Donor Site Morbidity in Unilateral and Bilateral Transverse Musculocutaneous Gracilis (TMG) Flap Breast Reconstruction: Sensation, Function, Aesthesis and Patient-Reported Outcomes

The transverse musculocutaneous gracilis (TMG) flap has become a popular choice for breast reconstruction. This study aimed to compare the donor site morbidity in unilateral and bilateral procedures. Patients receiving a TMG flap (January 2008–October 2019) were invited to a follow-up and grouped according to unilateral (UL group) or bilateral (BL group) breast reconstruction. Outcome criteria included sensation, function and aesthesis of the thighs. Patient-reported outcomes were surveyed using validated questionnaires. The number and kind of refinement procedures for aesthetic purposes on the donor thighs were evaluated. Thirty-eight patients with 59 TMG flaps were included in the study (UL group: n = 17, BL group: n = 21). Normal to slightly diminished superficial skin sensation was maintained in most of the thigh skin (98.4%). Strength and mobility were without impairment in >80% of the thighs in both groups. Thigh symmetry was achieved in both groups. Symmetrisation procedures were significantly more often performed in the UL group (p = 0.005). The total number of refinement procedures was similar in both groups. Patient-reported outcomes were similar with good appearance of the thighs and scars, excellent function and low pain levels. The TMG flap offers excellent function and sensation on the donor thigh. Thigh symmetry and good patient satisfaction may be achieved in both unilateral and bilateral breast reconstructions.

Successful management of rhabdomyolysis with acute infection resulting from chronic sacrococcygeal pressure ulcers in a paraplegic patient: a case report

Rhabdomyolysis, a potentially life-threatening syndrome, is caused by the breakdown of skeletal muscle cells and leakage of intramyocellular contents into the bloodstream. The treatment of rhabdomyolysis resulting from chronic sacrococcygeal pressure ulcers has been rarely reported. A 62-year-old man developed a high fever and dark-colored urine. For the past 30 years, he had lived with paraplegia, which led to his immobility. Physical examination showed evidence of repeated dehiscence and exudation of the wound on his sacrococcygeal region with loss of skin sensation. Upon corroboration of the physical examination findings and laboratory test results, the patient was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis with an acute infection resulting from sacrococcygeal pressure ulcers. We first debrided the necrotic tissue and then repaired the chronic ulcer. The wound dressing was changed frequently, and antimicrobial therapy and nutritional support were included in the treatment. The fever and dark-colored urine gradually resolved postoperatively. The patient’s renal function also improved according to the typical laboratory indicators, and the size of the pressure ulcers decreased to some extent. The patient was discharged after 1 month of hospitalization. This case highlights that accurate diagnosis is critical for administration of precise treatment to paraplegic patients with progressive rhabdomyolysis.

Comparison of Changes in Nasal Skin Sensation After Primary and Revision Rhinoplasty Procedures Using Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament Testing

Background Numbness of the nasal skin is one of the most common complications following rhinoplasty. Objectives The present study investigated postoperative changes in nasal skin sensation among primary and revision rhinoplasty patients and evaluated the recovery outcomes for both groups. Methods A prospective, randomized blinded study was undertaken involving 100 primary and 34 revision open rhinoplasty patients and 50 volunteers as control group. Semmes-Weinstein monofilament testing was performed on 7 designated nasal points preoperatively and at postoperative months 1, 3, 6, and 12, and the results were evaluated. Results Among the primary rhinoplasty patients, the change in reduced sensation on pressure to the tip and infratip over time was significant (P < 0.001), whereas there was no statistically significant difference for the other points. Among the revision rhinoplasty patients, the change in reduced sensation on pressure to the tip, infratip, and base of columella over time was significant (P < 0.001), whereas there was no statistically significant difference at the other points. In a comparison of the revision and primary rhinoplasty patients at all timepoints, a statistically significant reduction in sensation was noted on the application of pressure to all points in the revision patient group (P < 0.001). Conclusions This study found that the sense of touch on pressure returned to normal, aside from at the tip and infratip, by the end of month 12 in primary rhinoplasty patients. The revision rhinoplasty patients, in turn, were observed to have reduced sensation on pressure by the end of month 12, with the greatest reduction at the tip, infratip, and columellar base. Level of Evidence: 3

Influence of color on the physicochemical and sensory properties of moisturizing cosmetics

The physical-chemical and sensory properties are elements to be taken into account during the development of cosmetics. Moisturizers represent one of the most important classes of personal care products and often appear in a wide range of different color options. This study aimed to develop a moisturizer in the form of gel-cream and explore the options of metallized colors through sensory analysis. According to the results obtained, it was possible to observe that the type of pigment affected the judges’ perception showing that the influence of this component should not be disregarded in the postponement of new formulations. It is possible to infer that a consumer’s reaction to a cosmetic is not only based on its effectiveness, but also on the way in which its physical characteristics are perceived, including color, appearance, skin sensation and smell.

