Secondary Reconstructive Procedures Research Articles

La chirurgie secondaire après amputation digitale traumatique

Traumatic digit amputation generates functional, aesthetic and psychological disabilities. Such post-traumatic consequences call for a rigorous therapeutic approach, aiming at an early secondary surgical procedure - which is ideally to be performed before the patients psychologically recover from their initial trauma. The therapeutic principle consists in improving the global function of the hand, basically aiming at re-creating a quality pollici-digital pinch, ideally thin, stable, sensitive, strong, mobile enough, but also, when possible, at improving the aesthetic aspect of the hand. The therapeutic arsenal includes not only surgical processes using local ressources in order to improve the allocation of the remaining digital capital such as phalangisation, elongating techniques, proximal amputation, digital translocation and redistribution but also remote processes - such as osteoplastic and toe-to-hand transfer techniques. The authors expose their approach and indications of secondary digit reconstruction procedures in mutilated hand. They conclude that a thorough knowledge and mastery of the vast available therapeutic arsenal, a fine and profound analysis of the benefits and downsides of each available surgical technique, a comprehensive acknowledgement of the patient's personal information such as age, gender, profession, dominant hand, status of the mutilated hand, physical and psychological health as well as patient's desire are all necessary in order to define the best therapeutic strategy for each particular case.

Long-Term Outcomes of Brachial Plexus Reconstruction with Sural Nerve Autograft for Brachial Plexus Birth Injury.

Infants with brachial plexus birth injury who do not recover motor function spontaneously in a timely manner are candidates for brachial plexus reconstruction with nerve autograft. Outcomes of this intervention are incompletely understood. The authors present the long-term outcomes of brachial plexus reconstruction with sural nerve autograft in infants with brachial plexus birth injury. The authors retrospectively reviewed all infants with brachial plexus birth injury who underwent brachial plexus reconstruction with sural nerve autograft between 1992 and 2014 with a minimum 2-year follow-up. The authors used Active Movement Scale scores to determine the presence and timing of shoulder, elbow, and wrist recovery. They assessed recovery of hand function in infants with global brachial plexus birth injury with the Raimondi scale. The number and type of secondary reconstructive procedures were identified. Forty-three infants who underwent brachial plexus reconstruction at age 7 ± 2 months old were followed for 7 ± 5 years. Most infants recovered antigravity elbow flexion (91 percent) and shoulder abduction (67 percent), but fewer recovered antigravity shoulder external rotation (19 percent) and wrist extension (37 percent). Mean postoperative times until observed antigravity motor strength (Active Movement Scale score >5) at the shoulder, elbow, and wrist were all greater than 12 months; evidence of initial motor recovery (Active Movement Scale score >2) was observed earlier. The mean Raimondi score in infants with global brachial plexus birth injury was 2.2 (range, 0 to 5) at final follow-up. Thirty-three children underwent 2 ± 1.2 secondary reconstructive procedures. Brachial plexus reconstruction with sural nerve autograft reliably results in recovery of shoulder abduction and elbow flexion, but recovery of shoulder external rotation and wrist extension is less predictable, and recovery often takes more than 1 year. Secondary procedures are often performed to optimize function. Therapeutic, IV.

The use of microsurgical reconstruction in treatment of craniofacial defects in paediatric patients

Background: Reconstruction of craniofacial defects with the use of microvascular free flaps is currently a golden standard of reconstructive surgery in subjects with post-resection, post-traumatic and congenital tissue defects. Although microsurgical techniques are quite common in adult treatment, they are much less frequently used in paediatric patients. In juvenile patients, defects of skeleton and soft facial tissues are most frequently related to congenital defects (facial clefts, congenital applasias), resection of neoplastic tumours. The most serious include disorders in craniofacial growth and development resulting from damage to growth centres and loss of the main tissue mass. This leads to impaired ratio of facial to cerebral skull and to the remaining structures, which causes big difficulties during secondary reconstruction procedures and has a negative effect on the final functional and aesthetic effect. Additionally, defects of craniofacial tissue are very often related to impaired anatomy of the stomatognathic system (teeth, maxillary alveolar bones and bones of the alveolar part of the mandible, muscles of mastication and temporomandibular joints). The use of microsurgical techniques in craniofacial reconstruction procedures allows reconstruction of the oral cavity tissue base, which in turn enables rehabilitation of the stomatognathic system structure at the earliest possible time, also with the use of implantoprosthetic techniques. This creates proper growth impulses for further craniofacial development following a reconstruction procedure.

