Flap Elevation Research Articles

Surgical anatomy of the pectoral flaps, their importance in head and neck reconstruction

The pectoralis major is a broad muscle that originates from the medial part of the clavicle, anterior surface of the sternum, from the cartilages of all the true ribs and from the aponeurosis of the abdominal external oblique muscle. The study was conducted on 10 cadavers (7 male and 3 female). These specimens were dissected and examined to study the gross anatomical characteristics of the pectoralis major muscle. The dimensions of the pectoralis major muscle and its surface area were measured in all the cadavers. The branching pattern of the thoracoacromial vessels was recorded. The pedicle length and caliper were measured using Vernier calipers. In all twenty dissected specimens, the pectoral and deltoid branches of the thoracoacomial artery were identified. The average size of the elevated flap of the pectoralis major muscle was 10 cm×6.5 cm. In this study, the average diameter of the thoacoacomial artery was 2.3 mm, and along its course, the thoracacomial artery gave rise to two terminal branches the pectoral and deltoid arteries that supply the pectoralis major muscle and the surrounding structures. The average length of the deltoid pedicle was 6.8 cm and the average length of the pectoral pedicle was 7.5 cm. The current study focuses on the anatomical features of the pectoralis major muscle and its blood supply to increase the success rate of operations in clinical practice.

Abdominal closure with different oblique planes in island TRAM flaps: a method for achieving a better scar and contour of the donor site

Background An autologous abdominal flap can provide an aesthetically pleasing breast with a natural feel. However, contracted scars and hourglass contour deformities at the abdominal donor site can sometimes occur. These complications can reduce patient satisfaction and quality of life. Therefore, we performed different oblique plane closure of the abdominal donor site and evaluated the aesthetic scores in comparison with the conventional vertical single plane closure.Methods The procedures begin with a beveled incision down to the fascia level during transverse rectus abdominis muscle flap elevation. At the time of donor site closure, Scarpa’s fascia and the subcutaneous layers are sutured while being pulled downward. Sixty patients were divided into two groups: group A (single vertical plane closure) and group B (different oblique plane closure). Abdominal scars were scored by five reviewers using the scar scale.Results There were no significant differences in scores for vascularization, dog-ear presence, and umbilical shape of the scar between the two groups. However, group B showed marked improvements in flatness, contracture, and thickness of the scar surface. Notably, the different oblique plane closure in group B achieved much higher scores for the abdominal contour than group A.Conclusions The vertical single plane suture of the abdominal donor site may result in depressive contracture with poor cosmetic outcomes. The different oblique plane closure technique markedly improved the appearance of scars on the abdomen. This technique is likely to enhance patient satisfaction with both the breast and abdominal outcomes of breast reconstruction using an abdominal flap.

FUNCTIONAL CROWN LENGTHENING AS A PRE-RESTORATIVE PROCEDURE IN THE AESTHETIC ZONE

Introduction: Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure to increase the height of the clinical crown for aesthetic and restorative purposes, or combination. The indications include treatment of subgingival caries and altered passive eruption. Functional crown lengthening for restorative purposes in the esthetic zone should consider the concept of biologic width and the ideal proportion of the dentogingival complex. Case: A 39-year-old male patient was referred from the Department of Conservative Dentistry, RSGM UGM Prof. Soedomo to expose the maxillary anterior teeth crowns for full crown and veneer restorations. Clinical examination showed 11, 12, and 12 post root canal treatment with 3-4 mm remaining crowns. Teeth 13, 21, 22, and 23 appear short, excessive gingival display of 3 mm, with a diagnosis of altered passive eruption type 1B. Treatment: Functional crown lengthening was performed by gingivectomy followed by flap elevation, ostectomy, and osteoplasty. A fenestration was found at the apical of 22 and treated with regenerative procedure. Full crowns and veneers insertion was done 3 months after surgery. Crown lengthening as a pre-restorative procedure is a multidisciplinary treatment that considers the need for restoration by re-establishing the biologic width, to prevent inflammation and bone loss. In addition, adequate post- surgical tissue healing time prior to restoration is necessary to avoid gingival margin rebound and to assure long-term success of the restoration. Conclusionn : Functional crown lengthening as a pre-restorative procedure in the esthetic zone can gives satisfactory and stable results, with careful examination and correct surgical procedure.

