Anand R. Kumar

Early decompressive craniectomy for severe penetrating and closed head injury during wartime

OBJECT Decompressive craniectomy has defined this era of damage-control wartime neurosurgery. Injuries that in previous conflicts were treated in an expectant manner are now aggressively decompressed at the far-forward Combat Support Hospital and transferred to Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) and National Naval Medical Center (NNMC) in Bethesda for definitive care. The purpose of this paper is to examine the baseline characteristics of those injured warriors who received decompressive craniectomies. The importance of this procedure will be emphasized and guidance provided to current and future neurosurgeons deployed in theater. METHODS The authors retrospectively searched a database for all soldiers injured in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom between April 2003 and October 2008 at WRAMC and NNMC. Criteria for inclusion in this study included either a closed or penetrating head injury suffered during combat operations in either Iraq or Afghanistan with subsequent neurosurgical evaluation at NNMC or WRAMC. Exclusion criteria included all cases in which primary demographic data could not be verified. Primary outcome data included the type and mechanism of injury, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score and injury severity score (ISS) at admission, and Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score at discharge, 6 months, and 1-2 years. RESULTS Four hundred eight patients presented with head injury during the study period. In this population, a total of 188 decompressive craniectomies were performed (154 for penetrating head injury, 22 for closed head injury, and 12 for unknown injury mechanism). Patients who underwent decompressive craniectomies in the combat theater had significantly lower initial GCS scores (7.7 +/- 4.2 vs 10.8 +/- 4.0, p < 0.05) and higher ISSs (32.5 +/- 9.4 vs 26.8 +/- 11.8, p < 0.05) than those who did not. When comparing the GOS scores at hospital discharge, 6 months, and 1-2 years after discharge, those receiving decompressive craniectomies had significantly lower scores (3.0 +/- 0.9 vs 3.7 +/- 0.9, 3.5 +/- 1.2 vs 4.0 +/- 1.0, and 3.7 +/- 1.2 vs 4.4 +/- 0.9, respectively) than those who did not undergo decompressive craniectomies. That said, intragroup analysis indicated consistent improvement for those with craniectomy with time, allowing them, on average, to participate in and improve from rehabilitation (p < 0.05). Overall, 83% of those for whom follow-up data are available achieved a 1-year GOS score of greater than 3. CONCLUSIONS This study of the provision of early decompressive craniectomy in a military population that sustained severe penetrating and closed head injuries represents one of the largest to date in both the civilian and military literature. The findings suggest that patients who undergo decompressive craniectomy had worse injuries than those receiving craniotomy and, while not achieving the same outcomes as those with a lesser injury, did improve with time. The authors recommend hemicraniectomy for damage control to protect patients from the effects of brain swelling during the long overseas transport to their definitive care, and it should be conducted with foresight concerning future complications and reconstructive surgical procedures.

Cranioplasty complications following wartime decompressive craniectomy

OBJECT In support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom-Afghanistan (OEF-A), military neurosurgeons in the combat theater are faced with the daunting task of stabilizing patients in such a way as to prevent irreversible neurological injury from cerebral edema while simultaneously allowing for prolonged transport stateside (5000-7000 miles). It is in this setting that decompressive craniectomy has become a mainstay of far-forward neurosurgical management of traumatic brain injury (TBI). As such, institutional experience with cranioplasty at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) and the National Naval Medical Center (NNMC) has expanded concomitantly. Battlefield blast explosions create cavitary injury zones that often extend beyond the border of the exposed surface wound, and this situation has created unique reconstruction challenges not often seen in civilian TBI. The loss of both soft-tissue and skull base support along with the need for cranial vault reconstruction requires a multidisciplinary approach involving neurosurgery, plastics, oral-maxillofacial surgery, and ophthalmology. With this situation in mind, the authors of this paper endeavored to review the cranial reconstruction complications encountered in these combat-related injuries. METHODS A retrospective database review was conducted for all soldiers injured in OIF and OEF-A who had undergone decompressive craniectomy with subsequent cranioplasty between April 2002 and October 2008 at the WRAMC and NNMC. During this time, both facilities received a total of 408 OIF/OEF-A patients with severe head injuries; 188 of these patients underwent decompressive craniectomies in the theater before transfer to the US. Criteria for inclusion in this study consisted of either a closed or a penetrating head injury sustained in combat operations, resulting in the performance of a decompressive craniectomy and subsequent cranioplasty at either the WRAMC or NNMC. Excluded from the study were patients for whom primary demographic data could not be verified. Demographic data, indications for craniectomy, as well as preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative parameters following cranioplasty, were recorded. Perioperative and postoperative complications were also recorded. RESULTS One hundred eight patients (male/female ratio 107:1) met the inclusion criteria for this study, 93 with a penetrating head injury and 15 with a closed head injury. Explosive blast injury was the predominant mechanism of injury, occurring in 72 patients (67%). The average time that elapsed between injury and cranioplasty was 190 days (range 7-546 days). An overall complication rate of 24% was identified. The prevalence of perioperative infection (12%), seizure (7.4%), and extraaxial hematoma formation (7.4%) was noted. Twelve patients (11%) required prosthetic removal because of either extraaxial hematoma formation or infection. Eight of the 13 cases of infection involved cranioplasties performed between 90 and 270 days from the date of injury (p = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS This study represents the largest to date in which cranioplasty and its complications have been evaluated in a trauma population that underwent decompressive craniectomy. The overall complication rate of 24% is consistent with rates reported in the literature (16-34%); however, the perioperative infection rate of 12% is higher than the rates reported in other studies. This difference is likely related to aspects of the initial injury pattern-such as skull base injury, orbitofacial fractures, sinus injuries, persistent fluid collection, and CSF leakage-which can predispose these patients to infection.

