The dermal suspension sling: shaping the inferior pedicle during breast reduction

Myo-Glandular Flap Breast Reduction: Preventing the Bottoming out Deformity-A Novel Technique

Large, heavy breasts are a common complaint among women causing various functional and aesthetic concerns. The plastic surgery community has offered a variety of surgical techniques to address this condition. Most of these operations developed during the 1970s-1980s cemented their place in history as fundamentals of breast reduction surgery and are still widely taught today. Despite ongoing plastic surgery advances, long-term complications surrounding breast reduction surgery remain a concern, even to experienced surgeons. Its apparent trends have shifted focus over time; from the basics of developing a patient-safe and easily replicable technique, toward developing more refined maneuvers allowing surgeons to reach desired and long-lasting outcomes while preventing known complications. The bottoming out phenomena, lack of nipple areola complex sensitivity, upper pole emptiness with low setting breasts and high revision rates still plague the breast reduction landscape. We present a novel technique involving a pectoralis major-based myo-glandular flap with breast parenchymal suspension to the upper chest wall to combat bottoming out and upper pole emptiness. These procedural elements allow the breasts to attain not only acceptable results, with smaller, round and well-projected breasts, but also to create an active opposing vector to resist the gravitational forces which otherwise pull breast tissue inferiorly creating the bottoming out deformity.Level of Evidence IV This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

The "dermal cage": Inferiorly based dermal flap technique for breast reconstruction after mastectomy

"Direct to implant," "one-stage," or "immediate" breast reconstruction procedures have become extremely popular in the last decade. The additional task of covering the lower pole of the prosthetic implant for stability can be achieved by one of two principal methods: either the use of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) or alternatively by the use of autologous dermis (inferiorly based dermal flap). In 2013, we published a modification of the inferior pedicle technique for reduction mammaplasty with the principal goal of making a strong, durable, and internalized ``dermal cage'' fixed to the chest wall to support the remaining breast tissue and to prevent the long-term descent of the breast tissue through the effects of gravity. At that time, we started to use the same technique in breast reconstruction for selected cases who required skin or nipple-sparing mastectomy with reduction of the skin envelope, not just to cover the lateroinferior pole of breast implants as an alternative to ADM but primarily for functional support and suspension with fixation of the implant on the chest wall, shaping the reconstructed breast with the aim of preventing lateral displacement. In this article, we present the method and rationale of our "dermal cage" technique explaining differences between previously published modifications by other authors of the inferior dermal pedicle.

Combined Breast Reduction Augmentation

BACKGROUND

Numerous methods have been designed to reduce breasts size and weight. The goal today is to not only to reduce size but also to create a pleasing shape. Breast reduction techniques do not obtain the desired upper pole fullness, and commonly recurrent ptosis develops. To improve and maintain breast shape in the late postoperative period, we combine breast reduction with implants.

METHODS

Three hundred and sixty-six patients who underwent combined breast reduction or mastopexy with implants from January 2014 to November 2017 at IM Clinic were retrospectively reviewed. We present the indications, surgical technique, and outcomes of these patients to determine the safety and efficacy of our technique.

RESULTS

No major complications were noted in an average of 2 years of follow-up (range 2 months to 4 years). Minor complications occurred in 61 patients, of whom 46 required revision surgery (12.6%). The most common tissue-related complications were dog ears (7.6%) and poor scarring (4.9%). The most common implant-related complication was capsular contracture (0.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

Breast reduction with implants is a reliable option to provide additional volume to the upper pole of the breast to improve long-term breast shape and avoid ptosis recurrence. Our study indicates that the procedure is safe and has complication and revision rates comparable to traditional breast reduction or augmentation mastopexy techniques.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Comparative Outcomes of Inferior Pedicle and Superomedial Pedicle Technique With Wise Pattern Reduction in Gigantomastic Patients

INTRODUCTION

Although multiple pedicle and skin excision techniques exist for gigantomastic breast reduction, no consensus exists as to which method is most effective in providing an aesthetically pleasing breast, especially in the long-term period. This study aimed to compare the aesthetic and surgical outcomes between inferior pedicle and superomedial pedicle reductions, which both use Wise pattern skin excision in gigantomastic patients.

