Estimating the direct costs of oral cancer in Spain: a retrospective hospital data analysis.

BACKGROUND: Studies on the costs incurred from cancer in Spain are scarce and have focused on the most prevalent types such as colorectal, breast, and lung cancer. The aim of this study was to calculate the direct costs associated with the diagnostic, treatment and follow-up procedures for oral cancer in Spain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Applying a bottom-up approach, we retrospectively analyzed the medical records of a cohort of 200 patients with oral cancer (C00-C10), diagnosed and treated in Spain between 2015 and 2017. For each patient, we collected their age, sex, degree of medical impairment (American Society of Anesthesiologists [ASA] classification), tumor extent (TNM classification), relapses and survival during the first 2 years of follow-up. The final calculation of the costs is expressed in absolute values in euros as the percentage of the gross domestic product per capita and in international dollars (I$). RESULTS: The total cost per patient rose to €16,620 (IQR, €13,726; I$11,634), and the total direct cost at the national level was €136,084,560 (I$95,259,192). The mean cost for oral cancer represented 65.1% of the gross domestic product per capita. The costs for the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures were determined by the ASA grade, tumor size, lymph node infiltration and presence of metastases. CONCLUSIONS: The direct costs for oral cancer are considerable compared with other types of cancer. In terms of gross domestic product, the costs were similar to those of countries neighboring Spain, such as Italy and Greece. The main determinants of this economic burden were the patient's degree of medical impairment and tumor extent.

The length of patient and primary care time interval in the pathways to treatment in symptomatic oral cancer. A quantitative systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the relative length of the patient and primary care intervals in symptomatic oral cancer. DESIGN: Quantitative systematic review. SEARCH STRATEGY: Oral cancer OR oral squamous cell carcinoma OR oropharyngeal cancer AND time interval OR diagnostic delay. SETTING: Primary and secondary care. PARTICIPANTS: Oral and oropharyngeal cancer patients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We computed five measures (patient, primary care, diagnosis, total diagnosis and total treatment intervals). Most studies did not provide any dispersion measure. We then used the sample size of each study to compute a weighted average of the mean intervals. When the median was provided, we assumed normality of the distribution of the means and used the median as a proxy of the mean. RESULTS: A total of 1089 articles were identified, and 22 met the inclusion criteria, reporting on 2710 patients from Europe, USA, India, Australia, Japan, Argentina and Iran. The weighted average of patient interval was 80.3 days. Primary care interval was five times shorter: 15.8 days. The diagnostic interval was appreciably shorter (47.9 days) when compared with the patient interval during symptomatic period. CONCLUSIONS: Patient interval represents the major component of waiting times since the detection of the first signs/symptoms to the definitive diagnosis of oral cancer. Thus, strategies focused on high-risk patients should be prioritised. Interventions aimed at optimising the health systems should be implemented by monitoring and facilitating diagnostic and treatment pathways of patients with oral cancer.

Correlation between the main clinical, imaging, and arthroscopy findings in patients with temporomandibular disorders.

The purpose of this work was to prospectively correlate the most characteristic clinical symptoms of temporomandibular disorders, such as pain and limitation of mouth opening, with the findings of magnetic resonance imaging (disc position, degenerative changes, and effusion) and arthroscopy findings (roofing, synovitis, chondromalacia, adhesions, and perforations). These examinations were performed in 298 patients diagnosed with internal derangement refractory to conservative treatment. The mean age of the patients was 38.59 years; 92.6% were female. The t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to correlate the findings. Significant relationships were found between pain and disc displacement without reduction (P = 0.033) and effusion (P = 0.003) on MRI, coinciding with correlations between pain and roofing of 0-25% (P = 0.016) and synovitis (P = 0.001) on arthroscopy. A significant relationship was also observed between mouth opening limitation and the presence of osteoarthrosis (P = 0.018) on MRI, and between mouth opening limitation and synovitis (P = 0.022), chondromalacia (P = 0.002), and adhesions (P < 0.001) on arthroscopy. All of these findings were observed in patients with a poor initial clinical situation, which highlights the considerable potential of correlating these data with imaging and arthroscopy findings.

Fibrous condylar dysplasia: Resection and reconstruction with a custom-made TMJ prosthesis using virtual surgical planning.

The main objective of this article is to describe the indications for custom-made alloplastic reconstruction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) using the new techniques of virtual surgical planning and computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology through the study of a clinical case and an updated review of the literature. The patient was a 45-year-old male with a fast-growing condylar dysplasia that produced a progressive facial deformity with limited mandibular mobility, which required a radical resection. Predictable, satisfactory, and stable results over time are described from the aesthetic, functional, and symptomatic points of view, through a comprehensive approach to all the aspects of this case by following an appropriate line of development and using the most current techniques.

