Virtual planning as a resource for correcting severe facial asymmetry ­ case report / Planejamento virtual como recurso para correção de assimetria facial severa ­ relato de caso

A hiperplasia hemimandibular é responsável por prejuízos estéticos, funcionais, motores e psicossociais. Com etiologia incerta, ocorre frente ao desequilíbrio de fatores regulatórios de crescimento presentes na camada cartilaginosa do côndilo. O relato objetiva descrever a tomada de decisões baseada em exames complementares específicos aliados à adequada intervenção cirúrgica da lesão. Paciente gênero feminino, 33 anos de idade, compareceu à clínica particular com queixa principal de "face assimétrica", foi requerido uma avaliação cintilográfica objetivando e confirmando a interrupção do crescimento condilar, descartando a hipótese de Osteocondroma e condilectomia. Após preparo ortodôntico prévio, os exames tomográficos foram utilizados na criação de um protótipo que foi impresso após a realização dos movimentos ósseos planejados. Mediante à reconstrução, foi concluído que a assimetria presente não seria totalmente corrigida somente através da intervenção ortognática, sendo necessária também uma osteotomia removendo parte da base do corpo e ângulo mandibular, através da confecção de um guia de corte, promovendo à reanatomização sem a necessidade de acesso extra oral submandibular, evitando uma cicatriz em face feminina. Paciente encontra-se em pós-operatório de 60 meses, sem queixas e satisfeita. Portanto, é evidenciado cada vez mais a influência positiva que o planejamento virtual pode trazer aos profissionais na otimização dos resultados cirúrgicos.

Hemimandibular hyperplasia is responsible for aesthetic, functional, motor, and psychosocial impairments. With an uncertain etiology, it occurs due to the imbalance of regulatory growth factors present in the cartilaginous layer of the condyle. The report aims to describe decision-making based on specific complementary exams combined with the appropriate surgical intervention for the condition. A 33-year-old female patient presented at a private clinic with the main complaint of "asymmetric face." A scintigraphic evaluation was requested to objectively confirm the interruption of condylar growth, ruling out the hypothesis of Osteochondroma and condylectomy. After prior orthodontic preparation, tomographic exams were used to create a prototype that was printed after planned bone movements. Through the reconstruction, it was concluded that the existing asymmetry would not be entirely corrected through orthognathic intervention alone, necessitating also an osteotomy to remove part of the base of the body and mandibular angle. This was done through the creation of a cutting guide, allowing for reanatomization without the need for submandibular extraoral access, thus avoiding a scar on the female face. The patient is 60 months postoperative, with no complaints and satisfied. Therefore, the increasingly positive influence of virtual planning on optimizing surgical outcomes for professionals is evident.

Occipital condyle syndrome due to small-cell lung carcinoma: A case report.

Skull base metastases, including those from small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC), can present with various syndromes depending on the site of involvement, such as orbital syndrome, parasellar syndrome, middle fossa syndrome, jugular foramen syndrome, and occipital condyle syndrome (OCS). One such example is OCS, which consists of unilateral occipital headache accompanied with ipsilateral hypoglossal palsy. This case report describes a 51-year-old man initially diagnosed with OCS, which led to the discovery of systemic bone metastases from SCLC. Magnetic resonance imaging showed lesions in the occipital condyle and hypoglossal canal, while positron emission tomography-computed tomography identified a lung mass and widespread metastases. SCLC is highly aggressive and metastatic, with the bone being a common site of spread. In this case, the OCS preceded the diagnosis of the underlying malignancy. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial, as patients with OCS often have advanced disease. This case highlights the importance of considering SCLC as a potential etiology for OCS, given the propensity for bone metastases. Early recognition and evaluation of OCS is essential to initiate appropriate management.

Condyle head fracture management: A systematic review of outcomes.