METHODS

A prospective study was planned, and the number of patients was determined before the beginning of the study. Fifty inferior pedicle breast reductions (25 patients) were matched to 50 superomedial pedicle breast reductions (25 patients) after a 1-year postoperative period. Matching was done based on age, body mass index, size of reduction, minor and major postoperative complications, symptomatic relief, long-term measurements of the nipple-areola complex position, and inferior pole length elongation at 1 year postoperatively.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in complications between the inferior and superomedial pedicle groups. The mean resection weight was 1320 (right) and 1355 g (left) in the inferior pedicle group and 1380 (right) and 1310 g (left) in the superomedial pedicle group (P < 0.05). The mean elongation of the nipple-areola complex to inframamarian fold distance was 1.97 (right) and 2.19 cm (left) in the inferior pedicle group and 2.15 (right) and 2.26 cm (left) in the superomedial pedicle group (P < 0.05). At 1 year postoperatively, the mean suprasternal notch to nipple distance was 22.10 (right) and 22.33 cm (left) in the inferior pedicle group and 22.90 (right) and 22.14 cm (left) in the superomedial pedicle group (P < 0.05). All patients achieved symptomatic relief.

DISCUSSION

This study shows that the inferior pedicle is not superior to the superomedial pedicle technique with Wise patern skin excision in gigantomastic patients. Although both pedicle techniques generate acceptable aesthetic outcomes, bottoming-out has occurred in each of the groups with time. To prevent this deformity, some pedicle modifications may be required.

[Application of modified inferior pedicle technique with inverted T pattern for severe breast hypertrophy]

Objective

To explore the effectiveness of modified inferior pedicle technique with inverted T pattern for severe breast hypertrophy.

Methods

Between January 2016 and May 2017, 15 patients of severe breast hypertrophy had undergone breast reduction using inferior pedicle technique with inverted T pattern combined with dermal suspension sling technique. The patients were 20 to 49 years old, with an average age of 31.6 years. Body mass index ranged from 24.9 to 32.5 kg/m 2, with an average of 30.8 kg/m 2. Among them, 11 cases had a history of childbearing. The degree of breast ptosis was rated as degree Ⅱ in 6 cases and degree Ⅲ in 9 cases. The unilateral breast reduced 615 g on average (range, 480-1 050 g).

Results

The skin flap necrosis at the "T" trilateral junction occurred in 3 cases, and healed after dressing changes. The incisions of 12 cases healed and no fat liquefaction, hematoma, or seroma occurred. The sensation of nipple and areola declined at early period after operation in 2 cases, and gradually recovered. All patients were followed up 6-18 months (mean, 13 months). The shapes of bilateral breasts and the height and symmetry of nipple-areolar complex were good, and no obvious scar was found. The effectiveness was evaluated by surgeon and showed that there were 12 cases with satisfactory breast shape and 3 cases with unsatisfactory breast shape; 3 cases with obvious scare and 12 cases with insignificant scar; 13 cases with normal nipple sensation and 2 cases with hypoesthesia; 11 cases with symmetric nipples and 4 cases with asymmetric nipples. The effectiveness was evaluated by patients and showed that the satisfactory breast shape in 10 cases, relatively satisfactory breast shape in 4 cases, and unsatisfactory breast shape in 1 case; highly acceptable scar in 9 cases, moderately acceptable scar in 4 cases, and unacceptable scar in 2 cases; overall satisfactory in 10 cases, relatively satisfactory in 4 cases, and unsatisfactory in 1 case, with the overall satisfaction rate of 93.3% (14/15).

Conclusion

For severe breast hypertrophy, the modified inferior pedicle technique with inverted T pattern can obtain satisfactory appearance and avoid the mastoptosis.

