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Background: Bleeding during first sexual intercourse represents a significant sociocultural concern with potential implications for some couples., Objectives: The aim of this study was to introduce a novel modification to temporary and permanent hymenoplasty and evaluate both the objective and subjective success of defined techniques by assessing surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction with either temporary or permanent hymenoplasty procedures., Methods: A retrospective study of 246 patients was conducted between 2015 and 2023. Various parameters, including age, sexual history, pregnancies, BMI, and bleeding satisfaction, were assessed. Pain at first intercourse was rated on a visual analog scale (VAS)., Results: The age at the time of operation was significantly lower in patients undergoing permanent hymenoplasty compared with those undergoing temporary hymenoplasty (24.0 years [interquartile range (IQR), 22.0-26.0 years] vs 27.0 years [IQR, 26.0-29.0 years]; P < .001). Patients undergoing permanent hymenoplasty reported significantly lower VAS scores at first sexual intercourse compared with those undergoing temporary hymenoplasty (4.0 [IQR, 2.0-5.0] vs 7.0 [IQR, 6.0-7.0]; P < .001]. Satisfaction rates were high in both groups, with all temporary hymenoplasty patients satisfied with duration of bleeding compared with 78.6% (110/140) of permanent hymenoplasty patients (P < .001)., Conclusions: This study introduces a novel modified temporary and permanent hymenoplasty technique to the literature and provides the first video documentation for both temporary and permanent hymenoplasty procedures. Both hymenoplasty techniques are effective and reliable. However, temporary hymenoplasty is associated with a higher bleeding rate than permanent hymenoplasty, despite resulting in higher VAS scores., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Aesthetic Society. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Spine surgery is essential for restoring alignment, stability, and function in patients with cervical spine injuries, especially when instability, pain, deformity, or progressive nerve damage is present. Effective wound closure is vital in these procedures, aiming to promote rapid healing, reduce infection risks, enable early mobilization, and ensure satisfactory cosmetic results. However, there is limited evidence on the optimal wound closure technique for posterior spine surgery, highlighting the need for innovative approaches. A study by Glener et al. evaluated the effectiveness of STRATAFIX™ Symmetric barbed sutures compared to traditional braided absorbable sutures in spinal surgery. In a randomized trial involving 20 patients, the STRATAFIX™ group demonstrated a shorter mean closure time and significantly fewer sutures used, though without a statistically significant reduction in closure time. No significant differences were observed in postoperative complications between the groups during a six-month follow-up. While the findings suggest potential cost savings and efficiency improvements with STRATAFIX™, the study's small sample size and short follow-up period limit its generalizability. Furthermore, AI-based models, such as the Xception deep learning model, show promise in improving suture training accuracy for medical students, which could enhance surgical outcomes and reduce complications. Despite the promising results, further research with larger sample sizes, extended follow-up periods, and multi-center trials is necessary to validate the effectiveness of barbed sutures like STRATAFIX™ in neurosurgery. The integration of AI in surgical training and continued exploration of innovative techniques are essential to advancing the field and optimizing patient care in spinal surgery., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Dupuytren's contracture is a hereditary disorder which causes progressive fibrosis of the palmar aponeurosis of the hand, resulting in digital flexion contractures of the affected rays. Limited fasciectomy is a standard surgical treatment for Dupuytren's, and the one with the lowest recurrence rate; however, the recurrence is still relatively high (2-39%). Adipose-derived stem cells have been shown to inhibit Dupuytren's myofibroblasts proliferation and contractility in vitro, as well as to improve scar quality and skin regeneration in different types of surgeries. Autologous adipose tissue grafting has already been investigated as an adjuvant treatment to percutaneous needle fasciotomy for Dupuytren's contracture with good results, but it was only recently associated with limited fasciectomy. The purpose of REMEDY trial is to investigate if limited fasciectomy with autologous adipose tissue grafting would decrease recurrence compared to limited fasciectomy alone., Methods: The REMEDY trial is a multi-centre open-label randomised controlled trial (RCT) with 1:1 allocation ratio. Participants (n = 150) will be randomised into two groups, limited fasciectomy with autologous adipose tissue grafting versus limited fasciectomy alone. The primary outcome is the recurrence of Dupuytren's contracture on any of the treated rays at 2 years postoperatively. The secondary outcomes are recurrence at 3 and 5 years, scar quality, complications, occurrence of algodystrophy (complex regional pain syndrome), patient-reported hand function, and hypodermal adipose tissue loss at 1 year postoperatively in a small subset of patients., Discussion: The REMEDY trial is one of the first studies investigating limited fasciectomy associated with autologous adipose tissue grafting for Dupuytren's contracture, and, to our knowledge, the first one investigating long-term outcomes of this treatment. It will provide insight into possible benefits of combining adipose tissue grafting with limited fasciectomy, such as lower recurrence rate and improvement of scar quality., Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05067764, June 13, 2022., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Purpose: Currently no guidance exists within the literature regarding diagnostic criteria or the long-term outcomes for paediatric patients with acute compartment syndrome (ACS). We conducted a retrospective cohort study reviewing all cases of paediatric ACS managed at a single tertiary referral centre with the aim of characterising the factors responsible for the eventual outcomes., Methods: The patient cohort was identified retrospectively by interrogating the hospital coding system for all paediatric patients between January 2014 and November 2022. The electronic emergency department, inpatient and operative notes as well as clinic letters for each patient were reviewed and data collected regarding presentation, associated injuries, management and subsequent complications plus length of follow-up. The data was analysed to determine if differences in presentation or management affected long term outcome., Results: The final cohort consisted of 34 patients with a mean age of ten years at the time of presentation. The mean time from presentation to fasciotomy was 27.6 h (range 3.0 - 66.6). There was an overall complication rate of 37.5% with a mean follow-up period of 21 months. Patients who had direct closure of their fasciotomy wounds had a significantly lower complications rate and fewer operations compared to those who healed via other wound coverage methods or secondary intention (p < 0.05)., Conclusions: Significantly higher complication rates were observed in patients who were unable to have direct wound closure following emergency fasciotomy. This information may be utilised to rationalise long term treatment plans and in counselling of patients and parents., (© 2024. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to SICOT aisbl.)

