Surgical management of mandibular condylar fractures in adults in France, 2005

INTRODUCTION: The authors had for aim to present the latest trends in the surgical management of mandibular condylar fractures in France, in 2005. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred maxillofacial surgeons were questioned on the surgical management of condylar fractures and indications. Results were presented at the 41st Congress of Stomatology and Maxillofacial surgery. RESULTS: The overall reply rate was 70%. Condylar fractures are generally managed in teaching hospitals. Open reduction and fixation was deemed appropriate in low subcondylar fractures in 76% of the cases, in 10% for diacapitular fractures. Therapeutic details and indications were a matter of huge variability. DISCUSSION: This survey highlighted the absence of any consensus as far as condylar fractures are concerned. It seems that the higher the fractures are, the lesser they are approached.     

Complications in surgical treatment of malocclusions. Report of 50 years experience]

BACKGROUND: During the past few decades, orthognathic surgery has become routine in oral and maxillofacial surgery. As these surgical interventions are elective, the goal is a low complication rate. The aim of this study was to analyze the intraoperative and postoperative complications after orthognathic surgery without considering orthodontic relapse. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The medical files of 507 patients were reviewed who had been treated in the department of oral maxillofacial surgery at the Martin-Luther-Universit?t in Halle-Wittenberg during a period of 51 years. The indication for orthognathic surgery was mandibular hyperplasia in 314 cases (61.9%), mandibular hypoplasia in 69 cases (13.6%), mandibular hyperplasia with a frontal open bite in 53 cases (10.5%), maxillary hyperplasia with a cleft in 30 cases (5.9%), maxillary hyperplasia in 22 cases (4.3%), severe laterognathia in 10 cases (2.1%), and isolated frontal open bite in 9 cases (1.5%). The surgical procedures were as follows: bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (n = 336, 66%), Le Fort I osteotomy (n = 29, 5.9%), bimaxillary osteotomy (n = 35, 6.3%), and segment osteotomy (n = 107, 21.1%). Rigid fixation was used in 147 patients. RESULTS: In 55% of the patients a postoperative neurosensory deficit of the inferior alveolar nerve was observed, which was only found in 28% after 1 year. Inflammatory wound healing was found in 5.3% of the patients. CONCLUSION: Due to antibiotic perioperative prophylaxis and modern rigid osteosynthesis devices, orthognathic surgery has become a routine method in maxillofacial surgery with predictable surgical results.     

Focus on the effect of orthognathic surgery on condylar remodeling

Condylar remodeling is a physiologic process that aims to adapt the structure of the temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) to meet the functional demands. It is based on an interaction between the mechanical forces sustained by the TMJ and the adaptative capacities of the condyle. Orthognathic surgery can sometimes be responsible for an excessive physical stress to the articular surfaces. In these cases, normal functional condylar remodelling shifts to the process of progressive condylar resorption. Effect of orthognathic surgery on condylar remodeling is a poorly understood and controversial issue. It is however considered as an etiology of postoperative skeletal relapse following orthognathic surgery. Based on two case reports, etiopathogenic hypotheses of this process are discussed as well as predisposing factors to condylar resorption following orthognathic surgery.     

Is condylar resorption a contra-indication for surgery?

INTRODUCTION: Idiopathic condylar resorption, often fortuitously discovered when performing orthodontic-surgical assessment, is a clinical entity in itself. There is a significant risk of postoperative degenerating and worsening. Is this sufficient to contra-indicate orthognathic surgery? The authors suggest an answer after studying a series of patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective study of 10 consecutive patients was made from July 1999 to October 2004. The preoperative assessment was triple: clinical, radiological and photographic. At least 6 months of occlusal, radiological and morphological stability was observed before any therapy was initiated. A fixed orthodontic set-up was placed and patients were regularly followed by a speech therapist for parafunctions. Stability of the occlusal correction, acquisition of a more harmonious aesthetic profile, and resolution of joint symptomatology were used to define therapeutic success at one year. RESULTS: All patients were female. Resorption affected the mandibular side of the joint in all cases and the temporal side in 7 cases. Three types of osteotomies were performed: maxillary (N=1), mandibular (N=5), and bibasilar (N=4). Genioplasty was not systematic. Joint symptoms were resolved in all cases. Postoperative occlusion corresponded to the therapeutic project in 9 cases. All patients were aesthetically improved. DISCUSSION: Idiopathic condylar resorption is not a contra-indication for orthognathic surgery. However, this treatment requires meeting and respecting four principles: a minimal delay of 6 months of occlusal, radiological, and morphological stability, an adapted and meticulous surgical technique, early and prolonged parafunction therapy, and a close follow-up of the patients.     