Mastoplasty after Massive Weight Loss: Redefinition and Stabilization of the Breast Mound with Submuscular Autoprosthesis

Context:

After massive weight loss, breast changes dramatically becoming ptotic, flat in the upper pole, with significant skin excess. After mastoplasty, often ptosis can recur and the upper pole can lose its fullness again. The technique described in this study treats breast deformities ensuring stable results and avoiding ptosis recurrence.

Aim:

To analyze a new modality of breast reshaping after massive weight loss, evaluating outcomes and complications as well as patient satisfaction.

Settings and Design:

This was a case series.

Materials and Methods:

Fifteen patients (all women, average age, 43.1 years) with bilateral breast ptosis after massive weight loss underwent mastoplasty: the technique included the creation of an inferior pedicle flap that was placed as a prosthesis under the pectoralis muscle and a superomedial pedicle flap containing the nipple–areola complex (NAC). Patients were followed up for at least 6 months, reporting any complications, and measuring the jugulum–NAC distance. Patients’ satisfaction was also reported.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Nil.

Results:

All patients were extremely satisfied with the breast volume, shape, symmetry, and ptosis correction. The new mammary contour and the distance between the jugular fossa and the nipple were stable during the follow-up and the upper pole maintained its fullness. No major complications were reported.

Conclusion:

Mastoplasty with submuscular autoprosthesis proved to be a safe and effective technique to treat breast deformities after massive weight loss because removed redundant tissue repositioned the NAC and filled the upper pole with stable results over time. A similar technique has not been described yet.

McKissock's Reduction Mammaplasty Revisited: A Case Series Study with 12-months Follow-up

Background

Reduction mammaplasty is 1 of the highly challenging yet demanded plastic surgeries worldwide. Different techniques have been described, and their modifications are always evolving to achieve better aesthetic results. The objective of the current study was to explore the efficiency and safety of bipedicled McKissock's technique with 3 newly added modifications as a reliable procedure for reduction mammaplasty.

Methods

The study was conducted in Royal Hospital, Cairo, Egypt, during the period from January 2015 to October 2016. It included 25 female patients undergoing reduction mammaplasty. All patients were evaluated by detailed history, careful physical examination, and photographed pre- and postoperatively. The new modifications included surgical undermining and thinning of the bipedicle for volume reduction and contour enhancement. The second modification was a dermal suspension of the lower pole for parenchymal support and longer breast shape stability. The third change was an S-shaped folding of the upper pole of the pedicle during nipple-areolar complex (NAC) transposition. After the operation, all subjects were followed up for 12 months to assess the outcomes of the procedure.

Results

Twenty-five female patients were included in the analysis of this study. The age of the patients ranged from 22 to 49 years with a mean age of 36.2 (7.3) years. The mean body mass index was 30.5 ± 4.3 kg/m² with a minimum of 24 and a maximum of 38. The average time of operation was 4 hours. The resected tissue was 630-980 g. The optimal aesthetic appearance of the breasts was achieved at 6-9 months postoperatively and marinated to 12 months. The maintenance of improvement was measured by the distance between the mid-clavicular point and 12 O'clock point of the NAC (12'NAC). It varied between 28 and 43 cm preoperatively (mean ± SD, 34.12 ± 4.19 cm), and between 19 and 22 cm postoperatively (mean ± SD, 20.70 ± 1.03 cm; P < 0.001). The average percentage reduction in mid-clavicular point-NAC distance was 38.7% ± 6.2% with a minimum reduction of 27.6% and a maximum 48.8%. Moreover, the nipple to inframammary crease distance varied between 16 and 20 cm preoperatively (mean ± SD, 16.08 ± 1.66 cm), and between 8 and 10 cm postoperatively (mean ± SD, 8.04 ± 0.79 cm; P < 0.001). The patients were very satisfied in most of the cases (20 cases), satisfied in 3 cases, and 2 cases were unsatisfied as they wanted slightly smaller breasts. No complications detected in 18 cases (72%), superficial wound dehiscence at the T-junction in 3 (12%), and seroma in 1 (4%). Two cases (8%) demanded smaller breasts and 1 case (4%) needed a surgical revision of widened scars after 11 months. The major drawbacks were NAC sensitivity alteration and the inability to lactate.

