Does Bulky Adenopathy in Human Papilloma Virus-Positive Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Require a Planned Post-Treatment Neck Dissection for Occult Residual Disease?

PURPOSE: A planned neck dissection was traditionally considered for a large nodal disease after definitive chemoradiation, yet controversy exists for the human papilloma virus-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV OPSCC). We aimed to measure the frequency of persistent occult neck disease in planned neck dissection for HPV OPSCC presenting with a large (≥3.0 cm) nodal burden. METHODS: We designed a retrospective cohort study at a single tertiary referral institution. The study population was sampled from 2006 to 2018 and subjects with HPV OPSCC and adenopathy ≥3.0 cm. Inclusion criteria encompassed subjects who completed primary chemoradiation therapy (CRT) or primary radiation therapy (RT), and subsequently underwent a planned neck dissection. We excluded subjects who did not complete therapy or had less than 1-year follow-up. Our primary predictor variable was the size of cervical adenopathy on presentation (3.0-3.9 cm, 4.0-4.9 cm, 5.0-5.9 cm, and ≥6.0 cm). Our primary outcome of interest was the presence of disease based on the histopathology review. Other variables included the demographics, primary treatment with CRT or RT, and post-treatment clinical or radiographic evidence of disease. Chi-square testing was used to compare rates of persistent disease, with varying sizes of cervical adenopathy on presentation. The alpha level for statistical significance was set at 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 86 subjects were analyzed, with forty-one females and forty-five males, ranging from 36 to 77 years (mean 54.6 years). From the total study sample, 35% showed persistent disease, and 67% of those subjects had occult disease at the time of planned neck dissection. Greater than 20% of subjects had persistent disease when the nodal burden was ≥3.0 cm at presentation. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant difference in the rates of persistent microscopic disease among subjects with nodal burden of different sizes based on chi-square testing (P = .01, χ2 = 10.66). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that subjects with HPV OPSCC presenting with a nodal burden ≥3.0 cm are likely to have 23% chance of persistent occult neck disease after primary CRT or RT. These findings may support the routine treatment of these subjects with a planned neck dissection after initial therapy to confirm or surgically complete disease eradication.

A Surgeon's Armamentarium for Ocular Management in Facial Paralysis: A Comprehensive Review.

OBJECTIVE: To review the current management paradigm of the eye in patients with facial paralysis. METHODS: A PubMed and Cochrane search was done with no date restrictions for English-language literature on facial synkinesis. The search terms used were "ocular," "facial," "synkinesis," "palsy," "neurotization," and various combinations of the terms. A total of 65 articles were included. RESULTS: Facial paralysis may result in devastating ocular sequelae. Therefore, assessment of the eye in facial paralysis is a critical component of patient management. Although the management should be individualized to the patient, the primary objective should include an ophthalmologic evaluation to implement measures to protect the ocular surface and preserve visual acuity. The degree of facial paralysis, lacrimal secretion, corneal sensation, and position of the eyelids should be assessed thoroughly. Patients with the anticipated recovery of facial nerve function may respond to more conservative temporizing measures to protect the ocular surface. Conversely, patients with expected prolonged paralysis should be appropriately identified as they will benefit from surgical reconstruction and rehabilitation of the periorbital complex. The majority of reconstructive measures within a facial surgeon's armamentarium augment coverage of the eye but are unable to restore blink. Eyelid reanimation restores the esthetic proportionality of the eye with blinking and reestablishes protective functions necessary for ocular preservation and function. CONCLUSIONS: Ocular preservation is the primary priority in the initial management of the patient with facial paralysis. An accurate assessment is a critical component in identifying the type of paralysis and developing an individualized treatment plan.

Surgical Management of Necrotizing Fasciitis of the Head and Neck.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to highlight risk factors and surgeries for necrotizing fasciitis (NF) of the head and neck in the literature. NF is rare but can rapidly progress. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search was done using PubMed and SCOPUS. Articles that discussed NF of the head and neck and a specific surgical technique were included. A bivariate Pearson correlation was conducted using an α level of 0.05. RESULTS: The study included 31 articles encompassing 77 patients who presented with head and neck NF. Diabetes mellitus (23.4%) was the most common comorbidity observed. Surgical techniques, such as debridement (96.10%) and incision/exploration (97.40%), were common. CONCLUSION: Immediate surgical intervention should be performed when treating patients presenting with NF of the head and neck.

