Fat grafting in patients with cleft lip and palate: A systematic review.

This systematic review aims to compare different fat-grafting techniques for cleft lip and palate repair. A search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, gray literature and reference lists of selected articles. A total of 25 articles were included, 12 on closure of palatal fistula and 13 on cleft lip repair. The rate of complete resolution of palatal fistula ranged from 88.6% to 100% in studies with no control group, whereas in comparative studies patients receiving a fat graft showed better outcomes than those not receiving a graft. Evidence suggests that fat grafting can be indicated for the primary and secondary repair of cleft palate, with good results. The use of dermis-fat grafts in lip repair was associated with gains in surface area (11.5%), vertical height (18.5%-27.11%), and lip projection (20%). Fat infiltration was associated with increased lip volume (6.5%), vermilion show (31.68% ± 24.03%), and lip projection (46.71% ± 31.3%). The available literature suggests that fat grafting is a promising autogenous option for palate and fistula repair and for improvement of lip projection and scar aesthetics in patients with cleft. However, to develop a guideline, further studies are needed to confirm whether one technique is superior to the other.

Non-Surgical Management of the Gingival Smile with Botulinum Toxin A-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Currently, concern about facial attractiveness is increasing, and this fact has led to orthodontics in adult patients being an increasingly demanded treatment, and with it, multi-disciplinary work. When it is caused by a vertical excess of the maxilla, the ideal solution is orthognathic surgery. However, in borderline cases and when the cause is hyperactivity of the upper lip levator muscle complex, alternative conservative solutions can be considered, such as the application of botulinum toxin A (BTX-A). Botulinum toxin is a protein produced by a bacterium and causes a reduction in the force of muscle contraction. The multi-factorial nature of the smile requires an individualized diagnosis in each patient, since there are multiple ways to treat the gummy smile (orthognathic surgery, gingivoplasty, orthodontic intrusion). In recent years, interest has grown in the simplest techniques that allow the patient to quickly return to their usual routine, such as lip replacement. However, this procedure shows recurrences in the first 6-8 post-operative weeks. The main objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to analyze the effectiveness of BTX-A in the treatment of gummy smile in the short term, to study its stability, and to evaluate potential complications. A thorough search of the PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases and a grey literature search were conducted. The inclusion criteria were studies with a sample size greater than or equal to 10 patients with gingival exposure greater than 2 mm in smile, treated with BTX-A infiltration. Those patients whose exclusive etiology of their gummy smile was related to altered passive eruption, gingival thickening, or overeruption of upper incisors were excluded. In the qualitative analysis, the mean pre-treatment gingival exposure ranged between 3.5 and 7.2 mm, reaching a reduction of up to 6 mm after infiltration with botulinum toxin at 12 weeks. Although multiple muscles are involved in the facial expression, the muscles par excellence selected for blockade with BTX-A were levator labii superioris, levator labii superioris ala nasalis, and zygomaticus minor, infiltrating from 1.25 to 7.5 units per side. In the quantitative analysis, the difference in mean reduction between both groups was -2.51 mm at two weeks and -2.24 mm at three months. The benefit of BTX-A in terms of improvement of gummy smile is demonstrated, as a significant reduction in gummy smile is estimated by BTX-A therapy two weeks after its application. Its results gradually decrease over time, however, they stay satisfactory without returning to their initial values after 12 weeks.

Minimally invasive surgical and miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MISMARPE) in adult patients.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate maxillary expansion, operative time and pain associated with a new minimally invasive surgical technique to treat maxillary hypoplasia in adult patients. Consecutive patients were included and prospectively analyzed. The technique consists in miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE), minimally invasive approach to maxillary osteotomies, latency period and activation period until the desired expansion. The parameters evaluated included operative time, treatment-related pain by the visual analog scale (VAS), and transverse maxillary expansion. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to assess the normality of data distribution. A paired t-test was used to compare the data between T0 (preoperative) and T1 (postoperative - end of activation). The significance level was set at 5%. Eleven patients were included. Mean operative time was 24.11 min (14.4-32 min) and overall postoperative VAS score was 2.81 (0-9). A comparative analysis showed significant increases in maxillary width at the skeletal, alveolar, and dental levels (p < 0.0001 for all), with a mean range of 1.8 (SD 0.3) mm to 4.7 (SD 0.5) mm. The present minimally invasive surgical MARPE (MISMARPE) technique appears to yield good skeletal outcomes with minimal trauma. It might have potential for clinical use, but larger comparative studies are needed to confirm the clinical relevance of the approach.

Computed tomography imaging superimposition protocols to assess outcomes in orthognathic surgery: a systematic review with comprehensive recommendations.