Conclusion

We can conclude that our modifications for the McKissock's technique with its maintained aesthetic shape in those patients are a reliable option that can be considered, as it is a simple, efficient, and satisfactory method that can improve the results of reduction mammaplasty operations.

Pedicle De-epithelialization in Reduction Mammoplasty: A Systematic Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Reduction mammoplasty is among the most commonly performed plastic surgery procedures. The reduction pedicle is traditionally de-epithelialized. Many practitioners propose that preservation of the subdermal blood supply results in improved circulation for the nipple-areolar complex. However, this is a time-consuming step of the procedure. Presumed benefits have not been definitively demonstrated.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate current evidence regarding pedicle de-epithelialization in inferior pedicle reduction mammoplasty.

METHODS

The MEDLINE database was searched for studies evaluating pedicle de-epithelialization in reduction mammoplasty surgery. Studies reporting outcomes after reduction mammoplasty with pedicle de-epithelialization and deskinning were included. Additionally, reports detailing novel techniques or modification for pedicle de-epithelialization were evaluated and included.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty-eight articles were identified on a systematic review. Thirty-six articles met the study criteria. This includes 23 reporting outcomes after reduction mammoplasty procedures and 13 describing novel techniques for pedicle de-epithelialization. Of the 23 studies reporting outcomes, 6 studies evaluated deskinning of the pedicle. Two of the six studies directly compared deskinning and de-epithelialization. They reported no significant difference in outcomes. The remaining 17 articles described outcomes of inferior pedicle reduction mammoplasty with pedicle de-epithelialization. Studies evaluating deskinning reported ischemic nipple-areolar complex complication rates between 0 and 1.4%. Studies evaluating de-epithelialization reported ischemic nipple-areolar complex complication rates between 0 and 11.1%.

CONCLUSIONS

Pedicle de-epithelialization is commonly performed despite limited definitive evidence evaluating its surgical necessity or benefits. Available evidence suggests deskinning may yield acceptable results; however, further investigation is necessary.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Combination of Würinger's Horizontal Septum and Inferior Pedicle Techniques to Increase Nipple-Areolar Complex Viability During Breast Reduction Surgery

BACKGROUND

Breast reduction techniques depend on the vascularity of the pedicle. Preserving vascularity of the nipple-areolar complex (NAC) is mandatory for reduction mammoplasties, as the NAC is the most important aesthetic and functional unit of the breast. The inferior pedicle technique is the most common method for breast reduction; however, pedicle length may increase after using this technique and cause problems related to NAC viability in gigantomastic and hypertrophic breasts. In this study, we present our technical approach to preserve NAC viability by combining Würinger's horizontal septum and inferior pedicle techniques.

METHODS

This study included 60 women (mean age 39.71 ± 10.52 years) who underwent a breast reduction combining Würinger's horizontal septum and inferior pedicle procedures from April 2012 to January 2016. All patients were marked preoperatively in a standing upright position using a prefabricated Wise-pattern template. The base of the pedicle was marked at the level of the inframammary ridge at a width of 8 cm.

RESULTS

The patients were followed up for a mean of 5.6 ± 3.3 months. The resection weights of the right and left sides were 1406 ± 566 and 1340 ± 563 g, respectively. Venous insufficiency was encountered in five cases (8.3%) and caused partial NAC necrosis in one case (1.6%). No cases of total NAC necrosis were encountered. Fifteen breasts (12.5%) were described as gigantomastic (resection weight >2000 g).

CONCLUSIONS

This combined method may promote safer and more satisfying outcomes from inferior pedicle breast reduction.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Inferior dermal flap in breast reconstruction with tissue expanders

A surgical case, in which inferior dermal flap was used to cover a tissue expander for breast reconstruction, is reported. In spite of the skin necrosis on the seventh postoperative day, flap coverage successfully protected the tissue expander from exposition.

