A closer examination of the retromandibular subparotid approach: Surgical technique and anatomical considerations with a special focus on the angular tract. A cadaveric study and a technical note.

Several approaches have been described for the surgical management of condylar fractures. Although there is no consensus on the best surgical technique, the retromandibular approach appears to be the most common reported in the literature. This approach is traditionally performed via a retromandibular incision and a transparotid route. An alternative technique to this approach entails a subparotid passage with the gland lifted antero-superiorly and no intraglandular dissection. This modification has been designed to reduce the risk of direct injury of the facial nerve branches as well as the risk of post-operative salivary fistula. The purpose of this technical report was to provide a "step-by-step" description of the retromandibular subparotid approach as performed in our department with particular emphasis on the relevant anatomically critical structures.

Modified Le Fort I step osteotomy for improvement of paranasal flatness in maxillary deficiency: Technical note and series of 24 cases.

INTRODUCTION: To describe a modified Le Fort I step osteotomy for the improvement of paranasal flatness in maxillary deficiency and to evaluate postoperative complications as well as post-treatment relapse. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective case series study, clinical data of all patients with maxillary deficiency associated with a Class III malocclusion who underwent a modified Le Fort I step osteotomy were reviewed. The primary and secondary outcome variables were, respectively, the improvement of paranasal flatness as evaluated by the clinical analysis of the cheekbone-nasal base-lip contour (CP-Nb-LC), and postoperative complications as well as post-treatment relapse. Other variables included age, gender, and additional surgical procedures. Descriptive statistics were performed. RESULTS: The sample was composed of 24 patients. Paranasal flatness was corrected with the reestablishment of an harmonious convex cheekbone-nasal base-lip contour in all patients, who were satisfied with the esthetic result. Two patients (8%) had discomfort associated with the paranasal plates. One of these also had a unilateral nasolacrimal duct dysfunction with occasional bothersome epiphora that resolved after plate removal. Two patients (8%) had maxillary sinusitis that resolved rapidly following medical treatment. One patient (4%) had persistent minor infraorbital nerve hypoesthesia. No occlusal relapse or pseudarthrosis occurred. CONCLUSION: The modified Le Fort I step osteotomy approach is a valuable method for the improvement of paranasal flatness in maxillary deficiency.

Bilateral temporomandibular joint ankyloses after bilateral sagittal split osteotomy of the mandible: An uncommon clinical case with long-term outcome evaluation.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is an extremely handicapping condition characterized by a permanent restriction in the ability to open the mouth, and it is mainly caused by traumatic and infectious events. It rarely occurs as a complication following orthognathic surgery. The treatment goals are the restoration of viable mandibular function and, in growing pediatric patients, symmetrical mandibular development. We are reporting here the unusual case of a bilateral bony TMJ ankylosis in a patient who underwent a bilateral sagittal split osteotomy of the mandible for correction of a mandibular deficiency. The patient was treated by bilateral arthrotomies with the interposition of a full-thickness skin graft as well as bilateral coronoidectomies with a favorable long-term (6 years) functional outcome. Only one similar case has been previously reported in the literature.

Does vertical incomitance predict the diplopia outcome in orbital fracture patients? A prospective study of 188 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the predictive value of vertical incomitance for diplopia outcome in orbital fracture patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study composed of patients with orbital fractures was designed. The predictor variable was vertical incomitance, and the primary outcome variable was diplopia. Incomitance was calculated in prism diopters (Δ) as the difference of the maximum absolute deviation between the upper and lower three gaze directions. Standard statistics for patient characteristics, the Fisher exact test for categorical variables and the Wilcoxon rank sum test for continuous variables were computed. RESULTS: The sample was composed of 188 patients grouped as follows: non-operated (n = 124) and operated (n = 64). Fifty-one patients showed vertical incomitance of whom 10 (19.6%) had persistent diplopia at the 1-year follow-up. The mean incomitance was 9.6Δ in the diplopia group versus 2Δ in the non diplopia group (OR = 1.13; p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant association between vertical incomitance of >2Δ and persistent diplopia at 1 year after adjusting for the surgery variable (OR = 1.07; p < 0.04). CONCLUSION: The present study has demonstrated that in orbital fracture patients, vertical incomitance was associated with (1) persistence of long-term diplopia, (2) the decision to perform surgery, and (3) the severity of the fracture.

Removal of recurrent intraorbital tumour using a system of augmented reality.