OBJECTIVES: A systematic review was performed to analyze the current evidence on three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) superimposition protocols used to assess dentomaxillofacial changes after orthognathic and orthofacial surgery. Accuracy, reproducibility, and efficiency were evaluated. METHODS: The search was divided into Main Search (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, LILACS, and SciELO), Grey Literature search (Google Scholar and Open Grey), and Manual search. Thirteen studies were included. Of these, 10 reported data on accuracy, 10 on reproducibility and five on efficiency. Seven proposed or evaluated methods of voxel-based superimposition, three focused on the surface-based technique, one compared surface- and voxel-based superimposition protocols, one used the maximum mutual information algorithm, and one described a landmark-based superimposition method. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was the most common imaging technique, being used in 10 studies. RESULTS: The accuracy of most methods was high, showing mean differences smaller than voxels' dimensions, ranging between 0.05 and 1.76 mm for translational accuracy, and 0.10-1.09° for rotational accuracy. The overall reproducibility was considered good as demonstrated by the small mean error (range: 0.01-0.26 mm) and high correlation coefficients (range: 0.53-1.00). Timing to complete virtual superimposition techniques ranged between a few seconds up to 40 min. CONCLUSIONS: Voxel-based superimposition protocols presented the highest accuracy and reproducibility. Moreover, superimposition protocols that used automated processes and involved only one software were the most efficient.

Le Fort I osteotomy and soft tissue response: A retrospective cohort study comparing three different techniques.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the nasolabial soft tissues effects in three different Le Fort I osteotomy techniques using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) evaluation of three-dimensional (3D) volume surfaces. A retrospective study was designed, and three groups were evaluated: group 1, patients who underwent conventional Le Fort I osteotomy; group 2, patients who underwent subspinal Le Fort I osteotomy; and group 3, patients who underwent conventional Le Fort I osteotomy with ANS recontouring or removal. CBCT evaluation was performed at two time points: T0, 1 week before surgery; T1, 6 months after surgery. A total of 90 patients were enrolled in this study (group 1: 30; group 2: 30; group 3: 30). Mean maxillary advancement was 4.26 mm. For group 1, mean change in inter-alar width was 2.29 ± 1.57 mm (minimum -2mm; maximum 6.1 mm; for group 2 it was 1.20 ± 1.56 mm (minimum -1.7 mm; maximum 5.9 mm), and for group 3 was 1.84 ± 1.76 mm (minimum -2.3 mm; maximum 5.9 mm). For group 1, mean change in alar base width was 1.69 ± 2.32 mm (minimum -4.8 mm; maximum 6,1 mm); in group 2 it was 0.85 ± 2.08 mm (minimum -4mm; maximum 6 mm), and group 3 was 1.21 ± 1.83 mm (minimum -2mm; maximum 5 mm). Results showed statistically significant differences in nasolabial area (P < 0.001). Within the limitations of the study it seems that subspinal Le Fort I osteotomy should be preferred when the priority is to avoid changes to the nasolabial region.

Impact of surgical maxillomandibular advancement upon pharyngeal airway volume and the apnoea-hypopnoea index in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: A systematic review was carried out on the effect of surgical maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) on pharyngeal airway (PA) dimensions and the apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), with the aim of determining whether increased PA in the context of MMA is the main factor conditioning the subsequent decrease in AHI. Methods: A search was made of the PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar and Cochrane databases. A total of 496 studies were identified. The inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of moderate to severe OSA, MMA success evaluated by polysomnography, reporting of the magnitude of MMA achieved, PA increase and a minimum follow-up of 6 months. Results: Following application of the eligibility criteria, eight articles were included. Metaregression analysis showed MMA to significantly increase both pharyngeal airway volume (PAV) (mean 7.35 cm3 (range 5.35-9.34)) and pharyngeal airway space (mean 4.75 mm (range 3.15-6.35)) and ensure a final AHI score below the threshold of 20 (mean 12.9 events/hour). Conclusions: Although subgroup analysis showed MMA to be effective in treating OSA, more randomised trials are needed to individualise the required magnitude and direction of surgical movements in each patient, and to standardise the measurements of linear and nonlinear PAV parameters.

Rehabilitation of the severely atrophic maxilla using LeFort I maxillary advancement and simultaneous zygoma implant placement: Proof of concept.

