Abstract Aim This study aims to evaluate adherence to NICE guidelines for postoperative mobilization after different distal femoral fracture fixation methods in elderly patients. We also explore the implications of guideline compliance, focusing on the timing and extent of weight-bearing. Method Retrospective data collection spanned six months at Hull University Teaching Hospitals, involving patient records and descriptive statistical analysis. Results Of the 18 identified patients, 16 were analysed (2 managed non-operatively). The mean age was 82.5 years (4 males, 12 females), with an average surgery delay of 3.4 days. Fracture types included intra-articular (4), extra-articular (4), and periprosthetic (8). Implants included 8 plate osteosynthesis, 6 intramedullary (IM) nails, and 2 dynamic femoral rods (DFRs). Post-surgery weight-bearing status: non-weight bearing (NWB): 7 (5 plates + 2 nails), Partial weight-bearing (PWB): 3 (2 plates + 1 nail), Full weight-bearing (FWB): 6 (2 DFRs + 1 plate + 2 nails). Weight-bearing by implant type: Plate: NWB: 5/8, PWB: 2/8, FWB: 1/8. Nail: NWB: 2/6, PWB: 1/6, FWB: 3/6. DFR: FWB 2/2. Five fatalities occurred: 4 in NWB and 1 in PWB groups; 4 with plate fixation and 1 with IM nail. Conclusions Only 37.5% initiated FWB in under a week. Encouraging early weight-bearing may reduce mortality following distal femur fractures in the elderly.

Facial buttresses are supportive bony structures of the facial skeleton that form a thick, strong, and protective framework for the face. Surgical fixation may be required to restore morphology and function when damage to these buttresses occurs. We sought to determine if, similar to buttresses of the facial skeleton, buttresses of the internal orbit exist. Hence, we analyzed 10 human cadaver skulls imaged by microcomputed tomography (micro-CT). Image processing and thickness/heat mapping were performed using Avizo and ImageJ softwares. After identifying the orbital buttresses, we reviewed CT scans of patients who had orbital fractures across three years to determine the frequency of fracture of the orbital buttresses. We identified 5 buttresses of the internal orbit: superomedial fronto-ethmoidal strut with the deep orbital buttress, inferomedial strut with the posterior ledge, inferior orbital fissure, sphenoid-frontal superolateral strut, and the sphenoid lip. The average threshold orbital buttress thickness was 1.36 (0.25) mm. A total of 1186 orbits of 593 individuals were analyzed for orbital buttress involvement. Orbital buttresses were spared in 770 (65%) orbits. The inferomedial strut with the posterior ledge was the most commonly fractured buttress in 14.4% of orbits (n=171), followed by the sphenoid strut and lip (66 [5.6%]). To our knowledge, this is the first description of the buttresses of the internal orbit. Orbital reconstruction for fracture repair or oncologic purposes requires the support of orbital buttresses. Understanding the anatomy of orbital buttresses is crucial for successful surgical planning, proper implant positioning, and restoration of function and appearance.

Traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) is a rare but potentially devastating complication of craniofacial trauma. Approximately half of patients with TON sustain permanent vision loss. In this study, we sought to identify the most common fracture patterns associated with TON. We performed a retrospective review of craniomaxillofacial CT scans of trauma patients who presented to the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center from 2015 to 2017. Included were adult patients who had orbital fractures with or without other facial fractures. Patients diagnosed with TON by a formal ophthalmologic examination were analyzed. Craniofacial fracture patterns were identified. Bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were performed to identify craniofacial fracture patterns most commonly associated with TON. A total of 574 patients with orbital fractures who met inclusion criteria [15 (2.6%)] were diagnosed with TON. The median [interquartile range (IQR)] age was 44 (28-59) years. Patients with optic canal fractures and sphenoid sinus fractures had greater odds of TON compared with patients who did not have these fracture types [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 95% confidence interval (CI) 31.8 (2.6->100), 8.1 (2.7-24.4), respectively]. Patients who sustain optic canal and sphenoid sinus fractures in the setting of blunt facial trauma are at increased odds of having a TON. Surgeons and other physicians involved in the care of these patients should be aware of this association.

