The Effects of NAM on the Symmetry of the Face and Maxillary Arch in Babies With Unilateral Cleft.

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of nasoalveolar molding (NAM) therapy through reverse engineering, or its absence, to obtain symmetry of the face and maxillary arch. Twenty-six babies with unilateral cleft lip and palate received treatment with NAM, and 12 babies with unilateral cleft lip and palate without presurgical orthopedics (control group). Patients were molded and photographed in 2-stages: the first month of life (T1/pre) and after the use of NAM/before the cheiloplasty (T2/post). In the digital models, the analyses performed were arch perimeter, arch length, and labial frenulum angle. The photographs allowed us to analyze nasal width, mouth width, columella angle, and nostril area. The results demonstrated that there was an increase in arch perimeter and arch length in control and NAM groups in the T2 period in comparison to T1. Labial frenulum angle was reduced in the NAM group compared to the NAM-T1 and control-T2 periods. Treatment with NAM yielded a reduction in nasal width in the period of T2 compared with T1. Columella angle was enhanced after NAM use in T2 and, was different from control group. The nostril area was reduced in the NAM group in T2 compared with control group. Nasoalveolar molding therapy reduced the labial frenulum angle, contributing to a reduction in the extension of the cleft. The NAM protocol improved facial symmetry, mainly through nasal effects, whereas the absence of orthopedic therapy yielded a commitment to the face and maxillary arch symmetry.

Abordagem cirúrgica no tratamento da displasia fibrosa craniofacial- experiência de 14 anos / Surgical approach to the treatment of craniofacial fibrous dysplasia - A 14-year experiencedysplasia - 14 years experience

INTRODUÇÃO: Dentre os tumores benignos do esqueleto craniofacial, a displasia fibrosa caracteriza-se pelo crescimento progressivo e acometimento de jovens, acarretando deformidade funcional e estética. Esse trabalho analisa aspectos clínicos e prognósticos de pacientes com essa patologia, submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico. MÉTODOS: Análise retrospectiva de 19 pacientes com displasia fibrosa craniofacial, acompanhados de janeiro de 1997 a dezembro de 2011, tratados com remodelamento ósseo e ressecção cirúrgica. Revisão da literatura sobre. RESULTADOS: A distribuição etária variou de 8 a 65 anos, com média de 21,75 anos. Dez pacientes (52,7%) eram do sexo feminino. A forma poliostótica predominou, com 15 casos (78,9%). Entre os ossos acometidos destacaram-se esfenóide, etmóide e frontal, nas formas poliostóticas; e maxila e zigoma, nas monostóticas. A principal queixa foi de assimetria da face. Um paciente evoluiu com diminuição de acuidade visual. O tratamento baseou-se na ressecção cirúrgica e reconstrução com enxerto, quando doença localizada, e no desgaste e remodelamento ósseo, em formas poliostóticas. Em apenas um caso (5,2%), com compressão de nervo óptico, foi necessário acesso intracraniano. Reabordagem cirúrgica, por crescimento tumoral, foi necessária em três pacientes. Como complicações, tivemos um caso de lagoftalmo e epicanto no pós-operatório de paciente tratado por cirurgia com acesso infraorbitário. Ausência de outras intercorrências no seguimento a curto e longo prazo. Os resultados de preservação de função e recuperação de contorno facial foram satisfatórios. CONCLUSÃO: Essa experiência, em concordância com a literatura, permite concluir que a cirurgia é eficaz na abordagem de casos selecionados de displasia fibrosa craniofacial.

INTRODUCTION: Fibrous dysplasia is benign tumor of the craniofacial skeleton that primarily affects young patients. It is characterized by the progressive growth of benign fibrous tumors with resulting functional and aesthetic deformities. This study assesses the clinical and prognostic features in patients with fibrous dysplasia who underwent surgical treatment at our institution. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 19 patients with craniofacial fibrous dysplasia, treated between January 1997 and December 2011 with bone remodeling and surgical resection. We also review the literature regarding fibrous dysplasia. RESULTS: Patients ranged between 8-65 years old, with a mean age of 21.75 years. Ten patients (52.7%) were women. The polyostotic form was predominant and present in15 cases (78.9%). The sphenoid, ethmoid, and frontal bones were most commonly involved in the polyostotic form and the mandibular and zygomatic bones were most commonly involved in the monostotic form. The main complaint was asymmetry of the face. One patient developed decreased visual acuity. Treatment was based on surgical resection and graft reconstruction in the localized form of the disease, and bone abrasion and remodeling in the polyostotic form. Intracranial access was necessary in only one case (5.2%) where the optic nerve was compressed. Repeat surgical treatment due to recurrent tumor growth was necessary in three patients. The only complication occurred in a patient who developed lagophthalmos and epicanthus postoperatively after undergoing surgery using infraorbital access. No other complications occurred during short- and long-term follow-up. Functional preservation and facial contour recovery outcomes were satisfactory. CONCLUSION: Our experience, along with that of other investigators, demonstrates that surgery is effective in treating selected cases of craniofacial fibrous dysplasia.

Facial palsy after blunt trauma and without facial bone fracture.

A 14-year-old patient had a low-energy facial blunt trauma that evolved to right facial paralysis caused by parotid hematoma with parotid salivary gland lesion. Computed tomography and angiography demonstrated intraparotid collection without pseudoaneurysm and without radiologic signs of fracture in the face. The patient was treated with serial punctures for hematoma deflation, resolving with regression and complete remission of facial paralysis, with no late sequela. The authors discuss the relationship between facial nerve traumatic injuries associated or not with the presence of facial fractures, emphasizing the importance of early recognition and appropriate treatment of such cases.

