Cosmetic Deformity Research Articles

Auricular Multiple Tophi Presenting as Painful Bilateral Nodules: A Case Report and Literature Review

Gout tophus is most commonly found in the lower extremities such as toes and ankles. The auricle is a rare site for gout tophi. Although auricular tophus (AT) is not life threatening, it is important because it can be misdiag-nosed as other diseases including malignancy. ATs are firm deposits of crystallized uric acid, which may gradually grow at the subcutaneous layer of the auricle. ATs can be treated with dietary modification and medication for a long time. When pain persists, cosmetic deformity is concerned, or prompt resolution of those symptoms are required, surgical excision is worth considering. Here, we report the case of a patient presenting with multiple bilateral auricular painful nodules. Thorough questioning regarding medical history revealed that the patient had a history of untreated gout. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of AT. So, we report this case with review of literatures. (J Clinical Otolaryngol 2020;31:57-62)

Paramedian forehead flap pedicle division after 7 days using laser-assisted indocyanine green angiography

The paramedian forehead flap is a major workhorse for reconstruction of medium- to large-sized nasal defects. The tissue bridge that results from the vascular pedicle results in significant cosmetic deformity, with associated social and occupational costs to the patient. This prospective cross-sectional study sought to assess efficacy and safety of takedown of the flap pedicle at 1week using indocyanine green (ICG) angiography to assist in determining neovascularization of the flap. This study was performed at a tertiary care center from April 13, 2018 to March 22, 2019. Patients eligible for enrollment included those with defects appropriate for reconstruction with a paramedian forehead flap, partial-thickness defect, vascularized tissue in more than 50% of the recipient bed, and lack of nicotine use. Ten patients were included, and all underwent reconstructive surgery by a single surgeon. Laser-assisted ICG angiography was used during the first stage as well as at the second stage both immediately before and after flap division. Perfusion was in both time-independent and time-dependent analyses relative to a cheek reference point. Herein, we found successful 7-day flap takedown with no flap-related complications in all patients. There was an average of approximately 44% flap-to-cheek vascularity across all patients, and pre-division flap perfusion correlated well with post-division perfusion. In conclusion, in carefully selected patients with amenable defects, division of the pedicle at 1week after initial flap transfer is safe and has the potential to limit the morbidity associated with the procedure.

Breast Reconstruction Following Breast Conserving Surgery: A Review

Approximately one-third of women who have breast conserving surgery (BCS) will develop a cosmetic deformity following adjuvant radiation. Here we review current surgical techniques for breast reconstruction following BCS and review the evidence for their safety and efficacy. Breast reconstruction can be performed in three settings following BCS: at the time of the partial mastectomy, following partial mastectomy prior to radiation, and delayed following completion of adjuvant radiation. Current options for reconstruction include fat grafting, tissue rearrangement and reduction techniques, as well as tissue replacement with local, regional, and free tissue transfer. Patients who have immediate reconstruction report the highest satisfaction. Breast reconstruction following BCS has been shown to improve patient satisfaction and cosmetic outcomes without an increased risk of complications or cancer recurrence. All patients considering BCS should be offered a consultation with a plastic surgeon to review their surgical options.

Head and Neck Lipomas at Uncommon Subsites: A Series of Four Cases.

Lipomas are benign soft tissue tumors; the most common ones present in subcutaneous planes distributed throughout the body. However, there are few sites which are unusual location for lipomas. Here, we discuss the presentation of 4 cases of head and neck lipomas at unusual subsites. Though its prevalence is high in the body, lipomas are rarely seen in upper aerodigestive tract and these lesions can cause severe deglutition and respiratory distress problems in addition to cosmetic deformities. In the head and neck, most common location of lipoma is the cheek, followed by the tongue. Tonsillar lipomas are very rare. The mainstay treatment for lipomas is complete surgical excision and recurrence following complete removal is rarely known. We are here discussing a series of 4 cases of lipomas, presenting at uncommon subsites in head and neck region. These include lesions over neck, tongue, palate and tonsillar fossa. Lipomas are benign mesenchymal tumors, that are initially non bothersome. However, with increasing size they can cause severe aerodigestive problems with functional compromise and need complete surgical excision.