Body mass index impacts infection rates in immediate autogenous breast reconstruction.

Risk of postoperative infection following breast cancer reconstruction warrants consideration of both classic and procedure-specific risk factors. We performed a retrospective chart review of patients with breast cancer over a 10-year period that underwent reconstructive surgery to identify factors that increase risk of postoperative infection. Rates of postoperative infection were assessed in primary (immediate or delayed, alloplastic or autogenous) and secondary reconstructive procedures. Patient characteristics, surgical details, and cancer features were analyzed using two-sample t test and Fisher's exact test for continuous and categorical data, respectively. 456 procedures were performed on 264 patients with 29 cases of postoperative infection (6%). Infection was more likely to occur in earlier reconstructive procedures (p < 0.03). Overall, primary reconstructive procedures were associated with a higher infection rate (p = 0.005). Other associated risk factors included: autogenous reconstruction (p < 0.018), length of admission (p < 0.001) and immediate reconstruction (p = 0.01). Subgroup analysis revealed increased risk of infection with immediate autogenous reconstruction (p < 0.03). Furthermore, patients with greater body mass index (BMI) receiving immediate autogenous reconstruction had a greater risk of infection (p < 0.003). Factors unrelated to risk of infection included history of irradiation, smoking, cancer stage, tumor type and tumor size. Our findings suggest that risk of infection is higher in immediate autogenous reconstructions particularly when patients are overweight (BMI > 30). Our data do not support a relationship between infection and irradiation, features of cancer, or repeated reconstructive procedures. Prospective studies may be required to further validate these findings.

The safety of one-per-mil tumescent infiltration into tissue that has survived ischemia.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to assess the safety of one-per-mil tumescent injections into viable skin flaps that had survived an ischemic insult, in order to assess the potential suitability of one-per-mil tumescent injections in future secondary reconstructive procedures such as flap revision and refinements after replantation.MethodsForty groin flaps harvested from 20 healthy Wistar rats weighing 220 to 270 g were subjected to acute ischemia by clamping the pedicle for 15 minutes. All flaps showing total survival on the 7th postoperative day were randomly divided into group A (one-per-mil tumescent infiltration; n=14), group B (normal saline infiltration; n=13), and group C (control, with no infiltration; n=13) before being re-elevated. Transcutaneous oxygen tension (TcPO2) was measured before and after infiltration, and changes in TcPO2 were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance, the paired t-test, and the independent t-test. The viability of flaps was also assessed using the Analyzing Digital Images software at 7 days after the second elevation.ResultsThirty-nine flaps survived to the final assessment, with the sole exception of a flap from group A that did not survive the first elevation. TcPO2 readings showed significant decreases (P<0.05) following both one-per-mil tumescent (99.9±5.7 mmHg vs. 37.2±6.3 mmHg) and normal saline (103±8.5 mmHg vs. 48.7±5.9 mmHg) infiltration. Moreover, all groin flaps survived with no signs of tissue necrosis.ConclusionsOne-per-mil tumescent infiltration into groin flap tissue that had survived ischemia did not result in tissue necrosis, although the flaps experienced a significant decrease of cutaneous oxygenation.

Results of management of tibial plateau fractures Schatzker types V and VI using Ilizarov fixator

