The use of de-epithelialized skin flap in the surgical repair of terminal myelocystoceles

BACKGROUND

Terminal myelocystocele is a severe form of spinal dysraphism characterized by cystic expansion of the terminal spinal cord that herniates through a deficiency of the posterior sacral spinal elements to fuse with the subcutaneous fat. Postnatal enlargement of the subcutaneous fluid-filled sac may result in progressive neurological deficit and threaten the viability of the overlying skin. Surgical repair entails spinal cord untethering, resection of nonfunctional neural elements and watertight reconstruction of the terminal thecal sac. Young age at the time of surgery, large dural defect, attenuated tissues and locally altered CSF dynamics frequently mean that wound complications including CSF leakage and pseudomeningocele formation are common.

TECHNIQUE

With consideration of these requirements, we describe our surgical technique in terminal myelocystocele repair, which combines a novel surgical incision and for the first time in a neurosurgical setting, the use of a de-epithelialized skin flap to augment the closure. We report successful operative outcomes in three infant patients with terminal myelocystocele.

Elevated FGF21 leads to attenuated postnatal linear growth in preterm infants through GH resistance in chondrocytes

CONTEXT

The hormone fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a key metabolic regulator in the adaptation to fasting. In food-restricted mice, inhibition of skeletal growth is mediated by the antagonistic effect of FGF21 on GH action in the liver and growth plate.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to assess the role of FGF21 in growth regulation in humans using postnatal growth failure of very preterm infants as a model.

DESIGN

FGF21 levels were measured serially in very preterm infants, and their linear growth evaluated from birth to term-equivalent age. Primary chondrocytes obtained from pediatric donors were used to test whether FGF21 can directly interfere with GH signaling.

RESULTS

A negative association (β -.415, P < .005, linear regression model) of FGF21 levels with the change in SD score for length was found. In primary chondrocytes, FGF21 upregulated basal and GH-induced SOCS2 expression and inhibited GH-induced signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) phosphorylation as well as GH-induced COLII and ALP expression. Finally, FGF21 inhibited GH-induced IGF-1 expression and cell proliferation, indicating GH resistance. However, FGF21 did not affect IGF-1-induced cell proliferation.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated FGF21 serum levels during the first weeks of life are independently associated with postnatal growth failure in preterm infants. Furthermore, our data provide mechanistic insights into GH resistance secondary to prematurity and may offer an explanation for the growth failure commonly seen in chronic conditions of childhood.

Autologous microtia reconstruction combined with ancillary procedures: a comprehensive reconstructive approach

INTRODUCTION

Autologous microtia reconstruction is generally performed in two stages. The second stage presents a unique opportunity to carry out other complementary procedures. The present study describes our approach to microtia reconstruction, wherein the second stage of reconstruction is combined with final refinements to the ear construct and/or additional procedures to enhance facial contour and symmetry.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of patients who underwent two-stage microtia reconstruction by a single surgeon (NWB) was conducted in order to ascertain those that had ancillary procedures at the time of the second stage. Patient and operative details were collected.

RESULTS

Thirty-four patients (male, 15, median age and age range at second stage, 11 and 10-18 years, respectively) who had complementary procedures executed during the second stage of auricular reconstruction were identified. Collectively, these included centralizing genioplasty (n = 1), fat transfer (n = 22), ear piercing (n = 7), and contralateral prominauris correction (n = 7). Six patients had correction for unilateral isolated microtia and in the remaining 28 patients, auricular reconstruction for microtia associated with a named syndrome. All patients reported a high rate of satisfaction with the result achieved and the majority (85%) reported no perceived need for additional surgical refinements to the ear or procedure(s) to achieve further facial symmetry. No peri- or post-operative complications were noted.

CONCLUSION

Combining the final stage of autologous microtia reconstruction with other ancillary procedures affords a superior aesthetic outcome and decreased patient morbidity.

