bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of High-Deductible Health Plans on Breast Reconstruction: Considerations for Financial Toxicity
Authors: Shamsunder Meghana G. , Sheckter Clifford C. , Sheinin Avraham , Rubin David , Parikh Rajiv P. , Rose John , Momoh Adeyiza O. , Offodile Anaeze C. , Matros Evan 
Published: January 2023

Background:
High-deductible health plans (HDHPs) are used within the United States to curb unnecessary health care spending; however, the resulting increased out-of-pocket (OOP) costs may be associated with financial toxicity. The aim was to assess the impact of HDHPs on use and seasonality of mastectomy and breast reconstruction procedures. The hypothesis is that the high OOP costs of HDHPs will lead to decreased overall service use and greater fourth-quarter use after the deductible has been met.

Methods:
MarketScan was queried from 2014 to 2017 for episodes of mastectomy, breast reconstruction (immediate and delayed), breast revision, and reduction. Only patients continuously enrolled for the full calendar year after the index operation were included. HDHPs and low-deductible health plans (LDHPs) were compared based on OOP cost sharing. Outcomes included surgery use rates, seasonality of operations, and median/mean OOP costs.

Results:
Annual mastectomy and breast reconstruction use rates varied little between LDHPs and HDHPs. Mastectomies, delayed breast reconstruction, and elective breast procedures (P < 0.001) all showed significant increases in fourth-quarter use, whereas immediate breast reconstruction did not. Regardless of timing and reconstruction method, HDHPs had significantly greater median OOP costs compared to LDHPs (all P < 0.001).

Conclusions:
Mastectomy and breast reconstruction rates did not differ between LDHPs and HDHPs, but seasonality for all breast procedures was measured with the exception of immediate breast reconstruction, suggesting that women are rational economic actors. Regardless of service timing and reconstruction modality, HDHP patients had greater OOP costs compared to LDHP patients, which serves as a good starting point for provider engagement in financial toxicity.
Association between Immediate Breast Reconstruction and the Development of Breast Cancer–Related Lymphedema
Authors: Jeon Hong Bae , Jung Ji Hyuk , Im Sang Hee , Kim Yong Bae , Chang Jee Suk , Song Seung Yong , Lew Dae Hyun , Roh Tai Suk , Lee Won Jai , Lee Dong Won 
Published: January 2023

Background:
With the increasing number of patients undergoing immediate breast reconstruction after mastectomy, the impact of immediate breast reconstruction on the risk of breast cancer–related lymphedema has become an emerging area of interest. This study aimed to identify the association between immediate breast reconstruction and postoperative lymphedema.

Methods:
A retrospective cohort study was conducted from 2006 to 2016 with 5900 consecutive patients who underwent mastectomy for primary breast cancer with or without immediate breast reconstruction. After excluding patients with synchronous contralateral breast cancer, lymphedema before mastectomy, history of procedures performed in the axillary region, and follow-up data of less than 1 year, the cumulative incidence of lymphedema after immediate breast reconstruction and after no reconstruction was calculated and compared using multivariate Cox regression analysis.

Results:
Overall, 5497 patients (mean age, 51.7 years) were included, and 630 developed lymphedema. The 5-year cumulative incidence rate of lymphedema was significantly reduced in patients who underwent immediate breast reconstruction versus control patients (9.6% versus 12.2%; P = 0.02). In the multivariate analysis, immediate breast reconstruction status (hazard ratio, 0.75; 95% confidence interval, 0.56 to 0.99; P = 0.042) was an independent predictor for lymphedema. Similar significant associations were observed in the subgroup analyses of patients with a body mass index less than 30 kg/m2 (P = 0.024), in those with fewer than 10 dissected lymph nodes (P = 0.042), or in those with adjuvant radiotherapy (P = 0.048).

