Faculty Bibliography

More than half of all cancer patients have significant pain during the course of their disease. The strategic localization of TMPRSS2, a membrane-bound serine protease, on the cancer cell surface may allow it to mediate signal transduction between the cancer cell and its extracellular environment. We show that TMPRSS2 expression is not only dramatically increased in the primary cancers of patients but TMPRSS2 immunopositivity is also directly correlated with cancer pain severity in these patients. TMPRSS2 induced proteolytic activity, activated trigeminal neurons, and produced marked mechanical hyperalgesia when administered into the hind paw of wild-type mice but not PAR2-deficient mice. Coculture of human cancer cells with murine trigeminal neurons demonstrated colocalization of TMPRSS2 with PAR2. These results point to a novel role for a cell membrane-anchored mediator in cancer pain, as well as pain in general.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital maxillomandibular syngnathia, or fusion of the jaws, is a rare condition that has a broad spectrum of presentations. The restricted mouth opening can lead to issues with feeding, swallowing, and respiration resulting in failure to thrive and temporomandibular joint ankylosis. Early recognition and treatment is necessary for proper growth and development. CASE REPORT: We report a 1-day-old male with isolated bilateral soft tissue alveolar fibrous bands. He presented with difficulty feeding secondary to trismus. No bony or muscular involvement in the synechiae was noted and the remainder of the physical exam was unremarkable. The bilateral alveolar synechiae were divided under local anesthesia using surgical scissors. The patient immediately showed improvement in mouth opening and had resolution of his feeding problems. He is now gaining weight and developing appropriately. DISCUSSION: The accompanying review of the literature demonstrates only 11 cases worldwide of isolated maxillomandibular fusion. Depending upon the composition of the synechiae, simple surgical division under local anesthesia can be curative.

PURPOSE: The National Residency Matching Program Match is a very unique process in which applicants and programs are coupled to each other based on a ranking system. Although several studies have assessed features plastic surgery programs look for in applicants, no study in the present plastic surgery literature identifies which residency characteristics are most important to plastic surgery applicants. Therefore, we sought to perform a multi-institutional assessment as to which factors plastic surgery residency applicants consider most important when applying for residency. METHODS: A validated and anonymous questionnaire containing 37 items regarding various program characteristics was e-mailed to 226 applicants to New York University, Albany, University of Michigan, and University of Southern California plastic surgery residency programs. Applicants were asked to rate each feature on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the most important. The 37 variables were ranked by the sum of the responses. The median rating and interquartile range as well as the mean for each factor was then calculated. A Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare medians in rank order. RESULTS: A total of 137 completed questionnaires were returned, yielding a 61% response rate. The characteristics candidates considered most important were impressions during the interview, experiences during away rotations, importance placed on resident training/support/mentoring by faculty, personal experiences with residents, and the amount of time spent in general surgery. The characteristics candidates considered least important were second-look experiences, compensation/benefits, program reputation from Internet forums, accessibility of program coordinator, opportunity for laboratory research, and fellowship positions available at the program. CONCLUSIONS: Applicants value personal contact and time spent in general surgery when selecting residency programs. As the number of integrated programs continues to grow, programs will benefit from learning what factors their applicants value most.

BACKGROUND: Lower extremity reconstruction following resection of long bone tumors is challenging because of the unique functional demands and growth potential of the lower extremity in children. The use of a free fibula flap inside a massive bone allograft provides a reliable reconstructive option. The authors evaluate the surgical and functional outcomes of using this technique. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of 12 consecutive patients who underwent reconstruction of segmental femur or tibia defects using a free fibula flap inside a massive bone allograft from 2003 to 2011. Complications and functional outcomes are reported. RESULTS: Twelve patients with a mean age of 15.8 years (range 3 to 49 years) were included in the study. Eight femur defects and four tibia defects were reconstructed. The mean follow up time was 41.4 months. Two constructs were removed because of infection, three patients required bone grafting for nonunion, one patient required an additional operation to excise a skin paddle, and one patient experienced a lower extremity DVT. The mean time to achieve full weight bearing was 14.3 months. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a free fibula flap inside a massive bone allograft following bone tumor resection provides an option for lower extremity reconstruction. The allograft component increases the initial strength of the reconstruction while the vascularized fibula component is thought to increase the biologic potential for osteosynthesis and ultimately provide a potentially life-long durable reconstruction. Patients who achieve oncologic control are likely to enjoy a high functional long-term outcome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

