Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis After Early Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis: A New Syndrome?

Distraction osteogenesis (DO) has been one of the most innovative concepts in cranio-maxillofacial syndromology and surgery over the last 25 years.Early mandibular distraction in severe micrognathia has recently been recognized as an effective treatment option to safely relieve upper airway obstruction associated with mandibular deficiency.An increased incidence in temporomandibular joint complications during DO in neonates has recently been reported, especially in syndromic patients.The authors report 2 children affected by severe micrognathia and severe respiratory distress at birth.Early DO was performed during the first 2 months of the life in another institution with the aim of increasing mandibular length and upper airway size.Both the patients had severe restricted jaw opening after DO and mandibular abnormalities.Temporomandibular joint ankylosis after early mandibular distraction could be a considered a new pathological entity.

Contouring of the forehead irregularities (washboard effect) with bone biomaterial.

Calvarial vault defects may be repaired with autologous bone or alloplastic materials, such as methyl methacrylate, hydroxyapatite, titanium, or porous polyethylene. The criterion standard for repairing small cranial defects is autogenous bone from iliac crest or split calvarial grafts. However, autogenous grafts may result in donor-site morbidity, increased operative time, reabsorption, blood loss, and additional time for recovery. An alloplastic material should have some ideal properties, including easy adaptation, biocompatibility, which permit ingrowth of new tissue, stability of shape, and low rate of reabsorption. An implant in this area should be easily shaped and positioned, allowing an easy tissue in growth.The authors report the case of a 50-year-old man with a deformity of the frontal region as a result of a frontonaso-orbitoethmoidal fracture after reduction and fixation of the fractures and right frontal sinus cranialization with frontal craniotomy via coronal approach. The deformity caused the typical aspect (washboard effect). Correction and reconstruction were performed by using Cerament (Bonesupport AB, Lund, Sweden), alloplastic biphasic material, composed of 60% α-hemihydrate of calcium sulfate and 40% hydroxyapatite. Four years after the surgery, the patient had recovered with satisfactory morphology of the forehead as well as disappearance of the frowning look in the frontal region.

Patholologic fracture of the mandible after removal of follicular cyst.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to report a 61-year-old man who presented a complication after mandibular follicular cyst removal. METHODS: The patient underwent surgery, via intraoral approach: removal of the lesion and the dental follicle with curettage and extraction of the mandibular right third molar. Two weeks after surgery, the patient reported a slight malocclusion. The x-ray showed a fracture near the right mandibular angle. The fracture was treated by application of a long mandibular plate. RESULTS: Two years after surgery, the patient is asymptomatic. Inferior alveolar nerve sensitivity returned completely. CONCLUSIONS: In the reported case, a satisfactory result was obtained after the treatment of the complication confirmed by postoperative x-rays.

Structural fat grafting: facial volumetric restoration in complex reconstructive surgery.

BACKGROUND: The authors overview the application of structural fat grafting (SFG) in the management of volumetric deficit in the maxillofacial area. Structural fat grafting was introduced as a way to improve facial aesthetics and in recent years has evolved into applications in craniomaxillofacial reconstructive surgery. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study population was composed of patients grafted with autologous fat referred to our department from February 2005 to July 2009. Each patient was operated on with SFG technique according to Coleman. Subjects were screened to these possessing an atrophy of facial soft tissues after trauma, tumor resection, congenital deformities and clefts, Parry-Romberg and scleroderma, orbital and periorbital surgery, facial palsy, burns, and scars. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients (27 females and 20 males) with a mean age of 38 years (minimum, 15 years; maximum, 71 years) were enrolled in the current study. The mean postoperative follow-up was 14 months. A total of 548 sites were grafted into 47 patients: malar, n = 103; nasolabial fold, n = 82; lip, n = 86; eyebrow, n = 32; jaw line, n = 18; philtrum, n = 19; forehead, n = 33; temple, n = 34; eyelid, n = 70; chin, n = 16; cheek, n = 25; nose, n = 23; and neck scar, n = 7. Each patient was operated on 1.6 times, and 11.6 was the average number of grafted sites. CONCLUSIONS: The authors have performed 548 procedures of SFG in 47 patients with good results as well as improvement in facial morphology, function, shape, and volume and improvement in the patients' appearance.

