Video-Assisted Cleft Palate Surgery: Preclinical Comparison Between Endoscope- and Exoscope-Based Approaches.

Using both endoscope and exoscope in cleft soft palate surgery is not widespread, despite the potential advantages related to view magnification, ergonomic posture of the surgeon, and involvement of the surgical team.The aim of the current study is to compare endoscopic (Olympus Visera©) and exoscopic (Karl-Storz Vitom©) assistance in cleft soft palate surgery in a preclinical cadaver setting.A formalin fixed specimen was dissected to mimic the anatomical conditions of a cleft soft palate.Ten young surgeons with limited experience in transoral surgery were involved in the exercitation on the specimen.The exercitation consisted of 4 tasks: (1) device setting; (2) identification of muscle plane; (3) muscle suturing; (4) oral mucosa suturing.Participants were timed while performing each task both with exoscope and endoscope and asked to fill in 2 questionnaires related to the visual systems used (NASA Task Load System TLS and VAS 1-10).All surgeons completed the 4 tasks with both the endoscope and exoscope. The execution times were similar except for faster setting of the exoscope. Participants felt that completing surgical exercises using the exoscope required less physical, intellectual, and temporal efforts compared to the endoscope. The exoscope was also more appreciated for its handling, 3D visualization, and limited encumbrance.Exoscope scored better both at NASA TLS and VAS 1-10 and required a faster setting than endoscope. Further clinical in-vivo studies are required to explore the advantages of these devices in cleft palate repair.

Changes in hospital admissions for facial fractures during and after COVID 19 pandemic: national multicentric epidemiological analysis on 2938 patients.

PURPOSE: The objective of this multicenter study was to examine the differences in maxillo-facial fractures epidemiology across the various phases of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. METHODS: This is a retrospective study on patients who underwent surgery for facial bone fractures in 18 maxillo-facial surgery departments in Italy, spanning from June 23, 2019, to February 23, 2022. Based on the admission date, the data were classified into four chronological periods reflecting distinct periods of restrictions in Italy: pre-pandemic, first wave, partial restrictions, and post-pandemic. Epidemiological differences across the groups were analysed. RESULTS: The study included 2938 patients. A statistically significant difference in hospitalization causes was detected between the pre-pandemic and first wave groups (p = 0.005) and between the pre-pandemic and partial restriction groups (p = 0.002). The differences between the pre- and post-pandemic groups were instead not significant (p = 0.106). Compared to the pre-pandemic period, the number of patients of African origin was significantly higher during the first wave and the post-pandemic period. No statistically significant differences were found across the periods concerning gender, age, fracture type, treatment approach, and hospital stay duration CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic brought about significant changes in fracture epidemiology, influenced by the restrictive measures enforced by the government in Italy. Upon the pandemic's conclusion, the fracture epidemiology returned to the patterns observed in the pre-pandemic period.

Lump on the scalp of a child arising over a previous parietal fracture: growing skull fracture or post-traumatic lipoma?

A young girl was referred to our Institution for the appearance of a painless soft swelling in the right parietal region of the scalp. In the same site, the patient had a parietal bone fracture 1 year ago. In the suspicion of a growing skull fracture, the patient underwent radiological investigations. Ultrasound showed a soft, poorly vascularised swelling with parenchymatous content. The skull X-ray showed an apparent healing of the previous fracture. CT scan and MRI confirmed the correct healing of the fracture and described the presence of a lipomatous mass. The mass was surgically removed and histology confirmed the diagnosis of encapsulated lipoma. The postoperative period was uneventful, with no evidence of infections or recurrence in the 6-month follow-up.

Multidisciplinary Management of an Orbitocranial Penetrating Injury by a Pencil in a Paediatric Patient - A Case Report.

Rationale: Orbitocranial penetrating injuries can accidentally occur in children while handling pencils and can cause severe sequelae such as ocular damage, brain lesion, intracranial haemorrhage, and infections. Patient Concerns: We report the case of a 7-year-old child with an orbitocranial penetrating injury by a pencil, initially gone undetected, that caused a direct damage to the optic nerve. Diagnosis: Computed tomography scan with contrast detected the foreign body and the presence of a lesion of the left internal carotid artery. Treatment: Angiography was performed to treat the vascular lesion and to prevent haemorrhage. Subsequently, a craniotomy was performed to assist the extraction of the pencil from the entry wound and to remove residual fragments. Outcomes: Left eye vision was lost. The 1-year follow-up was uneventful. Take-away Lessons: Operative angiography is mandatory before the surgical extraction of the orbitocranial penetrating injury in case of documented intracranial vessel damage.

