Research & Publications

The Department of Health proposed an 18-week referral-totreatment time (RTT) as a measure of high quality healthcare, to be achieved by December 2008. In 2007, referrals for elective hand surgery, to the Plastic Surgery Hand Service, were either direct or indirect. 

Rai J, Mendonca DA, Breuning E. The role of the capsular interpositional flap in Trapeziectomy Annals of the Royal College Surgeons England 2009; 91 (4); 345-6.

Rai J, Mendonca DA. Neglected Squamous cell carcinoma in an elderly male patient Quality Journal of Medicine 2009; 102;(1); 67.

The occurrence of cognitive impairment and behavioral problems in patients with metopic synostosis has been described. The relationship between the severity of metopic synostosis and the incidence of speech and language delays has not been established.

The management of vascular anomalies in upper and lower limbs is complex. The current practice at Birmingham Children's Hospital is based on a multidisciplinary approach, involving plastic surgeons, interventional radiologists, vascular surgeons, dermatologists and laser specialists. 

Facial fractures with occlusal derangement describe any fracture which directly or indirectly affects the occlusal relationship. Such fractures include dento-alveolar fractures in the maxilla and mandible, midface fractures - Le fort I, II, III and mandible fractures of the symphysis, parasymphysis, body, angle, and condyle.

Many different patterns of incision have been described, for surgical access in Dupuytren's fasciectomy. The incision should minimise the risk of flap necrosis, provide access to the neurovascular bundles and diseased tissue and avoid secondary scar contracture.

Beta (ß) blockers are indicated for use in coronary artery disease (CAD). However, optimal therapy for people with CAD accompanied by intermittent claudication has been controversial due to the presumed peripheral haemodynamic consequences of beta blockers, leading to worsening symptoms of intermittent claudication. 

The provision of day surgery has increased since the recommendation by the Audit Commission in 1990. A recent study stated that those day case units that do not provide oral analgesia should be regarded as delivering substandard care.