Lessons from operation Iraqi freedom: successful subacute reconstruction of complex lower extremity battle injuries.

Background: War wounds associated with Operation Iraqi Freedom have created a unique reconstructive challenge. The objective of this study was to report and analyze the timing and success rates of lower extremity reconstruction associated with devastating war wounds. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of injured personnel requiring extremity flap reconstruction at the National Naval Medical Center over a 30-month period. Collected data included mechanism of injury, time from initial injury to closure, number of prereconstruction wound washouts, types of flap, flap failures, associated injuries, and wound culture characteristics. Results: From September of 2004 to February of 2007, 46 (36 pedicled and 10 free flaps) lower extremity flap reconstructions (10 fasciocutaneous, 34 musculocutaneous, and two adipofascial) were performed on 43 patients. Patient age ranged from 19 to 37 years. Time to reconstruction ranged from 7 to 82 days (average, 21 days). Seventy-six percent of all injuries were associated with an improvised explosive device blast. Mean number of prereconstructive washouts was five (range, two to 13). Fifty percent of all wounds cultured at admission revealed positive results, of which 57 percent were associated with Acinetobacter species. Total flap loss occurred in one flap and partial flap loss occurred in two flaps. Conclusion: Despite reconstruction in the subacute period, the high rate of antimicrobial colonization before wound closure, and the devastating nature of improvised explosive device blast injuries, early analysis of the National Naval Medical Center war extremity reconstruction cohort demonstrates low total and partial flap loss rates and acceptable infection rates.

Lessons from the modern battlefield: Successful upper extremity injury reconstruction in the subacute period

BACKGROUND Reconstructive techniques and protocols for limb salvage of upper extremity battlefield injuries remains poorly defined. Our study describes the types of flaps, the timing of reconstruction, and success rates of war upper extremity reconstruction during a 30-month period using the Bethesda limb salvage protocol. METHODS Soldiers with significant upper extremity injuries with complex open fractures from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom-Afghanistan who underwent tissue transfer flaps were reviewed (n = 26, free flaps n = 6). Data analysis included mechanism of injury, associated injuries, types of flap, postoperative complications, wound infection rates, and outcome data. RESULTS The cause of injury consisted of improvised explosive device (61%), rocket-propelled grenades (15%), motor vehicle crash (8%), land mine (8%), and gunshot wound (4%). Mean age was 25 years. Mean number of prereconstructive washouts was six (range, 3-22). Forty-six percent of wounds were culture positive at admission (75% were Acinetobacter species). All patients had other coexisting extremity, trunk or facial injuries. Average time to flap reconstruction was 31 days (range, 9-161). In 66% of the cases, a fasciocutaneous flap was used, and in the remaining cases, muscle (19%) and adipofascial (15%) flaps were performed. Flap success rate was 96%, with one flap loss because of venous congestion (managed with limb shortening). Infection rate was 8%. Complete coverage was achieved in all upper extremity wounds and early occupational therapy resulted in improved return to function. CONCLUSIONS Despite massive bone and soft tissue defects, high preoperative wound colonization, and delays in definitive reconstruction, devastating war wounds can be successfully reconstructed in the subacute period with low flap failure, infection, and amputation rates.

