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Biomedical subjects

P J Mahaffey

Publications and source records attributed to P J Mahaffey.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

The re-attachment of tendon and ligament avulsions.

This paper presents our experience of a new technique for the reattachment of tendons in the hand. A percutaneous Kirschner wire is fashioned into a hoop to support an intratendinous suture. This mechanism maintains continuous traction upon the avulsed tendon. The technique avoids extensive dissection of the fingertip and the direct application of pressure on the dorsal surface of the digit, which might cause skin breakdown.

Adolescent↗

Granuloma annulare in the hand.

A review of our cases of granuloma annulare in the hand revealed that it presented as either an annular or subcutaneous lesion, most commonly on the dorsum of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the middle or ring fingers. Lesions were approximately 10 mm in diameter and the diagnosis was confirmed by surgical biopsy. The majority of cases resolved spontaneously within 1 year, and recurrence, though common, did not necessitate a further biopsy.

Adolescent↗

Pilonidal sinus of the finger pulp.

A case of pilonidal sinus of the finger-tip pulp in a male barber is reported. The site appears to be previously unreported for this condition.

Adult↗

The treatment of early cutaneous capillary haemangiomata (strawberry naevi) with the tunable dye laser.

We have treated 39 early cutaneous capillary haemangiomata, in 24 infants, with the tunable dye laser at a wavelength of 585 nm (SPTL 1b, Candela Corporation, Wayland, MA, USA). The average age at first treatment was 13 weeks. The first signs of involution were seen at 19 weeks of age. Complete resolution of the lesions was seen in 61. 5% of haemangiomata at an average age of 39 weeks. Two haemangiomata did not respond to laser treatment and were treated successfully with intralesional steroid injection. There were no complications of laser treatment. The natural history of the treated haemangiomata was significantly shorter than historical evidence suggests for untreated lesions. Haemangiomata may be treated safely and effectively with the tunable dye laser in the early weeks of life leading to accelerated involution and resolution.

Facial Neoplasms↗

Cutaneous lesions in hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia: successful treatment with the tunable dye laser.

BACKGROUND: Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is an autosomal dominant inherited condition that has cutaneous telangiectasia as a component of its manifestations. It has been found that the tunable dye laser is effective in the clearance of these lesions. METHODS: Twelve patients with HHT between 1991 and 1999 were treated with the tunable dye laser. Treatment was carried out at 3-month intervals. RESULTS: Of the 12 patients treated with the tunable dye laser, 10 were evaluated after treatment. In all cases, the cutaneous component had resolved. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of HHT should be considered in all cases of telangiectatic skin lesions. The tunable dye laser appears to be an effective means of resolving any cosmetic problems.

Child↗

Treatment of traumatic tattoos with the Nd YAG laser: a series of nine cases.

Inadequate primary skin cleansing for dirt-ingrained skin abrasions can result in disfiguring traumatic tattoos. We present nine cases of traumatic tattoos treated with the Nd YAG laser. In six cases the pigmentation was completely cleared and in three cases minimal pigmentation remained. The Nd YAG laser offers effective late treatment of traumatic tattoos with many advantages over conventional destructive treatment modalities. The best treatment is still immediate debridement and cleaning.

Humans↗

Fingertip reconstruction with a dorsal island homodigital flap.

A distal dorsal island homodigital flap has been used for reconstruction of fingertips in nine patients who sustained traumatic amputations either obliquely or transversely through the middle of the distal phalanx. Seven of the nine patients attended for follow-up. All the flaps survived with the exception of a small area of partial necrosis in one patient. Fingertip reconstruction with this flap is a one-stage procedure, safe, easy to perform and provides durable tissue support for the nail to regrow undeformed.

Adolescent↗

Merkel cell carcinoma.

A case of Merkel cell carcinoma of the cheek is described, highlighting the clinical behaviour, diagnosis and management of this uncommon tumour.

Aged↗

Three wall orbital decompression for Graves' ophthalmopathy via a coronal approach.

Ten patients with dysthyroid eye disease who underwent a three wall orbital decompression procedure performed via a coronal approach were reviewed. The indications, results, complications and surgical techniques involved in this surgery are discussed. We believe that this approach offers a number of advantages over other techniques and has a role in the management of carefully selected patients with dysthyroid eye disease who have severe unilateral or bilateral proptosis, with or without dysthyroid optic neuropathy.

Adult↗