Open versus closed treatment for unilateral mandibular extra-capsular condylar fractures: A meta-analysis

PurposeTo compare the functional outcomes between open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and closed reduction (CR) for unilateral mandibular extra-capsular condylar fractures in patients over 12 years old.Materials and methodsA comprehensive electronic search of PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library databases was conducted up to October 31, 2018. The evaluated functional outcomes included malocclusion, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, protrusion, laterotrusion, maximum inter-incisal opening and lateral deviation during maximum inter-incisal opening.ResultsFourteen studies appeared to meet the inclusion criteria. Statistically significant differences between ORIF and CR treatment were observed for the outcomes of malocclusion (P = 0.001), maximum inter-incisal opening (P = 0.0008), lateral deviation during maximum inter-incisal opening (P = 0.007) and laterotrusion (P < 0.0001), but not for the outcomes of protrusion (P = 0.33) and TMJ pain (P = 0.29).ConclusionsORIF treatment of unilateral mandibular extra-capsular condylar fractures provides better functional outcomes in comparison to CR treatment with regard to occlusion, maximum inter-incisal opening, lateral deviation during maximum inter-incisal opening and laterotrusion, whereas there was no statistically significant difference between ORIF and CR group with regard to protrusion and TMJ pain.     

Patient-centred outcomes and dental implant placement in computer-aided free flap mandibular reconstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Computerised surgical planning (CSP) and computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) have been demonstrated to increase surgical accuracy and reduce operative time in free flap mandibular reconstruction, but evidence is lacking as to their impact on patient-centred outcomes. Implant-supported dental prostheses, however, have been associated with improved quality of life outcomes following free flap mandibular reconstruction. We aim to review reported patient-centred outcomes in mandibular reconstruction with CSP and CAD/CAM and determine whether use of these technologies is associated with higher rates of dental implant placement following free flap mandibular reconstruction. On December 20, 2020, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to PRISMA guidelines for studies reporting quality of life, functional outcomes, and rates of dental implant placement in computer-aided free flap mandibular reconstruction. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to compare dental implant placement rates between surgeries using CSP and those using conventional freehand techniques. A total of 767 articles were screened. Nine articles reporting patient-centred outcomes and 16 articles reporting dental implant outcomes were reviewed. Of those reporting dental implant outcomes, five articles, representing a total of 302 cases, were included in the meta-analysis. Use of CSP was associated with a significant increase in the likelihood of dental implant placement, with an odds ratio of 2.70 (95% CI 1.52 to 4.79, p = 0.0007). Standardised reporting methods and controlled studies are needed to further investigate the impact of CSP and CAD/CAM technologies on functional outcomes and patient-reported quality of life in free flap mandibular reconstruction. Use of CSP and CAD/CAM technologies is associated with higher rates of dental implant placement in patients undergoing free flap mandibular reconstruction when compared to conventional freehand techniques.     

Radiographic evaluation in three dimensions of condylar fractures with closed treatment in children and adolescents

The study aimed at investigating a new three-dimensional classification of healing morphology in condylar fractures in children and adolescents after closed treatment, and establish its association with fracture type and clinical outcomes.The medical records of children and adolescents with condylar fracture were reviewed, retrospectively. The clinical outcomes were assessed by mandibular deviation during mouth opening, Helkimo anamnestic index (Ai), and Helkimo clinical dysfunction index (Di). The condylar healing morphology was evaluated through three-dimensional CT images after 1–2 years of follow-up.In total, 96 patients with 142 condylar fracture sites were included in the study. Condylar healing morphology was classified into three main patterns: unchanged (21.13%), spherical (62.68%), and irregular (16.19% — including the three subtypes triangular, L-shaped, and Y-shaped). There was a significant difference in the distribution of the three main healing patterns among various fracture types (p = 0.0227). Irregular patterns occurred more frequently in adolescents than in children. In unilateral fractures, no obvious association was found between condylar healing morphology and clinical outcomes, including mandibular deviation during mouth opening (p = 0.162), Ai (p = 0.0991) and Di (p = 0.25). Most patients healing in different condylar patterns reached a good clinical outcome after 1–2 years.Although the healing morphology of condylar fractures in children and adolescents remained abnormal, good clinical outcome was achieved over the 2-year follow-up. Therefore, closed treatment remains a good approach.     

