Unilateral absence of mandibular condyle in a Bronze Age male skeleton from Portugal.

In 2009, a pit burial dated to the Bronze Age was excavated in Monte do Gato de Cima 3 (Portugal). The purpose of this paper is to describe the pathological absence of the left mandibular condyle noted in an adult male skeleton and to discuss possible diagnoses, including subcondylar fracture, cystic defect, congenital absence, condylar aplasia and mandibular condylysis. The most likely explanation for the pathological alteration is subcondylar fracture with non-union. Although the occurrence of non-union and slight osteoarthritic alterations in the left glenoid fossa were evident, this mandible was likely functional, as can be inferred from dental wear and muscle attachment sites. This trauma probably occurred before adult age when remodelling capacity is still high. Thus, bones and muscles adequately compensated for the trauma and only minor asymmetry developed. Consequently, this injury seems not to have greatly influenced masticatory functions. This is in accordance with clinical data, which demonstrate that, in growing patients, conservative treatment (non-surgical) results in good remodelling and patient recovery. In addition, in the few paleopathological cases published, the healing capacity of these types of mandibular fractures seems to be good, as can be inferred by evidence from the bone.

An Alternative Method of Intermaxillary Fixation for Simple Pediatric Mandible Fractures.

PURPOSE: Mandibular fractures represent a substantial portion of facial fractures in the pediatric population. Pediatric mandibles differ from their adult counterparts in the presence of mixed dentition. Avoidance of injury to developing tooth follicles is critical. Simple mandibular fractures can be treated with intermaxillary fixation (IMF) using arch bars or bone screws. This report describes an alternative to these methods using silk sutures and an algorithm to assist in treating simple mandibular fractures in the pediatric population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed and the records of 1 surgeon were examined. Pediatric patients who underwent treatment for a mandibular fracture in the operating room from 2011 to 2015 were identified using Common Procedural Terminology codes. Data collected included age, gender, type of fracture, type of treatment used, duration of fixation, and presence of complications. RESULTS: Five patients with a mean age of 6.8 years at presentation were identified. Fracture types were unilateral fractures of the condylar neck (n = 3), bilateral fractures of the condylar head (n = 1), and a unilateral fracture of the condylar head with an associated parasymphyseal fracture (n = 1). IMF was performed in 4 patients using silk sutures, and bone screw fixation was performed in the other patient. No post-treatment complications or malocclusion were reported. Average duration of IMF was 18.5 days. CONCLUSIONS: An algorithm is presented to assist in the treatment of pediatric mandibular fractures. Silk suture fixation is a viable and safe alternative to arch bars or bone screws for routine mandibular fractures.

Long-term results of ORIF of condylar head fractures of the mandible: A prospective 5-year follow-up study of small-fragment positional-screw osteosynthesis (SFPSO).

BACKGROUND: Optimum treatment of condylar head fractures (CHF) remains subject to controversy. There are currently a variety of alternative techniques applied, data in literature are often inconsistent and especially systematic long-term data on results after treatment by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) have so far not been available. This study in hand is the first long-term prospective study of ORIF after CHF based on osteosynthesis with 1.7 mm small-fragment positional screws (SFPSO)via a retroauricular transmeatal approach (RA). METHODS: The study made use of radiologic, anatomic and objective functional parameters (axiography and MRI) to assess vertical height, disk mobility, protrusive and translatory movement as well as potential physical complaints. Included were surgical long-term sequelae after RA, such as incidence of stenosis of the auditory canal, the facial nerve and resulting disturbance of facial skin sensitivity. Retroauricular scars were evaluated according to the Vancouver Scar Scale. Helkimo and RDC/TMD indices were applied for patient's self-assessment of quality of life aspects after ORIF via RA. The sample in the first follow-up trial (FFT) in the years 2003-2004 comprised 26 patients (36 CHF). 22 patients (31 CHF) were re-evaluated in a second follow-up trial (SFT) between 2006 and 2008. A reference collective (43 patients, 56 CHF) treated with ORIF from 1993 to 2000 mainly by mini- or microplates (MMP) served as a surgical control group. RESULTS: Five years after ORIF all fractured condyles (FC) continued to show stable anatomic restoration of the pre-trauma vertical height. FC treated with SFPSO exhibited a significantly superior range of motion (p < 0.05) of disk and condyle during mouth opening and protrusion compared to a previous MMP reference collective. Also, no difference was found between condylar mobility of FC five years after surgery and non-fractured condyles (NFC). SFPSO had thus successfully achieved a sustainable, stable physiological restoration of protrusive mobility of the articular disk and condyle. Remarkably, these long-term results were even slightly better in SFT vs. FFT (p < 0.05). Except for sporadically occurring minor complaints, the patients' subjective overall long-term perception of the success of the treatment was equally positive to the surgeons' objective assessment. CONCLUSIONS: This first long-term prospective follow-up study, based on objective assessment tools, demonstrates that in all cases the major goals of ORIF in CHF could be fully achieved. These goals are: restoration of vertical height viz. prevention of occlusal disorders, physiological function of disk and condyle as well as of the lateral pterygoid muscle. Accordingly, ORIF of CHF e.g. with SFPSO and via the RA secures both a long-term functionally and anatomically stable result and as best as possible pain-free result for the patient, a central prerequisite of optimum perceived HRQoL. The paper has been amended by an extensive review part that covers the current knowledge of the major surgical aspects regarding the treatment of condylar head fractures.

