Faculty Bibliography

Background/Purpose: Le Fort I advancement surgery is challenging in patients with clefts because of the palatal scar tissues. In this study, we investigated the outcome of Le Fort I advancement surgery (mild, moderate, and severe groups) and 1-year skeletal stability in patients with cleft lip and palate. Methods/Description: A retrospective chart review was performed to identify patients with nonsyndromic unilateral or bilateral cleft lip and palate who underwent maxillary Le Fort I advancement at skeletal maturity from 2013 to 2019. To satisfy the inclusion criteria, all patients had to have diagnostic quality cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) prior to surgery (T0), immediately postoperative (T1), and at 1-year follow-up (T2). A total of 59 patients (unilateral n = 34, bilateral n = 25) who underwent Le Fort I advancement was identified. Nineteen of these 59 patients were excluded due to insufficient radiographic records; thus, 40 patients with complete records were included in the study. The sample was comprised of 9 females and 31 males, with an average age of 19.1 +/- 3.21 years at the time of the surgery. Lateral cephalograms were extracted, traced, and superimposed using Dolphin Imaging software (V 11.95). Horizontal surgical movement (T0-T1) and postoperative relapse (T1-T2) at skeletal and dental level were quantified as linear changes at point A and upper incisor edge (U1-tip), respectively. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to the severity of surgical movement: mild (<5 mm, n = 9), moderate (5-10 mm, n = 20), and severe (>10 mm, n = 11). The statistical analysis was performed using 2-way repeated-measures ANOVA to test the difference of surgical movements and postoperative relapse between groups.
Result(s): The mean advancement (T0-T1) of all patients at point A was 8.1+/-2.8 mm and at U1-tip was 7.7+/-2.6 mm. In the mild, moderate, and severe groups, the mean advancement at point A were 4.6 +/- 1.3 mm, 7.7+/-1.1 mm, and 11.6+/-1.2 mm, and at U1-tip were 5.7+/-2.9 mm, 7.4 +/- 1.3 mm, and 10 +/- 2.6 mm, respectively. There were significant skeletal and dental advancements in all the 3 groups following Le Fort I surgery (P < .0001). At 1-year follow-up, the mean relapse (T1-T2) at point A was 1.2 +/- 1.1 mm and at U1-tip was 0.07 +/- 1.9 mm. When analyzed within the mild, moderate, and severe groups, the mean relapse at point A were 0.8 +/- 0.7 mm, 1.2 +/- 0.9 mm, and 1.9+/-1.5 mm and at U1-tip were -0.4+/-1.6 mm, 0.4+/-2.1 mm, and -0.2 +/- 1.5 mm, respectively. There was no significant difference in the relapse amount between the mild, moderate, and severe groups at skeletal and dental components (P > .05).
Conclusion(s): Le Fort I advancement surgery successfully corrected maxillary hypoplasia in patients with cleft lip and palate in all the 3 groups. This study also demonstrated that larger advancement in the severe group can result in equivalent skeletal stability when compared to the mild and moderate advancement. Though mild skeletal relapse was observed in all the 3 groups, none of the patients had to be reoperated

Skin color matching in vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) is an important determinant of aesthetic outcomes. The process of color matching is infrequently described in the literature. The Pantone SkinTone Guide (PSTG) is a handheld tool comprised of realistic skin tone swatches with a corresponding virtual swatch system. A color match acceptability threshold (AT) is defined as the point beyond which >50% of observers deem a given skin tone pairing as unacceptable. In this study, color match acceptability thresholds were developed using the PSTG to help standardize donor-recipient color matching. Four representative colors were chosen across the skin tone spectrum. These standard colors were used to develop a survey asking participants to determine the acceptability of color pairings. Using survey results, ATs were determined for changes in lightness, undertone, and lightness and undertone combined for each of the standard colors. Inter- and intra-rater reliability were determined using Fleiss's Kappa. Participants were more critical of skin tone pairings on the darker versus the lighter end of the spectrum, as evidenced by higher thresholds observed for lighter sample pairs. Additionally, observers were more critical of differences in skin lightness compared with differences in undertone. Intra-rater reliability was fair to substantial, and inter-rater reliability was fair to moderate. The PSTG can be used as a clinical tool to improve the aesthetic outcomes of skin-containing vascularized composite allotransplantation procedures by optimizing donor-recipient skin color matching. This can allow clinicians to complement visual judgment with quantitative reference.

