[The potential of ectoprosthetics in rehabilitation of patients with orbital pathology]. / Vozmozhnosti éktoprotezirovaniia v reabilitatsii patsientov s patologiei orbity.

AIM: rectification of indications and contraindications for ectoprosthetics and exploration of its potential as a modern rehabilitation modality. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Here are summarized the results of 89 cases of facial reconstruction with prosthetic means in trauma patients and those who had had congenital or oncological pathology and in whom other methods of rehabilitation were unable to remedy the defect within the orbital region. RESULTS: The indications and contraindications for facial prosthetics as well as the conditions, under which this type of medical and social rehabilitation can be carried out, were clarified. The authors also explained the process of creating an epiprosthesis and how it should be attached to the orbit to have the maximum effect on the existing defects of both the bone and auxiliary apparatus (including eyelid soft tissues, eyelashes, etc.). Because modern ectoprostheses are made of silicone and held in place with magnets, they provide an optimal cosmetic result, so that, regardless of patient's age, no rough defects can be detected on the affected side at a 2-m distance. CONCLUSION: As the production technology develops, the cosmetic appearance of epiprostheses improves and their use broadens.

The Management of Patients after Surgical Treatment of Maxillofacial Tumors.

Morphological and functional disturbances induced by postsurgical defects and loss of tissues in the stomatognathic system due to the treatment of tumors in the maxillofacial region determine the therapeutic needs of patients. The study aimed at clinical and epidemiological evaluation of patients under prosthetic treatment in order to establish the algorithm for rehabilitation. The study group was composed of the patients after midface surgery (45.74%); surgery in a lower part of the face (47.38%); mixed postoperative losses (3.44%); loss of face tissues and surgery in other locations in the head and neck region (3.44%). The supplementary treatment was applied in 69.63% of patients. Clinical and additional examinations were performed to obtain the picture of postoperative loss, its magnitude, and location to plan the strategy of prosthetic rehabilitation. The management algorithm for prosthetic rehabilitation in patients after surgical treatment of maxillofacial neoplasms was based on its division in stages. The location and magnitude of postoperative losses, as well as the implementation of supplementary treatment of the patients after treatment of maxillofacial tumors, influence the planning of prosthetic rehabilitation that plays a key role and facilitates the patients' return to their prior living situation, occupational and family lives.

Evaluation of Highly Porous Dental Implants in Postablative Oral and Maxillofacial Cancer Patients: A Prospective Pilot Clinical Case Series Report.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of new porous tantalum trabecular metal (PTTM)-enhanced titanium dental implants used for the prosthodontic rehabilitation of postablative cancer patients. First-year interim results of a prospective clinical case series are presented. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 25 PTTM-enhanced titanium implants were placed in both maxillas and mandibles of 6 patients, who met specific inclusion criteria. Resonance frequency analysis was conducted, and implant stability was recorded in Implant Stability Quotient (ISQ) values at implant placement and after 2, 4, 6, and 12 months of functional loading. Bone levels were calculated by digitally measuring the distance from the implant shoulder to the first bone-to-implant on periapical radiographs taken at surgery and after 2, 4, 6, and 12 months of functioning. RESULTS: Cumulative implant survival was 100% (n = 25/25). At implant placement and the 2-, 4-, 6- and 12-month monitoring appointments, mean ISQ values were 72.14 ± 5.61 (range = 50-81), 64.39 ± 8.12 (range = 44-74), 74.26 ± 7.14 (range = 44-74), 76.84 ± 7.65 (range = 60-83), and 78.13 ± 4.14 (range = 64-84), respectively, and mean crestal marginal bone loss was 0.19 ± 0.25, 0.22 ± 0.4, 0.3 ± 0.46, and 0.57 ± 0.62 mm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: PTTM-enhanced dental implants were clinically effective in the prosthetic rehabilitation of postoncological patients. Larger long-term follow-up studies will help to evaluate clinical efficacy of PTTM dental implants.

Anaplastology in times of facial transplantation: Still a reasonable treatment option?

