Treatment for Adult Mandibular Condylar Process Fractures: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

PURPOSE: Using network meta-analyses (NMA) has become increasingly valuable as it enables the comparison of interventions that have not been directly compared in a clinical trial. To date, there has not been a NMA of randomized clinical trials (RCT) that compares all types of treatments for mandibular condylar process fractures (MCPFs). The aim of this NMA was to compare and rank all the available methods used in the treatment of MCPFs. METHODS: Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic search was conducted in 3 major databases up to January 2023 to retrieve RCTs that compared various closed and open treatment methods for MCPFs. The predictor variable is treatment techniques: arch bars (ABs) + wire maxillomandibular fixation (MMF), rigid MMF with intermaxillary fixation screws, AB + functional therapy with elastic guidance (AB functional treatment), AB rigid MMF/functional treatment, single miniplate, double miniplate, lambda miniplate, rhomboid plate, and trapezoidal miniplate. Postoperative complications were the outcome variables and included occlusion, mobility, and pain, among other things. Risk ratio (RR) and standardized mean difference were calculated. Version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations system were used to determine the certainty of the results. RESULTS: The NMA included a total of 10,259 patients from 29 RCTs. At ≤6 months, the NMA revealed that the use of 2-miniplates significantly reduced malocclusion compared to rigid MMF (RR = 2.93; confidence interval [CI]: 1.79 to 4.81; very low quality) and functional treatment (RR = 2.36; CI: 1.07 to 5.23; low quality).Further, at ≥6 months, 2-miniplates resulted in significantly lower malocclusion compared to rigid MMF with functional treatment (RR = 3.67; CI: 1.93 to 6.99; very low quality).Trapezoidal plate and AB functional treatment were ranked as the best options in 3-dimensional (3D) plates and closed groups, respectively.3D-miniplates (very low-quality evidence) were ranked as the most effective treatment for reducing postoperative malocclusion and improving mandibular functions after MCPFs, followed closely by double miniplates (moderate quality evidence). CONCLUSIONS: This NMA found no substantial difference in functional outcomes between using 2-miniplates versus 3D-miniplates to treat MCPFs (low evidence).However, 2-miniplates led to better outcomes than closed treatment (moderate evidence).Additionally, 3D-miniplates produced better outcomes for lateral excursions, protrusive movements, and occlusion than closed treatment at ≤6 months (very low evidence).

Comparison of the Accuracy of Maxillary Positioning With Interim Splints Versus Patient-Specific Guides and Plates in Executing a Virtual Bimaxillary Surgical Plan.

PURPOSE: An extension of digital technology is to provide patient-specific hardware to reposition the first jaw in a bimaxillary case without the use of an intermediate splint. The purpose of our study was to determine if there were significant differences in maxillary repositioning using interim splints versus patient-specific guides and implants (PSIs) in executing a bimaxillary virtual surgical plan (VSP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent bimaxillary orthognathic surgery with interim splints or PSIs planned with VSP at our institution. The difference in maxillary positions from the VSP to the postoperative cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was evaluated in both groups. The primary predictor variable was the method by which the maxilla was repositioned (interim splint vs PSI). The primary outcome variable was the postoperative 3D position of the maxillary incisors and right and left first molars in the anteroposterior, transverse, and vertical dimensions. Differences in the planned and postoperative positions of the above landmarks in all three planes of space between the two groups were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 82 patients were included. 13 patients had their maxillae repositioned with an interim splint between the unoperated mandible and the mobile maxilla, and 69 patients had their maxilla repositioned using custom drill/cutting guides and a PSI. The mean difference between the planned and actual position of the maxilla in the PSI group was smaller than in the splint group. In the PSI group alone, vertical changes were accurate whether the maxilla was being superiorly or inferiorly repositioned. CONCLUSION: The use of a PSI provides more accurate maxillary repositioning during bimaxillary surgery than the use of an interim splint.

Most Facial Fractures Do Not Require Surgical Intervention.