Trends in Facial Paralysis Management: A National Survey Study.

INTRODUCTION: Advances in operative management, minimally invasive procedures, and physical therapy have allowed for dramatic improvements in functional and cosmetic outcomes in patients with facial paralysis. Our goal was to evaluate the current trends and practice patterns in the diagnosis and management of facial paralysis by provider demographics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic questionnaire was distributed to members of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS). Practice patterns in the diagnosis and treatment were compared by level of training (fellowship-trained facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon versus non-fellowship trained), practice type (academic and private), practice length, patient volume, and presence of a dedicated facial nerve clinic. The bivariate associations of the outcome variables and the stratification factors were analyzed using 2-way contingency tables and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: The survey was sent to 1129 members of the AAFPRS. The response rate was 11.7% (n=132). Most respondents were fellowship-trained surgeons (79%) in the academic setting (55%), and most have been in practice for more than 10 years (53%). Practice setting and patient volume were the factors most associated with significant variations in management, including the use of facial paralysis grading scales, photography/videography, patient-reported outcome metrics, as well as differences in both noninvasive and surgical management. CONCLUSION: Based on the present study, several physician demographic factors may play a role in choosing which diagnostic and treatment options are employed for facial paralysis, with practice setting and patient volume appearing to be the 2 variables associated with the most significant differences.

Perfusion dynamics in pedicled and free tissue reconstruction: Infrared thermography and laser fluorescence video angiography.

OBJECTIVE: Preoperative planning, design, and perioperative monitoring of microsurgical free flaps is of paramount importance to successful reconstruction. Infrared Thermography provides an indirect method by which vascular perfusion may be monitored and has previously shown efficacy in detection of cutaneous perforators. In a proof-of-concept study, we assessed the utility of infrared thermography in delineating angiosomes and monitoring for adequate tissue perfusion in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative setting. This technology was compared to conventional indocyanine green fluorescence angiography (ICG-FA). METHOD: Four patients undergoing locoregional pedicled or free flap reconstruction were assessed using ICG-FA and Forward-looking infrared (FLIR) thermography in standardized conditions. Monitoring of flap angiosomes and tissue perfusion using both fluorescent pixel intensity and thermography was then performed implementing proprietary software. CONCLUSION: Our study is unique in that tissue perfusion intraoperatively was assessed with both thermography and indocyanine green fluorescence angiography (ICG-FA), which represents a previously established system. We demonstrate that smartphone compatible thermal cameras may be used as an adjunct to clinical exam, as well as other monitoring technologies, providing further information in not only selection of perforators, in the operative setting, but also in the early detection of poor flap viability secondary to microvascular compromise allowing for timely salvage.

Volleyball-related Adult Maxillofacial Trauma Injuries: A NEISS Database Study.

INTRODUCTION: Craniofacial trauma among athletes of various sports has been well detailed and described. Despite this research, there is a dearth of literature describing the nature of facial trauma secondary to volleyball, despite its global popularity. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis of volleyball-related facial trauma was conducted using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database from 2009 to 2018. Patient demographics (age, sex, and race), medical injury information (injury type and location), and disposition (observed and discharged, admitted, deceased) were collected and analyzed. χ2 testing was performed to compare categorical variables. RESULTS: A total of 235 volleyball-related facial traumas were recorded with an estimated 10,424 visits occurring nationally. The majority of injuries were among young adults aged 20 to 29 years (52.3%) and was evenly distributed for men and women. Lacerations were the most frequent injury type (37.9%), whereas the face was the most common site of injury (41.7%). The majority of fractures involved the nose (71.4%) and among individuals aged 20 through 49 (90.5%). Males had significantly more lacerations than females (75.3% vs 24.7%), whereas females had significantly more contusions/abrasions (64.5% vs 35.5%) and concussions (72.9% vs 27.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Volleyball-related craniofacial injuries can vary depending on patient demographics. This information can help with the development of safety and preventative measures for individuals participating in the sport.

Facial Protection to Prevent Facial Trauma and Allow for Optimal Protection after Facial Fracture Repair.

Facial skeletal fractures continue to affect humankind, and many methods to alleviate and prevent the injuries outright have been sought after. Prevention is desired, but the implementation and general compliance may contribute to missed opportunities to decrease the burden of facial skeletal trauma. In this article, we explore the preventative as well as postoperative options for the protection of the facial skeleton.

