Plastics in Practice (Resident Review)

Plastics in Practice
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A podcast built for plastic surgery trainees. Each episode reviews CME articles and topics from the ASPS Resident Curriculum, breaking them down into core concepts, clinical pearls, and exam-ready takeaways. Listen on your commute, between cases, or while studying—anywhere you want high-yield plastic surgery learning on the go.

  1. 12h ago

    Rheumatoid Arthritis: When Finger Extension Fails

    Rheumatoid arthritis can threaten tendons, destabilize joints and change the mechanics of the whole hand. Reconstructive planning begins with the cause of lost function. In this episode of Plastics in Practice, we review the rheumatoid hand, from the inflammatory-arthritis differential and deformity mechanisms to tendon rupture, joint reconstruction and perioperative planning. Key takeaways: • Distinguish rheumatoid arthritis from other inflammatory and degenerative conditions using the clinical pattern, systemic findings and imaging. • Synovitis can weaken joint restraints and damage tendons; the visible finger posture may reflect a deforming force elsewhere in the hand or wrist. • Separate flexible, reducible deformity with preserved joint surfaces from fixed deformity with advanced destruction before choosing reconstruction. • New extension loss warrants prompt assessment. Distinguish tendon rupture from tendon subluxation or nerve dysfunction, and address the attritional source when reconstructing a rupture. • Silicone MCP arthroplasty can improve alignment and patient-reported function without necessarily improving grip or pinch strength. • Balance the pain, stability and motion goals of wrist reconstruction, and coordinate disease control, medications and perioperative assessment with rheumatology and anesthesia. This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. The podcast audio is generated with Google NotebookLM using AI voices. These are synthetic discussion voices, not clinicians or accounts of their personal experience. Apple Podcasts episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rheumatoid-arthritis-when-finger-extension-fails/id1835564216?i=1000796831957 Amazon Music episode: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8bef056e-7c87-4224-978e-7e691b04554a/episodes/bb0a03d5-477e-467e-bad9-90fb4dd8837a/plastics-in-practice-resident-review-rheumatoid-arthritis-when-finger-extension-fails YouTube explainer (recorded human narration): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3Q4n9qksLY Related YouTube Short: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/hLtLn0a5pgg Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/plasticsinpractice/ Free study guide: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-WAk-57sUaYcorUDKGC98ajLlh4W52Yp/edit #RheumatoidArthritis #HandSurgery #TendonReconstruction #RheumatoidHand #PlasticSurgeryEducation References: 1. American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Rheumatoid Arthritis. https://assh.my.site.com/handcare/condition/rheumatoid-arthritis 2. McIntyre et al. Outcomes of Surgical Treatment of Vaughan-Jackson Syndrome. 2024. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0043-1775994 3. Tailoring Tendon Transfer Surgery and Rehabilitation for a Musician: A Case Study. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4852048/ 4. Seven-Year Outcomes of the Silicone Arthroplasty in Rheumatoid Arthritis Prospective Cohort Study. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27696739/ 5. 2021 American College of Rheumatology Guideline for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9273041/ 6. 2022 ACR/AAHKS Perioperative Guideline (elective hip and knee arthroplasty scope). https://acrjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/art.42140

  2. 1d ago

    Targeted Muscle Reinnervation: Pain and Prosthetic Control

    After upper-limb amputation, a surviving nerve can still carry a useful command. TMR gives that signal a new muscle target. In this episode of Plastics in Practice, we review how targeted muscle reinnervation supports prosthetic control and helps address nerve-related postamputation pain. Key takeaways: • Define the goal before choosing transfers: nerve-related pain, prosthetic control, or both. • TMR connects a residual nerve to a motor branch supplying viable, functionally expendable muscle. • For motor control, the reinnervated muscle amplifies an intended movement into a signal that surface electrodes can detect. • Preserve useful native muscle and existing control sites when planning new targets. • Neuroma-related residual-limb pain and phantom limb pain can coexist and need separate assessment. • TMR can help reduce nerve-related postamputation pain, but relief is not guaranteed. Pain-directed surgery need not depend on prosthesis use. • Coordinate surgery, socket fitting and rehabilitation. Better motor signals do not automatically restore sensation. This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. The podcast audio is generated with Google NotebookLM using AI voices. These are synthetic discussion voices, not clinicians or accounts of their personal experience. Editorial clarification at approximately 13:55: The French prospective series compared preemptive TMR with conventional treatment at primary amputation (neuroma burial or simple neurectomy), not with delayed TMR. Mathieu et al., 2025, PMID 39853391: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39853391/ YouTube Short: https://youtube.com/shorts/Vc_3CT2Ysc0 Full video explainer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUN2KmZDnzA Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/plasticsinpractice/ Free study guide: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_W0mGn-QoVqSUIUXyICkmqJsJwSKzaX1/view #TargetedMuscleReinnervation #PeripheralNerveSurgery #UpperLimbAmputation #ProstheticRehabilitation #PlasticSurgeryEducation References: 1. Eberlin et al. A Consensus Approach for Targeted Muscle Reinnervation in Amputees. 2023. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10079335/ 2. Dumanian et al. Targeted Muscle Reinnervation Treats Neuroma and Phantom Pain in Major Limb Amputees: A Randomized Clinical Trial. 2019. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30371518/ 3. Stubblefield et al. Occupational therapy protocol for amputees with targeted muscle reinnervation. 2009. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3031096/

