What Factors Do Patients Consider When Choosing A Hand Surgeon?,
2026
Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Stony Brook University
What Factors Do Patients Consider When Choosing A Hand Surgeon?, Monik Debkowska, Jeremy Ruskin, Brian Lynch, Samuel Caradonna, David Komatsu, Edward Wang, Samantha Muhlrad
Stony Brook Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal Journal
Introduction: Many patients find themselves frustrated wasting time and money when searching for the right hand specialist, only to be referred to a different one. There has been little research evaluating patient decision making when choosing a hand surgeon. Specialists would benefit from learning how to optimize their practice to reach their appropriate patient population for maximum benefit and minimum resource waste, both for the patients and physicians. We therefore conducted a survey study to evaluate which factors patients consider important when choosing a hand surgeon, and if these factors differ based on patient demographics. Our hypothesis is that patients …
Does Patient History Influence Capsular Contracture? An Exploratory Analysis With Machine Learning,
2026
Stanford University
Does Patient History Influence Capsular Contracture? An Exploratory Analysis With Machine Learning, Thomas M. Johnstone, Daniel Najafali, Jennifer K. Shaw, Justin M. Camacho, Chancellor Johnstone, Rahim S. Nazerali, Gordon K. Lee
Faculty Publications
Background: Capsular contracture (CC) is a frequent and distressing complication of breast augmentation and reconstruction. Although numerous patient-, surgical-, and implant-related risk factors have been proposed, reliable population-level predictors remain inconsistent across studies. This study evaluates whether administrative medical history, as encoded by ICD and CPT codes, contains sufficient predictive signal to identify patients at risk for CC using machine learning. Methods: Patients were queried from the MerativeTM MarketScan® Research Databases from 2003 to 2017 with CPT codes for implant-based breast reconstruction and augmentation. ICD codes were then used to identify all events and conditions of a patient’s history. Hyperparameter-tuned …
De-Epithelialization Versus Pedicle De-Skinning In Reduction Mammoplasty: Comparative Outcomes From The Literature,
2026
Rowan University
De-Epithelialization Versus Pedicle De-Skinning In Reduction Mammoplasty: Comparative Outcomes From The Literature, Samantha Fry, Karina Vizzoni
Rowan-Virtua Research Day
Background- Reduction mammoplasty treats symptomatic macromastia. A key step involves pedicle preparation before breast mound reconstruction. Two main techniques include: De-epithelialization: Removes epidermis, preserves dermis, De-skinning: Excises both epidermal and dermal layers. Evidence comparing surgical outcomes between these techniques is limited.
Hypothesis- De-epithelialization will result in fewer vascular complications but longer operative times than de-skinning; thus, superiority depends on case selection.
Methods- A literature review identified studies on skin removal techniques in breast reduction mammoplasty.
Results- De-skinning was faster than de-epithelialization, though energy-assisted modalities were fastest. Nipple–areola complex (NAC) ischemia and necrosis rates were low across all methods. Superficial de-epithelialization …
Impact Of Gender Trends On Plastic Surgery Fellowship Match: Implications For Surgical Education,
2026
Loyola University Chicago
Impact Of Gender Trends On Plastic Surgery Fellowship Match: Implications For Surgical Education, Irene Helenowski, Emily Miller, Bridget Foley, Victoria Hodkiewicz, Christopher Kujalowicz, Parinaz Jila Siemers, Bianca Di Chiaro, Eleanor Bucholz
Biostatistics Collaborative Core: Faculty Publications and Other Works
Background:
No prior study has evaluated gender trends within the plastic surgery subspecialty fellowship match. The purpose of this study is to examine gender trends across fellowship trainee demographics to assess and characterize existing disparities between male and female plastic surgeon counterparts.
Methods:
A review of the new board diplomates listed in the annual newsletter to diplomates of the American Board of Plastic Surgery from 2015 to 2019 was used to identify physicians who pursued various plastic surgery subspecialties. Fellowship match data, including sex, practice type, and prior residency training, were obtained from publicly accessible institutional and private practice websites, …
Factors For Successful Craniosynostosis Surgery Gofundme Campaigns,
2026
Eastern Virginia Medical School
Factors For Successful Craniosynostosis Surgery Gofundme Campaigns, Annarose Taylor, Rena Atayeva, Shikha Trivedi, Phavon Sage, David Park, Brendan Podszus, Jessica Bigner, Yifan Guo
Knowledge and Creativity Expo
Introduction
Craniosynostosis surgery costs can be as high as 100,000 dollars. Even with complete insurance coverage, patients often face large out-of-pocket expenses. Thus, patients seek other financial resources. As a crowdfunding platform, GoFundMe (GFM) is one of those resources. The objective of our study was to identify GFM campaign factors associated with greater fundraising success.
