During primary and revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) lesions of the superior gluteal nerve (SGN) can substantially compromise patient outcome. For the primary direct anterior approach (DAA) and its proximal approach extensions, especially the muscular branch entering the tensor fasciae latae (TFL) muscle is at risk. SGN lesions can result in fatty atrophy and functional loss of the TFL. Therefore, the course and branching pattern of the SGN were examined and related to the DAA and its proximal approach extension. The aim of the study is to describe safe and danger zones for the SGN with regard to the DAA and its proximal extensions. Twenty-five formalin-fixed cadavers with 48 hemipelves were dissected. The course, distribution, and branching pattern of the SGN and its muscular branch inserting into the TFL muscle were investigated with regard to the DAA with the help of anatomical landmarks like the greater trochanter and the iliac tubercle. In 72.9% of the specimens the SGN passed the greater sciatic foramen superior to the piriformis muscle with one main trunk. The muscular branch of the SGN supplying the TFL divided from the main branch in 89.6% of the specimens at the level of the greater sciatic foramen. Before entering the TFL muscle the muscular branch showed a variable branching pattern in the interval between the gluteus medius and minimus. A danger zone for the SGN with regard to the DAA was found in the proximal fourth of the skin incision. Special care in proximal instrument placement should be taken during the DAA. When extending the DAA proximally manipulations in the proximal, caudal surgical window should be performed with the utmost care.

Background/Objectives: Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a popular full-contact combat sport. The aim of this study was to determine injury mechanisms, rates, severity, patterns, circumstances, and the resulting economic healthcare consequences by conducting a detailed survey of competitive and recreational athletes. Methods: In 2023, MMA athletes were retrospectively questioned regarding their injuries in the last 24 months and the resulting healthcare impact (medical attention, hospitalization, incapacity to work). An injury was defined as any physical complaint resulting from MMA exposure. The severity of the injury was categorized according to the resulting restriction of sport participation (i.e., ‘severe’: more than four weeks of restriction). Results: A total of 112 participants (93% male; 41% non-competitive and 59% competitive) were included. All in all, 93,857 h of MMA activities were performed, and 127 injuries were recorded, resulting in an overall injury rate of 1.4 injuries per 1000 h of exposure. Non-competitive athletes reported significantly fewer total injuries in the past 24 months (95% CI 0.87–2.04; p = 0.003) and had significantly fewer severe or even critical injuries compared to competitive athletes (OR 0.55; 95% CI 0.21–1.43; p = 0.042). Head- and neck lesions (20%) were the most common injuries. The most common types of injury were joint sprains (21%) and ligament strains (17%). The healthcare burden of these sports-related injuries was minimal: By median, injuries led to zero days of hospitalization and incapacity to work, with no statistically significant differences between recreational and competitive athletes. Conclusions: Competitive athletes suffer more severe injuries compared to recreational athletes. Overall, injuries in MMA are rare, and the economic impact and burden on the healthcare system are negligible compared to other sport disciplines.

The purpose of the current study was to compare two different antithrombotic protocols for free flap reconstruction in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. Postoperative complications were graded using the Clavien-Dindo (CD) classification and compared between the two groups: the low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) group (n = 57) and the unfractionated heparin (UFH) group (n = 59). Patients with HNSCC from January 2010 to January 2022 were included. A total of 116 patients with a mean age of 60.46 years (range 43-83 years) were included in this study. In all, 81 were male (69.8%), and 35 were female (30.2%). Most patients (48.3%) had only grade 1 or 2 complications. CD grades (1-5) were similar between the two groups. Flap loss occurred in 2 patients (1.7%) in the LMWH group (p = 239). Prognostic factors of flap loss were high BMI, hypertension, high T stage, and high N stage. No differences were found between the groups in regard to age, sex, operating times, flap source, recipient vessels and overall complications. The results of this study demonstrate that UFH was as safe and effective as LMWH regarding postoperative complications. Free flap surgery is safe and effective for head and neck reconstruction.

Background/Objectives: Primary cleft lip repair is a procedure to restore lip function and harmonious nasolabial appearance. However, the actual effects on nasolabial appearance have been insufficiently investigated. The aim of this study was therefore to critically review surgical results using well-validated objective and subjective methods and standardised outcome measures. Methods: A total of 26 non-syndromic patients with unilateral cleft lip +/− cleft palate were assessed retrospectively. Uniform 2D photographs of the nasolabial region were objectively analysed using SymNose software. The Cleft Aesthetic Rating Scale was employed for the subjective evaluation by a total of 255 observers with different backgrounds and experience levels in cleft surgery. Results: Significant positive correlation was identified between objective measurement of upper lip asymmetry and subjective assessment (p = 0.02). Furthermore, a significant difference emerged in the assessment of the nasolabial region depending on the rater’s professional background (p < 0.001). A major discrepancy was observed between the rating of maxillofacial consultants and those of laypersons and patients affected by cleft lip +/− cleft palate. Conclusions: The evaluation of attractiveness depends significantly on the professional background of the observer. The more interaction people have with individuals after cleft lip repair, the less they consider the aesthetics conspicuous. Achieving the highest possible postoperative nasolabial symmetry should be a main objective in primary cleft lip repair.

Background/Objectives: Head and neck free-flap reconstructions are often required to treat tumors or extensive post-traumatic jaw defects. The facial artery is the standard receiving vessel for intraoral microvascular anastomoses. However, its use is associated with several disadvantages, such as lesions of buccal nerve branches of the facial nerve or the parotid duct, as well as variability in course and diameter. The aim of this study is to investigate whether branches of the sublingual artery can be considered as an alternative intraoral supply vessel to the facial artery to avoid these drawbacks. Methods: Twelve formalin-fixed cadaveric heads with 24 sides (n = 24) were dissected. The origin, course, branching pattern, and distribution of the sublingual artery were examined. In addition, the diameters of the branches of the sublingual artery were assessed to identify potential supply vessels for anastomoses. Results: In ten of the twenty-four cases (41.7%), the sublingual artery originated from the lingual artery, and in nine cases (37.5%), the lingual artery originated from the facial artery. The main trunk of the sublingual artery was present in the floor of the mouth in all cases (100%), with a diameter of ≥0.9 mm in vitro (1 mm in vivo). In 15 of the 24 half heads (62.5%), branches of the sublingual artery with ≥0.9 mm were identified in this space, with the main branch being considerably stronger. Conclusions: The large diameter of the sublingual artery in the floor of the mandible suggests that this vessel or its branches could be considered as alternative pedicles for intraoral anastomoses in mandibular microvascular free-flap grafts.