Long-term results of distraction osteogenesis of the maxilla and midface

Since the beginning of 1998, eight patients have been treated by osteodistraction to correct hypoplasia of the maxilla and midface of various origins. Among them were five patients who were treated by high LeFort I osteotomies and insertion of subcutaneous intraoral distraction devices in the malar region. In the remaining three patients, extraoral distraction devices were applied after LeFort II and III osteotomies. Distraction osteogenesis was successful in all cases, resulting in a mean sagittal bone gain measured parallel to the skull base of 9.0 mm (range 4.5-12.0) in the group treated with intraoral distractors and a mean of 20.3 mm in the extraoral distraction group (range 15.0-25.0). All patients were kept under orthodontic supervision before, during, and after osteodistraction. Long-term cephalometric and clinical evaluation after a mean follow-up period of 24 months in the intraoral distraction group (range 22-26) and 12 months in the extraoral distraction group (range 10-14) show stable results concerning the skeletal and dental relations. Long-term follow-up is necessary.     

The anatomy of the palpebral branch of the infraorbital artery relating to midface lift

The aim of this study was to elucidate a branch of the infraorbital artery (IOA) crossing the arcus marginalis into the orbit that might be vulnerable during a procedure of midface lift or fat sliding or a transposition in lower blepharoplasty.Eleven orbits of 6 Korean cadavers were dissected after injecting red latex into the external carotid artery. The IOA and nerve were identified. A branch of the IOA running upward was traced. In 28 cases of blow-out fracture, a branch of the IOA crossing the arcus marginalis into the orbit was identified, and the location was measured from each medial and lateral canthus.The palpebral branch of the IOA (PIOA) emerged from the infraorbital foramen and ran superior and lateral to the orbital septum. After passing through the orbital septum near the arcus marginalis, PIOA was distributed to the orbital fat. The palpebral branch of the IOA was identified in 21 (75.0%) of 28 fractured orbits. Twenty orbits had 1 PIOA, and 1 orbit had 2 PIOAs. The location of PIOA from the medial canthus (49.0%) was approximately half of the eye width in average. Most of the PIOAs (91%, 20 of 22 arteries found) were included in the range of 40% to 80% of the eye width from the medial canthus.Knowledge of the anatomic course of the PIOA crossing the arcus marginalis is conducive to cauterizing the vessels, as needed, in the subciliary or transconjunctival approach for lower blepharoplasty.     

Dental implants and onlay bone grafts in the anterior maxilla: analysis of clinical outcome

PURPOSE: Loss of alveolar bone in the anterior maxilla may preclude implant placement or compromise positioning and thus diminish the final esthetic result of the restoration. Bone augmentation can overcome such difficulties but may affect osseointegration. The aim of this study was to report the outcome of buccal onlay bone grafting in the anterior maxilla in routine dental implant practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventeen consecutive patients (12 men and 5 women, mean age 31.4 years) received autogenous bone grafts from the mandibular symphysis to the anterior maxilla. A total of 35 Br?nemark System MK II implants were placed in grafted bone. RESULTS: Fifteen patients had a mean period of graft consolidation of 19.7 weeks (range 13 to 32 weeks). Two patients had simultaneous graft and implant placement; 1 implant failed to Integrate in this group. This represents a survival rate of 97.1% of implants in functional loading after a mean follow-up period of 153.6 weeks from occlusal loading (range 74 to 283 weeks). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Mandibular block onlay grafts appear to be a predictable method for augmenting the width of the anterior maxilla prior to implant placement.     

Distraction osteogenesis of the maxilla and midface using a subcutaneous device: report of four cases

The use of distraction osteogenesis in the hypoplastic maxilla and midface is still controversial. Since the beginning of 1998, 25 patients have been treated with osteodistraction techniques for various reasons. Among them were four patients who were treated by high LeFort I osteotomies and insertion of a newly developed subcutaneous distraction device in the malar region. Distraction osteogenesis was successful in all four cases resulting in a mean sagittal bone gain of 12.0 mm (range 7-14) at the level of distractor fixation. All patients were kept under orthodontic supervision during osteodistraction. The final occlusal relation was satisfactory. Cephalometric measurements after distraction showed an anterior rotational movement of the midface region. As the question of relapse and further growth is still not clear, Delaire masks are used to stabilize the surgical result after removal of the distractor. The importance of long-term follow-up is stressed.     

Surgical correction of the midface in craniofacial microsomia. Part 1: A systematic review

Introduction

Mandibular reconstruction in craniofacial microsomia (CFM) has been described and reviewed at length although final results are not always (aesthetically) satisfactory due to maxillo-mandibular asymmetry, for which optimal correction techniques remain unclear. The aim of this systematic review is to provide an overview of the surgical options for maxillary correction in patients with unilateral CFM.