The management of Condylar Head fractures (CHFs) has historically been with closed treatments(CTR); however, contemporary studies suggest that Open Reduction and Internal Fixation(ORIF) may produce better clinical and radiographic results. Our primary aim was to review the literature on the clinical and radiological outcomes of open and closed management of CHFs. A systematic literature search was undertaken using EMBASE, MEDLINE and PubMed, using PRISMA guidelines, for all studies relating to outcomes following CHF. The inclusion criteria include 1) studies focused on CHF in adult patients that included at least 20 cases 2) published in English language. ROBINS-1 tool was used for risk assessment. Data extracted was analysed and compared using the relative risks. A total of 29 studies reporting on 1550 ORIF and 798 CTR were included. ORIF resulted in significantly less trismus (RR 9.5), chin deviation (RR 7.3), malocclusion (RR 6.5), TMJ clicking (RR 4.3) and pain(RR 12.6) than CTR. Due to the substantial heterogeneity of studies, firm conclusions are difficult but there does appear to be objective benefits in outcomes following ORIF than CTR. Satisfactory results may however be achieved with CTR. Further large studies using standardised outcome measurements will be required to help elucidate exactly which CHF are best served by ORIF.

Evaluation of grafts fixation techniques for temporomandibular joint reconstruction with medial femoral condyle flap: A numerical study.

Reconstruction for large-scale temporomandibular joint (TMJ) defects can be challenging. Previously, we utilized the medial femoral condyle (MFC) flap for TMJ reconstruction. However, the optimal fixation method remains uncertain. In this study, finite element analysis was used to study the effects of three different fixation types of bone graft: overlap type, bevel type, and flush type. Models of different fixation types of MFC flap were reconstructed from CT images. A standard internal fixation model for extracapsular condylar fracture was also included as a control. Displacement of bone graft, deformation of plates and screws, and stress distribution of plates, screws, and cortical and cancellous of the bone graft were analyzed by finite element analysis to investigate their biomechanical features. The displacement of the bone graft and deformation of plates and screws in three different fixation types showed no significant difference. The overlap type and flush type of fixation displayed the lowest and highest stress respectively. All three fixation types could satisfy the mechanical requirement and face no risk of breakage and the major displacement of the MFC bone graft. These results provide insights into the optimal fixation approach for MFC bone grafts, offering valuable guidance and reference for clinical application.

Application of temporomandibular joint prosthesis in oral and maxillofacial surgery: strategic thinking and prospects.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the critical functional unit in the human stomatognathic system. Damage of the TMJ causes orofacial dysfunction and secondary jaw deformities, leading to seriously decreased quality of life in patients. The TMJ prosthetic replacement is an important treatment method for severe joint destruction because of its remarkable advantages compared with other methods. In recent years, this technique has gradually attracted wide attention in China, but it has not been popularized on a large scale in our country because of several limitations. Thus, in this study, the clinical experience of patients with TMJ prosthetic replacement in clinical units was summarized, and the treatment principles, treatment processes, and technical advantages were systematically discussed, aiming to promote the popularization and application of TMJ prosthetic replacement in China.

Amyloid-ß peptide treatment reverses bone loss in the mandibular condyle via Wnt signalling pathway.

Objective: To explore the effect of amyloid-ß peptide (Aß) on mandibular condyle to develop a new treatment for postmenopausal women with Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis. Methods: A murine bone loss model was established by ovariectomy. Microstructure parameters of the condyle were measured by microcomputed tomography before and after intraperitoneal injection with Aß. Flow cytometry, Alizarin red staining, RT-qPCR assays, FITC/PI staining, Oil Red O staining and western blotting were used to evaluate the effect of Aß on the osteogenic differentiation of mouse bone marrow stromal stem cells (mBMSCs). Results: In vivo, condylar microstructure parameters increased. Serum osteoprotegerin and procollagen type 1 N propeptide increased in a dose-dependent manner after the injection of Aß, which were opposite the changes observed in c-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen, tumor necrosis factor-α and the high serum level of leptin. In vitro, Aß promoted calcium nodule formation in the cells. The expression of ALP, Runx2, osteorix and osteocalcin increased significantly. The expression of mRNAs related to the Wnt signaling pathway was significantly upregulated, which could be blocked by DKK1. Conclusion: Aß can reverse bone loss in the mandibular condyle in ovariectomized mice through promoting the osteogenic differentiation of mBMSCs via the Wnt pathway.

Kirschner wire vs screw osteosynthesis of lateral condyle fractures in paediatric patients: a systematic review.