BACKGROUND:Improving the quality of research published in plastic surgery literature has been recognized as a difficult and time-intensive process. Despite significant progress over the last decade, leaders in the field continue to advocate for higher-quality studies to better inform clinical practice. OBJECTIVES/OBJECTIVE:The aim of this study was to evaluate and analyze trends in the levels of evidence (LOEs) of the plastic surgery literature over the last decade in 4 major journals. METHODS:After systematic review of all articles published between 2008 and 2017 in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Annals of Plastic Surgery, Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, and Aesthetic Surgery Journal (ASJ), included articles were assigned an LOE and classified according to study design and category. RESULTS:In total, 8211 articles were included. Case series and reports represented 36.1% and 13.6% of studies, respectively. Additionally, 27.2% were retrospective cohort studies, 8.2% prospective cohort studies, 3.9% systematic reviews, and 2.9% randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Overall, the percentage of Level I/II studies has increased from 10.9% in 2008 to 17.3% in 2017. ASJ published the greatest proportion of Level I/II studies (23.2%) and RCTs (5.1%) of all the journals. There were significant differences in the distribution of Level I/II studies by journal (P < 0.001) and category (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS:Over the past decade, plastic surgery journals have published higher-quality research and a significantly greater proportion of Level I and II studies. The field must continue to strive for robust study designs, while also recognizing the importance of lower-LOE research.

BACKGROUND: The lateral femoral circumflex artery (LFCA) system, which supplies the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap territory, offers a plethora of tissue types for composite, functional reconstruction. However, the ability to include a reliable and flexible osseous component is limited. Based on cadaveric dissections, we describe an isolated LFCA branch to the femur separate from the vastus intermedius that can be included in ALT flap harvest in cases requiring bony reconstruction. METHODS: Cadaveric dissection was undertaken to define the LFCA vascular system with specific dissection of the proximal branches of the descending branch of the LFCA (db-LFCA) to define any muscular, periosteal, and/or osseous branches to the femur. RESULTS: Six thighs in four cadavers were dissected. Consistent in all specimens, there was an isolated branch extending distally, medially, and posteriorly from the proximal LFCA and entering the periosteum of the femur. In five specimens, the identified branch to the femur was located approximately 1-cm distal to the rectus femoris branch of the LFCA and approximately 1-cm proximal to a separate branch entering and supplying the vastus intermedius. In one specimen, there was a common trunk. The length of this branch from the origin at the LFCA to insertion into the femoral periosteum was approximately 6 to 8 cm. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS: There appears to be a consistent and reliable branch to the femur based on the proximal LFCA that may be included in ALT flap harvest, adding even more versatility, as another option in complex cases requiring composite reconstruction, including bone.

