The craniofacial region comprises the most complex and intricate anatomical structures in the human body. As a result of developmental defects, traumatic injury, or neoplastic tissue formation, the functional and aesthetic intricacies of the face and cranium are often disrupted. While reconstructive techniques have long been innovated in this field, there are crucial limitations to the surgical restoration of craniomaxillofacial form and function. Fortunately, the rise of regenerative medicine and surgery has expanded the possibilities for patients affected with hard and soft tissue deficits, allowing for the controlled engineering and regeneration of patient-specific defects. In particular, stem cell therapy has emerged in recent years as an adjuvant treatment for the targeted regeneration of craniomaxillofacial structures. This review outlines the current state of the art in stem cell therapies utilized for the engineered restoration and regeneration of skeletal defects in the craniofacial region.
irst described over 60 years ago, the Pulvertaft weave technique remains a standard for tendon repairs. 1,2 This technique joins tendons by cutting slits into a recipient tendon, weaving a donor tendon through the slits, and securing the weaved product with sutures. The Pulvertaft weave technique is often used for tendon transfers and grafts to restore upper extremity function when primary tendon reconstruction and nerve transfers are not possible. [2][3][4] As the Pulvertaft weave technique is used to treat a myriad of upper extremity abnormalities, it will likely persevere in the hand surgeon's toolbox.Despite the prevalence of the Pulvertaft weave technique, consensus regarding the specific aspects of the technique remains lacking. The original article by Pulvertaft in 1956 failed to expand on the ideal number of weaves and the suture material that should be used to anchor the weaved tendons. 1 As a result, hand surgeons have adopted a broad array of preferences in approach without standardization.
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