[Mortality risk for oral and oropharyngeal carcinomas in Thuringia: a population-based analysis]. / Sterberisiko für Mundhöhlen- und Oropharynxkarzinome in Thüringen: eine bevölkerungsbasierte Analyse.

OBJECTIVE: This population-based study investigates the impact of HPV association on overall survival (OS) of oral cavity (OSCC) and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) in Thuringia and the incidence of HPV-positive (HPV+) and HPV-negative (HPV-) tumors. METHODS: A total of 308 patients (83.4% men; mean age 57.6 years) with a primary diagnosis of OSCC (38%) or OPSCC (62%) from 2008 were included in the study. Descriptive statistics were obtained for the variables. According to Ang's risk classification, patients were classified as low risk of death (HPV+, nonsmokers), intermediate risk (HPV+, smokers) and high risk of death (HPV-smokers). Kaplan-Meier analyses and Cox multivariable regression analysis were performed to examine OS. RESULTS: 22.5% of OPSCC was HPV+ (incidence: 1.89/100,000 population; thereof 80.1% smokers). The proportion of OSCC with HPV+ was 8.5% (incidence: 0.44/100,000; thereof 78.6% smokers). The median follow-up was 31 months. HPV+ patients had significantly better 5-year OS than HPV- patients (81% vs. 49%; p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis lower OS were associated with: HPV-patients (hazard ratio (HR) = 3.2; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.6-6.4; p = 0.001), high risk of death according to Ang (HR = 2.3; 95% CI = 1.0-5.4; p = 0.049), older age (HR = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.1-2.4; p = 0.01), T3/T4-classification (HR = 2.1; 95% CI = 1.3-3.2; p = 0.001) and the presence of distant metastases (HR = 2.7; 95% CI = 1.6-4.4; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: HPV+ non-smokers were minority in Thuringia. The majority of HPV+ patients had an intermediate risk of death due to cigarette smoking.

No impact of time to treatment initiation for head and neck cancer in a tertiary university center in 2003, 2008 and 2013.

BACKGROUND: This retrospective study investigated factors influencing time to treatment initiation (TTI) and the influence of TTI on overall survival (OS) of primary head and neck cancer (HNC) patients in cohorts from 2003, 2008 and 2013. METHODS: Two hundred and ninenty seven patients (78.8% men; median age: 62 years) were included. Kaplan-Meier analyses and multivariate Cox regression were performed to investigate OS. RESULTS: Mean times to treatment initiation (TTI) of 2003, 2008 and 2013 were 17.11 ± 18.00, 30.26 ± 30.08 and 17.30 ± 37.04 days, respectively. TTI for patients with T3/T4 tumors was higher than for T1/T2 (p = 0.010). In univariable analysis on OS, TTI > 5 days showed lower OS (p = 0.047). In multivariate analysis, longer TTI had no influence on lower OS [hazard ratio (HR) 1.236; 95% CI 0.852-1.791; p = 0.264], but male gender [HR 2.342; 95% CI 1.229-4.466; p = 0.010], increased age [HR 1.026; 95% CI 1.008-1.045; p = 0.005], M1 [HR 5.823; 95% CI 2.252-15.058; p = 0.003], hypopharynx tumor [HR 2.508; 95% CI 1.571-4.003; p < 0.001] and oral cavity tumor [HR 1.712; CI 1.101-2.661; p = 0.017]. The year of treatment showed no significant effect on OS. CONCLUSION: Median TTI seemed to be very short compared to other studies. There was no clear trend in the impact of TTI on OS from 2003 to 2013.

The log odds of positive neck lymph nodes is a superior lymph node predictor for overall survival in head and neck cancer: a population-based analysis in Germany.

