Pharyngeal flap in velopharyngeal insufficiency: Proposal of an algorithm in a series of 31 patients.

This study evaluated the results of a reproductible protocol indicating the need for a pharyngeal flap in children with cleft palate and velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI). A retrospective review of all patients operated for a pharyngeal flap between 2010 and 2019 in our center was conducted. After exclusion of patients with primary VPI or residual fistulas, 31 patients' data were analyzed. Our main outcome measure was the improvement of the Borel Maisonny Classification (BMC) by at least 1 rank. Further analysis was made to evaluate the impact of age, type of cleft, and BMC before surgery on the gain in the velopharyngeal function. Of the 31 patients, success was achieved in 29 (93.5%, p<0.005). There was no significant correlation between age and gain in the velopharyngeal function (p = 0.137). There was no significant correlation between type of cleft and gain in the velopharyngeal function (p = 0.148). There was a significant correlation observed between the starting classification and gain in velopharyngeal function. The gain observed was greater as the initial velopharyngeal function was worse (p = 0.035). The use of an algorithm combining clinical assessment with a standardized classification of the velopharyngeal function proved to be a reliable tool for the indication of surgery in patients with VPI. A close follow up is essential in a multidisciplinary team.

Measurement of quality of life in orthognathic surgery using an original questionnaire: About a series of 123 cases.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to measure changes in the quality of life of patients who had orthognathic surgery using an original questionnaire, designed for this purpose. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This single-center retrospective study included all patients who had orthognathic surgery in our center between 2014 and 2019. An original questionnaire comprising 13 items in 4 domains was sent to patients postoperatively by email after telephone contact and obtaining their consent. Items were scored on a 5-point scale ranging from (-1), worse than before surgery, to (+3), better than before surgery. RESULTS: All data were collected in a standardized way. In total, 123 patients responded. The mean score for all surgeries combined was +1.14, indicating an improvement in QOL considered to be "low to moderate". A total of 118 patients (95.9%) reported an improvement following surgery, including 18 patients (14.6%) who reported a marked improvement. The greatest improvement was observed for psychosocial aspects and morphology. CONCLUSION: This study shows a positive effect of orthognathic surgery on patients' QOL, including self-perception, relationships with others, or functional aspects as mastication and breathing. We propose an original tool that is easy to use by patients to measure quality of life following orthognathic surgery.

Osteogenic distraction to treat solitary median maxillary central incisor (SMMCI) syndrome: a case report.

Solitary median maxillary central incisor (SMMCI) syndrome is a rare developmental disorder characterized by a single symmetrical maxillary central incisor. Only a small number of cases with comprehensive dental treatment have been reported in the literature. No surgical treatment has been proposed before. We report the case of an 8-year-old girl who presented SMMCI syndrome associated with an Angle class II occlusion and a maxillary transverse deficiency. After the failure of two rapid maxillary expansions, a surgical option was proposed: osteogenic maxillary distraction. The distraction, associated with multi-bracketed fixed orthodontic treatment, created enough space to place a prosthetic central incisor without dental extractions. Osteogenic distraction is an interesting option to treat patients with SMMCI.

Clinical impact of two types of mandibular retention devices - A CAD/CAM design and a traditional design - On upper airway volume in obstructive sleep apnea patients.

OBJECTIVE: This pilot randomized crossover study evaluated the outcomes of two custom-made mandibular retention devices (MRDs), a computer-aided design (CAD)/computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) device (Narval CC™) and a non-CAD/CAM device (Narval™), on oropharyngeal airway volume in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). METHODS: 12 OSA patients were recruited from an University Hospital for MRD therapy with either CAD/CAM or non-CAD/CAM first. A cone-beam computed tomography evaluation (CBCT) and polysomnography assessment was performed during baseline assessment and at the end of each study period. RESULTS: Upper airway volume increased significantly with the CAD/CAM device (7725 +/- 6540 mm3, p = 0.008) but not with the non-CAD/CAM device (3805 +/- 7806 mm3, p = 0.13). The CAD/CAM device was also associated with a significant decrease in AHI (mean AHI after treatment 9.4±6.7 events/h, p = 0.003) and oxygen desaturation index (mean ODI of ≥ 3%/h 11.9 ± 6.8, p = 0.011). Changes in AHI (14.7 +/- 11.7 events/h, p = 0.083) and ODI (15.5 +/- 19.2, p = 0.074) were not statistically significant with the non-CAD/CAM device. The vertical dimension of occlusion increased significantly following treatment with both MRD devices (both p = 0.003), but was significantly less pronounced with the CAD/CAM device (mean difference: -2.7 +/- 1.7 mm, p = 0.003). Final mandibular protrusion after titration was the same with both devices (85%, p = 0.317). CONCLUSION: The CAD/CAM (Narval CCTM) device was associated with a significant increase in upper airway volume that may be caused by a lower degree of vertical separation between the jaws when compared to the non-CAD/CAM design.

