenerative applications upon treatment of bone defects. Bone marrow‐derived stromal cells (BMSCs) are limited by yield and donor morbidity but show superior osteogenic capacity compared to adipose‐derived stromal cells (ASCs), which are highly abundant and easy to harvest. The underlying reasons for this difference on a proteomic level have not been studied yet. Human ASCs and BMSCs were characterized by FACS analysis and tri‐lineage differentiation, followed by an intraindividual comparative proteomic analysis upon osteogenic differentiation. Results of the proteomic analysis were followed by functional pathway analysis. 29 patients were included with a total of 58 specimen analysed. In these, out of 5148 identified proteins 2095 could be quantified in >80% of samples of both cell types, 427 in >80% of ASCs only and 102 in >80% of BMSCs only. 281 proteins were differentially regulated with a fold change of >1.5 of which 204 were higher abundant in BMSCs and 77 in ASCs. Integrin cell surface interactions were the most overrepresented pathway with 5 integrins being among the proteins with highest fold change. Integrin 11a, a known key protein for osteogenesis, could be identified as strongly up‐regulated in BMSC confirmed by Western blotting. The integrin expression profile is one of the key distinctive features of osteogenic differentiated BMSCs and ASCs. Thus, they represent a promising target for modifications of ASCs aiming to improve their osteogenic capacity and approximate them to that of BMSCs.

ZusammenfassungDas perioperative Management in der Mikrochirurgie ist ein wesentlicher Bestandteil einer erfolgreichen rekonstruktiven Chirurgie. Im deutschsprachigen Raum herrschen hierzu keine einheitlichen Konzepte und die individuellen Schemata unterscheiden sich wie in der Expertenbefragung erhoben deutlich voneinander. Im Zuge der 41. Jahrestagung der Deutschsprachigen Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Mikrochirurgie (DAM) im November 2019 in München wurden Konzepte evaluiert, eine Befragung durchgeführt und mithilfe einer Literaturrecherche als Positionspapier zusammengefasst.

Background Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) of the extremities or trunk often require plastic reconstructive transfer of vital tissue for wound closure after resection. Literature on the oncologic outcome of patients receiving flap closure in comparison with patients receiving primary wound closure is very limited. Methods Patients who underwent resection of a primary extremity or truncal STS without dissemination at our institution between January 2000 until December 2015 were eligible for the study. Patients were divided into two groups based on type of soft tissue closure (primary or flap) while patients receiving skin grafting were excluded. Characteristics, oncologic outcome and prognostic factors of both groups were compared. Results 781 patients could be included, of these 200 had received flap closure and 581 primary wound closure. Tumors receiving flap closure were significantly smaller but were located in distal extremities and showed a trend towards prior neoadjuvant radiotherapy. Incidence of wound and general complications was similar in both groups. 5-year local recurrence free survival (LRFS, 71% vs. 69%) and 5-year disease specific survival (DSS, 84% vs. 88%) did not differ significantly between patients with primary closure and flap closure. Most important predictors in both groups were tumor size and grading with no major differences in analysis of predictors for both endpoints. Conclusion Plastic reconstructive surgery plays an important role in limb-conserving STS treatment. Complication rates of patients with flap coverage are not higher than of patients with primary wound closure and oncologic outcome is similar with no major differences in predictors of LRFS and DSS.

In various oncological conditions, complications correlate with diminished prognosis, however literature on soft tissue sarcomas is limited and inconclusive. The aim of this study was to assess risk factors and the oncologic impact of wound complications in primary extremity soft-tissue sarcomas.Patients with primary extremity soft tissue sarcomas without dissemination and with clear surgical margins (R0) were analyzed. Groups with and without wound complications were compared by univariate and multivariable analysis to identify risk factors. Uni- and multivariable analysis of factors associated with local recurrence free survival (LRFS), metastasis free survival (MFS) and disease specific survival (DSS) were performed.682 patients were included in the study, wound complications occurred in 94 patients (13.7%) within 90 days. Age, ASA-stage, high tumor size and grade, tumor location in the foot, neoadjuvant radiation therapy and operation time represented independent risk factors for wound complications. Patients with wound complications had a significantly worse estimated 5-year LRFS of 49.4 ± 6% versus 78.3 ± 2.1% and 5-year DSS of 77.9 ± 5.4% versus 89.1 ± 1.6%. Wound complications could be identified as an independent risk factor for worse LRFS (HR 2.68[CI 1.83-3.93], p 0.001) and DSS (HR 1.79[CI 1.01-3.16], p = 0.046).Wound complications after soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities are associated with worse local oncological outcome and survival. Patients with high risk of wound complications should be identified and strategies implemented to reduce surgical complications and possibly improve oncologic prognosis.