Diplopia secondary to orbital fracture in adults. / Diplopía secundaria a fractura orbitaria en adultos.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence and evolution of diplopia as a complication of orbital fractures in adults. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A review was conducted on medical records of all consecutive adults with orbital fracture referred between January 2014 and December 2015. An analysis was made of the incidence of diplopia secondary to fracture in the acute phase and its evolution. A descriptive study was performed on the variables related to patients, fractures, and fracture and diplopia treatment. RESULTS: The study included 39patients with a mean age of 48years (17-85). Of all the patients, 17 (43.6%) presented with diplopia in the acute phase. Differences were found between the groups with and without diplopia in relation to muscle entrapment diagnosed by orbital computed tomography, duction limitation, and fracture surgery ≤1week (P=.02, P=.00, P=.04, respectively). Out of the 17patients with diplopia, 12 had a mean follow-up of 18weeks (1-72), and in 10 (83.3%) diplopia was resolved in a mean time of 10weeks (1-72). There were spontaneous resolution in 4 (33.3%) patients, and resolution after fracture surgery in 4 (57%) of the 7 that underwent surgery. In 4cases (33.3%) prisms were prescribed, and 2 (16.6%) required strabismus surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Diplopia secondary to orbital fracture in adults is frequent, but it is resolved in most cases spontaneously or after fracture surgery. A few patients will require prisms and/or strabismus surgery.

Key points and time intervals for early diagnosis in symptomatic oral cancer: a systematic review.

The aim of this study was to identify key points and time intervals in the patient pathway to the diagnosis of oral cancer, from the detection of a bodily change to the start of treatment. A systematic search of three databases was performed by two researchers independently. Articles reporting original data on patients with symptomatic primary oral or oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma that was pathologically confirmed were included. These articles had to include an outcome variable of 'diagnostic delay', 'time interval', or 'waiting time to diagnosis', or report time intervals from first symptom to treatment. Furthermore, the outcome variable had to have a clearly defined start point and end point, with the time measurement presented as a continuous or categorical variable. A total of 1175 reports were identified; 28 articles on oral cancer studies and 13 on oral and oropharyngeal cancer studies were finally included. These papers showed poor quality in terms of questionnaire validation, acknowledgement of biases influencing time-point measurements, and strategies for verification of patient self-reported data. They also showed great heterogeneity. The review findings allowed the definition of key points and time intervals within the Aarhus framework that may better suit the features of the diagnostic process of this neoplasm, particularly when assessing the impact of waiting time to diagnosis.

Does injection of plasma rich in growth factors after temporomandibular joint arthroscopy improve outcomes in patients with Wilkes stage IV internal derangement? A randomized prospective clinical study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of injection of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) after temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthroscopy in patients with Wilkes stage IV internal derangement. Ninety-two patients were randomized to two experimental groups: group A (42 joints) received injections of PRGF, group B (50 joints) received saline injections. Pain intensity on a visual analogue scale (VAS) and maximum mouth opening (MMO, mm) were measured before and after surgery and compared by analysis of variance (ANOVA). The mean age of patients was 35.8 years (range 17-67 years); 86 were female. Significant reductions in pain were noted in both groups after surgery: VAS 7.9 preoperative and 1.4 at 24 months postoperative. Significantly better clinical results were achieved in group A than in group B only at 6 and 12 months postoperative; no significant difference was noted at 18 or 24 months after the surgical intervention. MMO increased after surgery in both groups: 26.2mm preoperative and 36.8mm at 24 months postoperative. No significant differences in MMO were found when the two groups of patients were compared. In conclusion, the injection of PRGF does not add any significant improvement to clinical outcomes at 2 years after surgery in patients with advanced internal derangement of the TMJ.

Relationship between condylar position, dentofacial deformity and temporomandibular joint dysfunction: an MRI and CT prospective study.

The possible relationship between the morphometric characteristics (condylar and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc position) of the TMJ and the TMJ clinical findings (normal versus TMJ disorders) in different types of dentofacial deformities was studied. Forty-eight patients with dentofacial deformities (96 TMJs) were investigated preoperatively and 10 patients (20 TMJs) without deformities were studied as a control group, clinically and radiographically, using computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to assess the position of the mandibular condyle and the TMJ disc in the sagittal, coronal and horizontal planes. Fifteen of the 28 joints (53.6%) of patients diagnosed as class II dentofacial deformity had internal derangements and anteriorly displaced discs. The incidence of internal derangement in the class I and class III groups was lower (10%). An increased horizontal angle of the mandibular condyle and a posteriorly seated condyle were found in patients diagnosed as class II dentofacial deformity when compared with the control group. The rest of the patients studied showed no significant differences. The same results were encountered when the patients with moderate to severe TMJ pathology were studied, both clinically (using the Helkimo index modified by Athanasiou) and by MRI.

Glenotemporal osteotomy as a definitive treatment for recurrent dislocation of the jaw.

Chronic Recurrent Dislocation of the jaw (CRD) is a relatively frequent occurrence, with a multifactorial aetiology. Both conservative and surgical treatments have been applied to this entity. This paper seeks to review the results of surgical treatment applied according to Norman's technique (1984), with certain modifications, applied to CRD. Ten patients were treated by glenotemporal osteotomy and interposition of bone grafts, (four cranial bone grafts and six iliac crest grafts). Previously, all of the patients had suffered numerous episodes, requiring hospital care on more than one occasion. Nine of the patients were female. All of the patients underwent clinical exploration and pre- and postoperative radiological study. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) imaging was used in combination with tomography in the preoperative period to evaluate the state of the joint. In the postoperative period, tomography was used as the radiological investigation to carry out regular follow-ups. The patients were followed for between 5 and 51 months. The elements used in osteosynthesis were either wire, screws or nothing. None of the patients complained of any episode of RCD in the postoperative period. Oral opening, which could not be measured in the preoperative period, ranged between 28 and 38mm in the postoperative period. One of the patients operated on still suffered articular pain on attempting this function. In the postoperative period, radiology revealed different degrees of bone resorption in the cases of iliac crest bone grafts, yet this did not affect the clinical result of the operation.