Suprafoveal condylar arthroplasty in unilateral disc displacement without reduction – A retrospective study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of suprafoveal condylar arthroplasty (SFCA) in the management of patients with unilateral temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc displacement without reduction (DDWoR). A retrospective study comprising patients who underwent unilateral SFCA for clinically and radiologically confirmed unilateral DDWoR from 2008 to 2020 was conducted. Patients older than 18 years at the time of diagnosis with a minimum of 6 months of unsuccessful non-surgical and minimally invasive management (including diet and life style modification, physiotherapy, appliance therapy, pharmacotherapy, arthrocentesis and arthroscopic lysis and lavage) before undergoing surgery with a minimum of 1 year follow-up post-surgery were included in the study. Patients with other articular and extra-articular causes of restricted mouth opening, prior history of mandibular surgery and/or trauma, growth abnormalities, systemic, metabolic, infective, neoplastic conditions affecting TMJ, including gross occlusal disharmony, untreated existing para-functional habits and bilateral DDWoR, were excluded from the study. Patients were assessed in terms pain on a visual analog scale (VAS), interincisal mouth opening (MO) and subjective assessment of mandibular range of movements including deviation of mouth opening, protrusion and ability for contralateral laterotrusion. 23 patients (10 males and 13 female) were included in the study, with a mean age of 35.09 years and mean follow up period of 37.7 months (range = 12–58; SD = 15.3). The mean pain scores on the VAS reduced from 6.35 preoperatively to 1.13 postoperatively and were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.0001). The improvement of the mean pre-operative mouth opening of 21.83 mm to a mean post-operative mouth opening of 42.09 mm was also found to be statistically significant (p < 0.0001). The subjective improvement in protrusive (p = 0.0003), laterotrusive (p = 0.0005) and opening movements (p = 0.0001) after 1 year were also found to be statistically significant. No patient developed any significant changes in occlusion post-operatively. Four of 23 (17.3%) patients developed transient neuromotor deficit of the temporal branch of the facial nerve. Within the limitations of the study, it seems that SFCA (without addressing the disc) might be an alternative to less invasive treatment approaches, if the latter turned out not to be successful.     

Functional outcomes following surgical treatment of bilateral mandibular condylar fractures

Debate continues regarding unilateral or bilateral treatment for mandibular condylar fractures. This retrospective study evaluates the functional outcomes of bilateral condylar process fractures after surgical intervention. From May 1994 to December 2004, 51 adult patients with bilateral mandibular condylar process fractures were studied. There were 33 cases of bilateral condylar fractures (type I); 12 cases of condylar-subcondylar fractures (type II); and six cases of bilateral subcondylar fractures (type III). All patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation. Four patients had chin deviation, six had malocclusion, three had poor chewing function and eight had limited mouth opening. Type I patients had a significantly higher incidence of limited mouth opening (P = 0.039) and associated maxillary fractures (n = 12) and psychiatric disease (n = 6) which yielded significantly poor functional outcomes. Complications included transient facial paresis (n = 4), fracture and loosening of postoperative plates (n = 3) and surgical wound infections (n = 2). Open reduction with rigid fixation for bilateral condylar fractures provided satisfactory functional outcomes in this study. Concomitant maxillary fractures and underlying psychiatric problems are poor outcome factors. Aggressive rehabilitation in the first 9 months is important for early functional recovery.     

Bone volume change following vascularized free bone flap reconstruction of the mandible

BackgroundBone volume changes following vascularized bone flaps and possible confounding factors over time are described in the literature with some controversy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bone volume behavior of two frequently used free flaps.Materials and methodsComputed tomography (CT) scans were examined with regard to bone volume using the software program ITK-SNAP for all patients who required mandibular reconstruction with a free fibula flap (FFF, conventionally vs assisted by computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM)) or iliac crest flap (DCIA) following mandibular resection because of benign or malign processes, between August 2010 and August 2015. Clinical data, complication rates, and CT scans were analyzed retrospectively. Additionally, complication rates (microvascular revision, flap loss, postoperative fistula or dehiscence, and postoperative bone exposure) were compared within early (≤30 days), late (31st–100th day), and overall (≤100th day) postoperative time intervals.Results113 cases, comprizing 89 FFF and 24 DCIA cases, were included. FFF showed superior bone volume behavior over the DCIA flap. Multivariable regression models assessed the relationships between the following and bone volume behavior: interval between operation and CT scan (p < 0.683), age (p = 0.004), gender (p = 0.006), BMI (p = 0.400), adjuvant radiation therapy (p = 0.334), reconstruction with DCIA flap (p < 0.0001), number of segments (p = 0.02), and incidence of dental implant insertion (p = 0.45).ConclusionsThe bone volume of FFFs remains stable. DCIA flaps show a higher bone volume reduction, but the postoperative course might be associated with fewer complications. Time interval between operation and CT scan, age, gender, reconstruction with DCIA flap, and number of fibula segments contributed significantly to bone volume behavior.     

