POLICY OF FOURTEEN MAXILLOFACIAL DIVISIONS TOWARDS TITANIUM PLATES REMOVAL AFTER INTERNAL FIXATION OF PAEDIATRIC MAXILLOFACIAL FRACTURES: A WORLD ORAL MAXILLOFACIAL TRAUMA (WORMAT) PROJECT.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this 11-year retrospective multicentric study is to evaluate the policy of 14 maxillofacial surgery divisions in terms of titanium plate removal from paediatric populations who had undergone open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) to treat maxillofacial fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients ≤ 16 years undergoing surgical treatment for fractures of middle and lower third of the face between January 2011 and December 2022, with a minimum follow-up of 6 months, were included. Age (group A: ≤ 6 years, B: 7-12 years, C: 13-16 years), sex, fracture location and type, surgical approach, number, and location of positioned and removed plates, timing and indications for removal were recorded. RESULTS: 191/383 (50%) patients (median age, 10 years; M:F ratio 2.1:1) underwent removal of 319/708 (45%) plates. Maxillary dentoalveolar process (91%), angle/ramus (63%) and mandibular body (61%) had a significantly higher removal rate than other fracture sites (p<0.001). A significant decreasing trend in removal with increasing age was observed, from 83% in Group A to 24% in Group C (p<0.001). On the total of positioned plates, 11% were removed for symptomatic reasons (5% infections, 6% discomfort/pain) and 34% for other reasons (28% scheduled removal). DISCUSSION: This multicentric study showed that plate removal was not performed routinely in the paediatric population. The incidence and causes of symptomatic plates removal are consistent with the literature, while the plate removal rate from asymptomatic patients was lower. A correlation was found between increasing age and a reduction in the frequency of plate removal procedures.

Open reduction and internal fixation of paediatric maxillozygomatic complex fractures: An 11-year multicentric retrospective study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Paediatric maxillozygomatic complex (MZC) fractures are uncommon, and there is a scarcity of data regarding their surgical treatment. The aim of this study was to analyse choices and outcomes of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for MZC fractures among 14 maxillofacial centers around the world. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This multicentric retrospective observational study included patients ≤16 years of age with quadripod MZC fractures treated with ORIF from January 2011 and December 2022. The following data were collected: age, gender, dentition stage (deciduous, mixed, and permanent), cause of injury, type of fracture, surgical approach, site of osteosynthesis (infraorbital rim, zygomaticomaxillary buttress, frontozygomatic, and zygomaticotemporal sutures), material (titanium or resorbable) and number of plates used, and outcome. The minimum follow-up was 6 months. Statistical analyses were performed with Fisher's exact test or chi-squared test, as appropriate. RESULTS: Sixty-four patients (mean age, 12.3 years) with quadripod MZC fractures were included. Seventy-two percent of patients received a single-point fixation. The zygomaticomaxillary buttress was the most common site for fixation, both in single-point and two-point fixation schemes, especially in combination with the frontozygomatic suture. Increasing age was associated with a higher rate of plate removal (p < .001). Postoperative complications included 5 (7.8%) cases of wound infections, 2 (3.1%) infraorbital paraesthesia, 1 (1.6%) ectropion. Residual facial asymmetry was found in 5 (7.8%) patients and was not associated with the type of fixation (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the possibility of using ORIF, even with a single point of fixation, for the treatment of displaced quadripod MZC fractures in the paediatric population. The zygomaticomaxillary buttress was the preferred site of fixation and allowed for adequate stabilization with no external scars and a low risk of tooth damage. Future prospective studies with long-term follow-up are needed to establish definitive surgical protocols and clarify the surgical decision-making.

Current Strategies for Treatment of Mandibular Fractures With Plate Osteosynthesis: A European Prospective Study.

