Same day access: a viable alternative for outpatient clinical care.

OBJECTIVE: To present our experience with a novel, same-day access (SDA) scheduling model for outpatient clinical care in oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS). STUDY DESIGN: The primary outcome variable was OMS patient scheduling in a hospital-based outpatient clinic. Patients were given a specific appointment time to be seen the same day they contacted the clinic. This SDA clinic was compared to previous patient scheduling models for patient satisfaction, appointment wait times, annual clinic volume, no-show rates, and access to care. RESULTS: Patient satisfaction increased to 80% with SDA scheduling compared with 20% to 40% with prior models. The average wait time for patients improved to 19 minutes compared with 330 minutes with the walk-in model. Forty patients were scheduled on the same day, and 96% of all patients who called the clinic were seen within 14 days with the SDA approach. Same-day access was the only model that met its volume and budgetary goals. CONCLUSIONS: The incorporation of SDA scheduling improves patient satisfaction and is a viable alternative to more traditional scheduling protocols for clinics suffering from volume, revenue, and access to care issues.

Readmission after orthognathic surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the readmission rate after orthognathic surgery and identify associated risk factors. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of patients who underwent orthognathic surgery and had an unexpected hospital admission, with or without return to the operating room (OR), within the first postoperative year. Study variables included sex, age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) status, type of surgery, concomitant third molar extraction, concomitant genioplasty, duration of surgery, first assistant experience, and duration of hospitalization. Bivariate associations were calculated between variables and readmission status. Chi-square and Fisher's Exact tests were used to compare categorical variables, and a 2-sample t test was used to compare continuous variables. RESULTS: There were 701 patients included in the study. The readmission rate was 9.70%. Twelve patients were managed non-surgically, and 56 patients required an OR procedure. The most common reason for readmission without return to the OR was an infection, and for reoperation was hardware removal. Age, sex, type of surgery, third molar extraction, genioplasty, duration of surgery, and experience of first assistant were not found to be predictors for readmission. CONCLUSIONS: Only ASA classification and duration of initial hospitalization were significant risk factors for readmission of patients within the first postoperative year after orthognathic surgery.

Lifestyle and career satisfaction among US-based oral and maxillofacial surgeons: Results of a nationwide survey.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate overall career satisfaction rate amongst US-based oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMSs) and to evaluate possible predictors of professional stress and quality of life. STUDY DESIGN: Members of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons were invited to complete an online survey-based assessment. Descriptive statistics were computed; univariate analysis was performed to identify predictors for satisfaction. RESULTS: The overall response rate was 29%. Most of respondents were male (88.6%), aged >45 years (71.7%), married (91.7%), and working at private and/or group-based practices (55.9%) for >15 years (66.6%). Most surgeons 91.3% reported being satisfied with their career with 84.9% willing to choose a career in OMS again. No significant difference was noted in satisfaction rates between academic and non-academic surgeons. On univariate analysis, no demographic characteristic was predictive of satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Reportedly, 91.3% of US-based OMSs have a significant degree of career satisfaction, and a majority would choose the specialty as their profession again.

Reconstruction of the TMJ and condyle in inflammatory arthritis.

Inflammatory arthritis presents a unique destructive process to the temporomandibular joint. This article provides information on the proper diagnosis, treatment planning, and surgical management aimed to provide patients with improvement in pain, function, stability and facial aesthetics. Additionally, it aims to provide a detailed insight on the joint reconstruction options including alloplastic joint replacement, autogenous joint replacement, orthognathic surgery and distraction osteogenesis.

Medicare Reimbursement Trends for Hospital-Based Oral Maxillofacial Surgery Procedures: 2003 to 2020.

PURPOSE: To evaluate recent trends in Medicare reimbursement rates for common hospital-based oral-maxillofacial surgery procedures. METHODS: Physician Fee Schedule Look-Up Tool by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services was searched for reimbursement rates for the 20 most performed oral-maxillofacial surgery procedures between 2003 and 2020. Total percent change, annual percent change, and compound annual growth rate (CAGR) were calculated using the adjusted reimbursement rates over the study period. Annual changes in reimbursement rates before and after 2016 were compared. RESULTS: After adjusting for inflation, average reimbursement rates for procedures decreased by 13.4%. Annual percent change and CAGR were -0.79 and -0.88%, respectively. Annual reimbursements decreased more between 2016 to 2020 (-1.83%,) than from 2003 to 2016 (-0.49%; P value = .003). CONCLUSION: Inflation-adjusted Medicare reimbursement rates for oral-maxillofacial surgery procedures have decreased from 2003 to 2020. The rate of reimbursement decreases has accelerated in recent years.