The use of outcome measures relating to the knee

Accurate outcomes assessment is one of the fundamental aspects of any reliable research. There are a vast number of outcome instruments currently available in orthopaedics. This plethora and diversity can lead to frustration when it comes to choosing the appropriate option. In this article we address the essential properties an outcome measure must possess, aiming to allow an informed selection of the most suitable instrument. We describe and illustrate key psychometric properties that are to be assessed when judging suitability of an instrument, such as validity, reliability and responsiveness. We also review some of the most commonly used and recommended outcome measures available in regard to different knee pathologies. With no intention of recommending a specific option, we briefly outline advances and shortcomings of named instruments.     

Hydroxylapatite alveolar ridge reconstruction: clinical experiences, complications, and technical modifications

Results of the reconstruction of 228 deficient alveolar ridges (208 patients) using hydroxylapatite with or without autogenous cancellous bone over a six-year period are reported. Complications included erosion, mental nerve neuropathy, migration and displacement of particles, overfill, and loose material. Modified techniques are presented that minimize the occurrence of these complications in Class III and IV ridge-deficient patients.     

Surgical orthodontics and the temporomandibular joint. I. Superior repositioning of the maxilla

Ten randomly selected adults who had undergone orthodontic treatment and isolated superior repositioning of the maxilla for vertical maxillary excess (VME) were evaluated clinically and radiographically (mean, 48.7 months postsurgery) for signs and symptoms of masticatory and temporomandibular joint dysfunction. The patients ranged from 18 years to 37 years of age (mean, 26.2 years) when evaluated. A three-part evaluation of the subjects was performed. This consisted of an anamnestic evaluation (previous medical history), a clinical examination, and a radiographic evaluation. The anamnestic evaluation revealed that, prior to surgery, facial pain was reported by one patient and was not present in any of the patients upon follow-up examination. We believed that the pain was not related to the masticatory musculature and/or the temporomandibular joint. No patients reported pain or sounds in their joints preoperatively, while 30 percent (3/10) of the patients related a history of temporomandibular joint sounds immediately after release of intermaxillary fixation, which subsequently was reported to have resolved in all instances without treatment. Clinical examination of the temporomandibular joints at the time of recall evaluated mandibular movements and the presence of pain or sounds during joint function. These examinations revealed that clinical measures of mandibular movements were somewhat reduced relative to normal. All patients were free of temporomandibular joint and masticatory muscle pain during function, upon contralateral masticatory loading, and upon palpation. Fifteen percent (3/20) of the joints examined demonstrated sounds (popping or crepitation) via auscultation. Masticatory loading in the contralateral premolar region did not induce noise in any of the joints examined. Cephalometric laminagraphic radiographs were obtained of each of the twenty temporomandibular joints with the mandible in three positions; maximum intercuspation, mandibular rest position, and maximal opening. Numerous anatomic relations were quantified from these radiographs. However, only three parameters (condylar position, movement, and evidence of arthrosis) were compared to normative data available in the literature. These comparative data suggested that persons who had undergone orthodontic treatment in conjunction with superior maxillary repositioning demonstrated (1) a relatively retropositional condyle within the fossa and (2) reduced condylar movement during maximal mandibular opening. Two of twenty temporomandibular joints demonstrated radiographic evidence of arthrosis; one condyle demonstrated articular surface erosions, and another exhibited articular surface sclerosis. The overall incidence of arthrosis was not much greater than normal, with 20 percent (4/20) of the joints demonstrating a reduced interarticular joint space. Overall, the clinical findings revealed a low incidence of pathologic masticatory muscle and temporomandibular joint symptoms and signs compared to normative data in the literature...     

Surgical anatomy of the submental artery perforator flap and assessment for application in postoperative reconstruction following oral cancer surgery: a prospective clinical study

The submental artery perforator flap (SMAPF) has an elongated pedicle, allowing good cosmetic outcomes to be achieved following oral reconstruction surgery. The improper dissection of perforators often leads to a vascular flap crisis. To avoid this, some surgeons choose to carry amounts of connective tissue around the pedicle. However the inclusion of connective tissue on the pedicle raises concerns about oncological safety. A surgical anatomical study of the submental vessel patterns and subdivisions of the cervical level I lymph nodes was conducted on 33 patients with primary oral cancer who underwent reconstruction with a SMAPF after tumour resection. The variations in vessels and cervical level I lymph nodes observed during SMAPF harvesting were recorded and analyzed. Two patterns of submental artery perforators and three patterns of submental veins were identified. The different characteristics of the lymph node distribution were elucidated for five subdivisions. All SMAPFs survived (n = 33, 100%); however, two SMAPFs exhibited partial losses. The 3-year survival rate of patients was 84.5 ± 6.4%, and there were no suspected flap-related recurrences. With detailed anatomical information on the vascular system and lymph node subdivision, SMAPFs are a reliable choice for postoperative reconstruction following oral cancer surgery, meeting the standards for oncological safety.     

