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Biomedical subjects

A A Quaba

Publications and source records attributed to A A Quaba.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Tissue expansion in the treatment of tubular breast deformity.

Four cases of tubular breast deformity were treated using tissue expansion. The expanders were inserted through either an axillary or an infra-mammary approach in as low a position as possible. The expanders were then over-inflated and allowed to settle for a period of time before removal and insertion of a permanent implant. We present our experience using this technique and the complications and problems we had to deal with.

Adolescent↗

A cheek island flap for the lower eyelid.

An island transposition flap for use in lower eyelid reconstruction and the treatment of ectropion is described. The flap is based on a subcutaneous pedicle 1 to 2 cm lateral to the outer canthus. Its long axis extends inferolaterally from this point, and the donor site can be closed directly. The skin of the full width of the lid can be replaced, and where skin replacement is not required the flap may be de-epithelialised and used to provide bulk and support only. The flap has also been successfully lined with a nasal muco-chondral graft. Clinical examples are described, including the treatment of cicatricial, senile and paralytic ectropion, and the repair of defects ranging from skin alone to the full thickness of the lid.

Adult↗

Pulse oximetry in postoperative monitoring of free muscle flaps.

The use of a pulse oximeter for monitoring free muscle transfers is described. Three cases are presented, two of which were uncomplicated and one in which the need for revision of anastomosis was identified by the oximeter. Observations on a pedicled muscle flap are also reported. Pulse oximeters provide an improved photoplethysmographic monitoring technique which is easily performed using completely standard operating theatre equipment.

Adolescent↗

Locked intramedullary nailing of open tibial fractures.

We report the use of Grosse-Kempf reamed intramedullary nailing in the treatment of 41 Gustilo type II and III open tibial fractures. The union times and infection rates were similar to those previously reported for similar fractures treated by external skeletal fixation, but the incidence of malunion was less and fewer required bone grafting. The role of exchange nailing is discussed and a treatment protocol is presented for the management of delayed union and nonunion.

Adolescent↗

Successful transfer of two reverse forearm flaps despite disruption of both palmar arches.

The advantages of the ipsilateral forearm flap in emergency post-traumatic hand reconstruction are now well-established. A prerequisite for such a transfer has always been the presence of at least one intact palmar arch. We report the successful transfer of two reverse forearm flaps despite disruption of both palmar arches. In both cases the flap was raised on the vascular axis which had ceased to contribute significantly to the hand circulation. The anatomical basis of this transfer is discussed.

Adult↗

The distally-based dorsal hand flap.

The planning and clinical applications of a series of reverse dorsal hand flaps are described. This new flap is based on a direct cutaneous branch of the dorsal metacarpal artery. It is particularly useful in resurfacing web spaces as well as dorsal metacarpal and phalangeal skin defects. The behaviour of 21 such flaps, all raised in the form of an island, was that of a conventional axial pattern flap.

Adolescent↗

Neuron-specific enolase and its mRNA are highly expressed in large congenital nevi: a study using immunocytochemistry, biochemical assay, and in situ hybridization.

The malignant transformation of congenital nevocellular nevi, both large and small, is controversial and presents problems in management. The size of the lesion is taken to indicate potential malignant transformation, but this is an arbitrary scale. A more reliable biological indicator is needed to help predict the lesions at risk. Following the localization of neuron-specific enolase to most cells of the diffuse neuroendocrine system and their neoplasms (including benign and malignant melanocytic lesions), it has been suggested that its level is related to tumor activity. In a prospective trial, the presence of neuron-specific enolase immunoreactivity, its concentration, and gene expression in nevus cells were studied in 31 congenital melanocytic nevi of various sizes (1.5 cm to bathing trunk) using immunocytochemistry, biochemical assay, and in situ hybridization. Twenty-five of the 31 congenital nevi were immunoreeactive to neuron-specific enolase antiserum, with stronger immunostaining in the larger lesions. There is an apparent linear relationship between the size of the nevi and the level of neuron-specific enolase (expressed as nanograms per milligram protein). Neuron-specific enolase mRNA was highly expressed in most of the large congenital nevi (greater than 15 cm in diameter), as revealed by autoradiography following in situ hybridization. Our results show that neuron-specific enolase and its mRNA are expressed to a greater extent in large congenital nevi compared with the smaller lesions. This might prove to be a useful indicator of those lesions at risk of malignant transformation.