Propeller Flap: A Feasible Flap for Distal Third of Leg Defects – Two Cases Done at the Plastic Surgery Unit of the Greater Accra Regional Hospital

Introduction: The traditional way of reconstructing soft tissue defects of the lower limb utilized muscle flaps as the ‘gold standard’ for Gustillo Anderson Grade III B fractures of the upper and middle thirds of the leg. Defects of the lower third of the leg are usually reconstructed with free flaps because of paucity and decreased reach of muscles. In resource constrained environments where free flaps are not routine with high failure rates, fasciocuataneous flaps are the only option left. We present our experience with the novel pedicled propeller perforator flaps for reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the lower limb. Case Presentation: Between June and October 2020, 2 consecutive patients - a 34-year-old male and a 51-year-old female, were referred for cover for their distal leg defects from the Orthopedics and trauma Unit. All patients were operated on under spinal anaesthesia. Perforators from posterior tibial and peroneal arteries respectively, were identified pre-operatively with hand-held doppler and the propeller-pattern skin paddle was designed around the perforator closest to defect. After elevation of flaps and skeletonization of perforators, they were then rotated (180 degrees) and inset into defects. Case 1 had whole flap (104 cm2) surviving with only minor marginal epidemiolysis at tip whilst the second flap (58.5cm2) had necrosis of only the business end of the flap but subsequently healed by secondary intention after serial dressings. Both had secondary defects proximally after the rotation, which were skin grafted with 100% take. Conclusion: Propeller flap in our experience, is a feasible versatile option for reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the distal third of the leg.

Short-Term Periodic Fasting Reduces Ischemia-Induced Necrosis in Musculocutaneous Flap Tissue.

Periodic fasting (PF) as a form of dietary restriction has been shown to induce tissue-protective effects against ischemic injury in several different tissues. Accordingly, in this study we analyzed whether a short-term 24 h fast is suitable to prevent necrosis of musculocutaneous flap tissue undergoing acute persistent ischemia. C57BL/6N mice were randomly divided into a PF group (n = 8) and a control group that was given unrestricted access to standard chow (n = 8). The PF animals underwent a 24 h fast immediately before flap elevation and had unrestricted access to food for the rest of the 10 day observation period. Musculocutaneous flaps with a random pattern design were dissected on the animals' backs and mounted into dorsal skinfold chambers. On days 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 after surgery, nutritive tissue perfusion, angiogenesis and flap necrosis were evaluated using intravital fluorescence microscopy. Thereafter, the flap tissue was excised and fixed for histological and immunohistochemical analyses. The flaps of PF-treated animals exhibited a higher functional capillary density and more newly formed microvessels, resulting in a significantly increased flap survival rate. Moreover, they contained a lower number of myeloperoxidase (MPO)-positive neutrophilic granulocytes and cleaved caspase-3-positive apoptotic cells in the transition zone between vital and necrotic flap tissue. These findings indicate that short-term PF improves tissue survival in ischemically challenged musculocutaneous flaps by maintaining nutritive blood perfusion and dampening ischemia-induced inflammation.

Outcomes after elevation of serratus anterior fascia flap versus serratus muscle flap in direct-to-implant breast reconstruction following mastectomy: a prospective study.

The purpose of this study was to compare postoperative pain between SF flap and serratus anterior muscle (SM) in direct-to-implant breast reconstruction. This is a prospective cohort study that included 53 women diagnosed with breast cancer who underwent mastectomy and one-stage implant-based breast reconstruction from January 2020 to March 2021. Twenty-nine patients (54.7%) had SF elevation, and 24 patients (45.3%) underwent SM elevation. We evaluated patient-reported early postoperative pain on the first day after surgery. Also, it was reported that all surgical complications in the first month and patient reported outcomes (PROs) were measured with the BRECON 23 questionnaire. The serratus fascia group used implants with larger volumes, 407.6 ± 98.9 cc (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference between the fascial and muscular groups regarding the postoperative pain score reported by the patients (2 versus 3; p = 0.30). Also, there was no difference between the groups regarding early surgical complications and PROs after breast reconstruction. The use of SF seems to cause less morbidity, which makes the technique an alternative to be considered in breast reconstruction. Although there was no statistical difference in postoperative pain scores between the fascia and serratus muscle groups.

