JOURNAL OF CRANIO-MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY

Fully digital occlusion planning in orthognathic surgery - A crossover study
Sabev B, Abazi S, Patcas R, Hertig G, Meyer S, Rommers N, Thieringer FM and Metzler P
Orthognathic surgery enables patients with severe jaw malocclusions to normalise their chewing function and, as such, to improve their quality of life. Over the last few years, digitalisation has been set in motion by intraoral scanners and the improvement of planning software in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery. Previous studies based on plaster cast models showed that the virtual occlusion based on digitally scanned models can be comparable to conventional methods. This retrospective crossover study aimed to prove that the virtual occlusion finding with the IPS CaseDesigner® (version 2.3.5.2, KLS Martin, Tuttlingen, Germany) is accurate enough to use intraoral scans exclusively.
A generalizable procedure for Brown's class Ⅱ and Ⅲ defects reconstruction with deep circumflex iliac artery flap using computer-assisted technique
Dou CB, Gao XP, Yu ZL and Jia J
This study summarizes and analyzes the characteristics of deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) flap reconstruction for maxillary defects and proposes a generalized protocol under the guidance of computer-assisted technique to enhance surgical efficiency and success rate.
PSI: Planner-specific, physician-specific, or patient-specific implant for orbital reconstruction?
Sabelis JF, Shaheen E, Willaert R, Becking AG, Dubois L and Schreurs R
This study aimed to identify and quantify the variations in PSI designs intended for an identical patient. Records from 10 patients with an orbital fracture involving two walls, for which a primary orbital reconstruction was indicated, were retrospectively included. Clinical engineers from two centers independently generated proposal designs for all patients. Following web meeting(s) with the surgeon from the same institute, the PSI designs were finalized by the engineer. A cross-over of the engineer with the surgeon of the other center created two new design teams. In total, 20 proposal and 40 final PSI designs were produced. A three-dimensional comparison between different PSI designs for the same patient was performed by computing a difference score. Initially, the design proposals of the two engineers showed a median difference score of 37%, which was significantly reduced to a median difference score of 26% for the final designs with different engineers. The median difference score of 22% between surgeons demonstrated that both parties introduced notable user variations to the final designs. Evidence supporting the advantages of an experienced design team was found, with significantly fewer modifications, fewer meetings, and less time required to complete the design (up to 40% time reduction). The findings of the study underline the dependency of PSI design on the surgeon and engineer, and support the need for a more evidence-based protocol for PSI design.
Role of platelet rich fibrin in neurosensory recovery following bilateral sagittal split osteotomy - A randomized control trial
Hegde P, Shetty V and Badrinath S
A cephalometric study on Le Fort Ⅲ osteotomy related anatomical features of anterior cranial base in syndromic craniosynostosis
Liang J, Liu Y, Liu X, Zhang Y and Xu X
This study aims to investigate the anatomical features relating to nasofrontal and septum osteotomy during Le Fort Ⅲ osteotomy among patients with syndromic craniosynostosis, and to compare them with normal controls using computed tomographic cephalometry.
Reducing the risk of unfavourable fractures in Le Fort III osteotomy via a navigation-guided technique
Wang YT, Liu Y, Ye GH, Xu T, Zhang Y and Liu XJ
The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical feasibility of reducing the risk of unfavourable fractures during Le Fort III osteotomy by using a navigation-guided technique. A study was carried out involving 20 patients with Crouzon syndrome treated with Le Fort III osteotomy and distraction osteogenesis from 2018 to 2023 at the International Hospital of Peking University. The Le Fort III osteotomy procedure in experimental group (9 patients) was carried out under the guidance of navigation technique, while in historical control group (11 patients) was carried out by free hand. Immediate postoperative CT scans were acquired within 24h after surgery to observe the osteotomy lines and detect unfavourable fracture lines. There were 4 patients with unfavourable fractures in the navigation group (4/9 = 44%) while 10 patients in the freehand group (10/11 = 91%), with a statistically significant difference in the probability of unfavourable fracture and the number of fracture lines between the two groups (P < 0.05). The difference in unfavourable fracture incidence in the two groups was significant in zygomatic area (P < 0.05) while not significant in mid-palatal area (P > 0.05). And the surgical duration of the navigation group was significantly shorter than that of the freehand group (216 min vs 280 min) (P < 0.05). The above findings suggest that the navigation-guided technique is effective in reducing the risk of unfavourable fractures in Le Fort III osteotomy procedure and decreasing the surgical duration.