Preoperative cephalometric simulation in orthodontic surgery]

The authors expand their method of cephalometric simulation, which was designed for maxillofacial surgeons performing orthognathic surgery. This method has been developed to make up for the insufficiencies of the usually available cephalometric simulations, ie. poor legibility and the lack of data that may be necessary for surgery. The authors only deal with CS on profile teleradiographs at the end of the orthodontic preparation. This method utilizes models cut out of colored polyester and representing the profile of the maxillary and mandible. All the possible movements of the skeletal parts can also be simulated and the analysis of their direction and amplitude is possible, as is, more importantly, the influence of vertical movements of the maxillary on the mandible due to the mandibular autorotation phenomenon. This method is essential to accurately assess the degree of differential impaction or egress of the mandible in the region of the incisors and of the molars, according to the accompanying movements of the mandible moving around the condyle. Examples illustrate the use of this simulation method in the various types of orthognathic surgery. Finally, the authors point out the limitations of the method and the complementary usefulness of anteroposterior cephalometric simulation and of gnathologic simulation on casts, in particular for osteotomies for the transverse direction and for asymmetria.     

Operative vs. konservative Therapie diakapitul?rer und hoher Kollumluxationsfrakturen

AIMS: At present the discussion about the correct management of high condylar and diacapitular fractures has been reopened. The aim of the present prospective study was to evaluate the role of condylar mobility, disk mobility, and vertical dimension regarding the postoperative functional outcome after open reduction and osteosynthesis compared to nonsurgical treatment. METHODS: Since 1993 a total of 130 high condylar and diacapitular fractures have been treated by open reduction and osteosynthesis. Thirty-nine subjects with 51 fractures classes V and VI according to Spiessl and Schroll (surgical treatment, ST) were assessed postoperatively (mean 24 months) including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and axiography. Sixteen conservatively treated fractures served as a reference (conservative treatment, CT). RESULTS: Surgically treated temporomandibular joints presented a better condylar mobility (11.4 mm after ST, 5.9 mm after CT) and a less remarked loss of vertical ramus height (1.6 mm after ST, 5.4 mm after CT). Conservatively treated high condylar fractures formed a nearthrosis with the articular eminence in an anteromedial malposition (x axis 6.9 mm, y axis 10.3 mm). Disk mobility was reduced in both groups (3.8 mm after CT, 5.8 mm after ST), with major interindividual variations after ST. Significant correlations were found in the surgically treated group between axiographic limitations and limitations of disk mobility (p < 0.01) or periarticular scar formations (p < 0.01). Helkimo indices after ST (31% symptom free, 67% light symptoms < 5 points) were clearly superior (p < 0.01) to conservative treatment, with 63% of the subjects presenting craniomandibular symptoms > 5 points. CONCLUSIONS: According to the functional results observed, high condylar and diacapitular fractures will profit by open reduction and osteosynthesis. Only effective surgical procedures can preserve both disk mobility and vertical ramus height.     

Who is performing percutaneous tracheotomies? Practice patterns of surgeons in the USA

Tracheotomy is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in the ICU setting. Traditionally tracheotomy has been performed by otolaryngologists as well as general surgeons. While percutaneous tracheotomy (PT) has been available for some time, it has only recently gained widespread acceptance with the advent of convenient and safe kits. Over the past decade, there has been increased utilization of this technique. However, there is a relative reluctance of certain surgical specialties to perform and train residents in PT; a previous study identified that only 29% of otolaryngology head and neck surgery (OTO-HNS) departments in the USA perform PT. In this study we aim to investigate the trends of PT usage in general surgery training programs and compare them to those previously described in otolaryngology programs. The study design is multi-institution physician survey and the study method was a survey of 250 general surgery program directors. This survey was identical to a published survey of OTO-HNS and a head-to-head comparison of results was performed. The response rate was 53% (133 programs). 89% of general surgery programs performed open tracheotomy on a regular basis. 75% performed percutaneous tracheotomy on a regular basis. 79% use the Ciaglia Blue Rhino method. Simultaneous video bronchoscopy was used by 67%. 83% of general surgery residency programs train their residents in PT. 61% felt that PT was either safer than or equal to open tracheotomy. PT is performed in a majority of general surgery residency programs and taught to their trainees. This is in contrast to otolaryngology residency programs, which have been shown to prefer open tracheotomies in both practice and teaching. This trend may severely impact the skills of the next generation of otolaryngologists.     