PURPOSE: To illustrate the workflow for simultaneous LeFort I maxillary advancement and zygomatic implant (ZI) placement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three consecutive patients referred for the rehabilitation of the severely atrophic maxilla were treated with simultaneous LeFort I maxillary advancement and ZI placement. An evaluation of the treatment protocol was carried out to validate the proposed workflow: indications, treatment planning, surgical splint manufacturing, surgical procedure and prosthetic loading. RESULTS: Maxillary reposition was carried out according to the previous virtual planning. Consequently, in all cases extrasinusal or sinus slot paths were used, proper emergence of the implant platform fully surrounded by alveolar bone was ensured, and full-arch rehabilitation supported by ZI was performed. A straight facial profile was achieved postoperatively in all cases and no surgical complications were noted. No resorption of maxillary distal bone was evident at the end of the first year of follow-up. However, a mean relapse of -4.3 mm (-10.06%) was evidenced for maxillary downward movement, and conversely, an extra-forward maxillary movement was observed (mean +1.4 mm, +82.8%) in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Besides restoring oral function and aesthetics, this technique avoids donor site morbidity, decreases surgical time, and shortens the overall rehabilitation period.

Semi-Automated Three-Dimensional Condylar Reconstruction.

The objective was to validate a semi-automated segmentation method for 3-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of the mandibular condyle from cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) data and illustrate its application in volumetric analysis of the condyle.Ten CBCT datasets were used to validate the proposed semi-automatic method for 3D rendering of mandibular condyles. First, a standardized orientation protocol of the skull was applied. After defining the volume of interest, a grey-scale cut-off value was selected to allow an automatic reconstruction of the condyle's surface. Subsequently, condylar contour was optimized manually. The whole process was repeated twice by 2 independent investigators. Volumetric measurements of the condyle were used as a measure of conformity between both investigators. The reproducibility of condylar volume reconstruction was excellent for intra-examiner measurements (CV = 3.65%, intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.97) and good for inter-examiner measurements (CV = 7.15%, ICC = 0.89). The overall mean time required for the segmentation process was 6.31 + 2.78 minutes. The proposed protocol provides an accurate and reproducible tool for 3D reconstruction of the mandibular condyle using CBCT data. Its implementation will enable adequate follow-up of morphological changes in bone tissue with a Hounsfield unit-based imaging segmentation method.

Cranial Base Superimposition of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Images: A Voxel-Based Protocol Validation.

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of the present study was to find the gold-standard accuracy of voxel-based superimposition of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) datasets with a protocol developed for the Dolphin Imaging 3D software. The secondary objectives were to analyze reproducibility and efficiency of this protocol. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-five CBCT datasets of patients with dental implants present were selected. Each Base Volume dataset was duplicated to create a second volume. Subsequently, both volumes were superimposed with a voxel-based protocol consisting of 3 successive steps "Side-by-side Superimposition"; "Overlay Superimposition"; and "Export Orientation to 2nd Volume". The protocol's accuracy was evaluated by measuring the mean distance between the apex of each dental implant on the Base Volume and second volume datasets. Efficiency was given by the mean time needed to complete all superimposition steps. Reproducibility was analyzed by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficients. RESULTS: Mean time needed to complete the protocol was 198 seconds. The protocol had a rotational accuracy of 0.10° to 019° and a translational accuracy of 0.20 to 0.24 mm. Intra-observer and inter-observer reproducibility were 1 and 0.921 to 1, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The protocol is accurate, precise, reproducible, and efficient. The validation of this method enables unbiased analysis of surgical outcomes based on a single, user-friendly software product that is widely available in academic and clinical settings.

Jawline Contouring Through an Intraoral Approach in the Context of Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy: A Proof-of-Concept Report.

PURPOSE: This report describes a technique to suspend the submandibular space (SS) through an intraoral approach in the context of a bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO), thus improving the jawline contour and achieving a neck-rejuvenating effect. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A sample of 6 consecutive patients referred for orthognathic surgery who also sought neck rejuvenation and contouring surgery was selected to implement the technique. The following measurements were used to evaluate the procedure: patient satisfaction with a visual analog scale, photographic assessment, additional operative time, and complications related to the procedure. RESULTS: The average patient age was 47 years (range, 38 to 57 yr). Three patients were women and 3 were men. All patients were highly satisfied with the results achieved at the jawline. No surgical complications occurred in any case. There was an average increase of only 5 minutes in total operative time for each side. CONCLUSION: Suspension of the SS through an intraoral approach is an effective, well-tolerated, and technically straightforward method for neck contouring in patients in whom a BSSO procedure is foreseen.

