Journal Reviews
Exploration of more effective neurorrhaphy in facial nerve reconstruction
This study was laboratory based and focused on different types of end-to-side neurorraphy, and their effects on treating partial facial paralysis. The ultimate aim of this study was to determine which end-to-side neurorraphy produced the greatest axonal growth across the...
Exposures of the wrist and distal radioulnar joint
The article Exposures of the Wrist and Distal Radioulnar Joint presents its anatomical material in a logical manner, with headings and sub-headings clearly delineating the subject matter. The ‘Pitfalls’ and ‘Pearls’ sections adequately summarise the material covered, in a format...
Facial reconstruction with polyethylene implants
Planning reconstructive surgery for complex craniofacial defects challenges even the most experienced of surgeons. In most cases surgery is undertaken to improve anatomical functioning. However, the anatomical structure of these regions is also critical to facial aesthetics and patient satisfaction...
ERAS in microvascular breast reconstruction
Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is an important concept in today’s accountancy dominated hospitals, effectively decreasing the length of stay (LOS) of postoperative patients. This is something that surgeons will have to consider – or have protocols foisted upon them...
A new free flap for the head and neck
Whilst the radial forearm free flap (RFFF) is well known and tested, this group of surgeons from Sunderland, UK, discuss their experience with a comparable flap. They advocate the medial sural artery perforator flap (MSAPF), with a long pedicle if...
Total lower lip reconstruction
Total or near total defects of the lower lip may result from trauma, cancer ablation or congenital causes. Defects usually involve the full thickness and include skin, muscle and mucosa. There are a number of techniques for the one stage...
Multiple free flaps for head and neck cancer
Most patients with advanced head and neck cancers now undergo microvascular free flap reconstruction. This is mainly as flaps facilitate complete tumour and margin removal by providing reliable wound coverage and better restoration of form and function. However, despite this,...
Semi dynamic reconstruction of the lower lip
The main goal of reconstructive surgery for facial paralysis is the restoration of smiling and function of eye closure. The deformity of the lower lip in paralysis is ptosis of the corner of the mouth, eversion of the vermillion and...
Post auricular advancement flap for partial helix defect repair
Ear defects can be the result of trauma, burns or ablative surgery. The three dimensional structure of the pinna with its subunits presents a difficult reconstructive challenge as successful reconstruction requires both similar tissue cover and a supporting framework. Partial...
A place for nerve transfers in your hand surgery service
The author summarises the application of nerve transfers in upper limb trauma. This is a review article and covers the principles of transfer; the indications, preoperative assessment and the whole patient journey, stressing the need for rehabilitation. The technical factors...
Abdominal problems following breast reconstruction using lower abdominal flaps
Abdominal problems following transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) and deep inferior epigastric perforators (DIEP) flaps are well recognised in these otherwise excellent methods of breast reconstruction. The authors reviewed 399 patients, of whom 57.7% had surgical complications although most of...
Immediate planned reconstruction following complex craniofacial reconstruction
The immediate reconstruction of 3-D craniofacial defects is extremely difficult and can be more difficult than the ablation. Perfect shape and symmetry is required. In the past decade this has largely improved with CAD/CAM engineering. The authors report a one-step...
