Bisphosphonate therapy in chronic diffuse sclerosing osteomyelitis/tendoperiostitis of the mandible: Retrospective case series.

This study aims to evaluate short-term and long-term results of bisphosphonate therapy in patients with diffuse sclerosing osteomyelitis/tendoperiostitis (DSO/TP) of the mandible. Eighteen patients (12 female, 6 male) aged 34.8 ± 22.2 years with DSO/TP of the mandible that were treated with bisphosphonates were included. In 16 patients, the bisphosphonate treatment led to remission with decrease of symptoms (pain, swelling of the cheek, trismus, tenderness of masticatory muscles) with a follow-up period of 4.5 (0.8-11.9) years between start of bisphosphonate treatment and latest follow-up consult. Of these, three patients were still in need of regular bisphosphonate therapy. Two patients were lost to follow-up. Bisphosphonate therapy is a treatment option for DSO/TP of the mandible that is associated with a high chance of remission of symptoms. Within the limitations of the study it seems that this treatment might be an effective second step in DSO/TP refractory to conservative treatment.

Fracture of the tibia after a fibula graft for mandibular reconstruction: A rare complication, report of a case.

A tibia fracture after a fibula harvest is a rare and serious condition; however, when treated adequately, it has a good outcome. The possibility of a fracture should be kept in mind and other pathology and/or metastasis should be ruled out.

A comparison of the cone beam computed tomography findings in medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws related to denosumab versus bisphosphonates: an observational pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the radiographic abnormalities on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in patients with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) related to denosumab use versus bisphosphonate use. STUDY DESIGN: The study included 34 consecutive patients with MRONJ who had a history of exclusive use of denosumab (n = 17) or bisphosphonates (n = 17) and had undergone CBCT for determination of extent of disease. Demographic data of the patients were collected. Differences in radiologic characteristics between patients with denosumab-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (DRONJ) and those with bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ) were scored and studied on CBCT. RESULTS: In patients with DRONJ, sequestra (P = .015) and lysis of the cortical border of the jaw (P = .033) were significantly less common than in patients with BRONJ. Subperiosteal bone formation did not differ between the groups (P = .545). There was no association between stage of disease and duration of drug therapy or duration of symptoms for either medication group. CONCLUSIONS: The radiologic features of DRONJ may be different from those of BRONJ with regard to the presence of sequestra and cortical lysis and might, therefore, be improperly diagnosed. Underestimation and undertreatment of DRONJ may potentially lead to progression of disease and, thus, make treatment more difficult.

Autotransplantation With a 3-Dimensionally Printed Replica of the Donor Tooth Minimizes Extra-Alveolar Time and Intraoperative Fitting Attempts: A Multicenter Prospective Study of 100 Transplanted Teeth.

PURPOSE: Three-dimensional (3D) autotransplantation is a technique for surgical transposition of a tooth to another site within one patient, using 3D printed replicas of the donor tooth. In this study, we evaluated intraoperative experiences during 3D autotransplantation of teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicenter prospective clinical study was implemented. All procedures were performed using preoperative cone-beam computed tomography imaging and computer-assisted design with computer-assisted manufacturing resulting in a 3D replica of the donor tooth. RESULTS: The 100 autotransplantation procedures (79 patients) included canines, premolars, molars, and 1 supernumerary tooth. In 82% of the procedures, the transplantation was performed with an extra-alveolar time of less than 1 minute and an immediate good fit of the donor tooth. In 14%, the extra-alveolar time was 1 to 3 minutes or multiple fitting attempts were necessary. In 4%, the extra-alveolar time exceeded 3 minutes. Difficulties during the procedures were caused by movement artifacts on the preoperative cone-beam computed tomography imaging, a long interval between the imaging and the procedure, or insufficient bone volume at the recipient site. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a 3D printed donor tooth replica during autotransplantation procedures minimized the extra-alveolar time and intraoperative fitting attempts of transplants. This facilitated a quick and reliable treatment and enabled more difficult procedures.

Non-surgical treatment of adults with chronic diffuse sclerosing osteomyelitis/tendoperiostitis of the mandible.