The most crucial step in the management of pleomorphic adenoma of the lacrimal gland is choosing the optimal approach for excision. We report the successful removal of a recurrent pleomorphic adenoma of the lacrimal gland in a 42-year-old woman using a specific microscope-based system of augmented reality.

Severe distortion of an orbital titanium mesh implant after recurrent facial trauma: a potential threat to the orbital contents?

Titanium mesh implants have proved their effectiveness in the reconstruction of fractures of the orbital wall, and their compromise between stiffness and elasticity allows for optimal support of the orbital contents. However, after recurrent orbital trauma, these implants (even when properly positioned) can become a potential "penetrating object" that threatens the critical adjacent anatomical structures. We report the case of a patient with recurrent facial trauma whose orbit had previously been reconstructed with a titanium implant, and which resulted in severe deformation.

Applications of 3D orbital computer-assisted surgery (CAS).

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of the present report is to describe the indications for use of 3D orbital computer-assisted surgery (CAS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed the clinical and radiological data of all patients with orbital deformities treated using intra-operative navigation and CAD/CAM techniques at the Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève, Switzerland, between 2009 and 2016. We recorded age and gender, orbital deformity, technical and surgical procedure and postoperative complications. RESULTS: One hundred and three patients were included. Mean age was 39.5years (range, 5 to 84years) and 85 (87.5%) were men. Of the 103 patients, 96 had intra-operative navigation (34 for primary and 3 for secondary orbito-zygomatic fractures, 15 for Le Fort fractures, 16 for orbital floor fractures, 10 for combined orbital floor and medial wall fractures, 7 for orbital medial wall fractures, 3 for NOE (naso-orbito-ethmoidal) fractures, 2 for isolated comminuted zygomatic arch fractures, 1 for enophthalmos, 3 for TMJ ankylosis and 2 for fibrous dysplasia bone recontouring), 8 patients had CAD/CAM PEEK-PSI for correction of residual orbital bone contour following craniomaxillofacial trauma, and 1 patient had CAD/CAM surgical splints and cutting guides for correction of orbital hypertelorism. Two patient (1.9%) required revision surgery for readjustment of an orbital mesh. The 1-year follow-up examination showed stable cosmetic and dimensional results in all patients. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the application of 3D orbital CAS with regards to intra-operative navigation and CAD/CAM techniques allowed for a successful outcome in the patients presented in this series.

Computer-aided design and computer-aided modeling (CAD/CAM) generated surgical splints, cutting guides and custom-made implants: Which indications in orthognathic surgery?

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of the present report was to describe our indications, results and complications of computer-aided design and computer-aided modeling CAD/CAM surgical splints, cutting guides and custom-made implants in orthognathic surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed the clinical and radiological data of ten consecutive patients with dentofacial deformities treated using a CAD/CAM technique. Four patients had surgical splints and cutting guides for correction of maxillomandibular asymmetries, three had surgical cutting guides and customized internal distractors for correction of severe maxillary deficiencies and three had custom-made implants for additional chin contouring and/or mandibular defects following bimaxillary osteotomies and sliding genioplasty. We recorded age, gender, dentofacial deformity, surgical procedure and intra- and postoperative complications. RESULTS: All of the patients had stable cosmetic results with a high rate of patient satisfaction at the 1-year follow-up examination. No intra- and/or postoperative complications were encountered during any of the different steps of the procedure. DISCUSSION: This study demonstrated that the application of CAD/CAM patient-specific surgical splints, cutting guides and custom-made implants in orthognathic surgery allows for a successful outcome in the ten patients presented in this series.

Preseptal transconjunctival approach to the orbital floor fractures. Surgical technique.

INTRODUCTION: Orbital floor fractures may be reached through 2 types of conjunctival approaches, the preseptal one and the retroseptal one. While the retroseptal approach offers a more direct and easier route to the orbital rim and floor, it is associated with a significantly higher rate of lower lid complications compared to the preseptal approach. We will focus on the preseptal transconjunctival approach. TECHNICAL NOTE: The conjunctival incision is performed with a guarded needle-tip electrocautery or with a long-handled scalpel (blade No. 15) from the inferior extremity of the semilunar fold to the lateral canthal region. The subconjunctival plane is divided with Stevens scissors medially and laterally. This plane, located between the preseptal cranial conjunctival flap covered by the orbital septum and the caudal conjunctival flap covered by the orbicular muscle's fascia, is opened with the scissors toward the inferior orbital rim. The periosteum over the inferior orbital rim is incised and reflected. The subperiosteal dissection is continued toward the orbital floor. The incarcerated periorbital tissues are repositioned to expose the stable bone margins of the fracture before orbital reconstruction. The closure of the periorbita is performed with uninterrupted 5-0 Vicryl sutures. The conjunctiva is closed with a running 6-0 Maxon suture. DISCUSSION: Although technically more demanding than the retroseptal approach, the preseptal approach enables a large and safe access to the entire orbital floor by passing through an anatomical bloodless plane. This approach can also be combined with a lateral canthotomy/cantholysis and with a medial caruncular transconjunctival incision, thus providing extended exposure of the entire orbit.

