Abstract: Objectives/Hypothesis: To present a novel technique based on the combination of aesthetic and reconstructive tech-niques for the radical and safe excision of preauricular sinus along with minimal cosmetic impairing. Study Design: Case report, description of surgical method and brief overview of the literature. Methods: In a patient with bilateral preauricular sinus, we used a modified face-lift incision and SMAS-fixation instead of solely excising the sinus with skin ellipse. Results: Total removal of the bilateral fistulous systems could be achieved, along with a very aesthetically pleasing result. Conclusions: The surgical approach shown here allows a radical excision with only minimal aesthetic impairment using a shortened facelift-incision and SMAS-fixation

Abstract: Background Three-dimensional (3D) scanning is an established method of breast volume estimation. However, this method can never be entirely precise, since the thoracic wall cannot be imaged by the surface scanner. Current methods rely on interpolation of the posterior breast border from the surrounding thoracic wall. Here, we present a novel method to calculate the posterior border and increase the accuracy of the measurement. Methods Using principal component analysis, computed tomography images were used to build a statistical shape model (SSM) of the thoracic wall. The model was fitted to 3D images and the missing thoracic wall curvature interpolated (indirect volumetry). The calculations were evaluated by ordinary least squares regression between the preoperative and postoperative volume differences and the resection weights in breast reduction surgery (N = 36). Also, an SSM of the breast was developed, allowing direct volumetry. Magnetic-resonance images (MRI) and 3D scans were acquired from 5 patients in order to validate the direct 3D volumetry. Results Volumetry based on a SSM exhibited a higher determination coefficient (R2 = 0,737) than the interpolation method (R2 = 0,404). The methods were not equivalent (p = 0.75), suggesting that the methods significantly differ. There was no influence of BMI on the correlation in either method. The MRI volumetry had a strong correlation with the 3D volumetry (R2 = 0,978). Conclusion The SSM-based method of posterior breast border calculation is reliable and superior to the currently used method of interpolation. It should serve as a basis of software applications aiming at calculation of breast volume from 3D surface scanning data

Abstract: A 27-year-old male suffered a severe work-related crush injury to his left dominant hand, resulting in a composite defect, including necrosis of the thumb and fingers as well as soft tissues distal to the radiocarpal joint. An amputation of the affected fingers had to be performed at the level of the metacarpophalangeal joints. In an attempt to prevent necrosis of the exposed carpal bones and metacarpal stumps, immediate coverage was achieved by reconstruction with a free rectus abdominis muscle flap, two weeks after the initial trauma. After six months, thumb reconstruction was accomplished by second toe transfer from the right foot. After another four months, the contralateral second toe was utilized for reconstruction of the fifth digit. Within two years after the accident, the patient returned to full-time occupational activities. He demonstrated excellent motor function, satisfactory discriminatory sensation to the transferred toes as well as protective sensation to the skin graft covering the flap. The donor site morbidity of both the toes and the rectus abdominis muscle was acceptable. After ten years following reconstruction, the patient had fully adjusted to his disability and was in full-time occupational activity with only minor limitations in his everyday life