Utility of Routine Computed Tomography Angiogram Screening for Blunt Carotid Injury in Isolated Mandible Fractures.

PURPOSE: Determine the incidence of blunt carotid injury (BCAI) in the blunt trauma induced isolated mandible fracture population and determine the utility of computed tomographic angiography (CTA) screening for BCAI in this population. METHODS: A retrospective data review was performed on patients presenting to Boston Medical Center from January 2008 to January 2019 with a diagnosis of mandible fracture. Population selected utilizing ICD-9 and ICD-10 diagnosis codes for mandible fracture and BCAI. Excluded populations were pediatric (less than 18 years) and penetrating carotid injuries. RESULTS: A total of 1,508 mandible fractures were identified, with 73% (n = 1,103) being isolated injuries. Five BCAIs were identified, and of these, 1 was associated with an isolated mandible fracture (incidence <0.01%). One of 110 isolated mandible fractures screened for BCAI with the use of CTA was positive (incidence 0.9%). CONCLUSIONS: BCAI is a rare finding in isolated mandible fractures. The inclusion of this population as an independent risk factor for BCAI should be questioned. Routine screening with CTA is not warranted.

Tunnel Regenerative Corticotomy (TURC): A modified approach in surgically-assisted orthodontics.

We present a modified surgical technique which encompasses a combination of surgically-assisted accelerated orthodontics and guided bone regeneration for combined surgical and orthodontic management of dental crowding and maxillary transverse deficiency malocclusions with minimally invasive surgery, in a rapid manner, and without the use of general anesthesia.

LOXL2 promotes aggrecan and gender-specific anabolic differences to TMJ cartilage.

In the United States, 5-12% of adults have at least one symptom of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, including TMJ osteoarthritis (TMJ-OA). However, there is no chondroprotective agent that is approved for clinical application. We showed that LOXL2 is elevated in the regenerative response during fracture healing in mice and has a critical role in chondrogenic differentiation. Indeed, LOXL2 is an anabolic effector that attenuates pro-inflammatory signaling in OA cartilage of the TMJ and knee joint, induces chondroprotective and regenerative responses, and attenuates NF-kB signaling. The specific goal of the study was to evaluate if adenoviral delivery of LOXL2 is anabolic to human and mouse TMJ condylar cartilage in vivo and evaluate the protective and anabolic effect on cartilage-specific factors. We employed two different models to assess TMJ-OA. In one model, clinical TMJ-OA cartilage from 5 different samples in TMJ-OA cartilage plugs were implanted subcutaneously in nude mice. Adenovirus LOXL2 -treated implants showed higher mRNA levels of LOXL2, ACAN, and other anabolic genes compared to the adenovirus-Empty-treated implants. Further characterization by RNA-seq analysis showed LOXL2 promotes proteoglycan networks and extracellular matrix in human TMJ-OA cartilage implants in vivo. In order to evaluate if LOXL2-induced functional and sex-linked differences, both male and female four-month-old chondrodysplasia (Cho/+) mice, which develop progressive TMJ-OA due to a point mutation in the Col11a1 gene, were subjected to intraperitoneal injection with Adv-RFP-LOXL2 every 2 weeks for 12 weeks. The data showed that adenovirus delivery of LOXL2 upregulated LOXL2 and aggrecan (Acan), whereas MMP13 expression was slightly downregulated. The fold change expression of Acan and Runx2 induced by Adv-RFP-LOXL2 was higher in females compared to males. Interestingly, Adv-RFP-LOXL2 injection significantly increased Rankl expression in male but there was no change in females, whereas VegfB gene expression was increased in females, but not in males, as compared to those injected with Adv-RFP-Empty in respective groups. Our findings indicate that LOXL2 can induce specifically the expression of Acan and other anabolic genes in two preclinical models in vivo. Further, LOXL2 has beneficial functions in human TMJ-OA cartilage implants and promotes gender-specific anabolic responses in Cho/+ mice with progressive TMJ-OA, suggesting its merit for further study as an anabolic therapy for TMJ-OA.

Should Multilevel Phase I Surgical Therapy be Recommended as Treatment for Moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea due to Oropharyngeal and Hypopharyngeal Obstruction?