个体化钛金属修复体即刻修复下颌骨缺损的临床应用

目的:探讨一种基于CT三维重建及计算机辅助设计和制造技术(CAD/CAM)的个体化下颌骨即刻重建的方法。方法:术前在CT扫描并三维重建基础上,应用计算机辅助制造技术制作个体化钛金属假体,为6例因下颌骨造釉细胞瘤而接受一侧下颌骨截骨术患者进行了即刻下颌骨重建手术,观察术后面部外型、咬合关系以及开口度。结果:所有手术均按照术前设计一次成功完成假体植入,创口全部一期愈合,外形恢复良好,咬合关系正常,4例张口度达到3.5 cm.2例则出现中等程度的张口受限,张口度约2.0 cm,总体效果满意。结论:基于CT与计算机数字化处理辅助制作的个体化钛金属下颌骨假体即刻植入术,避免了自体骨移植带来的创伤和损失,可修复一侧下颌骨较大的骨缺损,外形恢复好。     

Evaluation of the efficacy of celecoxib and ibuprofen on postoperative pain,swelling, and mouth opening after surgical removal of impacted third molars: a randomized,controlled clinical trial

The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of celecoxib and ibuprofen in reducing postoperative sequelae following the surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars. Ninety-eight subjects who needed surgical extraction of an impacted mandibular third molar were selected for the study. All subjects were randomly allocated to receive one of the following treatments twice a day for 5 days after surgery: placebo (n = 32), ibuprofen (n = 33), or celecoxib (n = 33). The primary outcome chosen was postoperative pain, which was evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS) score recorded by each patient. The secondary outcomes chosen were changes in postoperative swelling and maximum mouth opening values compared to preoperative ones. Compared to placebo, treatment with celecoxib and ibuprofen resulted in improvements in the primary outcome. Furthermore, when compared to the other groups, patients in the celecoxib group showed a significant reduction in postoperative pain scores at 6 h (P < 0.001), 12 h (P = 0.011), and 24 h (P = 0.041) after surgery. Regarding swelling and maximum mouth opening values, there were no significant differences between the groups at each follow-up session. This study demonstrated that treatment with celecoxib decreased the incidence and severity of postoperative pain following third molar surgery compared to ibuprofen and placebo.     

Long-term outcomes after treatment of condylar fracture by intraoral access: a functional and radiologic assessment.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to investigate radiographic and functional long-term results after condylar fractures have been reduced by an exclusively intraoral surgical approach. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 25 (21 male, 4 female) consecutive patients with 30 condylar process fractures were retrospectively investigated. Clinical follow-up was performed in 19 patients (16 male, 3 female) with a total of 24 fractures. Median postoperative follow-up time was 19.7 months. Surgical indications followed specific parameters of fracture localization, dislocation, and ramus shortening. All patients were examined in accordance with the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Dysfunction (RDC/TMD) and the Helkimo Index. Orthopantomograms (OPGs) were analyzed with use of the condylar morphologic scale (CMS), and mandibular ramus position and height were measured. RESULTS: Fractures were classified as condylar neck (n = 2) and basis fractures (n = 28), according to criteria of the Strasbourg Osteosynthesis Research Group (SORG). Mean age of patients was 33 years (standard deviation [SD], 13 yr). RDC/TMD measurements at follow-up showed a mean mouth opening of 48 mm (SD, 9), mandibular laterotrusion right of 11 mm (SD, 3.8), laterotrusion left of 10 mm (SD, 4.5), and protrusion with a mean of 5.83 mm (SD, 3). No joint clicking, weakness of the facial nerve, or joint or muscular pain was observed. Statistical analysis of the CMS showed significantly better postoperative ramus height (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Reduction achieved by this technique allows reconstruction of anatomic ramus height in combination with excellent functional results.     