Consistent Reconstruction of Sacrococcygeal Pressure Ulcers using Modification of En Bloc Sliding Gluteus Maximus Myocutaneous Flap Technique

Background: The en bloc sliding gluteus maximus myocutaneous flap was introduced to preserve the vasculature, muscular integrity, sensory innervation, and normal gluteal contour with a midline scar in sacrococcygeal pressure ulcer reconstruction. However, its critical disadvantages include incomplete detachment of the origin of the gluteus maximus and central tension of the closed wound due to round ulcer excision. Therefore, we reviewed the surgical anatomy and applied modifications to achieve sufficient flap mobilization and to decrease complications.Methods: After fusiform or rocket-shaped ulcer excision, submuscular flap elevation was initiated by completely detaching the origin of the gluteus maximus, including the posterior iliac crest, followed by comprehensive lateral submuscular dissection in the gluteal space while preserving the neurovascular pedicles. Bony protrusions were tangentially resected from the lower sacrum and upper coccyx. After en bloc medial advancement of the bilateral flaps, defects were closed in layers, with muscle ligament fixation at the midline.Results: Twenty-nine patients underwent surgery for sacrococcygeal pressure ulcers (primary, n=22; recurrent, n=7). Transverse width of the excised ulcers was 5–12 cm (final defect, 7–15 cm). During the follow-up period (6 months to 7 years), no early postoperative complications or late aesthetic or functional discomfort occurred; however, intermittent skin sloughing occurred in four cases and one coccygeal sore recurrence occurred. The recurrent ulcer was treated using the same surgical method, with no recurrence after 2 years.Conclusion: This modification can be successfully used for the reconstruction of primary and recurrent sacrococcygeal pressure ulcers.

Perforator Dissection Porcine Abdominal Model: A Novel Simulator to Improve Microsurgical Training.

Perforator dissection and flap elevation are routinely performed for microsurgical reconstruction; however, there is a steep learning curve to mastering these technical skills. Though live porcine models have been utilized as microsurgical training models, significant drawbacks limit their use. We recently developed a latex-perfused, nonliving, porcine abdomen perforator dissection simulation and described its anatomic similarity to the human deep inferior epigastric artery flap. The purpose was to assess the change in resident confidence in performing key operative steps of flap elevation and perforator dissection and obtain feedback on model realism and utility. Seventeen plastic and reconstructive surgery resident physicians (postgraduate years 1-6) at a single institution participated in a perforator dissection session utilizing the simulation model. Each resident completed pre- and postactivity surveys to assess interval change in confidence in operating. The postactivity survey also asked residents to answer questions regarding their perception of the model's anatomic and surgical realism and utility in microsurgical training. Following a practice session using the latex-perfused, nonliving porcine abdomen, resident confidence was significantly increased in performing all key operative steps and the procedure overall (p = 0.001). All residents (n = 17, 100%) believed the model would improve "trainees' ability to perform perforator dissection in the operating room." Perforator, fascial, and pedicle anatomy were reported to be "Very" similar to human anatomy, with a median Likert score (MLS) of 4. Additionally, six out of the eight surgical steps were noted to be "Very" realistic, with only "Flap Design" and "Fascial Closure" found to be "Moderately" realistic with an MLS of 3. The latex-infused porcine abdominal model is a novel, realistic simulation for microsurgical trainee perforator dissection practice. This model offers a suitable substitute for perforator dissection practice, as its implementation within a microsurgery training course improves resident comfort and confidence.

