Foreign-body reaction to silastic burr-hole covers with seroma formation: case report and review of the literature

Biodegradable Mineralized Collagen Plug for the Reconstruction of Craniotomy Burr-Holes: A Report of Three Cases

Objectives

In this case report, we describe the design, fabrication and clinical outcomes of a novel bioresorbable, mineralized collagen burr-hole plug for the reconstruction of craniotomy burr-holes.

Methods

Mineralized collagen burr-hole plugs were fabricated via a biomimetic mineralization process. The biomimetic mineralized collagen has a similar chemical composition and microstructure to natural bone tissue, thereby possessing good biocompatibility and osteoconductivity. The mineralized collagen burr-hole plugs were implanted into three patients, and clinical outcomes were evaluated at one-year follow-ups.

Results

All bone defects healed very well using the mineralized collagen burr-hole plugs, and there were no adverse reactions at the surgical sites.

Conclusions

The clinical outcomes indicated that the mineralized collagen was effective for reconstructing burr-holes in the skull after craniotomy.

Pectus excavatum reconstruction with silicone implants: long-term results and a review of the english-language literature

Pectus excavatum, or funnel chest, is an anterior chest wall deformity, characterized by a depressed sternum. Frequently used techniques for pectus excavatum repair are extensive thoracic surgical corrections at a young age. At an adult age, custom-made silicone implants can be used as a less extensive surgical option. Thus far, there are only a limited number of reports in the English-language literature concerning this treatment modality. We evaluated our series of 16 patients treated with custom-made silicone implants, assessing complications, patient satisfaction, and aesthetic outcome. Seven patients (44%) had complications, mostly seroma formation (31%). Ten of 12 patients (83%), who were evaluated at the long-term, reported improved patient satisfaction and 9 of 13 patients (69%), in whom aesthetic results were assessed, had a good or excellent aesthetic outcome.Our study, combined with a review of the English-language literature, demonstrates that there is a place for custom-made silicone implants in the treatment of pectus excavatum, especially in less severe cases at an adult age. Preoperative counseling with emphasis on the likelihood of seroma formation is advocated.

Timing of return to normal activities after orbital floor fracture repair

BACKGROUND

Orbital floor fractures are among the most common facial fractures, and patients and surgeons often ask when the patient can resume normal activities after surgical treatment. This study attempted to address this basic issue by examining wound strength and histologic characteristics after orbital floor fracture repair with three commonly used materials.

METHODS

Twenty-one female goats were anesthetized under general anesthesia. A systematic approach was used to fracture both orbits (n = 42 orbits) and measure the energy required to create the fractures. The orbits were repaired with one of three different materials. One-third of the orbits were then refractured at 10, 24, or 45 days after the initial injury. The energy required to fracture the orbit was measured, and histopathologic samples were taken.

RESULTS

Preoperative fracture strength was largely regained after 10 days and before 24 days following the initial injury and repair, regardless of fracture repair material. LactoSorb and polyamide sheeting were associated with a lower incidence of postoperative seroma formation and thicker capsule formation than was Silastic sheeting. Wound strength in orbits repaired with Silastic sheeting during the initial postoperative period was inferior compared with orbits repaired with LactoSorb or polyamide sheeting. However, in the longer term, wound strength was not statistically different for any of the materials used in fracture repair.

CONCLUSIONS

Orbital floor strength is regained 24 days after repair. The authors now let patients resume normal activities approximately 3 weeks after uncomplicated orbital floor fracture repair. This is one of many clinical factors in assessing the return to normal activities. In addition, LactoSorb and polyamide sheeting are adequate for the repair of simple floor fractures.