Faculty Bibliography

BACKGROUND: The septocutaneous tensor fasciae latae (sc-TFL) or lateral thigh perforator (LTP) flap was previously introduced by our group as an alternative flap for autologous breast reconstruction when the abdomen is not suitable as a donor site. The aim of this study was to analyze our experience with the LTP flap and to present the surgical refinements that were introduced. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted of all LTP flap breast reconstructions performed since September 2012. Patient demographics, operative details, complications and flap re-explorations were recorded. Preoperative imaging with MRA was performed in all patients. Surgical refinements that were introduced during this study included limitation of the flap width and the use of quilting sutures at the donor site. RESULTS: A total of 138 LTP flap breast reconstructions were performed in 86 consecutive patients. Median operation times were 277 minutes (range 196-561) for unilateral and 451 minutes (range 335-710) for bilateral procedures. Median flap weight was 348 grams (range 175-814). Two total flap losses (1.4%) were recorded and eleven flaps (8.0%) required re-exploration, which resulted in viable flaps. The incidence of donor-site complications reduced significantly after the surgical refinements were introduced. Wound problems decreased from 40.0% to 6.3%, seroma from 25.0% to 9.5%, and infection from 27.5% to 9.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The LTP flap is an excellent option for autologous breast reconstruction with minimal recipient-site complications. The surgical refinements resulted in a significant reduction of donor-site complications. Therefore, the LTP flap is currently our second choice after the DIEP flap.

BACKGROUND:Plantar foot reconstruction requires special consideration of both form and function. There are several fasciocutaneous flap options, each with indications and reservations. CASE STUDY/METHODS:This case presents a new application of the vertical profunda artery perforator flap for definitive closure of a neuropathic foot ulcer in a young woman with spina bifida. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the flap survived completely. The surgical and donor sites were without wound recurrence at 5-month follow-up. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS:Understanding the variability of foot flap options is important because of unique cases such as the one presented where the wound was caused by specific and less commonly observed foot anatomy. The specific choice to use the vertical profunda artery perforator flap for this patient and her neuropathic wound type was made based on its excellent flexibility, durability, and donor site appeal. CONCLUSIONS:The vertical profunda artery perforator flap has adequate surface area and bulk and a favorable pedicle length and caliber, can be thinned, and leaves a donor scar in a less conspicuous area than other popular free flaps for lower-extremity reconstruction. For these reasons, it should be considered a first-line therapy for free flap coverage of selected foot wounds.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE:The objective of this study was to test the osteogenic capacity of dipyridamole-loaded, three-dimensionally printed, bioactive ceramic (3DPBC) scaffolds using a translational, skeletally mature, large-animal calvarial defect model. MATERIALS AND METHODS/METHODS:Custom 3DPBC scaffolds designed to present lattice-based porosity only towards the dural surface were either coated with collagen (control) or coated with collagen and immersed in a 100 μM concentration dipyridamole (DIPY) solution. Sheep (n = 5) were subjected to 2 ipsilateral trephine-induced (11-mm diameter) calvarial defects. Either a control or a DIPY scaffold was placed in each defect, and the surgery was repeated on the contralateral side 3 weeks later. Following sacrifice, defects were evaluated through microcomputed tomography and histologic analysis for bone, scaffold, and soft tissue quantification throughout the defect. Parametric and non-parametric methods were used to determine statistical significance based on data distribution. RESULTS:No exuberant or ectopic bone formation was observed, and no histologic evidence of inflammation was noted within the defects. Osteogenesis was higher in DIPY-coated scaffolds compared to controls at 3 weeks (p = 0.013) and 6 weeks (p = 0.046) in vivo. When bone formation was evaluated as a function of defect radius, average bone formation was higher for DIPY relative to control scaffolds at both time points (significant at defect central regions at 3 weeks and at margins at 6 weeks, p = 0.046 and p = 0.031, respectively). CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:Dipyridamole significantly improves the calvarial bone regeneration capacity of 3DPBC scaffolds. The most significant difference in bone regeneration was observed centrally within the interface between the 3DPBC scaffold and the dura mater.

BACKGROUND:Facial transplantation (FT) is a challenging reconstructive endeavor that requires the expertise of a multidisciplinary team. The specific role of maxillofacial prosthodontists has not yet been reported in detail. METHODS:This review considers the contributions of prosthodontists throughout the FT process, from patient selection and dental evaluation to long-term dental rehabilitation of the transplant patient postoperatively. Moreover, considerations of dental management are evaluated. RESULTS:In the almost 40 FT reported in the literature, the most consistently documented contribution by prosthodontists is the fabrication of a donor mask to maintain donor integrity. Though infrequently reported, prosthodontists have the potential to plan and perform a variety of dental procedures and follow-up plans. CONCLUSIONS:When applicable, facial transplant teams are tasked with providing optimal stomatognathic function and dental occlusion to recipients with severe facial disfigurement. The maxillofacial prosthodontist's contribution is crucial to the long-term dental restoration of the edentulous facial transplant candidate, in addition to the fabrication of the donor mask which fulfills the team's ethical responsibilities. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS/CONCLUSIONS:Maxillofacial prosthodontists play a pivotal role in facial transplantation, particularly when jaw segments are intended for transplantation.

Breast reconstruction that leaves no visible scars on the breast is possible for a subset of patients. This article reviews a cohort of 10 patients who underwent 14 autologous breast reconstructions. To achieve a reconstruction without visible breast scars, the mastectomy and autologous reconstruction are carried out through a periareolar incision. At the completion of the reconstruction, a small skin paddle is externalized through the mastectomy incision and in a subsequent stage entirely incorporated into a nipple areola reconstruction. Following completion of the breast and nipple areola reconstruction, a tattoo is performed that extends beyond the perimeter of the reconstructed areola and conceals all scars on the breast mound. The ideal candidate for this technique has a small or medium size breast, which is non- or minimally ptotic, and a donor site that can yield a flap larger than the volume of the native breast. In properly selected patients, this technique consistently yields high-quality results, which match or even surpass the aesthetics of the original breast.

This study evaluated the influence of different light-curing modes on the volumetric polymerization shrinkage and degree of conversion of a composite resin at different locations using micro-computed tomography and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Specimens were divided into 4 groups based on the light-curing mode used (Bluephase 20i): 1 -High (1,200 mW/cm2); 2 -Low (650 mW/cm2); 3 -Soft-start (650-1,200 mW/cm2); and 4 -Turbo (2,000 mW/cm2). Degree of conversion was calculated by the measurement of the peak absorbance height of the uncured and cured materials at the specific wavenumbers, and was performed by FTIR 48 h after curing resin samples. Degree of conversion was analyzed using two-way ANOVA. No significant differences were observed independent of the region of the restoration investigated (p>0.05). Different curing modes did not influence volumetric shrinkage neither degree of conversion of class I composite resin restorations.