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Cutaneous scarring is common after trauma, surgery and infection and occurs when normal skin tissue is replaced by fibroblastic tissue during the healing process. The pathophysiology of scar formation is not yet fully understood, although the degree of tension across the wound edges and the speed of cell growth are believed to play central roles. Prevention of scars is essential and can be achieved by attention to surgical techniques and the use of measures to reduce cell growth. Grading and classifying scars is important to determine available treatment strategies. This article presents an overview of the current therapies available for the prevention and treatment of scars. It is intended to be a practical guide for surgeons and other health professionals involved with and interested in scar management.

Teratomas can occur in almost any region of the body and are the most common extragonadal germ cell childhood tumors. However, craniofacial teratomas are rare. Craniofacial teratomas can present unique features and cause significant functional and aesthetic concerns. There are complex lesions that can have components intra-cranially and extra-cranially. Therefore, their management requires significant multi-stage multidisciplinary surgical procedures. Herein, we present a case of craniofacial teratoma in a child with the phenotype of proboscis lateralis that highlights some of the pertinent point of the diagnosis and management of congenital neonatal teratomas.

Background:The human hand is an important functional and sensory organ. Its complex anatomy reflects its important functional capabilities. Many Muslim countries observe the holy festivals with a traditional sacrifice of an animal in order to share the meat (basic commodity) with beloved ones. During such festivals hand injuries have been reported to increase. This study aimed to compare cases and controls of hand injuries treated at the national trauma center in the Sultanate of Oman during a 10-year time period. Methods: This is a case-control retrospective review for 10 years in the Sultanate of Oman. The cases were all hand injuries registered and assessed at Khoula Hospital in the Sultanate of Oman during the 3 days of both holy festivals from January 2004 to December 2013. Controls were hand injuries registered and assessed at Khoula Hospital in the Sultanate of Oman during nonfestival days. Data were extracted and collected from the Emergency Department database. A descriptive and comparative analysis was done. Results: There were 1091 cases reviewed in this study. Knife laceration was 2.4 more common during holy festivals than any other time. Extensor tendon injuries were 2.7 more common during holy festivals than nonfestival times. Thumb and index fingers constituted around 40% of the total injuries. Of all patients reviewed, 85% were treated and discharged home without admission. Conclusion: Holy festivals in the sultanate of Oman are risky times for hand injuries. Knife lacerations are more common during such times than any other times. Emergency and plastic services should be aware of the pattern of hand injuries during such times in order to prepare and plan services accordingly.