BACKGROUND: This population-based study investigated the influence of different lymph node (LN) classifications on overall survival (OS) in head and neck cancer (HNC). METHODS: 401 patients (median age: 57 years; 47% stage IV) of the Thuringian cancer registries with diagnosis of a primary HNC receiving a neck dissection (ND) in 2009 and 2010 were included. OS was assessed in relation to total number of LN removed, number of positive LN, LN ratio, and log odds of positive LN (LODDS). RESULTS: Mean number of LODDS was 0-0.96 ± 0.57. When limiting the multivariate analysis to TNM stage, only the UICC staging (stage IV: HR 9.218; 95% CI 2.721-31.224; p < 0.001) and LODDS > - 1.0 (HR 2.120; 95% CI 1.129-3.982; p = 0.019) were independently associated with lower OS. CONCLUSION: LODDS was an independent and superior predictor for OS in HNC in a population-based setting with representative real-life data.

Degree of Keratinization Is an Independent Prognostic Factor in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Keratinization is a routinely reported histologic feature in head and neck cancer. In contrast to numerous clinicopathologic parameters, the prognostic value of keratinization in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is rarely reported in the literature. The purpose of this study was to review the outcome of patients with OSCC with a special focus on the degree of keratinization. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, we evaluated the medical records at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Jena University Hospital, and investigated the outcome of patients with OSCC with disease-free survival and disease-specific survival according to the degree of keratinization. This research also analyzed common clinical and histologic parameters such as age, gender, tumor site, T category, N category, resection margin, lymphovascular invasion, and extracapsular spread. Descriptive statistics were performed, and survival was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Prognostic factors were analyzed by multivariate Cox analysis. RESULTS: In the sample of 151 OSCC patients, with a median age of 57.5 years and a male-female ratio of 4.03:1, 119 had tumors with no or low keratinization (K0 to K2) and 32 had tumors with good or high keratinization (K3 or K4). More recurrences were seen in patients with OSCC with low keratinization (P = .0008). The 5-year disease-free survival rate was significantly decreased for OSCC with low keratinization (52.9%) compared with good or high keratinization (93.2%) (P = .0008). The 5-year disease-specific survival rate was reduced to 66.1% (P = .0136) for patients with OSCC with low keratinization. Multivariate analysis showed that extracapsular spread (P = .001) and keratinization (P = .002) are independent, significant prognostic factors for recurrence in OSCC. CONCLUSIONS: Besides extracapsular spread, the degree of keratinization seems to be an important prognostic factor for recurrence and survival in OSCC. Our results indicate that the degree of keratinization should be considered in decisions regarding treatment and prognosis for OSCC.

Association of the Preoperative Body Mass Index With Postoperative Complications After Treatment of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Nutritional status is believed to influence surgical outcome. Because of a lack of actual reports in the literature, this study evaluated the surgical outcome of patients after treatment for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), with special focus on the preoperative body mass index (BMI). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study investigated the association between preoperative BMI and surgical outcome for patients with OSCC, focusing on local and medical complications. This research also analyzed common clinical and demographic parameters, such as age, gender, TNM stage, tumor differentiation, risk behavior, Karnofsky Index, duration of operation, and length of hospital stay. Statistics were performed using the χ2 test or Fisher exact test for categorical analysis and the t test or analysis of variance and Pearson correlation test for continuous variables. Multivariate analysis was computed for BMI with a multivariate linear regression model and for local and medical complications with multivariate Poisson regression. RESULTS: In the sample of 419 patients with OSCC, 8.6% were underweight, 54.7% were normal weight, and 36.8% were overweight (overall mean BMI, 24.28 kg/m2). BMI was significantly associated with age (P = .0017), consumption of nicotine (P = .0178) and alcohol (P = .0008), dental status (P = .0163), tumor differentiation (P = .0288), and tumor status (P = .0005). Underweight in particular was negatively correlated with local postoperative complications (P = .0047). Local complications were associated with the need for operative revisions (P < .0001) and an increase of hospital length of stay (P < .0001) using multivariable analysis. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that evaluation of preoperative morbidity and nutritional status, especially in underweight patients, is worthwhile to improve medical and economic postoperative outcomes after surgical therapy of OSCC.

Bilateral sagittal split osteotomy-parameters and correlations of postoperative pain management.