Non-surgical therapy has proved to be effective in chronic diffuse sclerosing osteomyelitis (DSO) of the mandible in children. Therefore we aimed to investigate the effect of non-surgical therapy in adult DSO patients. We included consecutive patients with DSO who received non-surgical therapy in our center. They all received occlusal splint therapy, counselling about the disease, and/or physiotherapy by a specialised team. The use of analgesics, preferably nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, was advised for symptomatic control during periods of exacerbation. Sixteen patients (11/5 female/male) aged 39.9 ± 15.0 years with DSO of the mandible were included. The mean duration of symptoms was 39.7 ± 26.3 months before referral to our center. Patients were treated with a broad range of treatments before referral. All patients underwent non-surgical treatment. In 12 patients this led to remission. Four patients still had complaints after 12 months of non-surgical therapy and started with intravenous bisphosphonate therapy. In our center, DSO of the mandible was successfully treated with non-surgical therapy, despite a long duration before referral and extensive pre-treatment. Considering this high success rate, we recommend this non-surgical approach as the first treatment option for DSO of the mandible. In case of persistence, alternative treatments such as bisphosphonates should be explored.

Root Elongation After Autotransplantation in 58 Transplanted Premolars: The Radiographic Width of the Apex as a Predictor.

PURPOSE: Autotransplantation of premolars with incomplete root development is a reliable treatment option for tooth replacement. Nevertheless, little is known about root development after transplantation of teeth. The aim of this study was to evaluate preoperative root development stage and radiographic width of the apex as predictors for root elongation after autotransplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was implemented and composed of patients who underwent autotransplantation of at least 1 premolar. Using panoramic radiographs (orthopantomograms), calibrated measurements were taken to record the root development stage of the donor tooth, width of the apex, and root length of the transplanted tooth. RESULTS: Forty-five patients (58 transplants) were included. Mean follow-up time was 12 months (range, 4 to 26 months). Fifty-three transplanted teeth (91.4%) showed root elongation. Mean root elongation at end of follow-up was 1.9 mm (range, 0.0 to 4.3 mm). A wide-open apex before transplantation was significantly associated with root elongation after autotransplantation (P < .01). Root development stage (P = .82) did not show significant associations with root elongation. CONCLUSIONS: A wide-open apex (>2.0 mm) is an important predictor of root elongation after autotransplantation of premolars. This might be a better predictor for root development than preoperative root development stage.

Radiographic characteristics of chronic diffuse sclerosing osteomyelitis/tendoperiostitis of the mandible: A comparison with chronic suppurative osteomyelitis and osteoradionecrosis.

Diffuse sclerosing osteomyelitis (DSO) of the mandible is a poorly understood chronic disease. It is assumed to be a form of chronic osteomyelitis. Other forms of chronic osteomyelitis are chronic suppurative osteomyelitis (CSO) and osteoradionecrosis (ORN). This study aimed to investigate radiographic characteristics of DSO and compare these findings with the radiographic characteristics of CSO and ORN in order to radiographically distinguish these three diseases. In this retrospective study, 33 patients were clinically diagnosed with DSO (13), CSO (6), or ORN (14). The panoramic radiographs, computed tomography images, and magnetic resonance images of these patients were evaluated. Osseous and soft tissue changes were analysed. Patients with DSO showed extensive cortical and medullary sclerosis combined with subperiosteal bone formation, condylar process deformation, and hypertrophy and oedema of the masseter muscle. DSO patients showed no pathological fractures or sequestra, which were observed in patients with CSO and ORN. The radiographic characteristics that differentiate DSO from CSO and ORN include subperiosteal bone formation, condylar process deformation, masticatory muscle changes, and the absence of sequestra and pathological fractures.

Conservative treatment of children with chronic diffuse sclerosing osteomyelitis/tendoperiostitis of the mandible.

Chronic diffuse sclerosing osteomyelitis (DSO) of the mandible is a rare disease of unknown aetiology. It has been suggested that overuse of the masticatory muscles, tendoperiostitis (TP), is a contributing factor for DSO. Therefore, we tested this hypothesis by treating consecutive children with conservative therapy. All patients were treated with conservative therapy, comprising occlusal splint therapy, physiotherapy, and/or disease counselling. Pain intensity on a visual analogue scale (VAS) and pain frequency in number of days per 3 months were recorded before the start of treatment, and at 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment initiation. Eleven children (seven girls, four boys, mean age: 11.55 ± 1.97 years) were included in this study. Six patients showed a decrease in pain intensity and pain frequency over time and they continued with conservative therapy. For the remaining five patients, bisphosphonate administration was initiated because of persistent severe pain - one after 3 months of conservative therapy, and the other four after 1 year of conservative therapy. The pain complaints of patients with DSO/TP decreased with conservative therapy, and 55% did not require additional therapy. This suggests that DSO/TP of the mandible is precipitated by muscle overuse.

Replacing Heavily Damaged Teeth by Third Molar Autotransplantation With the Use of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography and Rapid Prototyping.