[Toothache: At what point has a pontocerebellar angle tumor to be evoked?]. / Odontalgie : quand évoquer une tumeur de l'angle ponto-cérébelleux?

INTRODUCTION: Dental pain may have another origin than teeth. It may be caused by myofascial, neurovascular, cardiac, neurological, sinusal or psychological factors. We will discuss 2 rare cases of patients who presented with a cerebellopontine tumor, who initially manifested with symptoms of dental pain. OBSERVATION: The first patient, male, 44 years of age presented to his dentist with toothache (47), which led to its extraction. Five months later, a second painful episode, more characteristic, revealed the presence of a vestibular schwannoma, which was successfully treated and led to the disappearance of the pain. The second case, a 43-year-old female presented to her dentist with toothache (46), which lead the dentist perform a root filling. Two years later, with a 3rd episode of dental pain, more relevant of a trigeminal neuralgia, a epidermoid cyst of the right cerebellopontine angle was identified and successfully treated leading to the disappearance of the pain. DISCUSSION: Cerebellopontine tumors of this type may lead, in exceptional cases to symptoms of dental pain. Therefore, in face of atypical tooth or facial pain, both a detailed medical history and a detailed examination are necessary, in order to investigate any neurological signs and symptoms, before undertaking any non-essential dental treatment, which may be detrimental for the patients.

[Accuracy of morphological simulation for orthognatic surgery. Assessment of a 3D image fusion software]. / Précision des prédictions morphologiques en chirurgie orthognathique. Évaluation d'un procédé de fusion d'images 3D.

INTRODUCTION: The CT/CBCT data allows for 3D reconstruction of skeletal and untextured soft tissue volume. 3D stereophotogrammetry technology has strongly improved the quality of facial soft tissue surface texture. The combination of these two technologies allows for an accurate and complete reconstruction. The 3D virtual head may be used for orthognatic surgical planning, virtual surgery, and morphological simulation obtained with a software dedicated to the fusion of 3D photogrammetric and radiological images. TECHNICAL NOTE: The imaging material include: a multi-slice CT scan or broad field CBCT scan, a 3D photogrammetric camera. The operative image processing protocol includes the following steps: 1) pre- and postoperative CT/CBCT scan and 3D photogrammetric image acquisition; 2) 3D image segmentation and fusion of untextured CT/CBCT skin with the preoperative textured facial soft tissue surface of the 3D photogrammetric scan; 3) image fusion of the pre- and postoperative CT/CBCT data set virtual osteotomies, and 3D photogrammetric soft tissue virtual simulation; 4) fusion of virtual simulated 3D photogrammetric and real postoperative images, and assessment of accuracy using a color-coded scale to measure the differences between the two surfaces.

Evaluation of condylar morphology following orthognathic surgery on digital panoramic radiographs. Could methodology influence the range of "normality" in condylar changes?

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the morphological condylar changes following orthognathic surgery by using a rapid and reliable computational method on panoramic radiographs. METHODS: Digital panoramic radiographs of 45 patients who underwent bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (alone or associated with a Le Fort I osteotomy) between 2007 and 2010 were analysed. Calculation of the area, perimeter and height of 90 condyles was performed by using a specific computational method. Measurements were taken before surgery (m1), 1 day after surgery (m2) and 1 year after surgery (m3). The evolution of each index was analysed using paired t-tests between measures before and 1 day after surgery (m1 - m2) and measures before and 1 year after surgery (m1 - m3). The changes in the condylar area, perimeter and height were examined using the Bland and Altman plotting method. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant changes in the mean condylar area, perimeter or height between m1 and m2 or between m1 and m3. The Bland and Altman plots for each index showed that a very limited number of condyles increased or decreased in area, perimeter and/or height outside the boundaries of the measurement error. Given the impossibility for a condyle to increase in size, these results are considered to represent the limits of the computational method used. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that there were no significant morphological condylar changes at the 1-year follow-up following surgery and that the range of normality in condylar changes could be influenced by the methodology used.