Effectiveness of oral posaconazole and surgical debridement of rhino maxillofacial mucormycosis
Jolly SS, Rattan V and Singh A
Soft-tissue complications after facial feminization bone surgery
Capitán L, Simon D, Coon D, Gutiérrez Santamaría J, Bellinga RJ, Bailón C, Pérez de Perceval Tara M, Tenório T and Capitán-Cañadas F
The soft tissues have a considerable impact on whether the results of facial feminization surgery are favorable. Complications or suboptimal results related to the soft tissue may be due to poor choice of surgical approach, improper execution of the surgical technique, a lack of assistance when resuspending the soft tissues during closure, or deficient readaptation of the overlying soft tissue to the new bone contour. This article identifies the possible poor soft-tissue outcomes that may occur after facial feminization bone surgery, describing strategies to prevent them and treatment alternatives.
Zygomatic implants for rehabilitation of patients with oncologic and congenital defects: A case series
Pellegrino G, Tarsitano A, Ratti S, Ceccariglia F, Gessaroli M, Barausse C, Tayeb S and Felice P
This case series aimed to assess the clinical outcomes of oncologic patients rehabilitated with a zygomatic implant-supported prosthesis. Ten oncologic patients who underwent upper jaw resections due to cancer were enrolled in the study. Zygomatic implants were utilized for rehabilitation according to specified inclusion criteria. Surgical and prosthetic procedures were standardized, and implant and prosthetic survival rates, along with complications, were evaluated. The study cohort comprised 10 patients with a mean age of 66.5 years. A total of 35 implants were placed, with a survival rate of 94.29% at the mean follow-up of 5.78 years. Biological complications affected 40% of patients, while prosthetic complications occurred in 40% of patients, necessitating modifications but with no outright failures. Zygomatic implants offer a viable solution for oncologic patient rehabilitation, particularly in cases where bone grafting is contraindicated or impractical. However, they present medium-to long-term complications that warrant careful consideration. Future research should focus on larger studies and meta-analyses to provide more robust evidence.
Evaluation of the use of an advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF+) membrane in children undergoing primary palatoplasty-- a prospective randomized clinical pilot-study
Katz MS, Ooms M, Winnand P, Heitzer M, Bock A, Schaffrath K, Hölzle F and Modabber A
The aim of this study was to evaluate whether an A-PRF + membrane can lower the fistula rate in patients undergoing primary palatoplasty. A total of 20 children were included: 10 were randomized and included in the platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) group, and 10 were assigned to the control group. Before two-flap palatoplasty was performed, the cleft's width was measured. The patients in the PRF group underwent an intraoperative collection of 5 ml venous blood, which was centrifugated and pressed onto an A-PRF + membrane. Subsequently, the membrane was placed between the oral and nasal mucosal layers. The control group underwent the same procedure without the addition of A-PRF+. The need for transfusions or postoperative intensive care was registered. All children were followed up at 10 days, 1, 2, 3, and 6 months, and after more than 6 months and the occurrence of fistulae and need for a second palatal operation was then evaluated. After more than six months postoperatively, only two fistulae (10%) remained and had to undergo secondary palatoplasty (p = 1.00). Moreover, the blood transfusion rate did not differ significantly (p = 1.00). A-PRF + might be beneficial in cleft closure, but further randomized studies with larger patient cohort are needed.
A benign tumor of substantial size: Mandibular epithelioid osteoblastoma in a socioeconomically challenged patient
Caruso DP, Fernandes RP, Morante Silva M and Bunnell A
Epithelioid osteoblastoma (EOB) is a rare, benign bone tumor characterized by the proliferation of atypical epithelioid osteoblasts within a vascular stroma. It typically presents as a slow-growing painful mass and requires careful differentiation from more aggressive lesions like osteosarcoma for appropriate management. We present a case of an otherwise healthy 30-year-old man who presented with a mandibular EOB measuring 23 cm × 17 cm x 19 cm, causing significant disfigurement and functional impairment. Surgical management involved radical resection and immediate reconstruction using an osteocutaneous fibula free flap. The case emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary care, advanced surgical planning, and the impact of socioeconomic factors on healthcare access and outcomes.