Methods
GoFundMe.com was queried for: craniosynostosis, synostosis, brachycephaly, trigonocephaly, scaphocephaly, and fused skull suture. Included campaigns had patients in the U.S. fundraising for craniosynostosis surgery or related expenses. Excluded campaigns were duplicates, for animals, helmets, charities, or other surgeries. Successful campaigns achieved third quartile of …
Staged Versus Immediate Bilateral Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Breast Reconstruction In A Community Hospital Setting: A Procedure And Patient‑Level Analysis Of Recovery Burden And Safety:,
2026
Eastern Virginia Medical School at ODU
Staged Versus Immediate Bilateral Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Breast Reconstruction In A Community Hospital Setting: A Procedure And Patient‑Level Analysis Of Recovery Burden And Safety:, Ryan Mancoll, Adam Akari, Shreyas Bhalle, Lawrence Colen, John Mancoll
Knowledge and Creativity Expo
Introduction: Reconstruction using Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flaps is standard for muscle-sparing breast restoration following mastectomy. Staging the procedure in two is becoming increasingly common and an option for community surgeons to decrease operation-specific time burden. We hypothesize that in our community hospital-based cohort, staged reconstruction will be associated with lower recovery burden and decreased complication risk.
Methods: This study was a retrospective single-surgeon cohort of patients receiving staged, immediate or unilateral DIEP breast reconstruction (N = 276) from 2011-2021. Procedure-level multivariate regression evaluated surgical time, Length of stay, opioid use (MME), and perioperative change. Patient-level multivariate regression assessed …
Craniofacial Differences And Safe Sleep Practices: Findings From A Caregiver Survey At A Children’S Hospital,
2026
Eastern Virginia Medical School
Craniofacial Differences And Safe Sleep Practices: Findings From A Caregiver Survey At A Children’S Hospital, Cait Vuturo-Brady, Aracelia S. Aldrete, Jesus Gil Inciong, Miccah Seaman, Rianna Leazer
Knowledge and Creativity Expo
Purpose
Many infants with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) have airway issues that make supine, flat-surface sleep challenging.1 Prior studies indicate that alternative positioning may reduce obstructive events,2 and early sleep-disordered breathing can affect later development.3 Despite this, caregivers of infants with craniofacial differences rarely receive tailored sleep guidance, and no evidence-based, condition-specific recommendations currently exist.4,5
Methods
This single-site, cross-sectional study evaluated sleep practices, caregiver education, and barriers to adherence among parents of children (< 3 years) with CL/P treated at CHKD’s Craniofacial Program. Eligible caregivers (n=117) were identified via query of the electronic medical record by CHKD Data Governance and invited to complete an anonymous REDCap survey assessing demographics, sleep environment, counseling, and understanding of safe-sleep recommendations.
Results & Conclusions
Of the 11 caregivers who completed the survey, 91% reported crib sleep, though several also used beds, couches, …
Jackson-Pratt Drain-Related Challenges And A Potential Explanation For Associated Surgical Site Pain Variability Following Breast Mastectomy And Reconstruction,
2026
Thomas Jefferson University
Jackson-Pratt Drain-Related Challenges And A Potential Explanation For Associated Surgical Site Pain Variability Following Breast Mastectomy And Reconstruction, Spencer Haber, Bs, Krishna Koka, Bs, Elizabeth Simon, Bs, Devin Williams, Bs, Andrew Newman, Md
Alpha Omega Alpha Research Symposium Posters
Background: The Jackson-Pratt (JP) drain is a closed suction drain used in surgeries throughout the body. This prevents seroma formation through continual negative pressure drainage while resisting collapse and obstruction. JP drains are mainstays in breast reconstruction and mastectomy.
