Mood, Behavioral Impairment, and Sleep Breathing Disorders in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome Patients Treated with Maxillomandibular Advancement: Reflection on a Case Series and Review of Literature.

The correlation between depressive and cognitive symptoms and OSAS (obstructive sleep apnea syndrome) is between 5 and 63%. We reported the case of two patients with severe OSAS and its associated depressive symptoms that were intolerant to continuous positive airway pressure (C-PAP) and underwent maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) surgery. The severity of cognitive and depressive symptoms was assessed using validated questionnaires (Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and quality of life), medical observation, and patient-reported symptoms. We performed pre- and post-treatment polysomnography. Six months after treatment, the value of the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) had returned to the normal range and, together with it, the depressive component was considerably reduced and the patients' overall quality of life (BDI, BAI, ESS, and qol) improved. Conclusion: We described significant improvement in all the analyzed parameters, such as physical and mental functioning, and depression and anxiety rates.

Condylar Reshape in Orthognathic Surgery: Morphovolumetric and Densitometric Analysis Based on 3D Imaging and Digital Workflow.

Background: Condylar remodelling (CR) is a complex of phenomena that generates in response of the temporo-mandibular joint to forces and stress to maintain a morphological, functional and occlusal homeostasis. The most worrying aspect of the condylar reshape is the condylar resorption which implies fast loss of vertical dimension (>6% of pre-surgical value), mandibular retraction and open bite with preserved articular function. Materials and Methods: Six parameters were analysed to study the condyles of twelve patients that underwent orthognathic surgery. The digital workflow was then described to make it reproducible enabling a more in-depth study of the reshaping processes that involving the condyle after a great stress like the surgery. Results: The results of our study showed many statistically significant variations of the studied parameters. In all patients, it was noticed a decreased bone density (p = 0,002 per side). Objectives: The aim of our study, with the aid of the contemporary 3D imaging and digital modelling and workflow technologies, is to investigate and analyse quantitatively and qualitatively the adaptative processes occurring in CR following bimaxillary repositioning. To the best of our knowledge, this is the only paper that investigates the CR considering six different variables at once.

Interventional sialendoscopy in parotidomegaly related to eating disorders.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the viability and efficacy of sialendoscopy for the management of parotidomegaly related to eating disorders, 6 patients suffering from eating disorders and recurring symptoms of glandular swelling were followed up at the Multidisciplinary Department of Medical-Surgical and Dental Specialties, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit, AOU University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli". After the detection of the impaired gland through clinical and radiographical analysis, the diagnostic unit was introduced into the duct and was advanced in, reaching the ductal system. Plaques were washed out, any strictures were dilated both by hydrostatic pressure application and steroid solution injection directly in the fibrotic area. RESULTS: Both glands resulted affected in 83% of patients. 11 parotid glands were explored and treated. Strictures were found in 2 glands (33%), sialectasis in 3 glands (50%), strictures and sialectasis together in 1 glands (17%). In 3 parotid glands (50%) Stenon's duct was affected, in two (33%) only secondary ducts, in 1 (17%) both. We reached symptomatic improvement in 5 patients (83%), reporting the spherical volume of the parotid region and pain reduction. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that sialendoscopy is a safe and effective therapeutic method to treat EDs salivary symptoms. Treating the underlining psychiatric pathology should be the primary goal in patient care to lower the possible recurrence rate and increase the successful outcome of this technique.

Protective Effects of Helmet Type on Facial Injuries.

ABSTRACT: The compulsory use of helmet by motorcyclists has lowered the incidence of facial trauma, but there are few studies evaluating the effects of different helmet types on such injuries. The authors collected retrospective data from the medical records of 287 motorcyclists presenting facial injuries treated at the maxillofacial surgery department of the "University Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro city in South Italy between 1 January 2007 and 1 August 2018. Patients were wearing 2 types of crash helmets at the time of the trauma, full face ones or open-face ones, and were compared using the Facial Injury Severity Scale (FISS). Those wearing open-face helmet were 3 times more than those wearing full-face helmet, with a higher FISS score.The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of Italy's compulsory helmet law on the change in helmet use and in particular if protection offered by helmets w4as different according to helmet type. The authors correlated the FISS scores among motorcyclists wearing these 2 tipologies of crash helmet.

Anterior Cartilage Rasping During Otoplasty Performed With an Adson Brown Cartilage Forceps.

ABSTRACT: Protruding ears are a common occurrence and can affect the aesthetics and psychosocial aspects of patients. Hundreds of procedures have been described over the years to correct the 2 main deformities related to protruding ears: conchal hypertrophy and anti-helical fold absence.For the rasping technique, the rasp is inserted posteriorly, from the side where the skin is excised;The ending part of the forceps looks like a small rasp, it worked very well and the surgery was completed without problemsThe authors think this tip could be a useful "tool" for all the surgeons used to perform cartilage rasping "in case of necessity" when rasp is not available.

Superficial Temporal Artery Perforator Flap: Indications, Surgical Outcomes, and Donor Site Morbidity.