Computerised three-dimensional surgical simulator. Introduction and precision analysis of a new system]

Computed tomography (CT)-based anatomic three-dimensional (3D) models have become important tools in oral maxillofacial surgery. There are three problems involved in the precise transfer of the experience gained and the results of simulation surgery to the patient: (1) 3D models have no precise reference points; (2) it is difficult to measure translations three-dimensionally; and (3) exact transfer to the patient intraoperatively is impossible. We have introduced a new system which solves these problems. In the first step 3D dental arches are replaced by plaster models, using an occlusal device with three radioopaque hemispheres as reference. A computerised electromagnetic tracker makes 3D measurements possible during simulated surgery, and a newly developed transfer system with a neurosurgical head frame to provide stable anchorage is used for positioning during surgery. We present our experience with this system in 15 orthognathic patients undergoing bimaxillary surgery. With the 3D computerised simulation surgery and model operation transfer system (3D-COSMOS) the dental arches can be replaced with a mean accuracy of 0.03 mm. The 3D translations of jaw segments can be measured precisely (0.11 mm) and simultaneously at the osteotomy line and the teeth. The new jaw position is transferred mechanically with a precision of 0.05 mm. Operation time is prolonged only by 15 min.     

Stabilit?t der Osteosynthese bei Gelenkwalzenfrakturen in Klinik und biomechanischer Simulation

BACKGROUND: Fractures of the condylar head are traditionally managed by closed techniques, despite a considerable rate of dysfunctional problems. PDS pin osteosynthesis (presented by Rasse 1992) via a preauricular approach failed to become established as a standard procedure due to a lack of stability. Alternatively, mini- or microplating, as performed in our patients (101 condylar head fractures between 1993 and 2000), showed high-grade limitations of translatory movements in about 30% due to scarification after loosening of osteosynthesis materials. The aim of this study was to establish an efficient procedure for achieving a functionally stable and atraumatic osteosynthesis. METHODS: For the definition of a suitable procedure, models of the mandible (standardized fractures, types A, B, and C) were osteosynthesized (six samples for each type of fracture and type of screw), each with three PDS pins, 2.0 mm resorbable, 2.0 cortical, 1.7 and 1.2 mm small fragment screws, and exposed to increasing loads in centric (0-20-35 mm opening) and eccentric (35 mm opening) condylar positions. A computerized biomechanical test stand allowed a dynamic simulation of chewing forces (16 hydraulic drives). The resulting fracture gaps were measured without contact by a motion capture system. RESULTS: Within physiological limits, only 1.7 small fragment and 2.0 mm cortical screws were able to bear occlusal loadings up to 200 N (1.2 mm small fragment screws up to 150 N, resorbable 2.0 mm screws up to 100 N, and PDS-pins up to 50 N). In a pullout experiment (condylar spongious bone of young pigs, aged 4-6 months), 1.7 mm small fragment screws showed superior retention. A consecutively developed small fragment screw-system has been applied clinically in 74 condylar head fractures (58 patients). After removal of osteosynthesis material, 41 of 49 TM joints have so far shown complete restitution. CONCLUSIONS: The newly developed osteosynthesis system using a retroauricular approach based on 1.7 mm small fragment screws makes maxillomandibular immobilization unnecessary. The extra-articular position of the screw heads prevents scar-induced articular limitations. Preexisting degenerative alterations of the TMJ soft tissues, however, will affect functional results adversely.     

Small fragment screws vs. plate osteosynthesis in condylar head fractures]