Flapless early implant placement into the uncalcified provisional matrix-Does it lead to osseointegration of the implant? A preclinical study.

To test whether early implant placement into the extraction socket containing an uncalcified provisional matrix leads to successful osseointegration and stable marginal bone levels. In six mongrel dogs, the mandibular molars were extracted. Three weeks later, early implant placement was performed according to three experimental protocols: (i) flapless implant placement with preservation of the provisional matrix; (ii) flap elevation, socket debridement and implant placement; and (iii) flap elevation, socket debridement, implant placement and guided bone regeneration (GBR). One untreated extraction socket served as a control group. Data analyses were based on histologic slides 3 months after implant placement. There were no differences in bone-to-implant contact between the three experimental groups (66.97%, 58.89% and 60.89%, respectively) (inter-group comparison p = .42). Marginal bone levels, first bone-to-implant contact as well as the thickness of the connective tissue did not reveal any significant differences between the groups (p = .85, .60 and .65, respectively). Flapless early implant placement into posterior extraction sockets was as effective as an open flap approach in conjunction with GBR. Mineralization of the socket seems to occur irrespective of the presence of dental implants or biomaterials.

Management of Post Tumor Resection in Inferolateral Eyelid using Periosteal Flap and Canthoplasty Technique – A Case Report

Introduction : Eyelid defect repair goals are providing supportive connecting tissue and functional mucosal epithelium. Posterior lamellar reconstruction for tumor resection defect is still challenging. In this case, lower eyelid reconstruction can be accomplished by elevation and rotation of periosteal flap as posterior lamella.&#x0D; Case Illustration : A 68-years-old male came with inferolateral eyelid mass of Left Eye (LE) that was increasing in last 3 months. On LE examination found solitary cystic cutaneous lesion in inferior palpebra near lateral canthal, sized7x5mm, fixated, regular, and chewy consistency. Anterior of mass has same color as adjacent skin with hyperpigmentation lesion and posterior side was translucent with telangiectasia. He was suspected with LE ductal dd epidermoid cyst.&#x0D; Discussion : Periosteal flap and canthoplasty is procedure to repair inferolateral eyelid defect that are large to be closed primarily, however it requires adequate lateral canthal skin and tarsal plate. Posterior lamellais restored to create connective tissue framework, proper contour, and vertical canthal height. Tumor was removed and preperiosteal plan inferior to inferior orbital rim was dissected. The anterior lamella then transposed superiorly to make sure it will cover posterior lamellar reconstruction. Periosteal flap from lateral canthal tendon of infraorbital margin was harvested, flap was crossed to form sharp canthal angle and sutured to tarsal edges of lower eyelids as posterior lamella. A week later, LE showed natural contour and good function without eyelid malposition.&#x0D; Conclusion : Periosteal flap as posterior lamella reconstruction of eyelid defects is effective and efficient to repair eyelid defect due to its simplicity, reliability, and low risk complication.

Innovative surgical approaches in myringoplasty: A comprehensive evaluation of endoscopic technique without elevating the tympanomeatal flap

Introduction: Chronic otitis media- mucosal type, is a prevalent otological condition. Surgical intervention is often necessary. Various techniques developed over the years. In this study, we investigate the efficacy of endoscopic myringoplasty without tympanomeatal flap elevation,with the use of tragal cartilage.Methodology: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted at General Hospital Ampara, Sri Lanka, from January 2022 to August 2023. The surgical procedures were performed by the same surgeon, Due to the unavailability of pure-tone audiometry (PTA) and Tympanometry facilities, only physical healing outcomes were assessed.Results: The study analyzed 97 cases. Among pediatric patients aged 10 to 14 years, 50% achieved successful outcomes after endoscopic myringoplasty. In the adult group (15 to 60 years), 93.26% experienced successful closure of perforations, with only 6.74% showing residual perforations. Cases above 60 years achieved 100% successful outcomes. The overall success rate for all cases in the study was 92.78%.Conclusion: The study revealed the potential advantages of this surgical technique. Further research and refinement is needed to optimize patient outcomes and enhance the management.