Background Management of comminuted bicondylar tibial plateau fractures remains a challenge to orthopedic surgeons. Studies on long-term outcomes of treatment of the tibial plateau have included a mixture of fracture types, including low-energy split and split-depressed fractures. Thus, the middle-to-long-term results of management of high-energy fractures are still lacking. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the knee function and development of arthrosis after a minimum of 3 years in high-energy tibial plateau fractures treated with the Ilizarov external fixator. Patients and methods There were 30 patients in this study and they were followed up for a minimum of 3 years. Completion of the Iowa knee score and the Short Form-36 General Health Survey was a must. This retrospective study was performed at an academically supervised level III, trauma center, in which percutaneous and/or limited open internal fixation and an Ilizarov frame were applied for displaced bicondylar high-energy tibial plateau fractures (Schatzker types V and VI, and Orthopedic Trauma Association types C1, C2, and C3). Results After healing, none of the studied patients needed a secondary reconstructive procedure. The knee motion ranged between 15° of extension and 155° of flexion, with an average of 88% of the total arc of the contralateral knee. Conclusion Patients suffering from high-energy bicondylar tibial plateau fractures could be safely treated with minimal internal fixation and Ilizarov external fixation. This procedure has good prognosis for satisfactory knee function for up to 16 years of follow-up.

Functional evaluation of volar plate advancement arthroplasty in fracture dislocation of proximal interphalangeal joint

Introduction: Injuries of the proximal interphalangeal joint ranging from simple sprain to fracture dislocation, are most common injuries of the hand labelled as jammed finger. The management of these injuries are difficult and challenging to hand surgeon with potential long term sequelae of residual pain and stiffness. So our aim is to evaluate the result of volar plate advancement arthroplasty in these injuries. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study conducts between 2013 to 2017. In our study 10 cases (8 male and 2 female with average age 26.9y) of fracture dislocation of PIP joint with average 5.3 weeks after injury, operated by advancement of volar plate arthroplasty (in 3 case as a primary and in 7 cases as a secondary reconstructive procedure) with inclusive criteria of unstable joint and > 40% involvement of volar surface of middle phalanx. Results: The average follow up was 20.9 months with preoperative ROM was 15.70. The ROM improved to 910 in fresh and 720 in late cases . The result of over- all study shows good result with functional gain in range of movement. Discussion: The surgeon must choose an appropriate treatment based on fracture pattern, joint stability , duration. Stability of the joint is paramount in determining the appropriate treatment, which should aim to facilitate early mobilisation and restoration of function. Conclusion: volar plate arthroplasty gives stable joint and functional range of motion.

Comparison of Wound Complications After Immediate, Delayed, and Secondary Breast Reconstruction Procedures

Few data are available concerning surgical site infection (SSI) and noninfectious wound complications (NIWCs) after delayed (DR) and secondary reconstruction (SR) compared with immediate reconstruction (IR) procedures in the breast. To compare the incidence of SSI and NIWCs after implant and autologous IR, DR, and SR breast procedures after mastectomy. This retrospective cohort study included women aged 18 to 64 years undergoing mastectomy from January 1, 2004, through December 31, 2011. Data were abstracted from a commercial insurer claims database in 12 states and analyzed from January 1, 2015, through February 7, 2017. Reconstruction within 7 days of mastectomy was considered immediate. Reconstruction more than 7 days after mastectomy was considered delayed if the mastectomy did not include IR or secondary if the mastectomy included IR. International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis codes for SSI and NIWCs. Mastectomy was performed in 17 293 women (mean [SD] age, 50.4 [8.5] years); 61.4% of women had IR or DR. Among patients undergoing implant reconstruction, the incidence of SSI was 8.9% (685 of 7655 women) for IR, 5.7% (21 of 369) for DR, and 3.2% (167 of 5150) for SR. Similar results were found for NIWCs. In contrast, the incidence of SSI was similar after autologous IR (9.8% [177 of 1799]), DR (13.9% [19 of 137]), and SR (11.6% [11 of 95]) procedures. Compared with women without an SSI after implant IR, women with an SSI after implant IR were significantly more likely to have another SSI (47 of 412 [11.4%] vs 131 of 4791 [2.7%]) and an NIWC (24 of 412 [5.8%] vs 120 of 4791 [2.5%]) after SR. The incidence of SSI (24 of 379 [6.3%] vs 152 of 5286 [2.9%]) and NIWC (22 of 379 [5.8%] vs 129 of 5286 [2.4%]) after implant SR was higher in women who had received adjuvant radiotherapy. Wound complications after IR were associated with significantly more breast surgical procedures (mean of 1.92 procedures [range, 0-9] after implant IR and 1.11 [range, 0-6] after autologous IR) compared with women who did not have a complication (mean of 1.37 procedures [range, 0-8] after implant IR and 0.87 [range, 0-6] after autologous IR). The incidence of SSI and NIWCs was slightly higher for implant IR compared with delayed or secondary implant reconstruction. Women who had an SSI or NIWC after implant IR had a higher risk for subsequent complications after SR and more breast operations. The risk for complications should be carefully balanced with the psychosocial and technical benefits of IR. Select high-risk patients may benefit from consideration of delayed rather than immediate implant reconstruction to decrease breast complications after mastectomy.