  3. 5d ago

    Common Congenital Hand Anomalies: Function Guides Treatment

    A visible hand difference does not tell you which operation, if any, will improve function. In this episode of Plastics in Practice, we review how examination guides syndactyly timing, thumb duplication reconstruction and camptodactyly treatment. Key takeaways: • Observe reach, grasp and thumb use, then examine the whole limb and look for associated findings. • Describe syndactyly by the digits involved and whether the connection is soft tissue alone or includes bone. • A longer finger joined to a shorter neighbor can become tethered during growth. The anatomy helps determine when separation is needed. • Adjacent-web releases are generally staged to protect the intervening digit’s blood supply. • Thumb duplication needs a plan for stability and tendon balance. Size alone does not determine which tissue is useful. • Test passive correction in camptodactyly. Mild, flexible contractures usually begin with stretching and splinting. • Reassess worsening contracture and functional loss. Surgery can add stiffness, and a residual bend may remain. This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. The podcast audio is generated with Google NotebookLM using AI voices. These are synthetic discussion voices, not clinicians or accounts of their personal experience. YouTube Short: https://youtube.com/shorts/FtPgkLixl_0 YouTube Explainer: https://youtu.be/U5NRtCU7ZAg Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/plasticsinpractice/ Free study guide: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yUKzTHm_ctWN5Hg9o1A6RzntvVcYLd6w/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=102867791045307207856&rtpof=true&sd=true #CongenitalHand #Syndactyly #ThumbDuplication #Camptodactyly #HandSurgery References: 1. Seattle Children’s. Syndactyly. https://www.seattlechildrens.org/conditions/syndactyly/ 2. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Thumb Duplication. https://www.chop.edu/conditions-diseases/thumb-duplication 3. Boston Children’s Hospital. Camptodactyly. https://www.childrenshospital.org/sites/default/files/2022-04/camptodactyly-factsheet.pdf

  4. 6d ago

    Management of the Burned Hand: Preserve Function

    A closed burn wound can still leave a hand that barely moves. In this episode of Plastics in Practice, we review how to recognize threatened circulation, reassess burn depth, and protect hand function while the wound heals. Key takeaways: • After immediate trauma priorities, remove rings and assess circulation, sensation and movement. • Cool fingers, worsening sensation, delayed refill or deteriorating Doppler signals need urgent burn surgical assessment. Do not wait for pulse loss. • Reassess depth and healing progress; a potentially deep hand burn needs early specialist input. • Typical dorsal burns need wrist extension, knuckle flexion, straight interphalangeal joints and an open thumb web. Palmar injuries may need a different position. • Combine edema control with supervised movement when the wound and deeper structures permit; protect vulnerable grafts and tendons. • Follow finger flexion, extension and first web opening alongside wound closure. This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. The podcast audio is generated with Google NotebookLM using AI voices. These are synthetic discussion voices, not clinicians or accounts of their personal experience. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/management-of-the-burned-hand-preserve-function/id1835564216?i=1000795827856 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8bef056e-7c87-4224-978e-7e691b04554a/episodes/4efe33f7-ad92-4404-a609-1a9327ba513c/plastics-in-practice-resident-review-management-of-the-burned-hand-preserve-function YouTube Short: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/OUw3t8iLu-w YouTube Explainer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACCIT9VLjo8 Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/plasticsinpractice/ Free study guide: https://drive.google.com/file/d/15wakng6DNTw10jCBKThua9Yj6dK-du5N/view #HandBurns #BurnCare #HandSurgery #BurnRehabilitation #PlasticsInPractice References: 1. American Burn Association. Guidelines for Burn Patient Referral. https://www.ameriburn.org/burn-care-team/resources/guidelines-for-burn-patient-referral 2. NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation. Escharotomy for burn patients: a guide for clinicians. 2025. https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/162633/ACI-Escharotomy-for-Burn-Patients.pdf 3. NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation. Burn physiotherapy and occupational therapy: clinical practice guide. 2025. https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/236151/ACI-Burn-physiotherapy-and-occupational-therapy-guide.pdf

