Faculty Bibliography

Integration between implant and bone is an essential concept for osseous healing requiring hardware placement. A novel approach to hardware implantation, termed osseodensification, is described here as an effective alternative. 12 sheep averaging 65kg had fixation devices installed in their C2, C3, and C4 vertebral bodies; each device measured 4mm diameterx10mm length. The left-sided vertebral body devices were implanted using regular surgical drilling (R) while the right-sided devices were implanted using osseodensification drilling (OD). The C2 and C4 vertebra provided the t=0 in vivo time point, while the C3 vertebra provided the t=3 and t=6 week time points, in vivo. Structural competence of hardware was measured using biomechanical testing of pullout strength, while the quality and degree of new bone formation and remodeling was assessed via histomorphometry. Pullout strength demonstrated osseodensification drilling to provide superior anchoring when compared to the control group collapsed over time with statistical significance (p<0.01). On Wilcoxon rank signed test, C2 and C4 specimens demonstrated significance when comparing device pullout (p=0.031) for both, and C3 pullout tests at 3 and 6 weeks collapsed over time had significance as well (p=0.027). Percent bone-to-implant contact (%BIC) analysis as a function of drilling technique demonstrated an OD group with significantly higher values relative to the R group (p<0.01). Similarly, percent bone-area-fraction-occupancy (BAFO) analysis presented with significantly higher values for the OD group compared to the R group (p=0.024). As a function of time, between 0 and 3 weeks, a decrease in BAFO was observed, a trend that reversed between 3 and 6 weeks, resulting in a BAFO value roughly equivalent to the t=0 percentage, which was attributed to an initial loss of bone fraction due to remodeling, followed by regaining of bone fraction via production of woven bone. Histomorphological data demonstrated autologous bone chips in the OD group with greater frequency relative to the control, which acted as nucleating surfaces promoting new bone formation around the implants, providing superior stability and greater bone density. This alternative approach to a critical component of hardware implantation encourages assessment of current surgical approaches to hardware implantation.

BACKGROUND: For men with significant genitourinary injury, penile transplantation is being considered as an option when reconstruction is not feasible or proves unacceptable to the injured patient. METHODS: A review of the literature was conducted to assess the current state of penile reconstruction and transplantation options, as well as to evaluate scholarly research addressing the ethical dimensions of penile transplantation. RESULTS: The state of penile transplantation is elementary. If reconstruction is not a possibility, proceeding ethically with research on penile vascularized composite allotransplantation will require the articulation of guidelines. To date, very little has been published in the scholarly literature assessing the ethics of penile transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: Guidelines should be developed to address penile transplantation and must cover the donation of tissue, consent, subject selection, qualifications of the surgical team, and management of both failure and patient dissatisfaction. Unless guidelines are established and disseminated, penile transplants should not be undertaken. The preliminary recommendations suggested in this article may help to inform development of guidelines.

Chronic frontal sinus infections in the setting of previous trauma or tumor removal are challenging clinical scenarios. To remove and debride all chronically infected tissue, obliterate dead space, and provide a stable reconstructive yet aesthetic contour are critical tasks in managing these patients. The vascularized free fibula is an ideal flap for this situation; in this article, the authors detail their technique in a patient with chronic frontal sinus infections complicated by mucocele formation.

An accurate and comprehensive understanding of lower extremity arterial anatomy is essential for the successful harvest and transfer of a free fibula osteoseptocutaneous flap (FFF). Minimum preoperative evaluation includes detailed history and physical including lower extremity pulse examination. Controversy exists regarding whether preoperative angiographic imaging should be performed for all patients. Elevation of an FFF necessitates division of the peroneal artery in the proximal lower leg and eradicates its downstream flow. For patients in whom the peroneal artery comprises the dominant arterial supply to the foot, FFF elevation is contraindicated. Detailed preoperative knowledge of patient-specific lower extremity arterial anatomy can help to avoid ischemia or limb loss resulting from FFF harvest. If preoperative angiographic imaging is omitted, careful attention must be paid to intraoperative anatomy. Should pedal perfusion rely on the peroneal artery, reconstructive options other than an FFF must be pursued. Given the complexity of surgical decision making, the authors propose an algorithm to guide the surgeon from the preoperative evaluation of the potential free fibula flap patient to the final execution of the surgical plan. The authors also provide 3 clinical patients in whom aberrant lower extremity anatomy was encountered and describe each patient's surgical course.