Comparison of intermaxillary fixation screw versus eyelet interdental wiring for intermaxillary fixation in minimally displaced mandibular fracture: a randomized clinical study.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present randomized study was to evaluate the efficacy of intermaxillary fixation screw (IMFS) versus eyelet interdental wiring for intermaxillary fixation (IMF) in minimally displaced mandibular fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 50 patients with a minimally displaced mandibular fracture were enrolled, with 25 patients randomly selected for each group. In group I (study group, n = 25), the patients were treated using IMFS, and in group II (control group, n = 25), they received eyelet interdental wiring. Both techniques were assessed for the following parameters: time required for placement and removal of each type of IMF technique, time required for placement of IMF wires, postoperative occlusion, stability of the IMF wire, local anesthesia requirement during removal of each fixation type, oral hygiene status, glove perforation rate, and complications associated with both techniques. The collected data were analyzed using Student's unpaired t test or χ2 test. P < .05 was considered significant and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software, version 10, was used for analysis. RESULTS: The average time required for placement in groups I and II was 17.56 and 35.08 minutes, respectively (P = .000). The time required for placement of the IMF wire in group I was 2.1 minutes and in group II was 6 minutes. The oral hygiene status was assessed, and the mean plaque index score for groups I and II was 1.44 and 2.12, respectively (P = .00). The glove perforation rate was much less in group I than in group II. Finally, the most common complication in both groups was mucosal growth. CONCLUSIONS: The results established the supremacy of IMFS compared with eyelet interdental wiring. Thus, we have concluded that IMFS, in the present scenario, is a safe and time-saving technique. IMFS is a cost-effective, straightforward, and viable alternative to cumbersome eyelet interdental and other wiring techniques for providing IMF, with satisfactory occlusion during closed reduction or intraoperative open reduction internal fixation of fractures. In addition, oral hygiene can be maintained, and the glove perforation rate was very low using IMFS. The relatively small sample size and limited follow-up period were the study limitations.

Nimodipine promotes regeneration of peripheral facial nerve function after traumatic injury following maxillofacial surgery: an off label pilot-study.

BACKGROUND: Animal tests, retro- and prospective clinical trials in neurosurgical departments have shown a beneficial effect of nimodipine on the preservation and recovery of facial and acoustic nerve function following vestibular schwannoma surgery. Encouraged by these positive results a pilot-study of nimodipine treatment in patients with a peripheral facial nerve (FN) paresis following maxillofacial surgery was performed. The rate and time of FN recovery were analysed and compared with the results in the literature. METHODS: Thirteen patients (n = 13) suffering from a moderate (1/13) up to a severe (12/13) peripheral FN paresis after maxillofacial surgery were treated with orally administered nimodipine. The anatomical main course of the FN was preserved in all patients with a 2nd to 3rd degree of Sunderland-injury (Sunderland, 1951). After no evidence of a spontaneous regeneration had shown, oral medication with nimodipine was started as an "off-label" use. RESULTS: An improvement of the FN function correlated to the start of the vasoactive medication and as a consequence a recovery of the FN function up to House-Brackmann (HB) grade I°-II° was observed in all the patients within a period of 2 months after the beginning of treatment (p = 0.00027). CONCLUSIONS: The clinical observations in these patients suggest a positive effect of nimodipine on the acceleration of peripheral FN regeneration after surgically caused trauma. The results of this pilot-study are very promising. A prospective study with a larger number of patients is planned to approve the beneficial effect of nimodipine on the peripheral FN in maxillofacial or otorhinolaryngological surgery.