Optimum functional and aesthetic facial reconstruction is still a challenge in patients who suffer from inborn or acquired facial deformity. It is known that functional and aesthetic impairment can result in significant psychosocial strain, leading to the social isolation of patients who are affected by major facial deformities. Microvascular techniques and increasing experience in facial transplantation certainly contribute to better restorative outcomes. However, these technologies also have some drawbacks, limitations and unsolved problems. Extensive facial defects which include several aesthetic units and dentition can be restored by combining dental prostheses and anaplastology, thus providing an adequate functional and aesthetic outcome in selected patients without the drawbacks of major surgical procedures. Referring to some representative patient cases, it is shown how extreme facial disfigurement after oncological surgery can be palliated by combining intraoral dentures with extraoral facial prostheses using individualized treatment and without the need for major reconstructive surgery.

Prosthetic Management and Analysis of Combined Extraoral-Intraoral Maxillofacial Defects Complicated with Microstomia. A Report of Three Cases.

Different prosthetic treatment plans for three patients with variable degrees of acquired maxillofacial defects were reported and analyzed. Combined extraoral-intraoral prostheses were selected to restore the three cases. Two patients were rehabilitated using two separated prostheses, while the third one was restored with a coupled two-unit prosthesis. The design of extraoral-intraoral prosthesis either separated or connected, is influenced by the condition and nature of the residual tissues, defect configuration, patient needs, degree of tissue damage and the anticipated success rate or complications with the treatment. It was observed that separating the intraoral part from that of the extraoral resulted in better retention, stability, and more comfort to the patient with combined defects. Furthermore, fabrication and repair of each part is technically easier as perceived it can be carried out independently and the patient can continue to use one-part and send the other for repair. Another advantage is the reduction of size and weight of the prosthesis.

Oculo-facial rehabilitation after facial cancer removal: updated CAD/CAM procedures: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Leaving open or closing the oculo-facial defect by means of a myocutaneous flap mainly depends on maxillofacial surgical considerations. For those cases that present a closed defect, the authors aim to evaluate an innovative method of ocular bulb positioning using a magnetic resonance imaging dataset. TECHNIQUE: Following cancer removal and plastic reconstructive surgery, a Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine format magnetic resonance imaging dataset was used to determine the volume and position of the left ocular bulb. The exact location of the prosthetic bulb was determined by mirroring this position on the affected side. Images of the eyeglasses were imported into the virtual environment, and the designs of the substructure and facial prosthesis were projected using computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacture (CAD/CAM) technology. DISCUSSION: The updated method presented here enables restoration with a facial prosthesis, even when a myocutaneous flap is used to close the defect, thereby resolving the problem of ocular bulb positioning and enabling the rapid and easy design of a retention system connected to eyeglasses. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The proposed protocol aims to develop and describe a viable method for the construction of a facial prosthesis for a patient whose face had been reconstructed using a myocutaneous free flap.

Oral rehabilitation with implant-based prostheses of two adult patients treated for childhood rhabdomyosarcoma.

BACKGROUND: Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common malignant tumor in the nasal and paranasal sinus area at childhood. Multimodal treatment for this disorder has severe side effects due to normal tissue damage. As a result of this treatment, facial growth retardation and oral abnormalities such as malformation of teeth and microstomia can cause esthetic and functional problems. CASE REPORTS: Two cases are presented of patients with severe midfacial hypoplasia and reduced oral function as a result of treatment of rhabdomyosarcoma of the nasopharyngeal and nasal-tonsil region. With a combined surgical (osteotomy, distraction osteogenesis, implants) and prosthetic (implant-based overdenture) treatment, esthetics and function were improved.

Oral rehabilitation following removal of a rhabdomyosarcoma and subsequent microstomia: a case report.

Rhabdomyosarcoma is a malignant tumor that is most often seen in children younger than 15 years of age. This pathology is found mainly in the head and neck region. Treatment of rhabdomyosarcoma at early stages of life usually affects the dental and osseous development of children. Because of impaired development, microstomia can arise, making dental treatment more difficult. This article presents a patient with microstomia caused by resection of an embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma in the nasolabial region. The patient was treated with 5 dental implants and fixed hybrid prosthesis in the maxilla and 2 implants supporting an overdenture in the mandible.

Prosthetic rehabilitation.