[Interventional multidimodal hybrid unit: from pre-operative planning to immediate post-operative control]. / Unité interventionnelle hybride multimodale : de la planification préopératoire au contrôle postopératoire immédiat.

INTRODUCTION: Computer assisted surgery has rapidly developed over the last decade, essentially due to the development of navigation and 3D virtual surgical planning and image fusion technologies. The recent introduction of intra-operative cone-beam CT scan (CBCT), which integrates flat panel technology, allows for high resolution bone imaging, the quality and accuracy of which is similar to the one obtained by conventional spiral CT scan. The combination of these two technologies in a "hybrid" operating unit enables the convergence of the pre-, intra- and post-operative steps in a linear computer-assisted processing chain, which optimises surgery accuracy, predictability and patient outcomes while potentially reducing costs, operating times and need for further surgical revision. TECHNICAL NOTE: The "hybrid" unit includes: 1) the operating room (65 m(2)) equipped with horizontal laminar-flow, a mobile monoplane ceiling suspended C-arm CBCT scan system with a flat panel detector, a wireless navigation system, and an interactive wall-mount touch screen 2) the control room (18 m(2)) separated from the operating room by an X-ray lead protective glass window, including two separate computer workstations for 3D image integration and processing 3) the scrub room (17 m(2)) with two separate stainless steel surgical wash-basins. The intra-operative protocol includes the following steps: 1) elaboration of the patient specific pre-operative computed planning and simulation based on pre-operatively and/or intra-operatively acquired patient images 2) intra-operative navigational guidance setting 3) surgical procedure 4) intra-operative 3D CT imaging 5) suture.

Septic thrombosis of the cavernous sinus secondary to a Streptococcus milleri oral infection.

Septic thrombosis of the cavernous sinus (STCS) is an uncommon and potentially lethal disease. Sphenoid and ethmoid sinusitis followed by facial cutaneous infections represents the most common aetiologies, with Staphylococcus aureus as the main responsible organism followed by the Streptococcus pneumoniae. Although all infectious foci of the head and neck area can potentially spread to the cavernous sinus, STCS from oral infection is an exceptionally rare occurrence. We report the unusual case of a patient who presented with an acute STCS secondary to a generalized Streptococcus milleri periodontitis. This case highlights the importance of systematically performing a detailed examination of the oral cavity in patients presenting with intracranial infections caused by uncommon pathogens such as the Streptococcus milleri group.

Reliability of computational measurement of the condyles on digital panoramic radiographs.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of a computational method for assessing three condylar measurements on digital panoramic radiographs: condylar height, area and perimeter. METHODS: A computer calculation of the area, the perimeter and the height of 34 condyles was determined on digital panoramic radiographs taken from 17 patients. The test-retest precision of measurements calculation was estimated using an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Dahlberg's formula at 2 week intervals on the same radiograph to assess intraobserver precision and on two radiographs (RX1 and RX2) to assess the radiographic procedure precision. Changes between measurements on RX1 and RX2 were estimated using paired t-tests to detect systematic errors. RESULTS: Precision of all indices was very high when measurements were made on the same radiograph, thus confirming good reliability for the present computational measuring method. The precision was lower when two different radiographs were compared but was still within an acceptable range of tolerance. There were no statistically significant changes in condylar area, perimeter or height values between RX1 and RX2. CONCLUSIONS: This study has demonstrated that (1) the height of the condyle can be rapidly and reliably assessed using a specific computer system directly on digital panoramic radiographs; (2) although less reliable, area and perimeter can also be acceptably evaluated; and (3) this method has the potential for being routinely used to monitor changes in clinical follow-up as well as for research purposes.

18F-DOPA PET/CT unravels malignant paraganglioma mimicking temporomandibular joint disorder.