PURPOSE: The training and preferences of surgeons influence the type of surgical treatment for mandibular fractures. This multicentre prospective study analyzed the current treatment strategies and outcomes for mandibular fractures with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective study included patients aged ≥16 years who underwent ORIF for mandibular fractures in 12 European maxillofacial centers. Age, sex, pretrauma dental status, fracture cause, site and type, associated facial fractures, surgical approach, plate number and thickness (≤1.4 or ≥1.5 mm), duration of postoperative maxillomandibular fixation, occlusal and infective complications at 6 weeks and 3 months, and revision surgeries were recorded. RESULTS: Between May 1, 2021 and April 30, 2022, 425 patients (194 single, 182 double, and 49 triple mandibular fractures) underwent ORIF for 1 or more fractures. Rigid osteosynthesis was performed for 74% of fractures and was significantly associated with displaced ( P =0.01) and comminuted ( P =0.03) fractures and with the number of nonsurgically treated fracture sites ( P =0.002). The angle was the only site associated with nonrigid osteosynthesis ( P <0.001). Malocclusions (5.6%) and infective complications (5.4%) were not associated with osteosynthesis type. CONCLUSION: Rigid osteosynthesis was the most frequently performed treatment at all fracture sites, except the mandibular angle, and was significantly associated with displaced and comminuted fractures and the number of nonsurgically treated fracture sites. No significant differences were observed regarding postoperative malocclusion or infections among osteosynthesis types.

Advances in Microvascular Reconstruction of the Orbit and Beyond: Considerations and a Checklist for Decision-Making.

This paper aims to discuss the microvascular reconstruction of the orbit and adjacent regions and to propose a checklist to aid the reconstructive surgeon in this challenging undertaking. The discussion is based on a literature review that includes 32 retrospective case series, 5 case reports published in the last 34 years in PubMed, and 3 textbook chapters. Additionally, it relies on the senior author's expertise, described in a case series, and two case reports published elsewhere. Classifications and treatment algorithms on microvascular orbit reconstruction generally disregard patient-related factors. A more holistic approach can be advantageous: patient-related factors, such as age, comorbidities, prognosis, previous interventions, radiotherapy, and the wish for maximal dental rehabilitation and a prosthetic eye, have the same importance as defect-related considerations and can inform the choice of a reconstructive option. In this manuscript, we examine defect- and patient-related factors and new technologies, provide a checklist, and examine future directions. The checklist is intended as a tool to aid in the decision-making process when reconstructing the orbital region with microvascular flaps.

Inverted gracilis muscle free flap with intraoral vascular anastomoses for facial reanimation in vessel depleted neck: A case report.

The reinnervated gracilis muscle free flap represents a workhorse of facial reanimation. This procedure is carried out secondarily to parotid resections, due to advanced tumors that spread to the surrounding structures. Finding recipient vessels might be problematic if other reconstructive procedures are needed to address the defects. This paper describes a procedure to inset a reinnervated gracilis muscle free flap in a vessel depleted patient, through intraoral anastomoses to avoid venous interposition grafts. A 52-year-old man developed an advanced adenocarcinoma of the deep parotid lobe and underwent radical surgical excision including the mandibular ramus, condyle, and facial soft tissues (defect size: 8 cm × 4 cm). A secondary double-flap reconstruction restored the mandibular defect and inset a cross-face nerve graft. A third intervention finalized the facial reanimation with a 10 cm reinnervated gracilis muscle free flap. The gracilis flap inset was inverted resulting in the proximal flap (pedicle side) lying on the buccal aspect. This allowed vessel joining from the contralateral side via intraoral anastomoses. No complications occurred within and after the intervention. However, the adenocarcinoma relapsed before reinnervation of the gracilis. The patient also had distant brain and lung metastases and received best supportive care. The inverted gracilis muscle free flap may represent an option for attaining facial reanimation in vessel-depleted patients avoiding long interposition venous grafts.

Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaws: A Comparison of SICMF-SIPMO and AAOMS Guidelines.