OBJECTIVES: Postoperative pain management is of utmost interest for patients undergoing orthognathic surgery. Currently, there is a lack of information regarding process and outcome parameters of postoperative pain management after bilateral sagittal split osteotomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a prospective clinical study, 31 adults were evaluated on the first postoperative day following bilateral sagittal split osteotomy using the standardized questionnaire of the Germany-wide project Quality Improvement in Postoperative Pain Management (QUIPS). It allows a standardized assessment of patients' characteristics, pain parameters, outcome, and pain therapy process parameters. RESULTS: Pain management consisted mainly of premedication with midazolam, sufentanil, and metamizol intraoperatively; piritramide in the recovery room; and metamizol and tramadol on ward. Twenty patients (64.5%) showed inadequate pain management with pain levels ≥4. Patients receiving tramadol as opioid on ward presented significantly higher maximum pain levels (p = .037). Significantly lower satisfaction with postoperative pain intensity (p > .001) and significantly higher desire for additional pain medication (p = .023) were detected, when duration of surgery was above the median of 107.5 min. CONCLUSIONS: Inadequate pain management on the first postoperative day following bilateral sagittal split osteotomy was widespread on our ward. QUIPS helped us to identify it and thereby gave us the possibility to improve the situation. Prolonged duration of surgery seems to be a predictor of an elevated postoperative pain medication demand. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Only the establishment of an ongoing monitoring of postoperative pain management can help to reduce or even avoid inadequate postoperative pain management. In accordance to the existing literature, we found inadequate postoperative pain management more widespread than thought.

Cross-Sectional Study of four Serological Bone Turnover Markers for the Risk Assessment of Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw.

BACKGROUND: Despite the benefits related to the use of bisphosphonates and denosumab, medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a serious complication. The purpose of this study was to investigate the utility of 4 biochemical markers including serum c-terminal telopeptide cross-link of type I collagen (s-CTX), serum osteocalcin (s-OC), serum parathormon (s-PTH), and serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (s-BAP) as useful clinical tools to help assess the risk for MRONJ prior to invasive oral surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients diagnosed with MRONJ and 20 controls who have been on antiresorptive therapies with no occurrence of MRONJ were included in this 2-arm cross-sectional study. The s-CTX, s-OC, s-PTH, and s-BAP values were measured. Mann-Whitney U test compared the s-CTX, s-OC, s-PTH, and s-BAP values of the MRONJ group and the controls (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Lower values were observed in the MRONJ group compared with the control group for s-CTX (130.00 pg/mL versus 230.0 pg/mL; P = 0.12) and for s-OC (10.6 ng/mL versus 14.80 ng/mL; P = 0.051) both without significance and for s-BAP (0.23 µkat/L versus 0.31 µkat/L; P = 0.002) with significance. By contrast, the median s-PTH value of the MRONJ group was higher (30.65 ng/L versus 25.50 ng/L; P = 0.89), but without significance. CONCLUSIONS: The evaluation of the 4 biochemical markers showed that only the value of s-BAP was significantly decreased in the MRONJ patients compared with the controls. Presently, because of the lack of evidence, a routine check prior to oral surgery for the risk assessment of MRONJ cannot be recommended.

Quality of Postoperative Pain Management After Maxillofacial Fracture Repair.

BACKGROUND: Effective pain management is an essential component in the perioperative care of surgical patients. However, postoperative pain after maxillofacial fracture repair and its optimal therapy has not been described in detail. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a prospective cohort study, 95 adults rated their pain on the first postoperative day after maxillofacial fracture repair using the questionnaire of the Quality Improvement in Postoperative Pain Management (QUIPS) project. Quality Improvement in Postoperative Pain Management allowed for a standardized assessment of patients' characteristics and pain-related parameters. RESULTS: Overall, the mean maximal pain and pain on activity (numeric rating scales) were significantly higher in patients with mandibular fractures than in patients with midface fractures (P = 0.002 and P = 0.045, respectively). In patients with mandibular fractures, a longer duration of surgery was significantly associated with higher satisfaction with pain intensity (P = 0.015), but was more frequently associated with postoperative vomiting (P = 0.023). A shorter duration of surgery and an absence of preoperative pain counseling in these patients were significantly correlated to desire for more pain medication (P = 0.049 and P = 0.004, respectively). Patients with mandibular fractures that received opioids in the recovery room had significantly higher strain-related pain (P = 0.017). In patients with midface fractures, a longer duration of surgery showed significantly higher levels of decreased mobility (P = 0.003). Patients receiving midazolam for premedication had significantly less minimal pain (P = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with mandibular fractures seem to have more postoperative pain than patients with midface fractures. Monitoring of postsurgical pain and a procedure-specific pain-treatment protocol should be performed in clinical routine.

