DR. SHEILA ALGAN, M.D.

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This study looked at children who had tibial spine fractures, which are rare injuries that often need surgery. Researchers found that about 10.5% of the 532 patients required additional surgery due to complications—mainly stiffness (4.9%) and issues with the ACL (3.6%). Notably, using screws instead of sutures for fixation increased the risk of complications by 4.5 times, while longer surgery times and meniscal injuries also contributed to higher rates of reoperation. Who this helps: This research benefits pediatric patients and their doctors by highlighting risks and complications related to tibial spine fracture surgeries.

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This study looked at how age, sex, and body weight (measured as BMI) affect meniscus tears in children and teens who had surgery to repair these tears. Researchers found that out of 1,185 patients, 69% had both an ACL injury and a meniscus tear, with males having more lateral (outer) tears compared to females. The findings suggest that boys and younger patients are more likely to have complex tears, and those with a higher BMI have a greater risk of these more complicated tears. Who this helps: This helps doctors and surgeons in treating pediatric patients with knee injuries.

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This study looked at how age and the type of meniscus problems affect treatment for children and teenagers with a condition called discoid lateral meniscus. Among 274 patients, most under 14 years old had a complete form of the condition, with 70% needing surgery to reshape it and over half requiring some form of repair. In older patients, there was a higher chance they had different types of tears, and they were more likely to need additional surgery beyond what is normally required. Who this helps: This information helps doctors decide the best surgical approaches for pediatric and adolescent patients with discoid lateral meniscus.

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This study looked at the blood vessels in the thigh to see how they can be used for surgical procedures that involve moving skin and tissue for reconstruction. Researchers found at least two usable blood vessels (called perforators) in every thigh they examined, with a mix of different types: 74.5% of the ones on the inside of the thigh were suited for certain surgical techniques. This information helps surgeons better understand how to use the back of the thigh for repairs, making such surgeries more straightforward and effective. Who this helps: This helps patients needing reconstructive surgery.

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This study looked at a new technique for improving the survival of skin flaps used in surgeries, specifically comparing a method using vacuum pressure to the traditional surgical delay method. The results showed that using vacuum pressure led to a significant decrease in flap necrosis, with just 19.6% of flaps affected, compared to 37.3% with the surgical method and 65.6% in untreated flaps. This matters because it may allow patients to avoid a second surgery, reducing costs and risks. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing plastic surgery procedures.

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This study looked at a new way to repair deep facial wounds by using a special kind of tissue flap made from the reverse temporalis muscle and pericranial tissue, both taken from the same blood supply. The research involved 14 patients who all had successful surgeries with no complications, leading to satisfying cosmetic results. This method is effective for filling and covering large facial defects, offering a reliable option for reconstructive surgery. Who this helps: This helps patients with severe facial injuries looking for effective reconstruction options.

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This study looked at a surgical technique called the temporal artery island flap, which is used to repair small to medium-sized defects on the upper and middle parts of the face. The researchers treated 34 patients and found that all but one patient had complete recovery of the flap, and the scars from the donor site were minimal. This method is a good option for facial reconstruction because it blends well with the skin's color and texture and has a low rate of complications. Who this helps: This helps patients who need facial reconstructive surgery after injuries or surgeries.

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This study looked at a new surgical technique for fixing jaw fractures, specifically condylar and subcondylar fractures, which are common types of injuries. Researchers treated 66 patients using a method that involves a small incision near the ear and found that it was successful with no serious early complications; only three patients experienced temporary facial nerve issues that improved within two weeks. This is important because it offers a safe and effective way to repair these fractures while keeping scars minimal and protecting important nerves. Who this helps: This helps patients with jaw fractures and their doctors.

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This study looked at a new surgical method for treating saddle nose deformity (SND), a condition where the nose looks sunken. Researchers used a "sandwich" graft made of costal cartilage (rib cartilage) covered with dermal fat to reduce complications seen with traditional methods. They treated 21 patients and found that this new approach led to improvements in nasal shape measurements without serious issues for most, making it a safer long-term option for correcting SND. Who this helps: This helps patients with saddle nose deformity seeking effective surgical treatment.