This article describes the autotransplantation of third molars to replace heavily damaged premolars and molars. Specifically, this article reports on the use of preoperative cone-beam computed tomographic planning and 3-dimensional (3D) printed replicas of donor teeth to prepare artificial tooth sockets. In the present case, an 18-year-old patient underwent autotransplantation of 3 third molars to replace 1 premolar and 2 molars that were heavily damaged after trauma. Approximately 1 year after the traumatic incident, autotransplantation with the help of 3D planning and rapid prototyping was performed. The right maxillary third molar replaced the right maxillary first premolar. The 2 mandibular wisdom teeth replaced the left mandibular first and second molars. During the surgical procedure, artificial tooth sockets were prepared with the help of 3D printed donor tooth copies to prevent iatrogenic damage to the actual donor teeth. These replicas of the donor teeth were designed based on the preoperative cone-beam computed tomogram and manufactured with the help of 3D printing techniques. The use of a replica of the donor tooth resulted in a predictable and straightforward procedure, with extra-alveolar times shorter than 2 minutes for all transplantations. The transplanted teeth were placed in infraocclusion and fixed with a suture splint. Postoperative follow-up showed physiologic integration of the transplanted teeth and a successful outcome for all transplants. In conclusion, this technique facilitates a straightforward and predictable procedure for autotransplantation of third molars. The use of printed analogues of the donor teeth decreases the risk of iatrogenic damage and the extra-alveolar time of the transplanted tooth is minimized. This facilitates a successful outcome.

Impact of adenotonsillectomy on the dentofacial development of obstructed children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Dentofacial deformities frequently require orthodontic treatment. Understanding of preventable risk factors is essential for reducing treatment need. Upper airway obstruction (for example due to hypertrophic adenoids and/or tonsils) has been hypothesized to be a risk factor. OBJECTIVES: This systematic review aimed to reflect the contemporary evidence on the risk of obstruction by hypertrophic adenoids and/or tonsils, by assessing the dentofacial changes after adeno- and/or tonsillectomy. SEARCH METHODS: A systematic search of electronic databases and manual searches of grey literature and reference lists of relevant studies was performed. SELECTION CRITERIA: No restrictions were placed on publication language. Experimental, cohort, and case-control studies were eligible for inclusion. Studies reporting associations between treatment of adenoid and/or tonsil hypertrophy and dentofacial deformities in children were included. Adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy were performed in all patients; outcomes were assessed before and after surgery. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data were extracted by two independent reviewers in duplicate. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used to assess the methodological quality of the included papers. RESULTS: The initial search yielded 1196 papers, of which 16 articles could be included. All papers described controlled prospective cohort studies, reporting on a total of 461 patients and controls (mean age, 4.1-13.9 years). A descriptive and quantitative synthesis of dentofacial change postoperatively is presented. Consistent findings across studies were the normalisation towards labial inclination of the upper and lower incisors and towards a more horizontal mandibular growth pattern. No change in vertical or sagittal maxillary growth was reported after surgical treatment. Post-surgical increase in maxillary archwidth and decrease in lateral crossbite-frequency were consistently reported. Findings on overjet, overbite and angle from S to N to B (SNB-angle), mandibular arch width, and gonial angle were inconsistent. CONCLUSION: The available literature suggests that treatment of hypertrophic adenoids and/or tonsils affects dentofacial deformity. This could indicate a relationship between nasopharyngeal obstruction (i.e. upper airway obstruction) and the dentofacial growth pattern. However, the high risk of bias and considerable diversity between studies impedes a clear conclusion regarding this effect. REGISTRATION: None.

Removal of osteosynthesis material because of symptoms after Le Fort I osteotomy: A retrospective study of 158 patients.

The aim of this study was to analyse the incidence of removal of MESH plates because of symptoms after Le Fort I osteotomy (LF1). The medical files of patients treated with LF1 were retrospectively reviewed. The occurrence of MESH plate removal, indication for removal and time between insertion and removal were noted. The medical literature was reviewed to quantify the reported incidences of removal of titanium osteosynthesis material after LF1. A total of 158 patients were included in this study. LF1 was performed and fixed with MESH plates in 150 patients. Alternative fixation with Champy plates was used in eight patients. Three patients (2.0%) required removal of MESH plates. Seven out of 600 plates (1.2%) were removed. Reasons for removal were tenderness/pain (1), recurrent intraoral infections (1) and a nasal septum deviation correction following the LF1 (1). No statistically significant association was found with the patients' sex or age. In the literature, the reported rates of removal of titanium Champy plates range from 1.5% to 9.5% per site. This study reports a low incidence of symptomatic removal of MESH plates after Le Fort I osteotomy of 1.2% per site, which indicates an important benefit of fixation with MESH plates.