PURPOSE: Literature describing the number of patients that had a facial fracture that required surgical intervention in the United States is very limited. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the percentage of patients who required surgical intervention after presenting to a Level 1 Trauma Center with 1 or more facial fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of all patients who presented with facial fracture(s) to University Hospital, a Level 1 Trauma Center (San Antonio, Texas), over a 5-year period from July 2015 to July 2020. Patients' charts that had 1 or more International Classification of Diseases 10 codes pertaining to facial fractures were collected. Cases were subdivided by fracture location: mandible, midface, upper face, or a combination of any of the aforementioned locations (predictor variables). After subdividing based on location, each chart was then reviewed and separated based on whether or not surgical intervention was provided (primary outcome variable). Data were tabulated and analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: Over the 5-year period, 3,416 patients presented with facial fractures. Of the 3,126 patients who survived their injuries and were not lost to follow-up, the vast majority (80.9%) did not require surgical intervention for their facial fractures. Mandible fractures required surgical intervention, whether isolated or in combination, much more frequently than in patients who did not have any type of mandible fracture (RR 8.01, 95% CI 6.92-9.27, P < .05 and RR 4.60, 95% CI 3.42-6.18, P < .05, respectively). Patients aged 50 years or less were also more likely to receive surgical intervention than those aged 51 years and more (RR 1.98 95% CI 1.63-2.41, P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The vast majority of facial fractures that present to a Level 1 Trauma Center do not require surgical intervention. Patients who present with any type of mandible fracture and are aged 50 years or less are more likely to need surgical intervention.

Treatment of Frontal Sinus Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: There is still no consensus about the best treatment for frontal sinus fractures (FSFs). Thus, the aims of this study were to answer the following questions: 1) what treatment of FSFs has the lowest rate of postoperative complications? 2) does sinus preservation using observation produce a lower complication rate? 3) are FSFs with nasofrontal outflow tract (NFOT) injury associated with greater complication rates following different treatment options when compared to those patients without NFOT involvement? METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed based on PRISMA that included several databases with specific keywords, a reference search, and a manual search for suitable articles. Randomized clinical trials, controlled clinical studies, retrospective studies and case series that estimated complications rate after different treatments options for FSFs were included. The predictor variable was treatment groups, including observation, ORIF, cranialization and obliteration. The outcome variable was complication rate and correlation between complication rate and presence/absence of NFOT. A weighted complication rate/proportion using a random effect model, or risk ratio (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI), was performed to construct forest plots. Data analysis was done using a comprehensive meta-analysis. RESULTS: A total of 2,911 patients with FSFs enrolled in 23 studies were included in this study. The weighted complication rate for different treatment was as follows: observation (7%), ORIF (9.4%), obliteration (10.6%), and cranialization (11%). Nonsurgical treatment decreased the complication rate by 2.1 times (low quality evidence, RR = 2.1, CI: 1.13 to 3.9, P = .000) when compared to surgical treatments for FSFs. CR for fractures with NFOT was 8 % (55/619) compared to a complication rate of 5% (18/353) for fractures without NFOT with insignificant difference (very low quality evidence, RR = 1.7, CI: 0.75 to 4.1, P = .158). CONCLUSIONS: FSFs vary in their severity and treatments. The more severe fractures, the higher the complication rate, no matter how they were treated.

Barriers to Full Text Journal Publication of Abstracts Presented at Annual AAOMS Meetings.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to identify the perceived barriers to full-text journal publication (JP) from abstracts presented at the 2010-2013 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) meetings. METHODS AND MATERIALS: In the present cross-sectional study, all unpublished AAOMS abstracts (n = 473) from the temporal period were procured using a database from a previous publication. An online questionnaire was then distributed to the primary or secondary author for whom an e-mail address was available through the AAOMS Member Directory (n = 260) to assess 1) the current publication status of the abstract; and 2) the perceived barriers to JP. The responses were summarized with descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Of the 260 authors surveyed, 51 responded, for a response rate of 19.6%. At the time of the survey, 66.7% of the authors stated that submission for JP had not been pursued, and 15.7% stated that the abstract had achieved JP. However, no citations were provided. Overall, a low perceived priority (52.9%), insufficient time (50%), methodologic limitations (23.5%), and inadequate institutional support (17.6%) were the 4 primary reasons cited by the authors for the failure to pursue or achieve JP. CONCLUSIONS: JP of abstracts presented at the annual AAOMS meeting is very low, with many barriers to JP of presented abstracts.