Abstract Impaired bone homeostasis caused by osteomyelitis provokes serious variations in the bone remodeling process, thereby involving multiple inflammatory cytokines to activate bone healing. We have previously established a mouse model for post-traumatic osteomyelitis and studied bone regeneration after sufficient debridement. Moreover, we could further characterize the postinfectious inflammatory state of bony defects after debridement with elevated osteoclasts and decreased bone formation despite the absence of bacteria. In this study, we investigated the positive effects of Wnt-pathway modulation on bone regeneration in our previous established mouse model. This was achieved by local application of Wnt3a, a recombinant activator of the canonical Wnt-pathway. Application of Wnt3a could enhance new bone formation, which was verified by histological and μ-CT analysis. Moreover, histology and western blots revealed enhanced osteoblastogenesis and downregulated osteoclasts in a RANKL-dependent manner. Further analysis of Wnt-pathway showed downregulation after bone infections were reconstituted by application of Wnt3a. Interestingly, Wnt-inhibitory proteins Dickkopf 1 (DKK1), sclerostin, and secreted frizzled protein 1 (sFRP1) were upregulated simultaneously to Wnt-pathway activation, indicating a negative feedback for active form of Beta-catenin. In this study, we could demonstrate enhanced bone formation in defects caused by post-traumatic osteomyelitis after Wnt3a application. Key messages Osteomyelitis decreases bone regeneration Wnt3a restores bone healing after infection Canonical Wnt-pathway activation with negative feedback

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship of BMI and abdominal wall thickness (AWT) with the diameter of the dominant deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) as well as DIEA branching pattern in preoperatively performed computed tomography angiography (CTA).We conducted a retrospective study including all patients undergoing DIEP flap breast reconstruction with available CTAs from November 2013 to April 2018 in our department. The caliber-strongest DIEP was detected after passage of the rectus fascia as well as the superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) and correlated with the AWT 5 cm above and below the umbilicus, lateral at the level of the umbilicus and at the level of the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS), and with BMI.Seventy-seven patients met the inclusion criteria (age: 47.3 ± 8.9 years). We observed a significant relationship (p 0.05) between DIEP (mean ∅ = 2.98 mm) and BMI (r = 0.353), the AWT supra- and infraumbilical (r ≥ 0.32), and the AWT lateral at the level of the umbilicus and ASIS (r ≥ 0.25). In addition, there was a highly significant correlation (p 0.01) between SIEA and BMI (r = 0.389) and between the AWT lateral at the level of ASIS (r ≥ 0.41).We demonstrated a correlation of the diameter of the dominant DIEP with both BMI and AWT. Focusing on the diameter, in patients with a high AWT at the level of the ASIS, the SIEA, if present, may represent an alternative therapeutic option.

Hair is a defining feature of mammals and has critical functions, including protection, production of sebum, apocrine sweat and pheromones, social and sexual interactions, thermoregulation, and provision of stem cells for skin homeostasis, regeneration, and repair. The hair follicle (HF) is considered a “mini-organ,” consisting of intricate and well-organized structures which originate from HF stem and progenitor cells. Dermal papilla cells are the main components of the mesenchymal compartments in the hair bulb and are instrumental in generating signals to regulate the behavior of neighboring epithelial cells during the hair cycle. Mesenchymal-epithelial interactions within the dermal papilla niche drive HF embryonic development as well as the postnatal hair growth and regeneration cycle. This review summarizes the current understanding of HF development, repair, and regeneration, with special focus on cell signaling pathways governing these processes. In particular, we discuss emerging paradigms of molecular signaling governing the dermal papilla-epithelial cellular interactions during hair growth and maintenance and the recent progress made towards tissue engineering of human hair follicles.

Background: The optimal therapy for deep burn wounds is based on the early debridement of necrotic tissue followed by wound coverage to avoid a systemic inflammatory response and optimize scar-free healing. The outcomes are affected by available resources and underlying patient factors, which represent challenges in burn care and suboptimal outcomes. In this study, we aimed to determine optimal burn-wound management using enzymatic debridement (NexoBrid™, MediWound Germany GmbH, Rüsselsheim, Germany) and intact fish skin (Kerecis® Omega3 Wound, Isafjordur, Iceland). Methods: In this retrospective case series, 12 patients with superficial or deep dermal burn wounds were treated with enzymatic debridement followed by fish skin, Suprathel® (PolyMedics Innovations GmbH, Denkendorf, Germany), or a split-thickness skin graft (STSG). Patients’ outcomes regarding healing and scar quality were collected objectively and subjectively for 12 months after the burn injury. Results: Wounds treated with fish skin demonstrated accelerated wound healing, a significantly higher water-storage capacity, and better pain relief. Furthermore, improved functional and cosmetic outcomes, such as elasticity, skin thickness, and pigmentation, were demonstrated. The pain and itch expressed as POSAS scores (Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale) for fish skin decreased compared to those for wounds managed with an STSG or Suprathel. Importantly, fish skin-treated wounds had significantly improved sebum production and skin elasticity than those treated with Suprathel but showed no significant superiority compared to STSG-treated wounds. Conclusions: Enzymatic debridement in combination with intact fish skin grafts resulted in the faster healing of burn wounds and better functional and aesthetic outcomes than split-thickness skin grafts and Suprathel treatment.