Three-dimensional morphological analysis of neocondyle bone growth after fibula free flap reconstruction

The aim of this retrospective study was to verify the three-dimensional morphological change in neocondyle bone growth after fibula free flap (FFF) reconstruction. The independent variables were age, sex, and diagnosis. Outcome variables included the direction and volume of neocondyle bone growth, and the time to a stable neocondyle following bone growth. The outcome variables were measured on postoperative computed tomography scans using iPlan 3.0. Of the 35 patients included, 25 showed neocondyle bone growth. The direction of neocondyle bone growth included the direction of lateral pterygoid traction (DLPT) and the direction towards the glenoid fossa (DGF). The bone growth of the neocondyle showed three patterns: only DLPT (eight patients), only DGF (two patients), and a combination of DLPT and DGF (15 patients). The average volume of bone growth in the 25 patients was 0.479 ± 0.380 cm³. The average volume of neocondyle bone growth was significantly greater in patients aged <18 years (0.746 ± 0.346 cm³) than in patients aged >18 years (0.219 ± 0.191 cm³) (P < 0.001). The time to a stable neocondyle following bone growth was 5.6 months postoperatively. In conclusion, neocondyle bone growth after FFF reconstruction occurred in two different directions, DLPT and DGF. Osteogenesis of the lateral pterygoid muscle affects neocondyle growth with DLPT. Neocondyle bone growth is more marked in paediatric patients than in adults.     

Retrospective comparison of autogenous cosotochondral graft and coronoid process graft in the management of unilateral ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint in adults

We retrospectively compared the clinical outcomes of autogenous coronoid process grafts (n = 32) and costochondral grafts (n = 28) in condylar reconstruction for the treatment of unilateral ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in adults. Preoperative and postoperative assessments included diet scores, cone-beam computed tomography (CT), maximal interincisal opening, lateral excursion, and mandibular deviation on opening the mouth. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in the measurements before and after the operation with respect to incisal opening, lateral excursion, mandibular deviation, diet scores, or recurrence rate, but in both the postoperative incisal opening, lateral excursion, and diet scores had improved significantly compared with preoperatively. After costochondral graft 3 patients developed intraoperative plural tears, and 6 had temporary pain at the donor site. The frontal branch of the facial nerve was temporarily affected in 5 patients after costochondral graft and 3 after coronoid process grafts, all of which recovered in 3–6 months. There was no recurrence after coronoid process grafting, and one after costochondral grafting. The clinical outcomes in both groups were satisfactory and comparable. Autogenous coronoid process grafting may therefore be a good alternative for condylar reconstruction in patients with ankylosis of the TMJ.     

Condylar reconstruction by oblique sliding vertical-ramus osteotomy.

INTRODUCTION: The posterior border of the mandibular ramus can be used as a pedicled graft for reconstruction of the condyle. This article describes a technique that is better in certain situations than the use of other autogenous grafts or alloplastic materials. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Three adult patients, two with osteochondroma and one with hyperplasia were treated by condylectomy and simultaneous reconstruction with the pedicled posterior mandibular border. A meticulous oblique osteotomy and reinsertion of the lateral pterygoid muscle was performed. RESULTS: In all three cases an immediate mouth opening with stable occlusion was achieved. The interincisal opening was more than 40 mm after 3 weeks, with a deviation no greater than 4mm towards the affected side. All excursive movements were present in all directions, and correction of the facial asymmetry was achieved. There was no T.M.J. pain and all patients expressed satisfaction during the follow-up of 56 months (average). An adequate remodelling of the neocondyle without resorption as well as a stable occlusion was observed in every case. CONCLUSION: Reconstruction of the condyle by sliding vertical-oblique ramus osteotomy provides, in cases of condylar tumours, excellent functional and cosmetic results.     

Accuracy of CAD/CAM mandibular reconstruction: A three-dimensional,fully virtual outcome evaluation method

Purpose

Computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) methods for mandibular reconstruction have improved both functional and morphological results. We evaluated the accuracy of the CAD/CAM method for mandibular reconstruction and assessed the quantitative and qualitative reproducibility of virtual preoperative planning.