Biological effect of resorbable plates on normal osteoblasts and osteoblasts derived from Pfeiffer syndrome.

Biodegradable fixation devices made of the polymers polylactide, polyglycolide and their copolymers are used routinely during maxillofacial, craniofacial, and orthopedic reconstructive surgical procedures, thanks to their property of biodegradation that avoid the need for implant removal. In particular, they are used in the treatment of craniosynostosis in pediatric patients affected by Pfeiffer syndrome, where the resorption time of 1 year or less does not interfere with the normal growth of the skull. To study the mechanism how polylactide-polyglycolide (PLPG) acid plates can induce osteoblast differentiation and proliferation in normal osteoblasts and in osteoblasts derived from a patient with Pfeiffer syndrome, the expression levels of bone-related genes were analyzed using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Osteoblasts grown on the PLPG acid plates resulted in significant upregulation of mRNA expression of many genes related to osteodifferentiation during the treatment, indicating that polylactide, polyglycolide biopolymers enhance proliferation, differentiation, and deposition of matrix in osteoblasts. This study also revealed some differences in gene expression between normal osteoblasts and osteoblasts derived from patients with Pfeiffer syndrome, cultivated on PLPG acid plates.

Early surgical treatment in unilateral coronoid hyperplasia and facial asymmetry.

Unilateral coronoid hyperplasia is a rare condition in the pediatric age. It may be an unrecognized cause of restricted mouth opening in children.The limited jaw movement is due to the enlargement of the coronoid process of the mandible that impinges on the zygomatic arch during mouth opening. This pathologic condition is still unknown and often misdiagnosed.Although in the past the term osteochondroma has been used to describe most of the unilateral and a few of the bilateral cases, there is no histologic evidence that the process has a neoplastic origin.Microscopic examination of the removed coronoid process has revealed hyperplastic compact bone covered with a thin layer of normal cartilage.There are multiple causes of mandibular hypomobility, each of them associated with different anatomic structures and etiologies, and a large number of cases, mostly bilateral, are idiopathic in nature.Several theories of pathogenesis have been proposed: temporomandibular joint dysfunctions, mandibular hypomobility, temporalis hyperactivity, hormonal stimulus, persistent cartilage growth center, genetic inheritance, and family factors.Unilateral coronoid hyperplasia is usually due to a trauma or a pathologic condition and is associated with facial asymmetry, being more frequently seen in women with histologic chondromatous or neoplastic changes. A thorough clinical history should include information about the onset and progression of pain and other subjective symptoms.In this study, we present a case of unilateral hyperplasia of the coronoid process in a 3 year-old female who, to the best of our knowledge, is the youngest patient so far reported with such anomaly.Our findings support the recommendation that early surgical treatment and aggressive postoperative physical therapy should be taken into account to allow for recovery of morphology and growth function in children.

The arrhinias: Proboscis lateralis literature review and surgical update.

Proboscis lateralis (PL) is a rare malformation, reported for the first time in 1861 by Forster in his monograph on congenital malformations of the human body. The abnormal side of the nose is represented by a tube-like rudimentary nasal structure, attached at any point along the embryonic fusion line between the anterior maxilla and the frontonasal processes. As clefts of the lip (and alveolus) are bilateral or unilateral, an arrhinia can be bilateral (total) or unilateral. In this case it is a 'hemi-arrhinia' (or heminasal agenesis. The arrhinias represent three groups of anomalies, each with different levels of clinical severity, some involving association with the labio-palatal cleft or agenesia of the premaxilla (1). In PL the nasal cavity on the affected side is replaced by a tubular appendage located off-center from the midline of the face, arising commonly from the medial aspect of the roof of the orbit (2). It is usually associated with heminasal aplasia or hypoplasia, microphthalmia, and - less commonly - with midline clefting. Associated brain and cranial vault anomalies are seen in 19% of these patients. PL is usually unilateral, with very few symmetrical/bilateral cases being reported (3). Morpho-aesthetic and psychological problems are frequent concerns for the patients and their families. In this study, the authors describe a clinical case and the chosen surgical technique, as well as reviewing the alternative techniques present in the literature.