AIMS: This prospective study evaluates the outcome after osteosynthesis of condylar head fractures using 1.7 mm small fragment screws (2/2000 ff), which were selected according to a previous biomechanical trial to optimize condylar head traumatology. Clinical and functional results were compared to a group of fractures fixed mainly by mini- and microplates (1993-2000) and to a control group after conservative therapy with early functional training. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Functional values (axiography and MRI) regarding loss of vertical height, disk mobility, protrusive and translatory movements were assessed (a) in 34 of 83 condylar head fractures (groups V and VI according to Spiessl and Schroll, 22/69 subjects) managed by osteosynthesis with 1.7-mm small fragment screws (KFS), (b) a reference group (43/84 subjects) fixed mainly by mini- or microplates (PLO), comprising 56 of 101 fractures (1993-2000), and (c) 16 condylar head fractures after conservative therapy with early functional training (KT) as a control. RESULTS: In cases of small fragment screws, loss of vertical height (0.3 mm) was significantly reduced (p<0.01) in comparison to PLO (1.6 mm) and KT (6.9 mm). Disk mobility in KFS reached 90% of the non-fractured sides (NFS), thus clearly superior (p<0.01) to PLO (63% of NFS) and KT (40% of NFS). Translatory movements after KFS showed better results, too (p<0.05), with mediotrusion 84% and protrusion 80% of NFS. After PLO, mediotrusion was 62%, protrusion 71% of NFS, whereas KT showed only 53% (mediotrusion) and 56% (protrusion) of NFS. High-grade limitations of translatory movements presented in about 30% after PLO and <10% in KFS (p<0.01). Fragment displacements were found in <5% after small fragment screws, and in the plate osteosynthesis group in 15% (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Due to better stability and reduced articular scarification osteosynthesis with 1.7-mm small fragment screws in condylar head fractures showed clearly superior functional results compared to mini- and microplates, and to conservative therapy.     

The learning curve in stapes surgery and its implication to training

OBJECTIVE: To identify the stapedotomy learning curve of two U.K. otolaryngologists. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of the outcome of first 100 stapedotomy operations by each surgeon. Included in the study was a postal survey of the incidence of stapes surgery by U.K. otolaryngologists. SETTING: Two tertiary referral centers. PATIENTS: All ears in which primary stapedotomy was performed for otosclerosis. Nonotosclerotic cases and malleus stapedotomy cases were excluded. INTERVENTION: One surgeon used the technique of small fenestra stapedotomy with either a Teflon-wire or titanium piston but without vein graft interposition, whereas the second used the technique of stapedotomy with vein graft interposition and a Teflon piston. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A moving average with a window of 15 dB was used to plot learning curves for the postoperative air-bone gaps. Using a postoperative air-bone gap of 20 dB or better as a definition of 'success,' the success rates with the increase in surgical experience of both surgeons were plotted on graphs, the learning curves. The end point of the learning curve was defined as the point where the curve reached its peak, and the results were sustainable. RESULTS: There was no clear-cut end point in both learning curves, although it appears that there is a landmark point at 60 to 80 cases for both surgeons. Both surgeons also had one "dead ear" in their first 15 cases. The postal survey showed that some trainers only performed small numbers of stapes surgery, whereas some otolaryngologists who performed stapedotomies regularly were not trainers. CONCLUSIONS: The study supports a learning curve in stapes surgery. To maximize the training opportunity of trainee surgeons, it may be advisable for learning centers to form network to provide target training for the trainee who has demonstrated the necessary dexterity and temperament of an otologist.     

Transnasal endoscopic removal of bilateral postoperative maxillary cysts after aesthetic orthognathic ssurgery: Differences from that of Caldwell-Luc operations

Postoperative maxillary cysts (PMCs) after orthognathic surgery are a rare disease condition. In this study, we reported first case of bilateral PMCs after cosmetic orthognathic surgery which was treated via the intranasal endoscopic approach. In addition, we compared the characteristics of PMCs after aesthetic orthognathic surgery with those of PMCs after Caldwell-Luc operation. We expect that this case will be helpful to surgeons who encounter similar cases.     

Perception of maxillofacial surgery and stomatology in France

INTRODUCTION: The authors wanted to know how stomatology and maxillofacial surgery were perceived by general practitioners, dentists, and the patients. A study was made on the model of two studies made in 1994 and 2005 in Great Britain and one in 1996 in the United States. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Four thousand and one hundred and fifty questionnaires were mailed. Six hundred and ninety-three to general practitioners, 690 to dental practitioners, and 2770 to the public. Practitioners were chosen randomly, in equal number in each of 22 administrative regions of metropolitan France. RESULTS: One hundred and fifteen physicians answered (16.6%), 130 dentists answered (18.8%). The practitioners sent back 180 questionnaires completed by their patients (6.5%). These results, higher than the ones reported in the above-mentioned studies, allowed determining the perception of maxillofacial surgery and stomatology in France. This study showed that we are, in the eye of the public, specialists of temporomandibular joint disorders, fractures of the face, but also of orthognatic surgery, cleft lip and palate, cancer of the oral cavity, and implantology. This study also showed that maxillofacial surgeons are the major referents for odontologists whereas they remained less acknowledged by general practitioners. DISCUSSION: The maxillofacial surgeon is in France the main correspondent of odontologists; he still has to convince general practitioners and the global population to be acknowledged as the surgeon of the "face". Our results correlate to published international data.     

