The Journal of craniofacial surgery
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Since the beginning of the program in 2002, 84 Forward Surgical Teams (FSTs) have rotated through the Army Trauma Training Center (ATTC) at the University of Miami/Ryder Trauma Center including all those deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. The purpose of this study was to provide the latest updates of our experience with FSTs at the ATTC. Before deployment, each FST participates in a 2-week training rotation at the ATTC. ⋯ Our experience strongly suggests that a multimodality approach is beneficial for preparing a team of individuals with minimal combat (or trauma) experience for the rigors of medical care and triage on the battlefield. The data provided by participants rotating through the ATTC show that through clinical exposure and simulation over a 2-week period, FST performance is optimized by defining provider roles and improving communication. The mass casualty training exercise is a vital component of predeployment training that participants feel is valuable in preparing them for the challenges that lay ahead.
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Incidence of peripheral nerve injury in extremity trauma is low, with reported rates of 1.5 to 2.8%; however there is significant associated morbidity and outcomes of peripheral nerve repair are poor, especially when delayed. In this article, we provide a brief review of pathophysiology, classification, and surgery of peripheral nerve injuries, with special emphasis on wartime injuries.
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The importance of the external ear is both cosmetic and functional. As part of the facial framework, the ear is highly visible and vulnerable to thermal injury. The burned auricle, whether manifesting as a partial deformity or complete loss of the external ear, poses a significant reconstructive challenge. ⋯ Reconstructing the burned ear presents a significant challenge, even in the hands of an experienced surgeon. No one modality will work in all situations; therefore, a range of options should be weighed after the tissue deficit has been defined. Surgeon preference and availability of local tissue are the most important variables.
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Paranasal sinus osteomas are mostly asymptomatic; however, secondary mucocele can develop if they impede the natural sinus drainage. Such a mucocele can destroy the bone and extend into the adjacent structures. We report on an unusual case of frontal sinus osteoma in a 27-year-old patient, complicated by large secondary mucocele that eroded the bone and extended into the frontal lobe of the brain. ⋯ The mucocele was completely resected through bifrontobasal osteoplastic craniotomy, whereas osteoma was evacuated in its entirety by both drilling and mobilizing. Open surgical approach remains the main treatment for complicated paranasal sinus osteoma, and radical removal of intracranial mucocele is mandatory to prevent the development of life-threatening infections. Although intradural extension of a secondary mucocele is extremely unusual, head and neck surgery specialists should take this severe complication in consideration.
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The aims of this report were to analyze the cases of lateral brow incision and 1-point fixation and to introduce the criteria for application of this selective approach. Among 70 patients with tripod fractures, 14 patients (20%) underwent 1-point fixation technique through lateral brow incisions. Preoperative and postoperative displacements of the infraorbital rim were radiologically measured. ⋯ After surgery, step deformities of the infraorbital rims were improved (range, 0.1-3.8 mm; mean, 1.4 +/- 0.5 mm). All 14 patients were satisfied with their postoperative appearance. Indications for using 1-point fixation of the tripod fracture are (1) minimal or moderate displacement of the infraorbital rim in the tripod fracture of the zygoma, (2) no ocular signs of diplopia or enophthalmos, and (3) comminuted infraorbital rim fractures where internal fixation is difficult.