Background/Purpose : APS ACTION Registry was created to study long-term outcomes in persistently antiphospholipid antibody (aPL)-positive patients with and without other systemic autoimmune diseases. Our primary objective was to determine whether clinically significant aPL profiles at baseline remain stable over time. Methods : A web-based data capture system is used to store patient demographics and aPL-related medical history. Inclusion criteria are positive aPL, based on the Updated Sapporo APS Classification Criteria, tested at least twice within one year prior to enrollment. Patients are followed every 12+/-3 months with clinical data and blood collection. For this prospective analysis of available follow-up (f/u) aPL tests, clinically significant aPL profile was defined as positive lupus anticoagulant (LA) test and/or aCL/abeta 2 GPI IgG/M > 40U. Stable aPL profile was defined as a clinically significant aPL profile in at least two-thirds of f/u measurements. Univariate and multivariable generalized linear mixed models with logit link were used to assess the effect of time and other variables of interest on odds of clinically significant aPL profile. Wilcoxon rank-sum and Fisher's exact tests were employed to compare clinical characteristics of patients with stable versus unstable aPL profiles. Results : As of January 2019, 796 patients were enrolled from 26 centers worldwide, 482 had f/u visits with aPL results, and 472 patients had a clinically significant aPL profile at baseline. Based on aPL profiles at f/u visits (median follow up: 5.1 years [interquartile range [IR]: 4.3, 5.8]; median number of f/u visits with aPL profiles: 2 [interquartile range: 1, 3]), 366/472 (78%) patients had stable aPL profiles over time (54 [11%] unstable; 52 [11%] inconclusive). Time did not affect odds of maintaining a clinically significant aPL profile at f/u (p=0.906). In multivariable analysis, time, age, concomitant systemic autoimmune disease (mainly lupus), smoking history, and hydroxychloroquine use did not affect odds of maintaining a clinically significant aPL profile at f/u. Based on crude unadjusted comparisons, patients with stable aPL profiles, compared to those with unstable profiles, were more likely to have baseline positive LA test, aCL IgM > 40U (positive trend for IgG), abeta 2 GPI IgG > 40U (positive trend for IgM), two or more positive aPL tests, and history of arterial events and aspirin use (Table). Conclusion : In approximately 80% of patients with a baseline clinically significant aPL profile (LA test and/or aCL/ abeta 2 GPI IgG/M > 40U), aPL profiles remain consistently significant (stable) during five years of follow-up. Further multivariate analysis will investigate predictors of aPL profile stability over time, and guide future validation studies of stored samples through APS ACTION core laboratories

Background/UNASSIGNED:Racial disparities exist in the accessibility, delivery, and quality of healthcare. Clinical images are central to plastic surgery, but choice of images in the literature is susceptible to implicit biases. The objective of this study was to determine if published images reflect the racial demographic of patients. Methods/UNASSIGNED:for each decade between 1992 and 2017. For each article, images were categorized as white or nonwhite based on Fitzpatrick Scale (1-3 versus 4-6). Additionally, the authors' geographic region was documented. Proportional data and average number of nonwhite images per article were compared. Regression analyses were performed to assess the correlation of time and geographic region on nonwhite images. Results/UNASSIGNED:< 0.001). Conclusions/UNASSIGNED:Roughly 60%-70% of the world population and 30% of US cosmetic patients are nonwhite. Images in plastic surgery literature reflect neither racial demographics by global region nor the patient population seeking surgery. To advance equitable care, images should better represent the racial composition of the populations served.

The technical feasibility and clinical applicability of facial transplantation (FT) have been demonstrated, yet animal models with different technical nuances and allograft compositions continue to be developed. We sought to provide a comprehensive appraisal of the current scope and value of animal models in FT.

Face transplantation has evolved into a viable reconstructive option for patients with extensive facial disfigurement. Because the first face transplant procedure was described in 2005, the safety and feasibility of the procedure have been validated, and the focus of the field has shifted toward refining functional and esthetic outcomes. Recovery of muscle function following facial transplantation is critical to achieving optimal facial function and restoring facial expression. Assessment of facial muscle function in face transplant recipients has traditionally relied on clinical evaluation. In this study, we describe longitudinal changes in facial muscle volumes captured through quantitative magnetic resonance imaging in a face transplant recipient and compare these findings with functional outcomes evaluated through clinical assessment.

Facial transplantation has gained increasing acceptance as a treatment option to improve quality of life (QoL) for persons suffering from severe facial disfigurement. Despite its growth, the field has yet to establish a consistent approach to assessing QoL in face transplant candidates and recipients that includes integration of meaningful patient-reported outcomes. The published literature suggests that face transplant programs currently use a wide variety of assessment tools and strategies. Moreover, confusion remains as to how best to weigh patients' lived experiences and incorporate them into QoL assessments. Qualitative research can illuminate the dimensions of QoL that are meaningful to face transplant candidates and recipients. Coupled with collaboration and data sharing across face transplant programs, qualitative research will help to bring conceptual clarity and transparency to the assessment process.