Multiple congenital melanocytic nevi and neurocutaneous melanosis are caused by postzygotic mutations in codon 61 of NRAS

Congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) can be associated with neurological abnormalities and an increased risk of melanoma. Mutations in NRAS, BRAF, and Tp53 have been described in individual CMN samples; however, their role in the pathogenesis of multiple CMN within the same subject and development of associated features has not been clear. We hypothesized that a single postzygotic mutation in NRAS could be responsible for multiple CMN in the same individual, as well as for melanocytic and nonmelanocytic central nervous system (CNS) lesions. From 15 patients, 55 samples with multiple CMN were sequenced after site-directed mutagenesis and enzymatic digestion of the wild-type allele. Oncogenic missense mutations in codon 61 of NRAS were found in affected neurological and cutaneous tissues of 12 out of 15 patients, but were absent from unaffected tissues and blood, consistent with NRAS mutation mosaicism. In 10 patients, the mutation was consistently c.181C>A, p.Q61K, and in 2 patients c.182A>G, p.Q61R. All 11 non-melanocytic and melanocytic CNS samples from 5 patients were mutation positive, despite NRAS rarely being reported as mutated in CNS tumors. Loss of heterozygosity was associated with the onset of melanoma in two cases, implying a multistep progression to malignancy. These results suggest that single postzygotic NRAS mutations are responsible for multiple CMN and associated neurological lesions in the majority of cases.

Germline melanocortin-1-receptor genotype is associated with severity of cutaneous phenotype in congenital melanocytic nevi: a role for MC1R in human fetal development

Congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) are pigmented birthmarks that affect up to 80% of the skin surface area. The increased frequency of CMN in families of severely affected individuals is suggestive of a predisposing germline genotype. We noted a high prevalence of red hair in affected families, and considered a role for MC1R in this condition. A cohort of 166 CMN subjects underwent pigmentary phenotyping, with MC1R genotyping in 113. Results were compared with a local control group of 60 unrelated children and with 300 UK children without CMN. CMN subjects had higher prevalences of red hair and a red-haired parent than local controls and had a higher rate of compound heterozygosity and homozygosity for MC1R variants. The presence of a V92M or R allele (D84E, R151C, R160W, D294H) was associated with increasing size of the CMN, implying a growth-promoting effect of these alleles. Unexpectedly, the V92M and R151C alleles were also strongly associated with birth weight in the CMN cohort, a finding confirmed in the control group. The effect of germline MC1R genotype on development and severity of CMN led us to investigate potential broader effects on growth, revealing a role for MC1R in normal fetal development.

High plasticity of pediatric adipose tissue-derived stem cells: too much for selective skeletogenic differentiation?

Stem cells derived from adipose tissue are a potentially important source for autologous cell therapy and disease modeling, given fat tissue accessibility and abundance. Critical to developing standard protocols for therapeutic use is a thorough understanding of their potential, and whether this is consistent among individuals, hence, could be generally inferred. Such information is still lacking, particularly in children. To address these issues, we have used different methods to establish stem cells from adipose tissue (adipose-derived stem cells [ADSCs], adipose explant dedifferentiated stem cells [AEDSCs]) from several pediatric patients and investigated their phenotype and differentiation potential using monolayer and micromass cultures. We have also addressed the overlooked issue of selective induction of cartilage differentiation. ADSCs/AEDSCs from different patients showed a remarkably similar behavior. Pluripotency markers were detected in these cells, consistent with ease of reprogramming to induced pluripotent stem cells. Significantly, most ADSCs expressed markers of tissue-specific commitment/differentiation, including skeletogenic and neural markers, while maintaining a proliferative, undifferentiated morphology. Exposure to chondrogenic, osteogenic, adipogenic, or neurogenic conditions resulted in morphological differentiation and tissue-specific marker upregulation. These findings suggest that the ADSC "lineage-mixed" phenotype underlies their significant plasticity, which is much higher than that of chondroblasts we studied in parallel. Finally, whereas selective ADSC osteogenic differentiation was observed, chondrogenic induction always resulted in both cartilage and bone formation when a commercial chondrogenic medium was used; however, chondrogenic induction with a transforming growth factor β1-containing medium selectively resulted in cartilage formation. This clearly indicates that careful simultaneous assessment of bone and cartilage differentiation is essential when bioengineering stem cell-derived cartilage for clinical intervention.

The Bilhaut-Cloquet procedure for Wassel types III, IV and VII thumb duplication

Five cases of Wassel types III, IV and VII thumb duplication underwent a Bilhaut-Cloquet procedure. A stable and mobile metacarpophalangeal joint was achieved in all cases. Interphalangeal joint motion was limited but this joint was stable in all cases. The nail ridge in these thumbs was minimal. A strong, stable thumb of normal size and good appearance can result from the Bilhaut-Cloquet procedure. When one nail is 70% of normal width, a modified procedure using the whole of one nail will avoid the nail ridge, but the nail will still differ from normal.