Combination of Rigid and Nonrigid Fixation Versus Nonrigid Fixation for Bilateral Mandibular Fractures: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: We aimed to compare complication rates and functional outcomes in patients with bilateral mandibular fractures treated with different degrees of internal fixation rigidity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This international, multicenter randomized controlled trial included adults with bilateral mandibular fractures located at either the angle and body, angle and symphysis, or body and symphysis. Patients were treated with either a combination of rigid fixation for the anterior fracture and nonrigid fixation for the posterior fracture (mixed fixation) or nonrigid fixation for both fractures. The primary outcome was complications within 6 weeks after surgery. Secondary outcomes were complications within 3 months, Helkimo dysfunction index, and mandibular mobility at 6 weeks and 3 months after surgery. RESULTS: Of the 315 patients enrolled, 158 were randomized to the mixed fixation group and 157 to the nonrigid fixation group. The overall complication rate at 6 weeks in the intention-to-treat population was 9.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.3% to 15.6%) in the mixed fixation group and 7.8% (95% CI, 4.0% to 13.5%) in the nonrigid fixation group. With an unadjusted odds ratio of 1.25 (95% CI, 0.51 to 3.17), there were no statistically significant differences in complication rates between the 2 groups (P = .591). A multivariable model for complication risk at 6 weeks found no significant differences between treatment groups, but patients with moderate or severe displacement had a higher complication rate than those with no or minimal displacement (adjusted odds ratio, 4.58; 95% CI, 1.16 to 18.06; P = .030). There were no significant between-group differences in complication rates at 3 months. Moreover, no significant differences in Helkimo dysfunction index and mandibular mobility index at 6 weeks and 3 months were found between groups according to treatment allocated and treatment received. CONCLUSIONS: A combination of rigid and nonrigid fixation in patients with bilateral mandibular fracture has similar complication rates and functional outcomes to nonrigid fixation for both fractures.

Are Office-Based Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical Procedures Profitable? A Benefit-Cost Analysis.

PURPOSE: Although many oral and maxillofacial surgical (OMS) procedures might seem to be profitable, no current data have analyzed the costs versus benefits of performing office-based OMS procedures. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the costs of performing 6 common office-based OMS procedures compared with the reimbursement rates for those same procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was a cross-sectional, microcosting survey analyzing the costs of materials used in the outpatient Oral-Maxillofacial Surgery clinic at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. The costs incurred were based on dental procedure coding and national statistical databases and not on actual patient interactions. The primary predictor variable was the procedure costs for 6 commonly performed outpatient OMS procedures using 3 types of trays: a simple tray, a surgical tray, and an implant tray. The ancillary materials were listed for as-needed use for each tray. The primary outcome variable was the revenue after expenses per procedure. Descriptive statistics were computed. The net profit or net loss of performing 6 commonly performed outpatient OMS procedures was analyzed by subtracting the cost of performing the procedure from the insurance reimbursement for those procedures. RESULTS: Without the addition of sedation to the procedures, routine extractions had a net loss of $230 to $261, surgical extractions had a net loss of $153 to $242, and incision and drainage procedures had a net loss of $212 to $311. Furthermore, preprosthetic procedures had a net loss to net profit of -$269 to +$140, and pathologic procedures had a net loss to net profit of -$269 to +$326. Only implant procedures yielded a net profit of $847. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study have demonstrated that not all routine OMS procedures are profitable when performed alone without the inclusion of additional procedures or sedation.

