The Spatial Relationship Between Coronoid Process and Zygomatic Complex After Reduction Malarplasty.

BACKGROUND: Reduction malarplasty presents challenges in terms of postoperative complications, particularly limited mouth opening. Excessive inward displacement of the zygomatic complex can impinge on the coronoid process resulting in restricted mouth opening. This study aimed to assess the spatial relationship between the coronoid process and the zygomatic complex after reduction malarplasty. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted, including consecutive patients underwent reduction malarplasty. Radiological measurements were performed before surgery and during the final follow-up, including the coronoid-condylar index, distance between the coronoid process and zygomatic complex, and thickness and density of the temporal and masseter muscles. Clinical and radiographic data were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 159 female patients were included with an average age of 28.1 years and a mean follow-up of 6.7 months. The mean coronoid-condylar index was 1:1.4, ranging from 1:0.6 to 1:2.6. Following surgery, the distances between the coronoid process and the anterior zygoma decreased by approximately 1 mm. Additionally, the postoperative distance between the highest point of the coronoid process and the zygomatic arch decreased by around 4 mm horizontally and changed approximately 1 mm vertically. No significant changes were observed in the thickness and density of the temporal and masseter muscles after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Reduction malarplasty led to a slight decrease in the distance between the coronoid process and the zygoma. The operation generally resulted in proximity between the highest point of the coronoid process and the zygomatic arch. However, we believe that common reduction malarplasty rarely leads to osseous impingement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Reconstructive Operation of Severe Orbital Hypertelorism With Computer-Assisted Precise Virtual Plan.

Orbital hypertelorism correction is still a less precise procedure, with a simple preoperative design and surgical results often depending on the operator's experience. In recent years, computer-assisted technology has been fully utilized in craniofacial surgery. This article aims to explore the clinical results of computer-assisted technology in orbital hypertelorism correction and discuss its advantages and effects on treatment. Four patients with orbital hypertelorism underwent intracranial and extracranial combined box osteotomy correction. Preoperative computed tomography scans were performed, and 3-dimensional 3D digital technology was used to measure the orbital spacing, virtually design the 3D cutting scheme, and guide the intraoperative 3D cutting to improve the accuracy of periorbital osteotomy and reduce the surgical risk. Four patients underwent successful surgery, and the average distance of the medial orbital wall was decreased from 43.6 to 23.4 mm. Computer-assisted box osteotomy shortens the operative time and provides better corrective results.

Characteristics of the Sphenoid Bone in Crouzon Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study is to analyze the safety of reconstructive surgeries for Crouzon syndrome, and to understand the deformities and complications related to the surgical procedure. METHODS: Thirty-nine subjects underwent preoperative computed tomographic scans were included (Crouzon, n = 19; controls, n = 20) in this study. Craniofacial cephalometric measurements were analyzed by Materialise software. RESULTS: The overall average distance from the pterygoid junction to the coronal plane in the patients with Crouzon syndrome was 21.34 mm (standard deviation [SD] 5.13), which was deeper than that in the controls by 35% (P = 0.000).The overall average distances between the left and right foramen ovale and pterion on the sphenoid bone in the subjects were 64.93 mm (SD 7.56) and 67.83 mm (SD 8.57), which were increased by 13% (P = 0.001) and 14% (P = 0.001) compared with those in the controls.The overall distances between the most inferior point of the left and right lateral pterygoid plate and the medial pterygoid plate in the subjects were 51.09 mm (SD 6.68) and 51.51 mm (SD 10.98), which was not statically different from the controls (P = 0.887, P = 0.991, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study characterized the surgically relevant anatomy of the sphenoidal bone. The pterygomaxillary junction is located in the posterior of the skull. Though there are some anatomical differences due to age, it is well known that the cranial cavity of the sphenoid side is likely to be enlarged in Crouzon syndrome, which may contribute to the other complications of the disease.

S-Type Posterolateral Approach for Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Pronation External Rotation Ankle Fractures: Improved Visualisation of the Posterior Joint and the Lateral Malleolus.

Pronation external rotation (PER) fractures are unstable ankle fractures that require anatomically stable fixation. However, due to the long distance between the fibula and the posterior malleolus in PER IV, existing approaches may make it difficult for the fixation of the associated posterior joint and the lateral malleolus. We describe an S-type posterolateral approach for the open reduction and internal fixation of posterior malleolar fractures with an associated lateral malleolar fracture in PER IV.