Gangrenous stomatitis (cancrum oris): clinical features, etiologic factors, and complications.

Gangrenous stomatitis (cancrum oris) is a lesion involving the orofacial structures that is primarily seen in areas where the socioeconomic standards are low and there is poor hygiene. The general clinical features, associated etiologic factors, and ensuing complications in eight consecutive cases diagnosed between 1991 and 1995 are presented and discussed.     

Prosthodontic guidelines for surgical reconstruction of the maxilla: a classification system of defects.

Surgical reconstruction of maxillectomy defects has been described as an alternative to prosthetic rehabilitation to close the oral cavity. Advancements in microvascular surgical techniques require comprehensive treatment planning guidelines for functional rehabilitation. This retrospective study evaluated acquired maxillectomy defects after surgical reconstruction and/or prosthodontic rehabilitation in an attempt to establish surgical and prosthodontic guidelines that could be organized into a classification system. Forty-seven consecutive patient treatments of palatomaxillary reconstruction at a single facility, The Mount Sinai Medical Center (New York, N.Y.), were reviewed. All patients were rehabilitated with a tissue-borne obturator, a local advancement flap, a fasciocutaneous free flap, or a vascularized bone-containing free flap. Palatomaxillary defects were divided into 3 major classes and 2 subclasses. The aim of this defect-oriented classification system was to organize and define the complex nature of the restorative decision-making process for the maxillectomy patient.     

Two-stage maxillary distraction osteogenesis using a modified external device: clinical outcome and complications

Rigid external distraction is currently used to correct severe maxillary hypoplasia. The purpose of this retrospective study was to present the clinical results and complications of a two-stage surgical approach using a modified external distraction system that consists of maxillary distraction and then maxillary fixation. We treated eight patients with cleft lip and palate in this way from 2016 to 2018. Lateral cephalograms taken before the first operation, after distraction, two weeks after the second operation, and one year after treatment were used to examine maxillofacial morphology. Velopharyngeal function was evaluated by a speech therapist. The mean movements of the maxilla forwards and downwards at Point A were 12.0 mm and 8.0 mm at the completion of distraction and those at Point B were 5.0 mm backwards and 9.7 mm downwards. Mouth opening was limited at this time, and was relieved after maxillary fixation. The mean relapse one year postoperatively was 24.3% horizontally and 52.5% vertically. Velopharyngeal function was unchanged by the operation. We conclude that the method has advantages that include the short duration of wearing distractors and increased acceptance by patients. The modified external device advanced the midface sufficiently.     

Complex midface reconstruction: maximizing contour and bone graft survival utilizing periosteal free flaps

Midfacial bone and soft tissue defects present a unique challenge because they require a complex arrangement of tissues in a relatively limited space. This may be difficult to achieve with free osteocutaneous flaps. The use of bone grafts allows greater flexibility in reconstruction but is limited by graft resorption. This is the report of midface reconstruction using a large iliac crest graft covered with a radial forearm free fascioperiosteal flap to augment graft survival. Histopathology and patient follow-up evaluation are presented demonstrating viable bone throughout the graft at biopsy 4 months postoperatively.     

Implant reconstruction of the bone-grafted maxilla: review of the literature and presentation of 8 cases.

PURPOSE: This study prospectively investigates the long-term success of iliac crest bone grafting and the secondary placement of osseointegrated implants in reconstructing maxillae with severely reduced bone mass. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight consecutive patients (7 women, 1 man), aged 18 to 69 (mean, 49.6), were treated by augmentation of their maxillae with corticocancellous autogenous iliac bone blocks. Forty-one Branemark implants of 7 to 15 mm in length and 3.75 mm in diameter were placed after a minimum delay of 6 months. Bone healing, maintenance of bone height, and implant stability were measured by clinical examination and radiographic control. RESULTS: One patient was lost to follow-up at 24 months after delivery of the prosthesis and one was lost at 75 months. The average duration of follow-up after loading of the implants was 90.5 months, and the longest was 154 months. Thirty-four of 41 (83%) of the implants survived to the end of the observation period. Four of 6 implants that failed were 7 mm in length and the other 2 were 10 mm in length. One 10-mm implant was "slept" because of poor positioning. All prostheses survived. There was one significant gingival infection that resulted in loss of 1.5 mm of bone after which the implant remained stable. None of the other implants were associated with crestal bone loss of more than 0.5 mm for the duration of this study. CONCLUSIONS: Delayed placement of osseointegrated implants in maxillae augmented by iliac bone grafts is predictable and successful in the long term.