Jonathan W. Kim’s research while affiliated with University of California, San Diego and other places

To describe previously unreported histologic findings in two patients who developed chronic implant exposure and abscess formation within hydroxyapatite orbital implants. Surgically removed implant specimens were processed for histopathologic examination and stained for microorganisms. Each patient's clinical course, socket appearance, and exposure management were reviewed. Histopathologic examination of case 1 showed a channel of necrosis leading from the anterior surface of the implant to its center. Hair shafts were discovered embedded within this channel. Histopathologic examination of the site of chronic exposure in case 2 showed epithelial ingrowth into the pores of the implant. Both spheres in this report indicated limited fibrovascular ingrowth and abscess formation. Chronic exposure of hydroxyapatite implants allows a portal of entry for extraneous hair shafts and also can lead to epithelial downgrowth. Both of these may be contributing factors in the development of serious implant infections.

To investigate the effectiveness of a procedure that addresses both the lower eyelid retractors and the lateral canthus in the treatment of patients with lower eyelid retraction. Through a combined lateral canthotomy and full-length transconjunctival incision, the lower eyelid retractors were disinserted across the horizontal length of the eyelid, recessed to the inferior fornix, and excised. A lateral canthopexy elevated the mobilized eyelid, and horizontal length disparity was corrected. Forty lower eyelid operations in 23 patients yielded good results; all patients attained significant improvement in both eyelid position and function. No reoperations were required during a mean follow-up period of 28 months. Although not ideal for severe cases requiring posterior lamellar spacers or anterior lamellar (skin) grafts, this union of techniques successfully treats many types of lower eyelid retraction.

This report evaluates the clinical characteristics of surfing-related ocular trauma to learn the nature of such injuries and propose possible preventive measures. The authors reviewed 11 cases of surfing-related eye injuries caused by direct trauma from the surfboard, studying their mechanism of injury, the associated ocular complications, and the anatomic and visual outcomes of surgical repair. Surfing-related ocular injuries occurred exclusively in young males (mean age, 24.8 years; range, 14-37 years). The mechanism of injury most frequently responsible was impact with the sharp nose of the surfboard following a fall. Serious posterior segment complications were observed in all 11 patients, with nine patients suffering ruptured globes. Despite immediate medical attention, five patients did not recover ambulatory levels of visual acuity (>5/200). Surfing-related ocular trauma presenting to the retinal specialist typically leaves the patient with a permanent visual disability. Important factors contributing to these high-velocity injuries include the sharply pointed nose of the surfboard and the leash keeping the surfer in close proximity to the board following a fall. A simple modification in surfboard design such as blunting the sharp nose of the surfboard, or appropriate protective guards fitted over the surfboard nose, should lessen the severity of such injuries.

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the potential advantages of applying distraction osteogenesis techniques to the correction of orbital and midfacial hypoplasia in craniosynostosis syndromes. Fifteen children with various craniosynostosis syndromes underwent Le Fort III advancement assisted by gradual distraction utilizing a pair of internal distraction devices custom-fabricated for each child. The surgical procedure consisted of a Le Fort III osteotomy, implantation of internal devices with initiation of distraction intraoperatively, and an accelerated rate of midfacial advancement over the next 3 to 5 days. Activation of the distraction hardware was accomplished by a percutaneous pin, which was removed at the end of the distraction protocol, allowing the internal devices to fixate the fragment for a minimum of 6 months during the period of consolidation. With follow-up ranging between 3 to 38 months, the average orbital and midfacial advancement was 19.7 mm (range, 12.0-30.0 mm). Proptosis was lessened and facial proportions significantly improved in all patients. Serious complications were not encountered. The modified distraction protocol utilized in this group of patients was aimed at addressing the unique requirements of pediatric craniofacial surgery, and resulted in almost twice the amount of correction previously reported for traditional rigid fixation techniques.

The use of hard palate mucosal grafts (HPG) in eyelid surgery is becoming increasingly popular. We present two palatal donor site complications that have not been previously reported. The first is an oro-nasal fistula discovered 1 week following surgery. The second is oral candidiasis, which compromised healing of the palatal donor site. With appropriate treatment, both complications resolved shortly after surgery. Careful preoperative evaluation and postoperative follow-up is recommended to recognize and manage these complications.

In summary, the concept of one operation for all patients who present for lower-eyelid blepharoplasty should be abandoned. Surgical procedures should be tailored for each individual, depending on the sources of concern and the anatomical defects present. The vast majority of patients are served best by combining transconjunctival blepharoplasty with adjunctive procedures. Transcutaneous lower-lid blepharoplasty has few indications. By combining and choosing the proper techniques, the aesthetics surgeon can achieve lower-eyelid rejuvenation while preserving function and minimizing complications.

Asian blepharoplasty requires an intimate knowledge of the anatomical subtleties distinct to the Asian patient. With this knowledge and a thorough understanding of patients' expectations, the surgeon confidently can achieve predictable results and a preservation of Asian eyelid qualities in those patients who desire it.