Fully Telemetric Robotic Microsurgery: Clinical Experience With 23 Cases.

Background: Recently, there is an ongoing trend in plastic surgery with robotic-assisted microsurgery and supermicrosurgery devices being developed. Combining a telemetrically controlled robotic microscope with an also telemetrically controlled microsurgery robot unlocks synergistic effects with complete disconnection of the operating surgeon from the operating field. Here, we report the first clinical free flap reconstructions using this setup.

Transgenic skin biomechanical properties following first lifesaving epidermal regeneration using combined gene and cell therapy.

Background: In 2017, we reported the first life-saving regeneration of virtually an entire epidermis by combined gene and stem cell therapy. Recently, we demonstrated excellent long-term stability of this transgenic epidermis. Skin quality in this experimental approach and its potential application in other conditions were elucidated here regarding long-term outcomes of biomechanical properties.

Characteristics and Patient Reported Outcome Measures in Lipedema Patients-Establishing a Baseline for Treatment Evaluation in a High-Volume Center.

Unlabelled: Lipedema patients suffer not only from visual stigma but also reduction in their quality of life through pain and performance loss in daily life. In clinical practice, it is still difficult to reliably diagnose the disease. This study aims to provide further insights into the characteristics of lipedema patients of all stages and provide a baseline prior to surgery for a surgical treatment evaluation by means of patient-reported outcome measures.

Geographical differences in carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis treatment of the thumb: A survey of 1138 hand surgeons from the USA and Europe.

Background: Carpometacarpal osteoarthritis of the thumb (CMC OA) is treated with various therapeutic approaches. However, the literature remains inconclusive regarding the ideal procedure for each disease stage. In this study, we assessed the international application of surgical treatment options including CMC I implants and non-surgical treatment options for CMC OA depending on the disease stage, with a strong focus on the detection of geographical disparities.

Deferiprone Stimulates Aged Dermal Fibroblasts via HIF-1α Modulation.

Background: Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), a transcription factor responsible for tissue homeostasis and regeneration, presents reduced functionality in advanced age. In addition to absence of oxygen, sequestration of iron also stimulates HIF-1α. Therefore, we analyzed the efficacy of the iron-chelator deferiprone (DFP) at stimulating dermal fibroblasts.

The Usage of Pedicled or Free Muscle Flaps Represents a Beneficial Approach for Periprosthetic Infection After Knee Arthroplasty.

Introduction: Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a severe complication after a total knee replacement that is primarily associated with soft tissue defects. Finding an appropriate therapy for PJI is a major challenge because of the lack of guidelines and research comparing treatment options.

Methods: In this study, we retrospectively compared 78 patients who had a knee prosthetic infection within a mean follow-up period of 24 months.

New Insights on Lipedema: The Enigmatic Disease of the Peripheral Fat.

Background: Although a large number of adult women worldwide are affected by lipedema, the physiologic conditions triggering onset and progression of this chronic disease remain enigmatic. In the present study, a descriptive epidemiologic situation of postoperative lipedema patients is presented.

Methods: The authors developed an online survey questionnaire for lipedema patients in Germany.

Polydioxanone Threads for Facial Rejuvenation: Analysis of Quality Variation in the Market.

Background: Beside botulinum-toxin injections and hyaluronic acid fillers, thread lifts have established themselves as the third column of minimally invasive facial rejuvenation. Most commonly, barbed threads for this approach are made out of polydioxanone, a material known for decades from application in resorbable sutures. The clinical efficacy and the putative material safety of polydioxanone have fueled the popularity of thread lifts.

The impact of repetitive oocyte retrieval on the ovarian reserve: a retrospective cohort study.

Purpose: To investigate a possible influence of repetitive micro-traumata on the ovaries in the course of oocyte retrieval during IVF/ICSI treatment on serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels.

Methods: The study included retrospectively collected data from women who underwent three or more consecutive IVF/ICSI treatments between 2007 and 2017. The primary endpoint of the study was to evaluate changes in serum AMH levels on cycle days 1-3 during the course of repetitive IVF/ICSI treatments.

Fibrin Glue Enhances Adipose-Derived Stromal Cell Cytokine Secretion and Survival Conferring Accelerated Diabetic Wound Healing.

Introduction: Although chronic wounds are a major personal and economic burden, treatment options are still limited. Among those options, adipose-derived stromal cell- (ASC-) based therapies rank as a promising approach but are restricted by the harsh wound environment. Here we use a commercially available fibrin glue to provide a deliverable niche for ASCs in chronic wounds.

Lipofilling of Fingertips for Volume Defects after Fingertip Injuries.

Introduction: Regardless of the good outcomes of conservatively treated fingertip injuries, many patients complain about volume defects and hypoesthesia. Injection of autologous fat into the defect zone may resolve the volume problem and stimulate digital nerve regeneration by adipose derived stem cell transplantation.

Methods: We analyzed 5 volume defects resulting from conservatively treated fingertip injuries in 4 patients (male to female ratio, 2:2), 6 months after the injection of autologous abdominal fat into the defect zone retrospectively.