Acute bilateral forearm compartment syndrome of unknown aetiology

This is the first reported case of non-traumatic, acute bilateral forearm compartment syndrome. Despite a delay of over 24 hours until surgical decompression and 50% muscle fibre necrosis in the histopathological examination, the clinical outcome was excellent after fasciotomy, delayed primary wound closure and early institution of a range of motion exercise programme. The literature on non-traumatic causes of compartment syndrome is reviewed.

Modified Lateral SMASectomy

BACKGROUND

The modified lateral superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS)-ectomy is an evolution of the technique described by Baker. This modification of the lateral SMASectomy improves and simplifies the procedure by addressing the SMAS and platysma in one surgical procedure.

METHODS

A rectangle of SMAS and platysma, parallel to the nasolabial fold (1 cm inferior to the zygomatic arch, 4 to 5 cm below the jaw line, and 3 cm wide), was marked. This plane was undermined anteriorly with blunt dissection, leaving the facial nerve deep to the deep cervical fascia. After excision of the rectangle, the defect was closed, leading to a correction of the neck, jowl, and nasolabial folds. Superolateral elevation of the inferior portion of the flap in particular addresses the problem of neck laxity and platysma redundancy.

RESULTS

A total of 359 patients have undergone this procedure performed by the senior author (N.W.).

CONCLUSION

This technique gives pleasing, durable results, with minimal morbidity.

Free tensor fasciae latae musculofasciocutaneous flap in reconstructive surgery: a series of 85 cases

The use of tensor fasciae latae was first described as a rotation or island flap and evolved into a free flap in the late 1970s. This series of 85 patients undergoing free tensor fasciae latae transfer includes complex head and neck, abdominal wall and lower limb reconstruction. The overall success rate was 93% (79 patients), partial flap loss, 5% (four cases), and flap failure, 2% (two patients). Twelve patients (14%) required unplanned return to theatre for exploration resulting in a 75% salvage rate. We believe this series demonstrates the great versatility of this flap and highlights particular indications for its use.

5-fluorouracil selectively inhibits collagen synthesis

BACKGROUND

Fibroproliferative disorders, such as Dupuytren's contracture of the hand, are characterized by excessive production of collagen. 5-Fluorouracil has been used to treat fibroproliferative disorders of the eye and skin and is thought to inhibit thymidylate synthetase blocking DNA replication. 5-Fluorouracil has been shown to down-regulate fibroblast proliferation and differentiation in vitro.

METHODS

This study investigated the dose-dependent effect of 5-fluorouracil on fibroblast extracellular matrix production. Fibroblasts were derived from tendon and primary Dupuytren's disease of the hand, a fibroproliferative disorder of the palmar aponeurosis (n = 4 patients). Total collagen synthesis was determined by means of the incorporation of radiolabeled proline. Fibroblast secretion of the profibrotic factor transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) was measured by a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Gene expression of collagen types I and III and TGF-beta1 were quantified by means of reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assays.

RESULTS

The authors found that 5-fluorouracil caused a dose-dependent, selective, and specific decrease in collagen production by Dupuytren's fibroblasts compared with noncollagenous protein synthesis. By contrast, procollagen types I and III mRNA were unaffected by 5-fluorouracil treatment. These changes did not appear to be mediated by alterations in the endogenous secretion of TGF-beta1 or its autocrine effect on collagen metabolism.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical implication is that 5-fluorouracil could possibly reduce extracellular matrix production and therefore reduce recurrence of Dupuytren's disease of the hand.

The complications of Dupuytren's contracture surgery

PURPOSE

To determine the complication rate of a modified Skoog's technique in the surgical treatment of Dupuytren's contracture.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on 253 patients who had surgery by 1 surgeon using 1 technique with a mean follow-up period of 3.6 years. We studied the complication rate of the modified Skoog's procedure, relating it to a grading system for disease severity. A separate prospective long-term study was performed with an unselected cohort in which disease recurrence producing contracture was investigated prospectively in a group of 75 patients.

