Category Archives: Print Release

PUBLISHED: Laparoscopic Totally Extraperitoneal (TEP) Left Indirect Inguinal Hernia Repair with Mesh

Laparoscopic Totally Extraperitoneal (TEP) Left Indirect Inguinal Hernia Repair with Mesh
Victoria J. Grille, MDRandy S. Haluck, MD
Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

This video demonstrates the surgical technique for a laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) left inguinal hernia repair with mesh. This is a technically challenging operation with a steep learning curve; however, it is one useful option for patients with bilateral hernias, recurrent hernias, or when a minimally-invasive approach is desired. It provides tension-free repair and allows exposure to the entire groin area to evaluate and repair indirect, direct, and femoral hernias. The only absolute contraindication to laparoscopic TEP repairs is the inability to undergo general anesthesia due to significant cardiopulmonary disease or other factors.

PUBLISHED: Combined Thymectomy and Right Lower Lobe Pulmonary Wedge Resection by Thoracoscopy

Combined Thymectomy and Right Lower Lobe Pulmonary Wedge Resection by Thoracoscopy
M. Lucia Madariaga, MDHenning A. Gaissert, MD
Massachusetts General Hospital

With the increasing use of computed tomography (CT) for screening and diagnostic workup, increasing numbers of patients are found to have pulmonary nodules. The patient in this case presented with vision changes, neck weakness, and dysphagia. Workup revealed non-thymomatous myasthenia gravis as well as an incidental right lower lobe lung nodule that was suspicious for malignancy based on imaging characteristics, interval growth, and history of breast cancer.

She required a lung resection for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Additionally, a thymectomy was indicated to help control her myasthenia gravis symptoms. Consequently, a combined approach was conducted.

Right Distal Tibial Oblique Fracture Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) with Medial Neutralization Non-locking Plate

Right Distal Tibial Oblique Fracture Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) with Medial Neutralization Non-locking Plate
Andrew M. Hresko, MDEdward Kenneth Rodriguez, MD, PhD
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Diaphyseal tibial fractures are common injuries that are most often treated with intramedullary nailing. However, certain patient factors may necessitate alternative treatment strategies such as open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) with plates and screws. Presence of a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in the injured extremity is one such factor. TKA is a common operation that is only increasing in popularity, and management of tibia fractures distal to TKA may be a frequently encountered clinical scenario.

This video presents a technique for ORIF of a distal diaphyseal tibia fracture distal to a TKA that precludes intramedullary nail fixation. The fracture is fixed with lag screws and secured with an anatomically-contoured distal tibia locking-compression plate (LCP) in neutralization mode.

PUBLISHED: Carbon Fiber Implant for Fixation of a Pathologic Subtrochanteric Fracture

Carbon Fiber Implant for Fixation of a Pathologic Subtrochanteric Fracture
Paul A. Rizk, MD; Joseph O. Werenski; Santiago A. Lozano-Calderon, MD, PhD
Massachusetts General Hospital

This case presents a patient with a pathologic subtrochanteric femur fracture secondary to an undiagnosed primary lung adenocarcinoma. The fracture, occurring in the context of persistent atraumatic thigh and knee pain, prompted swift identification of its pathological nature in the Emergency Department. The treatment plan involved open reduction and internal fixation utilizing a carbon fiber nail, considering the immediate need for stabilization and underlying oncologic factors.

This article highlights the strategic use of carbon fiber implants in managing pathologic fractures, offering advantages in postoperative imaging, disease monitoring, and precision in radiation therapy planning. The multidisciplinary approach underscores the importance of considering implant selection nuances, especially in metastatic bone disease, to optimize outcomes.

PUBLISHED: Brostrom-Gould Procedure for Lateral Ankle Instability

Brostrom-Gould Procedure for Lateral Ankle Instability
William B. Hogan1Eric M. Bluman, MD, PhD2
1Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
2Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Acute ankle sprains are most frequently treated conservatively, although some surgeons may advocate acute repairs in certain situations. Surgery is indicated for chronic sprains with persistent ankle instability despite well-designed conservative management. Several anatomic and nonanatomic operative procedures are available. The Broström-Gould procedure is a widely-used operative intervention for the treatment of chronic lateral ankle sprains. It consists of an anatomic repair or reconstruction of the injured lateral ankle ligament complex (Broström procedure), followed by suturing of the inferior extensor retinaculum to the periosteum of the distal fibula (Gould modification).

This article describes the standard Broström-Gould procedure starting with the identification of the anatomic landmarks. The skin incision follows the anterior border of the distal fibula, and careful subcutaneous dissection is carried out to expose the extensor retinaculum and the torn ligaments. This is followed by bone preparation and ligament repair utilizing a box stitch technique while holding the ankle in an appropriate position. Finally, the Gould portion of the procedure is demonstrated.