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the perioperative complication rate of surgical fasciectomy following previous treatment with collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH) treatment in patients with Dupuytren disease., Methods: A retrospective review of all patients at a large health system undergoing CCH treatment and subsequent limited surgical fasciectomy for recurrence on the same digit between 2010 and 2020 was performed. Fifty-two patients with 62 affected digits met inclusion criteria, and cases were reviewed for preoperative demographics, treatment characteristics, clinical outcomes, and perioperative complications., Results: Fifty-five digits in 48 patients were treated with CCH and underwent subsequent limited surgical fasciectomy. Of all digits in the present study, 3 (6.3%) had a documented surgical complication following open surgical fasciectomy. There were zero postoperative infections, vascular injuries, or tendon injuries. The rate of nerve injury was 2.1%. The rate of postoperative skin necrosis was 4.2%. These rates were comparable or lower than those of historical published data., Conclusions: The rate of perioperative complications in patients undergoing limited surgical fasciectomy after previous CCH treatment is low. The findings of this study will aid the counseling of Dupuytren patients in deciding whether to pursue treatment with CCH versus open surgical fasciectomy., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Introduction: Damage-control laparotomy has been widely used in general surgery. However, associated surgical-site infection risks have rarely been investigated. Damage-control laparotomy allows for additional opportunities for decontamination. We hypothesized that damage-control laparotomy would be associated with lower surgical-site infection risks compared with laparotomy with only primary fascial closure or with primary fascial and skin closure., Methods: Patients admitted for emergent intestinal surgery from 2006 to 2021 were included. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify surgical-site infection-associated risk factors. Although variables like laparotomy type (damage-control laparotomy, primary fascial closure, and primary fascial and skin closure) were provided by National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, other variables such as number of operations were retrospectively collected. P < .05 was considered significant., Results: Overall, 906 patients were included; 213 underwent damage-control laparotomy, 175 primary fascial closure, and 518 primary fascial and skin closure. Superficial, deep, and organ-space surgical-site infection developed in 66, 6, and 97 patients, respectively. Compared with primary fascial and skin closure, both damage-control laparotomy (odds ratio, 0.30 [95% CI, 0.13-0.73], P = .008) and primary fascial closure (odds ratio, 0.09 [95% CI, 0.02-0.37], P = .001) were associated with lower superficial incisional surgical-site infection but not organ-space surgical-site infection risk (odds ratio, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.29-2.19] P = .667 and odds ratio, 0.674 [95% CI, 0.21-2.14], P = .502, respectively). Body mass index was associated with increased risk of superficial incisional surgical-site infection (odds ratio, 1.06 [95% CI, 1.03-1.09], P < .001) whereas frailty was associated with organ space surgical-site infection (odds ratio, 3.28 [95% CI, 1.29-8.36], P = .013). For patients who underwent damage-control laparotomy, the number of operations did not affect risk of either superficial incisional surgical-site infection or organ space SSI., Conclusion: Herein, compared with primary fascial and skin closure, both damage-control laparotomy and primary fascial closure were associated with lower superficial but not organ space surgical-site infection risks. For patients who underwent damage-control laparotomy, number of operations did not affect surgical-site infection risks., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: The uses of on-demand, interactive tablet-based surgical training environments are of interest as potential resources for both the acquisition and maintenance of rarely performed, critical procedures for expeditionary surgical care. This study examined the effectiveness of a tablet-based augmented reality (AR) procedural training environment for lower leg fasciotomy with a cohort of novice surgical trainees in (1) procedural knowledge, (2) tablet-based procedural skills, (3) tablet-based procedural time, and (4) procedural performance on a cadaver. We hypothesized that engaging with the AR procedural training would increase procedural knowledge and tablet-based skills and procedural time. We hypothesized that the tablet-based AR training environment would be insufficient to acquire the ability to perform lower leg fasciotomy on a cadaver., Materials and Methods: This study was approved as exempt by the Institutional Review Board at USU. Surgical interns, sub-interns, and independent duty corpsman (n = 30) with no prior lower leg fasciotomy experience voluntarily participated. Tablet-based training activities included pre-training assessment, engagement with instruction, interactive procedural practice, and post-training assessment. Tablet-based knowledge assessment included 17 multiple choice questions covering concepts, reasoning, and judgment associated with the procedure. Tablet-based procedural completion and time were assessed within the training environment. Within 1 week of completing the tablet activities, participants were assessed by fellowship-trained trauma surgeons while performing cadaver-based lower leg fasciotomy. Statistical analysis included paired t-tests and effect size (Cohen's d). Statistical significance was set at P < .05., Results: Tablet-based AR procedural training significantly improved procedural knowledge (P < .001), tablet-based procedural skills (P < .001), and reduced tablet-based procedural time (P < .002). Effect sizes were very large for tablet-based procedural knowledge (d = 1.75) and skills (d = 3.2) and small (d = 0.42) for procedural time. There were no significant effects of procedural knowledge, tablet-based procedural skills, or time on cadaver-based performance. No participant was able to accurately and independently complete lower leg fasciotomy procedure on a cadaver., Conclusions: Tablet-based AR procedural training improved procedural knowledge and tablet-based skills; however, those gains did not transfer to the ability to perform the procedure on a cadaver. The tablet's limited AR interface did not support the acquisition of requisite surgical technique, tissue handling, and decision-making in novice surgical trainees. Experienced surgeons may have different outcomes because their mature understanding of surgical constructs would allow extrapolation of abilities to other procedural contexts. Further investigation of the tablet-based training environments for surgical care is necessary before distributing such resources to support clinical readiness., (© The Association of Military Surgeons of the United States 2024. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site–for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Breast augmentation is the most commonly performed aesthetic surgery procedure in women worldwide. The use of the subfascial plane has been suggested to decrease the incidence of capsular contracture compared with the subglandular plane, while simultaneously avoiding the complication of animation deformity in the subpectoral plane. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the adverse outcomes of subfascial vs subglandular planes in breast augmentation. This review was registered a priori on OSF (https://osf.io/pm92e/). A search from inception to June 2023 was performed on MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL. A hand search was also performed. All randomized and comparative cohort studies that assessed the use of the subfascial plane for breast augmentation were included. Outcomes evaluated included the incidences of seroma, hematoma, infection, rippling, capsular contracture, and revision surgery. Ten studies were included in this systematic review. Three randomized controlled trials and 7 comparative cohort studies were used for quantitative synthesis. There was a significant difference favoring subfascial compared with subglandular planes in the incidence of hematoma, rippling, and capsular contracture. All included studies had a high risk of bias. The current evidence suggests that the subfascial plane for breast augmentation decreases the risk of capsular contracture, hematoma, and rippling compared with the subglandular plane. Further randomized evidence with high methodological rigor is still required to validate these findings., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Aesthetic Society. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Wound closure is an integral part of every spinal procedure. Effective and secure wound closure is paramount in the prevention of infection, wound dehiscence and the preservation of cosmesis. Barbed suture technologies such as STRATAFIX™ Symmetric have been studied and are used in a variety of specialties, including obstetrics and orthopedic surgery, but is underutilized in neurosurgery. This study aims to assess the time and rate of closure using STRATAFIX™ Symmetric technology for fascial closure and compare this method to the more traditionally used method of fascial closure using braided absorbable sutures below the epidermis. 20 patients were recruited for the study. 10 patients underwent fascial approximation with braided absorbable sutures and definitive fascial closure with STRATAFIX™ Symmetric. In the control group, fascial closure was completed entirely with interrupted braided absorbable stitches. Patients assigned to STRATAFIX™ Symmetric group had shorter mean time for fascial closure, faster rate of average fascial closure, and lower number of total sutures used. The use of barbed suture technology such as STRATAFIX™ Symmetric may reduce the time to closure in thoracolumbar spine surgery without increasing the risk of adverse events. This pilot study forms the framework for a larger randomized, controlled trial appropriately powered for such an analysis., (© 2024. This is a U.S. Government work and not under copyright protection in the US; foreign copyright protection may apply.)

Compartment syndrome (CS) is a well-known surgical emergency with high morbidity including potential long-term disability and limb loss. The most important factor determining the degree of morbidity with CS is time to treatment; therefore, early diagnosis and surgery are vital. We present a patient who fell off his bicycle and sustained cervical spine fractures causing near complete quadriplegia. He was found by the road over 12 hours later, so his creatine phosphokinase (CPK) was trended and serial examinations were performed. We identified tight deltoid, trapezius, and latissimus compartments and brought him to the operating room for fasciotomies. Although lab values and compartment pressures can be helpful, they should not guide treatment. It is important to consider atypical sites for CS and complete a head to toe physical examination. Patients should proceed to the operating room if clinical suspicion exists for CS because of the morbidity associated with a missed diagnosis., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Background: Dupuytren disease, a chronic thickening and retraction of the palmar aponeurosis of the hands, may result in permanent and progressive flexion of one or more fingers. Percutaneous needle fasciotomy is a simple method that uses a hypodermic needle usually performed under local anaesthesia. The study aim was to report the postoperative results and complications using a percutaneous approach to treat Dupuytren contracture in a consecutive series of patients with advanced Dupuytren disease, also considering the relevant medico-legal implications., Methods: Retrospective multicentre study of all patients with Tubiana stage 3-4 Dupuytren contracture treated with percutaneous needle aponeurotomy, with no ultrasound assistance, from 2012 to 2022. Patient demographics, disease severity, treatment-related complications, and the incidence of recurrence were identified. An overview of therapeutic treatment options has accounted for 52 relevant sources spanning the 2007-2023 time period., Results: Overall, 41.7% (N = 200) of patients were females, the mean age was 72 years (60-89), the right hand was treated in 54.2% (N = 260) of patients. The little finger was involved in 50% of the patients. The 12 months mean PED was 9°, the mean quickDASH was 8, the mean URAM 6. Minor complications were reported in 18.7% (N = 90) of patients, typically skin lacerations (83.3%) with no clinical sequelae, and no major complications were reported. Recurrence occurred in 30% (N = 144) of patients., Conclusions: Percutaneous needle fasciotomy is safe and reliable even in patients with advanced Dupuytren disease, resulting in predictably acceptable outcome with low risk of complications., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Objective: We estimated retreatment risk following limited fasciectomy (LF) or percutaneous needle fasciotomy (PNF) for Dupuytren's disease., Design: Prospective cohort study., Method: Using frailty models, we estimated retreatment risk within 1,3,5,10 and 20 years., Results: LF showed a 10-year retreatment risk of 8% (95%CI: 3-13%) for men and 4% (95%CI: 1-8%) for women without an affected first-degree relative, initially treated at 60 years. PNF showed higher risks at 69% (95%CI: 52-86%) and 46% (95%CI: 16-77%). Younger age at initial treatment increased retreatment risk, sex and first-degree relative had no influence., Conclusion: LF gives a longer-lasting treatment effect than PNF.