Modified Temporomandibular Joint Disc Repositioning With Mini-screw Anchor: Part II-Stability Evaluation by Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the stability of disc position and condylar status by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc repositioning surgery with a mini-screw anchor technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients diagnosed with anterior disc displacement (ADD) and operated on for disc repositioning from 2010 through 2016 were included in the study. MRI scans within 1 week after operation (T1) and during at least 1-year follow-up were used to evaluate changes in disc position and condylar bone. During follow-up, ADD without reduction was considered relapse and the bone status was classified as regeneration or degeneration. RESULTS: One hundred seven patients with 149 joints were included in the study. Postoperative MRI scans (T1) showed that all discs were repositioned. During an average 23.40-month follow-up (range, 12 to 84 months), 95.3% of discs (142 of 149) were still in position, whereas 4.7% of discs (7 of 149) had relapsed anteriorly. New condylar bone formation was observed in 74.50% of joints (111 of 149), no bone change was observed in 23.49% of joints (35 of 149), and bone resorption was observed in 2.01% of joints (3 of 149). CONCLUSIONS: TMJ disc repositioning by a mini-screw anchor provides stability for treatment of ADD. Disc repositioning also can stimulate condylar bone regeneration.

A Comparison of Clinical Follow-Up of Different Total Temporomandibular Joint Replacement Prostheses: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: There are different total temporomandibular joint (TMJ) prostheses on the market but no comparison of their efficacy. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness of different TMJ replacement (TJR) systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed using the PubMed, Embase, Medline, and Cochrane Library search engines in May 2017 to identify qualified studies. Outcome measurements were changes in maximal incisal opening (MIO), pain, dietary limitations, and functional deficiencies from before to after TJR. Analyses of heterogeneity, sensitivity, and publication bias were performed. A fixed-effects model was used for the meta-analysis of pooled weighted mean differences in pre- versus postoperative MIO, pain, diet, and function. RESULTS: Twenty studies with 1,262 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Comparison of the TJR systems showed no real difference for pre- versus postoperative MIO, pain, diet, and function. MIO and functional efficiency decreased gradually over time, but effective pain relief and improvements in dietary limitations were stable with no relevant differences during follow-up. Comparison of the custom and stock devices showed similar results for pre- and postoperative MIO, pain, function, and diet. CONCLUSION: This analysis showed no relevant difference in treatment outcomes among the TJR systems.

Temporomandibular Joint Disc Repositioning by Suturing Through Open Incision: A Technical Note.

It is technically difficult to arthroscopically reposition and suture the temporomandibular joint disc to the auricular cartilage. This article introduces a straightforward method to reposition the disc and suture it to the auricular cartilage through a small incision.

Clinical and Radiologic Follow-Up of Zimmer Biomet Stock Total Temporomandibular Joint Replacement After Surgical Modifications.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiologic results of Zimmer Biomet stock prostheses (Jacksonville, FL) in temporomandibular joint replacement after surgical modifications during at least 1 year of follow-up. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We recruited patients treated by Zimmer Biomet stock prostheses after technical modifications, including digital templates, autogenous ipsilateral bone grafting from the mandible to the fossa, salvaging of the disc remnant and suturing it to the medial aspect of the prosthesis, and fat grafts from a retromandibular incision, between 2010 and 2016. Clinical examination findings including maximal incisal opening; visual analog scale scores for pain, diet, and mandibular movement; and quality of life were compared before the operation and at least 1 year postoperatively. The status of the fossa bone graft was evaluated by computed tomography examination. RESULTS: The study comprised 38 joints in 33 patients with diagnoses including osteoarthritis, ankylosis, and neoplasm. Compared with before the operation, maximal incisal opening and visual analog scale scores for diet, function, and pain level, as well as the quality-of-life survey score, were considerably improved during the last follow-up. Computed tomography scans showed all bone grafts were completely healed within the fossa 1 year after surgery. There was no ectopic bone formation, screw loosening, or component displacement or breakage. CONCLUSIONS: Our surgical modifications of Zimmer Biomet stock prostheses showed good results for at least 1 year of follow-up.

