Graft Suture Research Articles

Surgery for facial palsy in the hands of otorhinolaryngologists: a population-based study.

Modern facial surgery can improve eye closure and address facial functional and emotional expression disabilities in case of severe acute facial paralysis with low probability of recovery and in cases of chronic flaccid facial paralysis. Reports on outcome typically originate from specialized tertiary care centers, whereas population-based data from routine care beyond specialized centers is sparse. Therefore, patients' characteristics, surgical techniques, postoperative complications, and patients' satisfaction with the final outcome were analyzed for all inpatients with facial paralysis undergoing facial surgery in Thuringia, a federal state in Germany, between 2006 and 2022. 260 patients (female 41.5%; median age 65 years) were included. On average, the surgery rate was higher for men than for women (0.83 ± 0.39 versus 0.58 ± 0.24 per 100,000 population per year). For first surgery, static procedures were dominating (67.3%), followed by dynamic reconstruction (13.8%), and combined static and dynamic reconstructions (13.5%). The most frequent type of surgery was upper lid weight loading (38.5%), hypoglossal-facial jump nerve suture (17.3%), and facial-facial interpositional graft suture (16.9%). Bleeding/hematoma formation needing revision surgery was the most frequent complication (6.2%). Overall, 70.4% of the patients were satisfied with the final result. The satisfaction was higher if the target was to improve eye closure (65.2%) or to improve upper face function (65.3%) than to improve the lower face function (53.3%). If facial nerve reconstruction surgery and/or upper lid weight placement was performed, the satisfaction was significantly higher. If revision surgery was needed to improve the result, the satisfaction was significantly lower.

Clinical application of free peroneal artery leaflet perforator flap in postoperative complex defect of oral cancer

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of a segmented perforator flap of free peroneal artery to repair a complex defect after oral cancer. Methods:Forty-eight patients with oral cancer admitted to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College from January 2018 to January 2022, including 8 of buccal cancer, 7 of floor cancer, 14 of tongue cancer, 5 of retromolar cancet, 9 of maxillary gingival cancer and 5 of mandibular gingival cancer. After lesion resection, 24 patients in the experimental group used the partial perforator flap to repair the defect, and 24 patients in the control group used the single flap to repair the defect. Compared with the general data of the two groups, the difference was not statistically significant（P>0.05）, which was comparable. The flap cutting range of the experimental group was 38.5-74.5 cm², and tension-reduced suture for the donor area. In the control group, the myocutaneous flap incision range was 61.0-76.5 cm², and skin graft suture for the donor area. Flap survival and patient survival were recorded and compared. The patients were followed up at 6 and 12 months after surgery, and their swallowing function and speech function, including the drinking water test, functional oral food intake scale and the Chinese language clarity test word table, were evaluated respectively, and their subjective satisfaction with the repair appearance was recorded. Patients in both groups were followed up for 12 to 60 months. Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the cumulative survival rate of patients, and survival curves were plotted. log-rank test was used to compare the survival curves between groups. Results:The survival rate of the two groups was 100%. The 5-year survival rate was 62.5% in the experimental group and 54.2% in the control group. There was no significant difference between the two groups （P>0.05）. According to the results of the functional recovery evaluation, the groups in swallowing and speech function and subjective satisfaction（P>0.05）, and at 12 months after surgery（P<0.05）. Conclusion:The segmented perforator flap of free peroneal artery is flexible and can repair different anatomical structures of postoperative composite defect of oral cancer, which can effectively improve postoperative functional recovery and patient satisfaction. Therefore, the peroneal artery segmented perforator flap is the ideal flap for reconstructing postoperative composite defect of oral cancer.

Facial nerve reconstruction for flaccid facial paralysis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

To determine the functional outcome after facial nerve reconstruction surgery in patients with flaccid facial paralysis. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed on studies reporting outcomes after direct facial nerve suture (DFS), facial nerve interpositional graft suture (FIGS), hypoglossal-facial nerve suture (HFS), masseteric-facial nerve suture (MFS), and cross-face nerve suture (CFS). These studies were identified from PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Two independent reviewers performed two-stage screening and data extraction. A favorable result was defined as a final House-Brackmann grade I-III and is presented as a ratio of all patients in percentage. Pooled proportions were calculated using random-effects models. From 4,932 screened records, 54 studies with 1,358 patients were included. A favorable result was achieved after DFS in 42.67% of the patients [confidence interval (CI): 26.05%-61.12%], after FIGS in 66.43% (CI: 55.99%-75.47%), after HFS in 63.89% (95% CI: 54.83%-72.05%), after MFS in 63.11% (CI: 38.53%-82.37%), and after CFS in 46.67% (CI: 24.09%-70.70%). There was no statistically significant difference between the techniques (Q = 6.56, degrees of freedom = 4, p = 0.1611). The established facial nerve reconstruction techniques including the single nerve cross-transfer techniques produce satisfactory results in most of the patients with permanent flaccid facial paralysis. An international consensus on standardized outcome measures would improve the comparability of facial reanimation techniques.

