Journal of plastic, reconstructive & aesthetic surgery : JPRAS
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J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg · Feb 2013
Comparative StudyNatural conduits for bridging a 15-mm nerve defect: comparison of the vein supported by muscle and bone marrow stromal cells with a nerve autograft.
The gold standard for reconstructing large nerve defects, the nerve autograft, results in donor-site morbidity. This detrimental consequence drives the search for alternatives. We used a vein filled with a small piece of fresh muscle to prevent the vein from collapsing and with bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) to enhance regeneration. ⋯ This study is a step forward in the search for an alternative to the nerve autograft because it demonstrates the beneficial effect of BMSCs to a conduit. However, our data do not demonstrate sufficient benefit to warrant clinical implementation at this stage.
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J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg · Feb 2013
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyUse of botulinum toxin type A to improve treatment of facial wounds: a prospective randomised study.
The tension vectors acting on the wound edges are transmitted to immature collagen fibres synthesised during the normal healing phase. This accounts for scar widening as well as hypertrophic and hyperpigmented scars. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether early injections of botulinum toxin type A (BTA), which induces temporary muscular paralysis, decreases tension vectors on wound edges and enhances scarring of facial wounds. ⋯ Thanks to chemoimmobilisation, injections of BTA appear to improve cosmesis of facial wounds. Accordingly, they would be beneficial for use in young patients for wounds without tissue loss, lying perpendicular to the reduced tension lines of the skin of the face.
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J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg · Feb 2013
Case ReportsReconstruction of metatarsal bone defects with a free fibular osteomyocutaneous flap incorporating soleus muscle.
Severe traumatic bone and soft-tissue defects are often treated by lower leg amputation. The amputation level becomes a very important factor with respect to the patient's basic daily activities. ⋯ Now, 2 years after the procedure, the patient is able to walk independently. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of use of such a composite transfer for a complex midfoot defect.
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J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg · Feb 2013
Case ReportsBilateral supraclavicular swelling: an unusual presentation of ruptured Poly Implant Prosthese (PIP) breast implants.
Breast implants manufactured by the French company Poly Implant Prosthese (PIP) have gained notoriety in the International media since the realisation that industrial grade silicone was used in their manufacture with consequent increased risk of implant rupture. At present, it is estimated that there are estimated to be over 40,000 women in the UK with PIP implants. We report an unusual presentation of PIP breast implant rupture as swelling in the supraclavicular fossae. This has not previously been reported in the literature.
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J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg · Feb 2013
Comparative StudyFirst-aid with warm water delays burn progression and increases skin survival.
First aid treatment for thermal injuries with cold water removes heat and decreases inflammation. However, perfusion in the ischemic zone surrounding the coagulated core can be compromised by cold-induced vasoconstriction and favor burn progression. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of local warming on burn progression in the rat comb burn model. ⋯ In order to limit damage after burn injury, burn progression has to be prevented. Besides delaying burn progression, the application of warm water provided an additional benefit by improving the microcirculatory perfusion, which translated into increased tissue survival.