Lateral semi-circular canal asymmetry in females with idiopathic scoliosis.

PurposeAdolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional spinal structural deformity that occurs in otherwise normal individuals. Although curve progression and severity vary amongst individuals, AIS can lead to significant cosmetic and functional deformity. AIS etiology has been determined to be genetic, however, exact genetic and biological processes underlying this disorder remain unknown. Vestibular structure and function have potentially been related to the etiopathogenesis of AIS. Here, we aimed to characterize the anatomy of the semicircular canals (SCC) within the vestibular system through a novel approach utilizing T2-weighted magnetic resonance images (MRI).MethodsThree dimensional, MRI-based models of the SCCs were generated from AIS subjects (n = 20) and healthy control subjects (n = 19). Linear mixed models were used to compare SCC morphological measurements in the two groups. We compared side-to-side differences in the SCC measurements between groups (group*side interaction).ResultsSide-to-side differences in the lateral SCC were different between the two groups [false discovery rate adjusted p-value: 0.0107]. Orientation of right versus left lateral SCC was significantly different in the AIS group compared to the control group [mean side-to-side difference: -4.1°, 95% CI: -6.4° to -1.7°]. Overall, among subjects in the AIS group, the left lateral SCC tended to be oriented in a more horizontal position than subjects in the control group.SignificanceAsymmetry within the SCCs of the vestibular system of individuals with AIS potentially results in abnormal efferent activity to postural muscles. Consequences of this muscular activity during periods of rapid growth, which often coincides with AIS onset and progression, warrant consideration.

Improving the Motility of a Scleral Shell prosthesis with an Acrylic Orbital Implant: A case report

Evisceration or enucleation of the eye may be performed due to ocular injury, cosmetic deformity, infection or malignancy. After the surgical management, orbital implants can be placed to improve the cosmetic appearance, improve the motility of the scleral shell prosthesis and restore the loss of orbital volume. Various type of orbital implants are available amongst which, the acrylic orbital implant has gained popularity, over the years, due to its limited complications. The following case report represents a 26 year old patient who underwent enucleation and had an existing scleral shell prosthesis. His chief concern was the motility of the prosthesis. The prosthetic rehabilitation was done with the help of an Acrylic Orbital implant and a customized scleral shell prosthesis.

Surgical correction of Sprengel's deformity by modified Woodward procedure: outcomes in twenty eight patients.

Sprengel's deformity is a congenital failure of the descent of the scapula with main concerns regarding cosmetic deformity and restricted function of the affected shoulder. The purpose of this study was to present the results of Modified Woodward procedure in 28 patients with Sprengel's shoulder. Twenty-eight patients (9 males, 19 females) of Sprengel's shoulder treated with modified Woodward procedure from 2010 to 2016 were retrospectively studied. Clinical assessment was done using Cavendish grading and Rigault's classification for radiographic evaluation. Mean age at the time of surgery was six years and three months. Mean follow-up was 20months. We found a mean increase in abduction of 34.2° (15-50) and flexion of 20.6° (10-25), mean scapular lowering of 2.3cm (0.5-4.5cm), and a Cavendish grade I in 18 (65%), grade II in 10 (35%). Thus, we had 65% satisfactory results in terms of cosmesis and 85% with the function of the affected limb. Rigault grading improved by one grade in 16 children and by two grades in 12 children. Subjectively, all parents were satisfied with the cosmetic appearance of the achieved scapular lowering. We had one case of delayed superficial wound healing which resolved spontaneously. Modified Woodward procedure for Sprengel's shoulder deformity gives good cosmetic correction and improvement in shoulder function with minimal complications. This procedure is good for selective cases of Cavendish grade II with cosmetic concerns and all cases of Cavendish grade III and IV.

Short-term results of suture treatment for pincer nail deformity.

