Journal of plastic, reconstructive & aesthetic surgery : JPRAS
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J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg · Feb 2010
Cognitive capacity: no association with recovery of sensibility by Semmes Weinstein test score after peripheral nerve injury of the forearm.
In the recovery process of sensibility after repair of a peripheral nerve injury of the forearm, not only age but also surgical repair techniques are of importance. If regenerating axons are misdirected, reorganisation or other adaptic processes are needed at the level of the somatosensory brain cortex. These processes are thought to be dependent on the patient's cognitive capacity. ⋯ No association was found between the cognitive-capacity tests used and sensory recovery. The present prospective study did not reveal any association between recovery of sensibility measured by Semmes-Weinstein test score and cognitive capacity. Further studies should be performed to confirm these results.
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J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg · Feb 2010
Management of full-thickness skin defects in the hand and wrist region: first long-term experiences with the dermal matrix Matriderm.
The gold standard for the coverage of full-thickness skin defects is autologous skin grafts. However, poor skin quality and scar contracture are well-known problems in functional, highly strained regions. The use of dermal substitutes is an appropriate way to minimise scar contraction and, thereby, to optimise the quality of the reconstructed skin. ⋯ No limitation concerning hand function was observed; DASH-score analysis revealed excellent hand function in patients with burn injury and patients with a defect due to the harvest of a radial forearm flap achieved satisfying hand function. This matrix represents a viable alternative to other types of defect coverage and should therefore be considered in the treatment of skin injuries, especially in very delicate regions such as the joint regions. The possibility of performing a one-stage procedure is supposed to be a major advantage in comparison to a two-stage procedure.
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A critical element in the prevention of wound and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) infections after craniotomies is the prevention of postprocedural CSF leaks. The salvage of infected prosthetic dural material in this milieu is not adequately addressed in the literature and is the subject of this study. ⋯ Comprehensive method of treating CSF leaks in conjunction with the salvage of bovine pericardial dural grafts may be a viable clinical option.