Four flap suspension technique for prevention of bottoming out after breast reduction

Purpose

Bottoming-out deformity is accepted as the most important disadvantage of inferior pedicle breast reduction. For prevention of this deformity, different techniques are used in combination with inferior pedicle. In this study, we aimed to prevent bottoming-out deformity by producing an internal bra effect through combination of inferior pedicle technique with 2 superior and 2 inferior dermal flaps that were raised from each side of the pedicle.

Methods

Thirteen patients whose medical records became available during the follow-up period at Ankara Training and Research Hospital from January 2010 to January 2015 were included in this study. We retrospectively obtained patient medical records including demographic characteristics and clinical data. Superior dermal flaps were planned on both sides of the pedicle 2 cm inferior to the lower border of areola and inferior dermal flaps were planned 6 cm inferior to the superior dermal flaps. The superior and inferior dermal flaps were secured to the periosteum of the 2nd and 4th ribs respectively with permanent sutures.

Results

Preoperatively, the average distance between the inframammary fold and areola was 13.9 cm (range, 11-18 cm). The average amount of breast parenchymal resection was 745 g (range, 612-1,496 g). The average distance between the inframammary fold and the lower border of the areola was 7.9 cm (range, 7.5-9 cm) on the postoperative first-year measurements.

Conclusion

In conclusion, according to our study, suspension technique to prevent bottoming-out deformity is associated with an easier technique without the need for alloplastic or allogenic materials. Since fixation is performed to the ribs instead of soft tissues like the pectoral fascia or muscle, we believe that this fixation is more long lasting and can be an effective alternative to other suspension techniques.

''The dermal internal brassiere flap,'' a new modification of inferior pedicle breast reduction technic

BACKGROUND

The inferior pedicle mammaplasty is particularly applied to large breasts with a long sternal notch to nipple distance. The present study reports modifications developed to solve the bottoming-out deformity, the lack of upper pole fullness and the wound healing problems seen at the reverse T-zone, known disadvantages of the inferior pedicle reduction mammaplasty, and evaluates postoperative sensation.

METHODS

A total of 110 patients with a mean age of 32 underwent the same technique. In this technique, two pairs of quadrangular and triangular flaps were planned from the skin of resection sites. The triangular dermal flaps and quadrangular flaps were suspended from the periosteum of the 2nd and 4th ribs, respectively. The distance from the nipple to inframammary fold was measured at the postoperative 1st month and 1st year. In the postoperative period, a nipple-inframammary fold distance increase of over 2 cm was determined as bottoming-out deformity. Sensation evaluations were performed by subjective and objective tests.

RESULTS

The mean sternal notch to nipple distance was 35.00 cm. After operation, the mean distance between the sternal notch and the nipple was 20.00 cm. NAC examination revealed normal sensation in all patients. Whereas the preoperative mean areolar threshold value was 36.70 g/mm(2), the postoperative first-year mean areolar pressure threshold value was 35.50 g/mm(2) (p < 0.0001). The preoperative mean nipple pressure threshold value was 25.30 g/mm(2), whereas the postoperative first-year mean nipple pressure threshold value was 26.00 g/mm(2) (p = 0.5471). The postoperative first-month mean sternal notch to nipple distance value of the patients was 20.00 cm, whereas the postoperative first-year mean sternal notch to nipple distance value of the patients was 20.00 cm, (p = 0.0648). The postoperative first-month mean nipple to submammary fold distance value of the patients was 10.50 cm, the postoperative first-year mean nipple to submammary fold distance value of the patients was 11.00 cm (p < 0.0001) There were no patients determined as having bottoming-out deformity. No breast asymmetry was encountered at the late follow-up period. All patients, except the scarred ones, were satisfied with the results.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we achieved an internal fascial reconstruction using a pair of triangular and quadrangular dermal flaps suspended to the rib periosteum. We believe that our modifications will contribute to decreasing the disadvantages of the inferior pedicle breast reduction technique.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

One-stage breast reconstruction using the inferior dermal flap, implant, and free nipple graft

BACKGROUND

An inferior dermal flap with implant is a useful option for women hoping for immediate breast reconstruction. This one-stage procedure uses autologous tissue as an inferolateral local sling, avoiding the costs and potential morbidity of prosthetic mesh and reducing valuable operating time. Patient comorbidity or choice may restrict autologous reconstruction options available. Many patients will still require a second procedure for subsequent nipple reconstruction and further appointments and costs for tattooing.