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This study looked at using a new surgical method called the neurotized sural flap to help patients recover feeling in their feet and ankles after injury. Researchers treated seven patients with skin defects, all of whom had successful surgeries and were able to sense temperature and distinguish two points on the skin after about six months. This method is important because it provides a reliable way to restore sensation in moderate-sized foot and ankle wounds, which can greatly improve patients' quality of life. Who this helps: Patients recovering from foot and ankle injuries.

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This study looked at a method for rebuilding large areas of the scalp that have been damaged. Researchers treated two patients using a muscle flap from the back, known as a latissimus dorsi flap, paired with a special graft called an arteriovenous loop to ensure proper blood flow. Both patients had successful outcomes, with no complications, and the reconstructions provided a good appearance and strong coverage of the scalp. Who this helps: This helps patients with large scalp injuries and their surgeons.

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This study looked at how the dose of radiation delivered during treatment for lung cancer is related to the risk of patients experiencing chest wall problems, such as rib fractures or pain. Of the 15 patients examined, 3 suffered rib fractures and 2 had pain without fractures. Patients who had rib fractures received an average radiation dose of 37.53 Gy, while those without fractures received an average of 33.35 Gy. The research found that higher radiation doses and increased activity seen in PET scans were linked to these complications. Who this helps: This research helps lung cancer patients and their doctors by identifying factors that could lead to chest wall complications after treatment.

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This study looked at a method of harvesting the latissimus dorsi muscle flap, which is often used in reconstructive surgery, through a shorter incision. The researchers performed the procedure on 14 patients, and found that all muscle flaps were successful, with an average surgery time of 45 minutes and minimal scarring that left patients satisfied. This shorter incision technique is beneficial because it leads to quicker surgery and better cosmetic results without needing advanced surgical tools. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing reconstructive surgery by improving their recovery experience and outcomes.

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This study focused on a new method for reconstructing the lower lip after cancer surgery, using tissue from the thigh. A 48-year-old man who had his lower lip removed due to cancer had the reconstruction done using a specialized flap that included nerves and tendons from his thigh. The patient had no complications, regained normal speech and eating ability, and was able to feel sensations in the reconstructed lip, which suggests this new technique is effective for future lower lip reconstructions. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from lower lip cancer surgery.

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This study looked at how effective the Er:YAG laser and topical gaseous ozone are when used alongside standard gum disease treatment in patients with chronic periodontitis. Researchers found that both treatments improved gum health, with significant improvement seen in patients who received the laser treatment, showing better attachment gains and less gum pocket depth compared to the standard treatment alone. While both methods reduced harmful bacteria in the mouth, the laser showed slightly better results, indicating that ozone can be a helpful alternative. Who this helps: This helps patients with gum disease and their dentists in choosing effective treatment options.

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This study examined a surgical technique that uses a specific muscle (the latissimus dorsi) while minimizing damage to surrounding muscles and nerves in 14 patients undergoing reconstruction for various defects. All but one surgical flap survived well, and patients showed similar shoulder movement on both sides after surgery, indicating successful preservation of muscle function. This technique is beneficial because it is thin, keeps more muscle intact, and is a reliable option compared to other methods. Who this helps: This helps patients needing reconstructive surgery by offering a technique that may lead to better recovery and function.

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This study looked at 152 cases of facial fractures to understand how they happen and how they are treated. They found that most of the fractures were in men (117 out of 152) and that traffic accidents caused over half of these cases (55.3%). It was also noted that children are more likely to suffer from certain types of fractures, especially in the lower face. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and healthcare providers treating patients with facial injuries, especially children and those involved in traffic accidents.

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This study looked at the blood vessels in the lower legs of 24 patients using a special type of CT scan before surgery that involves transplanting tissue, called free flap surgery. The results showed that the peroneal artery was missing in 4.3% of the patients, and the sizes of various arteries ranged from about 1.5 mm to almost 3 mm in diameter. Understanding these details is important because it helps doctors plan surgeries more effectively and avoid complications. Who this helps: This helps surgeons and patients needing tissue transplants.

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This study looked at the effectiveness of a surgical technique called rhomboid flaps for closing skin wounds in 24 patients, mainly due to tumors or burn scars. The results showed that this method was successful with no serious complications, such as tissue death or bleeding, reported in any of the cases. This finding is important because it confirms that rhomboid flaps can safely repair skin defects, helping patients recover without significant risks. Who this helps: This helps patients needing skin reconstruction, particularly those with tumors or burn scars.