Background: Although blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI) is recognized as a risk factor for trauma morbidity and mortality, little is described regarding similar cerebrovascular injury (CVI) in patients with penetrating wounds. The authors aim to characterize these injuries in the craniofacial self-inflicted gunshot wound (SIGSW) population. Methods: An institutional review board (IRB)-approved retrospective nstudy was conducted on patients presenting to the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center with SIGSWs between 2007 and 2016. All CVIs were categorized by location, type, and associated neurologic deficits. Demographic data, patient characteristics, additional studies, and long-term outcomes were collected. A multivariate analysis determining independent predictors of CVI in the SIGSW population was performed. Results: Of the 73 patients with SIGSWs, 5 (6.8%) had CVIs separate from the bullet/cavitation tract (distant CVIs) and 9 had CVIs along the bullet/cavitation tract (in-tract CVIs). A total of 55.6% of in-tract and 40% of distant injuries were missed on initial radiology read. One distant CVI patient suffered a stroke during admission. The anterior to posterior gunshot wound trajectory was positively associated with distant CVIs when compared with no CVIs (P = 0.01). Vessel dissection was more prevalent in patients with distant CVIs, when compared against patients with in-tract CVIs (P = 0.02). Conclusions: Nearly 20% of craniofacial SIGSW patients have CVIs and 6.8% have BCVI-like injuries, which is 2-to-6-fold times higher than traditional BCVIs. Craniofacial SIGSWs serve as an independent screening criterion with comparable screening yields; the authors recommend radiographic screening for these patients with particular scrutiny for CVIs as they are frequently missed on initial radiographic interpretations.

Summary: Intrathoracic fistulas present major challenges to reconstructive surgeons. Reconstruction with muscle flaps have been shown to improve patient outcomes; however, there are patients for whom one or more of the commonly used muscle flaps is not available for several reasons. We describe the use of an iliocostalis muscle rotational flap for the repair of a caudally located esophagopleural fistula in the setting of definitive chemoradiotherapy for treatment of nonsmall-cell lung cancer and reirradiation with photons for local recurrence 5 years later. Our repair remained intact through the nearly 12-month follow-up period during which the patient tolerated a regular diet. This report demonstrates that the iliocostalis lumborum muscle is a viable option for repair of intrathoracic fistulas that are located in the distal esophagus, even in the setting of previous thoracotomy and radiation, and should be part of the reconstructive surgeon’s armamentarium in the management of intrathoracic fistulas.

Introduction: Self-inflicted gunshot wounds to the face frequently result in devastating injuries; however, there is a paucity of large experiences describing determinants of mortality and outcomes. Methods: Using the National Trauma Databank from 2007 to 2015, patients suffering self-inflicted firearm facial injuries were included. Results: Over 9 years 7869 patients were included: 87.7% were male, 46.4% suffered traumatic brain injury (TBI) and overall in-hospital mortality was 44.7%. The majority (67.8%) of in-hospital mortality occurred within the first 24 hours. Using multiple regression, advanced age (>65 years), presence of TBI, admission hypotension, and decreased Glasgow coma score were each independently associated with increased odds of mortality (all P < 0.001). Mandible or combined mandible/midface fracture injury patterns were most likely to survive (P < 0.001). Of those surviving to hospital discharge, the median [interquartile range] length of stay was 13 [6, 23] days, 86.6% required an intensive care unit stay with 67% requiring intubation and 42.5% tracheostomy. Among survivors, the combined mandible and midface fracture pattern resulted in the highest rates of tracheostomy (70.5%), gastrostomy tube placement (50.5%), and facial operations (87.0%) with a median [interquartile range] of 5 [3, 7] operative trips (all P < 0.001). Conclusions: Self-inflicted facial firearm injuries are highly morbid injuries with the majority of in-hospital deaths occurring the first hospital day. Differences including concomitant TBI, facial injury pattern, neurologic status, and presence of hypotension on admission were independently associated with survival/death. More extensive facial injuries (combined mandible and midface fracture patterns) were more likely to survive and required more intensive interventions.