Repairing Cranial Defect With Autogenous Mandibular Outer Plate.

BACKGROUND: Autogenous bone is the best material in cranioplasty because of biological advantages. Previously, skull, rib, ilium, and fibula have been used in the reconstruction of cranial defects. However, the application of autologous mandibular outer plate in the treatment of skull defect is rarely reported. This study evaluated the application of the autogenous mandibular outer plate in the reconstruction of cranial defect. METHODS: Eleven patients who underwent cranioplasty with mandibular outer plate were recruited. Three-dimensional tomography data were collected to calculate the preoperative, immediate postoperative, and long-term follow-up volume of the bone graft area and donor bone site, and then the absorption rate and the regeneration rate of autogenous bone were analyzed. RESULTS: The majority of the patients were satisfied with the reconstructive outcome. There are statistical differences in the volumetric measurements of the bone graft area and bone donor site at different time periods (P<0.05). The mean absorptivity of mandibular outer plate implanted in the cranial defect area was (17.30 ±â€Š5.03)% after 3 to 24 months postoperatively, the average regeneration rate of mandibular outer plate volume was (41.65 ±â€Š9.85)% at the same period. CONCLUSION: This report shows that the cranioplasty with mandibular outer plate bone graft may be an optional surgical procedure.

DOES IT WORK? -a randomized controlled trial to test the efficacy of HCV and HIV-related education on drug users in MMT, China.

BACKGROUND: HCV (Hepatitis C virus) is a prevalent chronic disease with potentially deadly consequences, especially for drug users. However, there are no special HCV or HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)-related intervention programs that are tailored for drug users in China; to fill this gap, the purpose of this study was to explore HCV and HIV-related knowledge among drug users in MMT (methadone maintenance treatment) sites of China and to investigate the effectiveness of HCV and HIV-related education for improving the knowledge of IDUs (injection drug users) and their awareness of infection. METHODS: The study was a randomized cluster controlled trial that compared a usual care group to a usual care plus HCV/HIV-REP (HCV/HIV-Reduction Education Program) group with a 24-week follow-up. The self-designed questionnaires, the HCV- and HIV-related knowledge questionnaire and the HIV/HCV infection awareness questionnaire, were used to collect the data. Four MMT clinics were selected for this project; two MMT clinics were randomly assigned to the research group, with subjects receiving their usual care plus HCV/HIV-REP, and the remaining two MMT clinics were the control group, with subjects receiving their usual care over 12 weeks. Sixty patients were recruited from each MMT clinic. A total of 240 patients were recruited. Follow-up studies were conducted at the end of the 12th week and the 24th week after the intervention. RESULTS: At baseline, the mean score (out of 20 possible correct answers) for HCV knowledge among the patients in the group receiving the intervention was 6.51 (SD = 3.5), and it was 20.57 (SD = 6.54) for HIV knowledge (out of 45 correct answers) and 8.35 (SD = 2.8) for HIV/HCV infection awareness (out of 20 correct answers). At the 12-week and 24-week follow-up assessments, the research group showed a greater increase in HCV-/HIV-related knowledge (group × time effect, F = 37.444/11.281, P < 0.05) but no difference in their HIV/HCV infection awareness (group × time effect, F = 2.056, P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: An MMT-based HCV/HIV intervention program could be used to improve patient knowledge of HCV and HIV prevention, but more effort should be devoted to HIV/HCV infection awareness. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Protocols for this study were approved by institution review board (IRB) of Shanghai Mental Health Center (IRB:2009036), and registered in U.S national institutes of health (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01647191 ). Registered 23 July 2012.

Macrophages in keloid are potent at promoting the differentiation and function of regulatory T cells.

