Our Summary

The authors of this study wanted to measure the influence of two renowned surgeons, Dr. Joseph Gruss and Dr. Paul Manson, on the field of craniofacial surgery. To do this, they analyzed the careers of surgeons who were trained by either Dr. Gruss or Dr. Manson. They recorded various information about these surgeons, such as how long it has been since they completed their training, whether they currently practice craniofacial surgery, whether they work in an academic setting, and whether they hold any leadership roles. They also looked at their published work, including the number of articles they’ve published, how often these articles have been cited by others, and their h-index (a measure of the impact and productivity of a scholar’s work).

They found that over a period of 39 years, a total of 86 surgeons were trained by Dr. Gruss or Dr. Manson. On average, these surgeons completed their training around 19 years ago. Most of them (79%) are still practicing craniofacial surgery and over half (54%) work in an academic setting. The average surgeon had around 26 publications, had been cited around 582 times, and had an h-index of around 7.

Among the surgeons who work in academia, the average h-index was higher (around 11), and almost all of them (89%) were practicing in North America and in craniofacial surgery. Almost half of them had achieved a leadership role.

In conclusion, the authors found that Dr. Gruss and Dr. Manson’s contributions to craniofacial surgery and plastic surgery have been significant, not only through their own work but also through the successful careers of their trainees.

FAQs

  1. Who are Drs. Joseph Gruss and Paul Manson and what impact have they had on craniofacial surgery?
  2. How many surgeons have completed fellowship training with Dr. Gruss and Dr. Manson over the study period?
  3. What are the average bibliometric measures recorded for the surgeons trained by Dr. Gruss and Dr. Manson?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about craniofacial surgery is to carefully follow post-operative instructions provided by the surgical team. This may include proper wound care, medication management, and follow-up appointments to ensure optimal healing and results. It is important for patients to communicate any concerns or complications to their healthcare provider promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who may benefit from craniofacial surgery include those with congenital anomalies such as cleft lip and palate, craniosynostosis, and hemifacial microsomia. Patients with traumatic injuries to the face and skull, such as fractures or soft tissue injuries, may also benefit from craniofacial surgery. Additionally, patients with craniofacial tumors or other abnormalities, such as craniofacial clefts or facial asymmetry, may be recommended for craniofacial surgery. Overall, craniofacial surgery is a specialized field that addresses a wide range of conditions affecting the head and face.

Timeline

Before craniofacial surgery, a patient typically undergoes a consultation with a surgeon to discuss their medical history, goals, and potential treatment options. They may also undergo various imaging tests such as CT scans or MRI to assess their condition. Pre-operative planning is then conducted to determine the best approach for the surgery.

After craniofacial surgery, the patient will typically stay in the hospital for a period of time for monitoring and recovery. They will be closely monitored for any potential complications and will receive pain management as needed. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor their progress and address any concerns. Physical therapy may also be recommended to aid in the recovery process and optimize the surgical outcome. Over time, the patient will gradually see improvements in their appearance and function as they continue to heal and adjust to the results of the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with craniofacial surgery?
  2. How many craniofacial surgeries have you performed and what is your success rate?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and post-operative care for craniofacial surgery?
  4. Can you provide before and after photos of previous craniofacial surgery patients?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments or less invasive procedures that could be considered for my condition?
  6. What is the long-term prognosis and potential outcomes of craniofacial surgery?
  7. How will craniofacial surgery impact my appearance, speech, and ability to eat or breathe?
  8. Will I need additional surgeries or follow-up procedures in the future?
  9. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and what are the potential side effects?
  10. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or restrictions I should be aware of before and after craniofacial surgery?

Reference

Authors: Chandawarkar A, Birgfeld CB, Yaremchuk MJ, Tufaro AP, Hopper RA, Susarla SM. Journal: Plast Reconstr Surg. 2020 Apr;145(4):814e-817e. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000006647. PMID: 32221230