Lower eyelid retraction repair using autologous auricular scapha cartilage.

To assess the efficacy of lower eyelid retraction surgery utilizing autologous auricular scapha cartilage (located within the anterior surface groove between the helix and anti-helix) and to present the surgical outcomes in a patient cohort. Medical records of 21 patients who underwent lower eyelid retraction surgery with scapha cartilage were retrospectively reviewed. Retractions, present for an extended duration (6months to 20years), exhibited 1mm or more inferior scleral show, attributed to prior lower eyelid blepharoplasty, facial palsy, or as a normal anatomical variation. Surgical interventions included lateral canthotomy, cantholysis, incision of the subtarsal conjunctiva-lower eyelid retractors, lower eyelid retractor lysis, cartilage graft suturing to the defect area without conjunctival cover, and tightening of the lateral canthal corner in all patients. A total of 29 eyelids in 21 patients underwent surgery without intraoperative complications. Over a mean follow-up period of 11months (range: 6-30months), lower lid retraction improved in 96.5% of eyelids. Postoperative margin-to-reflex distance measurements (MRD2) significantly decreased compared to preoperative values (p = 0.001; p < 0.01). Average improvements in MRD2-a (midpupil to lower lid) and MRD2-b (lateral limbus to lower lid) were 1.77 ± 0.80 and 2.04 ± 0.81, respectively (p = 0.001; p < 0.01). Four eyelids (4/29) required revision due to canthal corner loosening, with correction necessitating periosteal flaps. All four patients had previously undergone two or more repairs elsewhere. The graft was visible in two lids but did not require further revision. One patient experienced mild helix deformity at the donor site, which did not warrant additional intervention. In cases of lower lid retraction associated with middle/posterior lamellar shortening, utilizing an autologous auricular scapha cartilage spacer graft offers notable benefits. These advantages comprise straightforward harvesting with minimal donor site complications, stability without experiencing shrinkage, a softer texture in comparison to posterior cartilage, a concave shape that facilitates proper fitting on the globe, and its autologous nature.

Poster 262: Biomechanical Evaluation of New Fixation Techniques for Posterolateral Corner Reconstruction

Objectives: Posterolateral corner (PLC) injuries intricately damage vital knee stabilizers. Both fibular and tibial-based reconstruction techniques are used and are classically described with use of interference screw fixation of the graft at the femur. However, adjustable loop buttons may conserve more bone stock, reduce the risk of tunnel convergence in the setting of multiligament reconstruction, and provide more versatile and reproducible tensioning ability compared to interference screws. Further, tape-reinforced graft suturing has been shown to have favorable biomechanical properties over traditional graft suturing techniques. There is no study comparing interference screw fixation to adjustable loop buttons in the context of tape-reinforced grafts in PLC reconstruction. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to biomechanically compare adjustable loop button fixation with interference screws for fibular collateral ligament and popliteal tendon fixation to the femur for PLC reconstruction. We hypothesize there will be no difference in varus or external rotation laxity between the two methods of fixation. Methods: The biomechanical study was conducted on 10 cadaveric knee specimens in a non-destructive repeated measures sequence using a 6-degree of freedom robotic arm (Fig. 1), under four conditions: (1) Native (2) PLC reconstruction with adjustable-loop suspensory button fixation, (3) PLC reconstruction interference screw fixation, and (4) PLC injured state. Reconstruction was performed using a fibular based technique as described by Arciero et al. FCL and popliteal tendon limbs were tensioned independently with 100N of force. The FCL was tensioned with the knee at 30° of flexion and 3 N∙m of valgus torque in neutral rotation. The popliteal tendon limb was tensioned at 60° of knee flexion with neutral rotation. Biomechanical evaluation consisted of a 5-N∙m external rotation test and a 10-N∙m varus test, performed at 0°, 30°, 60° and 90° of flexion. Results: All differences are presented in the order of 0°, 30°, 60° and 90° of flexion. Cutting the PLC significantly increased external rotation laxity (Fig. 2) (+3.8°, +9.7°, +9.9°, +7.6, all P&lt;0.001) and varus laxity (Fig. 3) (+1.7°, +4.5°, +3.7°, all p&lt;0.001, no significant difference at 90° of flexion) with respect to native. PLC reconstruction with suspensory fixation significantly over constrained external rotation (Fig. 2) (-3.5° P=0.002, -4.3° P&lt;0.001, -4.1° P=0.002, -3.1° P=0.039) and varus (Fig. 3) (-1.5°, -2.1°, -2.4°, -2.1°, all P&lt;0.001). PLC Reconstruction with interference screws similarly over constrained external rotation (Fig. 2) (-4.3°, -5.5°, -5.4°, -4.5°, all P&lt;0.001) and varus (Fig. 3) (-1.8°, -2.5°, -2.9°, -2.8°, all P&lt;0.001). There was no significant difference found between the suspensory fixation and the interference screw fixation in any test. Conclusions: Both reconstruction techniques restored the stability in external rotation and varus stress. No significant differences were found between the two fixation methods, validating both adjustable-loop suspensory buttons and interference screws as viable options for femoral fixation in the setting of PLC reconstruction. However, both methods over-constrained the knee in ER and Varus. This may be due to the increased stiffness of the tape-reinforced graft suturing, or over-tensioning of the grafts during fixation. The study tests a physiologic load but is limited since the specimen is not cyclically loaded or loaded to failure. This study evaluates and compares two PLC reconstruction techniques and their impact on knee stability. These findings provide quantifiable data to aid surgeons in making evidence-based, patient-specific decisions regarding appropriate PLCR technique. Biomechanically, the adjustable-loop suspensory fixation and the interference screw behave very similarly at time zero. Given this, surgeons may select an implant based on their comfort, training and/or patient specific needs. Further research is necessary to determine which implant performs the best in a clinical setting.