(1) Background: Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) is an adverse drug reaction characterized by progressive bone disruption and necrosis in the mandibular and/or maxillary bones. It occurs in individuals who have received antiresorptive drugs without prior radiotherapy. Since its first reported cases in the USA in 2003, extensive literature has emerged worldwide, leading to significant advancements in understanding MRONJ's pathogenesis and management. (2) Results: This article aims to compare the current national recommendations provided by the Italian Society of Maxillofacial Surgery (SICMF)/Italian Society of Oral Pathology and Medicine (SIPMO) and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS). (3) Conclusions: Historically, the AAOMS advocated for a more conservative approach compared to the Italian guidelines. However, in their 2022 update, the AAOMS adopted a different perspective based on reported evidence, highlighting the advantages of early surgical treatment. Despite resolving some initial controversies, differences still exist between the two sets of recommendations, particularly regarding diagnosis and staging.

Advances in open reduction and internal fixation of multiple mandibular fractures with condylar involvement.

Multiple mandibular fractures with condylar involvement are challenging to treat. This paper aims to present a series of steps to simplify the treatment and improve the outcomes in open reduction and internal fixation of multiple mandibular fractures with condylar involvement. The authors reviewed the developments in their practice in treating the above injuries. As a result, four new elements were identified: three-dimensional printing, model surgery, Kirschner wires to manipulate the segments in condylar fractures, and a top-to-bottom sequence. The above algorithm has contributed to streamlining the procedure and improving the outcomes of these challenging fractures. For the same operator, reduction and osteosynthesis require approximately 40 min. less than before the adoption of the new protocol. So far, the authors did not encounter suboptimal reductions or situations where the screws were too long and therefore had to be exchanged for shorter ones in revision surgery.

Manual versus rigid intraoperative maxillo-mandibular fixation in the surgical management of mandibular fractures: A European prospective analysis.

PURPOSE: Intraoperative stabilisation of bony fragments with maxillo-mandibular fixation (MMF) is an essential step in the surgical treatment of mandibular fractures that are treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). The MMF can be performed with or without wire-based methods, rigid or manual MMF, respectively. The aim of this study was to compare the use of manual versus rigid MMF, in terms of occlusal outcomes and infective complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This multi-centric prospective study involved 12 European maxillofacial centres and included adult patients (age ≥16 years) with mandibular fractures treated with ORIF. The following data were collected: age, gender, pre-trauma dental status (dentate or partially dentate), cause of injury, fracture site, associated facial fractures, surgical approach, modality of intraoperative MMF (manual or rigid), outcome (minor/major malocclusions and infective complications) and revision surgeries. The main outcome was malocclusion at 6 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: Between May 1, 2021 and April 30, 2022, 319 patients-257 males and 62 females (median age, 28 years)-with mandibular fractures (185 single, 116 double and 18 triple fractures) were hospitalised and treated with ORIF. Intraoperative MMF was performed manually on 112 (35%) patients and with rigid MMF on 207 (65%) patients. The study variables did not differ significantly between the two groups, except for age. Minor occlusion disturbances were observed in 4 (3.6%) patients in the manual MMF group and in 10 (4.8%) patients in the rigid MMF group (p > .05). In the rigid MMF group, only one case of major malocclusion required a revision surgery. Infective complications involved 3.6% and 5.8% of patients in the manual and rigid MMF group, respectively (p > .05). CONCLUSION: Intraoperative MMF was performed manually in nearly one third of the patients, with wide variability among the centres and no difference observed in terms of number, site and displacement of fractures. No significant difference was found in terms of postoperative malocclusion among patients treated with manual or rigid MMF. This suggests that both techniques were equally effective in providing intraoperative MMF.

Sequential chimeric fibula-gracilis flap to salvage a complex orbitomaxillary defect: A case report.

