Currently, the free fibular flap is well accepted as the first choice for mandibular reconstruction. Achieving functional results in pediatric patients requires a different approach than that employed for mature patients. Because the pediatric craniofacial skeleton continues to grow, reconstruction is more challenging, and the long-term results can be different from those of adult patients. In this study, we sought to measure flap growth objectively in our series. Ten pediatric patients who underwent reconstruction with free fibular flaps were retrospectively reviewed. Flap growth was evaluated by comparing the intraoperative photographs with photographs of the control panoramic mandibular radiographs taken using photo-anthropometric techniques. The measurements were converted to proportionality indices (PI), and these indices were compared. Subsequent complications and functional results were also evaluated. The mean patient age was 11.8 years, and the mean follow up was 57.7 months. The mean preoperative PI value was 10.74 ± 2.47. The mean postoperative PI value was 12.52 ± 2.34. The mean difference between the preoperative and postoperative PI values was -1.78 ± 0.53. These photo-anthropometric data clearly illustrated the growth of the fibular flaps (P = 0.001). None of these patients exhibited nonunion of the fractures; however, one patient experienced a delayed union, one had chronic temporomandibular joint pain, and one had chronic temporomandibular joint luxation. In two patients, the inter-incisive measurements were below the third percentile, and two additional patients had grade 2 eating abilities, which can be regarded as poor. All of the patients had symmetric mandibular contours. Free fibular flaps continue to grow in pediatric patients. This flap is a "workhorse" flap in children because it adapts to the craniofacial skeleton via its ability to grow, and this ability results in subsequent good cosmetic and functional results.
Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare hereditary disorder of collagen synthesis that results in weak bones that are easily fractured resulting in deformities. Osteogenesis imperfecta refers to a wide array of genetic disorders with variable phenotypic presentation. In general, type I is the mildest form of disease; types IV, III, and II, respectively, increase in severity. There is lack of knowledge about the feasibility of nasal surgery in patients with bony disorders in the literature. Although rhinoplasty is one of the most frequent procedures all over the world, there are only very few case reports about OI patients undergoing rhinoplasty. The authors could find 2 old case reports, published in 1965 and 1977. The only recent publication that could be found was published in 2000, but it was about a follow-up case that had been operated 15 years ago. A 24-year-old woman with OI who has been operated on because of severe airway obstruction and cosmetic reasons is presented. Open rhinoplasty was performed, keeping in mind that bones and cartilages are more fragile, and they heal late in OI. Therefore, greenstick fractures were preferred instead of median osteotomies, and cartilages were fixed to each other at multiple points with nonabsorbable sutures. There were no complications in the postoperative period, and the patient was very satisfied with her breathing and appearance. Current literature is reviewed in accordance with our experience with this unique case. In conclusion, good cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty results may be obtained in OI cases with careful case selection, limited mobilization of the nasal bones, and careful fixation of the nasal cartilages with nonabsorbable sutures.
Background:Hepatic artery anastomosis is an essential part of live-donor liver transplantation, and during this anastomosis, an unusual contact between bile and vessel ends is observed. In this study, the effects of this nonphysiological contact in a rabbit model were evaluated.Methods:The study was designed in 2 steps—in vitro and in vivo. Three groups were established for the in vitro study. In the first group, vessels were incubated in Krebs solution with 5% bile for 1 minute. In the second group, vessels were kept in Krebs solution with 5% bile for 5 minutes. Vessels in the control group were kept in Krebs solution without bile. All groups were examined for responses to vasodilator and vasoconstrictor agents in organ bath system. The specimens were evaluated immunohistochemically and histopathologically. In the in vivo step, microvascular anastomosis was performed bilaterally. Right carotid artery was anastomosed during bile contamination as study group, and left carotid artery was anastomosed without bile contamination as control group. Blood flow indexes were measured.Results:The results of the in vitro study revealed decreased responses to contractile and relaxing agents in the first study group compared with that of the control group (P < 0.0001). There was no response obtained in the second study group. The Doppler ultrasound results revealed no difference between preoperative and postoperative flow indexes (P > 0.05). There was no postoperative spasm in the study group. However, there was significant vasospasm in the control group (P < 0.05).Conclusions:Vessels exposed to bile have decreased contractile and relaxing responses, and this effect increases with exposure duration.
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