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of multilevel phase I surgery for the treatment of moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in retrognathic patients with oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a 10-year retrospective cohort study of patients treated by a single surgeon at the Boston University Medical Center. From 2000 to 2010, retrognathic patients with moderate OSA and verified palatal and tongue base obstruction were treated with multilevel phase I surgery that included uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, hyoid suspension, and genioglossus advancement. All patients were evaluated clinically and received polysomnographic studies at three time points: preoperatively (T1), between 6 and 12 months postoperatively (T2), and a minimum of 24 months postoperatively (T3). RESULTS: Twenty-five subjects composed the final study sample. At T2, 11 patients (44.0%) experienced a complete response, 13 (52.0%) experienced a partial response, and 1 (4.0%) experienced no response. Although phase I surgery was associated with significant changes in AHI (F(2,48) = 119.3; P < .01) throughout the follow-up period, only one patient at T3 (4.0%) met the criteria for a complete response. The remaining patients were divided evenly between partial response (48.0%) and treatment failure (48.0%), of whom 4 (16.0%) patients had worsening of their obstruction. Thirteen of these patients subsequently elected to undergo maxillomandibular advancement, while 11 elected to continue using continuous positive airway pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Although phase I surgery was associated with AHI changes, this reduction was not sufficient to produce a long-term treatment response in over half of our patients. Treatment response was worse after 2 years than at 6 to 12 months. Patients with moderate OSA should understand that multilevel phase I surgery has a greater chance of failure than success and that transient improvements may not be durable.

Outcomes following use of a standard antibiotic protocol in the management of maxillofacial trauma patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a standard antibiotic regimen protocol in the management of maxillofacial trauma patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study sample included patients with at least one facial fracture and managed by either closed (CR/MMF) or open reduction (ORIF) by the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery service. A standardized antibiotic administration protocol based on type of treatment performed and timing of surgical intervention was used in the management of all patients. The primary predictor variable was antibiotic usage. The primary outcome measured was postoperative surgical site infection. Bivariate analysis was performed to assess the association between antibiotic exposure and postoperative surgical site infection. A p value of less than or equal to .05 was deemed to be significant. RESULTS: The study sample comprised of 392 patients (102 midface and 290 mandible fractures). The mean age of the study group was 35 years and 89% of the patients were male. Postoperative infection was encountered in 18 patients (all with compound mandible fractures). The infection rates were 3.6% after CR/MMF and 8.7% after ORIF. No patient with midface fractures developed an infection. Chi-square test showed no statistically significant difference in postoperative infection rate in mandible fractures treated either by CR/MMF (p = 0.91) or ORIF (p = 0.94). CONCLUSIONS: Use of this antibiotic administration protocol limits antibiotic usage and standardizes their administration in the management of maxillofacial trauma without increasing the rate of postoperative surgical site infections.

Considerations for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons in COVID-19 Era: Can We Sustain the Solutions to Keep Our Patients and Healthcare Personnel Safe?

Several uncertainties exist regarding how we will conduct our clinical, didactic, business, and social activities as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic abates and social distancing guidelines are relaxed. We anticipate changes in how we interact with our patients and other providers, how patient workflow is designed, the methods used to conduct our teaching sessions, and how we perform procedures in different clinical settings. The objective of the present report is to review some of the changes to consider in the clinical and academic oral and maxillofacial surgery workflow and, allow for a smoother transition, with less risk to our patients and healthcare personnel. New infection control policies should be strictly enforced and monitored in all clinical and nonclinical settings, with an overall goal to decrease the risk of exposure and transmission. Screening for COVID-19 symptoms, testing when indicated, and establishing the epidemiologic linkage will be crucial to containing and preventing new COVID-19 cases until a vaccine or an alternate solution is available. Additionally, the shortage of essential supplies such as drugs and personal protective equipment, the design and ventilation of workspaces and waiting areas, the increase in overhead costs, and the possible absence of staff, if quarantine is necessary, must be considered. This shift in our workflow and patient care paths will likely continue in the short-term at least through 2021 or the next 12 to 24 months. Thus, we must prioritize surgery, balancing patient preferences and healthcare personnel risks. We have an opportunity now to make changes and embrace telemedicine and other collaborative virtual platforms for teaching and clinical care. It is crucial that we maintain COVID-19 awareness, proper surveillance in our microenvironments, good clinical judgment, and ethical values to continue to deliver high-quality, economical, and accessible patient care.

Opioid Prescribing Patterns Among Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons: A Regional Survey-Based Study.