Conclusions:
Immediate breast reconstruction was associated with a reduced risk of lymphedema. These results may be used for predicting the development of lymphedema following breast reconstruction.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
Risk, II.
The Objective Stretch Marks Photonumeric Assessment Scale: A New and Complete Method to Assess Striae Distensae
Authors: La Padula Simone , Hersant Barbara , Pizza Chiara , Chesné Christophe , Jamin Agnes , Ben Mosbah Ismail , D’Andrea Francesco , Persichetti Paolo , Rega Umberto , Pensato Rosita , Meningaud Jean Paul 
Published: January 2023

Background:
Striae distensae evaluation criteria have been recently described, but none is focused on objective striae assessment. With the purpose of better and objectively estimating the severity of striae distensae, the Objective Stretch Marks Assessment Scale has been developed by the authors’ team.

Methods:
Seven hundred White patients were included in the study and assessed. To assess the severity of striae distensae, abdomen, breasts, hips, gluteal area, back area, thighs, calves, and upper limbs photonumeric grading scales were developed. The Rasch model was used as part of the validation process. A score was attributed to each patient, based on the scales we developed. The interrater reliability and test-retest reliability were analyzed.

Results:
Eight photonumeric scales for striae distensae treatment outcomes assessment were developed. All scales exceeded criteria for acceptability, reliability and validity. The interrater and intrarater reliabilities were good, with a substantial or virtually perfect interrater reliability for the total score (P = 0.16).

Conclusions:
The authors’ results allowed them to validate the Objective Stretch Marks Assessment Scale as a reliable and reproducible tool to assess striae distensae treatment outcomes. This scale could be also considered as an important new metric that can be used in clinical research.
The Middle Temporal Vein on Computed Tomographic Angiography: Implications for Filler Injection and Reconstructive Surgery
Authors: Wang Dawei , Xiong Shixuan , Zeng Ning , Wu Yiping 
Published: January 2023

Background:
Detailed knowledge of middle temporal vein (MTV) anatomy would benefit health care professionals when performing filler injection and reconstructive surgery. The purpose of this study was to assess the variation and course of the MTV using computed tomographic angiography.

Methods:
Computed tomographic angiography images of 300 MTVs from 150 Asian patients were evaluated in this study. The course and branching pattern of the MTVs were evaluated, as well as the relationship between the location of the MTV and the frontal branch of the superficial temporal artery. The diameter of the MTV and the distances between anatomic landmarks and temporal vessels were measured.

Results:
The MTV was identified in all images, with an average diameter of 2.98 ± 0.80 mm. All MTVs had at least one major trunk; 12.3% had two major trunks. According to the landmarks, the MTV ran 16.3 ± 8.1 mm, 24.8 ± 4.5 mm, and 24.2 ± 4.6 mm above bony lateral canthus, jugale, and zygion point, respectively. Regarding the relationship between the MTV and the frontal branch of the superficial temporal artery, most of the superficial temporal arteries (81.7%) were located above the MTVs, whereas only 9.0% of the superficial temporal arteries crossed the MTVs. The superficial temporal artery was located 43.5 ± 9.6 mm, 44.3 ± 11.9 mm, and 37.0 ± 11.9 mm above the bony lateral canthus, jugale, and zygion point, respectively.

Conclusion:
Detailed knowledge of MTV anatomy will provide a valuable reference for safe filler injection and reconstructive surgery in the temporal region.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
Therapeutic, V.
A Simplified Treatment for Mild to Moderate Epicanthal Folds
Authors: Fagien Steven 
Published: January 2023

Summary:
Surgical treatments to the upper eyelid have evolved along with a better understanding of the aging upper eyelid anatomy and development of solutions that are aesthetically pleasing and that defy detection. It is not uncommon for patients to present before or after upper blepharoplasty with perceived deformities of the medial canthus. Epicanthal folds are sometimes a concern. Approaches to the varied presentations of epicanthal folds have derived from the belief that they relate to a dermal or orbicular (muscle) issue, and solutions have primarily involved traditional approaches to altering skin and muscle tension by means of complex flaps. Complications or unfavorable outcomes that relate to this approach mainly involve scarring or nonresolution. The author describes a novel and simple surgical approach for the treatment of mild to moderate epicanthal folds or medial canthal webbing that is in line with the goals of the balance of aesthetics, resolution, and undetectability.
Guidelines for Wide-Awake Local Anesthesia Surgery with No Tourniquet in the Office Setting Using Field Preparation Sterility
Authors: Schank Kyle J. , Engwall Abigail J. , Kuhns Benjamin W. , Oakes Tannur C. , Bray Stephanie M. , Clarkson James H. W. 
Published: January 2023

