It is self evident that a video recording of a live subject is hundreds of times more descriptive of that subject than a plain photograph of the same subject. Therefore, in plastic surgery, instead of relying on photographs to describe our patients pre surgical conditions and post surgical results, we should use videos instead. This presentation describes video recording techniques for various categories of surgery patients, i.e., facelifts, breast surgeries, hand surgeries, etc., by applying Range of Motion Protocol Video guidelines specifically designed for patients of each category both before and after surgery, even years after surgery. Numerous previous individual attempts by surgeons at video recording of patients failed to gain popular acceptance because of the general lack of uniformity and common routines. However, this simple Range of Motion Protocol eliminates all randomness, whimsy and inconstancy, while it establishes a discipline for brevity, thoroughness and universality in these videos, generating information which is very much needed for surgeons’ self education, validation of technique, and exchange of knowledge with their peers.
The Range Of Motion Protocol videos are taken at the regular photographing sessions (adding just a few extra minutes) during regular patient visits under identical (or comparable) studio settings.
For example: The Range of Motion Protocol Video for facelifts*, total 30 seconds** in length, contains three (3) 10-second Modules:
1. Module I - Checks all movements of the lower face - lips, jaws and nose.
2. Module II - Checks all movements of the upper face - eyes, brows and forehead.
3. Module III - Checks profiles, hair lines and incisional scars (with the patient’s face maximally exposed - wearing minimal to no make-up and hair held back with head bands.
* Regrettably a sample video cannot be uploaded in the current abstract submission format. Any outside linkage will reveal the author's identity. Otherwise, this author will be glad to supply the linkage upon request.
** The motion command tempo is set at 60 beat per minute. This 30 second video has 720 frames of the subject set in motion (live), yet each frame can be frozen, and segments, isolated for close examination.
Results/Complications:
NA
Conclusion:
This new paradigm in the gathering of patient information and in the maintenance of ‘live’ patient records will invariably make us all better surgeons, and to the betterment of all our future patients.