Annals of plastic surgery
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Annals of plastic surgery · Jan 2013
ReviewApplication of topical negative pressure (vacuum-assisted closure) to split-thickness skin grafts: a structured evidence-based review.
Significant controversy surrounds the effectiveness of negative pressure wound therapy although it has been in use for decades. Although many clinicians favor this modality in relation to its practicality, ease of use especially in complex wounds, it has faced the same challenges as other dressings in relation to evidence base of efficacy in relation to a number of outcome measures. In view of the current financial pressures on health care systems worldwide, this structured review systematically challenges the evidence for perioperative application of topical negative pressure (TNP) to split-thickness skin grafts (STSGs) through evidence-based critical appraisal, and extrapolate the mechanisms of action on the mechanisms through which TNP may aid wound healing. Weighted evidence-based recommendations regarding the impact of TNP on split skin graft quality and quantity of take as outcomes. ⋯ Topical negative pressure increases quantity and quality of split skin graft take compared to traditional bolster dressings. The advantages are increased in irregularly contoured, technically difficult wounds and suboptimal recipient wound beds where it seems to be the best modality currently available. Large-scale randomized clinical controlled trials remain scanty in all areas of wound dressing research including negative pressure therapy.
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Annals of plastic surgery · Oct 2012
ReviewA critical review of the literature and an evidence-based approach for life-threatening hemorrhage in maxillofacial surgery.
Life-threatening facial hemorrhage in Maxillofacial Surgery (MFS) has an approximate incidence of 1% in the trauma patient and in elective surgery. The treatment of acute life-threatening hemorrhage in MFS to prevent hypovolemic shock or airway obstruction forms the basis of emergency care and necessitates the need for further analysis given the multitude of options proposed for treatment. A systematic review of the literature was undertaken to formulate an evidence-based approach to the treatment of life-threatening hemorrhage in MFS. ⋯ Management of facial hemorrhage should be performed in a sequential and consistent manner to optimize outcome. An evidence-based algorithm for posttraumatic and elective life-threatening hemorrhage in MFS based on this critical review of the literature is presented and discussed.
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Annals of plastic surgery · Mar 2012
ReviewGrowing trend of China's contribution to the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery: a 10-year study of the literature.
In the past decade, plastic and reconstructive surgery in China has achieved great advances. However, the scientific publications in plastic and reconstructive surgery in the major regions of China-Mainland, Hong Kong, and Taiwan are unknown. We therefore intended to reveal the contribution of articles from Chinese authors to the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery. ⋯ The number of articles published from Chinese authors increased markedly from 2000 to 2009, particularly from Mainland China, since 2004.
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Annals of plastic surgery · Oct 2011
Review Case ReportsHypothenar hammer syndrome: an update with algorithms for diagnosis and treatment.
Hypothenar hammer syndrome is an uncommon cause of symptomatic ischemia of the hand secondary to the formation of aneurysm or thrombosis of the ulnar artery as a result of repetitive trauma to the hypothenar region. The injury to the palmar ulnar artery occurs in subjects who use the hypothenar part of the hand as a hammer; the hook of the hamate strikes the superficial palmar branch of the ulnar artery in the Guyon space. ⋯ The aim of this article is to describe a case report using current-day imaging and to present a review of literature. Algorithms for the diagnosis and treatment of hypothenar hammer syndrome will be proposed.
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Annals of plastic surgery · Sep 2011
ReviewConcomitant face and hand transplantation: perfect solution or perfect storm?
Face and hand composite tissue allotransplantations have evolved into a promising subset of reconstructive transplant surgery due to recent advances in immunotherapy. Concomitant composite tissue allotransplantation, which involves a variable combination of facial (myocutaneous versus osteomyocutaneous) and upper extremity (ie, various levels) composite subtypes, has been performed infrequently at this time. In this review, we will describe many reasons as to why this field remains unexplored. Undoubtedly, future investigation is warranted to investigate the potential advantages and disadvantages of using this approach versus a staged manner for alloreconstruction and to identify the complexities of cortical reorganization and rehabilitation in this setting.