A recent algorithm for management of orbital floor fractures with the application of a novel minimally invasive endoscopic surgery
Elkahwagi M, Salem EH, Sakr A and Eldegwi A
Orbital floor (OF) fractures present a dilemma, with controversies surrounding surgical indication, approach, and ideal material for reconstruction. Our study was conducted on cases of (OF) fracture admitted to a tertiary referral centre. Cases of (OF) associated with zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fracture were managed as follows: those with ophthalmological problems were subjected to endoscopically assisted transorbital reconstruction of the floor; cases without ophthalmological problems were subjected to reduction and fixation of the ZMC fracture only. The recently developed endoscopic endonasal transmaxillary approach was used to manage cases with pure OF fracture, while the same approach with added endoscopic transethmoidal reconstruction of the medial orbital wall (MOW) was applied to cases with associated MOW fracture. Outcome measurements were the correction of diplopia and enophthalmos, along with the restoration of normal globe function. The study included 80 patients, who were divided into four groups according to the proposed algorithm. OF reconstruction was performed in 32 cases with either septal cartilage (n = 4), titanium plate (n = 11), or porous polyethylene mesh (n = 17). Our study presents the novel role of minimally invasive endoscopic surgery in the management of (OF) fracture, together with a recently developed management plan that could maximize positive outcomes and decrease morbidity.
Nasal injuries in amateur male boxers before and after the 2013 rule change by the International Boxing Association removing the protective headgear
Al-Awady A, Batiste A, Cheng C, Sicard R, Vasan V, Rosenberg J and Gray M
Boxing is a popular combat sport in which participants frequently experience head trauma. The neurological impact of boxing has been widely discussed, but the impact on the bone and soft tissue of the head has been less investigated. For this study, a national emergency department database was used to investigate the impact of a 2013 rule change - removing the requirement for amateurs to wear head protection - on the frequency and type of facial injuries sustained by amateur boxers. Over the study period (2006-2021) there were 11 760 injuries, with 6261 occurring before the change and 5499 occurring after (p < 0.001). The number of contusions, fractures, hematomas, and hemorrhages all significantly decreased after the rule change, while the number of lacerations did not. Additionally, the number of septal deviations increased from 16 to 97 (p < 0.001). According to age-group-specific analysis, injuries decreased in both the 0-17 and 24-29 cohorts, but increased in the 18-23 group. The results suggest that the rule change may have had a protective effect on the risk of craniofacial trauma in amateur boxers, potentially due to increased risk-averse behavior by the boxers, who may feel less protected during sparring because of the lack of head protection.
Evaluating AI-Generated informed consent documents in oral surgery: A comparative study of ChatGPT-4, Bard gemini advanced, and human-written consents
Vaira LA, Lechien JR, Maniaci A, Tanda G, Abbate V, Allevi F, Arena A, Beltramini GA, Bergonzani M, Bolzoni AR, Crimi S, Frosolini A, Gabriele G, Maglitto F, Mayo-Yáñez M, Orrù L, Petrocelli M, Pucci R, Saibene AM, Troise S, Tel A, Vellone V, Chiesa-Estomba CM, Boscolo-Rizzo P, Salzano G and De Riu G
This study evaluates the quality and readability of informed consent documents generated by AI platforms ChatGPT-4 and Bard Gemini Advanced compared to those written by a first-year oral surgery resident for common oral surgery procedures. The evaluation, conducted by 18 experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons, assessed consents for accuracy, completeness, readability, and overall quality. ChatGPT-4 consistently outperformed both Bard and human-written consents. ChatGPT-4 consents had a median accuracy score of 4 [IQR 4-4], compared to Bard's 3 [IQR 3-4] and human's 4 [IQR 3-4]. Completeness scores were higher for ChatGPT-4 (4 [IQR 4-5]) than Bard (3 [IQR 3-4]) and human (4 [IQR 3-4]). Readability was also superior for ChatGPT-4, with a median score of 4 [IQR 4-5] compared to Bard and human consents, both at 4 [IQR 4-4] and 4 [IQR 3-4], respectively. The Gunning Fog Index for ChatGPT-4 was 17.2 [IQR 16.5-18.2], better than Bard's 23.1 [IQR 20.5-24.7] and the human consents' 20 [IQR 19.2-20.9]. Overall, ChatGPT-4's consents received the highest quality ratings, underscoring AI's potential in enhancing patient communication and the informed consent process. The study suggests AI can reduce misinformation risks and improve patient understanding, but continuous evaluation, oversight, and patient feedback integration are crucial to ensure the effectiveness and appropriateness of AI-generated content in clinical practice.