(223) Using Aglan Flap in Peyronie`s Surgery

Abstract Introduction Surgical therapy is indicated if: 1- Deviation compromises or makes sex practice impossible. 2- Conservative treatment has failed. 3- Disease duration is at least 12 months. 4- The stable phase is at least 6 months. When deviation is greater than 60 degrees many centers prefer a grafting procedure to avoid penile shortening, grafting procedures leads to potential lengthening of the concave side of the deviation. The resulting tunical defect may be filled using an auto graft .e.g. detubulerized saphenous vein, fascia-lata, buccal mucosa, allograft e.g human pericardial tissues and human fibrinogen and thrombin coated onto equine collagen sponge, or xenografts e.g bovine pericardial and bovine intestinal submucosal tissues. Currently there is no consensus on the most suitable graft material for penile graft, many surgeons used synthetic grafts e.g self-adhesive collagen fleece, we were used the elastic wall of silicone caps with penile implants as a cover to the defects during implantation with peyronie`s previously. Synthetic grafts has the risk of infection, sensory loss, altered glans sensation, recurrent curvature due to graft contraction and length loss. So synthetic grafts should be avoided. Penile plication is simple and minimally invasive but invariably may results in penile length loss and may in fact worsen the existing hour-glass or hinge effect. Objective Presentation of new method to cover defects in peyronie`s diseases. Methods Methods two patients were operated, excision of the plaque was done, dissection of caval tissues in subtunical plane, elevation of Aglan caval flap, penile implantation (maliable), covering of the implant by the flap and suturing, second layer of the nearby tissues was added. The dissection could be done up to 360 degrees. Results Follow up for six months was done, both patients have no complications initial decrease in sensation was reported, improved within 3 months completely, the flap is safe, very vascular could be based at any point. It is natural, economic with minimal side effects if compared with synthetic grafts. Obvious nerves at area of excision should be retracted away if possible for maintenance of sensation. It could be used to cover defects with peyronie`s or other tunical defects with implantation. Conclusions Aglan flap is safe, economic, simple and effective method for covering tunical defects in peyronie`s disease. Disclosure No.

A New Method in Transcanal Medial Grafting Type-I Cartilage Tympanoplasty.

To determine the surgical results of a modified technique for the tympanic membrane (TM) perforation repair and to compare this new technique with the traditional methods. An interventional study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Otolaryngology, Medicana International Hospital, Samsun, Turkiye, from June 2019 till June 2021. The study was conducted with 24 patients who underwent cartilage tympanoplasty. Pure-tone audiometry (PTA), preoperative and postoperative air and bone conduction hearing levels were determined. The mean values of air and bone conduction and air-bone gap (ABG) were recorded. Postoperatively, 23 grafts were intact, and one was perforated, perforation secondary to otomycosis in the first month postoperatively. Eight patients had previous unsuccessful tympanoplasty history. These patients' tympanic grafts were intact with this technique. Surgical success rate was 96.0%. Postoperative hearing gain was 12,8 dB. Functional success rate was 88.0%. Mean surgery time was 30 minutes. Patients easily continued their lives in one-week time after the surgery. The new modified cartilage tympanoplasty method had high surgical success, and good audiometric results were obtained. Type-I cartilage, Tympanoplasty, Transcanal medial grafting, Tympanomeatal flap elevation.

Continuous External Tissue Expansion for Closure of Forehead Flap Donor Site.

Continuous external tissue expansion has been shown to be effective in the management of craniofacial wounds resulting from tumor resection, trauma, and wound dehiscence. Forehead flap donor sites are typically managed with secondary intention healing. However, this can create esthetic problems in pigmented skin because of the tendency to form thick scars. Here, the authors describe the use of continuous external tissue expansion for the management of a paramedian forehead flap donor site. A Dermaclose device was used at the time of forehead flap elevation and removed at the pedicle division and inset. Sufficient skin expansion was achieved for primary closure. The final scar was esthetically pleasing. External tissue expansion is ideal for forehead flap donor sites as the second stage of the operation provides an opportunity for expander removal and wound closure.