Successful Management of Rhabdomyolysis with Acute Infection Resulting from Chronic Sacrococcygeal Pressure Ulcers in a Paraplegic Patient: A Case Report

Background: Rhabdomyolysis, a potentially life-threatening syndrome, is caused by the breakdown of skeletal muscle cells and leakage of intramyocellular contents into the bloodstream. The treatment of cases with rhabdomyolysis resulting from chronic sacrococcygeal pressure ulcers have been rarely reported.Case presentation: A 62-year-old man suffered from high fever and dark-colored urine. For the past 30 years, the patient has lived with paraplegia, which led to his immobility. According to his physical examination, the wound on his sacrococcygeal region was dehisced and exuded repeatedly with loss of skin sensation. Upon corroboration of a physical examination and laboratory tests, the patient was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis with an acute infection resulting from sacrococcygeal pressure ulcers. We first debrided the necrotic tissue, and then the chronic ulcer was repaired. The wound dressing was changed frequently, and antimicrobial therapy and nutritional support were included in the treatment. The fever and dark-colored urine were gradually relieved post-operatively. Renal function was also improved according to the typical indicators in laboratory tests. Additionally, the size of the pressure ulcers was reduced, to some extent. The patient was discharged after one month of hospitalization.Conclusions: Accurate diagnosis is critical for clinicians to administer precise treatment to paraplegic patients with progressive rhabdomyolysis.

The Effect of Graft Harvest and Skin Incision Angle on Sensory Disturbance in ACL Reconstruction With Semitendinosus-Gracilis Tendon Graft: A Randomized Controlled Trial and Cadaveric Study

Background: Injury to the inferior branch of the saphenous nerve (IBSN) and the subsequent loss of skin sensation after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction are common. The literature suggests that the incision angle may affect the incidence and area of loss of skin sensation. Purpose: To determine whether there is a difference in the incidence and area of altered sensory loss on the tibia between vertical (VI) and oblique (OI) incisions for semitendinosus-gracilis tendon graft harvest during ACL reconstruction. The cadaveric component was designed to determine whether there is a “safe zone” for incision by identifying the location and number of branches of the IBSN. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Patients (n = 37) were randomized to receive either VI or OI. Incidence and area of altered skin sensation were documented during at least 1 postoperative visit. In addition, 18 cadaveric knees were dissected. Results: The presence or absence of hypoesthesia did not differ between groups postoperatively. Although no statistical differences between groups were seen in the total area of perceived altered skin sensation at 3 ( P = .57), 6 ( P = .08), 12 ( P = .65), and 24 months ( P = .27), data demonstrated a trend toward VI participants having a larger area of hypoesthesia at every time point. Among the 18 cadaveric specimens, 4 variations in the distribution of IBSN were noted: 18 (100%) had 1 branch, 14 (78%) had 2 branches, 6 (33%) had 3 branches, and 1 (6%) had 4 branches. No safe zone for incision could be identified. Conclusion: No difference was found between a vertical and an oblique incision with respect to incidence or area of sensory loss. Furthermore, it was not possible to identify a safe zone that would prevent transection of all nerves branches of the IBSN based on the cadaveric component of this study.

Evaluation of Sensation on Mastectomy Skin Flaps following Immediate Breast Reconstruction

Background During a subcutaneous mastectomy, nerves are severed and patients lose sensation on the breast skin. The aim of this study is to investigate factors that have impact on the sensation of the mastectomy flaps and patients' own perception regarding overall breast skin sensation. Patients and Methods Patients who have undergone skin sparing or nipple sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction with either an implant or autologous tissue were included. Sensory assessment was performed at least 12 months after surgery using Semmes–Weinstein monofilaments (Aesthesio, San Jose, CA). The breast envelope was divided into four quadrants, and one measurement from each quadrant was recorded. Patients were also asked to fill out a questionnaire before the examination. Results A total of 59 breasts in 40 women were examined. In lower medial quadrant, significantly more patients reported “no sensation” in the radiated group than the nonradiated group. In upper medial quadrant and lower lateral quadrant, patients with NSM reported better sensation than patients with skin sparing mastectomy (SSM). Conclusion Vascularized tissue did not improve sensory recovery. There was no relationship between sensation and the preoperative cup size and the number of revision surgeries. Irradiation was associated with higher sensory thresholds in lower medial quadrant. Nipple sparing mastectomy was associated with lower sensory thresholds in two quadrants compared to SSM. Independent of all variables none of the patients reported normal sensation.