Microvascular replantation of head and neck amputated parts: A systematic review.

As opposed to upper and lower extremity amputations representing a considerable volume of admissions, the prowess of microsurgeons is seldom solicited in complex cases of head and neck replantation. Our aim was to determine the rate of successful replantation of craniofacial parts in a systematic review of the literature. We performed a systematic review of English literature using PubMed/MEDLINE for every replantation of a head and neck parts. Articles selected for analysis required to describe microvascular surgical techniques to be considered a replantation. The measured endpoint for a successful replantation was survival at hospital discharge. From 113 articles from the literature, reported cases of replanted craniofacial parts included 90 scalps, 56 ears, 34 lips, 26 noses, 1 eyebrow, and 1 midface. A significant majority of amputations were described as an avulsion mechanism (78.4%), as opposed to cutting/sharp (17.3%) or crush-type (1.9%). The overall success rate at hospital discharge was 72.1%, with a partial failure at 20.2% and a complete failure at 7.7%. Urgent replantation of head and neck amputated parts allow patients to recover in a timely manner and to decrease the need for secondary reconstructive procedures. The significant rate of success is a strong argument in favor of promoting access to care for replantation of craniofacial parts.

Orbital Reconstruction: Patient-Specific Orbital Floor Reconstruction Using a Mirroring Technique and a Customized Titanium Mesh.

Enophthalmos is a severe complication of primary reconstruction of orbital floor fractures. The goal of secondary reconstruction procedures is to restore symmetrical globe positions to recover function and aesthetics. The authors propose a new method of orbital floor reconstruction using a mirroring technique and a customized titanium mesh, printed using a direct metal laser-sintering method. This reconstructive protocol involves 4 steps: mirroring of the healthy orbit at the affected site, virtual design of a patient-specific orbital floor mesh, CAM procedures for direct laser-sintering of the customized titanium mesh, and surgical insertion of the device. Using a computed tomography data set, the normal, uninjured side of the craniofacial skeleton was reflected onto the contralateral injured side, and a reconstructive orbital floor mesh was designed virtually on the mirrored orbital bone surface. The solid-to-layer files of the mesh were then manufactured using direct metal laser sintering, which resolves the shaping and bending biases inherent in the indirect method. An intraoperative navigation system ensured accuracy of the entire procedure. Clinical outcomes were assessed using 3dMD photogrammetry and computed tomography data in 7 treated patients. The technique described here appears to be a viable method to correct complex orbital floor defects needing delayed reconstruction. This study represents the first step in the development of a wider experimental protocol for orbital floor reconstruction using computer-assisted design-computer-assisted manufacturing technology.

Steam vaporizers: A danger for paediatric burns

BackgroundSteam vaporizers are used to humidify air in dry environments. They are marketed to moisten children's airway secretions and thus to help relieve symptoms associated with upper respiratory tract infections. Unfortunately the steam emitted from the unit can also pose a significant risk of burns to children. Our study aimed to ascertain patterns of injury and treatment outcomes from steam burns resulting from these devices. Potential preventative measures are discussed. MethodsChildren who had sustained vaporizer scald burns were identified at the outpatient burns clinic over a 10-month period (November 2014–August 2015). Medical records were reviewed retrospectively and data collected on pattern of injury, management and outcomes. ResultsTen children were treated for vaporizer steam burns over the study period. The mean age was 1.6 years and 8 (80%) patients were male. Operative intervention was undergone in 5 (50%) cases; four acutely and one as a secondary reconstructive procedure. Hand burns accounted for 8 (80%) of cases. ConclusionsSteam vaporizers can cause significant burns in the paediatric population. Toddlers were most at risk, frequently sustaining hand burns that underwent skin grafting. Greater public awareness of the danger is indicated and measures to prevent such injuries should be addressed by appropriate authorities.