Complaints related to mandibular function impairment after closed treatment of fractures of the mandibular condyle.

This study analysed the relationship between complaints and mandibular function after closed treatment of fractures of the mandibular condyle in a prospective study. In a 1-year follow-up, complaints were assessed during physical examination and function was assessed using the mandibular function impairment questionnaire (MFIQ), scoring range 0-68. Data from 114 patients (41 women, 73 men), mean age 28.1 years (SD 13.3), were available. On average the MFIQ scores were low 3.4 (SD 7.3). Ten patients (9%) experienced pain and 45 (39%) patients had a MFIQ score > 0. Mean mouth opening was 51.9 mm (SD 8.4). Occlusion was perceived as moderate or poor by 24% of the patients. In the logistic regression analysis mandibular function impairment (MFIQ score > 0) was entered as a dependent variable. Risk factors for mandibular function impairment were: pain, perceived occlusion (moderate or poor), absolute difference between left and right horizontal movements and age. A protective factor was mouth opening. The results of this study show that complaints (i.e. pain, perceived occlusion, reduced mouth opening, difference between left and right lateral movements and increased age) are predictors of mandibular function impairment after closed treatment of fractures of the mandibular condyle.

Clinical effectiveness of acupuncture for mandibular subluxation and dislocation.

Dislocation or subluxation of mandible could occur suddenly without Patient's awareness of its forthcoming. Patient may discover suddenly during yawning, laughing, or when the mouth is wide open that he or she could not close the jaw. It may cause serve anxiety and apprehension, that may put the patient in such a nervous state that may worsen the condition, and also may spastically tense the muscles associated with dislocation. We treated 37 patients in the past and found that, although five patients could be manipulated to have their dislocated jaw reduced to the normal state, we found that a majority of the cases could not be manipulated without supplementing with other adjunctive methods such as acupuncture at the pertinent acupoints, or injections of local anesthetic around the temporomandibular joint area. Twenty-seven patients were successful to have the dislocation or subluxation reduced, five patients required local anesthetic for reduction and 1 patient had to have the reduction done in the operating room under deep sedation. We found acupuncture is valuable in reducing the mandibular subluxation and dislocation. Three acupoints in calming down the patients were a valuable aid during treatment. LI 4 which is known to reduce pain in head and neck region could increase pain threshold and decrease anxiety associated with discomfort encountered during reduction treatment. Additional acupoints such as P 6 (Neikuan), Ext 1 (Yintang), and H 7 (Shenmen) are valuable for the patients who are tense and nervous. Those acupoints are also could be utilizied as additional aid to ease the spasm of the muscles associated with subluxation and dislocation. Post-operative care includes stabilization at the head and neck region.

Treatment of mandibular condylar process fractures: biological considerations.

The topic of condylar injury in adults has generated more discussion and controversy than any other in the field of maxillofacial trauma. It is an important subject because such injuries are common and complications of trauma to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are far-reaching in their effects. Why are there so many different methods to treat this injury? How can seemingly disparate treatment options all produce satisfactory outcomes in the majority of patients? The reason lies with the biological adaptations that occur within the masticatory system that are poorly understood, not readily quantifiable, and variable from one person to the next. This discussion presents our current understanding of the adaptations that must occur to provide the patient with a satisfactory outcome. The adaptations for patients treated open are different than for those treated closed. However, it is when these adaptations fail to occur that unsatisfactory outcomes occur, regardless of how they were treated.

Orthodontic-surgical treatment after posttraumatic bilateral condylectomy of the mandible in an adult patient.