Introduction: The primary aim of this randomized controlled trial was to assess if a head-mounted display (HMD) providing telemedicine support improves performance of a two-incision lower leg fasciotomy by a NATO special operations combat medic (combat medic)., Materials and Methods: Thirty-six combat medics were randomized into two groups: One group performed a two-incision lower leg fasciotomy with the assistance of an HMD, while the control group completed the procedure without guidance. A Mann-Whitney U test was used to determine the possible differences in release of compartments and performance scores, as assessed by a supervising medical specialist. A Fisher's exact test was used to compare the proportions of collateral damage between groups. An independent-samples t-test was used to interpret total procedure times. The usability and technical factors involving HMD utilization were also assessed., Results: Combat medics in the HMD group released the anterior compartment (P ≤ .001) and deep posterior compartment (P = .008) significantly better. There was significantly more iatrogenic muscle (P ≤ .001) and venous damage (P ≤ .001) in the control group. The overall performance of combat medics in the HMD group was significantly better than that of the control group (P < .001). Combat medics in the control group were significantly faster (P = .012). The combat medics were very satisfied with the HMD. The HMD showed no major technical errors., Conclusions: This randomized controlled trial shows that a HMD providing telemedicine support leads to significantly better performance of a two-incision lower leg fasciotomy by a combat medic with less iatrogenic muscle and venous damage., (© The Association of Military Surgeons of the United States 2023.)

Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is defined by a disorder of the microcirculation due to a persistent pathological pressure increase within a muscle compartment. The ischemia of the tissue leads to an initially reversible functional impairment and finally irreversible damage of the musculature, nerves and other structures. Based on the understanding of the pathophysiology, the current diagnostic concepts and treatment using the so-called dermatofasciotomy of the affected muscle compartments can be derived. In addition to the suspicion of a possible ACS based on the medical history of the patient, the findings of the clinical examination are decisive. This review article gives a summary of all the essential aspects of the diagnostics. In clinically uncertain cases and for monitoring, an objectification of the findings using instrument-based techniques is increasingly required. Nowadays, invasive needle pressure measurement is available; however, due to limited reliability, specificity and sensitivity, these measurements only represent an aid to decision guidance supporting or advising against the indications for dermatofasciotomy. The increasing demands on making a certain diagnosis and justification of a surgical intervention from a legal point of view, substantiate the numerous scientific efforts to develop noninvasive instrument-based diagnostics. These methods are based either on detection of increasing intracompartmental pressure or decreasing perfusion pressure and microcirculation. The various measurement principles are summarized in a lucid form., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature.)

Purpose: Despite the widespread of ventral hernia repairs globally, the approach method, dissection planes, defect closure, and the choice and placement layer of mesh are an ongoing debate. We reported the details of surgical techniques, safety and feasibility for robot-assisted transabdominal transversalis fascial and preperitoneal repair (R-TATFPP) for small ventral hernia., Methods: This study included 5 cases of R-TATFPP repair among 22 cases performed by robot-assisted ventral hernia repair from 2018 to 2023 with the approval of the Institutional Review Board at St. Luke's International University and clinical ethical committee at St. Luke's International Hospital (19-R147, 22-012)., Results: There were four males and one female, with mean age of 64.4 ± 10.0 years, inclusive of two umbilical and three incisional hernias. Mean height, weight, body mass index (BMI), hernia defect length, width, operation time, console time, and hospital stay were 171.2 ± 11.8 cm, 82.4 ± 13.4 kg, 28.0 ± 2.1 kg/m 2 , 2.8 ± 1.4 cm, 3.0 ± 1.3 cm, 180 min, 133.8 min, and 2.4 days, respectively. No conversion nor complication was observed except for one acute urinary retention., Conclusion: Robot-assisted transversalis fascial and preperitoneal repair was safe and feasible for small ventral hernia with the minimal disruption to the abdominal wall architecture and structures., (© 2024 Asia Endosurgery Task Force and Japan Society of Endoscopic Surgery and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.)

Objective: To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of an ultrasonic fasciotomy for plantar fasciopathy., Design: Prospective observational study., Setting: Tertiary care academic medical center., Participants: Patients with chronic plantar fasciopathy refractory to standard, conservative treatments were included in this study., Interventions: Patients underwent ultrasonic fasciotomy of the plantar fascia., Main Outcome Measures: The primary outcome measures were change in visual analog scale at 12 and 52 weeks post-procedure compared with baseline as well as patients' self-reported satisfaction with the procedure., Results: Sixty-seven patients were included. There was a significant improvement in visual analog scale at all follow-up time points, with an average overall improvement of 5.87 ( P < 0.0001). 94% of patients reported satisfaction with the outcomes of their procedure at 12 and 52 weeks. No procedural complications were seen., Conclusions: This study demonstrates that an ultrasonic fasciotomy is a safe and effective treatment option for chronic plantar fasciopathy, with continued symptom improvement and a high degree of patient satisfaction up to 52 weeks post-procedure., Clinical Relevance: These findings suggest that an ultrasonic fasciotomy should be considered for patients with chronic plantar fasciopathy refractory to conservative treatments., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Dupuytren disease is a progressive disease process that causes debilitating flexion contractures of the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints. There are multiple interventions to choose from, ranging from minimally invasive techniques with little downtime to open surgical excision with a lengthy postoperative rehabilitation. Our understanding of the disease process continues to evolve. Depending on the extent of flexion contracture, needle aponeurotomy and collagenase injection have satisfactory results with moderate long-term efficacy. Surgical palmar fasciectomy continues to be the mainstay treatment of extensive contractures, with durable results., Competing Interests: Disclosure The authors have nothing to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Tibial tubercle avulsion fractures (TTAFs) represent 0.4% to 2.7% of pediatric physeal injuries. These injuries are thought to confer a risk of acute compartment syndrome (ACS), and these patients are often admitted for compartment monitoring and, in many cases, undergo prophylactic fasciotomy. This study sought to review our institution's experience with TTAF and associated compartment syndrome in pediatric patients., Methods: All patients aged 8 to 18 years with TTAF at our institution from January 1, 2017 to January 1, 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics, injury mechanism, fracture morphology, and postinjury course were reviewed. ACS was diagnosed by clinical exam or necessitating therapeutic compartment fasciotomy., Results: A total of 49 TTAFs in 47 patients were included in the final analysis. The mean age was 14.5 ± 1.2 years (range: 11 to 17), and males were significantly older than females (14.6 ± 1.1 vs 13.3 ± 1.3 y, P = 0.01). The average body mass index was 27.1 ± 7.0, and males had a significantly lower body mass index than females (26.3 ± 6.5 vs 34.1 ± 8.5, P = 0.03). Basketball was the most common mechanism of injury (49%), followed by soccer (13%), football (11%), trampoline (6%), fall (6%), jumping (4%), lacrosse (4%), running (4%), and softball (2%). The Ogden fracture types were as follows: I: 10%; II: 16%; III: 41%; IV: 24%; V: 8%. Thirty-four patients (69%) were admitted to the hospital for at least one night after presentation. Forty-six (96%) underwent surgical fixation an average of 3.5 days after injury. No patients developed ACS during their post-injury or postoperative course. Three patients underwent the removal of hardware. No other complications were observed. The average follow-up duration was 238 days., Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that the risk of ACS in pediatric patients with TTAF may be small enough to allow for same-day discharge after diagnosis or operative management in patients deemed to be sufficiently low risk by clinical judgment., Level of Evidence: Level III-retrospective comparative study., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Temporary abdominal closure (TAC) techniques are essential in managing open abdomen cases, particularly in damage control surgery. Skin-only closure (SC) and Bogota bag closure (BBC) are commonly used methods for TAC, but their comparative effectiveness in achieving primary fascial closure (PFC) remains unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the rates of PFC between patients undergoing SC and BBC techniques for TAC in peritonitis or abdominal trauma cases at a tertiary care hospital., Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Surgical A Unit of Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, from January 2022 to July 2023. Approval was obtained from the institutional review board, and patient consent was secured for data use. Patients undergoing temporary abdominal closure using either skin-only or Bogota bag techniques were included. Exclusions comprised patients younger than 15 or older than 75 years, those with multiple abdominal wall incisions, and those with prior abdominal surgeries. Data analysis utilized SPSS version 25. The study aimed to assess outcomes following damage control surgery, focusing on primary fascial closure rates and associated factors. Closure techniques (skin-only and Bogota bag) were chosen based on institutional protocols and clinical context. Indications for damage control surgery (DCS) included traumatic and non-traumatic emergencies. Intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) was measured using standardized methods. Patients were divided into SC and BBC groups for comparison. Criteria for reoperation and primary fascial closure were established, with timing and technique determined based on clinical assessment and multidisciplinary team collaboration. The decision to leave patients open during the index operation followed damage control surgery principles., Results: A total of 193 patients were included in this study, with 59.0% undergoing skin-only closure (SC) and 41.0% receiving Bogota bag closure (BBC). Patients exhibited similar demographic characteristics across cohorts, with a majority being male (73.1%) and experiencing acute abdomen of non-traumatic origin (58.0%). Among the reasons for leaving the abdomen open, severe intra-abdominal sepsis affected 51.3% of patients, while 42.0% experienced hemodynamic instability. Patients who received SC had significantly higher rates of primary fascial closure (PFC) compared to BBC (85.1% vs. 65.8%, p = 0.04), with lower rates of fascial dehiscence (1.7% vs. 7.6%, p = 0.052) and wound infections (p = 0.010). Multivariate regression analysis showed SC was associated with a higher likelihood of achieving PFC compared to BBC (adjusted OR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.3-3.8, p < 0.05)., Conclusion: In patients with peritonitis or abdominal trauma, SC demonstrated higher rates of PFC compared to BBC for TAC in our study population. However, further studies are warranted to validate these results and explore the long-term outcomes associated with different TAC techniques., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Purpose: Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is an urgent, critical condition that requires immediate fasciotomy once diagnosed. Traditionally, fasciotomy of the forearms and lower leg involves one or two long approaches. Our previous study demonstrated that mini approaches fasciotomy was an effective method to treat ACS. This study is aimed at further evaluating the limb functions and complications of mini approaches combined with vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) for treating ACS caused by fractures in the forearms and lower legs., Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study, and after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we reviewed 126 children who underwent mini treatment approaches for ACS from Jan 2008 to Jan 2022. The selected patients were divided into two groups: group A (ACS group; 58 patients aged 7.77±3.45 years) and group B (ACS combined with VSD; 68 patients aged 7.17±3.55 years). Patients' clinical data were collected. The patients were followed up, and muscle function in the forearms and lower legs was evaluated., Results: The overall incidence of lower legs and forearms ACS was 126/29642 (0.425%). The most common mechanisms of injury were fractures of the forearm (39/74, 52.7%), supracondylar humerus (31/74 41.9%), and elbow (4/74, 5.4%), while those for the lower legs were fractures of the proximal tibia (19/52, 36.5%), midshaft of tibia (25/52, 48.1%), and distal tibia (7/52, 13.5%). According to Flynn's assessment, no significant difference was observed between the two groups (p=0.151). However, the two groups showed significant differences in the hospitalization time (p=0.002) and incision infection rate (0.043)., Conclusions: Mini approaches fasciotomy combined with VSD is an effective and safe method to treat ACS of the forearms and lower legs caused by fractures in children. This method involves a single-stage surgery and is associated with shorter hospitalization time and incision infection., (© 2023. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to SICOT aisbl.)

