Clinics in plastic surgery
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From all of the flaps reviewed, it is important to know how to select the most suitable choice in each case. Aside from the technical expertise of the surgeon, the indication depends on the size and the location of the substance loss. For large defects in any location, the radial forearm flap remains the most reliable and safest choice. ⋯ In conclusion, this article is devoted to an update on forearm flaps and illustrates the innovative strength of this specialty. It also points out that, through in depth knowledge of the anatomy, flaps may be raised from many anatomic regions of a limb without disturbing the main vascular axis of that extremity. Minimizing the donor site morbidity while maximizing the quality of the reconstruction is the primary concern when indications are established for reconstructive hand surgery, which is where one of the authors' main research efforts resides.
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The chronic pain syndrome encompassed by the term RSD is poorly understood. The confusion is caused in large part by frequent misdiagnosis and excessive use of sympatholytic procedures in inappropriate circumstances. Recently, pain specialists have redefined the specific criteria for regional pain syndromes having sympathetic maintaining factors, emphasizing application of placebo testing in diagnosis and attention to anatomic principles in pharmacologic and surgical treatment. ⋯ Current thinking suggests that sympathetic maintained pain exists but that it may comprise only approximately 10% of regional pain cases. Once the appropriate diagnosis is made, classically described sympatholytic procedures are reasonably used. Alternative techniques, such as spinal cord stimulation, may have an important role in refractory cases of sympathetically maintained pain.
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A variety of techniques are available for reconstruction of the wrist. The efficacy of wrist arthroplasty, however, is met with narrowed indications and does not enjoy the success that total joint replacement in other joints, such as the hip and knee, has enjoyed. With design improvements during the last decade, good short-term results from total wrist arthroplasty can be expected in the low-demand patient with rheumatoid arthritis. ⋯ Although technically demanding, successful results may be expected, especially in conditions of carpal instability. With the current wide array of surgical alternatives, the surgeon must consider each case carefully and select the procedure that best applies to each particular situation. Furthermore, it is extremely important that the surgeon educate the patient on the limitations of each procedure.
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In managing any fractures of the hand, the basic principles of fracture management are the same whether treatment is closed or open. They are 1. Accurate reduction and stabilization of the fracture 2. ⋯ Fractures of the hand are very common injuries that demand early recognition and treatment. The majority of fractures can be treated with closed methods. Recognition of those injuries that require operative treatment and prompt attention to detail and surgical technique will prevent many of the complications associated with these frequently encountered problems.
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Several craniotomies have been described that allow extensive resection of skull base and low-lying cranial tumors that involve little disfigurement to the patient. These techniques should be of interest to plastic surgeons as they may be called to aid their neurosurgical colleagues in exposing the anterior skull base or may be involved in combined procedures to resect tumors that involve the face, sinuses, orbit, and cranial vault.