This report presents a 29-year-old patient with severe temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain. Anamnesis and clinical examination led us to the diagnosis of TMJ disorder. He was also in control for a malignant paraganglioma originating from the right carotid body. After initial surgery 8.5 years ago and the removal of metastases 2 years ago he was deemed disease free. An (18)F-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) positron emission tomography (PET)/CT scan was obtained during follow-up 6 months before he was presented to our clinic. Suspicious of a connection between the actual pain and the tumour, we scrutinized these images. We found a tiny pathological tracer uptake in the right jugular foramen but no correlating finding in the matching CT. We repeated the DOPA PET/CT and found several metastases including the previously detected lesion. Further thin-slice CT and MRI showed a 5 mm paraganglioma located anteriorly to the jugular bulb within the jugular foramen. The lesion was in close relation to the Arnold's nerve, a branch of the vagus nerve which carries sensory information from the external tympanic membrane, external auditory canal and the external ear and explained the severe pain in our patient. He then underwent radiotherapy (45 Gy) during which the pain diminished considerably. In a variety of neuroendocrine tumours, including paraganglioma, DOPA PET/CT allows primary diagnosis, staging and restaging with a higher detection rate than conventional radiological imaging. Owing to low anatomical resolution however, high resolution contrast-enhanced CT and MRI are necessary to complete the investigations.

[Post-traumatic orbital reconstruction comparing preformed versus non preformed titanium mesh plates]. / Reconstruction orbitaire post-traumatique par grilles en titane préformées versus non préformées.

AIM: We compared, clinically and radiologically, the accuracy and reliability of two types of titanium mesh plates used for orbital reconstruction. The first were non-preshaped mesh plates (NPMP) and the second were three-dimensionally preformed mesh plates (PMP). METHODS: Two groups were created, each including 15 patients treated with NPMP and the second formed by 15 patients treated with PMP. The volume of each orbit was computed from coronal CT-scans using the OsiriX medical imaging software (version 3.3.2, www.osirix-viewer.com). Measurements were done for both, healthy and reconstructed sides. The other studied parameters were: sex, age, fracture distribution, and complications (diplopia and enophthalmia). RESULTS: The orbital volume difference between the reconstructed and the healthy contralateral side was not statistically significant in either group (NPMP: p=0.991 PMP: p=0.200). The mean orbital volume of reconstructed orbits was not statistically significant in either group (NPMP: 21.76 cm(3) and PMP: 20.28 cm(3), p=0.441). DISCUSSION: There is no difference in orbital volume reconstructions measured by the OsiriX software between non-preshaped and three-dimensionally preformed titanium mesh plates.

[A combined transcaruncular transconjunctival approach to orbital medial wall fractures. Surgical technique]. / La voie d'abord combinée transcaronculaire-transconjonctivale dans l'approche des fractures orbitaires de la paroi médiale. Technique chirurgicale.

INTRODUCTION: The ideal approach to orbital medial wall fractures remains controversial. Only the coronal approach exposes the medial wall completely. The transcaruncular approach enables a clear and wide view of the medial wall without any visible scar compared to usual transcutaneous techniques. This approach can be combined with a transconjunctival approach, thus providing an extended exposure of the whole medial wall and the orbital floor. TECHNICAL NOTE: The conjunctival incision is performed with a needle electrocautery in the groove between the plica semilunaris and the caruncle. It is extended laterally within the inferior conjunctival fornix for 20mm to the lateral palpebral commissure. The sub-conjunctival dissection to the posterior lacrimal crest is performed with Stevens scissors through an avascular plane along the medial wall behind Horner's muscle. The periosteum is incised behind the posterior lacrimal crest. The sub-periosteal periorbital dissection is continued medially thus exposing the insertion of the inferior oblique muscle which is coagulated and cut over the inferior orbital rim. Reconstruction is performed after exposing the complete fracture after freeing the periorbital tissue. The periorbita is sutured with interrupted 5-0 Vicryl stitches. The inferior conjunctiva and the caruncle are closed with a continuous 6-0 Maxon suture.

[Antibiotic prophylaxis before dental procedures in arthroplasty patients]. / Utilité de la prophylaxie antibiotique avant un geste dentaire pour tes porteurs de prothèses totales du genou ou de la hanche.

Antibiotic prophylaxis is commonly prescribed to patients with total arthroplasties before a dental intervention. This attitude is not evidence-based for several reasons: 1) the usual pathogens of prosthetic joint infections are not of oral origin; 2) even if given, systemic antibiotic do not completely suppress the occult bacteraemia occurring during dental intervention and 3) humans may have up to twelve episodes of occult bacteraemia of dental origin per day. Routine antibiotic prophylaxis should be clearly distinguished from the antibiotic treatment required in case of established oral cavity infection. A constant optimal oral and dental hygiene is more important in terms of prevention and should be routinely recommended to every patient carrying a joint arthroplasty.