This systematic review compares Kirschner wires versus a single cannulated screw for the treatment of lateral humeral condyle fractures in children. The purpose of this review is to review the current literature on fixation of lateral condyle fractures of the humerus, and to ascertain whether there is a difference in clinical outcomes of these fractures when fixated with K-wires vs screws. This systematic review of the literature comparing surgical management of paediatric (0-17 years of age) lateral condyle fractures with K-wire versus screw fixation was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Electronic searches of three databases from inception to March 2022 yielded 17 studies which satisfied inclusion criteria, comprising 1,272 patients with a median age of 8.5 years. Eight hundred and fifty-five (67.2%) patients underwent K-wire fixation and 417 (32.8%) underwent screw fixation. Results were divided into comparative and single-arm studies. The median follow-up time was 23.3 months (range 3 months-22 years). A lateral prominence was observed in 114 (13.3%) patients with K-wires and 41 (9.8%) patients with a cannulated screw. An infection developed in 52 (6.1%) patients with K-wires, while only five (1.2%) patients with a screw developed an infection. A carrying angle deformity occurred in 61 (7.1%) patients with K-wires and seven (1.7%) patients with a screw. K-wires and cannulated screws are effective and safe methods of fixation for lateral humeral condyle fractures in children. K-wire fixation may have a greater incidence of infection but allows for safe non-operative removal and versatility with fractures of greater comminution, while screw fixation necessitates a second operation for removal following union.Level of Evidence III Systematic review.

Bilateral Superolateral Dislocation of Intact Mandibular Condyle with Concomitant Symphysis Fracture: A Case Report.

Dislocation of the mandibular condyle of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is defined as a clinical condition in which head of the condyle is displaced out of its functional position within the glenoid fossa and posterior slope of the articular eminence Allen and Young in Br J Oral Surg 7:24-30, (1969). Dislocation of the mandibular condyle most commonly occurs in the anterior or anteromedial direction in both traumatic and non-traumatic origin dislocations. Lateral dislocations are generally rare owing to the thickening of the lateral surface of the articular capsule by the lateral ligament that strengthens the lateral surface of the joint Lovely and Copeland in J Can Dent Assoc 47:179-184, (1981). Trauma-induced dislocation of mandibular condyles is generally associated with a co-existing fracture of the condylar head, neck, or subcondylar region. Dislocation of the intact mandibular condyle in the superolateral direction is rare; if it occurs, it is difficult to reduce by closed reduction method. Present, this is a case report of rare bilateral superolateral dislocation of intact condyle associated with fractured mandibular symphysis region which was successfully managed through an open approach after failed attempts of closed reduction under local anaesthesia and general anaesthesia.

Management of Pediatric Elbow Fractures and Dislocations.

Pediatric elbow fractures and dislocations have always been a challenge from a diagnostic and therapeutic point of view, primarily due to the complex nature of the pediatric elbow, especially its developmental anatomy. They must be diagnosed and treated on time to prevent numerous complications with long-term consequences. With the development of radiology and pediatric surgery and orthopedics, as well as the development of modern osteosynthesis materials, concerning current scientific and professional knowledge, the outcomes are getting better, with fewer acute and chronic complications. This comprehensive review aims to provide clinicians current knowledge about pediatric elbow fractures and dislocations so that in daily practice they have as few doubts as possible with the best possible treatment outcomes.

Successful Management of a Pediatric Patient with Humeral Lateral Condyle Non-union, Elbow Valgus Deformity and Ulnar Neuropathy.

Background: Humeral lateral condyle fracture is the most common elbow fracture in children after supracondylar fractures. Non-union of these fractures may cause ulnar nerve deficit, deformity and loss of joint motion, which are difficult to manage. Treatment of lateral condyle non-union can be done in two stages or one stage. However, despite all types of treatment, the chance of success is very variable. Many complications such as avascular necrosis, loss of motion, non-union, chronic pain, and heterotopic ossification have been reported as a result of surgeries performed for lateral condyle pseudoarthrosis. Objective: In this article, we applied two-stage surgical treatment to a pediatric patient who developed ulnar neuropathy and elbow valgus deformity as a result of lateral condyle non-union. Case report: A 8-year-old boy with lateral condyle nonunion presented to our clinic with pain and deformity. After initial examination, two-stage surgical treatment was planned to achieve union and deformity correction. In the first stage, we performed pseudoarthrosis surgery and ulnar nerve anterior transposition, and in the second stage, we performed elbow valgus deformity correction surgery. In three year follow-up, the range of elbow was 130/5/0 flexion/extension, with full supnation and pronation. Carrying angle was same with the opposite side. Conclusion: Pediatric humeral lateral condyle nonunions cause deformity, pain, loss of motion, instability and neuropathy. Surgical treatment of nonunions with a careful planning provide excellent clinical and functional results.