Outcomes of Proximal Humerus Fracture Open Reduction Internal Fixation with Concomitant Ipsilateral Shoulder Girdle Injuries: a Case Control Study.

Proximal humerus fractures treated in the face of ipsilateral injuries to the shoulder girdle may be predisposed to worse clinical outcomes. The purpose of this investigation was to examine outcomes of proximal humerus fractures treated with open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) using an endosteal augment in the presence of a concomitant shoulder girdle injury in comparison to isolated proximal humerus fractures treated with ORIF and endosteal augment. A prospective database was used to identify proximal humerus fractures with ipsilateral shoulder girdle injuries (glenohumeral and acromioclavicular dislocation, fractures of the acromion, clavicle, scapula, or humeral diaphysis). These were compared to isolated proximal humerus fractures treated in the same fashion (ORIF with endosteal augment). Minimum of 1year follow-up was required for inclusion. Outcomes assessed included range of motion (ROM), development of avascular necrosis (AVN), hardware-related complications, reoperation, and subjective outcome assessments including the Disabilities of Arm Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (DASH), Constant score, UCLA rating scale, and the Short Form-36 (SF-36). Fifteen ipsilateral injuries were seen in 14 patients. Seventy-seven isolated proximal humerus fractures were available for comparison. The ipsilateral injury group had significantly worse forward flexion (141 vs 156°, p = 0.02), external rotation (56 vs 64°, p = 0.03), higher rates of avascular necrosis (4 of 14, 28.6% vs 1 of 77, 1.3%, p = 0.002), and inferior SF-36 physical health scores (48.5 vs 63.5; p = .04). Despite these differences, no significant differences were seen with hardware-related complications or DASH, Constant score, or UCLA rating scale results. No patients required secondary reconstructive procedures. Despite a statistically higher rate of AVN and decreased ROM, patient-based outcomes of proximal humerus fractures with ipsilateral shoulder injuries approached those seen in isolated proximal humerus fractures. This suggests that these injuries can achieve similarly good clinical results provided any associated shoulder pathology is identified and treated appropriately.

Postoperative enophthalmos correction and secondary midfacial reconstruction after complex orbital-maxillary fracture repair

Reconstruction of orbital wall and midfacial fractures pose a great challenge to oculoplastic surgeons as it may be associated with persistent post-operative enophthalmos, ocular misalignement, and facial asymmetry, requiring secondary reconstructive procedures. Cosmetically unacceptable post-operative enophthalmos should be revised. Several methods have been described including revision of the primary surgical implant or placement of additional implants. In the following case report, we describe a simple technique through a single transconjunctival incision to manage post-operative enophthalmos and secondary midfacial asymmetry following primary repair of a complex orbital-maxillary fracture.&#x0D;

Nerve injuries and posttraumatic therapy

Peripheral nerve injuries are a common clinical problem and can represent a major challenge, especially after trauma. In order to achieve optimal therapy, an early and adequate diagnosis with subsequent therapy is critical for functional preservation and restoration. Especially after complete severance of a peripheral nerve, the surgical techniques for nerve coaptation are an important prerequisite for peripheral nerve regeneration. The importance and necessity of adequate nerve coaptation and nerve transplantation are presented in detail. In addition, the types of primary and secondary nerve reconstruction procedures are described as well as the optimal time point of nerve repair. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the possibilities for diagnosis and intervention after nerve injury, additionally including an algorithm for surgical intervention. Furthermore, possible pitfalls and factors for improving the functional outcome are presented to optimize results with trauma-related nerve injury.