A Novel Endoscopic Anterior Cricoid Rib Grafting: A Feasibility Study in An Animal Model.

The objective of our study was to document the feasibility of a novel endoscopic anterior cricoid split and rib grafting technique in a goat airway model. Feasibility pilot animal study. Animal surgical laboratory at a tertiary hospital and research center. Three Ardhi goats were utilized. After harvesting and shaping the rib graft, 2 sutures were inserted transversely into the graft. An endoscopic midline anterior cricoid split was performed and extended down through the first tracheal ring, followed by a balloon dilation of the site. Next, the 2 lower and upper graft suture ends were sequentially passed as endo-extra laryngeal sutures and tied on the anterior neck skin. Laryngeal stent was utilized in 1 goat following graft placement. The surgery was successful in all included animals and bronchoscopy performed 7 days after surgery, revealed that the anterior graft was in good position. One goat developed surgical site infection leading to partial graft resorption. This study demonstrated the feasibility of this novel procedure which is potentially useful for patients who are candidates for a single-stage reconstruction. Future studies should investigate the safety and validity of this technique in a model with subglottic stenosis. NA.

Clinical Outcomes and Graft Resorption After Metal-Free Bone Block Suture Tape Cerclage Fixation for Recurrent Anterior Shoulder Instability: A Computed Tomography Analysis

Background: Glenoid reconstruction with a bone block for anterior glenoid bone loss (GBL) has shown excellent outcomes. However, fixation techniques that require metal implants are associated with metal-related complications and bone graft resorption. Hypothesis: Arthroscopic glenoid reconstruction using a tricortical iliac crest bone graft (ICBG) and metal-free suture tape cerclage fixation can safely and effectively restore the glenoid surface area in patients with recurrent anterior shoulder instability and anterior GBL. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Adult patients (≥18 years) of both sexes with recurrent anterior shoulder instability and anterior GBL ≥15% were enrolled. These patients underwent arthroscopic glenoid reconstruction with ICBGs and metal-free suture tape cerclage fixation. The effectiveness and clinical outcomes with this technique were evaluated at 24 months using functional scores. Resorption of the graft articular surface was assessed by computed tomography, with the graft surface divided into 6 square areas aligned in 2 columns. Descriptive analysis was conducted. Results: A total of 23 consecutive patients met inclusion criteria (22 male, 1 female; mean age, 30.5 ± 7.9 years). The mean preoperative GBL was 19.7% ± 3.4%, and there were 15 allograft and 8 autograft ICBGs. All patients exhibited graft union at 3 months. The median follow-up was 38.5 months (interquartile range, 24-45 months). The Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index, Rowe, Constant-Murley, and Subjective Shoulder Value scores improved from preoperatively (35.1%, 24.8, 83.1, and 30.9, respectively) to postoperatively (84.7%, 91.1, 96.0, and 90.9, respectively) (P < .001). No differences in clinical scores were observed between the graft types. One surgical wound infection was reported, and 2 patients (8.7% [95% CI, 2.4%-26.8%]) required a reoperation. The mean overall glenoid surface area increased from 80.3% ± 3.5% to 117.0% ± 8.3% immediately after surgery before subsequently reducing to 98.7% ± 6.2% and 95.0% ± 5.7% at 12 and 24 months, respectively (P < .001). The mean graft resorption rate was 18.1% ± 7.9% in the inner column and 80.3% ± 22.4% in the outer column. Additionally, 3 patients treated with an allograft (20.0% [95% CI, 7.1%-45.2%]), including the 2 with clinical failures, exhibited complete graft resorption at the last follow-up. Conclusion: Arthroscopic glenoid reconstruction using an ICBG and metal-free suture tape cerclage fixation was safe and effective, yielding excellent clinical outcomes. Resorption of the graft articular surface predominantly affected the nonloaded areas beyond the best-fit circle perimeter.