Methods: Through a literature review using keywords such as “Surgical Site Infection” (SSI), “Quality of Life” (QOL), and “Surgical Site Pain” (SSP), we summarized JP drain-related complications in breast reconstruction and mastectomy. Although the drain effectively reduces seroma formation, there has been a lack of innovation in addressing these issues. There is no standardized approach to JP drain post-operative care or …
Comparing Educational Pathways For Denturists To Become Maxillofacial Prosthetic Specialists In The Us And The Uk,
2026
University of the Pacific
Comparing Educational Pathways For Denturists To Become Maxillofacial Prosthetic Specialists In The Us And The Uk, Minseok Kim
Oral Health
Abstract
In the absence of formal training, licensure, and professionalism, this scientific literature review will seek to include denturists in the American maxillofacial prosthetics industry. Denturists are oral health professionals who perform oral examination, design, manufacture, and place removable oral prostheses. In other regions of the world, they are also known as clinical dental technologists and dental prosthetists. This practice is not widespread in the US. The review can also be assessed on the model mediated by PRISMA, which is concentrated on the experiences of international education in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, where the concentration further revolves around …
Revisiting The Faith Trial: A Secondary Analysis Yielding Novel Insights With The Win Ratio,
2026
McMaster University
Revisiting The Faith Trial: A Secondary Analysis Yielding Novel Insights With The Win Ratio, Sofia Bzovsky, Nathan N. O'Hara, Gerard P. Slobogean, Sheila Sprague, Daniel E. Axelrod, Graeme Hoit, Kiara Pannozzo, Mohit Bhandari, Marc Swiontkowski, Emil Schemitsch, Rudolf W. Poolman, The Faith Investigators
Orthopaedic Surgery Faculty Publications
Background: Many orthopaedic trials use any unplanned reoperation as the primary outcome, but this overlooks how patients experience those outcomes. Using a high-quality hip fracture trial, we demonstrate how the relative importance of multiple patient-important outcomes can be effectively incorporated into data analysis, providing a more comprehensive understanding of treatment impact. Methods: This secondary analysis of the Fixation using Alternative Implants for the Treatment of Hip Fracture (FAITH) trial included 1,079 patients aged 50 years or older with a low-energy femoral neck fracture who were randomly assigned to treatment with a sliding hip screw or cancellous screws. The original trial …
Development And Evaluation Of A Modular 3-D Printed Adapter For Hands-Free Tissue Retraction,
2026
University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
Development And Evaluation Of A Modular 3-D Printed Adapter For Hands-Free Tissue Retraction, Fady E. Attia, Vijay A. Chhabra, Vaibhav Tadepalli,, Joseph Attia, Michael M. Hadeed
Stony Brook Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal Journal
Fracture fixation procedures typically require precise retraction of soft tissues in order to provide adequate exposure of bone fragments for reduction and fixation. Such procedures require the use of multiple surgical assistants to maintain proper tissue retraction. This manual retraction using traditional instruments, such as Hohmann and Weitlaner retractors, can lead to inefficiencies and poor labor allocation within the operating room (OR). The purpose therefore is to develop and evaluate a three dimensional (3D)-printed Nylon PA12 adapter designed to dock Hohmann retractors onto Weitlaner retractors, enabling hands-free retraction during fracture fixation procedures and potentially improving labor allocation in the OR. …
Association Of Perioperative Steroid Use With Recovery Rate And Postoperative Infection Risk In Spinal Cord Injury,
2026
Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Association Of Perioperative Steroid Use With Recovery Rate And Postoperative Infection Risk In Spinal Cord Injury, Nathan Zou, Athikur Rahman, Brian Lynch
Stony Brook Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal Journal
Background: The purpose of this study is to compare recovery and infection outcomes between teenagers and adults who undergo surgery for traumatic spine injuries and the effect of steroid administration. Steroids are often used in traumatic spine injuries to help recovery, however there is a concern that steroid use could increase the risk of infection due to the suppression of the immune system. We examined the impact of postoperative steroid use on recovery rates and infection rates in both age groups.
Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the TriNetX Research Network, which includes data from over 100 healthcare …
Benign Painful Soft Tissue Tumors Of The Digits: A Contemporary Review,
2026
Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation Stony Brook University
Benign Painful Soft Tissue Tumors Of The Digits: A Contemporary Review, Nethmi Withanage, Athikur Rahman, Lawrence Hurst, Samantha Muhlrad
Stony Brook Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal Journal
Purpose: Benign painful tumors of the digit are commonly encountered in hand surgery yet frequently pose diagnostic challenges due to overlapping clinical presentations. This review synthesizes current evidence on eight benign soft tissue tumors and cystic lesions that commonly cause digital pain: glomus tumor, giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath (GCTTS), digital mucous cyst, digital ganglion cyst, epidermoid inclusion cyst, pyogenic granuloma, nerve sheath tumors, and angioleiomyoma.
Methods: A comprehensive review of PubMed/MEDLINE was performed, supplemented by hand surgery textbooks and online educational resources. Case series, retrospective cohort studies, and review articles were included.
Results: Each tumor exhibits a …
Extradigital Glomus Tumor Mimicking Incisional Neuroma After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Case Report,
2026
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
Extradigital Glomus Tumor Mimicking Incisional Neuroma After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Case Report, James W. Li, Michael J. Sayegh, Heng Hong, Zhongyu Li
Stony Brook Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal Journal
This case report describes a patient who was presented with severe incisional pain following an uncomplicated total knee arthroplasty. There was suspicion for an incisional neuroma; however, excisional biopsy revealed an extradigital glomus tumor. The patient had immediate symptom resolution post-operatively. Clinicians should maintain a suspicion for the possibility of extra-digital glomus tumors at sites of prior extremity surgery, causing exquisite tenderness and pain.
Infection And Nonunion Rates In Open Fractures,
2025
Indiana University School of Medicine
Infection And Nonunion Rates In Open Fractures, Roman M. Natoli, Lucas S. Marchand, Sofia Bzovsky, Jennifer E. Hagen, Mark J. Gage, Christina A. Stennett, Nathan N. O’Hara, Kyle J. Jeray, Brad Petrisor, Sheila Sprague, Gerard P. Slobogean, Jeffrey Wells, Mohit Bhandari, Anthony D. Harris, C. Daniel Mullins, Lehana Thabane, Amber Wood, Gregory J. Della Rocca, Joan Hebden, Lyndsay M. O’Hara, Robert Zura, Christopher Lee, Joseph Patterson, Michael J. Gardner, Jenna Blasman, Jonah Davies, Stephen Liang, Monica Taljaard, The Flow Investigators, The Prep-It Investigators
Orthopaedic Surgery Faculty Publications
Background: Infection and nonunion are common sequelae of open fractures. Studies have shown infection and nonunion rates ranging from 2% to 52% and 12% to 17%, respectively. The present article describes the rates of surgical site infection (SSI) and delayed union/nonunion following open fractures in a large contemporary series of patients from prospective clinical trials with adjudicated outcomes. Methods: A descriptive analysis was performed with use of patient data from the FLOW, Aqueous-PREP, and PREPARE-Open studies. These studies, published within the past 10 years, included multiple international trauma centers and shared definitions for SSI and delayed union/nonunion. SSI and delayed …
Expansion Of Hand Trauma Transfers At A Level 1 Trauma Center Following Integration With The Assh Hand Trauma Center Network,
2025
LSU Health Sciences Center - New Orleans
Expansion Of Hand Trauma Transfers At A Level 1 Trauma Center Following Integration With The Assh Hand Trauma Center Network, William Delahoussaye, Madeline Gautreaux, Patrick A. Palines, Ramin Shekouhi, Kelly L. Babineaux
School of Medicine Faculty Publications
Purpose: This study sought to evaluate how joining the National Hand Trauma Center Network (NHTCN) affected the volume, demographics, and severity of hand trauma transfers to our institution. Methods: Data for this study were collected retrospectively over a 6-year period from 2016 to 2021 from our institutional trauma registry. Patients were selected based on the criterion of being transferred to our facility because of isolated hand trauma. Analyses of transfer rates, transfer distance, sending facilities, injury patterns, insurance type, path of care, and hospital charges prior to and after joining the NHTCN were performed. Results: There was a total of …
Bladder Prolapse (Cystocele) Among African, Asian, And Middle Eastern Women: A Clinical And Socio-Cultural Perspective.Intraoperative Frozen Section Analysis (Ifsa): One Plastic Surgeon’S Experience With 1598 Consecutive Skin Cancer Removals,