The independent plastic surgery pathway recruits candidates with 5 years of surgical training who are typically more advanced in research than their integrated counterparts. Research productivity helps to discriminate between applicants. However, no studies exist detailing the academic attributes of matched independent plastic surgery candidates. We performed a cohort study of 161 independent plastic surgery fellows from accredited residency programs from the 2015 to 2017 application cycles. We performed a bibliometric analysis utilizing Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar to identify research output measures at the time of application. The cohort was predominantly men (66%) with a median of 3 articles and a H-index of 1 at the time of application. Interestingly, 16% of successful candidates had no published articles at the time of application, and this did not change significantly over time (P = .0740). Although the H-index remained stable (R 0.13, P = .1095), the number of published journal articles per candidate significantly decreased over 3 consecutive application cycles (R -0.16, P = .0484). Analysis of article types demonstrated a significant increase in basic science articles (R 0.18, P = .0366) and a concurrent decrease in editorial-type publications (R = -0.18, P = .0374). Despite the decline in publication volume of matched independent plastic surgery fellows, the quality of their research portfolio has remained constant. Matched applicants appear to be shifting focus from faster-to-publish articles to longer but higher impact projects. In selecting a training route, applicants must weigh the highly competitive integrated path against the dwindling number of independent positions.

BACKGROUND:Fractures of the orbital roof require high-energy trauma and have been linked to high rates of neurologic and ocular complications. However, there is a paucity of literature exploring the association between injury, management, and visual prognosis.METHODS:The authors performed a 3-year retrospective review of orbital roof fracture admissions to a Level I trauma center. Fracture displacement, comminution, and frontobasal type were ascertained from computed tomographic images. Pretreatment characteristics of operative orbital roof fractures were compared to those of nonoperative fractures. Risk factors for ophthalmologic complications were assessed using univariable/multivariable regression analyses.RESULTS:In total, 225 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Fractures were most commonly nondisplaced [n = 118 (52.4 percent)] and/or of type II frontobasal pattern (linear vault involving) [n = 100 (48.5 percent)]. Eight patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation of their orbital roof fractures (14.0 percent of displaced fractures). All repairs took place within 10 days from injury. Traumatic optic neuropathy [n = 19 (12.3 percent)] and retrobulbar hematoma [n = 11 (7.1 percent)] were the most common ophthalmologic complications, and led to long-term visual impairment in 51.6 percent of cases.CONCLUSIONS:Most orbital roof fractures can be managed conservatively, with no patients in this cohort incurring long-term fracture-related complications or returning for secondary treatment. Early fracture treatment is safe and may be beneficial in patients with vertical dysmotility, globe malposition, and/or a defect surface area larger than 4 cm2. Ophthalmologic prognosis is generally favorable; however, traumatic optic neuropathy is major cause of worse visual outcome in this population.CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:Risk, III.