RESULTS

Complications occurred in 46 patients. Thirty-five patients had 1 complication and 11 patients had more than 1 complication. Intraoperative complications included 6 patients with nerve injury and 1 patient with an arterial injury. Early postoperative complications before wound healing included 5 patients with digital hematoma, 24 patients with wound infection, 6 patients with sympathetic dystrophy, and 6 patients with skin slough. Late postoperative complications included 3 patients with scar contraction and 2 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. There were 3 non-hand-related complications: 1 urinary retention, 1 left ventricular failure, and 1 myocardial infarction. Recurrence of Dupuytren's disease occurred in 23 of 75 patients after a mean follow-up period of 9.4 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The complication rate increased with the severity of disease particularly if the proximal interphalangeal joint contracture was 60 degrees or more. There was no difference in the complication rate for patients who had surgery for primary or recurrent disease.

Extensor tendon rehabilitation a prospective trial comparing three rehabilitation regimes

Forty-two patients with 46 complete extensor tendon injuries were prospectively allocated to one of three rehabilitation regimes: static splintage; interphalangeal joint mobilization with metacarpophalangeal joint immobilization or; the "Norwich" regime. All 42 patients were operated on by one surgeon and assessed by one hand therapist. At 4 weeks the total active motion in the static splintage group was significantly reduced but by 12 weeks there was no difference between the regimes. There was no difference in total active motion between the repaired and uninjured hand at 12 weeks, with all patients achieving good or excellent results. However, grip strength at 12 weeks was significantly reduced compared to the uninjured hand after static splintage. There was no difference in hand therapy input between the regimes.

The use of the Siamese combined free flap to reconstruct challenging defects: twin and triplet variants

The reconstruction of large and intricate defects may need the use of combined flaps due to either the size or requirement for multiple surfaces. The combination may be between free and pedicled tissue transfer, and combined or connected free flaps classified by Koshima. We will discuss the use of the Siamese combined free flap as a method of the reconstructing challenging cases, including one of the largest free tissue transfer reported.

The Phenomenon of the Late Recovered Bell???s Palsy: Treatment Options to Improve Facial Symmetry

BACKGROUND

Bell's palsy is an idiopathic neuropathy of cranial nerve VII, and the incidence ranges from 15 to 40 per 100,000. The majority of patients recover, but up to 16 percent of patients have significant sequelae. The phenomenon of the "late recovered" Bell's palsy has the following specific features and has not formerly been described: (1) tightening of the facial muscles, with a deepening nasolabial fold and reduced palpebral fissure; (2) blepharospasm; and (3) incomplete recovery of peripheral VIIth nerve branches, with ipsilateral forehead paralysis, reduced depressor anguli oris function, and poor excursion of the angle of the mouth on smiling.

METHODS

Nonsurgical treatment involved four monthly botulinum toxin injections. Patients had injections to paralyze the ipsilateral orbicularis oculi, contralateral forehead rhytides, and depressor anguli oris and to treat blepharospasm and muscle tightness. The effectiveness of the botulinum toxin injections on facial symmetry and patient appreciation of this were assessed by measuring brow height and teeth exposure before and 3 weeks after injection.

RESULTS

Twenty-three patients were followed up for a mean period of 37 months. The difference in brow height and teeth exposure after injection was less than preinjection measurements, but this did not reach statistical significance. Patient self-assessments showed improvements in their appreciation of the facial symmetry, ability to go out in public, and feelings of self-worth (visual analogue scale). Surgical treatment options include ipsilateral brow lift, division of the contralateral frontal branch, contralateral tarsorrhaphy to equalize the palpebral fissures, and bilateral upper blepharoplasty.

CONCLUSIONS

The true benefit of botulinum toxin injections was more apparent during facial animation and not when the face was static. The patients greatly appreciated the improvement in facial symmetry. Various treatment options are available to improve the quality of life for patients with late recovered Bell's palsy.

A prospective randomised clinical trial of the intra-operative use of 5-fluorouracil on the outcome of dupuytren's disease

5-Fluorouracil reduces proliferation rates of fibroblasts, myofibroblast differentiation and contractility of ocular fibroblasts in vitro. This double-blind randomized clinical trial assesses whether intra-operative topical treatment with 5-fluorouracil reduces the recurrence rate after limited excision of Dupuytren's tissue. Patients with two-digit disease were randomized to having 5-fluorouracil (25mg/ml) treatment for 5 minutes on one digit and placebo on the other. Fifteen patients were enrolled with 18 months follow-up. There were no peri-operative complications. Wound healing was not delayed and there was no deterioration in the flexion deformity of the 5-fluorouracil treated digits. Patients were subsequently assessed by joint angle measurement at 3, 6, 12 and 18 months. There was no significant difference between control and 5-fluorouracil treated digits.