Does Orthognathic Surgery Cause or Cure Temporomandibular Disorders? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: There is still controversy about whether orthognathic surgery negatively or positively affects temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). The purpose of this study was to determine whether orthognathic surgery has a beneficial or deleterious effect on pre-existing TMDs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We searched 3 major databases to locate all pertinent articles published from 1980 to March 2016. All subjects in the various studies were stratified a priori into 9 categories based on subdiagnoses of TMDs. The predictor variables were those patients with pre-existing TMDs who underwent orthognathic surgery in various subgroups. The outcome variables were maximal mouth opening and signs and symptoms of a TMD before and after orthognathic surgery based on the type of osteotomy. The meta-analysis was performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (Biostat, Englewood, NJ). RESULTS: A total of 5,029 patients enrolled in 29 studies were included in this meta-analysis. There was a significant reduction in TMDs in patients with a retrognathic mandible after bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) (P = .014), but no significant difference after bimaxillary surgery (BSSO and Le Fort I osteotomy) (P = .336). There was a significant difference in patients with prognathism after isolated BSSO or intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy and after combined BSSO and Le Fort I osteotomy (P = .001), but no significant difference after BSSO (P = .424) or bimaxillary surgery (intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy and Le Fort I osteotomy) (P = .728). CONCLUSIONS: Orthognathic surgery caused a decrease in TMD symptoms for many patients who had symptoms before surgery, but it created symptoms in a smaller group of patients who were asymptomatic before surgery. The presence of presurgical TMD symptoms or the type of jaw deformity did not identify which patients' TMDs would improve, remain the same, or worsen after surgery.

Tooth-Size Discrepancies in Patients Requiring Mandibular Advancement Surgery.

PURPOSE: Numerous studies have shown that tooth size is an important key to ideal occlusion. Bolton (Angle Orthod 28:13, 1958; 48:504, 1962) described a constant ratio between the widths of the upper and lower teeth that must be present to achieve an optimal occlusion. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of Bolton discrepancies in patients with Class II malocclusion scheduled for mandibular advancement surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included 126 patients (40 male, 86 female) with Class II malocclusion who had at least a mandibular advancement as part of their surgical treatment. The mesiodistal widths of the 6 anterior maxillary and mandibular teeth were measured on preoperative models using a caliper. The measurements were used to compute the anterior Bolton ratio. RESULTS: Seventy-three of 126 patients (57.9%) were found to have an anterior Bolton ratio greater than the Bolton norm, indicating too much lower tooth mass compared with the upper mass or too little upper tooth mass compared with the lower mass. CONCLUSION: Tooth-size discrepancies are common in patients requiring mandibular advancement surgery. This can make it difficult to advance the mandible into a solid Class I relation at the time of surgery. Bolton discrepancies should be considered when planning treatment with presurgical orthodontics. In addition, if necessary, the width of the lower incisors should be decreased or a space distal to the maxillary lateral incisors should be created to allow the establishment of a solid Class I canine occlusion at the time of surgery.

Does the Excision of Overlying Oral Mucosa Reduce the Recurrence Rate in the Treatment of the Keratocystic Odontogenic Tumor? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify whether there is scientific evidence to support excision of the overlying mucosa (EOM) in conjunction with cyst enucleation to decrease the recurrence rate (RR) of keratocystic odontogenic tumors (KOTs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review with meta-analysis conforming to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was performed. A comprehensive search of 3 major databases through PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL was conducted to identify all relevant articles published without date or language restrictions from inception to December 2015. Eligible articles were selected based on the following inclusion criteria: randomized, prospective, or retrospective studies comparing enucleation with EOM to enucleation without EOM for patients with KOTs. The predictor variable was treatment group (enucleation with EOM vs enucleation without EOM). The outcome variables were RR of KOTs, presence of epithelial islands and microcysts in the excised overlying mucosa, and correlation between recurrent cortically perforated KOTs. A weighted RR and odds ratio (OR; using a random- or fixed-effect model) and the Mantel-Haenszel test with 95% confidence interval (CI) were performed using comprehensive meta-analysis software. RESULTS: Eleven studies were included in this review. There was no significant difference between enucleation with and without EOM (random; OR = 3.259; 95%, 0.975-10.901, P = 0.055). The weighted event rates for enucleation with Carnoy's solution plus EOM and enucleation without EOM in cortically perforated lesions were 6.2% (random; 95% CI, 2.6-14) and 9.1% (random; 95% CI, 1.6-38.2), respectively. The weighted event rate for the presence of epithelial islands and microcysts in overlying mucosa of KOTs was 68.8% (random; 95% CI, 27.2-92.9). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that enucleation of KOTs plus the use of Carnoy's solution or liquid nitrogen (when indicated) should be combined with EOM to obtain the lowest RR, specifically for retromandibular trigone, posterior maxillary, and cortically perforated lesions. However, the results from this study do not provide sufficient scientific evidence for EOM in combination with enucleation of KOTs.

