Challenging Traditional Thinking: Early Free Tissue Transfer for Active Hemifacial Atrophy in Children

Consensus statement on the diagnosis and treatment of sclerosing diseases of the skin, Part 1: Localized scleroderma, systemic sclerosis and overlap syndromes

The term 'sclerosing diseases of the skin' comprises specific dermatological entities, which have fibrotic changes of the skin in common. These diseases mostly manifest in different clinical subtypes according to cutaneous and extracutaneous involvement and can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from each other. The present consensus provides an update to the 2017 European Dermatology Forum Guidelines, focusing on characteristic clinical and histopathological features, diagnostic scores and the serum autoantibodies most useful for differential diagnosis. In addition, updated strategies for the first- and advanced-line therapy of sclerosing skin diseases are addressed in detail. Part 1 of this consensus provides clinicians with an overview of the diagnosis and treatment of localized scleroderma (morphea), and systemic sclerosis including overlap syndromes.

"Soft Tissue Reconstruction in Progressive Hemifacial Atrophy: Current Evidence and Future Directions"

BACKGROUND

Progressive Hemifacial Atrophy (PHA) is a rare disorder characterized by gradual unilateral soft tissue atrophy in the face, which may also include clinically significant degeneration of underlying muscle and bone. In recent years, there has been a growing body of evidence regarding different soft-tissue reconstructive strategies in PHA, and the impact of intervention timing on disease progression. This article provides a comprehensive synthesis of the latest evidence in order to guide optimal management.

METHODS

A comprehensive multi-database search was performed through April 2020 using relevant search terms to identify clinical studies. Outcomes, complications, disease- and patient-related indications pertaining to different soft-tissue reconstructive strategies in PHA were collected and critically appraised.

RESULTS

35 articles reporting on a total of 824 PHA patients were evaluated; 503 (61%) were managed by microvascular free flaps, 302 patients (37%) were managed by autologous fat grafts, and 19 (2%) by pedicled flaps. A detailed synthesis of outcomes is presented herein, as well as a comparative evaluation of different microvascular free-flap options.

CONCLUSION

Soft-tissue reconstruction in PHA remains an evolving field. Operative decision-making is often multifaceted, and guided by specific volumetric, aesthetic and functional deficiencies. Serial fat grafting is the primary modality utilized for patients with mild soft-tissue atrophy, while microvascular free flaps widely remain the treatment of choice for reconstruction of large volume defects. There exists a growing role of graft supplementation to improve fat graft survival, while recent evidence demonstrates that early intervention may help curb disease progression.

Craniofacial Microsurgery: An Integrated Approach to Management of Cleft and Craniofacial Syndromes, Surgical Experience, and Insights

ABSTRACT

Ian Jackson and Jack Fisher published one of the earliest reports on microsurgical applications for craniofacial patients in 1989. Since that time, applications of craniofacial surgery and microsurgery have significantly expanded and become more refined. However, there remain certain specific clinical problems in cleft and craniofacial surgery in which traditional craniofacial methods provide variable success or suboptimal outcomes. The purpose of the current study is to share our experience using an integrated approach of craniofacial and microsurgical methods to provide optimal surgical solutions to this complex patient population. The authors performed a retrospective review of 17 patients that utilized craniofacial microsurgery in setting of cleft and craniofacial syndromes performed by the senior author from July 2013 to July 2020. 22 free flaps were performed for 17 patients. The patient age at time of flap reconstruction ranged from 10 to 48 years (mean 21.4 years). There were 8 females and 9 males. There was one total flap loss. Based on our collective experience, the authors present a comprehensive algorithm for the role of microsurgical reconstruction in cleft and craniofacial patients. There are several situations in craniofacial surgery which traditional reconstructive methods require numerous operative interventions to achieve suitable outcomes. Craniofacial Microsurgery techniques can bring in new tissue and may prevent the need to manipulate scarred and multiply operated tissues. The craniofacial surgery team should not hesitate to apply microsurgical solutions to these situations for optimal results.