METHODS: We performed a retrospective case note review of patients undergoing foot salvage surgeries and primary talus reconstruction with double-barrel free fibula flaps between 2009 and 2019. Patient demographics, aetiologies, operative details, complications, and outcomes were analysed. All patients underwent the same talar reconstruction technique whereby a wide-based triangular framework was created from two bony struts of the osteotomized fibula. The Musculoskeletal Tumour Society (MSTS) scoring system was used to analyse the short- to mid-term functional outcomes.
RESULTS: Four consecutive patients with aggressive benign and malignant tumours were identified. They consist of three males and one female, with a median age of 32 (range 27-39). Patients were followed up for a median duration of 60 months (range 24-132). Two flaps were complicated with venous thromboses; however, all were salvageable following re-explorations. All patients achieved solid bony fusion with good functional and aesthetic outcomes. The median MSTS score was 74.5% (range 66-76). No donor site morbidity and local recurrence were reported.
CONCLUSION: The triangular double-barrel free fibular flap is a good option for limb salvage following total talus resection, with good short- to mid-term functional and aesthetic outcomes.
METHODS: We surveyed four countries to determine the public's understanding of keloids. A quantitative, subjective and cross-sectional street survey was designed using the knowledge, attitudes and practice model principles. The target populations were cities in Ghana, Australia, Canada and England. Surveyors used a hybrid stratified/convenience sampling method. Primary outcomes were prevalence, exposure to keloids as an entity and overall keloid knowledge score compared across demographic groups. Study data have been made fully available for reproducibility and education (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/3KZ5E).
RESULTS: There were 402 respondents, with a median age of 32 (interquartile range 25-45.25) years, of which 193 were females. The survey was carried out between June 2015 and October 2017. The prevalence of self-identified keloids was 11% in Ghana, 6% in Australia, 2% in Canada and 7% in England. Prevalence, exposure and knowledge were higher in the Ghanaian population.
CONCLUSIONS: There was association between knowledge, prevalence and the exposure to keloids as an entity. Findings may suggest targeting public health campaigns towards populations where knowledge is lowest, and exposure to and prevalence of keloids are the highest.
METHODS: A systematic review on the classification and assessment techniques to measure breast ptosis was carried out based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The risk of bias was assessed using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale for observational studies, whereas the Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB2) was used to evaluate randomized studies.
RESULTS: Of 2550 articles identified in the literature search, 16 observational and 2 randomized studies describing the classification and assessment techniques of breast ptosis were included in the review. A total of 2033 subjects were involved. Half of the total observational studies had a Newcastle-Ottawa scale score of 5 and above. In addition, all randomized trials recorded a low overall bias.
CONCLUSION: A total of 7 classifications and 4 measurement techniques for breast ptosis were identified. However, most studies did not demonstrate a clear derivation of sample size beside lacking robust statistical analysis. Hence, further studies that apply the latest technology to combine the strength of previous assessment techniques are needed to develop better classification system that is applicable to all affected women.
METHODS: This retrospective study reviewed records of children operated from January 2001 to July 2019. Data regarding concurrent congenital anomalies, complications, type of surgery, etc., were collected from outpatient records, operative notes, and clinical photographs.
RESULTS: Twenty-eight children were treated, and 33 clefts (5 bilateral) were repaired. The male-to-female ratio was 1.3:1 (16 males and 12 females). Twenty-three patients had unilateral clefts (82.14%), with 14 right (60.86%) and 8 left (34.78%). Bilateral clefts were less common (17.86%). Twenty-three patients (82.14%) were Malay, 3 (10.71%) Chinese, 1 (3.57%) Indian, and 1 (3.57%) Cambodian. Eleven medical records were untraceable (discontinued due to duration of inactivity). There were 10 straight-line repairs, 5 Z-plasties, and 1 W-plasty performed; 3 cases did not detail the type of repair. One child required scar revision, and 1 had hypertrophic scarring requiring corticosteroid injection-no disturbances in speech or oral incompetency while eating were reported. Duration of follow-up ranged from 3 to 14 years.
CONCLUSION: Our center has a higher rate of Tessier cleft 7 attendance. Straight-line cutaneous repairs combined with inferior vermilion mucosal flap can be used with low rates of complication and revision surgery.
METHODS: This meta-analysis aims to explore the effectiveness of stem cell-derived CM in improving hair growth for patients of alopecia. We prospectively registered this systematic review and meta-analysis in PROSPERO (CRD42023410249). Clinical trials that the enrolled participants suffering from alopecia applied stem cell-derived CM were included. We calculated the mean and standard deviation for the hair density and thickness.
RESULTS: Ten clinical trials were included in our analysis. On the basis of eight clinical trials (n = 221), our pooled results indicate that stem cell-derived CM is effective in increasing hair density (mean difference [MD]: 14.93, confidence interval [95% CI]: 10.20-19.67, p