Craniofacial cephalometric morphologies in different cleft types: a retrospective cross-sectional study of 212 patients

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the craniofacial cephalometric morphologies among different cleft types in a Spanish population.

Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out on 212 patients. The patients were subdivided into four groups according to their cleft types: unilateral cleft lip and palate; bilateral cleft lip and palate; cleft lip; and cleft palate. Angular and linear cephalometric measurements were taken on lateral radiographs.

Results

Unilateral cleft lip and palate was associated with a dolichofacial growth pattern, skeletal Class III with correct maxillary position, and lingual incisor inclination. Bilateral cleft lip and palate was associated with a mesofacial growth pattern, skeletal Class I with protruded maxillary position, and lingual incisor inclination. Cleft palate was associated with a mesofacial growth pattern, skeletal Class III with correct maxillary position, and lingual incisor inclination. Cleft lip was associated with a brachyfacial growth pattern, skeletal Class I with protruded maxillary position, lingual upper incisor inclination, and corrects lower incisor inclination. Significant correlations were observed between cleft types and their craniofacial cephalometric measurements.

Conclusions

The present information can be used for the determination of orthodontic treatment and even future orthognathic surgery planning, a requirement in most cleft patients.

     

Evaluation of the oropharynx in class I and II skeletal patterns by CBCT

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the dimensions of the oropharynx and its shape in the minimum cross-sectional area, in individuals with Class I and Class II skeletal patterns, using three-dimensional CBCT images.

Methods

Forty-two cone-beam computed tomography images of grown individuals were evaluated. The images were divided according to the patient’s skeletal patterns. The dimensions of the oropharyngeal airway space were determined using the Dolphin Imaging software.

Results

The volume and the minimum cross-sectional area were greater in patients with a Class I skeletal pattern, with a median difference of 5379 mm³ and 86.8 mm², respectively. The anteroposterior and lateral diameters in the minimum cross-sectional area were also higher in Class I individuals (2.3 and 6.0 mm, respectively), but the ratio between them was not different.

Conclusions

The volume and the minimum cross-sectional area of the oropharynx, as well as the anteroposterior and lateral diameters, are lower in individuals with a class II skeletal pattern than in individuals with a class I skeletal pattern. There was no difference in the shape of the oropharynx in healthy individuals with different skeletal patterns.

     

Superolateral Dislocation of Bilateral Intact Mandibular Condyles: A Rare Case Series

Background and Purpose

The dislocation of mandibular condyle is a clinical condition in which the head of condyle has been displaced out of the glenoid fossa. Complete dislocation of the mandibular condyle can occur in anterior, posterior, lateral and superior direction. Among these dislocations, bilateral superolateral dislocation of mandibular condyles is quite rare and often misdiagnosed. Because of its rare occurrence and unusual clinical course, the best treatment is debatable.

Patients and Method

We present the first case series of true bilateral superolateral dislocation of intact mandibular condyles (Type 2B) without fracturing the Zygomatic arch, associated with symphysis fracture.

Conclusion

This article intends to provide information regarding the possible biomechanics and management of bilateral superolateral dislocation of mandibular condyles associated with symphysis fracture.

     

Three-dimensional analysis of tooth dimensions in the <Emphasis Type="Italic">MSX1</Emphasis>-missense mutation

Objectives

A novel, 3D technique to measure the differences in tooth crown morphology between the MSX1 cases and non-affected controls was designed to get a better understanding of dental phenotype-genotype associations.

Materials and methods

Eight Dutch subjects from a single family with tooth agenesis, all with an established nonsense mutation c.332 C > A, p. Ser 111 Stop in exon 1 of MSX1, were compared with unaffected controls regarding several aspects of tooth crown morphology of incisor and molar teeth. A novel method of quantitative three-dimensional analysis was used to detect differences.

Results

Statistically significant shape differences were observed for the maxillary incisor in the MSX1 family compared with the controls on the following parameters: surface area, buccolingual dimension, squareness, and crown volume (P?≤?0.002). Molar crown shape was unaffected.

Conclusions

A better understanding of dental phenotype-genotype associations may contribute to earlier diagnosis of some multiple-anomaly congenital syndromes involving dental anomalies.

Clinical relevance

A “shape database” that includes associated gene mutations resulting from developmental syndromes may facilitate the genetic identification of hypodontia cases.

     

Bifurcation of external jugular vein: an anatomical variation during neck dissection

Background

The pattern of venous drainage of head and neck involves single external jugular vein bilaterally.

Methods and results

We report a case of bifurcation of the external jugular vein observed during a neck dissection procedure.

Conclusions

Anatomical variations in drainage pattern of superficial veins of the head and neck are important for head and neck surgeries including for anastomosis during free tissue transfer for head and neck reconstruction.

     

Was molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) present in archaeological case series?

