FACE-Q Craniofacial Module: Part 1 validation of CLEFT-Q scales for use in children and young adults with facial conditions

BACKGROUND

The CLEFT-Q includes 12 independently functioning scales that measure appearance (face, nose, nostrils, teeth, lips, jaws), health-related quality of life (psychological, social, school, speech distress), and speech function, and an eating/drinking checklist. Previous qualitative research revealed that the CLEFT-Q has content validity in noncleft craniofacial conditions. This study aimed to examine the psychometric performance of the CLEFT-Q in an international sample of patients with a broad range of facial conditions.

METHODS

Data were collected between October 2016 and December 2019 from 2132 patients aged 8 to 29 years with noncleft facial conditions. Rasch measurement theory (RMT) analysis was used to examine Differential Item Function (DIF) by comparing the original CLEFT-Q sample and the new FACE-Q craniofacial sample. Reliability and validity of the scales in a combined cleft and craniofacial sample (n=4743) were examined.

RESULTS

DIF was found for 23 CLEFT-Q items when the datasets for the two samples were compared. When items with DIF were split by sample, correlations between the original and split person locations showed that DIF had negligible impact on scale scoring (correlations ≥0.995). In the combined sample, RMT analysis led to the retention of original content for ten CLEFT-Q scales, modification of the Teeth scale, and the addition of an Eating/Drinking scale. Data obtained fit with the Rasch model for 11 scales (exception School, p=0.04). Person Separation Index and Cronbach alpha values met the criteria.

CONCLUSION

The scales described in this study can be used to measure outcomes in children and young adults with cleft and noncleft craniofacial conditions.

Auricular reconstruction

External ear abnormalities are common. These may affect ear shape, size, prominence and degree of development. They may also be associated with hearing loss. The early identification and management of hearing loss is essential. There are several options for reconstruction of the external ear using both autologous and non-autologous techniques. The aim of this article is to outline the different reconstructive options.

management of craniosynostosis in Australia and New Zealand

Introduction: The management of syndromic and non-syndromic craniosynostosis is controversial with different units performing various procedures at different points in time and for different reasons. This study was performed to compare protocols of assessment and surgery in craniofacial units in Australasia. Methods: All paediatric craniofacial surgery centres in Australia and New Zealand were surveyed with respect to their current protocols for the preoperative assessment, intraoperative management and postoperative follow-up of syndromic and non-syndromic craniosynostosis patients. Results: All eight centres completed the survey with 100 per cent response rate. There was considerable homogeneity in the management of the various synostoses. Differences in management were notable in the preoperative assessments that were offered and the management of midface retrusion in syndromic craniosynostoses. Conclusion: Single-suture management among surveyed centres was relatively homogenous. Developmental assessment is not routinely performed for single-suture disease but is desired by the majority of surveyed centres. Postoperative CT scans are not commonly used but a number of centres desired routine use of 3D photometry for outcome assessment. In multi-suture cases, expansion of the posterior vault was performed in all cases but management of midface retrusion was variable.

Compliance of plastic surgeons with advertising guidelines

Background: Changes in the marketing of plastic surgery services in Australia has resulted in more plastic surgeons advertising on personal professional websites. In May 2014 the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) published ‘Guidelines for advertising regulated health services’. This study evaluates the compliance of plastic surgeons with these advertising standards. Method: The professional websites for all members of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) were analysed using the AHPRA guidelines. Each website was assessed by two independent medical reviewers noting the use of deceptive advertising, gifts/discounts, comparison with other surgeons, website photos, inappropriate marketing phraseology to encourage surgery and the creation of unreasonable expectations. Results: Over 80 per cent of ASPS members are fully compliant with the AHPRA guidelines. Less than one per cent of surgeons listed information considered to be misleading, deceptive, or creating unreasonable expectations. Gifts or discounts were offered by 5.8 per cent, 5.5 per cent used inappropriate marketing phraseology, 4.9 per cent made comparisons with other surgeons and 1.3 per cent had website photos that did not comply with recommended guidelines. Thirty-four per cent of surgeons were on Facebook, 20.4 per cent on Twitter and 19.4 per cent on Instagram. Of NSW surgeons, 13.8 per cent of had inappropriate website photos. Approximately 19 per cent of surgeons in WA and SA used inappropriate marketing to encourage surgery. Conclusion: The majority of ASPS members are compliant with the national advertising guidelines. Regional non-compliance with specific areas was noted suggesting targeted education may be of benefit.

Matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in bone remodelling following distraction osteogenesis of the sheep mandible

AIM

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), together with their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs), are responsible for the controlled degradation of collagen and other matrix substrates in bone and other tissues. This study evaluated the expression of MMPs and TIMPs in bony remodelling in a bilateral sheep mandible model up to 12 months following lengthening by distraction osteogenesis.

METHODOLOGY

Sheep mandibles were harvested 3, 6, 9 or 12 months following lengthening by bilateral mandibular distraction (1 mm/day for 20 days). Undistracted sheep mandibles were used as controls. The tissues underwent routine histology and immunohistochemical staining with monoclonal antibodies specific to MMPs 1-3 and TIMP-1, 2. Matrix and cell staining was assessed using a semi-quantitative analysis.

RESULTS

Matrix metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) expression levels were marked at 3 months and decreased thereafter becoming similar to undistracted controls by 12 months. The histologic development of mature lamellar cortical bone was similar to undistracted controls by 9 months following distraction.

CONCLUSIONS

A temporal expression of MMPs and TIMPs was found in distraction osteogenesis. MMPs and TIMPS may, in part, reflect the state of bony remodelling following mandibular lengthening by distraction osteogenesis. Matrix metalloproteinases and TIMP expression were comparable to undistracted controls by 12 months, suggesting that equilibrium had been achieved and that bony relapse is unlikely.

A compliant tip reduces the peak pressure of laparoscopic graspers

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have demonstrated that high pressures are generated at the tips of laparoscopic graspers, which can cause tissue injury. This study examines the effect of a compliant edge on tip pressure.

METHODS

One of a pair of identical laparoscopic graspers was modified by refashioning the tip out of silicone. A thin film pressure transducer (I-scan 6900 sensor) was deployed between the jaws of the grasper and a simulated tissue (leather strap). Load and handle pressures were kept constant. Peak tip pressure readings were taken as the load orientation was increased from the perpendicular to 135 degrees (n = 10). The data was analysed using anova and a post-hoc Duncan's multiple range test.

RESULTS

Peak tip pressures generated by the compliant tipped grasper were significantly less than those developed by the unmodified grasper, particularly at high-load orientations.

CONCLUSION

High pressures generated at the tip of laparoscopic graspers can be reduced by altering the mechanical properties (compliance) of the tip.

Inguinal canal "lipoma"

Groin dissection was performed in adult male post-mortem subjects to establish the prevalence of inguinal canal "lipoma." Thirty-six body halves (age range 24-92 years) were studied. Of these, 27 (75%) contained a discrete mass of fat within the inguinal canal. This mass was always continuous with the preperitoneal fat through the deep inguinal ring. Nineteen of these 27 masses (70%), displayed a characteristic pedunculated form with a bulbous distal end. Eighteen of the 36 dissections (50%), revealed a mass more than 4 cm in length. Six dissections showed extension of the mass beyond the superficial inguinal ring and three of these six (8% of the 36 groins studied) showed distortion of the proximal spermatic cord with a mass at the superficial inguinal ring. The masses submitted for histology comprised mature adipose tissue and all but two of these were reported as having an adherent capsule. No significant correlation was found between mass length and either subject age or body mass index (BMI) but a statistically significant correlation between the length of the fat mass on the left and right sides was shown. This study demonstrates that the inguinal canal "lipoma" is a common feature in an adult male population and may be of sufficient size to cause clinical misdiagnosis. The high prevalence, characteristic location and appearance of the "lipoma" suggest a developmental etiology.

Resistance forces acting on suture needles

Understanding the resistance forces encountered by a suture needle during tissue penetration is important for the development of robotic surgical devices and virtual reality surgical simulators. Tensile forces applied to skin and tendon during suturing were measured. Fresh sheep achilles tendons were tensioned with a static load 4.9 N, 9.8 N or 19.6 N and sheepskin with 0.98 N, 2.9 N or 4.9 N static load. A straight 2/0 cutting suture needle in series with a load cell on a materials testing machine penetrated the tissue at 90 degrees with a velocity of 1, 5 or 10mm/s for each tissue tension (n=5). Continuous load versus displacement data was obtained and penetration load and stiffness were noted. The load versus displacement curve for skin during needle penetration demonstrated two characteristic peaks, corresponding to initial penetration and emergence of needle from the undersurface of the tissue. Increasing the tension within the tissue (skin and tendon) increased the amount of force required to penetrate the tissue with a suture needle (p<0.05). Needle displacement rate did not affect the resistance to needle penetration (p<0.05). This study provides a simple model for measuring force-feedback during needle penetration of soft tissues and is a good starting point for future studies of the penetration resistance properties of human tissues.