Management of high-energy bicondylar tibial plateau fractures by minimal internal fixation and the ilizarov frame: the knee function

Management of comminuted bicondylar tibial plateau fractures remains a challenge to orthopedic surgeons. Studies of long-term outcomes of treatment of the tibial plateau have included a mixture of fracture types, including low-energy split and split-depressed fractures. Thus, the middle- to long-term results of management of high-energy fractures are still lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knee function and development of arthrosis after a minimum of 3 years in high-energy tibial plateau fractures treated by the Ilizarov external fixator. This is a retrospective study performed at an academically supervised level III, trauma center, in which percutaneous and/or limited open internal fixation and an Ilizarov frame were applied for displaced bicondylar high-energy tibial plateau fractures (Schatzker types V and VI, and Orthopedic Trauma Association types C1, C2, and C3). There were 55 patients in this study and they were followed for a minimum of 3 years. Completion of the Iowa knee score, and the Short Form-36 (SF-36) General Health Survey, was a must. After healing, none of the studied patients needed a secondary reconstructive procedure. The knee motion ranged between 15° of extension and 155° of flexion, with an average of 88 % of the total arc of the contralateral knee. The average Iowa knee score was 94 points (range, 65 to 100 points), at the final follow-up visit. Twenty-eight patients rated their outcome as excellent; 17, as good; and 10, as fair. All the studied patients returned to their previous original works. Thirty-five of them were performing strenuous labor. At the final follow-up visit, there were arthrosis grade 1 in the X-rays of 25 patient, grade 2 in 10, grade 3 in 2, and no evidence of arthrosis was found in 18 X-rays (grade 0). Compared with the radiographic appearance 3 years after surgery, there was no evidence of progression of arthrosis in 42 patients, while arthrosis progressed for one grade in 13 patients. The SF-36 subscale scores were similar to those of age-matched controls. Patients suffering from high-energy bicondylar tibial plateau fractures could be safely treated by minimal internal fixation and Ilizarov external fixation. This procedure has good prognosis for satisfactory knee function for up to 16 years of follow-up. The intra-articular displacement should be reduced properly, and only very minimal displacements are accepted. This leads to a better knee function and low arthrosis rate.

The Role of Fat Grafting in the Treatment of Posttraumatic Maxillofacial Deformities

Purpose The first autologous adipose tissue grafting was performed by Neuber in 1893 with an open approach. In the early 1980s, Illouz and Fournier introduced closed liposuction. In the 1990s, Coleman published a new method of atraumatic fat transplantation. Recently, immunohistochemical studies of the extracellular matrix of the lipoaspirate showed the presence of adipose-derived stem cells. The purpose of this study is to describe the role of fat grafting in the management of posttraumatic facial deformities. Methods The study population was composed of all patients who underwent facial fat grafting between March 2008 and November 2010 as a secondary reconstructive procedure after an initial unsatisfactory treatment of the skeletal fractures. We analyzed the postoperative morphological changes by comparing the grafted side of the face to the contralateral side with the aid of a software package. Results Nineteen patients were surgically treated with fat transplantation for facial asymmetry due to a pathological postoperative healing of the soft tissue. Clinical examination and software analysis showed adequate postoperative facial balance without major complications. Conclusion Fat grafting is a very powerful tool to correct posttraumatic maxillofacial deformities and to ensure a long-term follow-up. Although we have achieved excellent clinical results in our reconstructive clinical cases, we are convinced that more complex prospective studies, enriched by long-term radiological controls, are needed to fully understand the biological behavior of the transplanted fat in the posttraumatic face.

Endoscopic Delivery of Calcium Phosphate Cement for Secondary Craniofacial Reconstruction

Contour defects are common following primary craniofacial procedures including cranial vault remodeling, fronto-orbital and midface advancements, and complex posttraumatic reconstructions. When onlayed as fast-setting pastes, calcium phosphate cements (CPCs) have been used to effectively correct contour defects in open secondary reconstruction procedures. Here, we describe an endoscopic procedure using an injectable CPC and compare surgical outcomes with the open technique. A retrospective review was conducted for 36 consecutive patients aged 3.0-28.9 years (mean, 10.1 years) who underwent secondary craniofacial reconstruction over a 3-year period. Patients were stratified into endoscopic or open groups depending on the surgical approach utilized. Mean operative time was significantly shorter (P < 0.001) for the endoscopic group (64 minutes) than for the open group (131 minutes). Similarly, hospital stay was significantly shorter (P = 0.005) in the endoscopic group than in the open group. There was also a significant difference with respect to cost (P < 0.001), with the endoscopic approach resulting in a per-patient cost savings of $2208.05. In conclusion, endoscopic delivery of CPC appears to be a safe, efficacious, and cost-effective method of performing secondary craniofacial reconstruction, with the additional benefits of decreased operative time and shorter postoperative hospital stay when compared with an open procedure.