Objective

With respect to the unknown aetiology of molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH), it is unclear whether this phenomenon was overlooked in the last century as a result of a high number of caries in children or if this developmental disorder was not present until then. Therefore, this study determined the presence of MIH in historical dentitions and teeth.

Materials and methods

Dental remains from late medieval (n = 191, twelfth–sixteenth century, Regensburg, Germany), post-medieval (n = 33, sixteenth–eighteenth century, Passau, Germany) and modern age archaeological skeletal series (n = 99, nineteenth–twentieth century, Altdorf, Germany) were examined for MIH. In addition, linear enamel hypoplasia (LEH), diffuse opacities, hypoplasia and Turner’s teeth were documented.

Results

MIH-related demarcated opacities or enamel breakdowns were found in only 15 (0.4 %) of the 3891 examined permanent teeth. Ten cases (3.1 %) from a total of 323 dentitions were classified as having MIH. In contrast, 98 individuals (30.3 %) showed LEH. Other enamel disorders were recorded in 64 individuals (19.8 %).

Conclusion

With respect to the low number of affected dentitions and teeth, MIH most likely did not exist or was at least rarely present in the investigated archaeological case series.

Clinical relevance

This study supports the hypothesis that MIH may be linked to contemporary living conditions or other health-related factors.

     

Comparison of 3D plate and locking plate in treatment of mandibular fracture—a clinical study

Introduction

This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and post-operative complication of 3-dimensional (3D) titanium miniplate and locking plate in mandibular fractures (parasymphysis, symphysis, body, and angle).

Materials and methods

Forty patients, with non-comminuted mandibular fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation using 3D titanium miniplate system or locking plate system through an intra-oral approach, were included in this study. All patients were systematically monitored up to 2 months post-operatively. Parameters recorded were infection, occlusal discrepancies, hardware failure, wound dehiscence, sensory disturbance of the inferior alveolar nerve, and stability of fractured segments.

Results

Forty patients with mandibular fracture were divided into two groups randomly without any bias. The fractures of all 40 patients were found to be adequately fixed when checked intra-operatively after fixation. One patient (2.5%) of the 3D plate group developed an infection on the first and second post-operative visit and was treated by antibiotic coverage. One patient in the locking plate group (2.5%) reported wound dehiscence after the first week follow-up.

Conclusion

Both 3D titanium miniplates and locking plate are effective in the treatment of mandibular fractures, and overall complication rates are lesser. However, the 3D plating system uses less hardware in cases of parasymphysis and symphysis fractures and more hardware in cases of body and angle fractures.

     

Evaluating the Effect of Minimizing Screws on Stabilization of Symphysis Mandibular Fracture by 3D Finite Element Analysis

Purpose

The objective of this work is to integrate structural optimization and reliability concepts into mini-plate fixation strategy used in symphysis mandibular fractures. The structural reliability levels are next estimated when considering a single failure mode and multiple failure modes.

Patients and Methods

A 3-dimensional finite element model is developed in order to evaluate the ability of reducing the negative effect due to the stabilization of the fracture. Topology optimization process is considered in the conceptual design stage to predict possible fixation layouts. In the detailed design stage, suitable mini-plates are selected taking into account the resulting topology and different anatomical considerations. Several muscle forces are considered in order to obtain realistic predictions. Since some muscles can be cut or harmed during the surgery and cannot operate at its maximum capacity, there is a strong motivation to introduce the loading uncertainties in order to obtain reliable designs. The structural reliability is carried out for a single failure mode and multiple failure modes.

Results

The different results are validated with a clinical case of a male patient with symphysis fracture. In this case while use of the upper plate fixation with four holes, only two screws were applied to protect adjacent vital structure. This behavior does not affect the stability of the fracture.

Conclusion

The proposed strategy to optimize bone plates leads to fewer complications and second surgeries, less patient discomfort, and shorter time of healing.

     

Internal derangement in the temporomandibular joint of juveniles with clinical signs of TMD

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate possible correlation of specific skeletal or dental class in children and adolescents with clinical signs of temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) with the severity of internal derangement (ID) of the temporomandibular joint.

Materials and methods

Based on MRI images, the ID of 232 juvenile temporomandibular joints in 116 patients were retrospectively recorded. The distribution of the ID stages within the skeletal and dental classes was compared by means of the χ ² test.

Results

Excluding the comparison between skeletal Class I (S I) and skeletal Class II (S II; p < 0.05), no statistically significant differences in the distribution of the ID stages were found between the skeletal classes (p > 0.05). No statistically significant differences were found when comparing the distribution of the ID stages between the dental classes (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

According to these findings, there is no skeletal or dental class that is related to higher degrees of internal derangement in the TMJs of children and adolescents presenting clinical signs of TMD. Therefore, it is not possible to draw conclusions about the severity of the ID in relation to the dental and skeletal class in symptomatic juvenile TMJs.