Does the sheep mandible relapse following lengthening by distraction osteogenesis?

AIM

Distraction osteogenesis is a technique used to lengthen the shortened mandible. However, the long term stability of the distracted mandibular bone is not known. The aim of this study was to assess if the sheep mandible relapses following lengthening, and to assess the quality of distracted bone up to 1 year post lengthening.

METHODS

Twenty-four sheep had bilateral external mandibular distractors applied, with three sheep as controls. Titanium marker screws were positioned both proximal and distal to the distraction zone in all sheep. Following a 5 day latency period, the interdental gap was distracted 1 mm/day for 20 days, with a subsequent 20 day consolidation period. Ante-mortem serial X-rays were used to assess for relapse by measuring the distance between the screws. The animals were sacrificed at either 3, 6, 9 or 12 months post-distraction. At post mortem, the distance between the screws was re-measured. The distracted bone was assessed mechanically and histologically.

RESULTS

The mean mandibular lengthening obtained was 13.2 mm. There was no relapse of the mandible over 12 months. The distracted bone had attained the strength and stiffness of undistracted bone by 6 months post-distraction (p < 0.05). Histological evaluation revealed significant amounts of lamellar bone by 6 months post-distraction.

CONCLUSIONS

No relapse occurred for 12 months post distraction lengthening. The bone formed following distraction was stable and of good quality. These findings lend support to the use of distraction osteogenesis in clinical practice.

Patterns of failure at the instrument-tissue interface

BACKGROUND

The effect of jaw design on grip security and tissue trauma is poorly understood. This project establishes an in vitro model of the instrument-tissue interface.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Aluminum jaws with teeth of differing size and shape gripped fresh sheep stomach with variable apposing (squeeze) pressure. The tissue was extracted at a rate of 50 mm/min until either the grip or the tissue failed. The load at which the grip failed, the maximum (peak) load generated, and the mode of failure were noted. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and a post hoc Duncan's multiple range test when appropriate.

RESULTS

Increasing the apposing pressure increased grip security. Grip security of 1- and 2-mm pitch teeth were significantly greater than for plane jaws and smaller-pitch teeth (P < 0.001). Of the wave pattern jaws, 2-mm pitch waves also had significantly greater grip security than plane jaws and smaller pitch waves (P < 0.01). Wave pattern jaws produced significantly less tissue trauma than teeth (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Increasing the size of instrument teeth increases grip security but at the expense of tissue trauma. Wave pattern jaws result in significantly less tissue trauma than teeth. This model measures grip security precisely and allows for comparison between jaws of different patterns.

Grasper trauma during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

The present study characterized the histopathological nature of laparoscopic grasper trauma during laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a prospective, blinded trial in order to establish a model for laparoscopic grasper trauma. The null hypothesis that graspers cause no histologically distinct tissue injury was tested.

METHODS

The gall bladders of 19 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were examined. The area of gall bladder that had been grasped by Debakey laparoscopic forceps was excised (sample), along with an area of gall bladder that had not been grasped (control). Paired specimens were examined by a pathologist (blinded) to identify which was 'sample' and which was 'control' and to assess for histological markers of crushed tissue injury. The data were analysed by chi-squared or Fisher's exact tests.

RESULTS

The pathologist was able to identify the sample (gripped) specimen in 13 of the 19 cases. In the remaining six cases the pathologist was unable to determine the specimen that had been gripped due to either absence of damage (four cases), or severe inflammation precluding assessment (two cases). The ability of the pathologist to distinguish the sample from the control specimen was significant (chi-squared test, P = 0.003). Of the histological markers of crushed tissue injury, focal thinning of the gall bladder wall and epithelial loss were present in significantly more sample (gripped) specimens than control specimens (chi-squared test, P = 0.0002 and P < 0.0001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic graspers cause tissue trauma that can be assessed histologically. The current study presents a relevant, reproducible, ethically acceptable human model for assessing the interaction between laparoscopic graspers and soft tissues.