The short-term effect of neuroma-in-continuity resection in obstetrical brachial plexus palsy was evaluated to test the hypothesis that the neuroma does not contribute to useful limb function. Twenty-six patients with obstetrical brachial plexus palsy underwent resection of the neuroma-in-continuity and interpositional nerve grafting, and 17 patients underwent neurolysis only. The preoperative and postoperative active movement scores were recorded using an eight-point scale for 15 joint motions in each patient. Data analysis examined the change in total limb motion scores over time within patients undergoing neuroma-in-continuity resection and a comparison with those patients undergoing neurolysis. Compared with preoperative assessment, limb motion scores after neuroma resection were significantly decreased at 6 weeks, not significantly different by 3 months, and significantly improved at 12 months postoperatively. In comparison to patients undergoing neurolysis only, limb motion scores after neuroma resection were not significantly different at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. These findings are unlikely to be accounted for by axonal regeneration across interpositional nerve grafts. Nerve regeneration or recovery in the nongrafted segment of the plexus must be sufficient to reproduce preoperative motion. Resection of the neuromas-in-continuity in obstetrical brachial plexus palsy does not significantly diminish motor activity.
This study surveyed plastic surgeons for the purpose of identifying gender-related differences within the specialty. A confidential 108-item questionnaire was mailed to all female members and candidates of the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (ASPRS) and to an equal number of male colleagues. The survey was conducted between September of 1992 and October of 1993 using a modified Dillman five-step computerized method. The response rate was 73 percent for women (157 of 216) and 57 percent for men (124 of 216). Of those who responded, 65 percent of women and 89 percent of men were married (p < 0.01). Fifty-two percent of women and 86 percent of men had biologic children (p < 0.001). The majority of surgeons surveyed (97 percent) were in full-time surgical practice. Many women reported delaying childbearing until they had begun full-time practice of plastic surgery (p < 0.001). No significant gender-related differences were noted with respect to medical school rank, training history, advanced degrees, subspecialty practiced, hospital affiliation, or hours worked. Women surgeons in academic practice held lower rank than men and were less likely to be tenured (p < 0.04). Gross annual income was lower for women (p < 0.001). In contrast to men (27 percent), most women (89 percent) perceived sexual discrimination and harassment (p < 0.001). The majority of plastic surgeons were satisfied with their financial situation (80 percent), work (94 percent), and family life (76 percent). Over 90 percent of both women and men were happy with their career choice and would encourage medical students to become surgeons. Plastic surgeons do not differ in training or professional practice characteristics. Discrimination and harassment and unequal promotion and remuneration of women in the university environment are problems that need to be eliminated.
A technique of endoscopic sural nerve harvest was devised to minimize the donor-site scarring in pediatric patients requiring peripheral nerve-grafting procedures. The harvests were performed under tourniquet control using two 2-cm incisions for access at the lateral malleolus and the midcalf. Endoscopic visualization and blunt dissection of the nerve were achieved with a 4-mm Hopkins telescope with 30-degree angled lens (Karl Storz GmbH, Tuttlingen, Germany) stabilized in an Emory retractor and attached to a video camera. The medial sural nerve was divided in the popliteal fossa proximally under endoscopic visualization. The lateral sural nerve was identified and harvested when present. Between June of 1994 and March of 1995, 18 patients underwent 27 sural nerve harvests using the endoscopic technique. Mean patient age was 3.3 years (range 4 to 197 months). Indications for surgery included obstetrical brachial plexus palsy (12), facial palsy (5), and ulnar nerve neuroma (1). Nerve-graft length harvested ranged from 13 to 41 cm. Mean tourniquet time per limb was 92 minutes. No nerve graft injury was noted on examination under the operating microscope. Postoperative pain, swelling, and ecchymosis were minimal. Donorsite scarring has been aesthetically satisfactory to date.
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