Biomedical subjects

Brian Rinker

Publications and source records attributed to Brian Rinker.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Squamous cell carcinoma arising from an arteriovenous malformation of the scalp.

We present the case of a 70-year-old man with a congenital scalp lesion consistent with an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) which over the last 3 years had developed ulcerative changes and bleeding in the central aspect that was a biopsy proven squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA). To control hemorrhage during surgery, a radiologist performed selective embolization of major feeding arteries in the lesion three days before the surgery. After total resection of the lesion, a scalp reconstruction was performed by using a free latissimus muscle flap and skin graft. As a result, bleeding was well controlled, the AVM and SCCA were totally resected, and satisfactory aesthetic results were obtained. This appears to be the first description of a SCCA arising from a chronic AVM. This is suggestive of a possible Marjolin's ulcer from a chronic wound bed.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

The use of a hydrogel sealant on flexor tendon repairs to prevent adhesion formation.

The prevention of peritendinous adhesions after zone II flexor tendon repair poses a significant challenge to hand surgeons. This study evaluates a hydrogel sealant (FocalSeal-L) as a barrier to peritendinous adhesion formation. The deep flexors of toes 2 through 4 were divided and repaired in 30 chickens. Chickens were randomized to tendon repair with (n = 15) or without (n = 15) FocalSeal-L. Each group was further randomized to have their tendons studied postoperatively at 3 (n = 10), 6 (n = 10), or 12 (n = 10) weeks. Histologic evaluation revealed decreased peritendinous adhesion formation in the FocalSeal-L group. Biomechanical analysis demonstrated a decrease in work of flexion in the FocalSeal-L group that was most pronounced at 6 weeks (P = 0.0020). There was no significant difference in breaking strength. Apparently, an effective barrier to peritendinous adhesion formation, this sealant system is easy to use, biocompatible, and bioresorbable. In addition, it is not bulky or restrictive to tendon glide.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Microvascular free flap reconstruction in pediatric lower extremity trauma: a 10-year review.

BACKGROUND: Limb-threatening wounds of the adult distal lower extremity pose a challenge to the microvascular surgeon and are the subject of a sizable body of literature. The microsurgical management of these injuries in the pediatric population has some unique features but has not previously been the subject of a separate study. METHODS: A review was performed of all pediatric patients (<18 years of age) who received lower extremity free flaps for trauma at the University of Kentucky Medical Center between 1992 and 2002. Charts were reviewed and patients were contacted via telephone and given a standardized questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to identify factors predictive of worse outcome or complications. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients (28 flaps) met the selection criteria. The most common mechanism of injury was all-terrain vehicle accidents (n = 6), followed by motorcycle accidents, lawnmower injuries, and gunshot wounds. The latissimus dorsi muscle flap was chosen in 15 cases, with four other muscle flaps chosen for the remaining 13 cases. There were 12 Gustillo 3B or 3C fractures of the tibia. External fixation was used in 10 cases and internal fixation was used in two. Four patients had a bone gap greater than 4 cm. Three were successfully treated with distraction osteogenesis. The postoperative complication rate was 62 percent, with infection and partial skin graft loss being the most common complications. Three flaps were lost. Growth disturbances were seen in two patients. Patients receiving free flaps within 7 days after injury were seen to have a statistically significant lower rate of complications than those undergoing the procedure beyond the first week. Follow-up ranged from 2 to 11 years, with a mean follow-up of 4.5 years. All limbs were successfully salvaged, and all patients were ambulatory at the time of the survey. CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant role for the microvascular surgeon in the management of limb-threatening injuries in children. If the unique features of this population are taken into consideration, a high rate of limb salvage and good function can be expected.

Accidents, Traffic↗

PubMed2004

Proximal radial compression neuropathy.

Proximal radial nerve compression occurs infrequently and is diagnosed successfully even less frequently. A large clinical series of patients with proximal radial nerve compression neuropathy was reviewed to determine better the common symptoms, physical findings, and electrodiagnostic findings, and to identify the predictors of better or worse outcome after surgical decompression. Seventy-nine proximal radial compression neuropathies were treated in 71 patients by the same surgeon between 1991 and 2000. The most consistent symptoms were deep aching pain in the forearm, pain radiation to the neck and shoulder, and a "heavy" sensation of the affected arm. The most common physical findings were tenderness over the radial nerve at the supinator muscle level, pain on resisted supination, and the presence of a Tinel sign over the radial forearm. Electrophysiologic studies were of limited value in diagnosis, with 90% of patients having normal findings. On operation, prominent pathology of the posterior interosseous nerve was observed in 36 of 79 limbs (46%). Follow-up ranged from 12 to 86 months (mean, 21 months) with no significant complications or recurrence of symptoms. Of the 79 nerve decompressions, 77% had excellent recovery and 20% were judged to be good. Of 69 patients employed when treated, 60 resumed gainful employment, including 53 who returned to their regular jobs. Proximal radial compression neuropathies are uncommon but present with a basic constellation of symptoms and physical findings, and decompression can provide excellent relief of symptoms.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Replantation: past, present, and future.

The reattachment of completely severed parts has only been a clinical reality for 40 years. During that time there has been a shift in focus from refining technical aspects and improving success rates to assessing functional outcomes and better defining the indications for replantation. Although replantations are most frequently performed in academic environments, all practitioners should understand the basic indications for replantation as well as the principles of preservation of tissue. The advances in microsurgery and replantation over the past four decades have revolutionized the way reconstructive surgeons restore form and function to the body, and have laid the groundwork for new advances in composite tissue allotransplantation and tissue engineering.

Decision Making↗

PubMed2003

The role of magnetic resonance imaging in the management of vascular malformations of the trunk and extremities.

Vascular malformations can usually be diagnosed on clinical grounds. They have a well-defined appearance on magnetic resonance imaging, which can effectively determine their tissue and flow characteristics. However, the role of cross-sectional imaging in the management of vascular malformations is not well defined. Most reviews suggest that magnetic resonance imaging should be reserved for cases in which the extent of the lesion cannot be estimated on physical examination. However, to date no group has compared the accuracy of physical examination alone to that of magnetic resonance imaging in determining this extent. A review was performed of all the patients evaluated for vascular malformations at the New York University Trunk and Extremity Vascular Anomalies Conference between July of 1994 and August of 1999. Patients who underwent magnetic resonance evaluation at other institutions and whose images were not available for review were excluded. All study patients either underwent magnetic resonance imaging examination at New York University Medical Center or had outside films reviewed at the center. The physical examination findings were compared with the magnetic resonance findings and the surgeon and radiologist made a joint decision about whether there was a correlation between the magnetic resonance and physical examination findings. Fifty-eight patients met the study criteria, 44 (76 percent) of whom were found to have more extensive disease on magnetic resonance examination than appreciated on physical examination. Of the 51 patients with low-flow vascular malformations (venous vascular malformations, lymphatic malformations, and capillary malformations), 39 (76 percent) had more extensive disease on magnetic resonance examination than on physical examination. Of the seven patients with high-flow arteriovenous malformations, five had more extensive disease on magnetic resonance. In all of the 44 patients whose magnetic resonance imaging findings did not correlate with those of the physical examination, therapeutic decision making was affected. Contrary to the conventional wisdom of published reviews, physical examination findings significantly underestimated the extent of vascular malformations in the majority of cases. Magnetic resonance imaging should be performed in all patients with vascular malformations of the trunk and extremities before therapy is planned. In an age when physicians are asked to justify their decisions, especially where the use of expensive diagnostic modalities is concerned, the situations in which these tests are indispensable must be clearly defined or else patients will be denied access to them.

Adolescent↗