Patients with head and neck defects may undergo reconstruction surgically, prosthetically, or with a combined approach. In some situations, prosthetic rehabilitation may be the preferred treatment option. Presurgical treatment planning and evaluation of the patient is paramount to successful reconstruction and rehabilitation. Patient education and assessment of the patient's expectations are essential in the acceptance of a proposed treatment plan. Communication and joint treatment planning early in the process between the surgeon and maxillofacial prosthodontist will optimize results.

Multiple retentive means for prosthetic restoration of a large facial defect - a case report.

A 70-year-old man who suffered from extensive extra and intraoral defects was rehabilitated with a prosthesis using multiple retaining means. The treatment was performed in two parts: externally involving the construction of an episthesis supported only by the remaining intact boundaries of the defect and retained by mini-dental implants and spectacle frame with a modified ear hook; and intraorally by an acrylic resin obturator to restore the function of the hemi-sectioned hard and soft palate. The episthesis was securely retained with minimal movement and/or dislodgment of the prosthesis during function. Multiple retentive techniques may be used to fix heavy external prostheses as an alternative to conventional implants or biological adhesives.

Virtual transplantation in designing a facial prosthesis for extensive maxillofacial defects that cross the facial midline using computer-assisted technology.

PURPOSE: The aim of this article was to demonstrate a novel approach to designing facial prostheses using the transplantation concept and computer-assisted technology for extensive, large, maxillofacial defects that cross the facial midline. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The three-dimensional (3D) facial surface images of a patient and his relative were reconstructed using data obtained through optical scanning. Based on these images, the corresponding portion of the relative's face was transplanted to the patient's where the defect was located, which could not be rehabilitated using mirror projection, to design the virtual facial prosthesis without the eye. A 3D model of an artificial eye that mimicked the patient's remaining one was developed, transplanted, and fit onto the virtual prosthesis. A personalized retention structure for the artificial eye was designed on the virtual facial prosthesis. The wax prosthesis was manufactured through rapid prototyping, and the definitive silicone prosthesis was completed. RESULTS: The size, shape, and cosmetic appearance of the prosthesis were satisfactory and matched the defect area well. The patient's facial appearance was recovered perfectly with the prosthesis, as determined through clinical evaluation. CONCLUSION: The optical 3D imaging and computer-aided design/computer-assisted manufacturing system used in this study can design and fabricate facial prostheses more precisely than conventional manual sculpturing techniques. The discomfort generally associated with such conventional methods was decreased greatly. The virtual transplantation used to design the facial prosthesis for the maxillofacial defect, which crossed the facial midline, and the development of the retention structure for the eye were both feasible.

An unusual soft tissue radiopacity--radiographic appearance of a dermal filler.

We present a case that describes the radiographic findings of Radiesse, a calcium hydroxyapatitie-based dermal filler. This dermal filler was detected during radiographic examination for implant treatment planning. This case illustrates the typical radiographic appearance of this material and the importance of differentiating it from pathological conditions.

The perichondrial cutaneous graft and "flip-flop" flap in facial reconstruction: a series of 41 cases.

Reconstruction of defects of the nose and eyelids can be challenging. The standard surgical options include full thickness skin grafts and local flaps. Another technique that offers a reliable and dimensionally stable one-stage reconstruction is the perichondrial cutaneous graft. The donor site is closed with the postauricular flip-flop flap. We have used these techniques in a series of 41 consecutive patients. Good or excellent aesthetic reconstructions were obtained in 39 cases, with 3 complications: 1 failed graft, and 2 small postauricular wound dehiscences. The perichondrial cutaneous graft can produce excellent cosmetic results when it is used to reconstruct complex defects of the nose and eyelid. Closure of the donor site in the conchal bowl with the flip-flop flap is a reliable and elegant technique.

A comparative study on superior auricular artery island flaps with various pedicles for repair of periorbital defects.