Cóndilo mandibular bífido bilateral. Reporte de un caso / Bilateral bifid mandíbular condyle. A case report

Objetivo: El cóndilo mandibular bífido es una alteración morfológica de la articulación temporomandibular en la que el cóndilo presenta un surco en la superficie superior que genera dos cabezas condilares. Esta alteración puede ser unilateral o bilateral. La mayoría de los cóndilos mandibulares bífidos se detectan mediante radiografías panorámicas, sin embargo, la tomografía computarizada Cone Beam de articulación temporomandibular es considerado el examen de elección para el diagnóstico de esta alteración. El propósito de este trabajo es presentar un caso de cóndilo mandibular bífido bilateral detectado incidentalmente mediante una tomografía computarizada Cone Beam solicitada por un diagnóstico presuntivo de osteoartritis. Caso clínico: Una paciente de 22 años sin antecedentes de traumatismos cráneo faciales solicita una tomografía computarizada Cone Beam de articulaciones temporomandibulares por diagnóstico presuntivo de osteoartritis. En la exploración del volumen se encontraron cóndilos mandibulares bífidos con dos cabezas condilares, medial y lateral de forma bilateral, siendo más acentuado en el cóndilo derecho.(AU)

Aim: The bifid mandibular condyle is a morphological alteration of the temporomandibular joint in which the condyle has a groove on its upper surface that generates two condylar heads. This alteration can be unilateral or bilateral. Most bifid mandibular condyles are detected by panoramic radiographs, however, Cone Beam computed tomography of the temporomandibular joint is considered the test of choice for the diagnosis of this alteration. The purpose of this work is to present a case of bilateral bifid mandibular condyle, incidentally detected by Cone Beam computed tomography requested for a presumptive diagnosis of osteoarthritis. Clinical case: A 22-year old female patient with no history of craniofacial trauma requests a Cone Beam computed tomography of the temporomandibular joints due to a presumptive diagnosis of osteoarthritis. In the volume exploration, bifid mandibular condyles were found with two condylar heads, medial and lateral bilaterally, being more accentuated in the right condyle.(AU)

The posterior condyle grows in the direction of the increasing posterior condylar offset and the inclination angle of the ACL changes accordingly.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to reveal the changes in the shape of the posterior femoral condyle and the morphology of the ACL, both before and after epiphyseal closure. The hypothesis of this study is that the morphological change of the posterior femoral condyle and that of the ACL may be correlated to some extent. METHODS: Eighty-one patients who underwent surgery for the knee joint (meniscal repair, arthroscopic synovectomy, medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction) between 2016 and 2021 were included in this study, 48 patients aged 13 years or under (before epiphysis closure; mean age: 10.9 (range: 7-13) and 33 patients aged over 18 years or over (after epiphysis closure; mean age: 21.7 (range: 18-30). The shape of the posterior femoral condyle was evaluated via lateral view radiographs, and the morphology of the ACL was measured via sagittal and coronal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images. RESULTS: The morphology of the posterior condyle in the lateral view radiograph in patients aged 13 and under was larger in the direction of the short axis of the femur compared with that in those aged 18 and over (p < 0.001). The mean value of the inclination angle of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the sagittal plane was significantly smaller in patients aged 13 and under (41.7° ± 3.7) than in those aged 18 and over (48.5° ± 4.2) (p < 0.001). The mean values of the inclination angle of the ACL in the coronal plane were significantly smaller in patients aged 13 and under (55.7° ± 6.4) than in those aged 18 and over (63.4° ± 4.4) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study evaluates and compares the shape of the posterior femoral condyle and the morphology of the ACL fiber before and after epiphyseal closure. The posterior femoral condyle grew posteriorly rather than longitudinally, and the inclination of the ACL fibers was thought to change accordingly. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level Ⅲ.