Reasons for the Variability of Rehabilitation Programs and the Perspective of the Standardized Guidelines Development for Patients after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Summary. The following factors influence the choice of rehabilitation program after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Surgical factors: peculiarities of the tunnels drilling, method and quality of graft fixation, presence and type of additional distal fixation, as well as the presence or absence of additional reinforcement, graft diameter, graft material and quality, graft suturing method, type of ACL repair (single- or double-bundle), and other elements of the surgery. Patient factors: compliance, psychological readiness to move on to the next phase of rehabilitation, goals and objectives set by the patient; age, type, and level of activity and physical condition of the patient; motivation, expectations of the patient, the preoperative experience of the patient in performing rehabilitation exercises, weight and height of the patient, body proportions, in particular of the lower limb segments (different lever lengths), rotational and axial allignment of the lower limb bones, posterior tibial plateau slope, intercondylar notch width and notch roof slope, condition of the anterolateral ligament and other knee joint stabilizers, muscle tone and strength in general and at the time of surgery in particular, range of motion in the knee and adjacent joints. Given the need to consider at least the above factors, there should not be a single rehabilitation protocol for ACL reconstruction. Only close cooperation between the surgeon, rehabilitologist and physical therapist allows for the fastest and safest rehabilitation of such patients. The patient's subjective feelings and their ability to perform specific exercises are not the criteria for deciding to proceed to the next rehabilitation phase. There is a certain limit, determined by the speed of biological processes in the body, which we cannot yet overcome. It is a good practice for the surgeon to fill out a patient's rehabilitation card immediately after the surgery, indicating the exercises, the time they should start, and the allowed loads.

Abstract 11589: Late Complications After Interrupted Aortic Arch Repair

Description of Case: A 38-year-old man with known type B interrupted aortic arch (IAA), bicuspid aortic valve, and a complex surgical history (including IAA repair with an ascending-descending aortic conduit, later conduit graft revision, and left pulmonary artery [LPA] stent) presented after many years of loss to follow-up and was found to have hypertensive urgency. Echocardiogram showed turbulent flow in the proximal descending aorta concerning for arch obstruction. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) (Fig. 1 A–C) showed: narrowed proximal graft anastomosis, dilation of the aortic root and ascending aorta, a large pseudoaneurysm arising from the distal graft anastomosis, and LPA stenosis due to compression from the descending aorta. Following improved hypertension, the patient underwent placement of a left carotid-subclavian bypass graft followed by thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) with an endograft positioned across the distal aortic jump graft suture line. CTA one month postoperatively (Fig. 1 D–F) confirmed exclusion of the pseudoaneurysm. Discussion: Type B IAA is considered the most common subtype of IAA among cases diagnosed in infancy, though recent data regarding IAA epidemiology are scarce. IAA is associated with other congenital abnormalities, such as ventricular septal defect (VSD), LV outflow tract abnormalities, and 22q11 deletion syndrome. Additional surgical aortic arch procedures in these patients are not uncommon, perhaps especially among patients who required reintervention for LV outflow tract obstruction. While most studies examining long-term outcomes after IAA repair have not commented specifically on late risk of aneurysm or pseudoaneurysm, such findings have been described in the literature. Additionally, use of polytetrafluoroethylene material in arch repair and arch repair by a method other than direct anastomosis—such as were seen in our patient—have been observed to be risk factors for late reintervention.

Application of intraoperative optical coherence tomography in deep lamellar keratoplasty