Preoperative autologous blood donation in orthognathic surgery]

AIM: To minimize the perioperative risk of transfusion-associated complications, preoperative autologous blood donation is routinely performed in orthognathic surgery. This study critically analyzed the necessity of this procedure with respect to clinical, economic, and juridical issues. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Bonn Medical School, 178 orthognathic surgical procedures were performed from 1994 to 2002. All patients (women, n=101; men, n=77) were informed about the possibility of autologous blood donation. This procedure was carried out in 83%, for single jaw surgery two and for bimaxillary osteotomies three to four units of packed red blood cells were predeposited. Of the patients, 99 underwent monognathic surgery in the lower jaw, 27 patients in the upper jaw, and bimaxillary osteotomy was performed in 52 patients. RESULTS: The average blood loss for the monognathic procedure in the lower jaw was 756 ml, in the upper jaw 858 ml, and in double jaw surgery 1391 ml. In 13 patients the hemoglobin concentration fell below 7.5 g/dl and 12 patients received their predeposited autologous blood units. A total of 57.7% of all donated autologous blood units were discarded. CONCLUSION: Autologous blood donation should be performed from the medical point of view for double jaw surgery and considered in single cases with special risks in monomaxillary osteotomies.     

Infectious complications of mandibular osteotomy

BACKGROUND: Infection is a rare complication after orthognathic surgery. A rate of 1% to 15% has been reported in the literature. We reviewed our experience. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed retrospectively 60 mandibular osteotomies performed between 1998 and 1999. There were 41 women and 19 men, mean age 24 years. All were given antibiotic therapy using cefamandol 1500 mg preoperatively then 750 mg every 6 hours peroperatively and cefixime 400 mg/d postoperatively for 7 days. Patients were followed for at least 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: There were 10 infections (16% of the cases) involving a hematoma in 2 cases, adenitis in 1, osteitis on a cortical fragment in 2 and osteitis on implanted material in 5. DISCUSSION: We defined infection following orthognathic surgery as a collection or purulent fistula with either a high polynuclear count in the discharge fluid or a positive culture. Both soft tissue (for example infection of a perimandibular hematoma) or bone infections were equally considered. We found two types of risk factors: patient-related or procedure-related. Patient-related factors included smoking, paradontal status, and dental hygiene. The main procedure-related factor was duration of surgery. Measures of prevention include extraction of the wisdom teeth, interruption of smoking, preoperative scaling and careful dental care, rigorous operative technique, antibiotic therapy.     

Hybrid osteosynthesis in orthognathic surgery: 28 cases of Le Fort I osteotomy

INTRODUCTION: The use of resorbable materials in orthognathic surgery is presently the object of numerous clinical and experimental studies. Their main drawbacks are their lack of rigidity and induced chronic inflammatory reactions. The purpose of this study was to propose and to test an original system of hybrid osteosynthesis associating a single titanium plate with three resorbable plates in Le Fort I osteotomies in the absence of maxillary expansion, or two titanium plates with two resorbable plates in case of maxillary expansion. METHODS: Our retrospective study concerned 28 patients operated between 2002 and 2005. A clinical follow-up of over one year detected the specific complications of the hybrid system and a cephalometric study analyzed the secondary relapse 5 months after surgery. These results were compared to the literature. RESULTS: One case of mobility and a case of instability of the jaw were observed, along with 5 cases of local chronic inflammatory reaction. The radiological results found a secondary sub-clinical relapse. The removal of the titanium material under local anesthesia was performed without difficulties in ambulatory care, which avoided a new hospitalization for the patient and a new general anesthesia. DISCUSSION: The hybrid system allowed obtaining a postoperative stability of the jaw comparable to that obtained by the exclusive use of titanium plates with an acceptable morbidity. This method of osteosynthesis combined the advantages of the resorbable material (removal of titanium plates under local anesthesia) and of titanium material (stability of the procedure). However this method requires a good experience of working with resorbable material, a good follow-up, and cooperative patients. These encouraging results urge us to extend the indications to mandibular sagittal osteotomy and to bi-maxillary osteotomies.     