Evaluation of a post-treatment follow-up program in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: The duration and the frequency of follow-up after treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma are not standardized in the current literature. The purpose of this study was to evaluate our local standard post-treatment and follow-up protocol. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Overall, 228 patients treated curatively from 01/2006 to 07/2013 were reviewed. To evaluate the follow-up program, data on the secondary event were used. To determine risk groups, all patients with tumor recurrence were specifically analyzed. Relapse-free rate were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier product limit method. The chi-square test was used to identify independent risk factors for tumor relapse. RESULTS: In total, 29.8 % patients had a secondary event. The majority of the relapse cases (88.2 %) were detected within 2 years postoperatively, 61.8 % of them within the first year. Most events were local recurrences (34.7 %). UICC-stage IV was significantly associated with tumor recurrence (p = 0.001). Gender (p = 0.188), age (p = 0.195), localization (p = 0.739), T-stage (p = 0.35), N-stage (p = 0.55), histologic grade (p = 0.162), and tobacco and alcohol use (p = 0.248) were not significantly associated with tumor recurrence. Patients with positive neck nodes relapsed earlier (p = 0.011). The majority of relapses (86.3 %) were found in asymptomatic patients at routine follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest an intensified follow-up within the first 2 years after surgery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Given the higher relapse rate of patients exhibiting an UICC-stage IV and/or positive neck nodes, it seems to be from special interest to perform in this group a risk-adapted follow-up with monthly examinations also in the second year.

Cranio-maxillofacial reconstruction with microvascular radialis flaps-parameters and correlations of postoperative pain management.

OBJECTIVES: Postoperative pain management is of highest interest for patients undergoing maxillofacial surgery including microvascular reconstructive surgery. Currently, there is a lack of information regarding process and outcome of postoperative pain management after microvascular reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a prospective clinical study, 31 adults were evaluated on the first postoperative day following microvascular reconstruction with a radial forearm flap using the standardized questionnaire of the Germany-wide project Quality Improvement in Postoperative Pain Management (QUIPS). It enables a standardized assessment of patients' characteristics, pain parameters, outcome and pain therapy process parameters. RESULTS: Pain management consisted predominately of premedication with midazolam, sufentanil and metamizol intraoperatively, piritramid in the intensive care unit and metamizol, tramadol and fentanyl patches on ward. Nineteen patients (61.3 %) showed inadequate pain management with pain levels ≥4. Among other significant relations, patients exhibiting an age below the median presented significant higher levels of pain under strain (p = .041) and maximum pain (p = .006) as well as rate of breathing (p = .009) and mood (p = .006) disturbance. Performance of pain counselling showed specific impact on pain under strain (p = .008), maximum pain (p = .004) and satisfaction with pain intensity (p = .001). Whether microvascular reconstruction was performed with primary or secondary intention or performance of a neck dissection did not show significant influence. CONCLUSIONS: QUIPS helped us to adequately evaluate the procedure-specific quality of postoperative management following microvascular reconstruction with a radial forearm flap. It helped us to identify a surprisingly high amount of inadequate pain management. Postoperative pain levels seem to be primarily influenced by the performed reconstruction. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Establishment of a continuous and procedure-specific evaluation of postoperative pain levels should help to avoid inadequate pain management, which is widely prevalent according to the literature and our study. Preoperative pain counselling is essential and should be procedure specific to be its best.

The isolated orbital floor fracture from a transconjunctival or subciliary perspective-A standardized anthropometric evaluation.