Background: Following bariatric surgery, patients develop problems related to lax abdominal skin that may be addressed by contouring procedures. Third-party insurers have subjective requirements for coverage of these procedures that can limit patient access. The authors sought to determine how well third-party payers cover abdominal contouring procedures in this population. Methods: The authors conducted a cross-sectional analysis of insurance policies for coverage of panniculectomy, lower back excision, and circumferential lipectomy. Abdominoplasty was evaluated as an alternative to panniculectomy. Insurance companies were selected based on their market share and state enrolment. A list of medical necessity criteria was abstracted from the policies that offered coverage. Results: Of the 55 companies evaluated, 98 percent had a policy that covered panniculectomy versus 36 percent who would cover lower back excision ( p < 0.0001), and one-third provided coverage for circumferential lipectomy. Of the insurers who covered panniculectomy, only 30 percent would also cover abdominoplasty. Documentation of secondary skin conditions was the most prevalent criterion in panniculectomy policies (100 percent), whereas impaired function and secondary skin conditions were most common for coverage of lower back excision (73 percent and 73 percent, respectively). Frequency of criteria for panniculectomy versus lower back excision differed most notably for (1) secondary skin conditions (100 percent versus 73 percent; p = 0.0030), (2) weight loss (45 percent versus 7 percent; p = 0.0106), and (3) duration of weight stability (82 percent versus 53 percent; p = 0.0415). Conclusions: For the postbariatric population, panniculectomy was covered more often and had more standardized criteria than lower back excision or circumferential lipectomy. However, all have vast intracompany and interpolicy variations in coverage criteria that may reduce access to procedures, even among patients with established indications.

BACKGROUND:Plastic surgery continues to be one of the most competitive specialties in the residency match. Research productivity is a key component of the selection process. Nevertheless, potential applicants have a poor understanding of the strength of their research credentials in comparison to other applicants.METHODS:The authors identified successful applicants from the 2012 to 2017 integrated plastic surgery residency application cycles. The authors performed a bibliometric analysis of these residents using Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar to identify published articles at the time of application. The authors then calculated the h-index of each applicant at the time of application.RESULTS:The authors included 829 integrated residents. The median h-index was 0 (interquartile range, 0 to 3) and the median number of publications was 2 (interquartile range, 0 to 5) for all applicants. The proportion of applicants with at least one publication at the point of application increased significantly over time (60 percent in 2012 versus 76 percent in 2017; p = 0.0072). In addition, the number of publications per applicant increased over time (one in 2012 versus two in 2017; p = 0.0005), as did h-index (0 in 2012 versus 1 in 2017; p = 0.0015). Strikingly, the number and percentage of review articles among applicants increased significantly over this time frame (9 percent versus 14 percent; p = 0.0299).CONCLUSIONS:The increasing level of academic productivity among applicants may reflect the increasing competitiveness of the integrated plastic surgery residency application process. As the pressure to compete for a training position increases, students may seek faster-to-publish articles to gain an edge.

CASE REPORT:A 65-year-old Caucasian man presented with a debilitating anogenital lesion.DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS:The differential diagnosis of anogenital lesions includes infectious (syphilis, herpes simplex virus), noninfectious (hidradenitis suppuritiva, lymphedema), benign (condyloma acuminata), and malignant pathologies (squamous cell carcinoma, Kaposi sarcoma).DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENT, MANAGEMENT, AND OUTCOME:Biopsy of an anogenital lesion will determine any oncologic potential. Further imaging can better characterize the disease. Once in the operating room, oncologic principles should be adhered to and quality of life concerns prioritized. Reconstruction of large defects may require a multidisciplinary team. Genitourinary and gastrointestinal diversions should be considered to improve wound healing, decrease infection risk, and optimize graft take.DISCUSSION:A multidisciplinary approach to medical and surgical reconstruction of anogenital lesions should be considered for extensive malformations.