  5. Oct 10

    Management of Vasoconstriction: Look Beyond Spasm

    Poor perfusion needs an explanation beyond the word spasm. In this episode of Plastics in Practice, we review how to distinguish reversible narrowing from structural and mechanical problems, recognize threatened perfusion, and match treatment to the cause. Key takeaways: • Raynaud attacks do not always show the complete white-blue-red sequence; interpret the history, examination and nailfold findings together. • Persistent pain, cold pallor, new sensory loss or tissue injury requires urgent assessment for threatened perfusion. • Consider proximal arterial disease, emboli and trauma-related ulnar injury rather than attributing every ischemic digit to spasm. • For systemic sclerosis-associated Raynaud, calcium channel blockers are first-line; consider PDE5 inhibitors and specialist IV iloprost for appropriate severe or refractory disease. • Do not combine nitrates, including topical nitrate, with PDE5 inhibitors because of serious hypotension risk. • Botulinum toxin has negative randomized trial results for routine SSc-Raynaud treatment; selected severe or refractory ulcer use and sympathectomy need specialist judgment and clear discussion of uncertainty. • In microsurgical compromise, inspect inflow, outflow and the whole pedicle; supportive measures must not delay correction of a mechanical problem. This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. The podcast audio is generated with Google NotebookLM using AI voices. These are synthetic discussion voices, not clinicians or accounts of their personal experience. YouTube Short: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/mKttuP9TwF4 YouTube explainer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JRVgx-zJC4 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/management-of-vasoconstriction-look-beyond-spasm/id1835564216?i=1000795187132 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8bef056e-7c87-4224-978e-7e691b04554a/episodes/2e14ba0e-7529-4f03-bba5-8378691e40e6/plastics-in-practice-resident-review-management-of-vasoconstriction-look-beyond-spasm Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/plasticsinpractice/ Free study guide: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uplJBPSlofHyyXkVnoOWoNkVlHhqpMp6/edit #RaynaudPhenomenon #DigitalIschemia #Microsurgery #HandSurgery #PlasticsInPractice References: 1. Maverakis et al. International consensus criteria for the diagnosis of Raynaud’s phenomenon. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4018202/ 2. EULAR recommendations for the treatment of systemic sclerosis: 2023 update. https://ard.bmj.com/content/early/2024/10/17/ard-2024-226430 3. British Society for Rheumatology guideline for management of systemic sclerosis, 2024. https://academic.oup.com/rheumatology/article/63/11/2956/7750184 4. Senet et al. Botulinum toxin versus placebo for SSc-associated Raynaud phenomenon. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36066501/ 5. World Scleroderma Foundation recommendations for local management of digital ulcers, 2025. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12084219/

  6. Oct 9

    Hand Tumors: Assessment and Biopsy Planning

    A small, painless hand mass can still need a carefully planned diagnosis before excision. In this episode of Plastics in Practice, we review how imaging and biopsy planning help clarify an unexplained hand mass while protecting later treatment options and hand function. Key takeaways:• Most hand masses are benign, but small size and lack of pain do not exclude sarcoma.• An enlarging, firm, deep or otherwise unexplained mass deserves further assessment rather than an assumed benign diagnosis.• Ultrasound can help distinguish cystic from solid tissue; that distinction alone is not a cancer test.• MRI can define a suspicious lesion’s extent and its relationship to tendons, nerves and vessels.• Involve the team that would treat a sarcoma before biopsy or excision of a suspicious mass.• Plan the biopsy route with definitive surgery in mind. Unplanned dissection can enlarge the later treatment field and put functional structures at risk. This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. The podcast audio is generated with Google NotebookLM using AI voices. YouTube explainer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=getLckvMB0MInstagram account: https://www.instagram.com/plasticsinpractice/ Free study guide: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YBw5Iqj92KTpYSc3axE2NC4vVLKSDc60/edit?usp=drivesdk&ouid=100306162372447663640&rtpof=true&sd=true #HandTumors #HandSurgery #Sarcoma #BiopsyPlanning #PlasticsInPractice References:1. European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology. Soft tissue tumor imaging in adults: guidelines 2023. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11213759/2. British Sarcoma Group. UK guidelines for the management of soft tissue sarcomas. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11724041/3. Early Complications of Planned Resection Versus Unplanned Excision of Sarcomas in the Distal Upper Extremity. 2024. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39166192/