Introduction: Although there are studies comparing methods for leg fasciotomy in compartment syndrome after fractures, choice of single or double fasciotomies in disasters was not investigated. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of single and double incision leg fasciotomy in the setting of disaster., Methods: Patients that have undergone fasciotomy after 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes were retrospectively analyzed. The cases were separated into two groups as single incision and double incision according to the method of the first fasciotomy. The number of debridements after each fasciotomy, muscle group excisions, completion time of treatment, presence of amputation, the method of closure (primary closure or graft/flap) and positive results of wound cultures were analyzed and compared between two groups., Results: 62 legs of 52 patients (22 females, 30 males, age 36.9 ± 11.2 years) with compartment syndrome that have undergone fasciotomy after 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes were included in the study. Single-incision group included 27 legs and double incision group included 35 legs. Amputation was needed in 15 patients (%24.2), six in single incision group and nine in double incision group. (p = 0.75). Compartment excision (eight patients in single incision, nine patients in double incision groups, p = 0.81), number of debridements (median 4 in both groups, p = 0.55), wound closure time (median 17 days in single incision, 22 days in double incision groups, p = 0.52), graft or flap requirement (11 patients in single incision, 16 patients in double incision groups, p = 0.53), positive culture results (15 patients in single incision, 16 patients in double incision groups, p = 0.44) were not different statistically between two groups., Conclusion: Single and double incision fasciotomy methods are equally effective and safe in treatment of compartment syndrome of the leg in disaster situations. To our knowledge, this is the first study comparing outcomes of single and double incision fasciotomy in disaster settings., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest Authors have no conflict of interest to declare., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To evaluate the timing of definitive fixation of tibial plateau fractures relative to fasciotomy closure with regard to alignment and articular reduction., Design: Retrospective case series., Setting: Four Level I trauma centers., Patient Selection Criteria: Patients with tibial plateau fractures (TPF) with ipsilateral compartment syndrome treated with fasciotomy between 2006 and 2018 met inclusion criteria. Open fractures, patients younger than 18 years, patients with missed or delayed treatment of compartment syndrome, patients with a diagnosis of compartment syndrome after surgical fixation, and patients whose plateau fracture was not treated with open reduction and internal fixation were excluded. Patients were divided into 2 groups depending on the relative timing of fixation to fasciotomy closure: early fixation (EF) was defined as fixation before or at the time of fasciotomy closure, and delayed fixation (DF) was defined as fixation after fasciotomy closure., Outcome Measures and Comparisons: Radiographic limb alignment (categorized as anatomic alignment (no varus/valgus), ≤5 degrees varus/valgus, or >5 degrees varus/valgus) and articular reduction (categorized as anatomic alignment with no residual gap or step-off, <2 mm, 2-5 mm, and >5 mm of articular surface step-off) were compared between early and delayed fixation groups. In addition, superficial and deep infection rates were compared between those in the EF and DF cohorts. Subgroup analysis within the EF cohort was performed to compare baseline characteristics and outcomes between those that received fixation before closure and those that underwent concurrent fixation and closure within one operative episode., Results: A total of 131 patients met inclusion criteria for this study. Sixty-four patients (48.9%) were stratified into the delayed fixation group, and 67 patients (51.1%) were stratified into the early fixation group. In the EF cohort, 57 (85.1%) were male patients with an average age of 45.3 ± 13.6 years and an average body mass index of 31.0 ± 5.9. The DF cohort comprised primarily male patients (44, 68.8%), with an average age of 46.6 ± 13.9 years and an average body mass index of 28.4 ± 7.9. Fracture pattern distribution did not differ significantly between the early and delayed fixation cohorts ( P = 0.754 for Schatzker classification and P = 0.569 for OTA/AO classification). The relative risk of infection for the DF cohort was 2.17 (95% confidence interval, 1.04-4.54) compared with the EF cohort. Patients in the early fixation cohort were significantly more likely to have anatomic articular reduction compared with their delayed fixation counterparts (37.5% vs. 52.2%; P < 0.001)., Conclusions: This study demonstrated higher rates of anatomic articular reduction in patients who underwent fixation of tibial plateau fractures before or at the time of fasciotomy closure for acute compartment syndrome compared with their counterparts who underwent definitive fixation for tibial plateau fracture after fasciotomy closure. The relative risk of overall infection for those who underwent fasciotomy closure after definitive fixation for tibial plateau fracture was 2.17 compared with the cohort that underwent closure before or concomitantly with definitive fixation., Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence., (Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Dupuytren disease (DD) is one of the most common disorders of the hand, affecting 5.7% to 11.7% of the global population. This study seeks to evaluate the 10-year efficacy of the 2 most prominent treatment modalities for DD in Veterans Affairs hospitals, injectable collagenase Clostridium histolyticum versus open fasciectomy., Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of all electronic medical records of patients who underwent open fasciectomy or collagenase injection to treat their persistent Dupuytren contracture between April 2011 and April 2021. All procedures were performed by 1 of 5 senior surgeons at the same Veterans Affairs Hospital., Results: A total of 232 patients were treated for DD, with 247 collagenase injections and 44 open fasciectomies performed in this sample. Collagenase patients were, on average, 6.51 years after intervention at the time of review. Open fasciectomy patients were, on average, 4.56 years after operation at the time of review. Collagenase decreased contractures, on average, by 29.40 degrees, whereas open fasciectomy decreased contractures, on average, by 38.59 degrees. Of the contractures that were initially classified as resolved, 50 of 155 (32.2%) treated with collagenase and 6 of 56 (10.7%) treated with open fasciectomy recurred. The use of open fasciectomy compared with collagenase injections to treat contracture was associated with a 74.2% decrease in the likelihood of recurrence., Conclusions: This study found that treatment of DD with collagenase injection is associated with a significantly lower degree of deformity correction, lower rate of resolution, and increased rate of recurrence when compared with open fasciectomy., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest and sources of funding: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest and received no funding to conduct this study. Because this is a retrospective review, this article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects., (Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: One of the primary complications associated with large incisions in abdominal surgery is the increased risk of fascial closure rupture and incisional hernia development. The choice of the fascial closure method and closing with minimal tension and trauma is crucial for optimal results, emphasizing the importance of uniform pressure along the suture line to withstand intra-abdominal pressure., Aims: To evaluate the resistance to pressure and tension of stapled and sutured hand-sewn fascial closure in the abdominal wall., Methods: Nine abdominal wall flaps from human cadavers and 12 pigs were used for the experimentation. An abdominal defect was induced after the resection of the abdominal wall and the creation of a flap in the cadaveric model and after performing a midline incision in the porcine models. The models were randomized into three groups. Group 1 was treated with a one-layer hand-sewn small bite suture, Group 2 was treated with a two-layer hand-sewn small bite suture, and Group 3 was treated with a two-layer stapled closure. Tension measurements were assessed in cadaveric models, and intra-abdominal pressure was measured in porcine models., Results: In the human cadaveric model, the median threshold for fascial rupture was 300N (300-350) in Group 1, 400N (350-500) in Group 2, and 350N (300-380) in Group 3. Statistical comparisons revealed non-significant differences between Group 1 and Group 2 (p=0.072, p>0.05), Group 1 and Group 3 (p=0.346, p>0.05), and Group 2 and Group 3 (p=0.184, p>0.05). For porcine subjects, Group 1 showed a median pressure of 80 mmHg (85-105), Group 2 had a median of 92.5 mmHg (65-95), and Group 3 had a median of 102.5 mmHg (80-135). Statistical comparisons indicated non-significant differences between Group 1 and Group 2 (p=0.243, p>0.05), Group 1 and Group 3 (p=0.468, p>0.05), and Group 2 and Group 3 (p=0.083, p>0.05)., Conclusions: Stapled and conventional suturing resist similar pressure and tension thresholds.