Multiple mandibular fractures. Treatment outlines.

Multiple mandibular comminuted fractures usually occur in high energy traumas. The authors describe the management and treatment of multiple mandibular fractures in a young patient after a suicide attempt.

Piezosurgery: A new and safe technique for distraction osteogenesis in Pierre Robin sequence review of the literature and case report.

INTRODUCTION: Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) is characterized by microgenia and retrognathia. Cleft palate and glossoptosis are frequently associated with airway obstruction and difficulty in swallowing. Distraction osteogenesis with micro-distractors has recently been considered as a surgical option during the neonatal age. CASE PRESENTATION: A 6-week-old female with PRS underwent mandibular lengthening in neonatal age. Mandibular osteotomies were performed with the piezoelectric scalpel. DISCUSSION: Piezosurgery represents an innovative technique as it offers the maxillofacial surgeon the opportunity to make precise bone cuts without damaging the soft tissue, minimizing the invasiveness of the surgical procedure, and the opportunity of working in a field which is almost totally blood free. CONCLUSION: The use of a piezoelectric device to perform this kind of surgery provides clinical and surgical results which would be difficult with traditional instruments, not only for the patient's benefit but also for the surgeon's. Preservation of the original bony structure, especially of the cancellous bone, will benefit the bone healing process due to its high estrogenic potential.

Selective augmentation of stem cell populations in structural fat grafts for maxillofacial surgery.

Structural fat grafting utilizes the centrifugation of liposuction aspirates to create a graded density of adipose tissue. This study was performed to qualitatively investigate the effects of centrifugation on stem cells present in adipose tissue. Liposuction aspirates were obtained from healthy donors and either not centrifuged or centrifuged at 1,800 rpm for 3 minutes. The obtained fat volumes were divided into three layers and then analyzed. The results demonstrate that centrifugation induces a different distribution of stem cells in the three layers. The high-density layer displays the highest expression of mesenchymal stem cell and endothelial markers. The low-density layer exhibits an enrichment of multipotent stem cells. We conclude that appropriate centrifugation concentrates stem cells. This finding may influence the clinical practice of liposuction aspirate centrifugation and enhance graft uptake.

Current practice of distraction osteogenesis for craniofacial anomalies in Europe: a web based survey.

Aim of the study was to get more insight into the opinion of European surgeons and orthodontists on the use of distraction osteogenesis (DO) for patients with different diagnoses and treatment protocols. A web based survey was set up, showing records of four patients with different conditions: hemifacial microsomia (case 1), bilateral mandibular deficiency (case 2), cleft lip and palate (case 3) and Crouzon syndrome (case 4). Respondents from 181 Eurocleft centres were asked to fill out a questionnaire for each patient. Most of the respondents considered case 1 (80%), case 3 (81%) and case 4 (86%) suitable for DO, while only 31% were considering case 2 for DO. There was lack of consensus among the respondents about many aspects of DO. Out of six different treatment parameters, an acceptable degree of agreement was only seen in two: a latency period of 3-7 days and a distraction rate of 1mm per day. Furthermore, there was noticeable disagreement on the ideal age for treatment, surgical technique, distraction device, and retention period. Our results showed that there is a wide variety in treatment approaches for craniofacial anomalies in Europe. There is disagreement on essential steps in the distraction procedures.

Posttraumatic enophthalmos: etiology, principles of reconstruction, and correction.

Enophthalmos is defined as a backward, and usually downward, displacement of the globe into the bony orbit. In posttraumatic enophthalmos, the mechanisms that determine globe position are: 1) the enlargement of the orbital cavity; 2) the herniation of orbital fat into the maxillary sinus; and 3) fat atrophy, loss of ligament support, and scar contracture. The aim of this article is to analyze the strategies to prevent enophthalmos and to correct late posttraumatic enophthalmos. In this study, 80 patients (52 cases of orbitozygomatic fractures and 28 late posttraumatic enophthalmos) were treated between January 1998 and January 2005. Fracture reduction in primary enophthalmos was performed. In enophthalmos as sequelae, the treatment consisted of orbital reconstruction in combination with bone grafts harvested from calvaria, iliac crest, and/or orbital osteotomies. In some cases, biomaterials were also used. All these techniques may also be combined depending on the severity of enophthalmos. The results were satisfactory in all cases. It is evident that a perfect correction of the deformity is difficult to achieve. Often soft tissue changes limit the aesthetic and morphologic results, despite adequate bony reconstruction.

Synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint.

Synovial chondromatosis is a cartilaginous metaplasia of the mesenchymal remnants of the synovial tissue of the joints. Its main characteristic is the formation of cartilaginous nodules in the synovium and inside the articular space (loose bodies). Synovial chondromatosis mainly affects big synovial joints such as the elbow and knee and is uncommon in the temporomandibular joint. The main symptoms are pain, limitation of jaw movement, crepitation, and inflammation. Diagnosis is made by panoramic radiograph, computed tomography scan, and mainly magnetic resonance imaging. Surgery is the therapeutic choice. The authors describe their experience in the treatment and in the follow up of a patient with unilateral synovial chondromatosis.

Treatment of macroglossia in Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome.

A case of macroglossia caused by Beckwith Wiedemann syndrome is reported. Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome is an overgrowth disorder characterized by a constellation of congenital anomalies. The most common manifestations are omphalocele, macroglossia, gigantism, and visceromegaly. When the tongue reaches a huge dimension, clinical symptoms are represented by dysphagia, alterations in speech, difficulty in chewing, obstruction of the upper airways, and psychologic consequences derived from the patient's physical appearance. The authors describe the surgical strategy performed in the reported case.

Dislocation of the mandibular condyle into the middle cranial fossa.

Dislocation of the mandibular condyle into the middle cranial fossa is an uncommon event. A case report is presented based on a patient (32-year-old female) who sustained a traumatic left condyle fracture with superior dislocation into the middle cranial fossa due to a high-speed car accident. The diagnosis was done four months after trauma. Via a preauricular approach, left condylectomy and transposition of temporal muscle flap was performed. Postoperatively, the patient stayed for two weeks with intermaxillary fixation and four months of physical therapy.

Bilateral hyperplasia of the coronoid processes: clinical report.

Monolateral or bilateral hyperplasia of the coronoid processes of the mandible is a rare disorder resulting in reduction of mouth opening because of the unnatural contact of the coronoid process with the zygomatic bones. The authors describe two cases of bilateral hyperplasia of the coronoid processes that were successfully treated.

Giant mucocele of the frontal sinus.

Giant mucocele of the frontal sinus is a rare pathology of benign entity caused by retention of mucous secretions in the sinus. It may expand and erode the surrounding structures such as bones and cerebral parenchyma. The authors describe a patient with frontal giant mucocele involving the orbit, the ethmoid, and intracranial portion of the dura. The main presenting symptoms were diplopia and proptosis. A computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging were performed to permit differential diagnosis from other pathologies such as ossifying fibroma, fibrous dysplasia, and other neoplasms. A single stage maxillofacial and neurosurgical approach to treatment was taken consisting in the removal of the mucocele and reconstruction of the eroded bones with cranial bone grafts. The dura was repaired with temporalis muscle fascia sealed with fibrin glue. Two years after surgery, the patient shows no recurrence and satisfactory morphologic and functional results.

Severe panfacial fracture with facial explosion: integrated and multistaged reconstructive procedures.

Midface fractures, especially if related to traffic accidents, represent a remarkable problem from a surgical, psychological, and social standpoint. In trauma dynamics, the pattern of the fractures can extend to all bony fragments and is often associated with soft tissue injuries and loss of bony structures. This can lead to posttraumatic deformities that greatly influence the patient psychologically and limit his social rehabilitation, sometimes permanently. Panfacial trauma includes midface fractures associated with fractures of other areas (i.e., mandible, frontal bone). Orbits and the nasoethmoidal area are often involved with loss of soft tissue and, in severe cases, loss of orbital contents. We report an unusual complex clinical case representative of this kind of pathological profile in which the guidelines described in the literature were followed in the reconstructive procedure.