Novel Noninvasive Hybrid Flap Preconditioning (HFP) Surpasses Surgical Delay in the Murine Model.

Ischemic necrosis in the distal portion of the flap is a challenging complication in plastic surgery. We hypothesize a novel hybrid flap preconditioning (HFP) device combining foam-mediated external suction and non-surgical delay can promote skin flap survival better than surgical delay. Twenty-eight mouse were divided into four groups. Control group: a 4*1.5 dorsal flap was made with no preconditioning. Surgical delay (SD) group: surgical delay was made 7 days before flap elevation. Foam-mediated external suction (FMES) group: foam-mediated external suction at -100mmHg was employed 5 hours per day for 6 days, and the flap was elevated on the seventh day. Hybrid Flap Preconditioning (HFP) group: silicone strips was applied along the contour of the foam interface. Same negative pressure protocol was used as the FMES group. Seven days after flap elevation, macroscopic, histologic, and Western blot analyses were performed. The flap survival rate was 46.25% (8.12%) in the control group, 68.72% (7.00%) in the SD group, 57.03% (8.17%) in the FMES group and 80.66% (3.27%) in the HFP group. Immunohistologic analysis of CD 31+ cell in distal end of viable tissue procured seven days after flap elevation showed a significantly higher angiogenesis in SD group and HFP group. Western Blot results showed an increased expression of VEGF in SD group and HFP group. We have developed and fabricated a novel hybrid flap precondition (HFP) device combining foam-mediated external suction and non-surgical delay. The concept of HFP is proved to promote flap survival better than surgical delay.

Danger Zone for Paramedian Forehead Flap Elevation: Maximizing Flap Length and Viability

The supratrochlear artery (STA) demonstrates anatomical variability that impacts facial reconstruction with a paramedian forehead flap. STA branching patterns and the distance to the midline have been reported, but the STA pedicle has not been characterized. Our aim was to triangulate the STA pedicle relative to known anatomical landmarks and identify a danger zone to aid surgeons in creating viable tissue flaps. The upper facial region was dissected bilaterally on 38 cadaveric donors. Measurements from the supraorbital neurovascular bundle, orbital rim, and medial canthus to the STA pedicle were collected. Data were tallied and statistically analyzed. Measurement means, range, and standard deviations were calculated; no significant differences were found in the laterality of the measurements (p &gt; 0.05). Statistically significant, sex-based differences were identified for all measurements collected among male and female donors. This study characterizes a surgical danger zone for the STA pedicle specific to a paramedian forehead flap and identifies important differences within this danger zone among male versus female donors that surgeons should consider to prevent pedicle violation and enhance surgical success while maximizing flap length and mobility.

Effects of Midcheek Lift According to Dissection Plane and Range: An Anatomical Study.

Midcheek lift has been performed for cosmetic or reconstructive surgery of the lower eyelid. For midcheek lift through the subciliary incision, preperiosteal and subperiosteal dissections are the most often implemented, with good clinical outcomes. However, a comparative assessment of the effects of these 2 methods had not been conducted. In this study we compared the effects of midcheek lift according to preperiosteal or subperiosteal plane and range of midfacial dissection. Forty hemifaces of 20 fresh cadavers were dissected. One side of the hemiface underwent preperiosteal dissection, and the other side underwent subperiosteal dissection. After dissections of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 mm and all of the midcheek area from the inferior orbital rim, the length of the elevated lid-cheek junction was measured by placing upward traction on the lateral portion of the lower lid. In both methods, the length of the midcheek lift increased as the dissection progressed, and the length of the lift on the lateral side was greater than that on the medial side. The length of the pulled skin in the preperiosteal group was the greatest in most cases. However, in the full dissection cases, the midcheek lift length was not statistically different between the 2 surgical methods, especially on the lateral side. Flap elevation in lower blepharoplasty surgery can be predicted based on the surgical method and dissection range. Implementing a surgical plan that takes this into account can enhance both reconstruction and aesthetic surgery outcomes in the midcheek area.