     

Recent Advances in Face Lift to Achieve Facial Balance

Introduction

Facial balance is achieved by correction of facial proportions and the facial contour. Ageing affects this balance in addition to other factors. We have strived to inform all the recent advances in providing this balance.

Method

The anatomy of ageing including various changed in clinical features are described. The procedures are explained on the basis of the upper, middle and lower face.

Results

Different face lift, neck lift procedures with innovative techniques are demonstrated.

Conclusion

The aim is to provide an unoperated balanced facial proportion with zero complication.

     

Nasal Profile Changes Following Anterior Maxillary Segmental Osteotomy: A Lateral Cephalometric Study

Purpose

Orthognathic surgery in reference to the maxilla attempts to correct underlying skeletal deformities and improve function. Consequently it has the potential to significantly alter the central esthetic unit of the face, the nasolabial region. In order to evaluate the nasal morphological changes which would result following anterior maxillary segmental osteotomy (superior and posterior repositioning); four angles namely, nasolabial, nasal tip projection, columellar labial and supra tip break angle were evaluated.

Method and materials

In ten selected subjects who have undergone anterior maxillary segmental osteotomy with superior and posterior repositioning, pre (T1) and post operative (T2) lateral cephalometric parameters pertaining to the four angles were analysed using Wilcoxon signed rank test.

Results

A significant increase in nasolabial angle and mild changes in nasal tip projection, columellar labial angle and supra tip break angle were observed.

Conclusion

The results of this study emphasize the need for the pre surgical evaluation of nasal morphology in every individual planned for anterior maxillary segmental osteotomy.

     

Bone regeneration with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2: a systematic review

Aim

The aim of this work was to perform a systematic literature review on the clinical application of rhBMP-2 in bone reconstruction prior to placing implants.

Materials and Methods

A PUBMED search was made about the subject and nine clinical trials were selected according to strict inclusion criteria.

Results

Overall success rates of bone regeneration with rhBMP-2 was 81.4% and success of implants placed was 87.4%. Most frequent adverse events were pain, edema and erythema.

Conclusion

It was concluded that the treatment with rhBMP-2 foi satisfactory in most cases and the placement of dental implants in the bone regenerated with rhBMP-2 is feasible.

     

Facial fractures caused by less-lethal rubber bullet weapons: case series report and literature review

Purpose

The present study aims to describe three cases of patients inflicted by rubber bullets with severe facial fractures.

Methods

In addition, a review of English-language literature involving facial fractures by rubber bullets from 1975 to 2016 was performed.

Results

This current study demonstrated that the use of the LLRBW is unsafety even when applied by police enforcements exclusively.

Conclusions

Management of facial fractures caused by LLRBW is done in a usual manner with closed or open reduction associated with bone mini-plates or reconstruction plates when indicated. Special initial wound care should be done to avoid secondary infection and additional procedures.

     

Three-dimensional evaluation of the pharyngeal airway using cone-beam computed tomography following bimaxillary orthognathic surgery in skeletal class III patients

Objective

The study aims to evaluate the pharyngeal airway space (PAS) following bimaxillary surgery in skeletal class III patients and to compare the changes in PAS between genders using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Materials and methods

In all, 38 patients (16 male and 22 female) with skeletal class III malocclusion underwent bimaxillary surgery. CBCT scans were acquired approximately 1 month before surgery, 3 months after surgery, and 6 months after surgery. The oropharyngeal volume and the minimum cross-sectional area (CSA) were characterized using the InVivoDental imaging software package at each time point.

Results

The volume and minimum CSA decreased significantly postoperatively, which was maintained until 6 months postoperatively (p < 0.01). The location of the minimum CSA tended to move into the retropalatal and retroglossal areas postoperatively. A strong correlation between volume and minimum CSA was found. The amount of mandibular setback was not correlated with the change in the airway. By gender, significant decreases in both the volume and minimum CSA were found in females (p < 0.05) but not in males.

Conclusion

Bimaxillary surgery significantly affects PAS. Gender differences should also be considered when considering changes in PAS.

Clinical relevance

An awareness of the effects of bimaxillary setback surgery on the airway should be considered when implementing an orthognathic treatment plan.

     

Erratum to: Nasal Profile Changes Following Anterior Maxillary Segmental Osteotomy: A Lateral Cephalometric Study

Purpose

Orthognathic surgery in reference to the maxilla attempts to correct underlying skeletal deformities and improve function. Consequently, it has the potential to significantly alter the central esthetic unit of the face, the nasolabial region. In order to evaluate the nasal morphological changes which would result following anterior maxillary segmental osteotomy (superior and posterior repositioning), four angles, namely nasolabial, nasal tip projection, columellar labial and supra tip break angle, were evaluated.