Objectives This study aims to evaluate the cosmetic and functional results of suture treatment on pincer nail deformity (PND).Patients and methods This study was conducted between June 2018 and November 2018. Sixteen nails of 13 patients (6 males; 7 females; mean age 46.9 years; range, 24 to 74 years) with PND were treated with silk sutures. The pathologic stage (including tissue status and level of pain), visual analog scale (VAS), nail height (H) and width (W) were evaluated pre- and postoperatively. Nail H and W were measured pre- and postoperatively from digital photographs of each nail and H/W ratio was calculated.Results The postoperative VAS, severity of pain scores, and nail H showed a significant decrease compared to the preoperative values (p<0.05). Curvature of the nail and pain scores decreased in all patients. Nail W showed a significant increase, therefore H/W ratio decreased significantly (p<0.05). Although recurrence of cosmetic deformity was seen at six months, the VAS and tissue scores remained lower than preoperative values. Patients reported favorable outcomes compared to their preoperative complaints.ConclusionThe described suture treatment method is an inexpensive, simple technique, not requiring any special material. These results support that this technique is useful for pain relief and tissue healing even if cosmetic recurrence occurs.

Biceps Tenodesis Versus Tenotomy in the Treatment of Lesions of the Long Head of the Biceps Tendon in Patients Undergoing Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery: A Prospective Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: The biceps tendon is a known source of shoulder pain. Few high-level studies have attempted to determine whether biceps tenotomy or tenodesis is the optimal approach in the treatment of biceps pathology. Most available literature is of lesser scientific quality and shows varying results in the comparison of tenotomy and tenodesis. Purpose: To compare patient-reported and objective clinical results between tenotomy and tenodesis for the treatment of lesions of the long head of the biceps brachii. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: Patients aged ≥18 years undergoing arthroscopic surgery with intraoperative confirmation of a lesion of the long head of the biceps tendon were randomized. The primary outcome measure was the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, while secondary outcomes included the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC) score, elbow and shoulder strength, operative time, complications, and the incidence of revision surgery with each procedure. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed at postoperative 1 year to evaluate the integrity of the procedure in the tenodesis group. Results: A total of 114 participants with a mean age of 57.7 years (range, 34 years to 86 years) were randomized to undergo either biceps tenodesis or tenotomy. ASES and WORC scores improved significantly from pre- to postoperative time points, with a mean difference of 32.3% (P < .001) and 37.3% (P < .001), respectively, with no difference between groups in either outcome from presurgery to postoperative 24 months. The relative risk of cosmetic deformity in the tenotomy group relative to the tenodesis group at 24 months was 3.5 (95% CI, 1.26-9.70; P = .016), with 4 (10%) occurrences in the tenodesis group and 15 (33%) in the tenotomy group. Pain improved from 3 to 24 months postoperatively (P < .001) with no difference between groups. Cramping was not different between groups, nor was any improvement in cramping seen over time. There were no differences between groups in elbow flexion strength or supination strength. Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging at postoperative 12 months showed that the tenodesis was intact for all patients. Conclusion: Tenotomy and tenodesis as treatment for lesions of the long head of biceps tendon both result in good subjective outcomes but there is a higher rate of Popeye deformity in the tenotomy group. Registration: NCT01747902 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier)

Reconstruction after endoscopic surgery for skull base malignancies.

The ability to resect malignancies of the ventral skull base using endoscopic endonasal approaches has created a need for effective endoscopic reconstructive techniques. The purpose of this review is to summarize current techniques for reconstruction of large skull base defects during endoscopic endonasal surgery. Recent medical literature was reviewed to identify techniques and best practices for repair of skull base defects during endoscopic endonasal surgery. Preference was given to evidence-based recommendations. Superior results are observed with multilayer inlay/onlay grafts supplemented with vascularized flaps. The nasoseptal flap is the primary reconstructive flap for most defects; secondary choices include the lateral nasal wall flap and extracranial pericranial flap. Clival defects are particularly challenging and are further augmented with adipose tissue to prevent pontine herniation. Perioperative management including the use of lumbar cerebrospinal fluid drainage minimizes the risk of a postoperative leak in high-risk patients. Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks are managed similarly to primary leaks and may require use of a secondary vascularized flap. Complications of reconstructive flaps include flap necrosis and cosmetic nasal deformity. Large defects of the anterior, middle, and posterior cranial fossae can be managed similarly by adhering to basic principles of reconstruction. Future developments will improve stratification of patients into reconstructive groups and allow tailored reconstructive algorithms. New biomaterials may replace autologous tissue and facilitate endoscopic repair. Improved monitoring will allow for assessment of the reconstructive site with early detection and repair of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks.