Domestic impact of tuberculosis screening among new immigrants to Ontario, Canada.

BACKGROUND: All Canadian immigrants undergo screening for tuberculosis (TB) before immigration, and selected immigrants must undergo postimmigration surveillance for the disease. We sought to quantify the domestic health impact of screening for TB in all new immigrants and to identify mechanisms to enhance effectiveness and efficiency of this screening. METHODS: We linked preimmigration medical examination records from 944,375 immigrants who settled in Ontario between 2002 and 2011 to active TB reporting data in Ontario between 2002 and 2011. Using a retrospective cohort study design, we measured birth country-specific rates of active TB detected through preimmigration screening and postimmigration surveillance. We then quantified the proportion of active TB cases among residents of Ontario born abroad that were detected through postimmigration surveillance. Using Cox regression, we identified independent predictors of active TB postimmigration. RESULTS: Immigrants from 6 countries accounted for 87.3% of active TB cases detected through preimmigration screening, and 10 countries accounted for 80.4% of cases detected through postimmigration surveillance. Immigrants from countries with a TB (all-sites) incidence rate of less than 30 cases per 100 000 persons resulted in pre- and postimmigration detection of 2.4 and 0.9 cases per 100 000 immigrants, respectively. Postimmigration surveillance detected 2.6% of active TB cases in Ontario residents born abroad, and TB was detected a median of 18 days earlier in those undergoing surveillance than in those who were not referred to surveillance or who did not comply. Predictors of active TB postimmigration included radiographic markers of old TB, birth country, immigration category, location of application for residency, immune status and age. INTERPRETATION: Universal screening for TB in new immigrants has a modest impact on the domestic burden of active TB and is highly inefficient. Focusing preimmigration screening in countries with high incidence rates and revising criteria for postimmigration surveillance could increase the effectiveness and efficiency of screening.

Quantifying the severity of hurricanes on extinction probabilities of a primate population: Insights into "Island" extirpations.

Long-term studies quantifying impacts of hurricane activity on growth and trajectory of primate populations are rare. Using a 14-year monitored population of Alouatta palliata mexicana as a study system, we developed a modeling framework to assess the relative contribution of hurricane disturbance and two types of human impacts, habitat loss, and hunting, on quasi-extinction risk. We found that the scenario with the highest level of disturbance generated a 21% increase in quasi-extinction risk by 40 years compared to scenarios of intermediate disturbance, and around 67% increase relative to that found in low disturbance scenarios. We also found that the probability of reaching quasi-extinction due to human disturbance alone was below 1% by 40 years, although such scenarios reduced population size by 70%, whereas the risk of quasi-extinction ranged between 3% and 65% for different scenarios of hurricane severity alone, in absence of human impacts. Our analysis moreover found that the quasi-extinction risk driven by hunting and hurricane disturbance was significantly lower than the quasi-extinction risk posed by human-driven habitat loss and hurricane disturbance. These models suggest that hurricane disturbance has the potential to exceed the risk posed by human impacts, and, in particular, to substantially increase the speed of the extinction vortex driven by habitat loss relative to that driven by hunting. Early mitigation of habitat loss constituted the best method for reducing quasi-extinction risk: the earlier habitat loss is halted, the less vulnerable the population becomes to hurricane disturbance. By using a well-studied population of A. p. mexicana, we help understand the demographic impacts that extreme environmental disturbance can trigger on isolated populations of taxa already endangered in other systems where long-term demographic data are not available. For those experiencing heavy anthropogenic pressure and lacking sufficiently evolved coping strategies against unpredictable environmental disturbance, the risk of population extinction can be exacerbated.