Persistent Histological Changes in the Exstrophic Bladder After Primary Closure—A Cause for Concern?

We investigated bladder biopsies from patients with classic bladder exstrophy for the histological features and discuss the potential clinical significance of the findings. Bladder tissues were collected from patients with bladder exstrophy between 2004 and 2011. These specimens were obtained at primary bladder closure (group 1, 29 patients), during secondary reconstructive procedures (group 2, 27) or during cystectomy for failed reconstruction (group 3, 15). All tissue specimens were investigated for inflammatory, proliferative, metaplastic and dysplastic changes. Expression of urothelial differentiation markers CK13 and CK20 was determined by immunohistochemical analysis. Inflammatory, proliferative and metaplastic changes were found in bladder specimens of all subgroups. Neither dysplasia nor neoplasia was present. Severe epithelial changes such as cystitis glandularis and intestinal metaplasia were observed in up to 62% of bladders several years after primary closure. Aberrant expression patterns of CK13 and CK20 suggesting abnormal urothelial differentiation were shown to be present in the urothelium of all subgroups. Our findings provide prima facie evidence that the epithelial changes observed in the unclosed bladder template persist or even progress in a subset of bladders after primary closure. Although the malignant potential of cystitis glandularis and intestinal metaplasia is controversial, some patients may be at increased risk for dysplasia/neoplasia in the long term. Since the natural history of these lesions in the exstrophic bladder is unknown, these patients require lifelong surveillance.

The Use of a Pedunculated, Extended Latissimus Dorsi Flap in Primary and Secondary Breast Reconstruction Procedures - Case Report

The extended latissimus dorsi flap (LD) is used in breast reconstruction since the 70's. LD flap is often used in corrective surgery in cases of unsatisfactory cosmetic results after breast-conserving therapy. In our department LD flap has several uses. In addition to free microvascular flaps - which applies in breast reconstructive surgery is routine, there are clinical situations where the use of pedicled LD flap is justified. The main indications for its use are: the inability to apply microvascular flap, the general condition (diabetes, advanced atherosclerosis), smoking, previous surgery of abdominal wall, abdominal obesity, patient preferences. Approximately 30% of patients after breast reconstruction require corrective procedures. Group which uses extended LD flap account for 24 patients. In 16 cases it was used for elective breast reconstruction. In the remaining eight cases it was used in the corrective procedures symmetry and shape of the previously reconstructed breast. Based on our own experience it can be concluded that the LD flap with an alternative to microvascular techniques. Complication rate when using the LD flap is relatively low and includes: seroma and slight motor disability of the shoulder girdle.

Does Open Reduction of the Developmental Dislocated Hip Increase the Risk of Osteonecrosis?

Osteonecrosis (ON) of the femoral head is one of the main complications associated with treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hips (DDH). The reported rates of ON vary widely between 6% and 48%, suggesting varying factors in these studies influence the rate. Several studies suggest open reduction combined with femoral shortening provides protection against ON. However, it is unclear whether confounders such as failed Pavlik harness treatment, preliminary traction, closed versus open reduction, and redislocation influence the rate of ON. We therefore asked whether open reduction with concomitant osteotomies without femoral shortening, redislocation, and secondary surgical procedures for residual acetabular dysplasia influenced the rate of ON. We retrospectively reviewed 64 children (78 hips) hospitalized with developmental dislocation of the hip between January 1998 and February 2007. Patients younger than 12 months were treated with closed or open reduction. Open reduction combined with concomitant pelvic and femoral osteotomies was performed in patients past walking age. ON was diagnosed from radiographs obtained at last followup. We used logistic regression analysis to identify predictors for the development of ON. The minimum followup was 3.2 years (mean, 6.8 years; range, 3.2-11.5 years). The overall rate of ON was 40%. Patients who underwent open reduction combined with concomitant osteotomies, experienced redislocation, or required secondary reconstructive procedures after initial reduction were at higher risk for having ON develop. We advocate early reduction of the dislocated hip in the first year of life to avoid the need for concomitant osteotomies combined with open reduction.