Summary:
Wide-awake local anesthesia surgery with no tourniquet, or WALANT, has become popular in surgery, especially among hand surgeons. With the increasing number of surgeons performing office-based procedures, this article provides guidelines that may be used in the office setting to help transition more traditional hospital operating room–based procedures to the office setting. This article outlines the benefits of performing office-based wide-awake local anesthesia surgery with no tourniquet and provides a step-by-step guide to performing procedures that can be easily incorporated into any hand surgeon’s practice successfully and safely.
Optimizing the Psychosocial Function Measures in the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement Standard Set for Cleft
Authors: Apon Inge , van Leeuwen Nikki , Koudstaal Maarten J. , Allori Alexander C. , Rogers-Vizena Carolyn R. , Wolvius Eppo B. , Klassen Anne F. , Versnel Sarah L. 
Published: January 2023

Background:
To ensure the feasibility of implementing PROMs in clinical practice, they must be continually appraised for undue burden placed on patients and clinicians and their usefulness for decision-making. This study assesses correlations between the CLEFT-Q psychosocial scales in the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement Standard Set for cleft and explores their associations with patient characteristics and psychosocial care referral.

Methods:
Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated for CLEFT-Q psychological function, social function, school function, face, speech function, and speech-related distress scales. Logistic regressions were used to assess the association of cleft phenotype, syndrome, sex, and adoption status on scale scores and clinical referral to psychosocial care for further evaluation and management.

Results:
Data were obtained from 3067 patients with cleft lip and/or palate at three centers. Strong correlations were observed between social function and psychological function (r > 0.69) and school function (r > 0.78) scales. Correlation between school function and psychological function scales was lower (r = 0.59 to 0.68). Genetic syndrome (OR, 2.37; 95% CI, 1.04 to 5.41), psychological function (OR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.88 to 0.97), school function (OR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.90 to 0.98), and face (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.94 to 0.98) were significant predictors for referral to psychosocial care.

Conclusions:
Because social function as measured by the CLEFT-Q showed strong correlations with both school and psychological function, its additional value for measuring psychosocial function within the Standard Set is limited, and it is reasonable to consider removing this scale from the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement Standard Set for cleft.
Artificial Intelligence–Enabled Evaluation of Pain Sketches to Predict Outcomes in Headache Surgery
Authors: Chartier Christian , Gfrerer Lisa , Knoedler Leonard , Austen William G. 
Published: January 2023

Background:
Recent evidence has shown that patient drawings of pain can predict poor outcomes in headache surgery. Given that interpretation of pain drawings requires some clinical experience, the authors developed a machine learning framework capable of automatically interpreting pain drawings to predict surgical outcomes. This platform will allow surgeons with less clinical experience, neurologists, primary care practitioners, and even patients to better understand candidacy for headache surgery.

Methods:
A random forest machine learning algorithm was trained on 131 pain drawings provided prospectively by headache surgery patients before undergoing trigger-site deactivation surgery. Twenty-four features were used to describe the anatomical distribution of pain on each drawing for interpretation by the machine learning algorithm. Surgical outcome was measured by calculating percentage improvement in Migraine Headache Index at least 3 months after surgery. Artificial intelligence predictions were compared with clinician predictions of surgical outcome to determine artificial intelligence performance.

Results:
Evaluation of the data test set demonstrated that the algorithm was consistently more accurate (94%) than trained clinical evaluators. Artificial intelligence weighted diffuse pain, facial pain, and pain at the vertex as strong predictors of poor surgical outcome.