[Atypical actinomycosis revealed by distant dermatological disorders: Report of an unusual case and literature review]. / Actinomycose atypique révélée par des lésions cutanées à distance : à propos d'un cas et revue de la littérature.

INTRODUCTION: Dermatological manifestations of actinomycosis are classical, most often related to Actinomyces israelii. In most of the cases, they occur near to the primary focus, and in the cervicofacial area. Systemic dissemination with cutaneous distant metastasis is rare, most often related to A. israelii, too. We report an original case of upper limb actinomycosis associated with an oral localisation and due to an unusual bacteria. CASE REPORT: A 49-year-old man was referred to the Department of dermatology for a skin lesion of the left hand and wrist. Biopsies revealed actinomycosis related to A. meyeri. Dental primary focus was identified and treated. Although the patient was lost sight of, dental eradication and prolonged antibiotics therapy allowed cutaneous improvement. DISCUSSION: We report an atypical case of cutaneous actinomycosis due to an Actinomyces meyeri dental infection occurring in an immunocompetent, smoking adult, with poor oral hygiene. The literature review revealed only 4 well-documented cases of cutaneous A. meyeri infections distant to dental primary focus. All of patients were males, immunocompetent, with a history of poor oral hygiene. The prognosis is favourable with adequate treatment (antibiotic therapy and surgical treatment to eradicate dental infectious entry points).

[Langerhans cell histiocytosis revealed by a temporomandibular joint disorder: Report of a case and review of the craniofacial expressions]. / Histiocytose langerhansienne révélée par un désordre de l'appareil manducateur : rapport d'un cas et revue de la littérature des atteintes crâniofaciales.

INTRODUCTION: Langerhans cell histiocytosis (HL) is a rare disease that can affect all tissues. Oral manifestations such as mucosal ulcer and tooth mobility are often the first signs of the disease. We report a rare case of mandibular condyle unifocal HL mimicking a temporomandibular joint disorder. CASE REPORT: A 44-year-old patient presented with a left temporomandibular disorder with painful left preauricular swelling. The imaging assessment found a bone lesion of the left mandibular condyle. A curettage with biopsy was used to diagnose HL. Six months later, the patient had no more pain. DISCUSSION: The craniofacial clinical expressions of HL mainly concern the bones, which can cause: pain, swelling, fracture, compression of noble organs. The other sites are: oral cavity, skin, lymph nodes, or eyes. Isolated forms are generally benign, and their treatment is discussed between abstention and non-aggressive surgery.

Management of an extended bone-invasive basal cell carcinoma of the median forehead.

We report the case of a 35-year-old male patient managed for extended basal cell carcinoma of the median forehead, invading the frontal bone. Bone reconstruction was performed by a splitting of calvaria and skin reconstruction was performed using two frontal flaps dissected into complete vascular island, covering a skin defect of about 8cm in diameter (including safety margins). Wound healing was achieved after 4 weeks despite a median area of suffering and a temporary leak of cerebrospinal fluid of favorable evolution. The result at 5 years was excellent, with the patient's return to normal daily life and total satisfaction.

Nasomaxillary fracture: Retrospective review of 11 consecutive patients and literature review.

PURPOSE: Nasomaxillary fractures can be mistaken for fractures confined to the nasal bones, resulting in inappropriate treatments that jeopardize patient outcomes. Our purpose here was to provide information on nasomaxillary fractures via a retrospective study and literature review. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively collected clinical, computed tomography (CT), therapeutic, and outcome data in consecutive patients managed for unilateral impacted nasomaxillary fractures at our centre over a 5-year period (2013-2017). Long-term outcomes were further assessed by administering scoring tools for subjectively assessed cosmesis, nasal obstruction, and pain during a telephone interview. RESULTS: The 11 included patients had a mean age of 33.4 years. The clinical manifestations included nasal asymmetry in all 11 patients and infra-orbital rim step-off deformity in 9 patients. Consistent CT findings were involvement of the nasal bone, canine pillar, and anterior maxillary bone; and presence of blood within the maxillary sinus. The treatment in 8 patients consisted in open reduction and internal fixation via the intraoral approach, with or without an added infra-orbital approach; 1 patient was managed by endonasal reduction and 2 patients declined reduction. Almost 1 year after surgery, the cosmetic outcome was good (mean score, 22/25) and few patients reported nasal obstruction (mean score, 3.6/20) or pain (mean score, 1.6/10). CONCLUSION: Nasomaxillary fracture is a specific entity that must be differentiated from nasal bone fracture. Open reduction and internal fixation via the intraoral approach, with an added infra-orbital approach if needed, provides good outcomes.