Three-Dimensional Analysis of Long-Term Stability After Bilateral Sagittal Split Ramus Osteotomy Fixed With a Single Miniplate With 4 Monocortical Screws and 1 Bicortical Screw: A Retrospective 2-Center Study.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the long-term stability of bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy fixed with a single miniplate with 4 monocortical screws and 1 bicortical screw (hybrid technique [HT]) using 3-dimensional (3D) analysis and an objective measuring tool, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-four patients who underwent bimaxillary surgery with mandibular advancement fixed with the HT were selected from 2 different institutions and enrolled in this retrospective study. All patients underwent CBCT preoperatively, 1 month after surgery, and 12 months after surgery. To estimate the long-term stability of the HT, volumetric comparisons were performed using the following measurements: distance between the gonion and the B point in the sagittal plane; distance between the right and left gonion transversally; and the angle of the line connecting the mandibular notch and the gonion and the line connecting the gonion and the B point vertically. RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed no relevant relapse (<1 mm or <1°) when using the HT. However, a positive correlation between the amount of advancement and the amount of postoperative relapse was observed. CONCLUSION: The HT produces stable postoperative 3D results after 12 months.

[Soft tissue management to control nasal changes after Le Fort I Osteotomy]. / Ostéotomie de Le Fort 1 : gérer les tissus mous pour contrôler les modifications du nez.

INTRODUCTION: Adverse effects in the nasolabial region should be anticipated after Le Fort I osteotomy. Intraoperative factors such as the extent of surgical dissection, type of closure and perinasal soft tissue reconstruction seem to influence soft tissue response. Attempts to control these changes have been made over the years and several techniques have been proposed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors present a minimally invasive alternative surgical technique to control alar base widening as well as lip shortening.

Surgery first in orthognathic surgery: A systematic review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Compared to the conventional approach to orthognathic surgery, "surgery first" protocols could be advantageous in terms of shortened treatment times and immediate esthetic improvement. However, consensus regarding patient selection, technical protocol, and stability is still lacking. METHODS: A systematic review of the scientific literature on surgery-first treatment (January 2000 to January 2015) was performed. The PubMED and Cochrane Library databases were accessed. Patient selection criteria, specific surgical-orthodontic protocol, treatment duration, patient and orthodontist satisfaction, and stability of results were compared with a similar population treated conventionally. RESULTS: The search yielded 179 publications. The application of strict selection criteria gave the final group of 11 articles. In total, 295 patients were managed with a surgery-first approach. A Class III malocclusion was the most prevalent underlying malocclusion (84.7%). Total treatment duration was shorter in surgery-first patients than in those treated conventionally. There was substantial heterogeneity among articles and high reporting bias regarding the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the orthodontic and surgical protocols, and the stability of results. A meta-analysis of combined data was not possible. CONCLUSIONS: The surgery-first approach is a new treatment paradigm for the management of dentomaxillofacial deformity. Studies have reported satisfactory outcomes and high acceptance. However, the results should be interpreted with caution because of the wide varieties of study designs and outcome variables, reporting biases, and lack of prospective long-term follow-ups.

Malar Augmentation with Pedicled Buccal Fat Pad in Orthognathic Surgery: Three-Dimensional Evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Contemporary orthognathic surgery contemplates three-dimensional facial soft-tissue harmonization as one of the basic pillars in treatment planning. In particular, prominent malar regions are regarded as a sign of beauty and youth by Western societies. The aim of this article was to perform a subjective and objective three-dimensional evaluation of the pedicled buccal fat pad technique for malar augmentation in the context of orthognathic surgery. METHODS: Six consecutive patients with underlying dentofacial anomalies and bilateral malar hypoplasia were managed with simultaneous orthognathic surgery and pedicled buccal fat pad malar augmentation. Patient morbidity and satisfaction with the procedure were evaluated with a visual analogue scale. Cone-beam computed tomographic data were used to perform a volumetric analysis at 1- and 12-month follow-up by means of image superimposition. RESULTS: Subjective analysis revealed excellent patient satisfaction and minimal pain. Mean malar volume was 115,480.91 mm preoperatively, 124,586.32 mm 1 month after surgery, and 119,008.77 mm 12 months after surgery. Thus, the final mean increase 1 year after surgery was 3527.86 mm and the average amount of resorption was 5577.55 mm. The median variations in volume were 7.77 percent at 1-month follow-up and 3.52 percent at 12-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the pedicled buccal fat pad technique is a reasonable alternative for malar augmentation in the context of orthognathic surgery. The results of this preliminary report suggest that it provides satisfactory soft-tissue augmentation; avoids the use of foreign materials; and has minimal morbidity, high patient satisfaction, and adequate stability at 12-month follow-up. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Surgery first in orthognathic surgery: what have we learned? A comprehensive workflow based on 45 consecutive cases.