Objective: Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are rare and severe skin and mucosal reactions that are associated with high mortality. Despite the severity, an evidence-based treatment protocol for SJS/TEN is still lacking. Method: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the PubMed database was searched using the following terms: [Stevens–Johnson syndrome] OR [toxic epidermal necrolysis] AND [therapy] OR [treatment] over a 20-year period (1999–2019) in the German and English language. All clinical studies reporting on the treatment of SJS/TEN were included, and epidemiological and diagnostic aspects of treatment were analysed. A meta-analysis was conducted on all comparative clinical studies that met the inclusion criteria. Results: A total of 88 studies met the inclusion criteria, reporting outcomes in 2647 patients. Treatment was either supportive or used systemic corticosteroid, intravenous immunoglobulin, plasmapheresis, cyclosporine, thalidomide or cyclophosphamide therapy. The meta-analysis included 16 (18%) studies, reporting outcomes in 976 (37%) patients. Systemic glucocorticoids showed a survival benefit for SJS/TEN patients in all analyses compared with other forms of treatment. Cyclosporine treatment also showed promising results, despite being used in a small cohort of patients. No beneficial effects on mortality could be demonstrated for intravenous immunoglobulins. Conclusion: Glucocorticoids and cyclosporine may be tentatively recommended as the most promising immunomodulatory therapies for SJS/TEN, but these results should be investigated in future prospective controlled trials.

Background: This study investigated the questionable necessity of genetic testing for Fanconi anemia in children with hand anomalies. The current UK guidelines suggest that every child with radial ray dysplasia or a thumb anomaly should undergo further cost intensive investigation for Fanconi anemia. In this study we reviewed the numbers of patients and referral patterns, as well as the financial and service provision implications UK guidelines provide. Methods: Over three years, every patient with thumb or radial ray anomaly referred to our service was tested for Fanconi Anemia. CART Analysis and machine learning techniques using Waikato Environment for Knowledge Analysis were applied to evaluate single clinical features predicting Fanconi anemia. Results: Youden Index and Predictive Summary Index (PSI) scores suggested no clinical significance of hand anomalies associated with Fanconi anemia. CART Analysis and attribute evaluation with Waikato Environment for Knowledge Analysis (WEKA) showed no single feature predictive for Fanconi anemia. Furthermore, none of the positive Fanconi anemia patients in this study had an isolated upper limb anomaly without presenting other features of Fanconi anemia. Conclusion: As a conclusion, this study does not support Fanconi anemia testing for isolated hand abnormalities in the absence of other features associated with this blood disease.

Introduction Many studies have started to search for the perfect aesthetic breast in order to create a pars-pro-toto for reconstruction, but especially for aesthetic surgery. To date, no representative study with anatomically accurate models was performed. Methods In an online based United-States-census-representative survey with 1049 participants, questions regarding the preferred breast were asked utilizing lifelike morphed 3D-generated female models for the first time. Attributes such as breast pole ratio, areola size, breast direction and projection were asked. Results The results show that, contrary to what has been claimed in previous studies, an upper-pole-to-lower-pole ratio of 55:45 is preferred by both female and male participants. When it comes to breast size, on the other hand, there are clear gender-specific differences. While women opted for a cup size around B, the men preferred larger cup sizes. Moreover, the smallest depicted areola size of 30 mm was favored among all groups in the survey. Discussion Most publications used rather detrimental models for their surveys. We therefore opted for computer-generated 3D models and varied their naturalness. This enabled us to ensure a more aesthetic and accurate illustration and thus obtained more comparable and reliable results paired with the representation of the US-population. Taken together this study unveiled unexpected insights into the population favored breast attributes that might change operative planning in breast surgery. 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 http://www.springer.com/00266.

Purpose At the lower leg, soft tissue defects with exposed bones, tendons, or hardware require flap coverage. In this retrospective study, we analyzed combined bone and soft tissue reconstructions compared to amputations of the lower leg in a civilian setting. Materials and methods Patients who underwent combined bone and flap reconstruction (LR) or amputation (LA) of the lower leg were eligible for the study. Bone conditions included fractures and bony defects due to posttraumatic osteomyelitis and non-union. Besides the analysis of the medical history, the study included clinical examination including extremity functional scale (LEFS) and SF-36-questionnaire. Results LEFS score was significantly higher in the LR group compared to the LA group. Importantly, 42% in the LR group as opposed to 80% in the LA group could not return to their occupation. Mean hospitalization was 119 in the LR and 49 days in the LA group. SF-36 body item scores were significantly higher in the LR group as compared to LA. Conclusions Patients undergoing complex extremity reconstructions, including flap transfer to the lower leg have better functionality and higher quality of life than amputated patients. These data emphasize the advantages of these procedures and justify reconstructive efforts for limb salvage. Level of Evidence III.Implications for RehabilitationAmputation and combined bone and flap reconstruction in severe injuries of the lower leg can imply functional disabilities even after successful treatment.Albeit longer hospitalizations, patients with complex reconstructions showed better functional outcomes and had a higher quality of life.Limb salvage showed better functional outcomes and a higher rate in reintegration to work as compared to limb amputation.These data emphasize the importance of complex bone and soft tissue reconstruction in this patient cohort.