2025
Thomas Jefferson University
Bladder Prolapse (Cystocele) Among African, Asian, And Middle Eastern Women: A Clinical And Socio-Cultural Perspective.Intraoperative Frozen Section Analysis (Ifsa): One Plastic Surgeon’S Experience With 1598 Consecutive Skin Cancer Removals, Lawrence Chiang, Michael Chang, Steven Chang, Matthew Delancy, James Monihan, Ray Armand
SKMC Student Presentations and Publications
BACKGROUND: Skin cancer continues to be the most frequently diagnosed cancer in the United States. Since 1990, the prevalence of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) has been steadily increasing.1 NCCN guidelines recommend complete excision of NMSC to preserve function and optimize aesthetic outcomes.2 The gold standard surgical treatment is Mohs Micrographic Surgery (MMS) with a reported cure rate of 99-100%.3 However, MMS requires specialized training and thus is more geographically and financially limited. The traditional technique utilized for skin cancer removal is intraoperative frozen section assessment (IFSA). IFSA is a common histopathological technique that facilitates microscopic …
Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block And Pericapsular Nerve Group Block Effect On Opioid Consumption In Hip Fracture Patients,
2025
Wright State University
Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block And Pericapsular Nerve Group Block Effect On Opioid Consumption In Hip Fracture Patients, David A. Brueggeman, Garrhett G. Via, Prachi Lele, Andrew W. Froehle, Michael J. Prayson, Scott J. Hadaway
Orthopaedic Surgery Faculty Publications
Background Effective pain control and reduced opioid consumption improve hip fracture outcomes. Fascia iliaca compartment blocks (FICB) effectively and safely manage acute hip fracture pain while reducing opioid consumption. Alternatively, pericapsular nerve group (PENG) blocks may provide similar analgesia while better-preserving motor function by targeting the highly innervated anterior hip capsule and sensory branches of the femoral, obturator, and accessory obturator nerves. Evidence for PENG's effectiveness is limited. The present retrospective study compared pain and MME in hip fracture patients receiving FICB (n = 1596) or PENG (n = 254), vs. a no-block (NB; n = 287) reference group. Methods …
Synthetic Electrospun Fiber Matrix In The Management Of Acute Wounds Following Excision Of Hidradenitis Suppurativa Lesions: A Prospective Pilot Study,
2025
Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
Synthetic Electrospun Fiber Matrix In The Management Of Acute Wounds Following Excision Of Hidradenitis Suppurativa Lesions: A Prospective Pilot Study, Michael Madueke, Frank Lau
School of Medicine Faculty Publications
Hurley Stage II or III hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) may necessitate surgical excision of diseased skin and subcutaneous fat for symptom control and disease management. These excisions result in open wounds in topographically challenging regions and typically cannot be primarily closed. This study evaluates the use of a synthetic electrospun fiber matrix (SEFM) as a post-resection regeneration template to accelerate re-granulation and improve subsequent skin graft incorporation. This prospective pilot study enrolled Hurley Stage II or III patients undergoing surgical resection of HS lesions. SEFM was applied to the resulting wounds in conjunction with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). Patients were …
Digitally Fabricated Interocclusal Wafer Versus Wafer-Less Distal Segment Repositioning For Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy (Bsso) In Skeletal Mandibular Deformities (Randomized Controlled Trial),
2025
The British University in Egypt
Digitally Fabricated Interocclusal Wafer Versus Wafer-Less Distal Segment Repositioning For Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy (Bsso) In Skeletal Mandibular Deformities (Randomized Controlled Trial), Hesham Osama Morsi Ass.Lect., Mohammed Abdelsalam Omara Ass.Prof., Mostafa Ibrahim Shindy Prof, Galal Gamal El Behairy Prof.
Dentistry
Objective: This study aimed to compare the accuracy of condylar positioning between 2 computer-guided orthognathic surgical protocols: a waferless screw hole plate locating (WSL CPD) technique versus an occlusal splint with distal extending arms (OWDA-CPD) approach. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four patients requiring mandibular orthognathic surgery (class II or III deformities) were randomly allocated into 2 groups (n=12 each). Group I underwent a waferless protocol utilizing 3D-printed osteotomy and screw hole locating guides, while group II received an occlusal splint with distal extensions for condylar positioning. Preoperative and postoperative cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were used to assess condylar displacement in …