Objective: To evaluate the clinical application value of intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT) in deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) using the big-bubble technique to bare Descemet's membrane. Methods: Retrospective case series. Clinical data of 92 patients (92 eyes) with monocular stromal corneal diseases who underwent big-bubble DALK in the Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University from January 2020 to August 2021 were collected. There were 53 males and 39 females. The average age was (53.2±16.0) years old. All patients underwent iOCT scanning to determine the location and depth of the injection needle after initial removal of the corneal lesion, to observe the integrity of the recipient bed, Descemet's membrane, after complete lesion removal, and to observe the adhesion between the corneal graft and the recipient bed and check folds on the recipient bed after suturing of the corneal graft. The intraoperative perforation of Descemet's membrane, postoperative thickness of the cornea and the recipient bed, visual acuity, and corneal astigmatism were recorded. Results: By iOCT, the thickness of the recipient bed was found to be about 1/2 of the corneal thickness and relatively uniform in all directions in 62 eyes (67.4%), so the sterile air was injected from the center of the recipient bed to separate it from the stromal layer. In 30 eyes (32.6%) with an uneven thickness of the recipient bed, the sterile air was injected from the paracentral area of the recipient bed. Under the guidance of iOCT scanning, 89 eyes (96.7%) did not experience any perforation of Descemet's membrane during surgery. The Descemet's membrane folds in the central 5-mm area of the recipient bed was observed and flattened in 20 eyes with the assistance of iOCT scanning. The postoperative corneal thickness was (578.95±108.26) μm, and the recipient bed thickness was (36.06±23.11) μm. The best corrected visual acuity of all patients at 6 months after surgery was 0.57±0.25 logMAR, which was significantly better than that before surgery (1.61±1.27 logMAR; P<0.001). The average corneal astigmatism at 6 months after surgery was (2.72±2.44) diopters. Conclusions: The application of iOCT scanning in DALK surgery assisted by the big-bubble method can provide safe guidance for surgeons to adopt correct surgical procedures, decrease the risk of Descemet's membrane perforation, reduce the recipient bed folds, and facilitate corneal interlayer adhesion, thereby improving the visual prognosis.

Tape-Reinforced Graft Suturing and Retensioning of Adjustable-Loop Cortical Buttons Improve Quadriceps Tendon Autograft Biomechanics in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Cadaveric Study

To investigate the biomechanical effects of tape-reinforced graft suturing and graft retensioning for all-soft tissue quadriceps tendon (ASTQT) anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) in a full-construct human cadaveric model. Harvested cadaveric ASTQT grafts were assigned to either (1) double-suspensory adjustable-loop cortical button device (ALD) fixation in which both graft ends were fixed with a suspensory fixation device with (n= 5) or without (n= 5) tape-reinforced suturing or (2) single-suspensory distal tendon fixation in which only the patellar end was fixed with an ALD (n= 5) or fixed-loop cortical button device (FLD) (n= 5). All specimens were prepared using a No. 2 whipstitch technique, and tape-reinforced specimens had an integrated braided tape implant. Graft preparation time was recorded for double-suspensory constructs. Samples were tested on an electromechanical testing machine using a previously published protocol simulating rehabilitative kinematics and loading. Tape-reinforced graft suturing resulted in greater graft load retention after cycling (11.9% difference, P= .021), less total elongation (mean [95% confidence interval (CI)], 5.57 mm [3.50-7.65 mm] vs 32.14 mm [25.38-38.90 mm]; P < .001), greater ultimate failure stiffness (mean [95% CI], 171.9 N/mm [158.8-185.0 N/mm] vs 119.4 N/mm [108.7-130.0 N/mm]; P < .001), and less graft preparation time (36.4% difference, P < .001) when compared with unreinforced specimens. Retensioned ALD constructs had less cyclic elongation compared with FLD constructs (mean total elongation [95% CI], 7.04 mm [5.47-8.61 mm] vs 12.96 mm [8.67-17.26 mm]; P= .004). Tape-reinforced graft suturing improves time-zero ASTQT ACLR construct biomechanics in a cadaveric model with 83% less total elongation, 44% greater stiffness, and reduced preparation time compared with a whipstitched graft without tape reinforcement. ALD fixation improves construct mechanics when compared with FLD fixation as evidenced by 46% less total elongation. Tape-reinforced implants and graft retensioning using ALDs improve time-zero ACLR graft construct biomechanics in a time-zero biomechanical model. Clinical studies will be necessary to determine whether these implants improve clinical outcomes including knee laxity and the incidence of graft rupture.

Femoral Physeal-Sparing ACL Reconstruction With Iliotibial Band Autograft Over-the-Top With Associated Lateral Extra-Articular Tenodesis