Superior auricular artery (SAA) island flaps elevated from the retroauricular region have perfect color, thickness, and texture match with facial skin. In this article, reconstruction of periorbital defects with SAA island flaps is presented. Flaps were categorized into three types because they were elevated on three different pedicles. A type 1 flap was a superficial temporal vessel pedicled SAA island flap with antegrade blood flow. A type 2 flap was a reverse flow SAA island flap based on the frontal branch of the superficial temporal artery (STA). A type 3 flap was a reverse flow SAA island flap based on the parietal branch of STA. Fourteen patients (9 females and 5 males) aged between 31 years and 74 years were treated with these flaps. Two patients with lower eyelid, two patients with upper eyelid, three patients with malar, two patients with infraorbital, one patient with lateral canthal upper eyelid, and four patients with forehead defects underwent surgical intervention. Sizes of the flaps varied between 3x6 cm and 8x6 cm. Venous congestion was observed in all patients in the early postoperative period and lasted for 5 to 9 (mean, 6.6) days in type 1 flap, 5 to 9 (mean, 6.7) days in type 2 flap, and 2 to 5 (mean, 3.6) days in type 3 flap. Apart from distal necrosis of 1x1 cm in one patient and superficial dermal sloughing in two patients, no complications were encountered. Aesthetically and functionally successful results with minimal donor site morbidity were obtained in all patients during the 2 to 22 (mean 10.8) month follow-up period.

The superiorly based platysma flap for oral reconstruction in conjunction with neck dissection: a case series.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to access the reliability and use of the superiorly based platysma flap for reconstruction of small and medium oral defects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This case series consists of 5 patients who were reconstructed with a superiorly based platysma flap for defects of the following oral region: buccal mucosa, floor of the mouth, and lateral gingiva. The flaps were monitored for complications, including skin loss and ischemia in the postoperative period. RESULTS: Three patients (60%) had some skin sloughing in the recipient site. None of the patients had complications in the donor site. CONCLUSION: The superiorly based platysma flap can survive after the facial artery has been ligated, which is the normal procedure during neck dissection. If skin sloughing occurs, it is usually inconsequential for intraoral reconstruction because the underlying muscle remains viable and undergoes epithelialization.

[Maxillo-facial prostheses: an issue in public health]. / La prothèse maxillo-faciale: un enjeu en santé publique.

BACKGROUND: Acquired or congenital loss of structure can cause facial deformity. This can destroy identity and lead to certain forms of exclusion. Surgical and sometimes prosthetic reconstruction is required. The Maxillofacial Prosthesis (P.M.F) can be defined as the art and science of artificial reconstruction of facial bones. There is a continual increase in patient demand for this type of prosthesis with the development of new materials, methodologies and techniques. METHODS: In Toulouse, the Rangueil University Hospital houses a maxillofacial prosthesis consultation facility linked to the Odontology Service. An exhaustive descriptive study carried out retrospectively on the basis of the files of all patients examined between July 1996 and July 2002 will provide us with an understanding of patient characteristics and also enable us to quantify the level of satisfaction of requirements for rehabilitation of these losses of maxillofacial structure. RESULTS: 215 patient files were processed between July 1996 and July 2002. Separating the patients by sex shows a male prevalence of 66%. An analysis of variations between male and female patients for different aetiologies shows that tumour pathologies are more common in men and that this distinction is all the more marked as regards traumatic facial injuries and in particular suicide attempts. In total, 401 maxillofacial prostheses were carried out, including 116 facial epitheses (new prostheses or renewal of prosthesis). CONCLUSION: Loss of facial structure, whatever its aetiology constitutes a real public health issue. The maxillofacial prosthesis will allow cancer monitoring of the site while at the same time offering out patient treatment. Above and beyond its crafted or empirical aspect, it should find its place in medicine thanks to the overall scope of the rehabilitation that it can offer from both an aesthetic point of view but also a the psychological one, but above all from a functional perspective.

Facial prosthetic rehabilitation: preprosthetic surgical techniques and biomaterials.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Attention to detail ensuring a successful facial prosthetic rehabilitation must be considered a priority at the time of presurgery, surgery, and at every stage in fabricating the prosthesis. Teamwork between the surgeon and maxillofacial prosthodontist will ensure an optimal surgical preparation and definitive prosthesis. RECENT FINDINGS: Evidence of interaction between team members can most certainly be encouraging to the patient. During the prosthetic phase of treatment, focusing on tissue assessment, impression making, sculpting, mold fabrication, familiarity with materials, appreciation of color, delivery of instructions, and patient education will ensure a satisfactory outcome. With the desire, determination, and encouragement from the restorative team to make the most of this artificial replacement, a patient can have a higher quality of life and a more normalized lifestyle. SUMMARY: This review presents current concepts regarding facial prosthetic rehabilitation of patients with head and neck cancer and facial prosthetic biomaterials.