Background: The potential for the technique of small bite fascial closure in mitigating incisional hernias in gynecologic oncology patients still needs to be investigated., Objective: To evaluate the impact of closure of small fascial bites compared with prior standard closure on incisional hernia rates in gynecologic oncology patients., Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study comparing patient outcomes before and after the intervention at a single institution at a comprehensive cancer center. Patients who underwent laparotomy with a vertical midline incision for a suspected or known gynecologic malignancy with a 1-year follow-up were included. The pre-intervention cohort (large bites) had 'mass' or modified running Smead-Jones closure. In contrast, the post-intervention cohort had fascial bites taken 5-8 mm laterally with no more than 5 mm travel (small bites) closure using a 2-0 polydioxanone suture.The primary outcome was the incisional hernias rate determined by imaging or clinical examination within the first year of follow-up. Patient factors and peri-operative variates of interest were investigated for their association with hernia formation through univariate and multivariate analyses. These included age, body mass index (BMI), smoking history, estimated blood loss, pre-operative albumin, American Society of Anesthesia (ASA) physical status classification, or treatment with chemotherapy post-operatively., Results: Of the 255 patients included, the total hernia rate was 12.5% (32/255 patients). Patient characteristics were similar in both cohorts. Small bite closure led to a significant reduction in hernia rates from 17.2% (22/128 patients) to 7.9% (10/127 patients), p=0.025. According to logistic regression modeling, small bite closure (OR=0.40, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.94, p=0.036) was independently associated with lower odds of hernia formation. Other factors associated with increased hernia rates were chemotherapy (OR=3.22, 95% CI 1.22 to 8.51, p=0.019) and obesity (OR=23.4, 95% CI 3.09 to 177, p=0.002). In obese patients, small bite closures led to maximal hernia rate reduction compared with large bites., Conclusions: The small bite closure technique effectively reduces hernia rates in gynecologic oncology patients undergoing midline laparotomy., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© IGCS and ESGO 2024. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Objective: To present the functional results obtained and the possible surgical difficulties after the surgical treatment of Dupuytren's disease (DD) recurrence in patients previously treated with Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) collagenase., Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, 178 patients with DD were treated with CCH from 2011 to 2018; During long-term postoperative follow-up, 34 patients (19.1%) had recurrence of DD. In all patients injected in the IFP the disease recurred; In patients injected in the MCP, recurrence was highest in grade III and IV of the Tubiana classification, with involvement of the 5th finger and the two-finger Y-chord. Fourteen patients (7,8%) required surgery by partial selective fasciectomy due to recurrence of cord DD infiltration. The clinical and functional results of the patients, the difficulty of the surgical technique and the anatomopathological analysis of the infiltrated cords were evaluated in comparison with those of cords and patients who had had no previous CCH treatment., Results: In all patients, cord rupture was achieved after injection, reducing joint contracture. In 14 patients, we observed during the follow-up the existence of DD recurrence that required surgical treatment by selective partial fasciectomy. There were no major difficulties in surgery and good clinical and functional results at 6 months of follow-up. The anatomopathological study of the resected tissue did not present histological alterations with respect to the samples obtained from patients initially treated by selective partial fasciectomy., Conclusions: Selective fasciectomy after CCH injection does not lead to important operative difficulties, as long as the CCH injection is performed according to the recommendations. There were no histological changes in the tissue after CCH injection., Level of Evidence: III., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Objectives: Children are the most vulnerable population affected by the earthquake. We aimed to examine the characteristics, morbidity, mortality, and the factors affecting these pediatric earthquake victims to guide the follow-up of pediatric patients who were rescued under the rubble in possible future disasters., Methods: This is a retrospective observational study. The files of pediatric earthquake victims aged 0-18 years who were admitted to Adana City Training and Research Hospital between 6 February-30 April 2023 were analyzed. 318 patients were included in the study., Results: Of all patients 48.7% ( n  = 155) were female and 51.3% ( n  = 163) were male. The mean age of the patients was 114.8 months. 65.4% ( n  = 208) of the patients were discharged from our hospital, eighteen patients (5.7%) died. Information on the hour when the patients were rescued under the rubble could be reached in 117 (36.8%) patients. The mean rescue time of these patients was 50.5 hours. 62 (53%) victims were rescued in the first 24 hours after the earthquake. There were 111 patients (34.9%) with fractures. There were 118 patients (37.1%) who underwent fasciotomy surgery. The total number of patients with amputation was 48 (15.1%). There were 36 patients (11.3%) with one limb amputated, 12 patients (%3.7) with more than one limb amputation. Internal organ injury was present in 30.5% ( n  = 97) of the patients. Of these patients, 85.6% ( n  = 83) had single organ trauma and 14.4% ( n  = 14) had multiple organ trauma. There were 58 patients (18.2%) with acute renal failure in follow-up. The mean rescue time for patients with amputation was 83.65 ± 62.9 hours, and for patients without amputation was 36.44 ± 50.6 hours. This difference was statistically significant ( p  = 0.001). No statistically significant difference was found when the ages of the patients were compared to fasciotomy, amputation, and fracture status., Conclusion: While evaluating earthquake-induced trauma, pediatric patients should be approached carefully.