Continuity defects of the mandible: Comparison of three techniques for osseous reconstruction and their impact on implant loading

Computer-aided design/manufacturing (CAD/CAM) is now widely used, but whether it can help to overcome complications in mandibular reconstruction and accelerate dental implantation is still a matter for debate. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the benefits of this technique using vascularized iliac crest or fibula flaps in mandibular reconstruction, with respect to the time between reconstruction and implantation, and the ratio of planned to inserted implants. We reviewed retrospectively the records of 54 patients who underwent mandibular reconstructions between 2012 and 2016, and included in our study the last 10 cases representing each of the following groups: iliac crest flap with CAD/CAM (Group 1); fibula flap with CAD/CAM (Group 2); and fibula flap without CAD/CAM (Group 3). Groups 1 (p = 0.045) and 2 (p = 0.034) showed significantly shorter delays when compared with Group 3. Significant differences in average counts of implants placed were also found between Group 1 and Groups 2 (p = 0.04) and 3 (p = 0.019). The ratio of planned to placed implants was highest in Group 1. The observed differences between Group 1 and Groups 2 (p = 0.04) and 3 (p = 0.019) were significant. Our results indicate an accelerating effect of CAD/CAM on graft consolidation and dental rehabilitation.     

3D planning in mandibular fractures using CAD/CAM surgical splints — A prospective randomized controlled clinical trial

This randomized controlled trial assessed the role of CAD/CAM splints in achieving anatomic reduction of fractured fragments and ideal occlusion, in comparison with conventional splints.Patients diagnosed with displaced mandibular fracture and post-traumatic malocclusion were allocated to study and control groups by simple randomization. A standardized surgical approach was followed to expose the fractures. Reduction of fractures was carried out using CAD/CAM and conventional splints in the study and control groups, respectively. The parameters assessed were: occlusion, interfragmentary separation, fit of the splint, patient comfort, and surgeon comfort. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare the study and control groups. To compare the groups pre- and post-intervention Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used. Chi-square tests were applied for proportion comparisons. The sample consisted of 30 patients.The study group demonstrated superior clinical outcomes with regards to intraoperative reduction of fracture (p < 0.001; mean – 3.93, SD – 1.43), and to achieving intraoperative occlusion (p = 0.483) and postoperative occlusion (p = 0.224). Statistically significant improvements in both patient comfort (p < 0.001; mean – 0.20, SD – 0.41) and surgeon comfort (p < 0.001) were found in the study group. In conclusion, CAD/CAM splints improve precision in fracture reduction and restoration of occlusion through a simple fabrication process.     

Comparison between computer-guided and freehand dental implant placement surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The purpose of this systematic review was to compare computer-guided (fully guided) and freehand implant placement surgery in terms of marginal bone loss, complications, and implant survival. This review followed the PRISMA guidelines and was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42019135893). Two independent investigators performed the search of the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases for studies published up to April 2020 and identified 1508 references. After a detailed review, only four studies were considered eligible. These studies involved a total of 154 patients with 597 dental implants and a mean follow-up period of 2.25 years. There was no difference between computer-guided surgery and freehand surgery in terms of the marginal bone loss (mean difference ?0.11 mm, 95% confidence interval (CI) ?0.27 to 0.04 mm; P = 0.16), mechanical complications (risk ratio (RR) 0.85, 95% CI 0.36–2.04; P = 0.72), biological complications (RR 1.56, 95% CI 0.42–5.74; P = 0.51), and implant survival rate (RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.11–2.43; P = 0.41). This meta-analysis demonstrated that both computer-guided and freehand surgeries yielded similar results for marginal bone loss, mechanical and biological complications, and implant survival rate.     

腓骨肌(皮)瓣平行折叠结合人工关节重建下颌骨缺损

目的:采用腓骨肌(皮)瓣平行折叠技术改善单段腓骨重建下颌骨所致的高度不足,并结合人工关节重建下颌骨大型缺损。方法:对13例下颌骨大型节段性缺损患者,采用腓骨肌(皮)瓣平行折叠技术重建。术前均采用CAD/CAM技术制作个体化头模、设计腓骨修复的位置及高度。根据缺损部位,分别采用下颌体平行折叠或部分平行折叠,对缺损累及下颌体、下颌支及髁突者,则结合人工关节一并修复。结果:移植腓骨肌(皮)瓣全部成活,下肢供区无并发症。面部外形满意,开口度2.5～3.5cm,重建下颌骨的高度低于健侧,在-0.3～1.5cm之间,平均0.47cm,种植义齿与余留牙咬合关系正常、发音清晰。复查全景片及三维CT,显示腓骨骨段的位置和高度与术前设计一致,髁突或人工关节位于关节窝内。结论:腓骨肌(皮)瓣平行折叠技术及结合人工关节为重建半侧下颌骨大型缺损,以及增加其高度提供了一种较为简单可行、效果良好的修复手段。建议在主要承担咀嚼功能的颏部和体部行平行折叠植骨,在非承担咀嚼功能的下颌支,则使用人工材料。