Dental implants in a patient with left mandibular fibrous dysplasia: Two-year outcomes on the normal and affected sides.

Dental rehabilitation raises specific challenges in patients with mandibular fibrous dysplasia. We report the 2-year post-operative outcomes on the normal and affected sides in a 64-year-old female with focal left mandibular fibrous dysplasia and bilateral posterior edentulism. On the left, bone shaving of the lesion to restore sufficient vertical height was followed by the insertion of two dental implants. Three dental implants were inserted into the normal bone on the right. Dental prostheses were added 6 months later. Two years after the first procedure, no complications had been recorded and the patient reported similar high satisfaction for both sides. This comparison of outcomes of dental implants inserted into dysplastic versus normal bone in the same patient suggests that dental implants may constitute a valid option for managing edentulism in selected patients with fibrous dysplasia, provided appropriate precautions are taken.

Maxillary metastasis from a hepatocellular carcinoma: Report of an uncommon presentation and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Oral metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are very rare, and predominate in the mandible. We report an exceptional case of maxillary metastasis revealing HCC. CASE REPORT: A 56-year-old man with a previous medical history of alcohol abuse presented to our department with a 3-week evolving oral mass. Physical examination showed a left maxillary tumor. The biopsy revealed a HCC and a multi-metastatic HCC with portal thrombosis and a pulmonary embolism was discovered following a CT-scan. A state of advanced malnutrition contraindicated sorafenib chemotherapy. Thus, external irradiation was proposed, without success. The patient subsequently died 50 days later. DISCUSSION: Maxillary HCC metastases are extremely rare. The average age of HCC jaw metastases appearance in patients has been reported to be approximately 57 years, men are more affected than women are, and the mean life expectancy is 12 months following the diagnosis. These patients require palliative treatment. Local recurrences occur very early after possible surgery, and expose the patient to life-threatening bleeding.

Secondary surgical decompression of the inferior alveolar nerve after overfilling of endodontic sealer into the mandibular canal: Case report and literature review.

The authors report the case of a 43-year-old woman who underwent endodontic treatment of the right second mandibular molar with substantial extrusion of endodontic material into the mandibular canal. The patient presented at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery with a persistent total anaesthesia of the lower lip and chin after two months. 2D panoramic view and 3D CT-scan examination highlighted the overfilling into the mandibular canal with a more than 50% stenosis of the canal and a consequently significant compression of the dental pedicle. A surgical decompression of the inferior alveolar nerve was performed through an inferior vestibular approach, using PiezoSurgery®. The tooth was conserved. After a period of 8days, paraesthesia of the lower lip and chin appeared. Thermoalgic sensitivity was recovered at 1month. At 3months postoperatively, the patient had recovered protopathic and epicritic sensitivity. Dental prosthetic rehabilitation was finally achieved one year postoperatively. The authors discuss the physiopathology of nervous injuries during dental procedures, and further strategies in the case of persistent neurologic disorders.

[Alfred-Louis-Dominique Richet (1816-1891): education, anatomy and surgery]. / Alfred-Louis-Dominique Richet (1816-1891) : pédagogie, anatomie et chirurgie.

Alfred-Louis-Dominique Richet was an anatomist and surgeon born in Dijon, France in 1816. He defended the teaching of clinical anatomy instead of descriptive anatomy, judged inappropriate to learn operative medicine. His name is associated with several anatomical structures that we cite in the present article.

[Current Nomina Anatomica for oral and maxillofacial surgery]. / Nomenclature anatomique utile en chirurgie orale et maxillo-faciale.

Using the international organonymy is mandatory as well for daily clinical practice as for research and teaching our students. The international organonymy, Nomina Anatomica, is in Latin. A rather unsuccessful attempt at using a French version of the international organonymy in clinical practice has been made in France. Eponyms have been systematically contraindicated; the definitions of general anatomy are applied, as well as a systematic Gallicization of the Latin terminology. Despite a stringent observance of these rules, some terms remain inappropriate because they are misleading or inaccurate. Furthermore, using this language used worldwide remains uneasy in daily clinical practice. We had for objective to focus on the main anatomical terms used routinely in oral and maxillofacial surgery, and to justify their use in clinical practice, research, and education.

[Étienne Destot (1864-1918): the first radioanatomist in Lyon, France]. / Étienne Destot (1864-1918) : l'anatomie radiographique.

Destot was born in Dijon, France, in 1864. He began his education in Burgundy, then he started his preclinical curriculum in Lyon, France, from 1884. He had to leave Lyon, and spent some times in Algeria to treat a tuberculosis. He came back in Lyon as a resident in 1886. Destot worked as an assistant in the laboratory of anatomy of Leo Testut in 1880. His thesis, in 1892, analyzed mortality in the departments of surgery of the Lyon hospitals. The polemical results he presented compromised his surgical career. He went on as prosector by Leo Testut, and then became electrician-physician in 1895 (electrotherapy and galvanotherapy). Étienne Destot of Lyon, France, developed in 1895 the first radiography room ever at the Hôtel-Dieu of Lyon, France. Wilhelm Röntgen discovered the X-rays in the same year, and Destot felt his discovery could revolutionize the approach of anatomy and traumatology. He studied wrist, ankle and calcaneus fractures, and described a new anatomy: "traumatic anatomy". For example, he focused on the posterior talar surface hollow in posterior tarsus fractures. He proposed the term of "thalamus" for this articular surface; this term is nowadays widely used by the clinicians. He introduced the term of "third malleolus" to describe the posterior part of the distal extremity of the tibia. He was the first author to analyze the normal and pathological movements of the scaphoid bone and the lunatum in wrist extension.

[Can one harvest a long bone stick in the radial forearm flap? Original radioanatomical and NanoSPECT-CT Bioscan microvascular study]. / Peut-on prélever une grande baguette osseuse radiale dans le lambeau antébrachial radial composite ? Étude radio-anatomique et microscannographique originale.

OBJECTIVES: The composite radial forearm flap is a surgical option in the reconstruction of large traumatic or oncologic orofacial defects. Nevertheless, it has been criticized for its poor bone transport faculties that would make this flap insufficient in large osseous mandibular reconstructions, or for oral prosthetic rehabilitation with dental implants. What is more, the morbidity of the donor site has often been pointed. The aim of this radioanatomic study was to revisit the vascularization of the composite radial forearm flap, focusing on the bone stick. METHODS: A radioanatomic study was performed on seven upper limbs taken from fresh cadavers. First, the vessels were washed with a 40°C solution of potassium acetate. Then an intra-arterial injection of a mixture of lead oxide and agar-agar was performed. 3D-CT-scan examinations of the anatomical pieces were performed. In a second step, the flaps were harvested and analyzed with a Microscan examination (NanoSPECT-CT Bioscan(®), voxel 220 microns). Collateral branches of the radial artery to the bone and the skin were counted and classified. RESULTS: One radial diaphyseal artery was present in all the cases. The nutrient foramen took place at the anteromedial aspect of the diaphysis, between 45 and 65 % of the length of the bone. A dense anastomotic periosteal network was highlightened, supplied by one to four musculoperiosteal branches, and one to six fascio-periosteal arteries arising from the radial artery. A total of mean five osseous branches, and 12 cutaneous branches have been observed. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present preclinical study suggested that a 16-cm bone stick could be harvested with an optimal vascular safety, without consideration for the morbidity at the donor site. The original approach in this study, relating anatomy to the preclinical imaging, allowed a precise visualization of the microvascularization of the soft and hard tissues. It opened a field of innovative research in plastic and reconstructive surgery.

[Mandibular metastasis of a cutaneous melanoma or metachronous amelanotic melanoma of the oral cavity? A case report and literature review]. / Métastase mandibulaire d'un mélanome cutané ou mélanome achromique primitif métachrone de la cavité orale ? À propos d'un cas et revue de la littérature.

Primary and metastatic mandibular melanoma are extremely rare. We report the original case of a 55-year-old woman treated 16 years before for a cutaneous melanoma, and now presenting with a huge mandibular amelanotic melanoma. Was it an histologically different mandibular metastasis of the previous cutaneous melanoma, or a metachronous oral amelanotic melanoma?