The mechanistic details of keloid formation are still not understood. Given that the immune system is engaged in skin lesion repair, we examined the CD14+ macrophages and CD3+ T cells in keloid tissues and in the normal skin. Compared to the normal skin, keloid tissues presented significantly elevated infiltration by CD14+ macrophages. Moreover, the transcription and protein expression of iNOS, IL-12, IL-10, and TGF-ß were significantly higher in keloid macrophages than in normal skin macrophages, in which the expression of M2-associated genes were further elevated compared to M1-associated genes in keloid. We also observed that keloid tissues presented higher infiltration by CD3+ T cells, of which the majority was CD4+ T cells. Notably, the frequency of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) in keloid tissues was significantly higher compared to that in the peripheral blood. Furthermore, macrophages from keloid tissues possessed potent capacity to induce Foxp3 expression in circulating CD3+ T cells. Together, this study suggested that macrophages in keloid tissues presented high activation status and were polarized toward the M2 subtype; moreover, these macrophages could promote Treg differentiation by upregulating Foxp3 expression.

An Effective Simulator for Intraoral Facial Skeletal Contour Surgeries.

BACKGROUND: In East Asia, intraoral facial skeletal contour surgeries (intraoral FSCSs), including reduction gonioplasty, reduction malarplasty, and genioplasty, have become increasingly popular. Nonetheless, intraoral FSCSs are technically difficult and have a steep learning curve. An effective simulator could be beneficial for intraoral FSCS training. However, there is no intraoral FSCS simulator available. We introduced an intraoral FSCS simulator and assessed its effectiveness. METHODS: An intraoral FSCS simulator was established by covering a 3-dimensional printed skull with elastic cloth. Twenty residents were enrolled and randomly divided into experimental group A and control group B. Group A performed the intraoral FSCS on the simulator for 3 times. Group B performed the intraoral FSCS on skull model for 3 times. The intraoral FSCS simulator and trainees' performance were evaluated by a trainee-reported questionnaire before and after training, the surgical outcomes were graded by 3 senior attending physicians. All questions and the surgical outcome were scored based on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = very poor, 5 = very good). The surgical times were recorded. RESULTS: The intraoral FSCS simulator (4.13 ± 0.64) simulated the surgical reality significantly better than the skull (2.6 ± 0.63). In intraoral FSCS simulator training, the restriction and compliance of the facial soft tissue were vividly mimicked (4.4 ± 0.51); the intraoral approach was vividly mimicked (4.07 ± 0.59). The intraoral FSCS simulator is significantly superior to the skull in improving participants' confidence in performing intraoral FSCS, power system control, and intraoral approach adoption (<0.001). The average surgical outcome score was 3.11 ± 0.45 in group A and 3.91 ± 0.24 in group B. The average surgical time was 177.78 ± 28.38 minutes in group A and 65.26 ± 15.38 minutes in group B. CONCLUSIONS: We developed the first intraoral FSCS simulator and proved its effectiveness preliminarily. Randomized controlled study with clinical cases is needed to further test its effectiveness.

Mandibular Augmentation With a New Sandwich Osteotomy: A Morphologic Study.

OBJECTIVE: Facial asymmetry is one of common complaints in plastic and craniofacial surgery in Orient. Hemimandibular dysplasia has considered to be the key role in facial asymmetry. Despite of the undergrow of mandibular length and height, the lackness of mandibular thickness contributes to the asymmetry. The aim of this study was to describe the therapeutic efficiency of mandibular augmentation with a new sandwich osteotomy with interpositional natural coral and coralline hydroxyapatite (CHA). METHODS: Nine goats were randomly divided into 3 groups and observed at 6, 12, and 18 months after surgery. All goats received splitting of bilateral mandibular outer cortex and interpositional grafting with natural coral and CHA, respectively (sandwich osteotomy). Data were evaluated and statistically analyzed by t-test. RESULTS: All goats were observed at 3 different time points. The computed tomography images show that the area of operation was healed and the thickness of the mandible was increased in 3 time points. In the 3 groups, mandibular thickness and volume were significantly different compared with those before operation (P < 0.05). The volume of CHA group improved better than coral group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study provides a promising alternative method for mandibular augmentation with a sandwich osteotomy and interpositional grafting with natural coral and CHA. The thickness and volume of mandible had been effectively increased in follow-ups.

Zygomatic Nonunion: A Misunderstood Complication of Reduction Malarplasty.

Reduction malarplasty is a popular facial skeletal contour surgery in East Asia. Zygomatic nonunion is a reported complication. However, it is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed. Here we present typical misdiagnosed zygomatic nonunion cases, propose and preliminarily clarify 4 major misunderstandings of zygomatic nonunion: diagnostic standard, the cause, the incidence, and the prognosis of zygomatic nonunion.