Extended maxillectomies with orbital exenteration and facial soft tissue resection need careful planning to achieve satisfactory functional and esthetic outcomes. Only a few solutions provide enough hard and soft tissue on a single pedicle, and only some reconstructive goals might be achievable with a single flap. This paper describes an original inset of the gracilis muscle free flap, used in a vessels depleted patient to salvage a partially failed multi-flap reconstruction after an extensive maxillectomy. A 55-years old man underwent a surgical intervention for a fibrosarcoma of the right maxilla. Due to the disease extension, the resection included right maxilla and palate, the overlying facial soft tissues (including the paranasal, cheek, and infraorbital regions), and the entire orbital content (orbital exenteration). A double flap reconstruction-a free fibula flap and a deep circumflex iliac artery flap-was carried out primarily. However, an intraoperative complication caused a partial flap loss, resulting in a complex tridimensional defect of the orbit and the oral cavity. Therefore, a 18 cm long gracilis muscle free flap was used to fill the defect and save the remaining bony reconstruction. The muscle was inset behind the transplanted bone to seal both the orbit and the oral cavity. No complications occurred after the salvage surgery, with a stable result at the 6-months follow-up. The designed gracilis muscle free flap proved a reliable option for this salvage surgery. However, it could be helpful also in the primary reconstruction of extended maxillectomies in combination with another composite free flap.

European multicenter prospective analysis of the use of maxillomandibular fixation for mandibular fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation.

INTRODUCTION: The goal of mandibular fracture treatment is to restore static and dynamic occlusal functions. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of these fractures can be associated with an intraoperative and/or postoperative maxillo-mandibular fixation (MMF). The aim of this study was to analyse the use of perioperative MMF and its effects on occlusal outcomes in the management of mandibular fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This multicentric prospective study included adult patients with mandibular fractures treated with ORIF. The following data were collected: age, gender, pre-trauma dental status (dentate, partially dentate), cause of injury, fracture site, associated facial fractures, surgical approach, type of ORIF (rigid, non-rigid or mixed), thickness and number of plates, modality of intraoperative MMF (arch bars, self-tapping and self-drilling screws [STSDSs], manual, other) and duration of postoperative MMF. The primary outcome was malocclusion at 6 weeks and 3 months. Statistical analyses were performed with Fisher's exact test or chi-square test, as appropriate. RESULTS: Between 1 May 2021 and 30 April 2022, 336 patients, 264 males and 72 females (median age, 28 years) with mandibular fractures (194 single, 124 double and 18 triple fractures) were hospitalized. Intraoperative MMF was performed in all patients. Osteosynthesis was rigid in 75% of single fractures, and rigid or mixed in 85% and 100% of double and triple fractures, respectively. Excluding patients who underwent manual reduction, postoperative MMF (median duration, 3 weeks) was performed in 140 (64%) patients, without differences by type or number of fractures (p > 0.05). No significant difference was found in the incidence of malocclusion in patients with postoperative MMF (5%, 95% confidence interval [CI], 2-10%) compared to those without (4%; 95% IC, 1-11%) (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Postoperative MMF was performed in more than half of the patients despite adequate fracture osteosynthesis, with wide variability amongst centers. No evidence of a reduction in the incidence of postoperative malocclusion in patients treated with postoperative MMF was found.

The condylar capping for microvascular temporomandibular joint reconstruction: A preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Defects of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are often difficult to be reconstructed in the correct dimensions and function. This preliminary study aims to describe a novel technique of condylar reconstruction with a microvascular flap in case of deforming arthrosis of the TMJ: condylar capping. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Four patients between 22 and 62 years old-three females and one male-with severe unilateral arthrosis of the TMJ underwent condylar capping. All patients had already had a failed conservative treatment, followed by arthroscopy with lysis and lavage and later open surgery with total or subtotal diskectomy combined with a condylar arthroplasty. Nevertheless, their pain was still at level six or more on a visual analogue scale. Moreover, they could eat only soft food. At this stage, they underwent condylar capping using an osteochondral lateral femoral condyle (LFC) flap. The surgical technique and the postoperative management are described in detail. Crucially the attachment of the lateral pterygoid muscle to the condylar neck was preserved in all cases. The patients were followed up clinically and by CT scan preoperatively, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean height of the reconstructed neo-condyle was 6.0 mm, the mean width 16.2 mm, and the mean sagittal length 9.8 mm. The follow-up period ranged from 14 to 64 months. The procedures were uneventful for all patients, and the donor site morbidity was negligible. Twelve months later, the patients were all pain-free and able to have a regular diet. The TMJ and the knee had a normal range of movement and power. Postoperative imaging demonstrated bone healing and stable and anatomically correct condyle reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the author's experience, the condylar capping with the LFC appears promising for reconstructing the condylar head in cases of severe osteoarthritis. Preserving the attachment of the lateral pterygoid muscle allows a complete restoration of the physiologic range of movement, including protrusion and laterotrusion of the mandible.