Historically, periodic academic meetings held by surgical societies have set the stage for discussion and exchange of ideas, which in turn have led to advancement of clinical practices. Since 2007, the AONA State of the Art: Facial Reconstruction and Transplantation Meeting (FRTM) has been organized to provide a forum for specialists around the world to engage in open conversation about the approaches currently at the forefront of facial reconstruction. Review of registration data of FRTM iterations from 2007 to 2015 was performed. The total number of participants, along with their level of medical training, location of practice, and medical specialty, was recorded. Additionally, academic programs and 2015 participant feedback were evaluated. From 2007 to 2011, there was a decrease in the overall number of participants, with a slight increase in the number of clinical specialties present. In 2013, a sharp increase in total participants, international attendance, and represented clinical specialties was observed. This trend continued in 2015. Adjustments to academic programs have included reorganization of lectures and optimization of content. FRTM is a unique forum for multidisciplinary professionals to discuss the evolving field of facial reconstruction and join forces to accelerate progress and improve patient care.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of extensive facial and scalp burns can be increasingly challenging, especially in patients that have undergone multiple procedures with less than ideal outcomes resulting in restricting neck and oral contractures, eyelid dysfunction, and suboptimal aesthetic appearance. METHODS: To establish a reconstructive solution for this challenging deformity, a multidisciplinary team was assembled to develop the foundation to a facial vascularized composite allotransplantation program. The strategy of developing and executing a clinical transplant was derived on the basis of fostering a cohesive and supportive institutional clinical environment, implementing computer software and advanced technology, establishing a cadaveric transplant model, performing a research facial procurement, and selecting an optimal candidate with the aforementioned burn defect who was well informed and had the desire to undergo face transplantation. RESULTS: Approval from the institutional review board and organ procurement organization enabled our face transplant team to successfully perform a total face, eyelids, ears, scalp, and skeletal subunit transplant in a 41-year-old man with a full face and total scalp burn. CONCLUSIONS: The culmination of knowledge attained from previous experiences continues to influence the progression of facial vascularized composite allotransplantation. This surgical endeavor methodically and effectively synchronized the fundamental principles of aesthetic, craniofacial, and microvascular surgery to restore appearance and function to a patient suffering from failed conventional surgery for full face and total scalp burns. This procedure represents the most extensive soft-tissue clinical face transplant performed to date. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDEMCE: Therapeutic, V.

BACKGROUND: Ten years after the first face transplantation, the available data in peer-reviewed literature, various media outlets, and recent specialty meetings and courses are conflicting and inconsistently reported. The purpose of this study was to consolidate the available data by means of multiple sources to reflect an accurate and current state of facial vascularized composite allotransplantation as of December of 2015. METHODS: Using applied search terms pertaining to face transplantation, a systematic PubMed search, Google search, and review of Plastic Surgery Education Network News Connection e-mailed newsletters were performed, and data presented at three meetings (i.e., the most recent American Society of Reconstructive Transplantation biennial meeting, the American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery annual meeting, and the biennial AO North America State of the Art: Face Reconstruction and Transplantation course) were consolidated to capture the most contemporary and accurate data in face transplantation. RESULTS: A total of 37 face transplants have been performed (20 partial and 17 full face) from 2005 to December of 2015. A discrepancy between actual transplantations performed and peer-reviewed reports exists at multiple time points, with a propensity for underreporting. Ten cases were described through media outlets but were not reported by the surgical teams in peer-reviewed literature. Two clinical cases were not described in peer-reviewed literature or media. There have been a total of five deaths, and posttransplant malignancy and revision surgery have been underreported. CONCLUSIONS: This serves as the most contemporary and all-inclusive face transplantation review. There is a critical need for timely reporting and outcome transparency in the reconstructive transplant community. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, V.