Hallux length and deep medial crease in complex clubfeet: Do they recover?

ObjectiveThe shortened hallux and deep medial crease are a significant cosmetic deformity in complex clubfeet. We quantitatively determined the correction of hallux length and deep medial crease following treatment of complex clubfeet. MethodsA chart review of 11 patients (17 feet) with complex clubfeet treated with modified Ponseti method was undertaken. Pretreatment clinical photographs and Pirani scores were compared with those obtained at a recent follow-up to analyze outcomes. Hallux length was matched with 2nd toe and graded similar to Pirani score. ResultsMean patient age at enrollment was 26.8 weeks. Average follow up was 22.6 months. Pre treatment and follow up Pirani score averaged 5.8 and 0.2 respectively. The average number of cast utilized was 7. Incomplete/non correction of hallux was observed in 6 feet (35%), of which 4 suffered an equinus relapse. Deep medial crease corrected in all. ConclusionsThe study describes a clinical method of hallux length quantification in complex clubfeet. Medial crease recovered in all feet. The recovery of hallux length was delayed in some patients and might indicate persistent posteromedial soft tissue contracture/fibrosis in these feet.

Mini-open Subpectoral Biceps Tenodesis Using All-Suture Anchor

The proximal biceps tendon is a common source of shoulder pain and dysfunction. When patients continue to have pain after exhaustive nonoperative treatment, the long head of the biceps tendon can be effectively treated with a tenotomy or tenodesis. Although biceps tenotomy is a less complex and highly reliable treatment, there is the potential for suboptimal outcomes including muscle cramping, fatigue, cosmetic deformity, and supination weakness. Biceps tenodesis eliminates the source of shoulder pain while securing the tendon proximally. Currently, there are multiple techniques for performing a biceps tenodesis (arthroscopic, open suprapectoral, open subpectoral) and myriad fixation methods (bio-tenodesis screw, bone bridge, cortical button, all-suture anchor). Our article presents a technique for a mini-open subpectoral biceps tenodesis using an onlay technique with an all-suture anchor preloaded with needles. This technique allows efficient and proper tendon fixation while minimizing potential complications.

Biceps tenotomy versus tenodesis: patient-reported outcomes and satisfaction

BackgroundBiceps tenotomy and tenodesis are surgical treatments for pathology of the proximal tendon of the long head of the biceps. There is debate over which procedure provides better patient outcomes.PurposeCompare patient-reported outcomes and satisfaction between biceps tenotomy and tenodesis.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study including all patients undergoing arthroscopic biceps tenodesis or tenotomy as part of more extensive shoulder surgery with a single surgeon. Concomitant procedures included rotator cuff repair, subacromial decompression, acromioclavicular joint resection, and debridement. Patients 36–81 years old were contacted by phone at > 2-year post-operatively to complete a biceps-specific outcome questionnaire. Subject decision not to participate was the sole exclusion criterion. Satisfaction scores and frequencies of potential biceps-related downsides (biceps cramping/spasms, biceps pain, shoulder pain, weakness, cosmetic deformity) were analyzed for the effects of procedure, sex, and age.ResultsSatisfaction score distributions were similar between patients with tenodesis and patients with tenotomy (χ2 = 8.34, P = 0.08), although slightly more patients with tenodesis than patients with tenotomy reported being satisfied or very satisfied (96% versus 91%). Perceived downsides occurred more frequently among patients with tenotomy than in patients with tenodesis: 59% of patients with tenotomy reported ≥ 1 downside, versus 37% of patients with tenodesis (P < 0.01). In patients reporting ≥ 1 downside, distributions of total downsides differed between procedures (χ2 = 10.04, P = 0.04): patients with tenotomy were more likely to report multiple concurrent downsides than were patients with tenodesis (31% versus 16%). Each individual downside tended to be reported as present by a greater proportion of patients with tenotomy than patients with tenodesis. Sex had no effect on satisfaction or downsides, but there was a trend for older patients to report higher satisfaction and fewer downsides.ConclusionsBiceps tenotomy and tenodesis are both viable treatments for proximal biceps tendon pathology, yielding high patient satisfaction. There were trends toward greater satisfaction and fewer problems in patients with tenodesis. Still, younger patients with tenodesis did report perceived downsides. Alternatively, older patients tended to be more satisfied with both procedures overall. Regardless of procedure, most patients receiving either tenotomy or tenodesis would undergo their respective surgery again.Level of EvidenceLevel III evidence, retrospective comparative cohort study