A Multicentric Prospective Study on Maxillofacial Trauma Due to Road Traffic Accidents: The World Oral and Maxillofacial Trauma Project.

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this prospective multicenter study was to analyze the epidemiology, patterns, and management of maxillofacial fractures due to road traffic accidents (RTAs) worldwide.Between Monday September 30, 2019 and Sunday October 4, 2020,1066 patients with RTAs related fractures were admitted to 14 maxillofacial surgery departments. The following data were analyzed: age, gender, mechanism of injury, alcohol or drug abuse at the time of trauma, maxillofacial fracture site, facial injury severity scale (FISS) score, associated injuries, day and month of trauma, time of treatment, type of treatment and length of hospital stay. Data were analyzed using bivaried and multivaried statistical analysis.Eight hundred seventy patients were male, and 196 were female. The most common mechanism of injury was motorcycle accidents (48%). More than half of the patients had fractures of the middle third of the maxillofacial skeleton. In total, 59% of the study sample underwent open reduction internal fixation. The median facial injury severity scale (3 points) and the medial hospital stay (3 days) were significantly lower in patients with seatbelts and helmet (P  < 0.001).This first prospective, multicenter epidemiological study shows that motorcycle accidents are the leading cause of RTAs related fractures, mostly in young males. Particularly in Australia and Europe, the incidence of RTAs was significantly lower. Moreover, this study found that the severity of maxillofacial lesions was significantly higher in patients without safety devices, with consequent longer hospital stay demonstrating the efficacy of road safety policies in preventing maxillofacial injury.

World Oral and Maxillofacial Trauma (WORMAT) project: A multicenter prospective analysis of epidemiology and patterns of maxillofacial trauma around the world.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The World Oral Maxillofacial Trauma (WORMAT) project was performed to analyze the causes and characteristics of maxillofacial fractures managed in 14 maxillofacial surgery divisions over a 1-year period. METHODS: The following data were collected: age, sex, cause and mechanism of maxillofacial fracture, alcohol and/or drug abuse at the time of trauma, fracture site, Facial Injury Severity Scale score (FISS), associated injury, day of trauma, timing and type of treatment, and length of hospitalization. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software. RESULTS: Between 30 September 2019 and 4 October 2020, 2,387 patients (1,825 males and 562 females [ratio 3.2:1], 47.6% aged 20-39 years [mean age 37.2 years, median 33.0 years]) were hospitalised. The main cause of maxillofacial fracture was road traffic accidents (RTA), which were statistically associated with male adults as like as assault, sport, and work (p<0,05). Half of the fractures involved the middle third of the face, statistically associated with fall and assault (p<0.05). Trauma in multiple locations was significantly associated with longer hospital stay (p<0.05). The mean length of hospitalization was 3.9 days (95% Confidence Interval 3.7-4.2). CONCLUSIONS: This prospective, multicenter epidemiological study confirmed that young adult males were the ones most commonly affected by maxillofacial fracture. RTAs and assaults are statistically associated with the adult population, while falls are associated with females and older population.

