Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models (LLMs) are increasingly used in healthcare, with applications in clinical decision-making and workflow optimization. In head and neck surgery, postoperative rehabilitation is a complex, multidisciplinary process requiring personalized care. This study evaluates the feasibility of using LLMs to generate tailored rehabilitation programs for patients undergoing major head and neck surgical procedures. Methods: Ten hypothetical head and neck surgical clinical scenarios were developed, representing oncologic resections with complex reconstructions. Four LLMs, ChatGPT-4o, DeepSeek V3, Gemini 2, and Copilot, were prompted with identical queries to generate rehabilitation plans. Three senior clinicians independently assessed their quality, accuracy, and clinical relevance using a five-point Likert scale. Readability and quality metrics, including the DISCERN score, Flesch Reading Ease, Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level, and Coleman–Liau Index, were applied. Results: ChatGPT-4o achieved the highest clinical relevance (Likert mean of 4.90 ± 0.32), followed by DeepSeek V3 (4.00 ± 0.82) and Gemini 2 (3.90 ± 0.74), while Copilot underperformed (2.70 ± 0.82). Gemini 2 produced the most readable content. A statistical analysis confirmed significant differences across the models (p < 0.001). Conclusions: LLMs can generate rehabilitation programs with varying quality and readability. ChatGPT-4o produced the most clinically relevant plans, while Gemini 2 generated more readable content. AI-generated rehabilitation plans may complement existing protocols, but further clinical validation is necessary to assess their impact on patient outcomes.

Minimally invasive treatments for Dupuytren’s disease (DD), such as percutaneous needle fasciotomy (PNF) and collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH), have become alternatives to open surgeries. This meta-analysis compared these treatments in terms of complications, patient satisfaction, clinical outcomes, and recurrence. Relevant studies up to June 2024 were identified through major databases, following PRISMA guidelines, and the study was registered on PROSPERO. Statistical analysis using Review Manager 5.4 found PNF had lower post-operative rates of oedema (RR = 0.15, 95% CI [0.09, 0.27], p < 0.00001), lymphadenopathy (RR = 0.09, 95% CI [0.02, 0.38], p = 0.0010), and pruritus (RR = 0.1, 95% CI [0.01, 0.73], p = 0.02) compared to CCH. However, there were no significant differences in skin tears, recurrence, reintervention, extension deficit, or residual flexion at metacarpal and proximal interphalangeal joints (p > 0.05). Patient-reported outcomes, including QuickDASH and URAM scores, also showed no significant differences. Eleven studies involving 1443 patients were analysed, and most were at a low-to-moderate risk of bias, as assessed using the Cochrane or Newcastle–Ottawa tools. While PNF showed fewer minor complications, overall clinical and patient-reported outcomes were comparable between the treatments. These findings highlight the need to tailor treatment choices to patient preferences and clinical context.

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most prevalent peripheral nerve entrapment disorders of the upper limb worldwide, making carpal tunnel release (CTR) one of the most frequently performed procedures. While CTR is typically successful, a small but important subset of patients may experience failure of the initial surgery, presenting with persistent, recurrent, or new symptoms that may necessitate re‐exploration. Case Report: This case series details four patients who were referred to a single Plastic Surgeon in Melbourne Australia, with concerning new or persistent symptoms following initial CTR. For each patient, the primary CTR was indicated due to severe, unrelieved symptoms of CTS that were refractory to conservative treatment. Discussion: CTR is generally a highly effective procedure with positive outcomes for most patients. However, in some cases, symptoms can remain unresolved or may even worsen postoperatively. Prompt identification and referral of these patients are crucial to achieve optimal outcomes. For those whose symptoms persist or worsen, exploratory surgery may be indicated for two primary reasons: (1) an incomplete release is suspected, or (2) injury to the median or palmar cutaneous nerve is likely. When exploratory surgery is considered, it should ideally be performed by a reconstructive microsurgeon. Early referral post‐CTR is essential, enabling timely re‐exploration and, if necessary, simultaneous definitive reconstruction, thereby improving the likelihood of successful resolution of symptoms.

Introduction: This research compares the patterns of hand injuries, treatments and outcomes between male and female Australian rules football players. Methods: This retrospective cohort study reviewed Australian rules football players treated for surgically operable hand injuries at Frankston Hospital in Melbourne, Australia, between January 2021 and August 2024. Data collected included demographics, injury mechanisms, types of fractures or dislocations, treatment methods and postoperative complications. Results: Among 46 Australian rules football players (36 males, 10 females) in this cohort study, notable gender differences in injury patterns were identified. Males predominantly sustained axial loading fractures (30.6%), whereas females more often experienced hyperextension injuries (30.0%) and trampling injuries (20.0%). Both genders primarily underwent open reduction and internal fixation (55.6% males, 60.0% females). Complication rates were low (5.6% males, 10.0% females), but recovery times were generally longer for females. Conclusions: The study highlights distinct injury patterns and outcomes by gender, suggesting physiological and anatomical differences may influence injury susceptibility and recovery in Australian rules football players. These findings underscore the importance of gender-specific prevention and rehabilitation strategies to enhance player safety, recovery and performance.

By Tetyana Kelly, Vicki McClure & 1 more. The authors present a case of vaping-induced neutrophilic dermatosis of the dorsal hands (a variant of Sweet syndrome) and discuss its successful treatment with steroids.