The aim of this retrospective case series was to discuss indications, surgical outcomes, and donor site morbidity in the use of superficial temporal artery perforator (STAP) flaps in intra-oral or extra-oral facial reconstruction. This study involved 9 patients treated with a STAP flap at the Maxillo-Facial Surgery Unit of the University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples. A STAP flap was used alone or in combination with other local flaps, for the coverage of facial soft tissue defects, after the resection of craniofacial malignant tumors (n = 7) or as a salvage flap, in partial or total microvascular flap loss (n = 2). The STAP flap was proven to be a valuable surgical option despite it not being frequently used in facial soft tissue reconstruction nor was it chosen as the first surgical option in patients under 70 year's old. Donor site morbidity is one of the major reasons why this flap is uncommon. Appropriate patient selection, surgical plan, and post-surgical touch-ups should be performed in order to reduce donor site scar morbidity.

An Italian experience of a new personalized injective protocol (Botutouch) for botulinum toxin application in aesthetic medicine.

Botulinum toxin typeA (BoNTA) is widely used in aesthetic medicine as primary treatment to reduce facial wrinkles. Major unmet needs in the field of the injection techniques include dilution factor, injected volume and site. Since 2013, an innovative protocol has been developed in our clinic that works on a double dilution volume, identifies the injection site according to the specific anatomical-functional characteristics of each patient's musculature and applies a gentle massage to the injected area to optimize the toxin spread in the muscle. We retrospectively retrieved medical records of subjects that underwent aesthetic treatments in our outpatient Italian clinics from 2013. In cobotulinum toxin A was used in double dilution (100 AU in 5 mL of physiologic solution) and followed by a gentle massage after the injection to increase the distribution into the muscle. 197 subjects, most of them drug-naïve (81.7%), underwent 869 BoNTA treatments. On average, higher total units and volumes were applied in first visits or older subjects whereas the lower ones were preferred in following visits or younger subjects. As perceived by the patients, the effects of BoNTA lasted more than 6 months in about 38% of the cases. 95.9% of subjects declared to be satisfied,whereas 5.2% of adverse events were observed (4.8% hematoma, 0.2% ptosis, and 0.2% tenderness). To date, we offer a BoNTA treatment with the aim to maximize the results and consequent patient's satisfaction, with low incidence of complications.

Mini-retromandibular transparotid approach to subcondylar fractures of the mandible A single Center clinical experience.

AIM: We evaluated the safety and efficacy using a mini-retromandibular transparotid approach to reduce and rigidly fix displaced mandibular condylar neck fractures. MATERIAL OF STUDY: Retrospective evaluation of patients who underwent surgical reduction of condylar fracture from January 2012 to December 2014 at the Department of Cranio Maxillo-Facial Surgery of the University Hospital of Catanzaro, Italy. All the patients were clinically assessed for signs/symptoms of infection, signs of Frey's syndrome or salivary fistula, facial nerve palsy ,postoperative scar, TMJ function, and occlusion with range of mouth opening and deviation. RESULTS: The sample was composed of 15 patients. Good results were achieved in all patients and with an average follow- up of 20 months. No major intraoperative or postoperative complication remained at 6 months of postoperative follow- up. DISCUSSION: Management of condylar fractures is still one of the most controversial topics in maxillofacial surgery. Regarding our experience with the mini-retromandibular approach, we evaluate the advantages in comparison with other extra-oral approaches. Advantages include the shorter working distance from the skin incision to the condyle with direct alignment of the fractured segments, less conspicuous facial surgical scarring with good cosmetic result, short operation time, with a low risk of postoperative complications and possible injuries of the facial nerve. CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, we believe that the mini-retro-mandibular approach is a viable and safe approach for the surgical treatment of condylar fractures, with a relatively low risk of postoperative complications. KEY WORDS: Condylar fracture, Extraoral approach, Mini-retromandibular access.

The epidemiological analysis of maxillofacial fractures in Italy: The experience of a single tertiary center with 1720 patients.

PURPOSE: Maxillofacial fractures represent a serious public health problem. Their epidemiology is extremely variable, and its analysis is crucial to establish effective treatment and prevention of these injuries. However only two works have been published about maxillofacial fracture epidemiology in Italy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of 1720 patients diagnosed with maxillofacial fractures in a 15-years period (2001-2015) in our department were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 1108 male and 612 female patients were included in the study. The most frequent aetiology of fracture was road traffic injuries (57.1%), followed by assault (21.7%), falls (14.2%), work accidents (3.5%), sport accidents (3.3%) and other causes (0.2%). Significant variations of aetiology were detected between males and females and between Italians and individuals from other countries. The most frequently observed fracture involved the mandible (861 cases, 36%), followed by zygoma (489 cases, 20.4%), orbital walls (386 cases, 16.1%) and maxilla (282 cases, 11.8%). CONCLUSION: Road traffic legislation enforcement and continuous public education regarding the use of security devices remain an ongoing problem in our region and should be encouraged. In the same way, as migration flows influence and change the epidemiology of facial traumas, it is crucial to establish social support programs that avoid these disadvantaged categories of victims of violence and crime.