Objective: For traumatic lower extremity artery injury, it is unclear whether it is better to perform endovascular therapy (ET) or open surgical repair (OSR). This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of ET versus OSR for traumatic lower extremity artery injury., Methods: The Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Databases were searched for studies. Cohort studies and case series reporting outcomes of ET or OSR were eligible for inclusion. Robins-I tool and an 18-item tool were used to assess the risk of bias. The primary outcome was amputation. The secondary outcomes included fasciotomy or compartment syndrome, mortality, length of stay and lower extremity nerve injury. We used the random effects model to calculate pooled estimates., Results: A total of 32 studies with low or moderate risk of bias were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that patients who underwent ET had a significantly decreased risk of major amputation (OR = 0.42, 95% CI 0.21-0.85; I 2 =34%) and fasciotomy or compartment syndrome (OR = 0.31, 95% CI 0.20-0.50, I 2  = 14%) than patients who underwent OSR. No significant difference was observed between the two groups regarding all-cause mortality (OR = 1.11, 95% CI 0.75-1.64, I 2  = 31%). Patients with ET repair had a shorter length of stay than patients with OSR repair (MD=-5.06, 95% CI -6.76 to -3.36, I 2  = 65%). Intraoperative nerve injury was just reported in OSR patients with a pooled incidence of 15% (95% CI 6%-27%)., Conclusion: Endovascular therapy may represent a better choice for patients with traumatic lower extremity arterial injury, because it can provide lower risks of amputation, fasciotomy or compartment syndrome, and nerve injury, as well as shorter length of stay., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy of fascial closure using antimicrobial-sutures specifically for the prevention of surgical site infections (SSIs) in gastrointestinal surgery, as part of the revision of the SSI prevention guidelines of the Japanese Society of Surgical Infectious Diseases (JSSI). We searched CENTRAL, PubMed and ICHUSHI-Web in May 2023, and included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing antimicrobial-coated and non-coated sutures for fascial closure in gastrointestinal surgery (PROSPERO No. CRD42023430377). Three authors independently screened the RCTs. We assessed the risk of bias and the GRADE criteria for the extracted data. The primary outcome was incisional SSI and the secondary outcomes were abdominal wall dehiscence and the length of postoperative hospital stay. This study was supported partially by the JSSI. A total of 10 RCTs and 5396 patients were included. The use of antimicrobial-coated sutures significantly lowered the risk of incisional SSIs compared with non-coated suture (risk ratio: 0.79, 95% confidence intervals: 0.64-0.98). In subgroup analyses, antimicrobial-coated sutures reduced the risk of SSIs for open surgeries, and when monofilament sutures were used. Antimicrobial-coated sutures did not reduce the incidence of abdominal wall dehiscence and the length of hospital stay compared with non-coated sutures. The certainty of the evidence was rated as moderate according to the GRADE criteria, because of risk of bias. In conclusion, the use of antimicrobial-coated sutures for fascial closure in gastrointestinal surgery is associated with a significantly lower risk of SSI than non-coated sutures., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Compartment syndrome of the thigh and a pseudoaneurysm of the arteria profunda femoris are rare entities that usually occur independently. Untreated, both can lead to life-threatening complications making prompt diagnosis and management mandatory. The diagnosis of an acute compartment syndrome can be suspected clinically, and subsequently needs to be confirmed by intra-compartmental pressure measurement. Treatment should be done by urgent fasciotomy within 6 hours. A pseudoaneurysm can also be suspected clinically. Various imaging modalities exist to confirm the diagnosis, with duplex ultrasound being the diagnostic test of choice. Treatment is depending on the importance of clinical symptoms and on the size of the pseudoaneurysm. We present the first case in which an acute compartment syndrome of the thigh was complicated by a pseudoaneurysm of the arteria profunda femoris. The pseudoaneurysm was subsequently complicated by hemorrhage and infection.

Introduction: During tactical combat casualty care, life- and limb-saving procedures might also be performed by combat medics. This study assesses whether it is feasible to use a head-mounted display (HMD) to provide telemedicine (TM) support from a consulted senior surgeon for combat medics when performing a two-incision lower leg fasciotomy., Materials and Methods: Nine combat medics were randomized into groups to perform a two-incision lower leg fasciotomy. One group used the Vuzix M400 and the second group used the RealWear HMT-1Z1. A third, control, group received no guidance. In the Vuzix M400 group and RealWear HMT-1Z1 group, a senior surgeon examined the results after the two-incision lower leg fasciotomy was finished to assess the release of compartments, possible collateral damage, and performance of the combat medics. In the control group, these results were examined by a surgical resident with expertise in two-incision lower leg fasciotomies. The resident's operative performance questionnaire was used to score the performance of the combat medics. The telehealth usability questionnaire was used to evaluate the usability of the HMDs as perceived by the combat medics., Results: Combat medics using an HMD were considered competent in performing a two-incision lower leg fasciotomy (Vuzix: median 3 [range 0], RealWear: median 3 [range 1]). These combat medics had a significantly better score in their ability to adapt to anatomical variances compared to the control group (Vuzix: median 3 [range 0], RealWear: median 3 [range 0], control: median 1 [range 0]; P = .018). Combat medics using an HMD were faster than combat medics in the control group (Vuzix: mean 14:14 [SD 3:41], RealWear: mean 15:42 [SD 1:58], control: mean 17:45 [SD 2:02]; P = .340). The overall satisfaction with both HMDs was 5 out of 7 (Vuzix: median 5 [range 0], RealWear: median 5 [range 1]; P = .317)., Conclusions: This study shows that it is feasible to use an HMD to provide TM support performance from a consulted senior surgeon for combat medics when performing a two-incision lower leg fasciotomy. The results of this study suggest that TM support might be useful for combat medics during tactical combat casualty care when performing life- and limb-saving procedures., (© The Association of Military Surgeons of the United States 2023.)