Three-Dimensional Analysis of Mandibular Angle Classification and Aesthetic Evaluation of the Lower Face in Chinese Female Adults.

BACKGROUND: Reduction gonioplasty is very popular in East Asia. However, there has been little quantitative criteria for mandibular angle classification or aesthetics. The aim of this study was to investigate the quantitative differences of mandibular angle types and determine the morphologic features of mandibular angle in attractive women. METHODS: We created a database of skull computed tomography and standardized frontal and lateral photographs of 96 Chinese female adults. Mandibular angle was classified into 3 groups, namely, extraversion, introversion, and healthy group, based on the position of gonion. We used a 5-point Likert scale to quantify attractiveness based on photographs. Those who scored 4 or higher were defined as attractive women. Three types of computed tomography measurements of the mandible were taken, including 4 distances, 4 angles, and 3 proportions. Discriminant analysis was applied to establish a mathematic model for mandibular angle aesthetics evaluation. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed between the different types of mandibular angle in lower facial width (Gol-Gor), mandibular angle (Co-Go-Me), and gonion divergence angle (Gol-Me-Gor) (P < 0.01). Chinese attractive women had a mandibular angle of 123.913 ± 2.989 degrees, a FH-MP of 27.033 ± 2.695 degrees, and a Go-Me/Co-Go index of 2.0. The "healthy" women had a mandibular angle of 116.402 ± 5.373 degrees, a FH-MP of 19.556 ± 5.999 degrees, and a Go-Me/Co-Go index of 1.6. The estimated Fisher linear discriminant function for the identification of attractive women was as follows: Y = -0.1516X1(Co-Go) + 0.128X2(Go-Me) + 0.04936X3(Co-Go-Me) +0.0218X4(FH-MP). CONCLUSIONS: Our study quantified the differences of mandibular angle types and identified the morphological features of mandibular angle in attractive Chinese female adults. Our results could assist plastic surgeons in presurgical designing of new aesthetic gonion and help to evaluate lower face aesthetics.

Interpositional Arthroplasty by Temporalis Fascia Flap and Galea Aponeurotica Combined With Distraction Osteogenesis: a Modified Method in Treatment of Adult Patients With Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis and Mandibular Dysplasia.

BACKGROUND: Interpositional arthroplasty (IPA) with temporalis fascia flap has been one of the most frequently performed procedures to treat temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis. However, recurrence often occurs when the flap lacks bulk or atrophies. Whether to perform IPA or distraction osteogenesis (DO) first has long been a controversial issue when patients presented mandibular dysplasia (MD). This study provided IPA a new graft material sufficient to prevent recurrence, combined the modified protocol of performing DO 6 months after IPA, and evaluated its efficacy in treating TMJ ankylosis patients with MD. METHODS: Six patients with unilateral TMJ ankylosis and MD were treated in the authors' study. The temporalis fascia flap and part of adjacent galea aponeurotica were filled the space after surgical release. Mouth-opening exercises started immediately post-IPA. Distraction osteogenesis was performed 6 months after IPA and had a 4-month consolidation. The maximum interincisal distance at preoperative, immediately post-IPA and the latest follow-up were recorded, as was the distraction length. The body mass index was measured at each patient's postoperative visit. RESULT: All patients had significant improvements in facial aesthetic, mouth-opening, and occlusion. No major complication or recurrence was observed at 3 to 4 years' follow-up. The mean maximum interincisal distance was 4.83 ±â€Š2.79 mm preoperative and 35.67 ±â€Š3.39 mm at the latest follow-up. The mean distraction distance was 16.17 ±â€Š5.98 mm. The body mass index improved from 17.33 ±â€Š0.64 kg/m preoperative to 18.75 ±â€Š0.60 kg/m before DO. CONCLUSIONS: Temporalis fascia flap and adjacent galea aponeurotica as new graft materials are recommended for IPA. The modified staged treatment proved to be reliable and effective to prevent recurrence, improve mandibular length and final occlusion.

