BACKGROUND: A tie-over dressing is the accepted method to secure skin grafts in order to prevent haematoma or seroma formation. We describe the novel application of a barbed suture tie-over for skin graft dressing. The barbs act as anchors in the skin so constant tensioning of the suture is not required. METHODS: From January 2014 to August 2014 we used the technique in 30 patients with skin defects requiring split-thickness or full-thickness grafts. Patient demographics, clinicopathological details and graft outcome were collected prospectively. RESULTS: The majority of cases were carried out for split-thickness skin grafts (n=19) used on the lower limb (n=20). The results of this novel technique were excellent with complete (100%) graft take in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate the clinical application of a barbed device for securing skin grafts with excellent results. We find the technique quick to perform and the barbed device easy to handle, which can be applied without the need for an assistant.
Bandages* ; Demography ; Graft Survival ; Humans ; Lower Extremity ; Occlusive Dressings ; Prospective Studies ; Seroma ; Skin Transplantation ; Skin* ; Sutures* ; Transplants*

BACKGROUND: Citation analysis is a recognized scientometric method of classifying cited articles according to the frequency of which they have been referenced. The total number of citations an article receives is considered to reflect it's significance among it's peers. METHODS: Until now, a bibliometric analysis has never been performed in the specialty of craniofacial anomalies and craniofacial surgery. This citation analysis generates an extensive list of the 50 most influential papers in this developing field. Journals specializing in craniofacial surgery, maxillofacial surgery, plastic surgery, neurosurgery, genetics and pediatrics were searched to demonstrate which articles have cultivated the specialty within the past 55 years. RESULTS: The results show an intriguing compilation of papers which outline the fundamental knowledge of craniofacial anomalies and the developments of surgical techniques to manage these patients. CONCLUSIONS: This citation analysis provides a summation of the current most popular trends in craniofacial literature. These esteemed papers aid to direct our decision making today within this specialty.
Bibliometrics ; Craniofacial Abnormalities ; Decision Making ; Genetics ; Humans ; Neurosurgery ; Pediatrics ; Surgery, Oral ; Surgery, Plastic