Background: Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) of the lower limbs is a function-threatening event usually managed by extended dermofasciotomy. Closure of the skin may be delayed, creating a risk of complications when there is an underlying fracture. Early treatment at the pre-ACS stage might allow isolated fasciotomy with no skin incision. The primary objective of this study was to compare intracompartmental pressure (ICP) changes after fasciotomy and after dermofasciotomy. The secondary objectives were to evaluate potential associations linking the starting ICP to achievement of an ICP below the physiological cut-off of 10mm Hg and to determine whether the ICP changes after fasciotomy and dermofasciotomy varied across muscle compartments., Hypothesis: Fasciotomy with no skin incision may not provide a sufficient ICP decrease, depending on the initial ICP value., Material and Methods: A previously validated model of cadaver ACS of the lower limbs was used. Saline was injected gradually to raise the ICP to>15mmHg (ICP 15 ), >30mmHg (ICP 30 ), and >50mmHg (ICP 50 ). We studied 70 leg compartments (anterior, lateral, and superficial posterior) in 13 cadavers (mean age, 89.1±4.6years). ICP was monitored continuously. Percutaneous, minimally invasive fasciotomy consisting in one to three 1-cm incisions was performed in each compartment. ICP was measured before and after fasciotomy then after subsequent skin incision. The objective was to decrease the ICP below 10mmHg after fasciotomy or dermofasciotomy., Results: Overall, mean ICP was 37.8±19.1mmHg after the injection of 184.0±133.01mL of saline. In the ICP 15 group, the mean ICP of 16.1mmHg fell to 1.4mmHg after fasciotomy (ΔF=14.7) and 0.3mmHg after dermofasciotomy (ΔDF=1.1). Corresponding values in the ICP 30 group were 33.9mmHg, 4.7mmHg (ΔF=29.2), and 1.2mmHg (ΔDF=3.5); and in the ICP 50 group, 63.7mmHg, 17.0mmHg (ΔF=46.7), and 1.2mmHg (ΔDF=15.8). Thus, in the group with initial pressures >50mmHg, the ICP decrease was greater after both procedures, but fasciotomy alone nonetheless failed to achieve physiological values (<10mmHg). The pressure changes were not significantly associated with the compartment involved (anterior, lateral, or superficial posterior) (p<0.05)., Conclusion: Under the conditions of this study, higher baseline ICPs were associated with larger ICP drops after fasciotomy and dermofasciotomy. Nevertheless, when the baseline ICP exceeded 50mmHg, fasciotomy alone failed to decrease the ICP below 10mmHg. Adding a skin incision achieved this goal., Level of Evidence: IV, experimental study., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: The aim of the present study is to systematically review the literature on well-selected comparative studies for meta-analysis on outcome differences between collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH) injection and limited fasciectomy (LF) for Dupuytren's disease., Materials and Methods: PubMed/Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for comparative studies assessing differences in outcomes of CCH and LF. Effect estimates were pooled across studies using random effects models and presented as weighted mean difference (MD) and odds ratio (OR) with corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI)., Results: A total of 11 studies encompassing 1'051 patients was included (619 patients in the CCH and 432 in the LF group). The residual contracture at a minimal average follow-up of three months was higher in the CCH group than in the LF group (27.8 vs. 16.2°, MD 11.6°, 95% CI [8.7, 14.5°], p < 0.001). The recurrence rate was significantly higher in the CCH group (25.8 vs. 9.3%, OR 5.2, 95% CI [1.5, 18.8], p = 0.01) while the rate of severe complications was significantly higher in the LF group (0.3 vs. 7.3%, OR 0.12, 95% CI [0.03, 0.42], p = 0.001)., Conclusions: Evidence of the present study confirms that CCH injection has a higher rate of disease recurrence whereas LF carries a higher risk for severe complications. It's imperative that the trade-off between these aspects is considered, keeping in mind that CCH injections may be repeated in case of disease recurrence without increasing procedure related risks, especially in complex cases., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Purpose: The objective of this study was to examine the routine pathologic examination of surgical specimens obtained during fasciectomy for Dupuytren contracture., Methods: A total of 376 consecutive patients who underwent surgical limited fasciectomy with the excised tissue sent for histopathologic evaluation were identified. Patients were excluded for miscoded procedures, cases where no tissue was sent for pathologic review, and excisions of nodules only. Repeat surgeries in the same patient during the study period were excluded. The rates of concordant, discrepant, and discordant diagnoses were reported. Discrepant diagnoses were defined as different clinical diagnosis and pathologic diagnosis that did not change clinical management. Discordant diagnoses were defined as a different clinical diagnosis and a pathologic diagnosis that altered the treatment plan. The reference standard for final clinical decision-making was the pathologic diagnosis., Results: The prevalence of concordant diagnoses was 97.1% (365 of 376), of discrepant diagnoses was 2.9% (11 of 376), and there were no discordant diagnoses. Of 376 patients, 43 underwent previous surgical fasciectomy before the study surgery, and pathologic examination was obtained in 10 of these patients. All 10 patients had concordant diagnoses., Conclusions: Our results suggest that routine pathologic examination did not alter the future treatment plan for patients who underwent limited fasciectomy. Discrepant diagnoses were encountered infrequently, and rarely in the setting of revision fasciectomy. Discordant diagnoses did not occur. Given the cost associated with pathologic evaluation, this raises the question of whether routine pathologic evaluation is necessary for Dupuytren surgery, where the capability of the treating surgeon to make a clinical diagnosis accurately may render confirmatory pathologic assessment redundant., Type of Study/level of Evidence: Diagnostic II., (Copyright © 2023 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) represents a surgical emergency requiring effective, complete fasciotomy. The purpose of this study is to evaluate cadaver-based training on the ability of practicing general surgeons to effectively perform upper extremity, thigh, and leg fasciotomies. One hundred seventeen general surgeons underwent a 2-day, cadaver-based course with formative and summative assessments based on validated scoring tools. Overall performance and critical item scores were recorded and compared utilizing analysis of variance with repeated measures and eta-squared values to evaluate effect size. For all three procedures, post-training scores were significantly improved when compared with pre-training scores (p < 0.001). Mean pre-training score for lower leg fasciotomy met the standard for competent performance of the procedure (total score > 80), whereas neither thigh nor upper extremity performance scores met this standard before training. This 2-day, cadaver-based course improves the ability of practicing general surgeons to effectively and independently perform upper extremity, thigh, and lower leg fasciotomies. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 32(4):238-241, 2023).

This is a case of a 26-year-old active duty male with a 1-year history of distal anterolateral leg pain and numbness which would persist following activity cessation. He was referred to physical therapy and eventually orthopedic surgery for bilateral anterior exertional compartment syndrome and underwent bilateral anterolateral fasciotomies. One year after surgery, he continued to have pain along the posterior aspect of his lower legs with residual numbness over his left dorsomedial foot. He was referred to sports medicine for further evaluation and Botox injections without significant symptomatic changes. He subsequently underwent diagnostic ultrasound of his lower legs which showed multiple entrapment points of the left superficial peroneal nerve along the fasciotomy scar. An additional electrodiagnostic study showed left superficial peroneal sensory mononeuropathy. Eighteen months following surgery, he received his first perineural injection therapy (PIT) treatment. A mixture of lidocaine and D5W was prepared to achieve 1 mg/cc which was then injected along his tibial, saphenous, and sural nerves. Following four PIT sessions, the patient's overall lower extremity pain, weakness, and functionality had improved. This case demonstrates potential benefit with PIT in patients with refractory symptoms following surgery for chronic exertional compartment syndrome. These symptoms may be due to chronic irritation of cutaneous nerves and they may benefit from treatment with PIT. Our case may represent a possible paradigm shift in the conservative treatment of chronic exertional compartment syndrome, especially when refractory to surgical compartment release., (Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Association of Military Surgeons of the United States 2023. This work is written by (a) US Government employee(s) and is in the public domain in the US.)

Objectives: Comparison of surgical site infection (SSI) rates in tibial plateau fractures with acute compartment syndrome treated with single-incision (SI) versus dual-incision (DI) fasciotomies., Design: Retrospective cohort study., Setting: Two, Level-1, academic, trauma centers., Patients: Between January 2001 and December 2021, one-hundred ninety patients with a diagnosis of tibial plateau fracture and acute compartment syndrome met inclusion criteria (SI: n = 127, DI: n = 63) with a minimum of 3-month follow-up after definitive fixation., Intervention: Emergent 4-compartment fasciotomy, using either SI or DI technique, and eventual plate and screw fixation of the tibial plateau., Outcomes: The primary outcome was SSI requiring surgical debridement. Secondary outcomes included nonunion, days to closure, method of skin closure, and time to SSI., Results: Both groups were similar in demographic variables and fracture characteristics (all P > 0.05). The overall infection rate was 25.8% (49 of 190), but the SI fasciotomy patients had significantly fewer SSIs compared with the DI fasciotomy patients [SI 18.1% vs. DI 41.3%; P < 0.001; OR 2.28, (confidence interval, 1.42-3.66)]. Patients with a dual (medial and lateral) surgical approach and DI fasciotomies developed an SSI in 60% (15 of 25) of cases compared with 21.3% (13 of 61) of cases in the SI group ( P < 0.001). The nonunion rate was similar between the 2 groups (SI 8.3% vs. DI 10.3%; P = 0.78). The SI fasciotomy group required fewer debridement's ( P = 0.04) until closure, but there was no difference in days until closure (SI 5.5 vs. DI 6.6; P = 0.09). There were zero cases of incomplete compartment release requiring return to the operating room., Conclusions: Patients with DI fasciotomies were more than twice as likely to develop an SSI compared with SI patients despite similar fracture and demographic characteristics between the groups. Orthopaedic surgeons should consider prioritizing SI fasciotomies in this setting., Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Fasciotomy, a standard therapy for acute forearm compartment syndrome (AFCS), can prevent serious complications, but there may be significant postoperative consequences. Surgical site infection (SSI) may cause fever, discomfort, and potentially fatal sepsis. This study aimed to identify risk factors for SSI in AFCS patients who had undergone fasciotomy., Materials and Methods: Patients with AFCS who had fasciotomies between November 2013 and January 2021 were recruited. We collected demographic information, comorbidities, and admission laboratory results. Analyses of continuous data were conducted using the t-test, the Mann-Whitney U test, and logistic regression analysis, while analyses of categorical data were conducted using the Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests., Results: Sixteen AFCS patients (13.9%) suffered infections that need further therapy. Using the logistic regression analysis, we identified that patients with a history of diabetes (p = 0.028, OR = 16.353, 95% CI (1.357, 197.001)), open fractures (p = 0.026, OR = 5.239, 95% CI (1.223, 22.438)), and a higher level of TC (p = 0.004, OR = 4.871, 95% CI (1.654-14.350)) were the best predictors of SSI, while ALB levels (p = 0.004, OR = 0.776, 95% CI (0.653-0.924)) were protective for SSI in AFCS patients., Conclusions: Our results showed that open fractures, diabetes, and TC levels were relevent risk factors for SSI following fasciotomy in patients with AFCS, allowing us to personalize the risk assessment and apply early targeted interventions., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany.)