Evaluation of mandibular condyle position in Class III patients after bimaxillary orthognathic surgery: A cone-beam computed tomography study.

Objective: This retrospective study evaluated the mandibular condyle position before and after bimaxillary orthognathic surgery performed with the mandibular condyle positioned manually in patients with mandibular prognathism using cone-beam computed tomography. Methods: Overall, 88 mandibular condyles from 44 adult patients (20 female and 24 male) diagnosed with mandibular prognathism due to skeletal Class III malocclusion who underwent bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (BSSRO) and Le Fort I performed using the manual condyle positioning method were included. Cone-beam computed tomography images obtained 1-2 weeks before (T0) and approximately 6 months after (T1) surgery were analyzed in three planes using 3D Slicer software. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05 level. Results: Significant inward rotation of the left mandibular condyle and significant outward rotation of the right mandibular condyle were observed in the axial and coronal planes (P < 0.05). The positions of the right and left condyles in the sagittal plane and the distance between the most medial points of the condyles in the coronal plane did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). Conclusions: While the change in the sagittal plane can be maintained as before surgery with manual positioning during the BSSRO procedure, significant inward and outward rotation was observed in the axial and coronal planes, respectively, even in the absence of concomitant temporomandibular joint disorder before or after the operation. Further long-term studies are needed to correlate these findings with possible clinical consequences.

The relationship between bony changes of the mandibular condyle and eichner index.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether degenerative bone changes in the mandibular condyle on cone beam computed tomography images are associated with the Eichner index. METHODOLOGY: 336 cone beam computed tomography images condyle images of 168 patients were analyzed for degenerative bone changes. These changes were named as condyle flattening, osteophytes, erosions, subchondral sclerosis, generalized sclerosis and subchondral cysts. The edentulous status of the patients was classified as group A-B-C and subtypes according to the Eichner index. Categorical variables were evaluated with chi-square test and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: According to the results of the study, the most common degenerative condyle change was flattening of the condyle. Among the Eichner index groups, the most common group was A and the least common group was C. Condyle changes on the right and left sides were most commonly observed in group A patients. The statistically significant majority of patients with right-sided condyle flattening and erosion were in group C. No significant difference was found between all other condyle changes and Eichner index groups. There was no significant relationship between Eichner index and gender. CONCLUSION: Degenerative bone changes (flattening and erosion of the condyle) in the condyle region were more common in group C patients with more tooth loss. There is a significant relationship between condyle changes and posterior toothlessness.

Free medial femoral condyle osteocutaneous flap for repairing stage IIIB osteonecrosis of the lunate: a case report.

BACKGROUND: There are several surgical options for osteonecrosis of the lunate, and confirming the effectiveness of various surgical methods remains challenging. Here, we present a case of stage IIIB osteonecrosis of the lunate repaired with a free medial femoral condyle osteocutaneous flap. CASE PRESENTATION: A 43-year-old male construction worker was admitted to our hospital due to right wrist pain, impaired mobility, and pain aggravated by activity for 10 months. The patient was diagnosed with stage IIIB osteonecrosis of the lunate based on the orthopantomogram and magnetic resonance imaging of the right wrist. Considering the patient's medical history, physical examination, auxiliary examination, and wishes, reconstruction was performed using a free medial femoral condyle osteocutaneous flap. After the flap survived completely, the K-wires were removed one month after the operation, the external brace was removed two months after the operation, and functional wrist rehabilitation was initiated. After six months of follow-up, the wrist swelling and pain resolved, and the reconstructed lunate bone was viable. Additionally, the last follow-up was conducted in the sixth month after surgery; the affected hand grip strength improved from about 70% (28 kg) to 80% (32 kg) compared with the healthy side (40 kg); the visual analog scale score decreased from 6.5 points before the operation to 1 point; and the MAYO score increased from 60 points before the operation to 85 points. CONCLUSIONS: The success of this case reinforces the potential of the free medial femoral condyle osteocutaneous flap as a new treatment option for stage IIIB osteonecrosis of the lunate and further expands the existing treatment options. Using a free medial femoral condyle osteocutaneous flap to reconstruct the lunate and restore the carpal anatomy may.