BACKGROUND: The influence of orbital fractures and their repair on the rate of deformities of the lower eyelid is an ongoing source of discussion in the literature. Most of the present studies include isolated blow-out as well as combined orbital fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present a retrospective evaluation of a series of 100 patients after isolated blow-out fracture repair using reference anthropometric data on standardized photographs. Analysis included eye fissure width and height, lid sulcus height, upper lid height, upper and lower iris coverage, position of cornea to palpebra inferior, canthal tilt, scleral show, ectropion and entropion. It was clearly distinguished between operated and contralateral eyelid, whether a transconjunctival or a subciliary approach was performed and amount of fracture. Our main interests were changes of the aforementioned parameters with regards to eyelid deformities. RESULTS: Surgery per se did not significantly influence eyelid deformities. However, the surgical approach selected significantly affected eye fissure index, lower iris coverage and rate of scleral show, indicating retraction of the lower eyelid. CONCLUSIONS: The standardized measurements described here are accurate and objective to evaluate postoperative results. The subciliary approach included the highest risk of lower lid retraction as compared to transconjunctival approaches.

Morphologic outcome of bimaxillary surgery--an anthropometric appraisal.

OBJECTIVES: To adequately perform orthognathic surgery procedures, it is from basic interest to understand the morphologic changes caused by orthognathic surgery. Anthropometric analyses of standardized frontal view and profile photographs could help to investigate and understand such changes. STUDY DESIGN: We present a pre- to postoperative evaluation of orthognathic surgery results based on anthropometric indices described by Farkas and cephalometric measurements. 30 Class III patients undergoing maxillary advancement by Le Fort I Osteotomy and mandibular setback by bilateral sagittal split osteotomy were evaluated. Preoperative as well as three and nine months postoperative lateral cephalograms as well as standardized frontal view and profile photographs were taken. On the photographs 21 anthropometric indices given by Farkas were evaluated. In cephalograms SNA and SNB angle as well as Wits appraisal were investigated. RESULTS: The investigated anthropometric indices showed a significant increase of the vertical height of the upper lip without changing the relation of the upper vermilion to the cutaneous upper lip. The lower vermilion height increased relatively to the cutaneous lower lip without vertical changes in the lower lip. Due to maxillary advancement the upper face height increased meanwhile the lower face height decreased due to mandibular setback. SNA and SNB angle and Wits appraisal showed typical changes related to surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The investigated photo-assisted anthropometric measurements presented reproducible results related to bimaxillary surgery.

Prognostic value of tumor volumetry data of routine imaging data in a head and neck cancer registry.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of tumor volume (TV) measurements as prognosticator for recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) from data of head and neck cancer (HNC) registries. TV measurements were performed in pre-treatment computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance images (MRI) of 392 unselected HNC patients. TV measurements were feasible in 275 patients (70 %). Median CT TV and MRI TV were 11.43 and 10.4 cm(3), respectively. The CT TV was significantly different only between T1 and T4. CT TV was significantly different only between T1 and T4 (p = 0.041). MRI TV was significantly different between T1 and T4 (p = 0.003) as well as between T2 and T4 (p = 0.002). Median follow-up was 26.1 months. Median RFS was 80.7 months. Median OS was 66.5 months. On univariate analysis, significant prognostic factors for decreased RFS were advanced T stage (p = 0.010); M1 (p = 0.001) and an MRI TV > 10.4 cm(3) (p = 0.001). Significant prognostic factors for a decreased OS were advanced T stage (p = 0.001), N+ (p = 0 006), M+ (p < 0.001), tumor recurrence (p < 0.001), CT TV (p = 0.005), and MRI TV (p = 0.012). On multivariate analysis for RFS, MRI TV was the best independent prognosticator (p = 0.003). On multivariate analysis for OS, T stage (p = 0.006) was a better prognosticator than CT or MRI TV. Using CT and MRI data sets of an unselected series of HNC patients in a cancer registry, TV measurements were not feasible in all patients. MRT TV was a powerful prognosticator for RFS.