BACKGROUND: Although the majority of nasal alterations in rhinoplasty result from either augmentation or reduction of bone and cartilaginous substructure, modifications of influential soft-tissue provide significant contribution to the final result. The depressor septi nasi muscle is a soft-tissue structure well known to influence the final result in rhinoplasty. The objective of this study was to perform a standardized, comprehensive review of relevant data published with regard to the depressor septi nasi muscle. METHODS: A comprehensive search of the terms "depressor septi muscle" and "depressor septi nasi muscle" was performed using the PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane databases. Articles were reviewed for relevancy and included if criteria were met. A secondary review was performed of all articles cited, to maximize diligence. RESULTS: Forty-three articles were identified in the initial search. Thirteen of the 43 were found to meet inclusion criteria. Secondary search revealed additional studies meeting inclusion criteria. Altogether, there were 175 cadaver specimens and 821 surgically treated patients for which data were available. Anatomical reports and nomenclature were found to vary. Surgical approach and muscle treatment diverged, with objective data showing no superior method. CONCLUSIONS: Although variation exists in anatomical reports regarding the depressor septi nasi muscle, the prevailing thought is that it originates from the maxilla and/or orbicularis oris muscle. More importantly, the muscle inserts on the medial crura and adjacent soft tissue. Disruption of this relationship provides the basis for surgical treatment of tip descent on animation.

BACKGROUND: Otoplasty for prominent ears is a routine procedure that is generally met with satisfaction by patients and family members. A significant percentage of patients requesting otoplasty, however, have some degree of macrotia in addition to protruding ears. Combining ear reduction with traditional otoplasty allows correction of these deformities. There are few studies in the literature that describe ear reduction, and those that do, describe small subsets of patients. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of the senior author's (C.H.T.) otoplasty procedures from 2010 to 2013. Charts were reviewed for patient demographics, preoperative assessment, surgical technique used, complications, and need for revision. All otoplasty procedures, primary or secondary, were included in the series. RESULTS: Over a 3-year period, 84 total otoplasty procedures were performed. Of these, 30 patients had some degree of scaphal reduction as a component of the procedure. Five patients (6 percent) also had shortening of the earlobes in addition to the scaphal reduction. Nineteen of the patients (23 percent) had an otoplasty previously (none performed by the senior author) but were not completely satisfied. Complications of reduction otoplasty were limited to a single patient with a suture protrusion behind the ear. None of the patients in this series have required reoperation. CONCLUSIONS: Scaphal reduction to modify the contour of the upper auricle and/or decrease the overall size of the ear can be a valuable adjunct to otoplasty and may be indicated in a larger than expected percentage of patients presenting for otoplasty. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Three-dimensional surface imaging has gained clinical acceptance in plastic and reconstructive surgery. In contrast to computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging, three-dimensional surface imaging relies on triangulation in stereophotography to measure surface x, y, and z coordinates. This study reviews the past, present, and future directions of three-dimensional topographic imaging in plastic surgery. Historically, three-dimensional imaging technology was first used in a clinical setting in 1944 to diagnose orthodontologic conditions. Karlan established its use in the field of plastic surgery in 1979, analyzing contours and documenting facial asymmetries. Present use of three-dimensional surface imaging has focused on standardizing patient topographic measurements to enhance preoperative planning and to improve postoperative outcomes. Various measurements (e.g., volume, surface area, vector distance, curvature) have been applied to breast, body, and facial topography to augment patient analysis. Despite the rapid progression of the clinical applications of three-dimensional imaging, current use of this technology is focused on the surgeon's perspective and secondarily the patient's perspective. Advancements in patient simulation may improve patient-physician communication, education, and satisfaction. However, a communal database of three-dimensional surface images integrated with emerging three-dimensional printing and portable information technology will validate measurements and strengthen preoperative planning and postoperative outcomes. Three-dimensional surface imaging is a useful adjunct to plastic and reconstructive surgery practices and standardizes measurements to create objectivity in a subjective field. Key improvements in three-dimensional imaging technology may significantly enhance the quality of plastic and reconstructive surgery in the near future.