Influence of inferior border cut on lingual fracture pattern during bilateral sagittal split osteotomy with splitter and separators: A prospective observational study.

Bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) is a widely used orthognathic surgery technique. This prospective observational study investigated the correspondence between the planned inferior border cut and the actually executed inferior border cut during BSSO. The influence of the inferior border cut on lingual fracture patterns was also analyzed. Postoperative cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of 41 patients, representing 82 sagittal split osteotomies, were investigated. The inferior border cut was intended to penetrate completely through the caudal cortex. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the executed inferior border cuts. Mixed models were used to investigate the influence of independent variables such as the surgeon's experience on the inferior border cut. Secondarily the influence of the inferior border cut on lingual fracture patterns and the incidence of bad splits was assessed. The inferior border cut reached the caudal cortex in all cases, but reached the lingual cortex in only 38% of the splits. There was no significant relationship between the inferior border cut and a specific lingual fracture line. In this study, postoperative CBCT analysis revealed that the bone cuts during BSSO were often not placed exactly as planned. No significant relationship between the inferior border cut and lingual fracture patterns or bad splits was, however, detected.

Risk factors for common complications associated with bilateral sagittal split osteotomy: A literature review and meta-analysis.

The most common complications that are associated with bilateral sagittal split osteotomy are: bad splits, postoperative infection, removal of osteosynthesis material, and neurosensory disturbances of the lower lip. Particularly in elective orthognathic surgery, it is important that surgeons inform their patients about the risk of these complications and attempt to minimize these risks. The purpose of this literature review and meta-analysis is to provide an overview of these common complications and their risk factors. After a systematic electronic database search, 59 studies were identified and included in this review. For each complication, a pooled mean incidence was computed. Both the pooled study group and the pooled 'complication group' were analysed. The mean incidences for bad split (2.3% per SSO), postoperative infection (9.6% per patient), removal of the osteosynthesis material (11.2% per patient), and neurosensory disturbances of the lower lip (33.9% per patient) are reported. Regularly reported risk factors for complications were the patient's age, smoking habits, presence of third molars, the surgical technique and type of osteosynthesis material. This information may help the surgeon to minimize the risk of these complications and inform the patient about the risks of complications associated with bilateral sagittal split osteotomy.

Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws: Cohort study of surgical treatment results in seventy-four stage II/III patients.

INTRODUCTION: Bisphosphonates are used in the treatment of osteoporosis and bone metastases. They inhibit osteoclast function, thereby decreasing bone resorption. A side effect of these drugs is bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ), which can be difficult to treat. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the surgical treatment protocol used in our hospital for BRONJ patients. The patients were retrospectively analyzed and followed-up at the Leiden University Medical Center. METHODS: All patients who were referred to our hospital with therapy-resistant BRONJ between 2003 and 2014 were seen. At first presentation, the clinical features, medical and dental history, bisphosphonate use, and the use of other medications were recorded. Patients underwent surgical intervention, performed by senior surgeons, following the principles of our previously published protocol. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients were followed-up for 6-96 months. Curation was successful with this surgical approach in 93.2% of the patients. DISCUSSION: All the patients were cured with our surgical protocol, for up to 5 years after surgery. We conclude that this treatment protocol has a high success rate in treating all stages of BRONJ.

Evaluation of a surgical treatment of denosumab-related osteonecrosis of the jaws.

OBJECTIVE: Denosumab, a monoclonal antibody, is a relatively new antiresorptive agent that has recently shown a serious adverse effect: denosumab-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (DRONJ). The purpose of this study was to retrospectively observe the efficacy of the combined surgical and antimicrobial treatment of DRONJ. STUDY DESIGN: In this case series, all patients with osteonecrosis that occurred after starting treatment with denosumab, were treated with surgery and antimicrobial treatment and followed up. The primary outcome was healing of the jaw. For patient characterization, secondary variables, such as clinical features, denosumab use, dental history (including luxation), and duration of complaints, were studied. RESULTS: Eleven patients met the criteria to be included in this study. Nine patients experienced healing within 4 weeks after surgery. Two patients were not cured and died as a result of their underlying disease. In all patients, a dental focus was found. Six patients had been treated only with denosumab, and five had also been treated with bisphosphonates. CONCLUSIONS: We were able to achieve healing in 9 of the 11 patients with DRONJ. Our treatment protocol showed promising results; however, further research is needed.