Risk Factors and Complications Following Arthroscopic Tenotomy of the Long Head of the Biceps Tendon.

Background:Controversy exits regarding performing a tenotomy versus a tenodesis of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT).Purpose:To evaluate the complications after arthroscopic tenotomy of the LHBT and characterize the incidence of cosmetic deformity, cramping, subjective weakness, and continued anterior shoulder pain (ASP). Additionally, to identify patient-related factors that may predispose a patient to these complications.Study Design:Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:Records of patients who underwent an arthroscopic LHBT tenotomy at an integrated health care system under the care of 55 surgeons were retrospectively reviewed. Exclusion criteria included LHBT tenodesis, arthroplasty, neoplastic, or fracture surgery; age younger than 18 years; incomplete documentation of physical examination; or incomplete operative reports. Characteristic data, concomitant procedures, LHBT morphology, and postoperative complications were recorded. Patients with and without postoperative complications—including cosmetic deformity, subjective weakness, continued ASP, and cramping—were analyzed by age, sex, dominant arm, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, workers’ compensation status, and intraoperative LHBT morphology to identify risk factors for developing these postoperative complications.Results:A total of 192 patients who underwent LHBT tenotomy were included in the final analysis. Tenotomy was performed with concomitant shoulder procedures in all but 1 individual. The mean ± SD patient age was 60.6 ± 9.5 years, and 55% were male. The overall complication rate was 37%. The most common postoperative complications include cosmetic (Popeye) deformity (14.1%), subjective weakness (10.4%), cramping (10.4%), and continued postoperative ASP over the bicipital groove (7.8%). Every 10-year increase in age was associated with 0.52 (95% CI, 0.28-0.94) times the odds of continued ASP and 0.59 (95% CI, 0.36-0.98) times the odds of cramping pain. Male patients had 3.9 (95% CI, 1.4-10.8) times the odds of cosmetic (Popeye) deformity. Patients who had active workers’ compensation claims had 12.5 (95% CI, 2.4-63.4) times the odds of having continued postoperative ASP. Tenotomy on the dominant arm, BMI, and active smoking status demonstrated no statistically significant association with postoperative complications.Conclusion:Patients experiencing complications after tenotomy were significantly younger and more likely to be male and to have a workers’ compensation injury. LHBT tenotomy may best be indicated for elderly patients, female patients, and those without active workers’ compensation claims.

Use of Anterolateral Thigh Flap and Fibula Flap in Oncologic Maxillary Reconstruction: An Algorithm Approach.