PUBLISHED: Corneal Staining with Fluorescein

Corneal Staining with Fluorescein
Alexander Martin, OD
Boston Vision

Patient ocular complaints often center around discomfort, foreign body sensation, and/or recent trauma. Determining the cause of the ailment is not always straightforward, and the use of fluorescein can provide valuable information that aids in clinical diagnosis. Many corneal conditions and emergencies can be identified with the aid of fluorescein such as corneal erosion, superficial punctate keratitis, corneal abrasion, foreign bodies, and tracking patterns of foreign bodies. This article and video will demonstrate proper technique to instill fluorescein and examine ocular tissues, as well as some examples of staining defects characteristic of compromised ocular tissues.

PUBLISHED: Pulsed Dye and Fractional CO2 Laser Therapy for Treatment of Burn Scars

Pulsed Dye and Fractional CO2 Laser Therapy for Treatment of Burn Scars
Robert Dabek, MD1Harrison McUmber2Branko Bojovic, MD1,3
1Massachusetts General Hospital
2Tufts University School of Medicine
3Shriners Hospitals for Children – Boston

Burn injuries are often devastating accidents that result in long-term physical and psychosocial consequences and the formation of hypertrophic scars. Laser treatment is a low risk minimally invasive approach to treating such burn scars.

This video discusses the pulsed dye laser (PDL) and fractional ablative CO2 laser, and demonstrates their use in treating the scars on a pediatric patient who suffered from burn injuries 7 years ago in Vietnam.

PUBLISHED: Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Mandibular Body and Parasymphyseal Fractures with Maxillomandibular Fixation and Broken Tooth Extraction

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Mandibular Body and Parasymphyseal Fractures with Maxillomandibular Fixation and Broken Tooth Extraction
Derek Sheen, MD1Cheryl Yu, MD2Sarah Debs, MD2Peter Kwak, MD2Nima Vahidi, MD3Daniel Hawkins, DDS2Thomas Lee, MD, FACS2
1University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
2Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center
3Upstate Medical Center

This is a case discussing a 21-year-old male who suffered from both non-comminuted mandibular parasymphyseal and body fractures as a result of a motor vehicle accident, requiring open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) without postoperative maxillomandibular fixation (MMF). The fracture was complicated by a broken tooth root, which required extraction.

After intraoperative MMF, ORIF was performed. The parasymphyseal fracture was plated using two locking four-hole 2-mm thick miniplates utilizing two locking screws on either side of the fracture with one plate along the alveolar surface (monocortical screw) and one along the basal surface (bicortical screw). For the right body fracture, a three-dimensional locking ladder plate was used via a transbuccal trocar approach for additional exposure needed for proper screw placement. Once the hardware was secured, the patient was taken out of MMF and restoration of premorbid occlusion was confirmed. Lastly, watertight mucosal closure was performed using absorbable sutures and Dermabond (cyanoacrylate adhesive).

PUBLISHED: Microscope Drape for Aerosol-Generating Procedures During COVID-19 Pandemic

Microscope Drape for Aerosol-Generating Procedures During COVID-19 Pandemic
C. Scott Brown, MD1Paulo Dominaitis, CST2Fred F. Telischi, MEE, MD, FACS1
1 University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
2 Bascom Palmer Eye Institute

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as a worldwide pandemic, profoundly impacting healthcare systems. Despite the use of personal protective equipment, concerns remain over the potential transmission of SARS-CoV-2 for otolaryngologists. Transmission occurs via respiratory droplets and aerosolized virus particles, which are generated during specific interventions such suctioning, bone drilling, and the application of diathermy. The mastoid and middle ear mucosa are connected to the nasopharyngeal mucosa and can serve as a potential source of viral particles in an infected patient. This highlights the need for the development and implementation of strategies that minimize aerosol spread.

PUBLISHED: Contracture Release and Full-Thickness Skin Graft to Volar Index Finger with K-Wire Insertion

Contracture Release and Full-Thickness Skin Graft to Volar Index Finger with K-Wire Insertion
Ryan P. Boyle1Jonah Poster2Jonathan Friedstat, MD3
1Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
2Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
3Shriners Hospitals for Children – Boston

The complications stemming from a poorly-healed burn wound can lead to functional deficits and overall aesthetically unfavorable results leading to psychological distress. Due to the inquisitive nature of infants and toddlers, and their nature to learn the world with their hands, their sensitive regions like the hands become likely targets for burns.

Superficial burns can be managed on an outpatient basis with spontaneous healing expected in 2 or 3 days with minimal scarring. Deep burns, particularly in pediatric populations, need considerable attention to avoid secondary contracture that leads to deformity.

Many treatment options exist, but in sensitive areas like the hands and face, full-thickness skin grafts are favored due to their superior healing and decreased likelihood of secondary contracture. This article aims to guide the surgeon in managing a pediatric burn wound with an arsenal of treatment options with the goal of achieving full mobility and functionality of the hand.