Simultaneous pedicled flaps for coverage of complex blast injuries to the forearm and hand (with supplemental external fixation to the iliac crest for immobilization)

The technique of two simultaneous pedicled flaps to a single extremity has recently proven useful in the care of war-injured military personnel. We present two cases of combat-injured Marines who underwent upper extremity reconstruction using simultaneous pedicled flaps. These cases illustrate a simple and successful alternative to free tissue transfer in providing coverage to complex soft tissue defects of the hand and forearm. Good outcomes were obtained in circumstances where free tissue transfer was not indicated.

Treatment of earthquake-related craniofacial injuries aboard the USNS Comfort during Operation Unified Response.

Background: Craniofacial injuries secondary to earthquake-related trauma are uncommonly reported and can pose a significant reconstructive challenge. The objective of this study is to report and analyze earthquake-related craniofacial injury reconstruction and the disaster relief capabilities of a U.S. Navy hospital ship. Methods: A review of earthquake-related injuries treated over 40 days requiring craniofacial reconstruction onboard a U.S. Navy hospital ship was performed. Results: From January 20 to February 28, 2010 (40 days), 869 patients were admitted to the USNS Comfort. Thirty-three patients (4 percent) treated by the craniofacial service underwent 93 craniofacial surgical procedures. Average patient hospitalization time was 17 days (range, 5 to 38 days). The fractures treated included nine mandibles, 12 zygomaticomaxillary-orbital complexes, 16 orbital floors, eight Le Fort, four naso-orbitoethmoid, and two cranial vault fractures. The soft-tissue injuries treated were two heminasal avulsions, two traumatic cleft lips, and eight other complex facial lacerations. Short-term complications included wound dehiscence (6 percent) and postoperative malocclusion (6 percent). There were no postsurgical wound infections, visual field changes, or mortality. Conclusions: Complex craniofacial surgery services can be safely delivered onboard a United States Navy hospital ship for devastating injuries caused by natural disasters. Although craniofacial injuries represented a small percentage of the total patients admitted to our hospital ship, the survivors of facial injury required complex and multiple procedures to achieve optimal results. Despite heavy wound contamination and the intrinsic delay in presentation associated with mass casualty triage, facial fractures can be treated adequately and with low morbidity and mortality.

Blast-induced lower extremity fractures with arterial injury: prevalence and risk factors for amputation after initial limb-preserving treatment.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to determine the rate of late (secondary) amputation and to identify risk factors for amputation in injuries that were initially treated with limb preservation on the battlefield. Methods: A retrospective review at our institution identified 24 consecutive patients with 26 blast-induced open fractures distal to the joint that had associated arterial injuries. All injuries were initially cared for on the battlefield and during the evacuation chain of care with limb preservation protocols. All definitive orthopaedic care was provided by a single fellowship-trained orthopaedic trauma surgeon at a tertiary care stateside facility. Injury factors were analyzed based on radiographic and chart review to determine associations with amputation. Results: Twenty of 26 injured limbs received an amputation for a total amputation rate of 76.9% (95% confidence interval, 57.9-88.9%). Fourteen limbs received early amputation before limb salvage attempts. Six of the 12 limbs that received limb salvage underwent late amputation. Conclusions: The rate of amputation in severe blast-induced extremity fractures combined with an arterial injury initially treated with limb preservation on the battlefield and before transfer to the definitive military treatment facility is extremely high. Blast-injured lower limbs with a combined severe bony and soft tissue injury should be carefully assessed when arterial injury is present because they may require early amputation during initial surgical care on the battlefield.

Known preoperative deep venous thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolus: to flap or not to flap the severely injured extremity?

Background: Warfare-related extremity injury associated with pelvic and long-bone fractures, massive soft-tissue injuries, and high Injury Severity Scores predispose patients to venous thromboembolic events, including deep vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism. The success of flap reconstruction in this setting has not been well described. Methods: A retrospective review of war-related extremity injuries requiring flap coverage from 2003 to 2012 was completed, and the incidence of venous thromboembolic events determined. Outcomes compared included flap and limb salvage success rates and complications, such as partial/total flap failure, hematomas, and failed limb salvage. Results: A total of 173 combat extremity injury flap procedures were performed during the period reviewed, with 50 of these flaps (28.9 percent of all cases) identified as having a venous thromboembolic event during the course of care. Preoperative or perioperative events affected 45 flap procedures (26 percent). In the 41 patients with a preoperative event diagnosis, 21 had deep vein thrombosis (51 percent), 17 had a pulmonary embolism (42 percent), and three had both (7 percent). The complication rate in these cases was 29 percent (most commonly flap or donor-site hematoma). While the total complication rate was similar between the event and nonevent groups (29 versus 20 percent; p = 0.141), the hematoma rate was significantly different (20 versus 5 percent; p = 0.009). Conclusions: Venous thromboembolic events were detected in a high number of the authors’ combat-injured patients requiring extremity flap coverage. Despite preoperative events and risks of therapeutic anticoagulation, flap transfers were performed with high success rates and comparable nonhemorrhage complication rates between flap cohorts. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