Morphometric and morphological changes in the temporomandibular joint after orthognathic surgery: a magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography prospective study.

The possible morphological and morphometric changes in the different components of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) after orthognathic surgery were analysed using computed tomography (CT) transverse scans and sagittal and coronal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images. Twenty-four patients with class III dentofacial deformity were studied. Nine had isolated maxillary osteotomies and 15 had combined maxillary and mandibular subcondylar osteotomies (MSO). Ten patients were studied as a control group. The patients were studied clinically, radiographically and with CT and MRI in four different phases in order to locate the position of the mandibular condyle in relation to the glenoid fossa. No statistically significant differences were found in the group of patients who had had isolated maxillary osteotomies throughout the four phases of the study. Patients treated by bimaxillary surgery showed different condylar movements after surgery. Intra-articular effusion was evident during the early postoperative period in patients treated by bimaxillary surgery. Although different changes in the position of the bony components of the TMJ occurred after MSO, these seemed to be transient, with no major alterations in the final outcome in the patients.

Primary mandibular reconstruction with bridging plates.

25 cases in which the mandible was resected and reconstructed using a reconstruction plate (AO titanium reconstruction system and Leibinger titanium reconstruction system) are presented. 16 patients suffered from oral carcinoma, 7 presented with odontogenic tumours and 2 had chronic osteomyelitis of the mandible. The mean age was 54.2 years, the male to female ratio was 2.6:1. 3 patients had a reconstruction plate for mandibular resection without continuity defect (marginal resection), in all the other patients the reconstruction plate bridged a mandibular resection with a continuity defect: 13 were located in the body, body-angle or ascending ramus with preservation of the mandibular condyle; 4 hemimandibulectomies with disarticulation of the TMJ; and 5 involved the anterior arch, crossing the midline. 12 patients received radiotherapy (3 pre-operatively). Only 3 patients with significant local side effects needed the treatment to be stopped for a period of time. There was no perioperative mortality. Only one plate was removed. Although minor complications were noted in 11 patients, the general improvement in the functional and cosmetic balance of the patients when compared with patients in whom no plate was used, justifies the use of this reconstruction system, in our opinion.

Sarcomas of the head and neck.

Fourteen cases of sarcomas involving the head and neck over a period of 15 years were reviewed. The male to female ratio was 3.5:1. Mean age of occurrence was 33.4 years, with a range of 5-84 years. Soft tissue was the site of origin in three cases, maxilla in four and mandible in seven patients. Radical surgery with resection of adequate disease-free margins was the most effective mode of treatment. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy was used in selected cases. Recurrence occurred in 42.9% of patients, and was the main cause of death. Three patients (21.4%) developed distant metastases. The actuarial 2-year and 5-year survivals of the 14 patients assessed were 64% and 56% respectively.

Surgical treatment of recurrent mandibular dislocation by augmentation of the articular eminence with cranial bone.

PURPOSE: This article describes the use of calvarial bone grafts to augment the height of the articular eminence to treat recurrent mandibular dislocation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eight patients with mandibular recurrent dislocation were studied clinically, radiographically, and with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) immediately before surgery, and at 1 week, 6 months, and 1 year after the operation. All the patients were treated with a modification of the Lindemann-Norman technique, performing an oblique osteotomy in the articular eminence and placing a calvarial graft into the osteotomy to augment the height of the eminence. RESULTS: During 18 months of follow-up, no cases of dislocation were noted. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that the surgical technique presented has very low morbidity and predictable outcomes.

Reconstruction of the scaphoid fossa of the ear after tumour resection with a retroauricular flap.

A retroauricular flap to reconstruct scaphoid fossa defects is presented. It is an easy, quick and aesthetic flap for this purpose.

The temporalis muscle flap: an evaluation and review of 38 cases.

This article analyzes the authors' experience with the temporal myofascial flap in orbital, maxillary, floor of the mouth, tongue, retromolar trigone, and buccal mucosa reconstruction after oncologic surgery. Thirty-eight patients were treated and evaluated after using this technique. Four of the patients received the flap to restore orbital defects; the other 34 flaps were used in oral reconstruction. The flap remained viable in all instances. Most of the patients experienced no perioperative complications. Ten patients (29.4%) with flaps transposed to the oral cavity showed partial wound dehiscence. Two patients experienced temporomandibular joint dysfunction, two severe reduction in the oral aperture, 22 had mild depression of the temporal fossa, and four had mild to severe alteration in the facial aesthetics secondary to bone resection. All flaps transposed to the oral cavity showed good epithelialization and adaptation to the recipient site.