Jaw in a Day: Immediate Dental Rehabilitation during Fibula Reconstruction of the Mandible.

Reconstructing mandibular defects presents challenges to dental rehabilitation related to altered bone and soft tissue anatomy. Dental implants are the most reliable method to restore the lost dentition. Immediate dental implants have been placed for many years but with unacceptably low rates of dental/prosthetic success. Current virtual technology allows placement of both fibulas and guided implants in restoratively driven positions that also allow immediate dental rehabilitation. Inexpensive three-dimensional printing platforms can create provisional dental prostheses placed at the time of surgery. This article reviews our digital and surgical workflow to create an immediate dental prosthesis to predictably restore the dentition during major jaw reconstruction with fibula free flaps.

Genioplasty and Mandibular Implants.

Genioplasty is a useful technique employed for both aesthetic and, in the case of obstructive sleep apnea, functional purposes. Mandibular implants similarly represent a powerful tool in the facial surgeons armamentarium. Herein, we review relevant anatomy, patient evaluation, and various techniques employing both alloplastic augmentation and osseous modification of the mandible.

The Influence of Photo Editing Applications on Patients Seeking Facial Plastic Surgery Services.

BACKGROUND: The utilization of the smartphone and social media have introduced paradigm shifts to cosmetic surgery. Much has been studied regarding social media and its influences in plastic surgery; however, little is known about facial editing applications and how these relate to plastic surgery practices. OBJECTIVES: The authors sought to discover if face-editing applications influence patients' pursuit of plastic surgery, who utilizes these applications, and why. METHODS: An anonymous survey was administered between September and December 2019, including questions about demographics, familiarity, and utilization of face-editing applications, motivations in utilization and influences towards pursuing cosmetic procedures, and attitudes towards applications. RESULTS: Seventy patients completed the survey and 32.9% admitted to utilizing face-editing applications. Patients utilizing applications were significantly younger (36.9 years) than those who did not (54 years [P < 0.001]). Among those familiar with applications, women were significantly more likely than men to utilize them (100% vs 78.6%, respectively [P = 0.047]). Social media was the most common influence for utilizing apps (87%). The majority confirmed that these applications played a role in pursuing cosmetic procedures (56.5%). Most patients did not regret their utilization of these applications (87%). CONCLUSIONS: Face-editing applications serve a role regarding patient decision-making to pursue cosmetic surgery. Several motivators exist for application utilization, the largest of which is social media. Younger females are the most likely demographic to utilize applications and generally do not express regret in doing so. Plastic surgeons would benefit by understanding patient motivations and expectations created by utilizing these applications.

Substance Use and Maxillofacial Trauma: A Comprehensive Patient Profile.

PURPOSE: Maxillofacial trauma confers an increased risk of long-term clinical sequelae with a substantial economic burden on the health care system. Substance use has long been correlated with an increased risk of trauma, yet to date, a comprehensive profile of substance users incurring facial fractures has not been established. We aimed to establish patterns and trends of substance use and specific substances in the setting of maxillofacial trauma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted at our institution examining patients with maxillofacial fractures from 2016 to 2017. Information on age, gender, race, urine drug screen status, setting of presentation, mechanism of injury, trauma history, and injury severity was collected and examined for associations with particular substances. RESULTS: We included 388 patients for analysis. Patients with positive urine drug screen results were significantly more likely to be men, present in an urban setting, incur poly-facial trauma, and have a history of facial trauma. In addition, alcohol use correlated significantly with injury severity in the context of polytrauma. Living in an urban setting and using phencyclidine were both significantly associated with a history of maxillofacial trauma. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with comorbid maxillofacial trauma and substance use exhibit particular patterns in presentation and history. Establishing a profile for these patients allows for the development of prevention and rehabilitation programs.

Single-Point Fixation for Noncomminuted Zygomaticomaxillary Complex Fractures-A 20-Year Experience.