METHOD

A prospective database was kept of a single surgeon's experience with 16 patients (19 breasts) from 2010 to 2012. Reconstruction was performed following a Wise pattern skin incision. An inferior, deepithelialized dermal sling was sutured to the pectoralis major to form a pocket for a silicone implant or tissue expander. A free nipple graft was sited at the time of reconstruction, with biopsies taken from retroareolar tissue.

RESULTS

Patient average age was 54 years (range 36-66). Six mastectomies were for ductal carcinoma in situ, 6 for invasive carcinoma, 2 for lobular carcinoma, and 5 of 19 mastectomies were prophylactic. Average operative time was 165 min. There were no immediate complications requiring reoperation. All retroareolar biopsies were benign and no locoregional recurrences have occurred. Two nipples had partial necrosis of the lower pole but healed with conservative treatment. No patients required any subsequent procedures to their reconstructed breast.

CONCLUSION

The inferior dermal flap with implant and free nipple graft is an excellent single-stage reconstruction option. This method offers a potentially safe, reliable, and aesthetically acceptable outcome for women with larger, ptotic breasts.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

The "dermal cage": a modification of the inferior pedicle breast reduction

In spite of more recent techniques for breast reduction, the inferior pedicle technique has proven to be enduring and still a very popular option in the plastic surgeon's armamentarium despite certain shortcomings. This technique is especially important for treating large breasts with a long sternal notch-to-nipple distance. The modifications we describe in this article overcome some of the main drawbacks of the standard inferior pedicle technique and make the procedure particularly effective when used on appropriately selected patients. This is achieved principally by the creation of a strong, durable, and internalized "dermal cage" that remains fixed to the chest wall in the upper part, as well as on both sides, to support the majority of the remaining breast tissue. This serves several purposes, including narrowing the breast thereby giving good projection and reduction of the N-IMF length of the inferior pedicle. Through suspension and fixation of the inferior pedicle to the chest wall, one can mitigate the effects of gravity on the inferior pedicle. The benefits of this include reduced tension on the T junction, thereby reducing the incidence of wound dehiscence in the immediate postoperative period, while reduction of tension on the nipple-areola complex reduces "bottoming" out over the long term. This process has been the main shortcoming of the inferior pedicle technique to date. The technique was used on 26 patients over a 7-year period with a mean long-term follow-up of 41 months. The results demonstrate the short- and long-term effectiveness of our own particular combination of modifications to previously described techniques and modifications of the inferior pedicle breast reduction.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Postsurgical pyoderma gangrenosum complicating reduction mammaplasty

Reduction mammaplasty is one of the most common surgeries performed by plastic surgeons. It relieves back and neck pain and improves the aesthetic contour of the ptotic breast. Postsurgical pyoderma gangrenosum (PSPG) is an unusual inflammatory disorder leading to rapidly progressive skin necrosis that can occur after any surgical procedure. The skin lesions have the characteristic appearance of ulcers with a purple-colored border and erythematous halo. Clinically, the patient has a low fever and severe local pain. In the majority of cases this disease is misdiagnosed as severe infection leading to improper debridement, exacerbating the problem. The mainstay of therapy for PSPG is still nonoperative and focuses on immunosuppressive medications and local wound care, which allows healing in the majority of the cases. It is important for plastic surgeons and infectologists to be cognizant of this entity, as a delay in diagnosis and management can be life-threatening and lead to considerable tissue loss and disfigurement of the breast. The authors report a case of reduction mammaplasty complicated with PSPG and its treatment.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .