Computer-assisted planning and patient-specific plates in orthognathic surgery: a global study.

OBJECTIVE: Using computer-assisted surgery (CAS) and patient-specific plates (PSP) in orthognathic surgery has shown improved accuracy and efficiency compared with traditional techniques. This study analyzed current global trends in planning and investigated the reasons for CAS and PSP use. STUDY DESIGN: A survey of 29 multiple choice questions was distributed to AO Foundation Craniomaxillofacial e-mail subscribers biweekly between July 14, 2021 and September 2, 2021. Questions focused on specifics of respondents' preoperative workup, methods of data collection, and the use of cutting guides and patient-specific plates. Objective clinical outcomes and subjective surgeon reasons for use were also investigated. RESULTS: Of the 557 responses, 420 (75.4%) participant responses were eligible for analyses. Most (302/420, 71.9%) respondents used CAS when performing orthognathic surgery, although regional differences were observed. Almost all respondents in North America implemented CAS in their surgery plan (44/46, 95.7%) compared with only 47.4% (18/38) in the Middle East/North Africa. Surgeons with 10 to 15 years of experience were far more likely to incorporate CAS. More than half (175/301, 58.1%) of CAS users also used PSP, of which 43% (68/158) did so for maxillary-only cases, 3.2% (5/158) used PSP for mandible-only surgeries, and 42.4% (67/158) used PSP for both. Surgeons' primary reasons for using CAS and PSP were accuracy (200/253, 79.1%), efficiency (196/253, 77.5%), and ease of preoperative planning (150/253, 59.3%). Most (77.9%) surgeons perceived that CAS was equal to or faster than traditional surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows differences in use regionally and with surgeon experience. Surgeons primarily use CAS and PSP in orthognathic surgery to increase accuracy and efficiency, minimize intraoperative deviations from the surgical plan, and reduce total surgical time.

A staged approach to oromandibular reconstruction using the iliac crest free flap in the setting of bilateral failed fibula free flaps.

BACKGROUND: While a single-stage free-flap reconstruction is the preferred approach for oromandibular defects, a multistaged approach may be necessary in rare cases. These patients can still be effectively restored with functional and aesthetic improvements. METHODS: We report two cases with a history of bilateral failed fibula free flaps. We detail the multistaged reconstruction to repair these complex defects and discuss the considerations when planning such procedures. RESULTS: Both patients successfully underwent a staged reconstruction with an iliac crest osteocutaneous flap following either a rectus abdominis or pectoralis major myocutaneous flap. CONCLUSION: Oromandibular reconstruction is an expected outcome in the contemporary management of oral cavity cancer and osteoradionecrosis. However, complications do occur and can be devastating. In cases of bilateral failed fibula free flaps, a staged approach is a favorable option. Moreover, the iliac crest provides an important reconstructive option with the documented potential for implant born dental rehabilitation.

Utilizing 3D head and neck specimen scanning for intraoperative margin discussions: Proof of concept of our novel approach.

BACKGROUND: The current standard of documenting and communicating frozen section margin results is inefficient. We present a novel method of generating 3D digital models of gross tumor specimens to more clearly visualize histopathological margin results. METHODS: Fifty-five head and neck specimens were scanned and virtually "inked" using 3D software. These 3D specimen maps were displayed in the operating room to provide the surgeon with a real-time specimen-to-defect relationship by which further resections could be guided. RESULTS: Margin results were reported within an average of 34 min using the proposed workflow. The scanner rendered accurate models of specimens that exceeded 3.0 × 3.0 × 3.0 cm. Critical specimen features to consider were size, color, textural complexity, and the presence of discernible anatomic landmarks. CONCLUSIONS: Optical 3D scanning technology can improve the quality of head and neck margin documentation and the efficiency with which results are communicated between the pathologist and surgeon.

The Global Impact of COVID-19 on Craniomaxillofacial Surgeons: A Follow-Up Survey After One Year.

Study Design: Comparative cross-sectional. Objective: To measure the impact that COrona VIrus Disease-19 (COVID-19) has had on craniomaxillofacial (CMF) surgeons after 1 year and compare it with 2020 data by (1) measuring access to adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), (2) performance of elective surgery, and (3) the vaccination status. This should be investigated because most CMF surgeons felt that hospitals did not provide them with adequate PPE. Methods: The investigators surveyed the international AO CMF membership using a 30-item online questionnaire and compared it to a previous study. The primary predictor variable was year of survey administration. Primary outcome variables were availability of adequate personal protective equipment (adequate/inadequate), performance of elective surgery (yes/no), and vaccination status (fully vaccinated/partly vaccinated/not vaccinated). Descriptive and analytic statistics were computed. Binary logistic regression models were created to measure the association between year and PPE availability. Statistical significance level was set at P < .05. Results: The sample was composed of 523 surgeons (2% response rate). Most surgeons reported access to adequate PPE (74.6%). The most adequate PPE was offered in Europe (87.8%) with the least offered in Africa (45.5%). Surgeons in 2021 were more likely to report adequate PPE compared to 2020 (OR 3.74, 95% CI [2.59-4.39]). Most of the respondents resumed elective surgery (79.5% vs 13.3% in 2020) and were fully vaccinated (59.1%). Conclusions: Most CMF surgeons now have access to adequate PPE, resumed elective surgery, and are either fully or partly vaccinated. Future studies should investigate the long-term impact of the fast-evolving COVID-19 pandemic on CMF surgeons.

Staged Head and Neck Reconstruction: Heresy or a Reasoned Approach in a Select Group of Patients?

Study Design: case series. Objective: The restoration of defects in a single procedure with microvascular free flap reconstruction has become a mainstay of head and neck surgery. Yet in patients with complex defects and pre-existing comorbid medical conditions, a staged-reconstructive approach can enhance the safety of the procedure and improve the patient's outcome. Methods: We present 3 representative case examples of a larger series of patients who underwent reconstruction of major defects and discuss the usefulness of a staged-reconstructive approach in the management of complex patients. Results: All 3 patients, with an existing composite defect in the setting of prior radiation therapy, underwent successful staged-reconstructive surgery using a variety of free tissue and regional flap transfers. Conclusions: A staged approach facilitates the reconstruction of complex composite defects, increases vessel availability, and mitigates the risk of flap failure. Although this approach commits the patient to multiple procedures and a more prolonged plan of care, it is preferable to 1 operation in specific complex situations with adverse, high-risk clinical features.

Novel technique to prevent or correct open-mouth deformity after bilateral mandibular resection: Use of tensor fascia lata slings.

Open-mouth deformity after mandibular resection presents a challenge for surgeons and patients, contributing to significant functional and cosmetic morbidity. We present an innovative surgical technique to prevent or correct open-mouth deformity. Tensor fascia lata slings were utilized in combination with maxillomandibular fixation to surgically correct or prevent open-mouth deformity in four patients who had previously undergone mandibulectomy or at the time of a contralateral mandibulectomy following prior hemimandibulectomy and reconstruction. Two patients achieved favorable outcomes, including oral competence and improved resting jaw position, while open-mouth deformity could not be corrected for one patient. Another patient remains in the early postoperative period following a secondary procedure to correct open-mouth deformity. Open-mouth deformity is a functional/aesthetic problem that has not been addressed in the literature. Use of tensor fascia lata slings to suspend the mandible is a novel approach to the surgical management of open-mouth deformity.

Three-Dimensional Repositioning of the Maxilla in Orthognathic Surgery Using Patient-Specific Titanium Plates: A Case Series.

PURPOSE: Successful orthognathic surgery is fundamentally based on accurately carrying out the intended surgical plan intraoperatively. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of bone-borne patient-specific maxillary cutting guides and 3-dimensional (3D)-printed plates in repositioning the maxilla during bimaxillary orthognathic surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective case series consisting of patients who had undergone Le Fort I osteotomy with a patient-specific cutting guide and 3D-printed plate as well as a bilateral sagittal split osteotomy and had 6-week postoperative cone-beam computed tomography studies. The primary outcome variable was the difference between the position of the postoperative maxilla and the virtually planned maxilla measured at 10 landmarks in 3 dimensions. Other study variables included the preoperative diagnosis and planned surgical movement at each landmark. Descriptive statistics were tabulated, and bivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 10 patients were included in this study. The mean age was 25.7 ± 8.1 years, and there were 5 female patients. The median planned surgical movement was 0.350 mm on the x-axis (right-left), 3.750 mm on the y-axis (anterior-posterior), and 1.704 mm on the z-axis (superior-inferior). The median absolute discrepancy between the postoperative position and the planned position on the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis was 0.638, 0.798, and 0.481 mm, respectively. There was no significant difference in the discrepancies between the x-axis and y-axis (P = .575), x-axis and z-axis (P = .332), and y-axis and z-axis (P = .114). CONCLUSIONS: Using a patient-specific cutting guide and 3D-printed plate when performing Le Fort I osteotomy allows for accurate 3-dimensional positioning of the maxilla in accordance with the surgical plan.

Development of a Patient-Centered Functional Outcomes Questionnaire in Head and Neck Cancer.

Importance: Incorporation of patient perspectives, or patient-reported outcomes, in functional outcome measures has been gaining prominence in the literature on reconstructive surgery. Objective: To create and validate an instrument for measuring the main functional areas of concern for patients with head and neck cancer. Design, Setting, and Participants: This 4-phase mixed-methods qualitative study was conducted from July 1, 2013, to June 30, 2016, in a quaternary head and neck oncology center in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Patients were recruited from 3 Head and Neck Research Network sites: University of Alberta (Edmonton, Canada), Mount Sinai Health Network (New York, New York), and University of Turku Hospital (Turku, Finland). The inclusion criteria included 18 years of age or older, diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma involving the subsites of the head and neck (ie, oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx), and at least 1 year since treatment completion. Those patients who were undergoing additional active treatment or with evidence of disease recurrence were excluded. Data were analyzed from July 1, 2013, to June 30, 2016. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome measures were the clinical correlation of the Edmonton-33 instrument scores with swallowing, speech, dry mouth, and chewing assessment outcomes. Results: In total, 10 patients with head and neck cancer (mean age, 59.6 years; 6 men [60%]) were included in phase 1 of the study, 5 patients (mean age, 55.2 years) were included in phase 2, 10 patients were included in phase 3, and 25 patients with head and neck cancer (mean age, 62.6 years; 14 men [56%]) participated in the phase 4 validation. The Edmonton-33 instrument scores correlated strongly with the swallowing scores of the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (r = 0.77; 95% CI, 0.49-1.0), the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Head and Neck 35 (EORTC QLQ-H&N35) (r = -0.73; 95% CI, -1.0 to -0.44), and the modified barium swallow test (r = -0.60; 95% CI, -0.94 to -0.25). The instrument scores were also strongly correlated with the Speech Handicap Index scores (r = -0.64; 95% CI, -0.97 to -0.31), word intelligibility scores (r = 0.61; 95% CI, 0.27-0.95), and sentence intelligibility scores (r = 0.55; 95% CI, 0.19-0.91). A moderate to strong correlation was observed between the Edmonton-33 instrument and the EORTC QLQ-H&N35 scores in the dry mouth (r = -0.54; 95% CI, -0.91 to -0.18) and chewing (r = -0.45; 95% CI, -0.84 to -0.06) domains. The factor loading values for the domains of swallowing, speech, dry mouth, and chewing were all greater than 0.3. The mean factor loading values for the items related to swallowing were 0.71 (95% CI, 0.62-0.80) and for the items related to speech were 0.76 (95% CI, 0.72-0.80). The mean factor loading values for the items related to dry mouth were 0.71 (95% CI, 0.59-0.83) and for those related to chewing were 0.77 (95% CI, 0.69-0.85). Conclusions and Relevance: The Edmonton-33 appears to be a validated instrument that will allow patients with head and neck cancer to assess and report their own functional outcomes. It could serve as a single comprehensive measure for functional outcomes.

AO CMF International Task Force Recommendations on Best Practices for Maxillofacial Procedures During COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a global problem that has adversely and significantly impacted the safe practice of maxillofacial surgery. The risk lies in the heavy viral load in the oral/nasal/upper respiratory mucosal surfaces. Surgical procedures performed in this anatomic regional produce aerosalized viral particles which are highly infectious. Best practices and recommendations are outlined to mitigate the risk to the provider.

Reconstructive and prosthodontic outcomes after multiple palatomaxillary reconstructions.

OBJECTIVE: A subset of patients who undergo major palatomaxillary reconstruction do not initially achieve their intended oncologic and/or reconstructive goals and require additional surgery. We aim to detail the unique management considerations in this patient population. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent palatomaxillary reconstruction by the senior author (m.l.u.) between 1998 and 2016. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients required multiple reconstructions. The median time to second reconstruction was 17 months. The most common reason for a second reconstruction was for recurrent disease (10 of 21), followed by functional/aesthetic reasons (7 of 21) and osteoradionecrosis (4 of 21). Four patients went on to have a third reconstruction, and two underwent a fourth. A total of 27 reconstructions were performed, consisting of 20 soft tissue free flaps, four vascularized bone free flaps, and three locoregional flaps. CONCLUSION: This patient cohort represents unique oncologic and reconstructive challenges. With long-term follow-up, multiple reconstructions may be required to optimize oncologic and functional/aesthetic outcomes. This is the first series of its kind that details the reasons for, as well as the outcomes of, patients who required multiple reconstructive procedures following initial palatomaxillary reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2B Laryngoscope, 130:2349-2353, 2020.

Effects of jaw exercise intervention timing on outcomes following oral and oropharyngeal cancer surgery: Pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Common in head and neck cancer patients, trismus can make speech and swallowing difficult and can compromise quality of life (QOL). Jaw range of motion exercise therapy may prevent or treat trismus in surgical patients. While the importance of these exercises is well-documented, there is little literature regarding the optimal timing of exercise initiation. METHODS: A prospective pilot study investigated the effects of early vs late jaw exercise intervention on postoperative jaw opening and QOL measures, which were examined descriptively. RESULTS: Timing of exercise intervention was not found to significantly impact the measured outcomes. However, provisional, descriptive findings showed that jaw opening was significantly associated with multiple QOL measures, with greater jaw opening associated with improved QOL. For certain QOL measures, this positive association was stronger at earlier time points than at later time points. CONCLUSIONS: The exploratory findings of this pilot study support further research into possible benefits of early jaw exercise intervention.

Comprehensive approach to functional palatomaxillary reconstruction using regional and free tissue transfer: Report of reconstructive and prosthodontic outcomes of 140 patients.

BACKGROUND: Palatomaxillary defects were historically restored with a prosthetic obturator; however, advances in local and free tissue transfer has provided a viable alternative for appropriately selected patients with palatomaxillary defects. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent palatomaxillary reconstruction by the lead author between 1998 and 2016 was conducted. Patients who were restored with a palatal obturator were excluded. RESULTS: One hundred forty patients were reconstructed with a total of 159 local, regional, and free flaps with a 96.7% success rate. Seventy-four patients (52.8%) underwent prosthodontic rehabilitation, with 183 implants placed and an 86% success rate. CONCLUSION: Palatomaxillary reconstruction applying a systematic approach, using a multitude of techniques, is a safe and effective way to restore patients without compromising the ability to maintain surveillance. Prosthodontic rehabilitation can be achieved in a high percentage of patients using dental implants, leading to optimal aesthetic and functional results.

Functional and quality of life outcomes after partial glossectomy: a multi-institutional longitudinal study of the head and neck research network.

BACKGROUND: While aggressive treatment for oral cancer may optimize survival, decrements in speech and swallowing function and quality of life often result. This exploratory study investigated how patients recover their communicative function, swallowing ability, and quality of life after primary surgery [with or without adjuvant (chemo)radiation therapy] for tongue cancer over the course of the first year post-operation. METHODS: Patients treated for oral cancer at three institutions (University of Alberta Hospital, Mount Sinai Beth Israel Medical Center, and Turku University Hospital) were administered patient-reported outcomes assessing speech [Speech Handicap Index (SHI)], swallowing [(M.D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI)] and quality of life [European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Head and Neck Module (EORTC-H&N35)]. Outcome measures were completed pre-operatively and at 1-, 6-, and 12-months post-operatively. RESULTS: One hundred and seventeen patients undergoing partial glossectomy with reconstruction participated in this study. Results indicated no significant differences in swallowing function (MDADI and EORTC-H&N35 subscales) between baseline and 6 months post-surgery and no significant differences in speech function (SHI subscales) between baseline and 1 year post-surgery. Most quality of life domains (EORTC-H&N35 subscales) returned to baseline levels by 1 year post-operation, while difficulties with dry mouth and sticky saliva persisted. A clear time trend of adjuvant (chemo)radiation therapy negatively affecting dry mouth scores over time was identified in this study, while negative independent effects of chemoradiation on MDADI swallowing, and EORTC-H&N35 swallowing, eating, and opening mouth subscales were found. CONCLUSIONS: Assessment time influenced patient-reported speech, swallowing, and quality of life outcomes, while treatment (by time) effects were found for only swallowing and quality of life outcomes. Results of the present study will help guide clinical care and will be useful for patient counseling on expected short and long-term functional and quality of life outcomes of surgical and adjuvant treatment for oral cavity cancer.

Validation of a Novel Cognitive Simulator for Orbital Floor Reconstruction.

PURPOSE: The increasing focus on patient safety in current medical practice has promoted the development of surgical simulation technology in the form of virtual reality (VR) training designed largely to improve technical skills and less so for nontechnical aspects of surgery such as decision making and material knowledge. The present study investigated the validity of a novel cognitive VR simulator called Touch Surgery for a core maxillofacial surgical procedure: orbital floor reconstruction (OFR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 2 groups of participants with different experience levels. Novice graduate dental students and expert surgeons were recruited from a local dental school and academic residency programs, respectively. All participants completed the OFR module on Touch Surgery. The primary outcome variable was simulator performance score. Post-module questionnaires rating specific aspects of the simulation experience were completed by the 2 groups and served as the secondary outcome variables. The age and gender of participants were considered additional predictor variables. From these data, conclusions were made regarding 3 types of validity (face, content, and construct) for the Touch Surgery simulator. Dependent-samples t tests were used to explore the consistency in simulation performance scores across phases 1 and 2 by experience level. Two multivariate ordinary least-squares regression models were fit to estimate the relation between experience and phase 1 and 2 scores. RESULTS: Thirty-nine novices and 10 experts who were naïve to Touch Surgery were recruited for the study. Experts outperformed novices on phases 1 and 2 of the OFR module (P < .001), which provided the measurement of construct validation. Responses to the questionnaire items used to assess face validity were favorable from the 2 groups. Positive questionnaire responses also were recorded from experts alone on items assessing the content validity for the module. Participant age and gender were not relevant predictors of performance scores. CONCLUSION: Construct, content, and face validities were observed for the OFR module on a novel cognitive simulator, Touch Surgery. Therefore, OFR simulation on the smart device platform could serve as a useful cognitive training and assessment tool in maxillofacial surgery residency programs.

Pediatric Myofibroma of the Palate with Ulceration and Bone Destruction.

Myofibroma is a rare benign neoplasm occurring in the head and neck, arising primarily in infants and children. Frequently, myofibromas grow rapidly leading to suspicion of malignancy and the potential for overaggressive surgical excision. We aim to report a rare case of myofibroma with ulceration and bone destruction. A nine-year-old female presented with an ulcerated left hard palate mass. Open biopsy was performed with pathology suggestive of myofibroma. A left partial maxillectomy and reconstruction with a buccal advancement flap were performed. Final pathology confirmed the diagnosis of a benign myofibroma. Myofibroma is a rare benign tumor of the head and neck which must be considered in the differential diagnosis by the clinician and the pathologist in order to prevent inappropriate and/or overaggressive treatment.

Worldwide 10-Year Systematic Review of Treatment Trends in Fibula Free Flap for Mandibular Reconstruction.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe the trends pertaining to the use of the fibula free flap for mandibular reconstruction during the past 10 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review for publications on the fibula free flap in mandibular reconstruction in the PubMed and Scopus databases was performed from January 1, 2005 until December 31, 2014. Publications were classified by topic, number of patients, and country of origin. The study period was split into 2 periods. The first 5-year period was compared with the second 5-year period. RESULTS: Eighty-five publications were identified. There was an increase in publications regarding restorative decision making (11 vs 9), surgical techniques (13 vs 6), outcomes (20 vs 10), and computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM; 8 vs 2) in the second 5-year period. The number of patients reported also increased in publications on surgical techniques (1,085 vs 59), outcomes (777 vs 254), bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw and osteoradionecrosis (165 vs 28), and CAD-CAM (65 vs 15) in the second 5-year period. The United States, India, China, and Europe produced most of the publications. CONCLUSIONS: In the past 10 years, there was a surge in publications on the use of the fibula free flap for mandibular reconstruction. There was a 1.8-fold increase in the number of publications and a 3.4-fold increase in the number of patients undergoing this method of mandibular reconstruction in the second 5-year period. Publications from the United States, India, and China contributed to a large increase in the number of patients in the second 5-year period. More interest in CAD-CAM technology was seen in the second 5-year period that was not seen in the first 5-year period.

Recent trends in the treatment of benign odontogenic tumors.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The management of benign, locally aggressive odontogenic tumors, namely, keratocystic odontogenic tumors (KOTs) and ameloblastomas, can be challenging. The purpose of this article is to briefly summarize important features of these lesions and review recent trends in the literature regarding their treatment. RECENT FINDINGS: Currently, KOTs are frequently treated with a conservative approach consisting of enucleation and adjuvant decompression or local microablation with peripheral ostectomies, Carnoy's solution, or cryotherapy. Conversely, ameloblastomas generally require marginal or segmental resection followed by reconstruction using local bone regeneration techniques or vascularized osteocutaneous free flaps, respectively. Bone regeneration techniques have improved with the use of autogenous progenitor cells held in place by autogenous or alloplastic scaffolding. Esthetic results for free flap reconstruction have improved with the use of inconspicuous surgical approaches utilizing intraoral or rhytidectomy incisions. Molecular markers for both neoplasms are being investigated as potential targets for chemotherapeutic agents. SUMMARY: Excluding hamartomas (i.e., odontomas), KOTs and ameloblastomas are the most common benign odontogenic lesions. Their management is often complicated by their locally infiltrative behavior, responsible for high rates of recurrence. Simple enucleation or excision of these lesions has proven insufficient. When left untreated, these lesions are capable of causing severe disfigurement and loss of function. Knowledge regarding current best practices and potential future therapeutics is imperative to well treated and effective disease management.

Approach to en bloc resection and reconstruction of primary masticator space malignancies.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to present our experience with management of malignant lesions arising within the masticator space, and to describe a technique of en bloc resection and reconstruction. STUDY DESIGN: Case series and case report. METHODS: Eight cases of masticator space malignancies treated surgically with en bloc resection and free flap reconstruction were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Tumor extirpation was carried out through a parotidectomy approach with mobilization and protection of the facial nerve. Primary reconstruction was accomplished with vascularized bone containing free flaps, fibula (n = 4), scapula (n = 2), and scapula with latissimus dorsi muscle (n = 2). Mean follow-up was 62.5 months (range, 18-132 months). CONCLUSIONS: En bloc resection of masticator space malignancies can be consistently accomplished through an extended parotidectomy approach. The defect is best reconstructed with a vascularized bone and soft tissue free flap. Favorable functional and aesthetic outcomes can be successfully achieved using the techniques described in this series. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.