Method and Materials

In ten selected subjects who have undergone anterior maxillary segmental osteotomy with superior and posterior repositioning, preoperative (T1) and postoperative (T2) lateral cephalometric parameters pertaining to the four angles were analyzed using Wilcoxon’s signed-rank test.

Results

A significant increase in nasolabial angle and mild changes in nasal tip projection, columellar labial angle and supratip break angle were observed.

Conclusion

The results of this study emphasize the need for the presurgical evaluation of nasal morphology in every individual planned for anterior maxillary segmental osteotomy.

     

Removal of simulated biofilm: a preclinical ergonomic comparison of instruments and operators

Background

Periodontal scaling might cause musculoskeletal disorders, and scaling instruments might not only have different effectiveness and efficiency but also differ in their ergonomic properties. The present study assessed ergonomic working patterns of experienced (EO) and less experienced operators (LO) when using hand and powered devices for periodontal scaling and root planning.

Methods

In an experimental study using periodontally affected manikins, sonic (AIR), ultrasonic (TIG) and hand instruments (GRA) were used by 11 operators (7 EO/4 LO) during simulated supportive periodontal therapy. Using an electronic motion monitoring system, we objectively assessed the working frequency and positioning of hand, neck and head. Operators’ subjective evaluation of the instruments was recorded using a questionnaire.

Results

Hand instruments were used with the lowest frequency (2.57?±?1.08 s^?1) but greatest wrist deviation (59.57?±?53.94°). EO used instruments more specifically than LO, and generally worked more ergonomically, with less inclination of head and neck in both the frontal and sagittal planes, especially when using hand instruments. All groups found hand instruments more tiring and difficult to use than powered instruments.

Conclusion

Regardless of operators’ experience, powered instruments were used more ergonomically and were subjectively preferred compared to hand instruments.

Clinical relevance

The use of hand instruments has potential ergonomic disadvantages. However, with increasing experience, operators are able to recognise and mitigate possible risks.

     

Sub-Periosteal Dissection with Denture-Guided Epithelial Regeneration: A Novel Method for Peri-Implant Soft Tissue Management in Reconstructed Mandibles

Background

In patients with reconstructed mandibles using free fibula flaps, management of soft tissues around implants supporting dental rehabilitation, is often a clinical problem.

Aim

The aim of this paper is to describe a new technique, namely "Sub-periosteal dissection and denture-guided epithelial regeneration (SD-DGER)", as a method of peri-implant soft tissue management in these patients.

Materials and methods

The technique consists of performing a subperiosteal dissection with creation of buccal and lingual flaps. These flaps form the buccal and lingual vestibule. Implants are placed and an interim denture is immediately loaded onto the implants to guide the regenerated epithelium. A keratinized mucosal layer is formed on the bare fibula bone in six months time.

Results

This technique was successful in producing fixed keratinized epithelial tissue around implants in patients with mandibles reconstructed using the free fibula flap in patients who did not undergo radiotherapy.

Conclusion

The sub-periosteal dissection with denture guided epithelial regeneration is a predictable form of peri-implant soft tissue management in selected patients with reconstructed jaws.

     

Patterns and surgical significance of facial nerve branching within the parotid gland in 43 cases

Purpose

Different patterns of facial nerve branching within the parotid gland were detected, and these anatomical variations may affect the treatment approaches and outcomes of surgery. The aim of this study was to identify the patterns of facial nerve branching with the parotid gland and their importance in surgical procedures.

Materials and methods

A total of 43 patients undergoing surgical treatments of parotid lesions were included in this study. Each patient’s demographic data and type of operation were recorded. In addition, the courses of the facial nerve within the gland were classified into six types according to their branching patterns and communication.

Results

In all of the patients, the facial nerve consisted of one trunk separated into two divisions. Branching type III was the most common variety found (30.2 %) followed by type II (23.2 %), while type V represented the least frequent pattern (4.6 %).

Conclusion

It is essential for surgeons to become familiar with the different types of nerve morphologies in order to avoid morbidity and preserve the facial nerve during surgery. Variations and anastomosis can explain the different consequences of facial nerve injury that may occur after parotid surgery.

     

Bone and Skin-Supported Stereolithographic Surgical Guides for Cranio-Facial Implant Placement

Purpose

Osseointegrated skin-penetrating implants enhance the retention and stability of the craniofacial prostheses and provide the long-term comfort. However, to determine the implant locations is a great challenge facing the surgeon. Implants may either be located in conventional manner or by STL generated surgical guides.

Materials and Methods

Present study reports the CT based 3D virtual modeling, preoperative virtual planning and the implant placement by using a STL surgical guide, in an anotia case.

Results

Employed materials and the methods facilitated the implant surgery while improving the operational security.

Conclusions

CT based 3D virtual modeling of the surgical site, determining the implant locations virtually and the STL guided placement of the craniofacial implants, were found useful applications in order to facilitating the surgical intervention and providing prevention from complications.