Anatomical study and clinical outcomes of endoscopic transoral surgery for benign salivary gland tumors in the parapharyngeal space
Yan X, Li S, Wang L, Tan R, Yu L, Zhang S and Jiang Y
The existing literature provides little insight into the efficacy of transoral endoscopy in exposing benign tumors originating from salivary glands in the parapharyngeal space at the parotid gland base and resecting part of the deep lobe with a safe margin. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of the endoscopic transoral approach for the visualization and resection of such tumors. Through transoral endoscopic cadaveric dissections and surgical procedures, we examined the anatomical structures of the parapharyngeal space and the deep lobe of the parotid gland, identifying key anatomical landmarks. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 19 patients with benign salivary gland-derived tumors in the parapharyngeal space who underwent transoral endoscopic resection. Intraoperative visualization of the tumor pedicle and the deep lobe of the parotid gland was successfully achieved in all cases, allowing for resection with safe margins. During a median follow-up period of 54.0 months, imaging revealed no signs of recurrence. Endoscopic transoral approach provides effective visualization of the deep lobe of the parotid gland and the medial portion of the parotid bed from the parapharyngeal space. Benign tumors of salivary gland-derived in this area can be well exposed and safely resected with adequate margins.
Effect of maxillary advancement on velopharyngeal function in cleft lip and palate: 20 years of experience
Maia SÉDS, Seixas DR, Fukushiro AP, Trindade IEK, Silva ASCD, Araújo BMAM and Yamashita RP
This retrospective study aimed to investigate the impact of orthognathic surgery with maxillary advancement (MA) on the velopharyngeal function (VF) in individuals with cleft lip and palate (CLP). The study included 651 patients with repaired CLP, both sexes, aged over 18 years who underwent MA alone or in combination with nasal procedures and/or mandibular osteotomy, operated between 2000 and 2019. The main outcome measures were nasalance (nasal text-NT and oral text-OT) and velopharyngeal orifice area measurement (VA), determined by nasometry and pressure-flow technique, respectively. Preoperatively, mean nasalance scores for NT and OT indicated normality, and VA demonstrated borderline-inadequate velopharyngeal closure in all patients. Following MA, a significant increase in nasalance scores for NT and OT occurred (p < 0.001), revealing hypernasality in those undergoing MA combined with nasal procedure (MAN, N = 191), bimaxillary orthognathic surgery with nasal procedure (BON, N = 227) and bimaxillary orthognathic surgery (BO, N = 151). Conversely, nasalance scores remained within the normal range for those undergoing isolated maxillary advancement (IMA, N = 82). VA exhibited a significant increase leading to the classification of VF as inadequate in the BON and MAN groups. Overall, MA contributed to VF deterioration, resulting in the appearance of hypernasality and increased VA, particularly when combined with nasal procedures.
Virtual surgical planning in tripod zygomatico-maxillary complex fractures: A prospective comparison between two different strategies
Committeri U, Magliulo R, Carraturo E, Arena A, Abbate V, Salzano G, Troise S, Barone S, Germano C, Vaira LA, Giovacchini F, Cataldo R, Grassia MG, Califano L and Piombino P
Multifragmentary and displaced zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fractures are often a challenge for the maxillofacial surgeon. The aim of this study was to evaluate the improved performance in the management of patients with tripod fracture of the orbito-zygomaticomaxillary complex, using two different methods of virtual surgical planning - virtual reduction and mirroring - compared with traditional management. A cohort of 60 patients was selected and divided into three groups, each consisting of 20 individuals. Patients in the first group were managed using the virtual reduction method, those in the second group using the mirroring method, and those in the third group using a traditional surgical approach. Having achieved virtual fracture reduction, a stereolithographic model was printed, on which preplating of the plates was performed. The results showed that virtual reduction was the most accurate in absolute terms, with a mean discrepancy in juxtaposition of the preoperative and postoperative CT images of 0.175 mm (SD ± 0.147), compared with 0.403 (SD ± 0.166) for the mirror method (and traditional method (0.875, SD ± 0.112; p > 0.0001). The average surgical time for virtual reduction (89.5 min) was faster than for mirroring (94.25 min) and for the traditional approach (96.75 min). In conclusion, the use of virtual surgical planning allows greater intraoperative accuracy, reduced surgical time, and reduced postoperative complications compared with traditional surgery. Of the two methods, virtual reduction performed best for the outcomes decribed.