Cheek rotation flap reconstruction--an anthropometric appraisal of surgical outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: Cheek rotation flaps are an established surgical procedure for coverage of facial skin defects especially of the cheek and infraorbital region. A comparison of pre- and postoperative anthropometric measurements may help to objectify intraoperative estimations with regards to postoperative appearance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present an evaluation of 31 patients undergoing periorbital reconstruction by a cheek rotation flap on standardized photographs based on reference anthropometric data. Analysis included intercanthal, binocular and eye fissure width, eye fissure, lid sulcus and upper lid height, upper and lower iris coverage, position of cornea to palpebra inferior, scleral show, ectropion, and canthal tilt. Furthermore, it was clearly differentiated whether the defect to cover included eyelid skin or not. RESULTS: Ectropion showed a significant association to surgery (p = 0.03) and time (p = 0.03). If the defect to cover included lower eyelid skin, lower iris coverage values decreased significantly (p = 0.02), meanwhile the rate of scleral show increased significantly (p < 0.01), indicating pre- to postoperative lower eyelid retraction. CONCLUSIONS: In all patients analyzed, indices were reproducible and reliable. An association between surgery and ectropion was detectable. Whenever lower eyelid skin is involved in the defect to be covered, the significantly decreased lower iris coverage and increased rate of scleral show indicate an increased risk of lower lid retraction. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Whenever eyelid skin is involved in a defect to be covered by a cheek rotation flap, there is an increased risk of postoperative lower lid distortion. Special care has to be taken to perform techniques preventing lower lid retraction.

Management of dental extraction in patients with Haemophilia A and B: a report of 58 extractions.

OBJECTIVES: Patients with inherited bleeding disorders are at high risk of bleeding following oral surgery and present challenges to the oral surgeons. Aim of this study was to report our experience in dental extraction in patients exhibiting Haemophilia A and B between 2007 and 2012. PATIENT AND METHODS: 58 dental extractions in 15 patients during 19 interventions were performed. Replacement therapy with recombinant and plasma-derived factor VIII and IX was applied systematically in combination with antifibrinolytic treatment and local haemostatic measures. The following data were recorded: type of surgery, applied local haemostatic measures, general substitution, systemic antifibrinolytic agents and occurrence of postoperative bleeding complications. RESULTS: Two patients presented postoperative bleeding. One had secondary bleeding requiring additional injection of factor concentrates. The other one presented epistaxis which was managed conservatively with a nasal tamponade. CONCLUSIONS: Excellent haemostasis is achievable after dental extractions in patients with Haemophilia A and B by following a protocol using defined pre- and postoperative doses of factor concentrates in combination with haemostatic measures.

Soft tissue outcome after mandibular advancement--an anthropometric evaluation of 171 consecutive patients.

OBJECTIVES: There is an ongoing discussion in the literature about preoperative planning and postoperative evaluation of orthognathic surgery and its impact on facial appearance and aesthetics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present an anthropometric and cephalometric evaluation of orthognathic surgery results based on reference anthropometric data. In 171 Class II patients, mandibular advancement by bilateral sagittal split osteotomy was performed. Preoperative as well as 3 and 9 months postoperative standardized frontal view and profile photographs and lateral cephalograms were evaluated in a standardized manner by use of 21 anthropometric indices. In cephalograms, SNA and SNB angle as well as Wits appraisal were investigated. Results of anthropometric and cephalometric measurements were correlated. RESULTS: Lower vermilion contour, vermilion and cutaneous total lower lip height, nose-lower face height, nose-face height, upper face-face height, upper lip- and chin-mandible height index showed significant pre- to postoperative changes as well as SNB angle and Wits appraisal. Furthermore, medial-lateral cutaneous upper lip height, vermilion and cutaneous total lower lip height and philtrum-mouth width index presented significant correlations to cephalometric measurements. CONCLUSIONS: The investigated anthropometric indices and cephalometric measurements presented reproducible results related to surgery. The correlation of cephalometric to anthropometric measurements has been proven useful for preoperative planning and postoperative evaluation of orthognathic surgery patients. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The presented anthropometric measurements and their observed correlation to cephalometric measurements could lead to a better prediction and optimized planning of the soft tissue result in orthognathic surgery patients and thereby improve the aesthetic outcome.

Transconjunctival versus subciliary approach for orbital fracture repair--an anthropometric evaluation of 221 cases.