Conclusions:
This study indicates that structured algorithmic analysis is able to correlate pain patterns drawn by patients to Migraine Headache Index percentage improvement with good accuracy (94%). Further studies on larger data sets and inclusion of other significant clinical screening variables are required to improve outcome predictions in headache surgery and apply this tool to clinical practice.
A Contemporary Review of the Role of Facial Prostheses in Complex Facial Reconstruction
Authors: Slijepcevic Allison A. , Afshari Azadeh , Vitale Ann E. , Couch Steven M. , Jeanpierre Latoya M. , Chi John J. 
Published: January 2023

Background:
Maxillofacial prostheses provide effective rehabilitation of complex facial defects as alternatives to surgical reconstruction. Although facial prostheses provide aesthetically pleasing reconstructions, multiple barriers exist that prevent their routine clinical use. The accessibility of facial prostheses is limited by the scarce supply of maxillofacial prosthodontists, significant time commitment and number of clinic appointments required of patients during prosthesis fabrication, short lifespan of prostheses, and limited outcomes data.

Methods:
A literature review was completed using PubMed and Embase databases, with search phrases including face and maxillofacial prostheses. Patient cases are included to illustrate the use of facial prostheses to reconstruct complex facial defects.

Results:
The clinical use of facial prostheses requires a multidisciplinary team including a reconstructive surgeon, a maxillofacial prosthodontist, and an anaplastologist, if available, to provide patients with aesthetically appropriate facial prostheses. Developing technology including computer-aided design and three-dimensional printing may improve the availability of facial prostheses by eliminating multiple steps during prosthesis fabrication, ultimately decreasing the time required to fabricate a prosthesis. In addition, enhanced materials may improve prosthesis durability. Long-term outcomes data using validated measures is needed to support the continued use of facial prostheses.

Conclusions:
Facial prostheses can be used to reconstruct complex facial defects, and bone-anchored prostheses are associated with high patient satisfaction. Multiple barriers prevent prostheses from being used for facial reconstruction. New technologies to assist the design and fabrication of prostheses, and cost reduction measures, may allow their use in the appropriately selected patient.
Lymphatic Microsurgical Preventive Healing Approach for the Primary Prevention of Lymphedema: A 4-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Levy Adam S. , Murphy Alexander I. , Ishtihar Sherene , Peysakhovich Anya , Taback Bret , Grant Robert T. , Ascherman Jeffrey A. , Feldman Sheldon , Rohde Christine H. 
Published: January 2023

Background:
Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) remains the leading cause of lymphedema nationally, and there is still no cure for the disease. The lymphatic microsurgical preventive healing approach (LYMPHA) is a promising option for lymphedema prophylaxis in patients undergoing ALND, but long-term outcomes of the LYMPHA are not well established.

Methods:
The authors conducted a retrospective review of patients undergoing ALND at their center from November of 2012 to November of 2016 and assembled two cohorts, those who received the LYMPHA and those who did not (non-LYMPHA). Patient data were collected to evaluate lymphedema risk and long-term lymphedema incidence of each group.

Results:
Forty-five women were included in both our LYMPHA and non-LYMPHA cohorts. Mean body mass index (27.7 kg/m2 versus 29.9 kg/m2; P = 0.15) and radiation therapy rates (60.0% versus 68.9%; P = 0.51) did not differ between groups. Non-LYMPHA patients underwent complete mastectomy more frequently than LYMPHA patients (97.8% versus 77.8%; P = 0.007), but had a similar number of nodes removed during ALND (14.4 versus 15.8; P = 0.32). Median follow-up time was greater than 4 years for both LYMPHA and non-LYMPHA groups (57.0 months versus 63.0 months; P = 0.07). Overall, lymphedema incidence was 31.1% in the LYMPHA group and 33.3% in the non-LYMPHA group (P > 0.99). No significant differences in lymphedema incidences were observed between the LYMPHA and non-LYMPHA groups for patients with obesity, patients who received radiation therapy, or patients with obesity who also received radiation therapy (P > 0.05 for all subgroups).