Standardized Protocol for Virtual Surgical Plan and 3-Dimensional Surgical Template-Assisted Single-Stage Mandible Contour Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Mandible contour surgery, including reduction gonioplasty and genioplasty, has become increasingly popular in East Asia. However, it is technically challenging and, hence, leads to a long learning curve and high complication rates and often needs secondary revisions. The increasing use of 3-dimensional (3D) technology makes accurate single-stage mandible contour surgery with minimum complication rates possible with a virtual surgical plan (VSP) and 3-D surgical templates. This study is to establish a standardized protocol for VSP and 3-D surgical templates-assisted mandible contour surgery and evaluate the accuracy of the protocol. METHODS: In this study, we enrolled 20 patients for mandible contour surgery. Our protocol is to perform VSP based on 3-D computed tomography data. Then, design and 3-D print surgical templates based on preoperative VSP. The accuracy of the method was analyzed by 3-D comparison of VSP and postoperative results using detailed computer analysis. RESULT: All patients had symmetric, natural osteotomy lines and satisfactory facial ratios in a single-stage operation. The average relative error of VSP and postoperative result on the entire skull was 0.41 ± 0.13 mm. The average new left gonial error was 0.43 ± 0.77 mm. The average new right gonial error was 0.45 ± 0.69 mm. The average pognion error was 0.79 ± 1.21 mm. Patients were very satisfied with the aesthetic results. Surgeons were very satisfied with the performance of surgical templates to facilitate the operation. CONCLUSIONS: Our standardized protocol of VSP and 3-D printed surgical templates-assisted single-stage mandible contour surgery results in accurate, safe, and predictable outcome in a single stage.

A Novel Method of Mild to Moderate Parry-Romberg Syndrome Reconstruction: Computer-Assisted Surgery With Mandibular Outer Cortex and Fat Grafting.

BACKGROUND: In patients with mild to moderate Parry-Romberg syndrome (PRS), plastic surgeons have mainly focused on the restoration of soft tissue deficiencies. While, bone deficits are easily overlooked. This study developed a new method combines the autologous mandibular outer cortex (MOC) grafting with fat grafting in mild to moderate patients with PRS, and apply computer-assisted techniques to improve the surgical outcomes and accuracy. METHODS: Seven patients with mild to moderate PRS were prospectively enrolled in the study. Preoperative and 7 days and 6 months postoperative computed tomography (CT) and photographs were performed. Computer-aided design was done based on preoperative CT data. Surgical templates for MOC harvesting and grafting were designed and printed out. The topographic map of fat grafting was generated. The accuracy of MOC bone grafting was evaluated by the MOC thickness relative error, the MOC thickness accuracy at the preop most severe bone atrophy point (preop MSBAP), and the MOC volume accuracy. The percentage volume maintenance of the fat grafting surgery was assessed. RESULTS: All 7 patients had ideal clinical outcomes with significant improvement in facial symmetry and no major complications happened. The average MOC thickness relative error is 2.85 ±â€Š0.50%. The average MOC thickness accuracy at the preop MSBAP is 3.36 ±â€Š1.13%. The average MOC volume accuracy is 3.41 ±â€Š1.37%. The average percentage volume maintenance of fat grafting is 62.79 ±â€Š5.73%. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of MOC grafting with fat grafting can be an excellent choice in reconstruction of mild to moderate patients with PRS. Applying computer-assisted techniques offers a reliable and accurate outcome.

Reduction Gonioplasty: Bone Regeneration and Soft Tissue Response.

BACKGROUND: Reduction gonioplasty is frequently used to achieve an oval-shaped face in Asia. However, the soft tissue response and bone regeneration of reduction gonioplasty which are keys to the outcome are still unclear. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of bone regeneration on facial width and the soft tissue response of reduction gonioplasty. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent reduction gonioplasty from 2009 to 2013. A high-speed rotary cutting bur without a water coolant was routinely used from the new gonial point to the inferior mandibular rim under the second premolar, whereas the elongated osteotomy line (mandibular-chin body osteotomy) was performed with a reciprocating saw. Forty-nine patients with preoperative, immediate postoperative, and 12-month postoperative frontal cephalograms were included in our study. Mandible and soft tissue profiles were measured on cephalograms. RESULTS: Bone regeneration in high-speed rotary cutting bur ostectomy region was -0.79 ± 1.76 mm (1 cm above Go-Go), -0.75 ± 1.46 mm (Go-Go, bigonial line), and -0.77 ± 2.10 mm (1 cm below Go-Go), whereas 0.07 ± 1.79 mm (2 cm below Go-Go) in ostectomy region performed by reciprocating saw. The soft tissue response ratios were 76.72 ± 30.70% (Go-Go), 108.8 ± 54.11% (1 cm below Go-Go), and 155.9 ± 66.82% (2 cm below Go-Go). CONCLUSIONS: Bone regeneration does not lead to an increase in facial width after reduction gonioplasty with our technique, and the use of a high-speed rotary cutting bur without a water coolant decreases bone regeneration. The soft tissue response ratio is higher in the anterior mandible, and the outcome of reduction gonioplasty is a sharper lower face with a full cheek. Reduction gonioplasty is an effective and predictable lower face reshaping surgery.