Background: Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the pediatric population have been exponentially increasing over the years. However, surgical techniques typically employed for ACL reconstruction (ACL-R) in adults may injure the physes of skeletally immature patients, resulting in growth disturbances. Indications: Currently, ACL-R is recommended for most patients, aiming to return the patient to their previous activities as well as reduce the risk of further instability, meniscal and chondral injuries, and early osteoarthritis. Pediatric ACL-R techniques may vary widely. In this video, the technique chosen was over-the-top on the femur with a vertical tibial tunnel, in addition to a lateral extra-articular tenodesis, using the iliotibial (IT) band as the graft. Technique Description: The patient is positioned in standard supine arthroscopic position. An incision is made over the lateral epicondyle and the IT band is exposed. A 2-cm-wide graft is harvested. The proximal aspect of the graft is truncated as high as possible, and the distal aspect is left attached to Gerdy tubercle. Arthroscopic portals are established, and the remanent ACL is debrided, exposing the posterior aspect of the lateral femoral condyle. The capsule is penetrated using a Schnidt tonsil to establish the over-the-top position, which is subsequently exchanged for a cardiac clamp. The graft sutures are grasped using the clamp and pulled into the joint. The tibial tunnel is drilled at the anatomic footprint of the ACL. The graft is threaded over-the-top of the lateral femoral condyle and through the tibial tunnel. Finally, femoral graft fixation is performed on the lateral femoral condyle using interrupted sutures through the IT band and periosteum, and tibial graft fixation is performed with standard interference fixation. Results: Previous literature shows low re-rupture rates, excellent postoperative patient-reported outcomes, and high return to sport rates. Conclusion: In the pediatric population, there is still no ACL-R technique defined as the gold standard. The described technique is a valuable option for ACL-R in skeletally immature patients, with low revision rates and excellent postoperative outcomes. In addition, this technique minimizes the risk of growth disturbances and effectively stabilizes the knee, allowing patients to return to previous activities. Patient Consent Disclosure Statement: The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.

Arthroscopic-Assisted Coracoclavicular and Acromioclavicular Ligament Reconstruction for Chronic AC Joint Separation

Background: Management of acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) separations depends on the type, chronicity of injury, and patient demographics. Indications: Coracoclavicular and acromioclavicular ligament reconstruction may be indicated for patients with chronic type 3 ACJ separation who have failed conservative treatment. We describe an arthroscopic-assisted approach to facilitate graft passage around the coracoid. Technique: Patients are placed in a beach chair position. A longitudinal incision at the midline of the distal clavicle is utilized for access to the ACJ, the distal clavicle, and the coracoid. The anterior, posterior, and undersurface of the distal clavicle are exposed. A standard posterior viewing and anterolateral working portals are created. A shuttling suture is passed arthroscopically and used to pass allograft and nonbiologic augmentation around the coracoid. The nonbiologic sutures are passed through a singular hole in the distal clavicle and secured with a DogBone button. The allograft is wrapped around the clavicle to recreate the coracoclavicular ligaments and secured with sutures. The ACJ capsule is reconstructed by suturing the posterior/medial limb, which is kept long, to the capsule and periosteum. Meticulous, layered closure is performed with particular attention to closing the deltotrapezial fascia. Results: A postoperative x-ray at 2 weeks and 6 months are obtained to confirm proper positioning. The sling is discontinued at 6 weeks, and supervised physical therapy is initiated. At 6 months, patients are typically cleared to full unrestricted activity. Discussion/Conclusion: Arthroscopic-assisted coracoclavicular and acromioclavicular ligament reconstruction in patients with chronic type 3 ACJ separation who fail conservative management can have excellent outcomes. The use of arthroscopic assistance may ease the passage of graft and nonbiologic suture around the coracoid. A 70° scope is helpful for coracoid visualization, and biologic reconstruction of the ligament with tendon graft with suture augmentation in chronic cases is vital in achieving a good outcome. Patient Consent Disclosure Statement: The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.

Comparison of supratentorial meningioma resection outcomes by dural reconstruction technique.

Excision of intracranial meningiomas often requires resection or coagulation of the dura mater. The choice of dural closure technique is individualized and based on surgeon preference. The objective of this study was to determine outcomes following various dural closure techniques for supratentorial meningiomas. A retrospective, single-center cohort study was performed for patients who underwent excision of supratentorial meningiomas from 2000 to 2019. Outcomes including operative time, postoperative in-hospital complications, readmission, causes of readmission including surgical site infection, pseudomeningocele, need for shunt surgery, and imaging appearance of pseudomeningocele on long-term follow-up imaging were compared. Univariate and multivariable analyses were conducted. A total of 353 patients who had complete clinical and operative data available for review were included. Of these patients, 227 (64.3%) had nonsutured dural graft reconstruction and 126 (35.7%) had sutured dural repair, including primary closure, artificial dura, or pericranial graft. There was significant variability in using nonsutured dural reconstruction compared with sutured dural repair technique among surgeons (p < 0.001). Tumors with sagittal sinus involvement were more likely to undergo nonsutured closure (n = 79, 34.8%) than dural repair (n = 26, 20.6%) (p = 0.003). There were no other differences in preoperative imaging findings or WHO grade. Frequency of surgical site infection and pseudomeningocele, need for shunt surgery, and recurrence were similar between those undergoing nonsutured and those undergoing sutured dural repair. The mean operative time for the study cohort was 234.9 (SD 106.6) minutes. The nonsutured dural reconstruction group had a significantly shorter mean operative time (223.9 [SD 99.7] minutes) than the sutured dural repair group (254.5 [SD 115.8] minutes) (p = 0.015). In a multivariable linear regression analysis, after controlling for tumor size and sinus involvement, nonsutured dural graft reconstruction was associated with a 36.8-minute reduction (95% CI -60.3 to -13.2 minutes; p = 0.002) in operative time. Dural reconstruction using a nonsutured graft and sutured dural repair exhibit similar postoperative outcomes for patients undergoing resection for supratentorial meningiomas. Although sutured grafts may sometimes be necessary, nonsutured graft reconstruction for most supratentorial meningioma resections may suffice. The decreased operative time associated with nonsutured grafts may ultimately result in cost savings. These findings should be taken into consideration when selecting a dural reconstruction technique for supratentorial meningioma.