Maxillary defects after oncologic resection can lead to not only cosmetic deformity but also functional problem. Reconstruction of maxillary defects remains the most challenging endeavor for plastic surgeons. An algorithm to guide plastic surgeons in selecting either the anterolateral thigh flap or the fibula flap for oncologic maxillary reconstruction has not been well established. Patients who underwent oncologic maxillectomy and free flap reconstruction from August 2012 to April 2018 were enrolled for retrospective chart review. Their operative findings and postoperative outcomes were analyzed as a case series. The reconstructive plan was decided using the 4 essential components in sequence: the anterior maxillary arch, orbital floor, eyeball, and oro-sinonasal communication, which are the main considerations in the established classification systems. Accordingly, when the anterior maxillary arch was lost or when the orbital floor was lost with eyeball preservation, a fibula flap was used. Otherwise, an anterolateral thigh flap was used. Various maxillectomy defects were successfully reconstructed using an anterolateral thigh flap and a fibula flap. The defect types and corresponding reconstruction were fit into our proposed algorithm and classification. The corresponding outcomes were satisfactory. The proposed algorithm by using the anterolateral thigh flap and the fibula flap for oncologic maxillary reconstruction is feasible, simple, and effective.

Chondroma of the nose

Chondromas of the head-and-neck area are rare lesions and more rare over the nose. Chondroma is a benign neoplasm of cartilaginous origin. It is rarely seen over the dorsum of the nose. It causes cosmetic deformity of the nose and face if it arises from the nose. The diagnosis is confirmed by histopathological examination. The treatment is complete surgical excision. We report a case of chondroma arising at the dorsum of the nose which is slightly mobile. Computed tomography scan showed a mild enhancing lesion at the dorsum of the nose which was completely excised via transcolumellar route. Considering its rarity at the dorsum over the nose, we reported this solitary chondroma of the nose. Chondromas have to be kept in mind during evaluation of any mass over the nasal dorsum.

A 20-Year Analysis of Adverse Events and Litigation With Light-Based Skin Resurfacing Procedures

The popularity and availability of facial rejuvenation procedures have increased exponentially during the previous decade. The present study aimed to provide an overview of photorejuvenation and evaluate the complications and litigation related to light-based skin resurfacing procedures. A retrospective study was performed using the US Food and Drug Administration Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) registry and the Thomson Reuter Westlaw Edge database from May 1, 1999 to May 1, 2019. The MAUDE registry was queried using the manufacturer brands. Adverse events were individually reviewed, and data were gathered regarding the company, complication, body location, and device type. The litigation cases were individually reviewed, and information was gathered on plaintiff gender, defendant specialty, allegation, jury verdict, the appeals verdict, and the award amount, if applicable. A total of 697 adverse events were included in the final sample. The most commonly reported complications were burns (61.1%), followed by scarring (16.2%), hyperpigmentation (7.8%), and hypopigmentation (7.0%). More rare, noncosmetic complications included infection (3.9%) and nerve (1.4%) and ocular (1.3%) damage. The rates of scarring with facial treatments were greater (24.3 vs 10.3%; P<.01) and the rates of burns with ablative lasers were lower (25.9 vs 66.0%; P<.01). With respect to litigation, of the 9 cases identified, all the plaintiffs were women. The most common allegation was procedural negligence (88.8%), followed by cosmetic deformity (77.7%) and the lack of informed consent (55.5%). The jury ruled in favor of the plaintiff in 4 cases (44.4%), and the mean award was $656,000. The most common adverse events were burns, scars, and pigmentation changes. Patient expectations could play a role in the reporting of adverse events. Negligence was the most common basis for litigation, consistent with what has been reported for other procedures. Future studies should evaluate whether increasing exposure to cosmetic phototherapies during residency and fellowship training will reduce future complication rates and alleged malpractice.

A review of the management of single-suture craniosynostosis, past, present, and future.