BACKGROUND:The purpose of this study was to characterize differences in facial fracture injury patterns among pediatric patients at highest risk of abusive head trauma/nonaccidental trauma (age ≤ 5 years).METHODS:Using the National Trauma Databank from 2007 to 2015, patients (age ≤ 5 years) suffering facial fractures were included. Demographics and injury characteristics were compared between those sustaining accidental versus nonaccidental trauma (NAT).RESULTS:Over 9 years 9741 patients were included with 193 patients (2.0%) suffering NAT. Nonaccidental trauma patients were younger (median [interquartile range]; 0 [0, 2] versus 3 [1, 4], P < 0.001), and more frequently were insured by Medicaid (76.7% versus 41.9%, P < 0.001). NAT patients were more likely to sustain mandible fractures (38.9% versus 21.1%, P < 0.001), but less likely to sustain maxilla (9.8% versus 18.3%, P = 0.003), or orbital fractures (31.1% versus 53.4%, P < 0.001). Nonaccidental trauma patients had fewer instances of multiple facial fracture sites (8.9% versus 22.6%, P < 0.001). Among those sustaining mandible fractures, NAT patients were more likely to sustain condylar fractures (75.8% versus 48.4%, P < 0.001), but less likely to sustain subcondylar fractures (0% versus 13.2%, P = 0.002), or angle fractures (1.6 versus 8.7%, P = 0.048).CONCLUSIONS:Differences exist in facial fracture patterns in accidental versus nonaccidental trauma within the pediatric population at highest risk for abusive head trauma. Specifically, NAT is associated with fractures of the mandibular condyle and involve fewer facial fracture sites. In the appropriate context, presence of these fractures/patterns should increase suspicion for NAT.

Background. Patients with obesity and end-stage renal disease represent a surgical population with multiple comorbidities and high risk for postoperative complications. One method for reducing the incidence of postoperative adverse events in this patient population is to limit the number of operations through combining operations into 1 operative encounter. Methods. We conducted a retrospective review of adult patients at a single institution who underwent renal transplant, panniculectomy, and at least 1 additional abdominal or pelvic surgery concurrently. For those patients, we collected demographics, intraoperative variables, and postoperative data and analyzed surgical outcomes and postoperative complications. Results. Thirteen patients met inclusion criteria. Most of the patients were female (85%) with ages ranging 33 to 70 years old and mean body mass index of 36.5 (SD 4.7). Three quarters of patients (77%) underwent 3 procedures and the remaining underwent 4 or 5 procedures with a median hospital length of stay of 5 days (range, 3-10 days). There was a single mortality. Overall, 8 patients (61.5%) experienced complications in the first 90 postoperative days. The wound complication rate was 46.2%, the overall readmission rate within 90 days was 38.5%, and the reoperation rate was 30.8%. All patients experienced immediate graft function, and the 12 patients that survived to postoperative day 90 maintained survival at 1 year. Conclusion. This study demonstrates that the combination of more than 2 surgical procedures with living donor renal transplant is a possible treatment option in high-risk obese patients in need of multiple operations.

Background: Infections are challenging complications of implant-based breast reconstruction and augmentation. They pose a clinical challenge, with significant economic implications. One proposed solution is implant irrigation at the time of placement. There is no consensus on the optimal irrigant solution. Methods: The authors tested the relative efficacy of 10% povidone-iodine, Clorpactin, Prontosan, triple-antibiotic solution, or normal saline (negative control) against two strains each of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis . Sterile, smooth silicone implant disks were immersed in irrigant solution, then incubated in suspensions of methicillin-resistant S. aureus or S. epidermidis overnight. The disks were rinsed and sonicated to displace adherent bacteria from the implant surface, and the displaced bacteria were quantified. Normalized values were calculated to characterize the relative efficacy of each irrigant. Results: Povidone-iodine resulted in reductions of the bacterial load by a factor of 10 4 to 10 5 for all strains. Prontosan-treated smooth breast implant disks had a 10-fold reduction in bacterial counts for all but one methicillin-resistant S. aureus strain. In comparison to Prontosan, triple-antibiotic solution demonstrated a trend of greater reduction in methicillin-resistant S. aureus bacterial load and weaker activity against S. epidermidis strains. Clorpactin reduced the recovered colony-forming units for only a single strain of S. epidermidis . Povidone-iodine demonstrated the greatest efficacy against all four strains. However, Clorpactin, triple-antibiotic solution, and Prontosan demonstrated similar efficacies. Conclusions: Povidone-iodine was the most efficacious of the irrigants at reducing methicillin-resistant S. aureus and S. epidermidis contamination. Given the recent lifting of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration moratorium, larger clinical studies of povidone-iodine as a breast implant irrigant solution are warranted. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, V.