Autotransplantation of Premolars With a 3-Dimensional Printed Titanium Replica of the Donor Tooth Functioning as a Surgical Guide: Proof of Concept.

PURPOSE: Autotransplantation of premolars is a good treatment option for young patients who have missing teeth. This study evaluated the use of a preoperatively 3-dimensional (3D)-printed replica of the donor tooth that functions as a surgical guide during autotransplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five consecutive procedures were prospectively observed. Transplantations of maxillary premolars with optimal root development were included in this study. A 3D-printed replica of the donor tooth was used to prepare a precisely fitting new alveolus at the recipient site before extracting the donor tooth. Procedure time, extra-alveolar time, and number of attempts needed to achieve a good fit of the donor tooth in the new alveolus were recorded. RESULTS: For each transplantation procedure, the surgical time was shorter than 30 minutes. An immediate good fit of the donor tooth in the new alveolus was achieved with an extra-alveolar time shorter than 1 minute for all transplantations. CONCLUSION: These results show that the extra-alveolar time is very short when the surgical guide is used; therefore, the chance of iatrogenic damage to the donor tooth is minimized. The use of a replica of the donor tooth makes the autotransplantation procedure easier for the surgeon and facilitates optimal placement of the transplant.

'Autoreconstruction' of the Mandible-Report of a Case.

Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) was first mentioned in the literature in 2003. Since then, several reports have been published referring to this disease. The etiology of BRONJ still remains unclear. The treatment of BRONJ also remains a topic of discussion between those who are in favor of a conservative treatment and those who are convinced that surgical treatment gives the best results. In this case report, a patient is presented with BRONJ in the mandible which has been treated surgically in combination with antibiotic treatment. During surgery it appeared that a large part of the jaw was sequestrated full-thickness with, at the same time, formation of a substantial amount of subperiosteal bone that was formed around the BRONJ, supporting the sequestrated part of the mandible and, after sequestrectomy, serving as a neo-mandible. This case shows the capacity of the jawbone despite bisphosphonate use to regenerate itself.

Custom Made Replacement of the Mandibular Condyle in a Case of Fibrous Dysplasia with Cystic Degeneration; A Case Report.

This paper describes a rare case of fibrous dysplasia with cystic degeneration in the mandibular condyle. Diagnostic and therapeutic considerations are discussed. A 40-year old woman presented with pain near the region of her right ear. Physical and radiographic examination showed no abnormalities besides the presence of a mixed radiopaque/radiolucent expansive lesion of the right condyle. Pathologic examination showed high bone-turnover with bone formation. Bone scintigraphy showed a monostotic active fibrous lesion in the right part of the mandible. Bisphosphonate treatment did not sufficiently treat the patient's symptoms and physiotherapy to treat craniomandibular dysfunction as a factor in the pain was also unsuccessful. The patient later developed an acute external otitis due to a narrowed outer ear canal and had to be admitted to the hospital for treatment with intravenous antibiotics. Approximately two years after first presentation, resection of the affected bone (condylectomy) and reconstruction with a custom total joint prosthesis was indicated due to repeated functional deficits with considerable morbidity. Pathologic examination of the resected mandibular condyle showed increased bone formation including formation of neocortex and some cystic formation. This was diagnosed as fibrous dysplasia with cystic degeneration. Approximately two years after surgery, the patient functioned well.

Morphological features of the mandible as predictors for neurosensory disturbances after bilateral sagittal split osteotomy.

This retrospective study aimed to identify anatomical predictors of neurosensory disturbance (NSD) after bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (BSSO) by evaluating the morphology of the mandible on lateral cephalograms (LCs) and orthopantomograms (OPTs). The LCs and OPTs of 142 patients who underwent BSSO were reviewed. The influence of the mandibular angle was assessed on LCs, while the following morphological landmarks and subsequent measurements were analysed on OPTs: vertical and horizontal positions of the lingula, ramus width, mandibular body height, mandibular canal position and mandibular angle length. Post-operative NSD (hypoaesthesia) was considered permanent when objective tests or subjective evaluations indicated altered sensation one year after BSSO. Generalised linear mixed models were used to take into account the repeated measurement design (left and right measurements within one patient). Hypoaesthesia was present in 10.6% of the patients (5.6% of sites). After adjusting for age, a small mandibular body height was found to significantly increase the risk of hypoaesthesia. The other measurements showed no significant association with hypoaesthesia. These findings show a relationship between mandibular morphology and hypoaesthesia after BSSO and can aid surgeons in pre-operative assessments of the risk of NSD. Further research is needed to identify risk factors for NSD based on mandibular morphology.