Adolescent↗

Modified gluteus maximus V-Y advancement flaps.

A modified method is presented for the closure of wounds using gluteus maximus V-Y advancement flaps. Extra tissue is included in each flap by extending the corners of its advancing edge. The extra tissue is utilised to aid closure by using a combination of rotation and transposition in addition to advancement. This modification is illustrated and examples of its clinical use described.

Buttocks↗

Results of argon laser treatment of port-wine stains: a method of assessment.

In this review of over 100 cases of argon laser treated port-wine stains, four parameters, including lesion colour, skin texture, make-up habits and scarring, are assessed and changes allocated appropriate numbers. The sum of these numbers is used to classify results as Excellent, Good, Fair or Poor, and these were found to correlate well with the level of patient satisfaction.

Humans↗

The role of cross-finger flaps in the primary management of untidy flexor tendon injuries.

This is a report of five patients who sustained untidy division of flexor tendons in zones 1 and 2, associated with overlying soft tissue loss. Contrary to traditional teaching, the tendon injuries were repaired primarily, and the tissue loss was made good with a cross-finger flap. At final evaluation, three cases were assigned excellent grades and two cases fair grades by Kleinert criteria. This unexpectedly favourable outcome may be due to a quality of the inner surface of the cross-finger flap and/or to staggering of the skin and tendon suture lines.

Adolescent↗

Long term hand function without long finger extensors: a clinical study.

This study examines the premise that, following severe injuries to the dorsum of the hand, reconstruction of the long extensor tendons of the fingers may not be necessary for many patients. The long-term hand function of nine patients who sustained such injuries and had operations to provide skin cover only, has been comprehensively assessed using objective tests and a detailed questionnaire. It is concluded that provision of skin cover followed by intensive early mobilisation may be an adequate management of these injuries.

Adult↗

Extended application of the biceps femoris musculocutaneous flap.

Since its description in 1977, the use of the biceps femoris musculocutaneous flap has been largely limited to reconstructions around the hip and perineum in paraplegic patients. The safety with which this flap can be transposed has been questioned owing to the segmental nature of its blood supply. Cadaver dissections in 10 fresh lower limbs showed that anterolateral transposition could be achieved without the need to sacrifice any of the major vascular pedicles (numbering two to three) which penetrate the long head of the muscle within 10 to 14 cm of the ischial tuberosity. We report on the use of this flap to resurface the anterolateral aspect of the lower thigh and restore stability and extension to the knee joint following extensive damage to the quadriceps mechanism.

Adult↗

Layered shaving of venous leg ulcers.

A method for the quick preparation of refractory venous ulcer beds for autografting is described. Irrespective of their clinical or bacteriological state, ulcer granulations and other products of frustrated healing are shaved in layers down to an even and surgically clean base using an ordinary skin grafting knife. Our experience with 32 consecutive patients (58 ulcers) is reported. The mean duration of hospital stay, the patient being completely healed on discharge, was 18.3 days. This represents a decrease of more than 3 weeks when compared to a previously used standard method. No investigation into the question of recurrence was carried out as available evidence, which is critically reviewed, indicates no significant relation between the method of grafting and the incidence of recurrence.

Aged↗

Facial resurfacing in xeroderma pigmentosum: are we spoiling the ship for a ha'p'orth of tar?

A case of xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is reported whose treatment included sub-total excision of facial skin and resurfacing in aesthetic units with grafts of relatively undamaged buttock skin. The principle of resurfacing is logical and supported by this and other reports which are reviewed. Though control was achieved in the grafted areas, tumours continued to develop in adjacent ungrafted skin. The importance of radical excision of exposed skin in severe cases of XP is emphasised.

Adult↗