Background As the demand for cosmetic surgery continues to rise, plastic surgery programs and the training core curriculum have evolved to reflect these changes. This study aims to evaluate the perceived quality of current cosmetic surgery training in terms of case exposure and educational methods. Methods A 16-question survey was sent to graduates who completed their training at a U.S. plastic surgery training program in 2017. The survey assessed graduates’ exposure to cosmetic surgery, teaching modalities employed and their overall perceived competence. Case complexity was characterized by the minimum number of cases needed by the graduate to feel confident in performing the procedure. Results There was a 25% response rate. The majority of respondents were residents (83%, n=92) and the remaining were fellows (17%, n=18). Almost three quarters of respondents were satisfied with their cosmetic training. Respondents rated virtual training as the most effective learning modality and observing attendings’ patients/cases as least effective. Perceived competence was more closely aligned with core curriculum status than case complexity, i.e. graduates feel more prepared for core cosmetic procedures despite being more technically difficult than non-core procedures. Conclusions Despite the variability in cosmetic exposure during training, most plastic surgery graduates are satisfied with their aesthetic training. Incorporation of teaching modalities, such as virtual training, can increase case exposure and allow trainees more autonomy. The recommended core curriculum is adequately training plastic surgery graduates for common procedures and more specialized procedures should be consigned to aesthetic fellowship training.

Summary: Computed tomographic scans are frequently obtained following craniomaxillofacial fracture reconstruction. The additive radiation from such scans is not trivial; cumulative radiation exposure poses stochastic health risks. In this article, the authors postulate that a low-dose computed tomography protocol provides adequate image quality for postoperative evaluation of reconstructed craniomaxillofacial fractures. This study included patients for whom a computed tomographic scan was indicated following craniomaxillofacial fracture repair at a Level I trauma center. Postoperative craniomaxillofacial computed tomography was performed using a low-dose protocol, rather than standard protocols. A craniomaxillofacial surgeon and a radiologist interpreted the images to determine whether they were of sufficient quality. It was decided a priori that any inadequate low-dose computed tomography would require repeated scanning using standard protocols. The primary endpoint was the need for repeated computed tomography. In addition, the clarity of clinically significant anatomical landmarks on the images was graded on a five-point Likert scale. Twenty patients were scanned postoperatively using the low-dose protocol. Mean radiation dose (total dose-length product) from the low-dose protocol was 71 mGy · cm versus 532 mGy · cm for the preoperative computed tomographic scans that were obtained using conventional protocols (p < 0.001). All 20 low-dose computed tomographic scans were determined to provide satisfactory image quality. No patients required repeated computed tomography secondary to poor image quality. Low-dose computed tomography received high image-quality scores. A low-dose computed tomography protocol that delivers approximately 7.5-fold less radiation than the standard protocols was found to be adequate for postoperative evaluation of craniomaxillofacial fractures. Larger prospective studies may be warranted. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