Background: Dupuytren's disease often leads to an increasing limitation in finger extension in affected patients. As the incidence rises with age, the number of cases is expected to rise in the future due to the demographic change. Therefore, an easy and patient-oriented treatment is required. In the following study, we investigated the short and medium-term results after percutaneous needle fasciotomy (PNF)., Patients and Methods: Overall, 65 fingers of 40 patients were treated with PNF. We evaluated the total passive deficit of extension (TPED), the passive deficit of extension of the joints (PED), the Buck-Gramcko score, rate of recurrence, DASH score and patient satisfaction. The average age of the patients was 65,9 years. Most of the patients (82%) were male., Results: Directly after the PNF, extension in the treated fingers improved significantly (TPED before PNF 74,6°±41,1 SD to 32,8°±29,0 SD after the procedure). By the time of the follow-up examination (30,2±13,9 SD months), TPED had increased again (52,7°±40,2 SD). The rate of recurrence was 29,7%, and a higher Tubiana stage before the procedure correlated significantly with a higher recurrence rate. Nevertheless, patients demonstrated a very high level of satisfaction with the procedure and almost all patients would choose to undergo PNF again., Conclusion: Although it is associated with a relatively high recurrence rate, PNF represents an effective and patient-oriented treatment of Dupuytren's contracture., Competing Interests: Die Autorinnen/Autoren geben an, dass kein Interessenkonflikt besteht., (The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial-License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).)

Introduction: Dupuytren's contracture is a connective tissue disease characterized by an abnormal proliferation of collagen in the palm and fingers, which leads to a decline in hand function because of progressive joint flexion. In addition to surgical and percutaneous interventions, collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH, trade name Xiaflex) is an intralesional enzymatic treatment for adults with palpable cords. The objectives of this study are to evaluate factors predictive of recurrence following treatment with CCH and to review the outcomes of repeat treatments with CCH for recurrent contracture., Materials and Methods: An institutional review board-approved retrospective chart review was conducted for patients between 2010 and 2017 who received CCH injections for Dupuytren's contracture at a Veterans Affairs hospital. Demographics, comorbidities, affected finger and joint, pre/posttreatment contracture, time to recurrence, and treatment of recurrence were recorded. Successful treatment was defined as contracture ≤5° following CCH, and improvement was defined as ≥20° reduction from baseline contracture. Study cohorts were followed after their secondary treatment, and time to recurrence was recorded and plotted using a Kaplan-Meier curve. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to compare treatment group risk factors for recurrence with a P-value less than .05 defined as statistical significance., Results: Of 174 injections performed for the correction of flexion deformities in 109 patients, 70% (121) were successfully treated with CCH, and an additional 20% (35) had improvement. There was a recurrence of contractures in 43 joints (25%). Of these, 16 contractures were treated with repeat CCH, whereas another 16 underwent limited fasciectomy. In total, 75% (12 of 16) of the repeat CCH group and 75% of the fasciectomy group were successfully treated. Pre-injection contracture of ≥25° was found to be predictive of recurrence (P < .05)., Conclusions: Initial treatment of contracture with CCH had a 70% success rate with 25% recurrence during the study period. Compared with limited fasciectomy, CCH had decreased efficacy. Based on the findings of this study, we believe that the treatment of primary and/or recurrent Dupuytren's contracture with CCH is a safe and less invasive alternative to fasciectomy in the era of telemedicine. CCH treatment requires no suture removal, which allows the ability to assess motion virtually, and the potential consequences of CCH treatment such as skin tears can be assessed and managed conservatively. In the veteran and active duty population, CCH can facilitate faster recovery and return to service. Strengths of this study include a large series of veteran populations with longitudinal follow-up to determine treatment efficacy for primary Dupuytren's contracture and recurrence. Limitations include a smaller sample size compared to previous trials, a lack of standardized follow-up, and the retrospective nature of our study that prohibits randomization to compare outcomes between CCH treatment and fasciectomy efficacy over time. Directions for future research include stratification of patients by joint and specific digit involvement as well as comparison with percutaneous needle fasciotomy, another minimally invasive technique that could benefit the veteran population at increased risk for developing Dupuytren's disease., (© The Association of Military Surgeons of the United States 2023. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Background: Prolonged field care is required when casualty evacuation to a surgical facility is delayed by distance, weather or tactical constraints. This situation can occur in both civilian and military environments. In these circumstances, there are no established treatment options for extremity compartment syndrome. Telementoring by a surgeon may enable the local clinician to perform a fasciotomy to decompress the affected compartments., Methods: Six military clinicians were asked to perform a two-incision leg fasciotomy in synthetic models under the guidance of an orthopaedic surgeon located 380 km away. Communication occurred through commercially available software and smartglasses, which also allowed the surgeon to send augmented-reality graphics to the operators. Two blinded surgeons evaluated the specimens according to objective criteria. Control specimens were added to ensure the integrity of the evaluation process., Results: The six study participants were military physician assistants who had extensive clinical experience but had never performed a fasciotomy. The average duration of the procedure was 53 min. All six procedures were completed without major errors: release of all four compartments was achieved through full-length incisions in the skin and fascia. The only surgical complication was a laceration of the saphenous vein. All three control specimens were correctly assessed by the evaluators. None of the participants experienced adverse effects from wearing the smartglasses. Four dropped calls occurred, but the connection was re-established in all cases., Conclusion: All six surgical procedures were completed successfully. We attribute the dropped calls to a mismatch between the size of the graphic files and the available bandwidth. A better technical understanding of the software by the mentoring surgeon would have avoided this problem. Important considerations for future research and practice include protocols for dropped communications, surgical skills training for the operators and communication training for the surgeons., Competing Interests: Competing interests: GS's effort for this publication was partially supported by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number K24AR076445. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2023. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Our primary objective was to identify if fasciotomy was associated with increased mortality in patients who developed acute compartment syndrome (ACS) on extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). Additionally, we sought to identify any additional risk factors for mortality in these patients and report the amputation-free survival following fasciotomy. We retrospectively reviewed adult ECPR patients from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry who were diagnosed with ACS between 2013 and 2021. Of 764 ECPR patients with limb complications, 127 patients (17%) with ACS were identified, of which 78 (63%) had fasciotomies, and 14 (11%) had amputations. Fasciotomy was associated with a 23% rate of amputation-free survival. There were no significant differences in demographics or baseline laboratory values between those with and without fasciotomy. Overall, 88 of 127 (69%) patients with ACS died. With or without fasciotomy, the mortality of ACS patients was similar, 68% vs. 71%. Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated that body mass index (BMI; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01-1.48) and 24 hour mean blood pressure (BP; aOR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.88-0.99) were independently associated with mortality. Fasciotomy was not an independent risk factor for mortality (aOR = 0.24, 95% CI = 0.03-1.88). The results of this study may help guide surgical decision-making for patients who develop ACS after ECPR. However, the retrospective nature of this study does not preclude selection bias in patients who have received fasciotomy. Thus, prospective studies are necessary to confirm these findings., Competing Interests: Disclosure: B.S. is a paid consultant for Bone Foam Inc., Smith & Nephew, and DePuy Synthes. He is on the editorial board for Frontiers in Surgery , Orthopedic Surgery , and is a Board/committee member for the Orthopaedic Trauma Association. He also receives research support from DePuy Synthes. The other authors have no conflicts of interest to report., (Copyright © ASAIO 2023.)

Summary: The video described by this article presents a safe and effective technique for single-incision, 4-compartment fasciotomy of the leg in a patient with a tibial plateau fracture and clinically diagnosed compartment syndrome. We also demonstrate a technique for the application of a negative pressure wound dressing when delayed closure or coverage is planned., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)