Estudo comparativo entre filme transparente de poliuretano e curativo de rayon para cobertura de área doadora de enxertos de pele parcial / Comparative study between transparent film of polyurethane and rayon dressing

Objetivo: Esse estudo teve como objetivo analisar comparativamente a cobertura com filme depoliuretano com o curativo de rayon, no cuidado à área doadora de enxertia de pele de espessuraparcial. Método: Estudo comparativo prospectivo, em 40 pacientes com feridas complexas, seguidosdurante três meses, que necessitavam de enxerto de pele parcial para resolução definitiva.Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos, sendo que no primeiro a cobertura utilizada para ocuidado com a área doadora foi o filme transparente; enquanto que no segundo grupo utilizou-securativo tradicional com rayon. As trocas do filme transparente e avaliações foram realizadas no 3° e no 5° dia pós-operatório. Foram avaliados o tempo decorrido até a epitelização completa,a existência e o grau de dor referidos pelo paciente (escala numérica); além da facilidade econforto do paciente na aplicação e remoção do filme. Resultados: O primeiro grupo apresentoutotal epitelização, em média, em 7,6 dias; enquanto que o segundo grupo apresentou comomédia 11,2 dias (p=0,0089). Conclusão: O emprego do filme transparente foi considerado boaopção, reduzindo o tempo para completa epitelização em comparação à cobertura com rayon, eproporcionando maior conforto para o paciente, com praticidade de aplicação.

Objective: This study had as objective to analyze, comparatively, the polyurethane film withthe rayon dressing, in the care to the split-thickness skin graft donor site. Methods: Prospectivecomparative study, 40 patients with complex wounds had been followed during three months,that needed split-thickness skin graft for definitive resolution. The patients were divided intotwo groups, being that in the first we used the transparent film; whereas in the second grouptraditional dressing with rayon was used. The exchanges of the transparent film and evaluationshad been carried through in 3rd and 5th postoperative day. They had been evaluated: the passedtime until the complete epithelization; the existence and degree of pain related by the patient;and the easiness and comfort of the patient in the application and removal of the film. Results:The first group presented total epithelization, at an average, in 7.6 days; whereas the secondgroup presented as average 11.2 days (p=0.0089). Conclusion: The use of the transparent filmwas considered good option, reducing the time for complete epithelization in comparison tothe rayon dressing, and providing bigger comfort for the patient, with easiness of application.

Análise do tratamento cirúrgico da macrotia congênita: experiência com oito casos / Analysis of congenital macrotia surgical treatment: the experience of eight cases

Introdução: A macrotia é uma rara deformidade congênita da orelha, caracterizada por aumento nas suas dimensões. Há pequeno número de publicações sobre o seu tratamento cirúrgico. Objetivo: Apresentar a experiência da Disciplina de Cirurgia Plástica da Faculdadede Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP) na correção da macrotia. Método: No período de 10 anos, oito pacientes portadores de macrotia congênita bilateral foram submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico, utilizando os princípios descritos por Bauer. Resultados: Os resultados obtidos foram considerados satisfatórios, com redução média de 1,42 cm no comprimento das orelhas e de 0,49 cm em sua largura. Não foram observadas complicações. A técnica utilizada permite correção adequada tanto do comprimento quanto da largura da orelha, mantendo suas proporções. As cicatrizes resultantes posicionam-se em locais pouco aparentes, oferecendo resultado estético satisfatório. Conclusão: A técnica é de fácil reprodutibilidade e uma boa opção para o tratamento da macrotia.

Introduction: Macrotia is a rare congenital ear deformity. Macrotic ears are out of proportion to the normal facial features. Few surgical techniques are described on the literature to treat this deformity. Objective: The experience of the Division of Plastic Surgery from University of São Paulo Faculty of Medicine on the correction of macrotia is presented. Methods: On a ten year period, eight patients with bilateral macrotic ears were treated. The technique used was that developed by Bauer. Results: Our results showed that an mean reduction of ear length in 1.37 cm and the width in 0.48 cm was achieved. There were no complications and the aesthetic results were satisfactory. The resection using natural ear creases has reduced both the length and width of the ear, preserving its proportions and positioning incisions and scars in a hidden location. Conclusion: This technique is easily reproducible and it is a good option for the treatment of macrotia.

The patient-physician interactions as seen by undergraduate medical students

CONTEXT: The interaction between a physician and his or her patient is complex and occurs by means of technical performance and through a personal relationship. OBJECTIVE: To assess the interaction between the medical professional and his or her patient with the participation of medical students assuming a role as observers and participants in a medical appointment in an outpatient office. DESIGN: Questionnaire interview study. SETTING: General Medicine outpatient offices, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculty of Medicine, University of Säo Paulo. PARTICIPANTS: Medical students performed an ethnographical technique of observation, following 199 outpatient medical appointments with Clinical Medicine Residents. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: A questionnaire filled out by observer students measured the physician's attitudes towards patients, as well as patients' expectations regarding the appointment and his or her understanding after its completion. RESULTS: Patients showed higher enthusiasm after the appointment (4.47 + or - 0.06 versus 2.62 + or - 0.10) (mean + or - SEM), as well as some negative remarks such as in relation to the waiting time. The time spent in the consultation was 24.66 + or - 4.45 minutes (mean + or - SEM) and the waiting time was 123.09 + or - 4.91 minutes. The physician's written orientation was fairly well recalled by the patient when the doctor's letter could be previously understood. CONCLUSION: Patients benefit from physicians who keep the focus on them. In addition, this program stimulated the students for their accomplishment of the medical course