Investigation of nasal cavity alterations in individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1 using CBCT
da Costa ICP, Barreto BCT, Barreto LSDC, Cunha KS, Vieira ACD and de Souza MMG
This study aimed to investigate nasal septum deviation (NSD), nasal bone length (NBL), and the morphology of the middle nasal conchae (MNC) and inferior nasal conchae (INC), as well as their correlations.
Condyle head fracture management: A systematic review of outcomes
Chieng CY, Patel A, Nazir H, Ali S, Bhatti N and Mcleod N
The management of Condylar Head fractures (CHFs) has historically been with closed treatments(CTR); however, contemporary studies suggest that Open Reduction and Internal Fixation(ORIF) may produce better clinical and radiographic results. Our primary aim was to review the literature on the clinical and radiological outcomes of open and closed management of CHFs. A systematic literature search was undertaken using EMBASE, MEDLINE and PubMed, using PRISMA guidelines, for all studies relating to outcomes following CHF. The inclusion criteria include 1) studies focused on CHF in adult patients that included at least 20 cases 2) published in English language. ROBINS-1 tool was used for risk assessment. Data extracted was analysed and compared using the relative risks. A total of 29 studies reporting on 1550 ORIF and 798 CTR were included. ORIF resulted in significantly less trismus (RR 9.5), chin deviation (RR 7.3), malocclusion (RR 6.5), TMJ clicking (RR 4.3) and pain(RR 12.6) than CTR. Due to the substantial heterogeneity of studies, firm conclusions are difficult but there does appear to be objective benefits in outcomes following ORIF than CTR. Satisfactory results may however be achieved with CTR. Further large studies using standardised outcome measurements will be required to help elucidate exactly which CHF are best served by ORIF.
"The correlation between histopathological pattern and surgical treatment for palatal pleomorphic adenoma. Can we choose a more conservative approach?"
Zar K, Tabib R, Rushinek H, Madmon I, Keidar Haran T and Alterman M
Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) is the most prevalent benign salivary gland tumor. Although rare, among the minor salivary glands, palatal PA exhibits the highest incidence. Unlike other benign tumors, PA infiltrates the surrounding tissues, posing challenges for complete removal through conservative measures. Surgeons often resort to aggressive surgical procedures involving resection of adjacent tissue to ensure clear margins and prevent recurrence. This study aims to analyze diverse histological characteristics of palatal PA, seeking statistical correlations for early prediction of tumor aggressiveness. The goal is to facilitate the preservation of the periosteum during surgical resection and attain conservative surgical margins. A retrospective histopathological investigation encompassed 18 patients diagnosed with palatal PA who underwent surgical treatment at Hadassah Medical Centre, Jerusalem, Israel. Evaluated parameters included tumor size, pseudocapsule thickness, tumor-periosteum distance, and the presence of pseudopodia and satellite nodules indicating tumor penetration. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Tumors of varying sizes, whether large or small, lack consistent features. Neither tumor size, pseudocapsule thickness, nor tumor-periosteum distance displayed correlations with tumor penetration features. Palatal PA exhibits varied histological attributes impacting surgical technique. The absence of correlations among these attributes impedes early prediction of tumor aggressiveness, casting doubt on periosteum preservation. The periosteum is sufficiently robust to contain the tumor and should be excised. There is no data to support either ostectomy or a through-and-through surgical resection as part of the treatment.
Three dimensional assessment of root changes after multi-segments Le Fort I osteotomy
Alqahtani KA, Shaheen E, Da Costa Senior O, Politis C and Jacobs R
The primary purpose of this study was to accurately assess linear, volumetric and morphological changes of maxillary teeth roots following multi-segments Le Fort I osteotomy. A secondary objective was to assess whether patient- and/or treatment-related factors might influence root remodeling. A total of 60 patients (590 teeth) who underwent combined orthodontic and orthognathic surgery were studied retrospectively. The multi-segments group included 30 patients who had either 2-segments or 3-segments Le Fort I osteotomy. The other 30 patients underwent one-segment Le Fort I osteotomy. Preoperative, 1 year, and 2 years postoperative cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were obtained. A validated and fully automated method for evaluating root changes in three dimensions (3D) was applied. No statistical significant differences were found between multi-segments and one-segment Le Fort I for linear, volumetric and morphological measurements. The Spearman correlation coefficient revealed a positive relationship between maxillary advancement and root remodeling, with more advancement leading to more root remodeling. This research may allow surgeons to properly assess root remodeling after combined treatment of orthodontics and the different Le Fort I osteotomies.