A preliminary three-dimensional analysis of nasal aesthetics following le fort i advancement in patients with cleft lip and palate

AbstractNasal aesthetic changes after cleft orthognathic surgery remain understudied. Previous scarring associated with prior cleft surgery may affect the predictability of outcomes after jaw surgery. This study evaluates changes in nasal aesthetics using three-dimensional photography after Le Fort I advancement in patients with nonsyndromic cleft-related maxillary hypoplasia.Cephalometric parameters were recorded pre- and postoperatively. Three-dimensional photogrammetric imaging analyzed changes in interalar width (IAW), internostril width (INW), nasal tip projection (NTP), collumelar length (CL), nasal labial angle (NLA), and nasal length (NL). Statistical significance between pre- and postoperative data was determined using T-tests for each parameter.Eleven patients underwent either single piece Le Fort I osteotomy and advancement, (3 bilateral, 4 unilateral cleft lip, and palate), or 2-piece advancement (2 bilateral, 2 unilateral). Average nasal soft tissue changes were IAW 1.9 mm (0.4–4.2), INW −0.2 mm (−2.8 to 1.6), NTP −1.0 mm (−4.0 to 2.0), CL −0.7 mm (−2.9 to 1.5), NLA −0.2° (−13.9 to 15.1), and NL −0.7 mm (−4.3 to 1.5), (P = 0.001, 0.6, 0.08, 0.01, 0.9, 0.2). For single-piece osteotomy alone changes were IAW 2.1 mm (0.6–4.1), INW −0.6 mm (−2.8 to 1.7), NTP −1.9 mm (−4.0 to 0.3), CL −1.2 mm (−2.9 to 0.03), NLA −1.3° (−13.9 to 15.0), and NL −1.1 mm (−4.3 to 0.7), (P = 0.007, 0.3, 0.009, 0.0002, 0.7, 0.2). For 2-piece osteotomy alone changes were IAW 1.6 mm (−0.4 to 3.3), INW 0.5 mm (0.4–1.6), NTP 0.5 mm (−1.1–2.0), CL 0.2 mm (−1.4 to 1.5), NLA 2.8° (−7.6 to 10.1), and NL −0.1 mm (−1.4 to 1.5), (P = 0.2, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.5, 0.9).Cleft-related scarring and malposition affect changes in nasal aesthetics following maxillary advancement that are different to the noncleft population. Two-piece Le Fort I increases variability of changes in nasal aesthetics compared with single-piece advancement.

Regeneration of Vascularized Corticocancellous Bone and Diploic Space Using Muscle-Derived Stem Cells: A Translational Biologic Alternative for Healing Critical Bone Defects

Background: Regeneration of functional bone substrate remains a priority in reconstructive surgery especially for patients suffering from complex skeletal defects. Efforts to develop implantable osteoinductive constructs and novel osteoconductive materials remain at the forefront of industry forces and product line development. Despite advancement in clinical practice and bone biology, cancellous autograft remains the gold standard for procedures requiring osteogenic mechanisms of healing. This study investigates the utility of muscle-derived stem cells as a cellular therapy for definitive bone regeneration through a form of neo-osteogenesis. Methods: Adipose-derived stem cell, bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cell, and muscle-derived stem cell populations were isolated separately from C57BL/6 murine tissues and supplemented with collagen scaffolding with or without bone morphogenetic protein-2 to compare relative osteogenic potency and ultrastructure organization in both two- and three-dimensional systems. Parallel populations were bound to a deployable collagen implant within a syngeneic murine cranial defect model. Results: Although all populations provided and maintained mesenchymal stem cell multilineage capacity, adipose-derived stem cell– and bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cell–enriched constructs were capable of forming small bone aggregates. Defects receiving muscle-derived stem cells self-assembled a form of organized corticocancellous structures within two- and three-dimensional in vitro systems and within the in vivo model. Muscle-derived stem cells also augmented healing, implant angiogenesis, and diploic space formation. Conclusion: Muscle-derived stem cell–enriched implants appear to provide an autologous response to current industry-derived products and an attractive alternative to mesenchymal stem cells for the regeneration of corticocancellous bone and a vascularized diploic space.