Telemedicine for Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation and Orthopedic Postoperative Rehabilitation

Telehealth visits result in high-quality care, with high patient and provider satisfaction. Strong evidence suggests that virtual physical therapy is noninferior to conventional face-to-face physical therapy for a variety of musculoskeletal disorders. Postoperative telerehabilitation has a strong positive effect on clinical outcomes, and the increased intensity telerehabilitation programs offer is a promising option for patients. Studies demonstrate effective virtual postoperative management. The novel coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has led to improved reimbursement for telehealth visits and accelerated widespread implementation of telemedicine. This article establishes experience and evidence-based practice guidelines for conducting telemedicine visits, with emphasis on the virtual physical examination.

The effect of eyebrow stenting on the measurement of levator excursion in normal and ptotic eyelids

Introduction: Levator function is classically estimated by measuring upper eyelid excursion (ULE) with digital brow stenting. The purpose of this study is to compare ULE with and without brow stenting in normal and ptotic eyelids. Methods: In this prospective observational study, normal and ptotic eyelids were recruited. Subjects were photographed with and without digital brow stenting in primary position, downgaze, and upgaze. Measurements were conducted on digital photographs. The primary outcome measure was ULE (distance travelled by the eyelid margin between downgaze and upgaze). Normal and ptosis (MRD1 ≤ 2.5 mm or asymmetry ≥ 1 mm) subgroups were defined. Independent one-way ANOVA and independent samples t-tests were performed. This study was powered to detect a 1 mm difference in the primary outcome measure, assuming SD = 1 mm, with alpha = 0.05 and beta-error = 0.95. Results: Twenty-eight normal eyelids of 22 subjects and 28 ptotic eyes of 18 subjects were included. Stenting significantly (p < 0.01) increased ULE in the overall sample (+0.9 mm) and in controls (+1.2 mm), but not (p > 0.05) in ptotic eyelids (+0.5 mm). Post hoc analysis revealed a beta-error of 0.08 in the latter. Conclusion: ULE was significantly higher with brow stenting in normal eyelids (approximately +1.2 mm) but not in ptotic eyelids, possibly due to increased levator tone secondary to increased effort in the coupled frontalis.

Urticarial reaction following endovascular embolization of an orbital arteriovenous malformation (AVM) with n-butyl cyanoacrylate (nBCA) glue

Orbital arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are rare vascular lesions that may be managed with endovascular embolization followed by surgical resection. Embolization is often accomplished with n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (nBCA), which is considered to be a safe and effective liquid occlusive agent. Localized vascular inflammation has been associated with endovascular nBCA use in histopathologic studies, but reports of systemic hypersensitivity reactions following endovascular embolization with nBCA are rare. We present a case of a 26-year-old male who developed an intermittent systemic urticarial reaction without cardiopulmonary compromise beginning four weeks after nBCA embolization of an orbital AVM. Subsequent skin allergy testing performed by an allergist confirmed hypersensitivity to nBCA glue and the patient has since been successfully managed with daily oral antihistamines. Awareness of this rare potential complication of endovascular embolization with nBCA will aid in the counseling and management of patients with AVMs.

Association of Eyelid Position and Facial Nerve Palsy With Unresolved Weakness

IMPORTANCE

Understanding the prevalence and clinical features of eyelid malpositions in facial nerve palsy (FNP) may inform proper management of patients with FNP and supplement our knowledge of eyelid physiology.

OBJECTIVE

To describe eyelid malposition in FNP.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

In this retrospective cohort study, patients with FNP seen at the Center for Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery and Jules Stein Eye Institute between January 1, 1999, and June 1, 2014, were reviewed for study inclusion. Data collection was performed between June 1, 2014, to August 1, 2014, and data analysis was performed between June 15, 2014, to September 1, 2015. The distances from the center of the pupil to the upper eyelid margin (marginal reflex distance 1 [MRD1]) and to the lower eyelid margin (marginal reflex distance 2 [MRD2]) were measured on photographs of patients in the primary position and with full smile. Eyelid asymmetry, retraction, ptosis, synkinesis, and severity and duration of FNP were assessed. Eligible participants were adults with FNP at a private tertiary care clinic with primary position photographs. Exclusion criteria included prior history of procedures or medical conditions that could alter eyelid position.

RESULTS

The 52 included patients were predominantly female (38 [73%]), with a mean (SD) age of 44.1 (13.8) years. Of this group, 34 patients (65%) were white, 8 (15%) were Asian, 8 (15%) were Hispanic, and 2 (4%) were African American. Retraction (MRD1, >5.0 mm) was present in 8 patients (15%), 3 of whom had eyelid asymmetry (MRD1, >1.0 mm). Overall, total asymmetry of greater than 1.0 mm was present in 14 patients (27%), with the FNP side higher in 12 (23%). Compared with those without asymmetry, patients with eyelid asymmetry were significantly more likely to have contralateral ptosis (42% vs 2.5%, P < .001) but did not have a significantly shorter duration of FNP (12.3 months vs 13.8 months, P = .82). Ptosis was noted in 4 patients and was also unrelated to duration of FNP (9.6 months in patients with ptosis vs 13.6 months in those without, P = .60). Synkinesis was found in 24 patients (46%), but none had concomitant ptosis. Severe FNP (House-Brackmann score, ≥4) was present in 28 patients (54%), and these patients were 20 times more likely to have asymmetry greater than 1.0 mm, often with the FNP side higher.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Upper eyelid asymmetry is common in FNP. In most of the patients in this study, the FNP side was higher without demonstrating retraction, and the contralateral side was ptotic. Thus, contralateral ptosis surgery may benefit these patients. Furthermore, patients with severe facial weakness were more likely to have eyelid asymmetry, suggesting that the ability of the eyelid position maintenance system to adapt to weakness of eyelid protractors may be limited by the severity of this weakness.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.