BACKGROUND:Presentation of pediatric facial fractures varies widely and many injuries are encountered infrequently by most practitioners. This study summarizes injury patterns in a large cohort of facial fractures and their subsequent surgical management.METHODS:Demographic and clinical characteristics of patients 18 years of age or younger admitted between 2009 and 2015 to trauma centers participating in the National Trauma Data Bank were examined. Craniofacial fractures and reconstructive procedures performed at index admission were selected based on ICD-9 and AIS codes. A multivariable analysis was used to determine independent determinants of surgical repair.RESULTS:Out of 60,094 pediatric patients evaluated in the US emergency departments, 48,821 patients were admitted and underwent open treatment (n = 8364; 17.1%) or closed treatment (n = 4244; 8.7%) of facial fractures. Falls were the most common mechanism of injury in infants and toddlers (<2-year-old, 44.4%, P <0.001), while motor vehicle collisions (32.9%, P <0.001) and assault (22.1%, P <0.001) were most commonly seen in adolescents (12-18-year-old). The frequency and odds of repair of facial fractures increased with advancing age, more so with open than closed treatment in adolescents (73.0%) as compared to infants and toddlers (50.3%). Children who sustained mandible fractures are the most likely to require surgical treatment at index-admission (odds ratio = 13.9, 95% confidence interval 13.1-14.8, P <0.001).CONCLUSIONS:Population-based data shows that pediatric fracture patterns and associated early repair vary significantly with age. Patient demographics and hospital characteristics are significant determinants of surgical treatment that should be related to clinical outcomes in future studies.

Patients with increased body mass index (BMI) are often denied reduction mammoplasty due to concern for high morbidity. There is a paucity of evidence identifying high BMI as a predictor of poor long-term outcomes in reduction mammoplasty. In this study, we investigated the influence of BMI on long-term patient satisfaction following reduction mammoplasty. All patients undergoing reduction mammoplasty over a 12-year period at a single institution were included in the study. A retrospective chart review was conducted to extract demographics, operative data, and postoperative course including complications. Patients were classified into 4 categories based on BMI (normal (<25), overweight (25-29.9), obese (30-39.9), and morbidly obese (>= 40)). Patient satisfaction was assessed using a customized survey which was administered over the phone. Only patients with complete medical records who participated in the survey were included. The 70 patients met the inclusion criteria for the study. Median time from surgery to survey was 6 years. Overall satisfaction after reduction mammoplasty was high, 5 on a 5-point Likert scale. The amount of breast tissue resected correlated with patient BMI (P <.01). There was no statistical difference in satisfaction across BMI classes. Furthermore, high BMI (obese, and morbidly obese) was not associated with higher postoperative complications (P = .70). Those with a high overall satisfaction score had a significantly greater self-reported aesthetic score compared to those with low and mid satisfied scores (P <.01). Following reduction mammoplasty, patients report high satisfaction which is sustained over several years. Obesity is not associated with a higher incidence of complications or lower satisfaction. Our data suggest that patients with a high BMI should not be denied reduction mammoplasty out of concern for higher complication rate or reduced patient satisfaction due to BMI alone, but reduction mammoplasty should be considered in the setting of overall health counseling.

Background: Self-inflicted gunshot wounds involving the face are highly morbid. However, there is a paucity of objective estimates of mortality. This study aims to provide prognostic guidance to clinicians that encounter this uncommon injury. Methods: A retrospective review of patients presenting to R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center (a Level I trauma center) with self-inflicted gunshot wounds to the face from 2007 to 2016. Isolated gunshot wounds to the calvaria or neck were excluded. The data were analyzed to determine predictors of survival. Results: Of the 69 patients that met inclusion criteria, 90 percent were male and 80 percent were Caucasian, with an age range of 21 to 85 years. The most frequently seen injury patterns showed submental (57 percent), intraoral (22 percent), and temporal (12 percent) entry sites. Fewer than half (41 percent) of the cohort sustained penetrative brain injury. Overall, there were 18 deaths (overall mortality, 26 percent), 17 of which were secondary to brain injury. Independent predictors of death included penetrative brain injury (OR, 17; p < 0.0001) and age. Mortality was 17 percent among patients younger than 65 years, compared with 73 percent for those aged 65 years or older (p = 0.0001). Gastrostomy placement was independently associated with 25 percent reduction in length of hospitalization (p = 0.0003). Conclusions: Despite tremendous morbidity, the overwhelming majority of patients who present with facial self-inflicted gunshot wounds will survive, especially if they are young and have no penetrative brain injury. These findings should help guide clinical decisions for this devastating injury. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, III.