PURPOSE: In some patients, "surgery first" (SF) may represent a reasonable approach for the expedited correction of a maxillofacial deformity. Based on the prospective evaluation of a large sample, this article provides a specific orthodontic and surgical protocol, discusses the benefits and limitations of this approach, and updates its indications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five patients were managed with an SF approach. Selected cases presented symmetrical skeletal malocclusions with no need for extractions or surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion. Periodontal or temporomandibular joint problems and management by an orthodontist without experience in orthognathic surgery were considered exclusion criteria. Virtual treatment planning included a 3-dimensional orthodontic setup. Standard orthognathic osteotomies were followed by buccal interdental corticotomies to amplify the regional acceleratory phenomenon. Miniscrews were placed for postoperative skeletal stabilization. Orthodontic treatment began 2 weeks after surgery. Archwires were changed every 2 to 3 weeks. At 12-month follow-up, patient satisfaction and orthodontist satisfaction were evaluated on a visual analog scale of 1 to 10. Descriptive statistics were computed for all study variables. RESULTS: The studied sample consisted of 27 women and 18 men (mean age, 23.5 yr). The main motivation for treatment was the wish to improve facial esthetics. Bimaxillary surgery was the most common procedure. Mean duration of orthodontic treatment was 37.8 weeks, with an average of 22 orthodontic appointments. Mean patient and orthodontist satisfaction scores were 9.4 (range, 8 to 10) and 9.7 (range, 8 to 10), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The SF approach significantly shortens total treatment time and is very favorably valued by patients and orthodontists. Nevertheless, careful patient selection, precise treatment planning, and fluent bidirectional feedback between the surgeon and the orthodontist are mandatory.

Total reconstruction of the atrophic maxilla with intraoral bone grafts and biomaterials: a prospective clinical study with cone beam computed tomography validation.

PURPOSE: To perform a preliminary validation with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) of the combined use of intraoral bone blocks and biomaterials for total reconstruction of the atrophic maxilla. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive cases of total edentulism of the maxilla (Cawood and Howell classes IV or V) treated with bilateral sinus floor elevation, mandibular bone block grafts, and biomaterials were evaluated prospectively. Implants were placed 14 to 16 weeks after grafting. Each patient received a CBCT scan preoperatively, immediately after bone augmentation, and at reentry. A three-dimensional reconstruction of the maxilla with volumetric calculations was obtained at each stage. RESULTS: Fourteen patients participated. Successful graft integration occurred in all cases, with no major complications. Mean preoperative volume was 11,312 mm3. Mean postoperative volume was 19,997 mm3 immediately after surgery and 19,042 mm3 before implant insertion. The average percentage volumetric increase between the preoperative condition and the situation at reentry was 71.99%. One hundred eight implants were inserted. Immediate loading was possible with 81 implants in 10 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The rehabilitation of the severely resorbed maxilla remains a formidable challenge. The results of this study suggest that the use of mandibular bone blocks in combination with biomaterials is an effective, reliable procedure for the rehabilitation of the severely resorbed maxilla. Significant volume increases and adequate stability of the augmented areas at reentry were found with CBCT analysis. The grafted bone provided sufficient mechanical support to permit provisionalization and immediate loading. This technique enabled the restoration of function and esthetics with a fixed rehabilitation at 4 months.

"Twist technique" for pterygomaxillary dysjunction in minimally invasive Le Fort I osteotomy.

PURPOSE: To present a new technique for effective, rapid, and safe pterygomaxillary dysjunction in the context of a minimally invasive Le Fort I protocol and to provide the authors' preliminary experience. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 1,297 consecutive patients underwent Le Fort I osteotomy as an isolated procedure or in combination with mandibular surgery. In all cases, the "twist technique" was used to downfracture the maxilla. This method achieves pterygomaxillary dysjunction using a frontal approach and a straight osteotome that is driven along the standard Le Fort I horizontal osteotomy toward the pterygomaxillary junction. Downfracture is achieved by inwardly rotating the osteotome fixed at the zygomatic buttress. RESULTS: The studied sample consisted of 820 women and 477 men (mean age, 28.4 years). Mean surgical time of the maxillary procedure was 44 minutes. Mean incision length was 2.8 cm. No significant neurovascular complications or clinically evident iatrogenic fractures occurred. Mean maxillary advancement was 5.5 mm (range, 2.0 to 14.0 mm). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with classic pterygomaxillary dysjunction, the twist technique uses a frontal approach and a straight osteotome. This technical modification requires a substantially smaller incision, achieves an immediate effective separation of the maxilla, and enables adequate visualization of the palatine neurovascular bundle. The authors' preliminary experience in 1,297 patients shows the technique's safety and efficacy.