  7. Oct 7

    Dupuytren’s Disease: Function, Anatomy and Treatment

    A fascial cord can tether the finger, but releasing it does not resolve every part of the deformity. In this episode of Plastics in Practice, we review assessment of Dupuytren’s disease, secondary joint stiffness, altered neurovascular anatomy, and treatment choices that balance correction, recovery and recurrence. Key takeaways:• Dupuytren’s affects the palmar and digital fascia. The cord is diseased fascia, not a shortened flexor tendon.• Start with function. Consider the patient’s priorities, joint stiffness and perioperative risks before choosing treatment.• Longstanding proximal interphalangeal deformity can leave secondary stiffness after cord release. Full straightening is not guaranteed.• A spiral cord can draw the digital neurovascular bundle toward the finger’s midline and closer to the skin. Anticipate altered anatomy.• Needle fasciotomy divides a cord, collagenase weakens it, and limited fasciectomy removes diseased fascia. Balance recovery demands, risks and durability with the patient’s priorities.• Treatment addresses contracture without eliminating the tendency to form disease. Counsel about recurrence, rehabilitation and useful hand function. This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. The podcast audio is generated with Google NotebookLM using AI voices. 🎧 Explore this episode:Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/plasticsinpractice/YouTube explainer: https://youtube.com/watch?v=VpB79uxvhXcYouTube Short: https://youtube.com/shorts/btGTqCDy3EE📘 Free Study Guide: → https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uQtsOhDN3iIhQKWpKrUK4ON7bf8Di0YY/edit?usp=sharing #DupuytrensDisease #HandSurgery #HandAnatomy #PlasticSurgeryEducation #PlasticsInPractice References:1. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Dupuytren’s Disease. OrthoInfo. https://www.orthoinfo.org/diseases--conditions/dupuytrens-disease/2. Macey and Thomas. The Serpentine Zone: A Surgeon’s Guide to the Surface Anatomy of the Digital Neurovascular Spiral in Dupuytren’s Contracture. 2018. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29706740/3. Misra et al. Predicting the outcome of surgery for the proximal interphalangeal joint in Dupuytren’s disease. 2007. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17275601/4. Räisänen et al. Surgery, Needle Fasciotomy, or Collagenase Injection for Dupuytren Contracture: A Randomized Controlled Trial. 2024. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38346307/5. Dias et al. Collagenase Injection versus Limited Fasciectomy for Dupuytren’s Contracture. 2024. https://www.nejm.org/doi/abs/10.1056/NEJMoa23126316. XIAFLEX U.S. prescribing information. Revised March 2026. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=805cecd0-fd1f-11dd-87af-0800200c9a66

  8. Oct 4

    Thumb Reconstruction

    Rebuilding a thumb means restoring useful pinch and grasp. Length is only part of the problem. In this episode of Plastics in Practice, we review functional assessment, sensate coverage, and reconstruction choices after thumb tissue loss or amputation. Key takeaways: • Restore useful pinch and grasp. Assess length, stability, motion and sensation alongside the carpometacarpal joint, thenar function, first web space and remaining fingers. • An acute thumb amputation needs urgent specialist replantation assessment. Feasibility, injury pattern and patient priorities guide the decision. • Distinguish coverage needs from missing structural components. Skin coverage alone cannot replace lost bone, tendon, nerve or joint function. • Durable sensate pulp matters. A Moberg flap can cover selected distal palmar defects, but its reach is limited and joint motion must be considered. • Toe transfer and pollicization offer options for selected major losses. Selection depends on the remaining hand, donor effects and the patient’s goals. • Plan for rehabilitation and the tasks that matter to the patient. Thumb length, appearance and survival do not by themselves guarantee useful function. This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. The podcast audio is generated with Google NotebookLM using AI voices. 🎧 Explore this episode: Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/plasticsinpractice/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thumb-reconstruction/id1835564216?i=1000793038307 YouTube: https://youtu.be/zSBh7AqWxDo Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8bef056e-7c87-4224-978e-7e691b04554a/episodes/3a0799b8-467e-4c02-a881-ea1a45079e83/plastics-in-practice-resident-review-thumb-reconstruction 📘 Free Study Guide: → https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eiaPHDsg68CBT6XWqKOHD_KtXmBkLPeI/edit?usp=drivesdk&ouid=100306162372447663640&rtpof=true&sd=true #ThumbReconstruction #HandSurgery #Microsurgery #PlasticSurgeryEducation #PlasticsInPractice References: 1. British Society for Surgery of the Hand. Revascularisation/Replantation trauma standard. https://www.bssh.ac.uk/_userfiles/pages/files/professionals/Trauma%20standards/6%20Revascularisation%20final.pdf 2. Baumeister et al. Functional outcome after the Moberg advancement flap in the thumb. 2002. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11810623/ 3. Jindal et al. Cadaveric Study of a Z-Plasty Modification to the Moberg Flap for Increased Advancement and Decreased Morbidity. 2016. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26910670/ 4. Wei et al. Microsurgical thumb reconstruction with toe transfer: selection of various techniques. 1994. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8310027/ 5. Preisser and Partecke. Comparison of functional results after reconstruction of the thumb. 2003. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12772058/

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A podcast built for plastic surgery trainees. Each episode reviews CME articles and topics from the ASPS Resident Curriculum, breaking them down into core concepts, clinical pearls, and exam-ready takeaways. Listen on your commute, between cases, or while studying—anywhere you want high-yield plastic surgery learning on the go.

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