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Biomedical subjects

G Reading

Publications and source records attributed to G Reading.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

Comparison of the operating microscope and loupes for free microvascular tissue transfer.

A retrospective study of 200 consecutive free microvascular tissue transfers over a 3-year period was done to compare the performance of free-tissue transfers with loupes and with the operating microscope. One-hundred and nineteen flaps (59.5 percent) were performed under 3.5 x loupe magnification and 81 under the operating microscope (40.5 percent). The magnification selection process was based on cumulative past experience, with all early anastomoses performed with the microscope and the vast majority of the more recent operations performed with loupe magnification. Loupes were used preferentially for head and neck reconstruction and breast reconstruction. The microscope was required for performing vascular anastomoses on children and on vessels less than or equal to 1.5 mm in diameter. Results were compared with respect to etiology of defect, type of flap, age of patient, free-flap success, complications, and overall success of the reconstruction. There was no difference in outcome between the two groups, with free-flap success rates of 99 percent for both the loupe and the microscope groups. We believe that our success with loupe-only free-tissue transfers is attributable to our prior considerable experience with the microscope. We would caution that comfort and experience with microanastomoses under the operating microscope should be obtained prior to beginning a loupe-only experience.

Adolescent↗

Atherosclerosis of the lower extremity and free-tissue reconstruction for limb salvage.

Atherosclerosis of the lower extremity frequently leads to limb-threatening ischemic soft-tissue wounds. Over the past 44 months, 30 selected patients with arterial disease documented by angiography were treated with combined vascular reconstruction and free-tissue transfer for limb salvage. Soft-tissue defects occurred on the plantar and dorsal surfaces of the foot and distal tibia with significant bone, tendon, or joint exposure. Thirteen patients had osteomyelitis. Eighteen patients underwent simultaneous soft-tissue and vascular reconstruction, while 12 patients underwent delayed soft-tissue reconstruction. The free-flap tissues included the rectus abdominis flap in 13, the latissimus dorsi flap in 7, the radial forearm flap in 5, the scapular flap in 3, and the omentum flap in 2. Autogenous venous bypass was performed to the popliteal segment in 6 patients and the infrapopliteal arteries in 18. Five patients had inadequate outflow for complete vascular reconstruction and were treated with proximal vein grafts directed into the free flap. Twenty-two patients (73 percent) had successful free-tissue transfer and bypass graft patency and were independent ambulators over the mean follow-up period of 22 months. Of the 8 unsuccessful reconstructions, 3 patients had early free-flap and graft failure. Five patients developed new areas of ischemic disease despite graft and flap patency. All 8 patients were treated with amputation; 7 never regained ambulation. The combined application of vascular and free-flap soft-tissue reconstruction for the threatened ischemic lower extremity has produced excellent functional results in the majority of our patients.

Adult↗

A biomechanical study of the collateral ligaments of the proximal interphalangeal joint.

Collateral ligament injuries of the proximal interphalangeal joint are common. A significant number of these injuries result in complete rupture of the ligament. The forces that damage the ligaments are abduction and adduction stresses. Previous studies have investigated laxity, angulation, and patterns of failure, but detailed biomechanical rupture studies are scant. Sixty-eight proximal interphalangeal joints from fresh human cadaver fingers (average age, 67 years) were stressed at velocities of 1 mm/sec, 4 mm/sec, and 10 mm/sec. Sectioning studies were also done. Four distinct rupture patterns were noted: midsubstance tear, proximal detachment, distal detachment, and distal avulsion fracture. The prevalence of these patterns differed with the rate at which the ligaments were stressed. Lower speeds tended to produce midsubstance tears, while higher speeds yielded distal damage. The study confirmed that the lateral collateral ligament is the primary restraint against medial-lateral stress and that other supporting structures (the extensor hood and the palmar plate) did not contribute significantly to side-to-side stability.

Analysis of Variance↗

Long-term patient satisfaction following reduction mammoplasty.

This study documents that reduction mammoplasty is a procedure with excellent long-term patient satisfaction. This has not been previously well documented. One hundred nine patients after reduction mammoplasty were surveyed by questionnaire. Results of the questionnaire indicated that the majority of patients were pleased with their breast size and breast shape. The majority had equal-sized breasts. Most were comfortable after surgery and had an easier time buying clothes. Ninety-four percent of patients would have the procedure again. Multiple techniques for reduction mammoplasty were used and there were no significant differences with the exception of a change in nipple sensation. Nipple sensation was best preserved by using the inferior pedicle technique.

Adult↗

A comparison of conventional and low-bleed implants in augmentation mammaplasty.

We conducted a double-blind, retrospective comparison between low-bleed and non-low-bleed (conventional) mammary implants because no controlled study has shown a difference in the degree of capsular contracture between the two types of implants. Twenty-five patients had conventional implants and form group A; twenty-eight patients had low-bleed implants and form group B. All patients had submuscular augmentation. The mean Baker score was 1.51 for group A and 1.04 for group B for the entire patient population and 1.65 for group A and 1.07 for group B for patients with more than 1 year of follow-up. For the entire population, 34 percent of group A and 3.6 percent of group B had a Baker score of 2 or greater. For the population with more than 1 year of follow-up, 42 percent of group A and 7 percent of group B had a Baker score of 2 or greater. There was significantly (p less than 0.007) less contracture with the low-bleed implants for the entire population as well as for those patients with greater than 1 year of follow-up (p less than 0.015).

Adolescent↗

Instep island flaps.

The instep island flap is safe and useful. It is based on branches of the posterior tibial artery and can be a musculocutaneous or a direct fasciocutaneous island flap. Sensory branches of the digital nerves may be transposed with the flap. There is a wide arc of transposition and the flap has survived even in very difficult circumstances.

Adult↗