Laparoscopic Sacrocervicopexy Using Ethibond Suture Graft: A Very Economic Yet Effective Fertility Preserving Surgery for Pelvic Organ Prolapse.

The modern era has witnessed a transition to a phase of uterus-preserving surgeries and so holds true for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgeries as well. Laparoscopic sacrocervicopexy has become a preferred surgical modality for moderate to severe degrees of POP in most women of the childbearing age group. With the alarming incidences of mesh erosion, synthetic mesh has almost gone offthe market. We advocate a very simple and cost-effective technique of laparoscopic sacrocervicopexy using an Ethibond suture graft. It was a pilot prospective observational study over one year. Consecutive consenting women with symptomatic prolapsed uterus Stage-II of the central component of the quantitative POP classification (POP-Q) were recruited. Laparoscopic sacrocervicopexy was performed under general anesthesia using the standard protocols, and patients were prospectively followed for six months after surgery. The duration of surgery and hospital stay were noted. Patient satisfaction was rated using a five-point Likert scale. The vaginal length was measured immediately after and six months post-surgery. Sexual function was assessed using the validated female sexual function index (FSFI) scale six months after sacrocervicopexy. Out of 28 recruited women, the majority were multiparous, highly qualified, and belonged to the middle socio-economic class. Seven patients had co-morbidity in the form of hypertension (17.8%), diabetes (7.1%), and cardiovascular diseases (7.1%). The mean duration of surgery was 105.8±7.2 minutes in the study population. The mean duration of hospital stay was 2.2±0.6 days. No surgical site infection was noted in any of the cases. Most patients rated "very satisfied" experiences following surgery (67.9%). The mean vaginal length after surgery was 7.6±1.2 centimeters. After a follow-up period of six months, the mean vaginal length was 7.4±0.8 centimeters. The mean FSFI score was 30.8±2.4. Laparoscopic sacrocervicopexy with Ethibond suture graft is a cost-effective and safe surgical technique for POP in resource-limited settings. It also obviates the additional cost of synthetic mesh and the long-term risks of mesh erosion.

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) graft and amniotic membrane graft on transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and type 1 collagen post conjunctival excision

Background: Conjunctiva, when injured, can heal spontaneously. However, in extensive wounds, wound healing is often accompanied by scarring and wound contraction. Currently, for cases of disease and trauma to the surface of the eyeball, it can be reconstructed using the amniotic membrane, but there are still weaknesses in the use of amnion. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is currently being developed for the reconstruction of ocular surface wounds. Methods: A total of 20 male New Zealand rabbits (20 eyes) were divided into two groups. In the first group, conjunctival excision and PRF membrane graft suturing were performed on the right eye conjunctival defect, while the second group had an amniotic membrane sutured on the right eye conjunctival defect. On the 14th day, enucleation was carried out and continued with histopathological examination using immunohistochemistry using TGF antibodies and type 1 collagen to evaluate the levels of TGF and type 1 collagen in the conjunctiva. Results: The results after 14 days of treatment showed that there was a very significant difference in TGF Beta expression between the AMT group and the PRF group (p = 0.007*; &lt;0.05). However, in the expression of type 1 collagen, there was no significant difference in the expression of type 1 collagen between the AMT group and the PRF group (p = 0.791; &gt;0.05). Conclusion: There were differences in the expression of TGF-β and type 1 collagen in the administration of the PRF membrane compared to the administration of the amniotic membrane after conjunctival excision of experimental male New Zealand rabbits on day 14.

Atypical early presentation of graft suture infection

We report an atypical presentation of a corneal graft suture-related abscess. An 80-year-old female with a history of Moraxella and herpetic keratitis successfully treated with penetrating keratoplasty was noted to have a semi-circular pigmented line of keratic precipitates straddling a single suture during a routine follow-up appointment. After 48 hours of oral anti-viral and topical steroid therapy for presumed graft rejection, she developed a suture abscess with hypopyon. Treatment with intensive topical antibiotics was commenced, and the case resulted in complete resolution. Semi-circular endothelial keratic precipitates could be an early sign of suture infection.