A posttraumatic open bite associated with a bird face is reported. Condylectomy was indicated in relation to the plurifragmentary fracture of the condyles with limitation of mandibular movement. Condylectomies were mandatory as a result of delayed maxillofacial surgical treatment, which was related to the poor general condition of the patient after trauma. Functional disorder recovery and aesthetic deformity correction were planned by a team approach between orthodontists and maxillofacial surgeons with the support of a logopedist for the postural-related muscle problems. The main practical and theoretical problems presented by the clinical case were a result of the need to restore the occlusal relations and to avoid recurrence of open bite in this patient. The patient presented a wide alteration of muscular function and a strength fibrotic retraction with alteration in the relationship between upper and lower jaws and retrusion of the mandible associated to open bite. Orthodontic treatment was carried with no impact on the upper and lower axis, avoiding orthodontic correction of the open bite. Surgery corrected both the open bite and the bird face by means of bilateral sagittal split osteotomies. Wiring of the mandibular osteotomies and intermaxillary fixation allowed positioning of the mandibular ramus bilaterally because of the fibrosis and muscular action-related forces without resulting in a similar rotation of the mandible with the risk of recurrence. Myotherapy and logopedic support minimized the risk of recurrence, improved reduction of muscular tension with the resolution of the lip incompetence, and allowed functional recovery of mandibular movements.

An assessment of maxillofacial fractures: a 5-year study of 237 patients.

PURPOSE: This descriptive analytical study assesses the cause, type, incidence, demographic, and treatment data of maxillofacial fractures managed at our medical center during a 5-year period and compares them with the existing body of literature on the subject. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 5-year retrospective clinical and epidemiologic study evaluated 237 patients treated for maxillofacial fractures from 1996 to 2001 at one medical center. There were 211 male patients (89%) and 26 (11%) female patients. The patients ranged in age from 3 to 73 years, with 59.0% (140 patients) in the 20- to 29-year age group. A number of parameters, including age, gender, cause of injury, site of injury, type of injury, treatment modalities, and complications, were evaluated. All maxillofacial injuries were assessed and treated by a single oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Other concomitant bodily injuries were treated by appropriate consultant specialists. RESULTS: There were 173 (72.9%) mandibular, 33 (13.9%) maxillary, 32 (13.5%) zygomatic, 57 (24.0%) zygomatico-orbital, 5 (2.1%) cranial, 5 (2.1%) nasal, and 4 (1.6%) frontal injuries. Car accidents caused 73 (30.8%), motorcycle accidents caused 55 (23.2%), altercations 23 (9.7%), sports 15 (6.3%), and warfare caused 23 (9.7%) of the maxillofacial injuries. Regarding distribution of mandibular fractures, 32% were seen in the condylar region, 29.3% in the symphyseal-parasymphyseal region, 20% in the angle region, 12.5% in the body, 3.1% in the ramus, 1.9% in the dentoalveolar, and 1.2% in the coronoid region. The distribution of maxillary fractures was Le Fort II in 18 (54.6%), Le Fort I in 8 (24.2%), Le Fort III in 4 (12.1%), and alveolar in 3 (9.1%). Of the 173 mandibular fractures, 56.9% were treated by closed reduction, 39.8% by open reduction, and 3.5% by observation only. Of 33 maxillary fractures, 54.6% were treated using closed reduction, 40.9% using open reduction, and 4.5% with observation only. Approximately 52.1% of the patients were treated under general anesthesia, and 47.9% were treated under local anesthesia and sedation. Postsurgical complications were recorded in 5% of patients. These complications included infection, asymmetry, and malocclusion. Overall mortality in this series was 0.84% (2 patients); mortality was caused by pulmonary infection. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study, compared with similar studies reported in the literature, support the view that the causes and incidence of maxillofacial injuries vary from 1 country to another.

TMJ fractures in children: importance of functional activation of muscles in preventing mandibular asymmetries and facial maldevelopment.

Normal development of the mandible as well as some portions of the upper jaw and face are related to good function of the masticatory apparatus: the integrity and interaction of bony and soft-tissue structures may be highly disturbed by injury of the TM joints and result in facial and occlusal disharmonies. When the neuromuscular system is in harmony, the mandibular muscles collectively exert their effect on both position and movement of the jaw and the loading of forces on the TM joints is optimal and balanced. Unfortunately, TMJ fractures may alter completely this balance with loss of the support to the mandible against the temporal component and loss of the functional effect of the lateral pterygoid muscle on the mandible. Disturbances in the harmonious interplay of the masticatory muscles may result in facial alteration and asymmetries. If not treated, the dysplastic patterns of growth continues and worsens during the years.