Peri-implant fractures after Intramedullary fixation for femoral trochanteric fracture: a multicenter (TRON Group) study.

BACKGROUND: With the rise in elderly populations, the incidence of femoral trochanteric fractures has also increased. Although intramedullary nail therapy is commonly used, the incidence of peri-implant fractures (PIFs) as a complication and its associated factors are not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of PIFs and treatment strategies and outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective study across 11 hospitals from 2016 to 2020 examined 1855 patients with femoral trochanter fracture. After excluding 69 patients treated without intramedullary nailing, 1786 patients were analyzed. Parameters studied included age, sex, body mass index, medical history, and treatment methods. PIFs were categorized using the Chan classification. Treatment outcomes and patient mobility were assessed using the Parker Mobility Score, and postoperative complications and one-year survival data were compiled. RESULTS: The incidence of PIFs was 8 in 1786 cases. Chan classification showed 1 case of N1A, 6 of N2A, and 1 of N2B. Only the type N1 case was a transverse fracture, whereas all cases of type N2 were oblique fractures. Among these cases, five patients had fractures extending to the upper part of the femoral condyle. The patient with N1A and one bedridden patient with N2A fracture underwent conservative treatment, one patient with N2A in which the fracture did not extend to the condyle was treated with nail replacement, and 5 patients (N2A: 4, N2B: 1) with fractures extending to the condyle were treated with additional plate fixation. All patients had survived at one year after treatment for PIF, and no reoperations were required. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of PIF was very low (0.45%). Of the 6 PIF cases, excluding the bedridden patients, the treatment of choice for PIF was an additional plate if the fracture line extended to the femoral condyle; otherwise, the nail was replaced. All patients achieved bony fusion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV.

The Chimeric LFC and DCIA Flap in Combined Mandibular and Condylar Head and Neck Reconstruction-A Case Series.

Background: Defects of the ascending ramus of the mandible, including the condylar head and neck or the whole temporomandibular joint (TMJ), are difficult to reconstruct. Reconstruction is mainly based on the use of alloplastic joint prosthesis, costochondral grafting, distraction osteogenesis of the dorsal part of the mandibular ramus, or osseous microvascular flaps of various origin. With the objective of developing a method that overcomes the restrictions of these methods, we recently introduced a sequential chimeric flap consisting of a lateral femoral condyle flap (LFC) and deep circumflex iliac artery flap (DCIA) for reconstruction of up to half of the mandible and the condylar head and neck. Methods: The chimeric flap was used in four patients with the following diagnoses: therapy-refractory osteomyelitis, extended recurrent odontogenic keratozyst, Goldenhar syndrome, and adenocarcinoma of the parotid gland. After a diagnostic workup, LFC and DCIA flaps were harvested in all patients and used in a sequential chimeric design for the reconstruction of the mandibular body and condylar head and neck. Results: Follow-up from at least 24 months up to 70 month after surgery showed a successful reconstruction in all four patients. The LFC provided a cartilaginous joint surface, allowing for a satisfactory masticatory function with a stable occlusion and unrestricted mouth opening and preserved or regained lateral and medial excursions in all patients. The DCIA allowed for a bony reconstruction anatomically resembling a non-atrophied mandibular body. No flap-related complications were observed. Conclusions: The sequential chimeric LFC and DCIA flap is an appropriate method for reconstructing up to half of the mandible and the condylar head and neck. It is suitable in cases where alloplastic joint replacement cannot be used or where other methods have failed. Due to the necessity of harvesting two flaps, the burden of care is increased, and a careful indication is required. The technique is reserved for maxillofacial surgeons who have already gained significant experience in the field of microsurgery.

Functional Outcomes After the Sacrifice of Mandibular Condyle Using Fibula Free Flap for Immediate Surgical Reconstruction.