OBJECTIVES: In the literature, there is an ongoing discussion about the influence of orbital fractures and the surgical approach on the rate of eyelid deformities of the lower eyelid. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present an evaluation of a series of 221 patients 9 months after zygomaticomaxillary complex fracture repair that underwent implant removal. Reference anthropometric data were measured on standardized pre- and postoperative photographs. Analysis included eye fissure width and height, lid sulcus and upper lid height, upper and lower iris coverage, position of cornea to palpebra inferior, canthal tilt, scleral show, ectropion, and entropion. Both operated and contralateral eyelids were evaluated as well as whether a transconjunctival or a subciliary approach was performed. RESULTS: Time, surgery, and surgical approach presented significant effects on eye fissure index and lower iris coverage. Scleral show was significantly influenced by the surgical procedure itself as well as by the type of incision. The rate of ectropion increased significantly pre- to postoperative. CONCLUSIONS: The subciliary approach included the highest risk of lower lid retraction. The low pre- to postoperative increase of scleral show and ectropion compared to recent studies gives us an idea about the influence of the underlying trauma on the rate of lower lid retraction. The standardized measurements described are accurately and objective to evaluate postoperative results. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The transconjunctival approach is preferable in orbital fracture repair.

Orthognathic Surgery with Interdisciplinary Digital Planning in Patients with Geroderma Osteodysplasticum: A Case Report.

Patients with geroderma osteodysplasticum (GO) often times have dentofacial deformities and benefit from orthognathic surgery. Because of generalized osteopenia, operations must be prepared even more meticulously than usual, and the higher risk of unfortunate fractures (bad splits) should be explained to the patients in detail. This case report is intended to portray a digital, interdisciplinary and patient-individualized planning of orthognathic surgery. It points out the individual steps that must be considered and how they can be advantageously used in patients with underlying diseases or syndromes such as GO. Through a careful digital representation of the surgical options, production of the digitally modeled splints, 3D printing and good manual surgical implementation, the quality of life of patients with GO can be increased through orthognathic surgery. Both the functions in the oral, maxillofacial region and the patient's appearance in the case presented here benefited from the interdisciplinary, individualized and digital treatment approach.

Effects of ovariectomy on rat mandibular cortical bone: a study using Raman spectroscopy and multivariate analysis.

To investigate the effects of ovariectomy (OVX) on rat mandibular bone, the physicochemical compositions of mandibular cortical bone of ovariectomy and sham operated rats 2, 4, and 8 months after surgery were compared using Raman spectroscopy. With principal component analysis and linear discriminant analysis based on the Raman spectra, the mandibular cortical bone of the OVX group was clearly distinguished from that of the sham-operated group 8 months after surgery with no overlap. Specifically, significant reductions in the mineral-to-matrix ratio and full width at half-maximum as well as a significant increase in the carbonate-to-phosphate ratio were observed in the mandibular cortical bone of the OVX group. Results support the hypothesis that Raman spectroscopy is sensitive enough to distinguish between OVX and sham-operated mandibles with multivariate analysis by detecting the chemical composition of the mandibular cortical bone. The parameters mineral-to-matrix ratio, carbonate-to-phosphate ratio, and full width at half-maximum can appropriately characterize changes in the chemical composition of the mandibular cortical bone after OVX.

Scalp defect repair: a comparative analysis of different surgical techniques.

Scalp defects often arise in multimorbid patients. This study aimed at establishing an algorithm of defect repair with particular focus on new regenerative options.All patients, who consulted to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery/Plastic Surgery, University Jena between April 2005 and March 2010 were reviewed. Different reconstructive options were compared with regard to duration of hospital stay as well as rate of reoperations needed to achieve full closure.Sixty-eight patients were identified. Local flaps were more effective than skin grafts (P = 0.038) and microvascular free flaps (P = 0.037) in case of skin-galea-periosteal-defects. However, no differences were found between skin grafting in combination with wound bed preconditioning using a dermal regeneration template and microvascular free flap transfer. Scalp defects should be repaired based on careful evaluation of defect anatomy as well as patient's general health. Application of dermal regeneration templates allows for an increase of the indication spectrum of free skin grafts.