Parotidectomy and submandibulectomy for benign diseases in Thuringia, Germany: a population-based study on epidemiology and outcome

Although salivary gland surgery for benign diseases is an integral part of clinical routine of head and neck surgeons, there is not many population-based data published on incidence and efficiency of this surgery. Parotidectomy was performed in 180 patients and submandibulectomy in 97 patients for benign diseases in eight otorhinolaryngology and two maxillofacial surgery departments in Thuringia, Germany, in 2005. All patients were analysed regarding patients’ characteristics, therapy, complications and further course of disease. Predominant indications were epithelial tumours for parotidectomy (79 %) and sialolithiasis for submandibulectomy (50 %). The most frequent tumour types were pleomorphic adenoma (46 %) and Warthin tumours (29 %). Pleomorphic adenoma was significantly more frequent in female patients and Warthin tumours in male patients and smokers. The incidence of parotidectomy, i.e. the surgical rate, was 7.8/100,000 habitants and of submandibulectomy 4.1/100,000 habitants. One hundred and seventy-eight tumours including 154 epithelial tumours resulted in an incidence of 7.6/100,000 habitants for all treated tumours and of 6.6/100,000 for epithelial tumours, respectively. The majority of parotid cases were treated by lateral parotidectomy (79 %). Relevant complications were observed in 22 % of patients. After parotidectomy and submandibulectomy a postoperative facial palsy was observed in 28 and 2 % of cases, respectively. Only 1 % was permanent. During a mean follow-up time of 9.6 months, 3 % of parotidectomy patients developed a Frey’s syndrome needing treatment and 0.8 % developed a tumour recurrence. This population-based analysis shows that salivary gland surgery is performed in higher incidence than expected, effectively and with low-risk in daily routine of head and neck surgeons.     

Clinical and radiological results after augmentation procedures - a prospective study]

The clinical follow up of atrophic jaws treated with augmentation procedures and dental implants is demonstrated and evaluated over a period of five years. In total 50 patients (24 male and 26 female) from the department of maxillofacial surgery of the Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuernberg who received an augmentation procedure were prospectively evaluated. The mean age was 59.1 years on the female and 56.9 years on the male patients. All patients received prior to implant placement an augmentation with autogenous bone or a bone substitute and were reconstructed using a fixed or removable implant borne rehabilitation. Overall 293 implants from five different systems were used, 10 implants on eight patients were lost in the observation period. Three implants were lost during the healing period and seven after prosthetic rehabilitation. This leads to a cumulative survival rate of 96.6%. The success rate, according to the criterions defined by Karoussis et al. [25] was 94.04%. After twelve months in the area of augmentation an overall resorption rate of 26.4 % was found, at five years the rate mounted to 31.67%. Comparing the resorption rates in maxilla and mandible the vertical loss was 35.88%, rsp. 26,05%. Comaring the posterior and anterior augmentation areas the vertical loss was significantly (p: 0.048%) higher in the posterior with 38.72% compared to 28.26% in the anterior region. Measurement of the SFFR (sulcus fluid flow rate) demonstrated a significant (P. 0.03) correlation with bone resorption, meaning that higher SFF rates showed higher rates of vertical resorption. Additionally a high SFF rate correlated with higher pocket depths and reduced keratinized periimplant gingival rates.     

Patient perception of functional and cosmetic outcome of orthognathic surgery. Retrospective analysis of 45 patients

INTRODUCTION: Orthognathic surgery is generally indicated for the treatment of maxillo-mandibular deformities. Surgery is performed to repair functional abnormalities, but also has a cosmetic impact. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 60 patients who underwent orthognathic surgery in 1996 and 1997 in order to assess patient perception of functional and cosmetic outcome. A questionnaire was sent to all patients one year after their surgery; 45 responded. RESULTS: We noted cosmetic, functional, and psychological changes. Patients considered that the changes were for the better. For functional abnormalities, 88.9% considered their occlusion had improved and 80% their chewing; 73.4% reported psychological improvement stating they had more self-confidence; 97.8% considered their cosmetic aspect had improved. DISCUSSION: This study enabled us to assess patients' perception of surgical outcome. It must be recalled that the patient basically decides to undertake surgery for cosmetic reasons while the surgeon proposes surgery to improve function. The psychological consequences of orthognathic surgery must be taken into account because the impact is considerable.     

The implementation of endoscopic sinus surgery in Spain

The purpose of this study is to find out more about the implementation of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) in our country. To do that, we designed a survey which was sent to 160 public hospitals (June 2002). We received the answers of 111 hospitals. 82.9% of hospitals and 58% of surgeons performed FESS, with some differences among autonomic regions. The percentage of surgeons who performed FESS was higher in small hospitals and their mean experience time was 6.2 years. We consider the implementation of endoscopic sinus surgery very high, this can reflect that there are evident advantages for those who specialists who use it.