Introduction A meticulous preoperative problem analysis leading to the selection of the proper strategy for solving the given wound, defect, or deformity can be a difficult task, yet certainly as critical as the actual surgical procedure that may be required.…
Introduction A Brief History of Flaps The history of plastic surgery is in many ways a recapitulation of the history and corresponding evolution of flaps ( Fig. 2.1 ). The earliest flaps were, as would be considered today, random skin…
History of Reconstructive Surgery As one of my professors, the late Bradford Cannon, noted, the field of plastic surgery, unlike most other surgical specialties, has no anatomic or functional area to which it can lay claim; the plastic surgeon practices…
Anesthesia in Patients With Traumatic Facial Injury ( Chapter 1.1 ) Clinical Question: What are the comparative benefits and harms of general and local anesthesia in patients with traumatic facial injury? Author Recommendation: In adults with acute facial trauma, in…
Background Facial Transplantation Experience The first facial transplantation was completed in France in 2005. Since that time, over 37 facial transplantations have been performed around the world. Of these cases, at least 28 have been the result of facial trauma.…
Background Injury to the peripheral nerve branches of the craniofacial region can arise from a variety of surgical procedures. Common elective procedures such as dentoalveolar surgery, dental implant placement, endodontic treatment, orthognathic surgery, and facial esthetic surgery can result in…
Background In order for a person to perceive facial pain, there must be a peripheral nerve pathway for neural impulses to travel from the site of injury into the central nervous system. The classic facial pain, “trigeminal neuralgia” or “tic…
Background Since its emergence in the late 1980s, computer-assisted surgery (CAS) has become an increasingly important adjunct to craniofacial reconstruction. The refinement of virtual surgical planning (VSP) coupled with the availability of 3-dimensional (3D) printing techniques has enabled easier and…
Background The preoperative planning and technical execution of craniofacial microsurgical reconstruction following traumatic injury is inherently complex. Patients may present with injury to any combination of tissue layers – including skin, vasculature, muscle, nerves, and bone – and reconstructive options…
Background Craniofacial injuries are ideally treated in the acute setting. In certain circumstances, it is appropriate for treatment to be delayed. Resuscitation and treatment of life-threatening injuries in multiple trauma victims may preclude facial trauma treatment. For example, the treatment…