Reduction Malarplasty With Face-Lift for Older Asians With Prominent Zygoma.

BACKGROUND: In Asian culture, overly prominent zygomas are undesirable because they give a masculine and severe appearance. Thus, reduction malarplasty is now becoming one of the most popular procedures among Asian women. However, older patients present sagging facial soft tissue and have high incidence of cheek descent after surgery. To overcome these issues and achieve better cosmetic surgical outcomes, we performed a reduction malarplasty combined with a face-lift to achieve an oval and youthful midface. METHODS: It was a retrospective observational study of 22 older Asian women who complained of prominent zygoma and aged midface. All of them had undergone reduction malarplasty combined with cheek-lift. Clinical results were assessed with photographs and patient satisfactory rates. RESULTS: The L-shaped reduction malarplasty with face-lift was performed successfully in all cases. All of the patients recover successfully without major complications. Malar prominence and midface aging was improved, and the natural midface contour was preserved. One hundred percent of the patients thought that the shape of their midface had improved, and 95.5% were satisfied with the rejuvenation of midface. CONCLUSIONS: The reduction malarplasty combined with face-lift effectively addressed the malar prominence and midface aging issues simultaneously. Therefore, this can be a useful technique to restore the youthful and proportionate facial relationships in older Asian patients.

Surgical Template to Minimize the Damage of Tooth Buds in Young Children With Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis.

BACKGROUND: Mandibular distraction osteogenesis has become one of the most powerful reconstructive techniques for the treatment of mandibular deformities in young children. Damage to the tooth buds is often cited as a complication of it. The purpose of this study was to precisely design the osteotomy line and avoid the damage of tooth buds at the mandibular angle area with the help of surgical template. METHODS: Six patients aged from 6 to 10 years were selected in this study. Three-dimensional computed tomography data was put into Mimics software for preoperative planning the osteotomy line and the accurate placement of the distractor based on the exact position of tooth follicle. And then the surgical template was manufactured by a three-dimensional printer with rapid prototyping technique. The surgeons were guided to perform the osteotomy aided with the prefabricated template through an intraoral approach. Distraction began 7 days postoperation with a rate of 1 mm/d and the distractor was removed after a 6 to 8 months consolidation period. The tooth buds were observed through radiographs that were performed at 5 time intervals: before distraction, at the end of latency, at the end of distraction, at the end of consolidation and 2 years of the postoperation to remove the distractor. RESULTS: The average follow-up time is 24 months. Facial appearance and occlusal plane of all the young patients were greatly improved without complications. From the radiological observation, the tooth buds was intact after the surgery and the second molar normally erupted after removing the distractor. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical template was considered to be helpful in improving the surgical accuracy and avoiding the tooth buds damage during mandibular distraction osteogenesis.

Computer Image-Guided Template for Horizontal Advancement Genioplasty.