Bilateral Sagittal Split Ramus Osteotomy Versus Distraction Osteogenesis for Advancement of the Retrognathic Mandible.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to identify significant differences in skeletal stability and neurosensory disturbance (NSD) of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) between bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (BSSO) and distraction osteogenesis (DO) for mandibular advancement surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a systematic and electronic search of several databases using specific keywords, a reference search, and a manual search through November 2014. The inclusion criteria were clinical human studies, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), controlled clinical trials (CCTs), and retrospective studies, with the aim of comparing BSSO and DO (predictor variables) after mandibular advancement surgery with regard to skeletal stability and NSD of the IAN (outcome variables). Both linear and angular measurements of the horizontal and vertical positions of the mandible were analyzed. For binary outcomes, we calculated a standard estimation of the risk ratio using the random-effects model if heterogeneity was detected; otherwise, a fixed effects model, with a 95% confidence interval (CI), was used. Weighted mean differences or standard mean differences were used to construct forest plots of continuous data. In addition, the number needed to treat, with the 95% CIs, was calculated for NSD of the IAN. RESULTS: Our initial PubMed search identified 215 studies, of which 9 met our inclusion criteria-3 RCTs, 1 CCT, and 5 retrospective studies. No statistically significant difference was found between the 2 groups regarding skeletal stability in either the vertical (P = .34) or horizontal (P = .88) direction. A statistically significant difference was found between BSSO and DO with regard to NSD of IAN function (P = .004). CONCLUSION: The results of the present meta-analysis have shown that DO significantly reduced the incidence of NSD of the IAN after lengthening of the retrognathic mandible compared with the BBSO.

Biodegradable and Titanium Osteosynthesis Provide Similar Stability for Orthognathic Surgery.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that there is no difference in skeletal stability and material-related complications for titanium or biodegradable fixation when used for various orthognathic surgeries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic and electronic search of several databases with specific keywords, a reference search, and a manual search through September 2014 was performed. The inclusion criteria were clinical human studies, including randomized controlled trials, controlled clinical trials, and retrospective studies, with the aim of comparing titanium and biodegradable osteosynthesis after various orthognathic surgeries. The outcome variables of horizontal and vertical relapse using cephalometrics and material usability were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The initial PubMed search identified 557 studies, 22 of which met the inclusion criteria (8 randomized controlled trials, 10 controlled clinical trials, and 4 retrospective studies). No statistical difference was found between the 2 groups regarding skeletal stability after various orthognathic surgeries. There was no statistical difference with regard to wound problems, plate and screw removal, and palpability between biodegradable and titanium osteosynthesis, but there was a statistical difference with regard to intraoperative fracture of plates and screws in the biodegradable group. CONCLUSION: The results of this meta-analysis support the hypothesis that biodegradable fixation devices offer similar skeletal stability as titanium fixation for orthognathic surgery. The results of this study also show that titanium fixation produced fewer broken screws during surgery compared with biodegradable screws.

Local versus general anesthesia for the management of nasal bone fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to answer the following question: in patients with nasal bone fractures (NBFs), does closed reduction under local anesthesia (LA) produce comparable outcomes as closed reduction under general anesthesia (GA)? MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review with meta-analysis and a comprehensive electronic search without date and language restrictions was performed in August 2014. The inclusion criteria were studies in humans, including randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials (RCTs), controlled clinical trials (CCTs), and retrospective studies whose aim was comparing clinical outcomes between LA and GA for closed reduction of NBFs. RESULTS: Eight publications were included: 3 RCTs, 2 CCTs, and 3 retrospective studies. Three studies showed a low risk of bias, and 5 studies showed a moderate risk of bias. There was no statistical difference between LA and GA for closed reduction of NBFs with regard to patient satisfaction with anesthesia, patient satisfaction with function of the nose, need for subsequent retreatment (septoplasty, septorhinoplasty, or rhinoplasty with refracture), and a patient's chosen treatment for a refracture of the nose. There was a statistical difference between LA and GA for closed reduction of NBFs with regard to patient satisfaction with the appearance of the nose. CONCLUSION: Regardless of the cost and risks associated with GA, the results of the meta-analysis showed that GA provides better patient satisfaction with anesthesia, appearance and function of the nose, and preference of treatment for a refracture of the nose. In addition, the meta-analysis showed that GA decreased the number of subsequent corrective surgeries (septoplasty, septorhinoplasty, and rhinoplasty) required.