PURPOSE: We sought to obtain baseline statistics regarding the amount of opioid tablets prescribed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMSs) in the New England area after office-based procedures and to identify factors that might be predictors of their prescription patterns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An anonymous online survey was e-mailed to practicing OMSs in the New England area. The survey explored the quantity of opioid medications prescribed for various procedures, how opioid precautions were given, practitioners' attitude toward opioid dependency, and whether certain surgeon- or patient-related factors influenced prescription behavior. Statistical analyses were used to categorize the OMSs according to their prescription patterns and to identify the most common factors affecting their decision to prescribe opioids. RESULTS: Of 315 OMSs, 151 (43%) responded to the survey. Our analyses were of complete data obtained from 118 respondents. For procedures, such as extraction of 7 or more teeth, the placement of 4 or more implants, office-based sinus surgery, cortical block grafts, and removal of third molar teeth, respondents indicated they typically prescribed 8 to 12 opioid tablets. For all other procedures, they typically never or rarely prescribed opioid tablets. The respondents were grouped into low-, medium-, and high-quantity opioid prescribers. Regardless of their grouping status, the respondents showed general agreement regarding their roles in reducing opioid prescription-related issues. No group differences were found in terms of the demographic variables. Relative to the factors predicting increased prescribing habits, the results suggested that OMSs working either exclusively or primarily in academic settings tended to prescribe fewer opioid tablets than those working primarily in the private setting (ß = -2.73; P < .001). Additionally, 109 respondents (92.4%) reported that OMSs could play a role in decreasing opioid dependency. CONCLUSIONS: Most practicing OMSs in the New England area prescribed opioids after office-based surgery and are cognizant of the risks of opioid medications.

Opioid prescribing patterns of oral and maxillofacial surgery residents.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to report on the opioid prescribing patterns of oral and maxillofacial surgery residents for routine office-based procedures. STUDY DESIGN: A survey was sent to current resident members of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS). The survey asked questions related to the quantity and duration of opioids prescribed and if such factors as type of procedure, education, and prior opioid abuse by patients influenced prescription behavior. RESULTS: There was a positive relationship between the prescribing culture of residency and prescribing pattern (P value < .001). Concerns about factors that promote addiction were negatively associated with prescribing patterns (P value < .02). Prescribing culture and concerns about factors promoting addiction together explained 10% of the total variation. Residents receiving instruction on the risks of narcotic were less likely to prescribe opioids. CONCLUSIONS: Creating a culture in residency programs aimed at reducing factors that promote addiction may be the best method to reduce overprescription of opioids during training.

Outpatient Anesthesia Morbidity and Mortality Experience Among Massachusetts Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this retrospective study was to document the prevalence of different complications and the mortality rate for outpatient procedures performed under anesthesia by oral and maxillofacial surgeons in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A mailed questionnaire was filled out by active members of the Massachusetts Society of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons who practiced using the single-operator-anesthetist model. Morbidity and mortality information was acquired for calendar years 2015 and 2016. RESULTS: The findings of this study were consistent with those of previous publications on the same topic. No office deaths occurred, and the mortality rate was 0 of 431,680 patient visits. The prevalence of other anesthesia-related complications was low. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of the results of our study, we can conclude that the office-based team model used by oral and maxillofacial surgeons in Massachusetts for the delivery of outpatient anesthesia is safe with a low complication rate.

Surgical Management of Idiopathic Condylar Resorption: Orthognathic Surgery Versus Temporomandibular Total Joint Replacement.

Young females with retruded and hyperdivergent mandibles, class II openbite malocclusions, and steep occlusal planes with or without TMJ symptoms are at higher risk for Idiopathic Condylar Resorption (ICR). Such patients undergoing orthodontic and /or surgical treatment should be informed of possible relapse due to ICR. Orthognathic Surgery with Total joint replacement or Orthognathic surgery alone may both be acceptable options for management of the facial deformity and the malocclusion that ensues from ICR. Proper patient selection is key to achieving a successful outcome. Current trends and the evidence in the literature suggest that orthognathic surgery with alloplastic joint replacement may be the preferred approach.

Buccal Plate Preservation with Immediate Implant Placement and Provisionalization: 5-Year Follow-Up Outcomes.

