The Journal of craniofacial surgery
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Brachial plexus is complex network of nerves, formed by joining and splitting of ventral rami of spinal nerves C5, C6, C7, C8, and T1 forming trunks, divisions, and cords. The nerves emerging from trunks and cords innervate the upper limb and to some extent pectoral region. Scanty literature describes the variations in the formation of cords and nerves emanating from them. ⋯ Most common variation consisted of formation of posterior cord by fusion of posterior division of upper and middle trunk and lower trunk continued as medial cord followed by originating of 2 pectoral nerves from anterior divisions of upper and middle trunk. Other variations include anterior division of upper trunk continued as lateral cord and pierced the coracobrachialis, upper and middle trunk fused to form common cord which divided into lateral and posterior cords, upper trunk gave suprascapular nerve and abnormal lateral pectoral nerve and formation of median nerve by 3 roots. These variations were analyzed for diagnostic and clinical significance making the study relevant for surgeons, radiologists in arresting failure patients and anatomists academically in medical education.
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Ultrasonography (US) was recently reported as a reliable modality for diagnosing nasal bone fractures. However, whether US is reliable as a screening tool in the pediatric emergency department (ED) remains unknown. This prospective cohort study had a 2-fold aim: to assess the utility of US in the diagnosis of pediatric nasal bone fracture, and to evaluate the validity of our protocol for managing pediatric nasal bone fractures (Fuchu-Kids algorithm). ⋯ Using our algorithm, the majority of patients with nasal bone fracture were successfully diagnosed and screened out successfully. Repeated US imaging is effective when clinical symptoms persist even if the first US imaging was negative for nasal bone fracture. However, a detailed medical interview and clinical examination are mandatory, regardless of the use of US.
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Conjoined twinning is a rare anomaly, with an incidence of approximately 1 in 100,000 live births. There is a high perinatal mortality rate, but twins who survive pose reconstructive challenges that require meticulous preoperative planning. The authors describe the senior surgeon's career experience with conjoined twin separation, and the evolution of medical modeling and 3-dimensional imaging as a critical component in presurgical planning. ⋯ The overall survival rate after separation was 70%. The imaging methods used were computed tomography scan with 3-dimensional reconstruction, plaster molds, medical modeling with composite printing, and virtual surgical planning. The use of imaging and medical modeling in presurgical planning has proven to be an important element in optimizing the outcomes for patients with this rare anomaly.
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Midface advancement is a keystone intervention in the treatment plan of syndromic hypoplasia of the midface. Although earlier authors had been using a combination of smaller incisions to acquire enough access to perform the different osteotomies, Tessier popularized the bicoronal incision. This approach can be time-consuming however and leaves an ear-to-ear scar. The authors describe an endoscopically assisted piezo-electric Le Fort III osteotomy performed through minimal invasive access. The cutaneous incision was limited to a single-short mid-glabellar vertical scar (8 mm) to perform the nasofrontal and septum osteotomy. Further osteotomies are performed through a 1.5 cm intraoral incision and a transconjunctival approach with a retrocaruncular extension. A lateral canthotomy was avoided to lower the risk of postoperative eyelid malposition. ⋯ The minimally invasive Le Fort III approach is feasible and efficacious for clinical use in a cadaveric setup.
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Comparative Study
Minimally Invasive Strip Craniectomy Simplifies Anesthesia Practice in Patients With Isolated Sagittal Synostosis.
Traditional open corrective surgery for isolated sagittal synostosis entails significant blood loss, transfusion rates, morbidity, and a lengthy hospitalization. Minimally invasive strip craniectomy (MISC) was introduced to avoid the disadvantages of open techniques. ⋯ Minimally invasive strip craniectomy simplifies anesthesia practice relative to OESC with shorter operative times, decreased needs for replacement fluids and blood products, lessened requirements for invasive monitoring, and reduced demands for postoperative high care beds.