PURPOSE: Zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fractures occur often. However, no clinical consensus has been reached regarding the number of fixation points required when performing open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). The objective of the present study was to explore the utility of single-point fixation in the management of noncomminuted ZMC fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed the data from a retrospective case series of 211 patients treated during a 20-year period. RESULTS: The mean length of follow-up was 3.4 months. Of the 211 patients, 162 with noncomminuted ZMC fractures had been treated with single-point fixation of the zygomaticomaxillary buttress. During the follow-up period, 1 patient experienced tooth loss because of a root present in the fracture line, 7 experienced intraoral plate exposure, with 2 subsequently undergoing plate exchange, and 8 developed a wound infection. No patients required orthognathic surgery or cheek implants for malar asymmetry. No patient developed hypoglobus or enophthalmos, and none required revision ORIF of their ZMC fracture. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, the present study represents the largest series in the literature reporting the surgical results and outcomes of patients with noncomminuted ZMC fractures treated with single-point fixation. In experienced hands, we believe this is a viable surgical option if appropriate surgical considerations are made.

Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Implications in Craniomaxillofacial Trauma and Head and Neck Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The global COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. Our review serves as a safety resource based on the current literature and is aimed at providing best-practice recommendations. Specifically, this article is focused on considerations in the management of craniomaxillofacial trauma as well as reconstructive procedures after head and neck oncologic resection. METHODS: Relevant clinical data were obtained from peer-reviewed journal articles, task force recommendations, and published guidelines from multiple medical organizations utilizing data sources including PubMed, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, and Google search queries. Relevant publications were utilized to develop practice guidelines and recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: The global COVID-19 pandemic has placed a significant strain on health care resources with resultant impacts on patient care. Surgeons operating in the head and neck are particularly at risk of occupational COVID-19 exposure during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and must therefore be cognizant of protocols in place to mitigate exposure risk and optimize patient care.

Intranasal Bolsters: A Novel Technique for Nasal Bone Stabilization.

Nasal bone stabilization, in the setting of comminuted nasal fracture or surgical osteotomy, represents a challenging surgical experience. Postoperative shifting of osseous fragments may result in compromised outcomes in an otherwise well-performed procedure. Although prior studies have reported nasal bone fixation with implementation of wires, plates, or halos, these techniques are often difficult to employ routinely. Herein, the authors describe a novel and facile technique for the maintenance of unstable nasal bones using customized intranasal bolsters.

Experience With "Jaw in a Day" Technique.

The "Jaw in a Day" (JIAD) technique, first described by Levine and colleagues, establishes immediate functional occlusion through a single-stage maxillomandibular reconstruction with concurrent implant placement and provisional prosthesis delivery. In this study, the authors describe 2 cases exemplifying the reconstructive principles of JIAD. One patient underwent mandibular reconstruction with the JIAD technique and another patient underwent JIAD with an optimized rapid sequence computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) for composite maxillomandibular reconstruction. Immediate implant-borne prosthesis was fixated and all implants osseointegrated into the neomandible. Although the authors' patient outcomes are consistent with the literature, the published reports of JIAD remain limited, and further studies are required to assess the long-term functional and aesthetic outcomes as well as cost-effectiveness of this approach.

Trends in the Treatment of Bell's Palsy.

The aim of the study is to: (1) evaluate national trends in care of facial paralysis, namely Bell's palsy, patients to identify the types of treatments patients are receiving and treatment gaps and (2) identify if newer, more complex surgical therapies published in the literature are being employed. Data were collected from the MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters Database by Truven Health. From the database, all inpatient and outpatient claims with International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis codes for facial paralysis/dysfunction between 2005 and 2013 were extracted. Trends in medical and surgical management were evaluated specifically cataloging the use of steroids, antivirals, botulinum toxin, surgical and rehabilitation service current procedural terminology codes. A total of 42,866 of patients with a formal diagnosis of Bell's palsy were identified with 39,292 (92%) adults and 3,754 (8%) children (< 18 years old), respectively. Steroids were provided to 50.1% of children and 59.8% of adults and antivirals were prescribed to 26.2 and 39.4% of the children and adults, respectively. Within the first 2 years after diagnosis, 0.5% of children and 0.9% of adults received surgery, 0.1% of children and 0.8% of adults received botulinum toxin treatments, and 10.9% of children and 21.5% of adults received rehabilitation services. Despite the limitations of a claims database study, results showing trends in care of facial paralysis are still nonsurgical with many patients receiving no treatment at all. Although limited literature has shown an increase in the use of pharmacotherapy as well as techniques including physiotherapy, chemodenervation, and various surgical therapies, these interventions may be underutilized.