BACKGROUND: Horizontal advancement genioplasty can be extremely rewarding for microgenia. However, it is challenging for even very experienced surgeon to determine the three-dimensional position of the distant bone fragment during the operation. This study aimed to apply and evaluate computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing techniques for horizontal advancement genioplasty to improve surgical accuracy. METHODS: Seven patients with microgenia were prospectively enrolled in the study. Preoperative and postoperative computed tomography (CT), photographs, and lateral cephalograms were performed. Computer-aided design was done based on preoperative CT data, and then surgical templates (cutting guide templates and fixation templates) were designed accordingly to guide horizontal advancement genioplasty. All surgeries were performed by junior surgeons. The accuracy of the authors' method was evaluated by the relative error (the mean value of discrepancy between postoperative CT and preoperative design at 6 points selected randomly/preoperative design movement × 100%), Pg position error (postoperative Pg Advancement - preoperative CAD Pg Advancement)/preoperative CAD Pg Advancement × 100%), and Me position error (postoperative Me downward movement - preoperative CAD Me downward movement)/preoperative CAD Me downward movement × 100%). They are all calculated by Geomagic automatically. RESULTS: All 7 patients were satisfied with their aesthetic outcomes. The average absolute relative error is 1.8%. The average absolute Pg position error is 1.9% and the average absolute Me position error value is 1.3%. CONCLUSIONS: The authors' study showed that applying computer-assisted techniques for horizontal advancement genioplasty provided accurate surgical result. With this technique, best result for horizontal advancement genioplasty could be achieved by even inexperienced surgeons.

Zygomatic Complex Change After Reduction Malarplasty and Its Geometric Model: A Retrospective Clinical Study.

PURPOSE: To achieve optimal outcomes in reduction malarplasty, the amount of removed zygomatic bone must be planned accurately. This study aimed to analyze the associations between the width of bony resection and changes in zygomatic bony parameters, to propose a geometric model to guide surgical planning, and to objectively evaluate the surgical outcomes of reduction malarplasty based on computed tomographic (CT) images. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study of patients who underwent reduction malarplasty. Digitized CT images were used to evaluate the bony parameters of the zygomatic complex. A geometric model was proposed to guide surgical planning for malar reduction. The primary predictor variable was the width of the bony segment to be resected. The primary outcome variables were changes in malar prominence and attractiveness. Other variables included gender, age, and other bony parameters of the zygoma. Bivariate correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analyses were performed between predictor and outcome variables. Presurgical and postsurgical data were analyzed with paired-samples t test to evaluate surgical outcomes. Differences were considered statistically significant at a P value less than .05. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients who underwent reduction malarplasty with an L-shaped osteotomy from 2012 through 2014 were included in the study. Statistical analysis showed a significant decrease in malar prominence and increased attractiveness between presurgical and postsurgical images (P < .001). The width of bony resection was statistically associated with all outcome variables after adjusting for potential confounders. CONCLUSIONS: Reduction malarplasty with a modified L-shaped osteotomy resulted in a notable decrease in malar prominence and a statistical decrease in the zygomatic arch width. The amount of bone that must be removed from the zygoma to achieve a desired reduction can be calculated with geometric equations. The proposed methodology could assist surgical design and improve surgical accuracy.

Computer-assisted design of sequential surgical procedure for oblique facial clefts with mandibular outer cortex autografts.

BACKGROUND: Oblique facial clefts are congenital craniofacial malformations affecting the paramedian line of facial structures. Correction of these defects involves bone and soft tissue reconstruction. The authors have developed a computer-aided sequential surgical procedure for oblique facial clefts, including mandibular outer cortex autografting, medial canthal ligament reduction and fixation, and fat autografting. METHODS: From 2004 to 2013, 12 patients (9 women, 3 men) with oblique facial clefts were treated with the 3-step procedure in our clinic. Mean patient age at the first surgery was 18 years (range, 13-25 years). Preoperative three-dimensional surgical simulations assisted the surgeries. A retrospective review of patients' clinical, photographic, and radiographic records was performed. RESULTS: All patients achieved significant treatment effects and high satisfaction. The patients' self-assessed scores on a 10-point scale of deformity severity were lower after surgery (P < 0.001) and remained stable after 6 to 12 months (P = 0.069). Good repositioning of the inner canthus was achieved (P < 0.001) with no significant relapse (P = 0.096). The mean (SD) recovery of mandibular donor sites was 48.44% (16.89%) (range, 11.03%-71.33%). Grafted bone absorption was not significantly different at different recipient sites. Only minor complications occurred in 6 patients. CONCLUSIONS: This procedure was an effective treatment for oblique facial clefts, resulting in high satisfaction, remarkable improvements in facial symmetry, little skin scarring, acceptable bone graft resorption, and dramatic recovery of mandibular donor sites. Computer-assisted surgical simulation effectively describes characteristic skeletal deformities and provides a useful guide to surgical reconstruction.