Craniosynostosis is a condition in which 2 or more of the skull bones fuse prematurely. The spectrum of the disorder most commonly involves the closure of a single suture in the skull, but it can also involve syndromic diagnoses in which multiple skull bones and/or bones outside of the cranium are affected. Craniosynostosis can result in cosmetic deformity as well as potential limitations in brain growth and development, and the neurocognitive impact of the condition is just starting to be studied more thoroughly. Our knowledge regarding the genetics of this condition has also evolved substantially. In this review, the authors explore the medical and surgical advancements in understanding and treating this condition over the past century, with a focus on how the diagnosis and treatment have evolved. In this review article, the authors, who are the leaders of a craniofacial team at a major academic pediatric hospital, focus on single-suture craniosynostosis (SSC) affecting the 6 major cranial sutures and discuss the evolution of the treatment of SSC from its early history in modern medicine through the current state of the art and future trends. This discussion is based on the authors' broad experience and a comprehensive review of the literature. The management of SSC has evolved substantially over the past 100 years. There have been major advances in technology and medical knowledge that have allowed for safer treatment of this condition through the use of newer techniques and technologies in the fields of surgery, anesthesia, and critical care. The use of less invasive surgical techniques along with other innovations has led to improved outcomes in SSC patients. The future of SSC treatment will likely be guided by elucidation of the causes of neurocognitive delay in these children and assessment of how the timing and type of surgery can mitigate adverse outcomes.

Novel implant-free loop Tenodesis vs. simple Tenotomy of the long biceps tendon - a biomechanical investigation

BackgroundSimple tenotomy and anchor tenodesis are commonly used in treatment of long biceps tendon (LHB) pathologies. The tenotomy can result in biceps distalization or cosmetic deformities. A novel loop Tenodesis Technique (LTD) could prevent a distalization of the biceps muscle without the risk of implant associated complications. The purpose of this study was to investigate the biomechanical aspects of the novel LTD compared to a standard tenotomy of the LHB. It has been hypothesized that the novel technique will show biomechanical superiority in terms of resistance and distalization.MethodsSeven paired adult human cadaveric shoulder joints were assigned to one of the two study groups: Loop tenodesis (LTD); simple tenotomy (STT). In both groups load-to-failure testing was performed. The load-displacement curve was used to determine the maximum load (N), the degree of distalization of the LHB (mm) and the stiffness (N/mm). Additionally, the mode of failure was registered.ResultsThe LTD group achieved a significantly higher ultimate load to failure (LTD: 50.5 ± 12.5 N vs. STT: 6.6 ± 3.9 N; p = 0.001). Significantly less distalization of the tendon could be detected for the LTD group (LTD: 8 ± 2.3 mm vs. STT: 22.4 ± 2.4 mm; p = 0.001). Stiffness was 7.4 ± 3.9 N/mm for the LTD group and 0.23 ± 0.16 N/mm for the STT group (p = 0.001). In all specimens of the LTD group a tendon rupture was found as mode of failure, while the STT group failed because of pulling out the LHB through the bicipital groove.ConclusionThe novel loop Tenodesis Technique shows biomechanically higher stability as well as less distalization compared to a simple tenotomy of the long biceps tendon.

Management of Congenital Melanocytic Nevus on Face Using Multiple Re-expansion Method: Aesthetic and Psychosocial Results.

Congenital giant melanocytic nevus on the face is a challenging condition, especially in the pediatric population. It can produce significant cosmetic deformity with negative psychosocial effects in pediatric patients even after treatment. The objective of this study was to report aesthetic and psychosocial results in the management of congenital melanocytic nevus on the face using multiple reexpansion. Data of 6 patients with congenital melanocytic nevus on the face who underwent excision and multiple reexpansion at our center from September 2004 to August 2017, were retrospectively reviewed. To evaluate aesthetic outcomes, preoperative and final photographs of each patient were reviewed by 3 other plastic surgeons and 4 laypersons. For comparison, 6 other patients who were treated with conventional surgery during the same period were reviewed. After final reconstruction surgery, the authors surveyed patients' satisfaction via telephone. Six patients were followed up for an average of 87.66 months (range, 55-123 months). The mean number of tissue expander insertions was 3.33 and the mean number of total expanders inserted was 4.83. Complication associated with expander exposure occurred in 1 patient during the fifth expansion. The average score of aesthetic outcome in the multiple reexpansion group was superior to that of the conventional group (2.60 versus 2.10, P = 0.03). During the telephone survey, patients did not rate their appearance as positive, although they were comparatively satisfied with the surgical procedure. Considering the low rate of malignancy involving congenital melanocytic nevus in childhood, multiple reexpansion is an attractive option to obtain better results compared with other reconstructive methods.