Despite the availability of power-driven dermabrasion instruments, hand-held sandpaper continues to be used, especially in dealing with small areas. Because of the difficulty in handling the relatively rigid sandpaper, we have devised a simple method to achieve a smooth, convex abrading surface. Small sheets of sandpaper are wrapped tautly round the head of an old-fashioned safety razor and held in place by transfixing perforations at either end with the screw onto which the razor handle is fixed (Figs 1 and 2). The handle of the razor can be held according to the surgeon’s convenience and dermabrasion performed using either a rotatory or a to-and-fro movement. We have so far used only a plastic razor which is sterilised by standard chamicals used in an operating theatre. Our experience with half-a-dozen cases has been very encouraging (Fig. 3).
ABSTRACT The aim is to discuss a new method of muscle repair in midline cleft lip. Three patients with midline cleft lip were repaired with our technique of muscle repair and the results evaluated. Our new method of muscle repair in the form of ‘Z’ helps in forming the philtral dimple.
Two patients presented with history of suicidal acid ingestion. Both the patients developed strictures exclusively in the stomach without involvement of the oesophagus, after a period of 12 weeks. The mechanism of this involvement is presented. The literature on this subject is briefly reviewed.
Summary An inexpensive device for continuous passive mobilization of the hand has been fabricated for usage in hand physiotherapy units. It is simple to use, effective and can be fabricated easily. 25 digits in 22 patients who suffered from a variety of hand injuries and consequent restricted joint motion were treated with this device. A high patient compliance, decreased pain and significant improvement in the range of motion were observed. The device is suitable for use in a hospital department. The concept and evolution of continuous pasive motion is also discussed.
An arteriovenous fistula secondary to a chalazion is a rare occurrence. It may follow spontaneous necrosis or surgical trauma. Digital subtraction angiography and identification of the arterial feeders combined with direct puncture of the nidus and embolization is recommended, as surgical excision becomes much easier and results in a complete excision of the lesion. Conchal cartilage graft is a useful lining material for reconstruction of the tarsal plate due to its natural curvature. It restores lid integrity and ensures a stable and functional eyelid.
ABSTRACT One hundred normal individuals of different age groups from Mumbai (India) were included in this study. Various dimensions of lip-nose complex were measured. The results were compared with the available data for blacks, Caucasians and Chinese. In the population under study lip-nose complex measurements differ in all dimensions with blacks and Caucasians and show resemblance to the Chinese. The analysis of the data does not simply indicate the differences in the measurements but also points out change in growth patterns which will have a clinical significance.
Maintenance of ear projection and post auricular sulcus in staged ear reconstruction in microtia is a trying problem. So also is the maintenance of the patency of the external auditory meatus following recanalization and meatoplasty. Numerous splints and dressing techniques have been described for the above situations. Some of the problems encountered include the availability of the materials, cost, expertise in fabrication and compliance.To devise a simple, reliable, inexpensive and readily available splint for the maintenance of post auricular sulcus and external auditory meatus opening.A silicone catheter is made out of a soft and inert material that doesn't cause tissue necrosis or any loss of skin graft. The basic design is that of a simple, self-retaining type of splint that doesn't dislodge and can be prepared within minutes on the operating table.This splint has been used in four cases of microtia reconstruction and one case of congenital external auditory meatus stenosis between June 2006 and August 2007. A 14 or 16 Fr silicone Foley's catheter was used. The proximal end of a catheter of required length was retained and the distal part was cut off. The catheter was looped into a circle around the base of the reconstructed ear and secured in position with a suture. A similar construct was used in cases of external auditory meatus reconstruction or recanalization. The funnel-shaped distal drainage end was sutured to the circular frame near the region of the tragus. This funnel was inserted into the external auditory canal.The catheter was found to sit snugly in the newly created sulcus, thereby maintaining the sulcus and ear projection. It aided in maintaining the meatal opening of a satisfactory diameter in the case of external auditory canal recanalization. It was never found to slip or get dislodged in any of the cases. There was no skin graft loss or tissue necrosis due to the use of the splint.The silicone Foley's catheter is found to be a simple, readily available, inexpensive and reliable self-retaining splint following ear elevation in microtia and external auditory meatus recanalization. The catheter is easily constructed and applied intraoperatively. The results following its usage have been uniformly good in all cases without causing any adverse events at the operated site or discomfort to the patient ensuring good compliance.