Superficial Inferior Epigastric Artery Flap: Vascular Pattern and Territory Across the Midline.

Superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap offers a significant advantage of lower donor site morbidity over other abdominal-based flaps for breast reconstruction. However, the inconsistent anatomy and territory across the midline remains a major issue. This study aimed to investigate the SIEA and determine its pattern and territory across the midline. Twenty cadavers were studied. Ipsilateral dye was injected to the dominant SIEA. Dissection was performed to evaluate the SIEA origin, artery and vein pattern, vessel diameter, and dye diffusion territory. Overall, three SIEA patterns were identified: bilateral presence (45%), ipsilateral presence (30%), and bilateral absence (25%). The territory depended on the vessel course and dominant SIEA diameter, not on its common origin from the femoral artery, at the pubic tubercle level. Regarding the midline territory (pubic tubercle level to umbilicus), SIEA (type 1a) with a diameter of ≥1.4 mm on either side supplied at least half the distance, whereas SIEA with a diameter of <1 mm was limited to the suprapubic area. Designing a SIEA flap island across the midline is feasible when contralateral SIEA is present to augment the contralateral territory (e.g., type 1a SIEA) or in SIEA with a common/superficial external pudendal artery origin. Preoperative imaging studies are important for confirming the SIEA system. When the diameter at the origin of the SIEA flap is larger than 1.4 mm, the blood supply to the ipsilateral and contralateral sides is sufficient to enable safe flap elevation.

Visualization of the Facial Nerve with Ultra-high-Frequency Ultrasound.

Profound variations in facial nerve branching, combined with the severe impact of facial palsy on the patient's quality of life, make surgery in this region challenging. Recent advancements in ultrasound (US) technology, including the improved visualization of small structures, have led to a sharp increase in its medical indications in various medical disciplines. We aimed to prove the feasibility of using ultra-high-frequency (UHF) US to visualize the facial nerve and to guide surgeons during surgery on and around the facial nerve. A cadaveric study was performed on one hemi-face with a UHF US imaging system and state-of-the-art transducers. Firstly, a transcutaneous US was performed, and the facial nerve branches of interest (zygomatic, buccal, and marginal mandibular branches) were marked using US-guided color-injections of filler mixed with methylene blue. Skin and subcutaneous fat were then removed to simulate the intraoperative field. Secondly, an "intraoperative" US examination was performed, and the same branches were marked by US-guided color-injections of filler mixed with indocyanine green. Anterograde facial nerve dissection was performed, and the distance between the nerve branches and the injected filler was measured. All color-injections (mixed with both methylene blue and indocyanine green) were positioned right next to the nerve branches (<1 mm). The image quality of the US below the skin was observed to be far superior to that of the transcutaneous US. UHF US can be used to visualize the facial nerve with high precision both transcutaneously and intraoperatively (after elevation of the skin flap).

A modified Delphi consensus statement on patellar instability: part II.

The aim of this study was to establish consensus statements on medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction, anteromedialization tibial tubercle osteotomy, trochleoplasty, and rehabilitation and return to sporting activity in patients with patellar instability, using the modified Delphi process. This was the second part of a study dealing with these aspects of management in these patients. As in part I, a total of 60 surgeons from 11 countries contributed to the development of consensus statements based on their expertise in this area. They were assigned to one of seven working groups defined by subtopics of interest. Consensus was defined as achieving between 80% and 89% agreement, strong consensus was defined as between 90% and 99% agreement, and 100% agreement was considered unanimous. Of 41 questions and statements on patellar instability, none achieved unanimous consensus, 19 achieved strong consensus, 15 achieved consensus, and seven did not achieve consensus. Most statements reached some degree of consensus, without any achieving unanimous consensus. There was no consensus on the use of anchors in MPFL reconstruction, and the order of fixation of the graft (patella first versus femur first). There was also no consensus on the indications for trochleoplasty or its effect on the viability of the cartilage after elevation of the osteochondral flap. There was also no consensus on postoperative immobilization or weightbearing, or whether paediatric patients should avoid an early return to sport.