Granular cell tumour of the glans penis

Granular cell tumour of the glans penis is a rare finding with only two other cases reported. This case highlights the importance of achieving the correct diagnosis, as differing excision margins are critical, particularly in this site.

Otoplasty by percutaneous anterior scoring. Another twist to the story: a long-term study of 114 patients

A large number of techniques have been described for the correction of prominent ears to improve the cosmetic outcome and reduce the complication rates. The procedure favoured by the senior author brings together a number of refinements, notably, percutaneous anterior scoring using a modified green needle, control over the degree of fold created and a simple but effective dressing. 114 consecutive patients underwent the correction of 214 ears, with a mean follow up of 3 years and 11 months (9 months to 9 years and 6 months). The senior author performed 100 of these procedures and supervised a senior trainee for the remainder. The mean patient age was 18 years 3 months (3 to 66 years). 57 males and 57 females. 56 general anaesthetic and 58 local anaesthetic. Post-operative complications were; haemorrhage, one ear (required a dressing change); infection, four ears (treated with antibiotics); hypertrophic scarring, two ears which settled (no keloid); recurrence one ear (repeated surgery); continued prominence six ears (two had repeated surgery). No prominent sutures, no anterior skin necrosis, no visible irregularity of the anterior surface of the cartilage and no haematoma occurred. We feel that the low complication rate is due to maximising the advantages and minimising the disadvantages of the different techniques and refinements. We recommend this technique for the routine correction of prominent ears due to a poorly formed antihelical fold or deep conchal bowl.

Long-term prospective follow-up of botulinum toxin treatment for facial rhytides

Some wrinkles and unsightly facial expressions are due to hyperactivity of the underlying facial musculature. Clostridium botulinum type A exotoxin reversibly paralyzes selected muscles and is a safe, helpful adjunct to many other treatments for facial rejuvenation. Fifty-two patients were treated and all data recorded in a prospective fashion. Only areas requested by the patient were treated. The dosage and dilution given in each area were carefully noted and all patients had pretreatment and posttreatment photographs. The effect of botulinum toxin injections on the horizontal brow rhytides was recorded by measuring the distance from the frontal hairline to the superior edge of the eyebrow in the mid-pupillary line. Patients were followed for one to three years (mean 16.3 months). One patient was not responsive to botulinum toxin in spite of repeated injections. Three further patients required touch-up injections two weeks after the initial treatment due to a weak initial response. Repeat injections were required every three to six months (mean 4.05) to maintain the desired improvement. Asymmetry of the brow was seen in two patients and corrected with further administration of botulinum toxin. Twenty-five patients had their forehead rhytides injected and the appropriate measurements taken. Brow ptosis occurred in 22 of the 25 patients and varied 1-6 mm with a mean value of 2.3 mm. This difference was statistically significant (paired t-test p <0.001). Two patients reported dryness and flakiness of the frontal area after injections. No cases of eyelid ptosis or hypersensitivity were seen. Botulinum toxin injections are safe and all undesired effects are reversible. Great care has to be taken not to aggravate the degree of brow ptosis. Injection of the forehead depressors minimizes the risk of brow ptosis. Careful planning of injection sites and doses avoids a mask-like upper face. The use of botulinum toxin provides a useful adjunct to laser and surgical procedures for facial rejuvenation.

Prediction of cosmetic outcome following conservative breast surgery using breast volume measurements

This study was undertaken to examine the feasibility of breast volume estimation as a predictor of cosmetic outcome. We looked at the cosmetic result of conservative surgery related to the percentage of breast tissue removed. The breast tissue excised was calculated by comparing the breast volume, calculated from the mammogram, and the specimen volume. A total of 24 patients were recalled to a special clinic and were assessed for their cosmetic result by the clinician, independent observer and the patient. The assessment was based on a scale of 1 to 4 (poor to excellent). Our results show that if less than 20% of the breast was removed, all assessors felt that the cosmetic result was at least fair. If more than 20% of the breast was removed, the cosmetic score was poor as assessed by the clinician and independent observer. When excision of greater than 20% of breast tissue is anticipated, then a breast reconstruction procedure should be considered, if cosmetic outcome is to be enhanced.