PURPOSE: Despite socket preservation and/or immediate implant placement, resorption of the buccal plate after dental extraction continues to pose esthetic challenges to clinicians. Buccal plate preservation (BPP) is a technique that has been recently proposed with an aim to reduce the incidence of such resorption. This study was conducted to assess the long-term efficacy of BPP in maintaining the thickness of the buccal cortical plate after immediate implant insertion and provisionalization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten consecutive patients were included in this study. Each patient underwent extraction of a non-restorable tooth, BPPPBPP, single immediate implant placement and immediate provisionalization. Cone beam CT scans were taken 3 months after surgery (T1) and 5 years after surgery (T2) to evaluate the effectiveness and longevity of the BPPPBPP technique in maintaining the augmented bone width. Two distinct measurements were taken for bone evaluation: (a) R1: 1 mm apical to the implant platform and (b) R2: 5 mm apical to the implant platform. The long axis of the implant was used as a fixed reference. Statistical test analysis was conducted using the SPSS software. Student's t test was used to assess statistical significance, and a p value of < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: There were six females and four males in the study. The mean age of the sample was 37.6 years (range 23-64 years). At T1, the mean bone thickness of the buccal plate was found to be 2.36 mm at R1 (range: 1.9-3.1), and 2.23 at R2 (range: 1.9-3). At the T2 interval, the mean thickness of the plate was 2.28 mm at R1 (range: 1.7-3) and 2.18 at R2 (range: 1.9-3). The differences in these mean values were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: BPPPBPP is an effective means for augmentation and maintenance of the buccal cortical plate around an immediately placed and provisionalized dental implant. It is a viable alternative to socket preservation with the added benefit that it allows for immediate implant placement.

Treatment of odontogenic infections: An analysis of two antibiotic regimens.

PURPOSE: Retrospective analysis of the efficacy for two commonly used antibiotic regimens in the management of severe odontogenic infections. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Evaluation of records of patients admitted to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery service at Boston University Medical Center from 2009 to 2014 with severe infections of odontogenic origin (SOI). Patients were divided into two groups based on the administered intravenous antibiotic: 1) Group I: Clindamycin only and 2) Group II: Penicillin and Metronidazole. Variables evaluated included demographic characteristics, ASA status, and anatomic site of infection risk, length of hospital stay, antibiotic failure, and pharmaceutical treatment cost. RESULTS: 78 patients (46 males and 32 females) were included in the study. There were 57 patients in group I (average age 32.6 years) and 21 in Group II (average age 32.8 years). The average white cell count at time of admission count was higher in Group I (19.3) versus Group II (17.4). Antibiotic failure rate was 3.5% in Group I and 4.7% for group 2 patients. CONCLUSION: Clindamycin alone and combination of Penicillin with Metronidazole are both effective pharmaceutical regimens for SOI. Clindamycin therapy resulted in shorter hospital stay and lower net treatment costs with a slightly higher success rate.

Postoperative Pain and Opioid Analgesic Requirements After Orthognathic Surgery.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of individual characteristics, such as age, gender, and type of surgery, on postoperative pain intensity and opioid analgesic consumption after orthognathic surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted at a single academic medical center during a 12-month period from 2015 to 2016. Thirty of 125 patients 18 to 65 years of age who had American Society of Anesthesiologists status I and II and were admitted to the hospital after orthognathic surgery were recruited. The main outcome variable was opioid analgesic consumption measured in morphine milligram equivalents (MME) during the patients' hospital stay. Secondary outcome variables were postoperative pain intensity measured using the numeric rating scale (0 to 10) and length of hospital stay. Data on age, gender, type of surgery, postoperative pain intensity, and opioid and nonopioid analgesic consumption for each 24-hour period during hospitalization were collected. The analgesic regimen consisted of oxycodone, hydromorphone, and acetaminophen. Differences in postoperative pain and opioid requirements between men and women, older and younger, and 1- and 2-jaw surgery were assessed using unpaired Student t test for statistical analysis. A P value less than .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Thirty patients (14 men, 16 women) with an average age of 26.3 years (18 to 50 yr) were admitted to the hospital for an average of 61 hours (24 to 170 hours) after orthognathic surgery. Twenty-three of 30 patients (77%) had bimaxillary surgery. The average postoperative pain score was 6.0 (2 to 8.5) on a scale of 0 to 10 and average opioid consumption was 106 MME (range, 0 to 407 MME). Women reported more postoperative pain (6.3 vs 5.3) and consumed more opioid analgesic than men (131 vs 78 MME). Patients younger than 25 years required 112 MME of opioid compared with 98 MME for those older than 25 years, although the 2 age groups reported similar pain scores. Patients who had 2-jaw surgery and mandibular (1-jaw) surgery reported more pain and required more opioid analgesics than those who had only maxillary surgery. CONCLUSION: Based on these study results, there appears to be a trend for increased opioid analgesic requirement in women and younger patients during the immediate postoperative period after orthognathic surgery.