A Novel Microsurgical Robot: Preliminary Feasibility Test in Ophthalmic Field.

PurposeThis study investigated the feasibility and potential advantage of using a new microsurgical teleoperated robot, Symani Surgical System, in the ophthalmology field. In particular, considering the extreme precision of the system and the dexterity of the instrument, possible use of the Symani Surgical System has been explored for suturing in corneal graft surgery.MethodsManual and robot-assisted suturing of partial corneal transplants was performed on the porcine eye model by an ophthalmologist with experience with the porcine model. Suturing execution time, suture placement, and tomographic parameters were analyzed to assess the regularity and distribution of corneal sutures for both manual and robotic treatment.ResultsThe two robot-assisted procedures were properly completed on the porcine model, confirming the ease of use of the system and its capabilities, as well as the dexterity of the microinstruments. Manual and robotic treatments were found to be equivalent in terms of distance and angular precision of suture placement and corneal surface regularity (Gaussian anterior curvature). The robotic procedure required longer suturing execution times compared with the manual procedure.ConclusionsThe technical and clinical feasibility of robot-assisted suturing of partial corneal graft using the Symani Surgical System has been confirmed for the first time, to our knowledge, using an ex vivo porcine model. Robotic suturing required longer time to complete but was equivalent to the manual procedure with regard to the imaging data collected.Translational RelevanceThis study evaluated the use of the Symani Surgical System in the ophthalmology field. Future investigations could further identify the advantages offered by the stability, dexterity, and motion precision of the system for corneal surgeries, paving the way for clinical use in both adult and even more challenging pediatric therapy.

A dissection … of the Dacron?

A dissection … of the Dacron?

Does the Nice Knot Offer Less Elongation Than the Modified Prusik Knot? An In Vitro Study in Cadaver Quadriceps Tendons.

ACL graft-suture fixation can be constructed with needle or needleless techniques. Needleless techniques have the advantage of decreased injury, preparation time, and cost. The Nice knot is common among upper extremity procedures, and has been shown to have higher load to failure and less elongation compared with other double loop knots; however, there are no studies that have looked at its use for ACL graft-suture construct to determine whether it offers less elongation relative to other needleless techniques. In a cadaver quadriceps tendon model, we asked: (1) Does the Nice knot have less elongation than the Prusik knot? (2) Does the Nice knot have increased peak load and stiffness compared with the Prusik knot? (3) What were the modes of failure of each knot? Sixteen quadriceps tendon grafts were harvested from 16 cadaver knee specimens. The median (range) age of the donors was 80 years (70 to 96) and included three male and five female donors. Eight grafts were prepared with the Prusik knot and eight with the Nice knot using a braided polyblend suture. The graft-suture constructs were mounted in a materials testing machine and subjected to a tensile loading protocol beginning with pretensioning of three cycles from 0 to 100 N at 1 Hz followed by a constant load of 50 N for 1 minute then cyclic loading of 200 cycles from 50 to 200 N at 1 Hz. The constructs were loaded to failure as the final step of the loading protocol. Elongations of the construct after each loading step, peak load, stiffness, and graft cross-sectional area were compared. Construct elongations (median [IQR]) for the Nice knot were lower than that of the Prusik knot after pretensioning (4.4 mm [0.8] versus 5.7 mm [1.4]; p = 0.02), preloading (0.6 mm [0.3] versus 1.0 mm [0.3]; p = 0.005), and cyclic loading (7.4 mm [1.4] versus 10.9 mm [2.1]; p = 0.005). Peak load was not different for the Prusik knot construct compared with the Nice knot (334 N [43] versus 312 N [13]; p = 0.08). Stiffness of the Prusik knot construct (103 N/mm [17]) was no different than the Nice knot construct (110 N/mm [13]; p = 0.13). Graft cross-sectional area of the Prusik knot constructs (85 mm2 [35]) were similar to the grafts of the Nice knot constructs (97 mm2 [31]; p = 0.28). Failure mode of the constructs did not differ between groups; it was caused by suture rupture near the knots that secured the free suture ends to the machine and was seen in all 16 tests. The results of this biomechanical study show that the Nice knot construct has similar or greater biomechanical properties compared with the Prusik knot in the graft suture construct, although the magnitude of the differences are not likely to the level of clinical importance. The Nice knot offers an attractive alternative option for needleless ACL graft preparation technique. Future studies should consider comparison to established needle techniques such as Krackow or whipstitch and testing in an intraarticular component in an in vivo model.