Customized Orbit and Frontal Bone Implants.

Orbitocranial reconstruction objectives include creation of a solid barrier between intracranial contents and the environment allowing restoration of physiologic homeostasis and restoration of aesthetic craniofacial contours. Historically, bone grafts have been used for reconstruction but were fraught with unpredictable resorption and imperfect contouring given the complex anatomy of the orbitofrontal bones. With advances in three-dimensional modeling technology, alloplastic custom implants in orbital and frontal bone reconstruction have allowed for rapid fixation reducing surgical times and improved cosmesis.

Palatomaxillary Obturation and Facial Prosthetics in Head and Neck Reconstruction.

Rehabilitation of head and neck defects following trauma, oncologic resection, or congenital malformation is a challenging task. Not only is the restoration of three-dimensional form necessary for acceptable cosmesis, but simultaneous restoration of functional speech and swallow is also essential for optimal reconstruction outcomes. While advances in free tissue transfer have allowed surgical reconstruction of head and neck defects once considered inoperable and associated with poor quality of life, not all patients are ideal surgical candidates. As such, nonsurgical solutions to both functional and cosmetic restoration remain a necessary alternative option. Facial prostheses and palatomaxillary obturators have evolved with increasingly biocompatible materials as well as retention systems to address significant defects that challenge the limits of surgical reconstruction.

Surgical Techniques to Improve the Soft Tissue Triangle in Rhinoplasty: A Systematic Review.

In this systematic review we aim to (1) describe the anatomy and function of the soft tissue triangle, (2) identify the existing rhinoplasty literature that discusses the role of the soft tissue triangle, (3) provide a summary of the outcome measures for soft tissue triangle techniques in rhinoplasty, and (4) demonstrate the need for further research reviewing soft tissue triangle techniques in rhinoplasty. A systematic literature review was conducted from 2002 to 2019 utilizing MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Ovid, and Cochrane databases with the keywords, "rhinoplasty" and "soft tissue triangle" or "facet" to identify articles that describe the anatomical significance, clinical applicability, and rhinoplasty outcomes involving the soft tissue triangle. A total of 26 studies were identified as appropriate for inclusion. The vast majority describe the relationship of structure and function of the soft tissue triangle with particular focus on notching and retraction. The soft tissue triangle is an important area of the nose often neglected in rhinoplasty. This area is a common source of patient dissatisfaction and the need for revision rhinoplasty. Due to this fact, a formal evaluation of the role of the soft tissue triangle in nasal airway patency is needed. Specific validated outcome measures such as the NOSE (Nasal Obstruction and Septoplasty Effectiveness) score or the SCHNOS (Standardized Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes Survey) should be employed in the evaluation of surgical intervention to the soft tissue triangle.

Depression Rates After Facial Paralysis.

INTRODUCTION: Facial paralysis (FP) has many functional consequences with a large impact on daily life. Although an association with FP and depression has been observed and described in the literature, there are currently no large-scale studies to further validate this correlation. Our goal was to determine whether patients with FP become depressed at a higher rate compared with matched controls. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study using MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters Database by Truven Health. From the database, all inpatient and outpatient claims with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis codes for FP and depression between 2005 and 2013 were extracted. Patients younger than 18 years were categorized as children and those 18 years or older as adults. Patients were subcategorized as having a history of depression if a diagnosis of depression preceding a diagnosis of FP was noted. We matched each patient to a control in the MarketScan database based on age, sex, and state of residence. We compared rates of depression between these patients and matched controls using conditional logistic regression. The method of Kaplan and Meier was used to estimate cumulative incidence curves of depression by each group. RESULTS: Approximately 57,941 patients were identified with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, codes for FP. Among children and adult patients without a diagnosis of depression before the index date for FP, 6.4% (285) and 9.7% (4733), respectively, had a diagnosis of depression within 2 years of the diagnosis of FP. Matched controls showed depression rates within 2 years of 3.9% for children (P < 0.001) and 6.1% for adults (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The present study adds to the current body of knowledge on FP and depression given its large sample size and analysis of adult and pediatric populations over 2 years. Indeed, we found that depression rates were significantly increased in both adults and children as compared with matched controls. Our results suggest a need for long-term depression screening in patients with FP.