Introduction Head and neck cancer with mandibular invasion often necessitates composite resection, leading to defects requiring reconstruction. Microvascular fibula free flap (FFF) surgery is a common approach for this purpose. In this study, we focus on our experience with condyle sacrifice, emphasizing treatment outcomes and functional results. Additionally, we highlight a contemporary perspective by discussing surgical techniques and radiographic outcomes based on a 3D analysis of neo-condyle placement on CT imaging. Methods We studied 23 patients who had undergone segmental mandibulectomy requiring FFF reconstruction between 2009 and 2020. These were all performed by the same surgeon (M.M.) at an academic tertiary care center. Twenty-three reconstructions included condyle sacrifice. Retrospective chart review was performed with a focus on treatment, functional outcomes, and surgical technique. Results A total of 23 patients were included in the study group (13 females and 10 males) with a mean age of 58.1 years. The most common surgical indication was for oncologic purposes (n=9; 39.1%). Twenty (87%) patients required tracheostomy, and all were decannulated. In terms of surgical complications, two (8.7%) patients had a degree of arterial insufficiency and two (8.7%) developed delayed infections. The average inpatient stay was 5.61 days, with a subsequent average clinic follow-up after 16.9 days. CT or MRI imaging was available for 21 (91.3%) patients, showing 14 (66.7%) neo-condyles within the glenoid fossa. Fifteen (71.4%) patients had some element of anterior displacement (average=6.27 mm), and seven (33.3%) patients had a component of lateral displacement (average=2.23 mm). Three (13%) patients died during the follow-up period. Eighteen (90%) of the surviving patients returned to an oral diet within an average of 24.9 days. All patients returned to normal interincisal distance by 12 months. All FFFs, with and without complications, remained viable. Conclusion We achieved favorable oral function outcomes in the majority of our patients. Intriguingly, although radiographic evidence revealed anterior and/or lateral displacement of the neo-condyle, there was no observed correlation with the resumption of oral diet, trismus, or crossbite among these patients.

Eighteen-Year Follow-up After Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation on Medial and Lateral Femoral Condyles: A Case Report.

Articular cartilage defects are common injuries of the knee. The defects often progress in size and produce significant clinical symptoms due to the lack of intrinsic repair or regenerative capacity of articular cartilage. With the failure of nonoperative treatment options, surgical treatment is indicated and includes palliative, reparative, and regenerative options. For large defects of the femoral condyles, trochlea, or patella, autologous chondrocyte implantation can provide successful and long-lasting results. Presented is the case of a 37-year-old male with an 18-year follow-up to autologous chondrocyte implantation for extensive left knee articular cartilage defects of the medial and lateral femoral condyles. Recovery from articular cartilage defects is shown through both clinical improvement of the patient and arthroscopic photographs of robust autologous articular cartilage on the medial femoral condyle. This case supports the long-term benefits of autologous chondrocyte implantation as a surgical intervention for large, full-thickness articular cartilage defects of the knee.

Post-BSSO condylar position stability: a comparison of miniplate and lag screw fixation.

BACKGROUND: This study was conceived to assess the postoperative stability of condylar position following fixation with miniplates and lag screws after bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO). METHODS: This retrospective study included a cohort of 20 patients undergoing BSSO using the Obwegeser-Dal Pont modification. The bony segments were stabilized using either miniplates with two 2.0-mm monocortical screws per segment or three 2.0-mm bicortical lag screws along the mandible's superior border. Pre- and postoperative (7-day interval) spiral computed tomography scans were conducted to assess skeletal changes across both groups. Data analysis employed Wilcoxon signed-rank and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was observed between the pre-and postoperative condylar position parameters (P>0.05). However, the lag screw group showed a marginal significant increase in the left condyle's angulation (preoperative: 24.83 ± 6.37 vs. postoperative: 32.5 ± 4.93; P = 0.04). Changes in condylar height, length, and width were not statistically significant before and after BSSO in either groups (P>0.05). Nor was any statistically significant difference found between the miniplates and lag screws groups regarding condylar position parameters (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The results indicated that both lag screw and miniplate fixation methods can be effectively employed in BSSO procedures without impacting condylar position parameters. Thus, either fixation method can be chosen depending on factors such as the surgeon's preference and clinical outcomes.