Conclusions:
The LYMPHA may not prevent lymphedema long-term in patients who undergo ALND. More long-term studies are needed to determine the true potential of the procedure.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
Therapeutic, III.
Correlation between Relative Value Units and Operative Time for Flap-Based Reconstruction Procedures
Authors: Dibbs Rami P. , Skochdopole Anna , Reul Ross M. , Beh Han Z. , Ferry Andrew M. , Conlon Christopher J. , O’Neill Rebecca , Reece Edward , Winocour Sebastian 
Published: January 2023

Background:
Procedures performed by plastic surgeons tend to generate lower work relative value units (RVUs) compared to other surgical specialties despite their major contributions to hospital revenue. The authors aimed to compare work RVUs allocated to all free flap and pedicled flap reconstruction procedures based on their associated median operative times and discuss implications of these compensation disparities.

Methods:
A retrospective analysis of deidentified patient data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program was performed, and relevant CPT codes for flap-based reconstruction were identified from 2011 to 2018. RVU data were assessed using the 2020 National Physician Fee Schedule Relative Value File. The work RVU per unit time was calculated using the median operative time for each procedure.

Results:
A total of 3991 procedures were included in analysis. With increased operative time and surgical complexity, work RVU per minute trended downward. Free-fascial flaps with microvascular anastomosis generated the highest work RVUs per minute among all free flaps (0.114 work RVU/minute). Free-muscle/myocutaneous flap reconstruction generated the least work RVUs per minute (0.0877 work RVU/minute) among all flap reconstruction procedures.

Conclusions:
Longer operative procedures for flap-based reconstruction were designated with higher work RVU. Surgeons were reimbursed less per operative unit time for these surgical procedures, however. Specifically, free flaps resulted in reduced compensation in work RVUs per minute compared to pedicled flaps, except in breast reconstruction. More challenging operations have surprisingly resulted in lower compensation, demonstrating the inequalities in reimbursement within and between surgical specialties. Plastic surgeons should be aware of these discrepancies to appropriately advocate for themselves.
Hospitalization among infants who initiate antiretroviral therapy before 3 months of age
Authors: Anderson Kim , Iyun Victoria , Eley Brian S. , Rabie Helena , Ferreira Thalia , Nuttall James , Frigati Lisa , Van Dongen Nicola , Davies Mary-Ann 
Published: January 2023

Introduction:
Studies examining hospitalization among infants with HIV in resource-limited settings, in the context of early infant diagnosis and early antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, are limited.

Methods:
We used routinely collected data on infants who initiated ART aged <3 months (Western Cape province, South Africa; 2013–2017) to describe hospitalization from birth until 12 months post-ART initiation. Record reviews were additionally performed at three tertiary-level facilities. We used mixed-effects Poisson regression to examine factors associated with hospitalization.

Results:
Among 840 infants, 579 (69%) were hospitalized; 36% had >1 hospitalization. Median age at ART initiation decreased from 57 days (interquartile range [IQR] 22–74; 2013–2015) to 19 days (IQR 5–54; 2016–2017). Early neonatal hospitalization (age <7 days) occurred in 271 infants (32%) and represented 24% of hospitalizations (272/1131). Overall, 443 infants (53%) were hospitalized at age ≥7 days, including 13% with hospitalizations pre-ART initiation, 15% pre and post-ART initiation and 25% post-ART initiation. Excluding early neonatal hospitalizations, initiating ART at older age vs. age <1 week was associated with higher hospitalization rates: adjusted incidence rate ratios (95% confidence interval) were 1.86 (1.31–2.64); 2.31 (1.62–3.29) and 2.47 (1.76–3.46) if ART initiation age was 1–4 weeks; 5–8 weeks and 9–12 weeks respectively. Among infants whose hospital records were reviewed, reasons for early neonatal hospitalizations mostly related to prematurity or low birthweight (n = 46/60; 77%) whereas hospitalizations at age ≥7 days were mostly due to infections (n = 206/243; 85%).

Conclusions:
Earlier ART initiation is associated with lower hospitalization rates. High hospitalization rates, despite initiation age <3 months, is concerning.