The Journal of craniofacial surgery
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Children and adolescents with injuries resulting in facial fractures are a population that is potentially at risk for suffering concomitant concussion. Concussion results in a variety of physical symptoms and often affects cognition, emotion, and sleep. These effects can have a significant impact on academics and social functioning. Early recognition of concussion and active management have been shown to improve outcomes. The goal of this study was to describe the occurrence of concussion in patients sustaining facial fractures and to determine whether certain fracture types are associated with concussion. ⋯ Nearly one third of pediatric patients with facial fractures in this retrospective series were diagnosed with a concomitant concussion. Our data suggest that a higher index of suspicion for concussion should be maintained for patients with concomitant skull fractures and potentially orbital and maxillary fractures. Given the possibility of a worse outcome with delayed concussion diagnosis, patients with facial fractures may benefit from more active early concussion screening.
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High-density porous polyethylene (Medpor) has long been used in cranioplasty and is still one of the best materials for calvarial reconstruction. Calvarial defects can be effectively reconstructed with fewer complications by using Medpor. This article reports our study on the use of Medpor in reconstructing calvarial defects. ⋯ Using Medpor in cranioplasty is an effective method for reconstructing calvarial defects.
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Multidisciplinary care involving plastic surgery and neurosurgery is generally accepted as optimal to manage craniosynostosis to avoid complications and to identify patients at risk. We conducted a retrospective 30-year review of craniosynostosis surgery at a single major craniofacial institute to establish the rate and predictors of complications. Medical records of 796 consecutive patients who underwent primary surgery for craniosynostosis from 1981 to 2010 at our institute were analyzed for complications. ⋯ Syndromic and complex craniosynostosis predicted both complications and need for major revision. Spring cranioplasty was associated with higher complications. Overall results support a recommended age for craniosynostosis surgery between 9 and 12 months.
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The objective of this study was to summarize our experience of using local flaps for the reconstruction of neck defects after cervical contractures release, particularly of using the extended deltopectoral flaps whose distal margin was beyond the anterior axillary line even reaching dorsalis for reconstruction of anterior neck scar contractures in a single-stage procedure. ⋯ The local flap with matching texture, color, elasticity, and pliability is still the best choice for reconstruction of postburn anteriorly located neck contractures. The extended deltopectoral flap has been used successfully to yield satisfactory outcomes for the scar contractures in the anterior neck and should be conserved as a selective method for reconstructive surgeons.
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The inferior turbinate flaps (ITFs) include the anterior pedicle inferior turbinate flap (APITF) and the posterior pedicle inferior turbinate flap (PPITF). The APITF has been used for the repair of the septal perforation, and the PPITF has been used for the reconstruction of the skull base. Because of the technical difficulties of endoscopic preparation of the ITF, clinical studies on endoscopic management with the ITFs have been sporadic. ⋯ Inferior turbinate flaps could be a feasible alternative in the repair of the nasal septum and skull base. Although endoscopic application of ITFs requires a considerable learning curve, increased familiarity with these flaps would improve flap survival and treatment outcome of reconstruction of the nasal septum and skull base.