A multicentric, prospective study on oral and maxillofacial trauma in the female population around the world.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Approximately 20% of patients with maxillofacial trauma are women, but few articles have analysed this. The aim of this multicentric, prospective, epidemiological study was to analyse the characteristics of maxillofacial fractures in the female population managed in 14 maxillofacial surgery departments on five continents over a 1-year period. METHODS: The following data were collected: age (0-18, 19-64, or ≥65 years), cause and mechanism of the maxillofacial fracture, alcohol and/or drug abuse at the time of trauma, fracture site, Facial Injury Severity Scale score, associated injury, day of trauma, timing and type of treatment, and length of hospitalization. RESULTS: Between 30 September 2019 and 4 October 2020, 562 of 2387 patients hospitalized with maxillofacial trauma were females (24%; M: F ratio, 3.2:1) aged between 1 and 96 years (median age, 37 years). Most fractures occurred in patients aged 20-39 years. The main causes were falls (43% [median age, 60.5 years]), which were more common in Australian, European and American units (p < .001). They were followed by road traffic accidents (35% [median age, 29.5 years]). Assaults (15% [median age, 31.5 years]) were statistically associated with alcohol and/or drug abuse (p < .001). Of all patients, 39% underwent open reduction and internal fixation, 36% did not receive surgical treatment, and 25% underwent closed reduction. CONCLUSION: Falls were the main cause of maxillofacial injury in the female population in countries with ageing populations, while road traffic accidents were the main cause in African and some Asian centres, especially in patients ≤65 years. Assaults remain a significant cause of trauma, primarily in patients aged 19-64 years, and they are related to alcohol use.

Characteristics and age-related injury patterns of maxillofacial fractures in children and adolescents: A multicentric and prospective study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Paediatric maxillofacial trauma accounts for 15% of all maxillofacial trauma but remains a leading cause of mortality. The aim of this prospective, multicentric epidemiological study was to analyse the characteristics of maxillofacial fractures in paediatric patients managed in 14 maxillofacial surgery departments on five continents over a 1-year period. METHODS: The following data were collected: age (preschool [0-6 years], school age [7-12 years], and adolescent [13-18 years]), cause and mechanism of the maxillofacial fracture, alcohol and/or drug abuse at the time of trauma, fracture site, Facial Injury Severity Scale score, associated injuries, day of the maxillofacial trauma, timing and type of treatment, and length of hospitalization. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software. RESULTS: Between 30 September 2019 and 4 October 2020, 322 patients (male:female ratio, 2.3:1) aged 0-18 years (median age, 15 years) were hospitalized with maxillofacial trauma. The most frequent causes of the trauma were road traffic accidents (36%; median age, 15 years), followed by falls (24%; median age, 8 years) and sports (21%; median age, 14 years). Alcohol and/or drug abuse was significantly associated with males (p < .001) and older age (p < .001). Overall, 474 fractures were observed (1.47 per capita). The most affected site was the mandibular condyle in children <13 years old and the nose in adolescents. The proportion of patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation increased with age (p < .001). CONCLUSION: The main cause of paediatric maxillofacial fractures was road traffic accidents, with the highest rates seen in African and Asian centres, and the frequency of such fractures increased with age. Falls showed an inverse association with age and were the leading cause of trauma in children 0-6 years of age. The choice of treatment varies with age, reflecting anatomical and etiological changes towards patterns more similar to those seen in adulthood.

A multicentric prospective analysis of maxillofacial trauma in the elderly population.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The growth of the global elderly population will lead to an increase in traumatic injuries in this group, including those affecting the maxillofacial area, with a heavier load on health systems. The aim of this multicentric prospective study was to understand and evaluate the incidences, causes and patterns of oral and maxillofacial injuries in patients aged over 60 years admitted to 14 maxillofacial surgical departments around the world. METHODS: The following data were collected: gender, cause and mechanism of maxillofacial fracture, alcohol and drug abuse at the time of trauma, fracture site, Facial Injury Severity Scale score, associated injury, day of trauma, timing and type of treatment and length of hospitalization. Statistical analyses were performed using non-parametric and association tests, as well as linear regression. RESULTS: Between 30 September 2019 and 4 October 2020, 348 out of 2387 patients (14.6%), 197 men and 151 women (ratio 1.3:1; mean age 72.7 years), were hospitalized. The main causes of the maxillofacial fractures were falls (66.4%), followed by road traffic accidents (21.5%) and assaults (5.2%). Of the 472 maxillofacial fractures, 69.7% were in the middle third of the face, 28% in the lower third and 2.3% in the upper third. Patients with middle third fractures were on average 4.2 years older than patients with lower third fractures (95% CI 1.2-7.2). Statistical analysis showed that women were more involved in fall-related trauma compared with males (p < .001). It was also shown that road traffic accidents cause more fractures in the lower third (p < .001) and in the middle third-lower third complex compared with upper third (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Maxillofacial fractures in the elderly were more frequent in European and Australian centres and affected men slightly more than women. Falls were the leading cause of fractures, especially among women. The middle third of the face was most often affected, and conservative treatment was the most common choice for the management of such patients.

