Plastic and reconstructive surgery
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Plast. Reconstr. Surg. · Mar 2014
Determining the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire minimal clinically important difference by means of three methods.
To interpret patient-rated outcome measures, clinicians rely on the minimal clinically important difference. The authors studied the range of minimal clinically important difference scores for the overall Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire score its and subscales in a population with various diagnoses and treatments. ⋯ The minimal clinically important difference for the overall Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire score in atraumatic hand/forearm conditions falls between 8 and 13. Multiple analytic methods produce nonidentical but similar minimal clinically important differences. The authors recommend using difference estimates in these ranges when planning a clinical trial to investigate hand/forearm function across a range of diagnoses and treatments.
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Limited data exist on outcomes of calvarial reconstruction in cancer patients, including the relative efficacy of various cranioplasty materials, and risk factors for complications. ⋯ Risk, III.
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Plast. Reconstr. Surg. · Mar 2014
Meta AnalysisKetorolac does not increase perioperative bleeding: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Postoperative pain control is essential for optimal patient outcomes. Ketorolac is an attractive alternative for achieving pain control postoperatively, but concerns over postoperative bleeding have limited its use. ⋯ Therapeutic, II.
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Plast. Reconstr. Surg. · Mar 2014
Comparative StudyReinforcement of the abdominal wall following breast reconstruction with abdominal flaps: a comparison of synthetic and biological mesh.
Breast reconstruction using muscle-preserving abdominal flaps occasionally results in an abdominal bulge or hernia. The authors analyzed outcomes and complications following use of a synthetic or biological mesh for abdominal reinforcement following initial harvest or secondary repair of a bulge or hernia. ⋯ Therapeutic, III.
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Autologous split-thickness skin grafting has been proven to provide the best cosmetic and functional outcome after cutaneous burn injuries and thus is the standard of care. Clinical observations have shown that female burn patients frequently have greater difficulty choosing a donor site than do male burn patients. However, there is a lack of data characterizing donor-site preferences among women with burns. ⋯ Given these strong preferences among female patients, posterior donor sites should be considered and discussed as compared with the current standard of using lateral or anterior thigh donor sites.