Mandibular condyle fractures: evaluation of the Strasbourg Osteosynthesis Research Group classification.

Condylar fractures (CFs) are about 30% of mandibular fractures. Condylar fractures are treated with several protocols, and unsatisfying outcome is achieved in some cases. A staging system for classifying CFs is of paramount importance to plan therapy, to define prognosis, and to exchange information among trauma centers. The Strasbourg Osteosynthesis Research Group proposed a classification system for CFs, but no report focusing to its effectiveness is still available. Thus, we performed a retrospective study on a series of patients affected by CFs.The Strasbourg Osteosynthesis Research Group classification defines 3 main types of CFs: diacapitular fracture (i.e., through the head of the condyle [DF]), fracture of the condylar neck, and fracture of the condylar base (CBF). A series of 66 patients (and 84 CFs) was evaluated, and age, sex, clinical diagnosis at admission, treatment, and outcome were considered.Fractures of the condylar base and DFs are the most (52.4%) and the least (4.8%) frequent fractures, respectively. Conversely, associated fractures of the facial skeleton are found in most cases of DFs (75%) and in few cases of CBFs (20.5%). Surgery was performed in about 15% of all cases: no DF was operated, whereas fractures of the condylar neck and CBFs have an open reduction and an internal rigid fixation in 57% and 43%, respectively. Postsurgical and late sequelae were 22.3% and 19%. Temporomandibular joint symptoms and malocclusion cover about 80% and 90% of postsurgical and late sequelae.The new classification is a simple method to define CFs and can give some elements about the prognosis.

A massive haemorrhage developing during deciduous tooth extraction in a young child: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Major haemorrhage developing during oral or maxillofacial surgery is uncommon, but potentially life-threatening. Dental extractions in childhood are common, but blood loss is unusual. CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we report a rare case of a complication developing during a trivial deciduous tooth extraction. We focus on the great difference between the preoperative orthopantomography and the maxillo-facial computed tomography obtained post-haemorrhage. DISCUSSION: The surgical procedures most commonly associated with acute haemorrhage are orthognathic, oncological, and temporomandibular joint procedures. When acute haemorrhage develops, the surgeon must remain calm, temporarily arrest the bleeding, and ultimately definitively control it. Although ligation of the offending artery, vein, or vascular malformation is clearly the treatment of choice, identifying the offending vessel and gaining adequate access thereto are often difficult. CONCLUSION: We emphasise that what we encountered could happen in routine daily practice.

From tooth extraction to Gorham-Stout disease: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Gorham-Stout disease (GSD), or vanishing bone disease, is a very rare condition of unknown aetiology. It is characterised by progressive osteolysis and angiomatosis. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the discovery of this very rare disease following a trivial deciduous tooth extraction in a 14-year-old female. We focus initially on the difference between the preoperative orthopantomography and the whole-body computed tomography and magnetic resonance images obtained post-haemorrhage, and then on the improvement of strategies for the correct diagnosis and treatment of this disease. DISCUSSION: Bone loss and the proliferation of vascular structures can occur in a single bone or spread to soft tissue and adjacent bone; areas commonly affected by GSD include the ribs, spine, pelvis, skull, clavicle, and the maxillofacial area. The clinical presentation of GSD includes pain, functional impairment, and swelling, although a few asymptomatic cases have been reported, similar to our case. CONCLUSION: We report a very rare case of this multicentric disease in an asymptomatic child who presented for dental extraction, almost died, and was then diagnosed with and treated for GSD.

Chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis involving the mandible: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) or chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO), is a very rare condition of unknown aetiology. It is characterised by focal sterile inflammatory disease with prolonged, self-limiting and recurrent episodes. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the discovery of this very rare disease following a mandibular abscess in a 10-year-old female. We initially focus on the difference between the preoperative orthopantomography and the maxillofacial computed tomography and magnetic resonance images obtained, and then on the improvement of strategies for correct diagnosis and treatment of this disease. DISCUSSION: Bone pain and localised swelling can occur in a single bone or can spread to soft tissue and adjacent bone; areas commonly affected by CMRO include the metaphyseal plates of the long bones, as well as the spine, clavicle and, rarely, the maxillofacial area. The clinical presentation of CMRO includes pain, functional impairment, and swelling, similar to our case. CONCLUSIONS: We report a very rare case of this unifocal mandibular disease in a child who presented for an abscess and was then diagnosed and treated for CNO.