Mandibular fractures and dental injuries sustained during baseball and softball over 14 years in a Japanese population: A retrospective multicentre study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Active participation in sports is a risk factor for maxillofacial fractures. The aim of this retrospective multicentre study was to survey and evaluate the characteristics of mandibular fractures, and dental injuries that occurred during the practice of baseball and softball in Sendai, Japan. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The records of 454 patients with maxillofacial fractures from three departments of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery across a period 14 years were analysed. Fifty-one patients with 56 mandible fractures and dental injuries that occurred playing baseball or softball were included in this multicenter retrospective study. Patients were divided according to age, gender, sites of fractures, mechanism of fractures and treatment methods. RESULTS: There were 42 males and nine females, with a male-to-female ratio of 4.7:1.0. The mean age was 19.9 years old (range: 13-47 years old). As for the site, body of the mandible fractures prevailed, followed by the condyle, symphysis and angle. Fractures were mostly caused by the impact of a ball (42; 82.4%), followed by collisions with another player (5; 9.8%) and direct strike of a bat (4; 7.8%). All patients with mandibular fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation, except for six patients with condylar head fractures who were managed conservatively. CONCLUSIONS: The impact of a thrown ball against the batter's mandible can cause a condylar fracture when playing baseball and softball.

Compartment Syndrome of the Temporal Muscle.

The authors report a patient with masticator space abscess due to an ascending infection following a wisdom tooth extraction. They administered antibiotics and did an incision and drainage; however, osteomyelitis of the mandible and compartment syndrome of the temporal muscle complicated the course. The authors suggest a physiopathology and discuss the management of this study.

The fasciocutaneous iliotibial band perforator flap in soft tissue and tendon reconstruction of the foot: A case report.

In cases of large defects of the limbs, post-traumatic deformity and disability can have devastating effects on patients' quality of life. The purpose of this report is to describe the technique for raising a fasciocutaneous iliotibial perforator flap and present its application in the reconstruction of a complex soft tissue defect of the foot. The patient was a 13-year-old male who had suffered a crush injury to the foot in a motor vehicle accident 5 years earlier. Due to retraction of the skin, together with the extensor tendons of the digits, the patient could not flex the digits II, III, IV, and V. To reconstruct the defect, the authors harvested a fasciocutaneous flap based on a perforator branch of the superior lateral genicular artery and accompanying veins. The immediate postoperative course was uneventful, with progressive and complete recovery of power and range of motion in the foot and knee within 6 weeks. Despite the tendency to form hypertrophic scars again, the functionality of the operated foot was excellent 29 months after the reconstruction. According to the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society scale, the patient scored 100 points on the midfoot section and 93 points on the section forefoot rays two to five. The iliotibial perforator flap could be a new tool for a state-of-the-art functional reconstruction of soft tissues defects of the limbs and head and neck.

Microvascular reconstruction and dental rehabilitation of benign severely atrophic jaws and defects of the alveolar ridge: our philosophy in 2019.

We deal regularly with patients who present with severe atrophy of the jaws, compromised soft tissue, or penetrating defects of the alveolar ridge that are not the result of malignant disease. For these patients we use microvascular bony flaps together with dental implants and implant-supported prostheses. The purpose of this retrospective study was to present our current management and the lessons we have learned over a 16-year period while treating 86 patients for these indications with 87 microvascular bone flaps. We used a transoral approach for the anastomosis in 60 flaps, thereby avoiding visible scars, and inserted 281 dental implants to support fixed or removable dental prostheses. Two femoral flaps developed partial necrosis, and seven implants were lost. Eighty-five of the 86 patients were satisfied with the improvement in their orofacial function and aesthetics. Poor oral hygiene, active osteomyelitis, and severe bruxism are absolute contraindications.