Alar Pinning in Rigid External Distraction for Midfacial Hypoplasia.

BACKGROUND: Distraction osteogenesis with a rigid external distractor is a widely accepted treatment for midfacial hypoplasia. In this study, the authors introduce the utilization of alar pinning with the external halo distractor for maxillary advancement, in place of an oral splint. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted of 7 patients who successfully underwent distraction osteogenesis using the alar pinning technique. Midfacial hypoplasia was secondary to Crouzon syndrome (n = 4), Apert syndrome (n = 1), Pfeiffer syndrome (n = 1), or bacterial meningitis (n = 1). Three patients were managed with monobloc osteotomies, 2 with Le Fort III osteotomies, 1 with Le Fort III osteotomy and frontoorbital advancement, and 1 with Le Fort I osteotomy alone. Patient charts were analyzed for postoperative course and complications relating to the alar pins. RESULTS: Two patients had minor complications specifically related to the alar pins. One patient had concern for a mild skin infection at a pin site that resolved with oral antibiotics. The other patient had loosening of an alar pin, which did not require operative management. Retrospective chart review indicated that all patients were pleased with their results from the distraction, and no patients opted for further advancement. DISCUSSION: Utilization of alar pin sites for external distraction is a feasible and reasonable option for treatment of midfacial hypoplasia involving a Le Fort osteotomy or monobloc procedure. Fixation sites within the alar crease minimize the visibility of pin site scars and eliminate the need for a custom-made oral splint, which prevents usage of the upper dentition and frequently requires consulting a dentist or orthodontist for fabrication. CONCLUSIONS: Alar pinning with an external halo distraction system for management of midfacial hypoplasia has minimal complications and is an alternative to using a custom-made oral splint.

Comparison of Resorbable Plating Systems: Complications During Degradation.

INTRODUCTION: Several bioresorbable plating systems have become standard in pediatric craniosynostosis reconstruction. A comparison of these systems is needed to aid surgeons in the preoperative planning process. The authors aim to evaluate 1 institution's experience using Resorb-X by KLS Martin and Delta Resorbable Fixation System by Stryker (Stryker Craniomaxillofacial, Kalamazoo, MI). METHODS: A sample of patients with single-suture nonsyndromic craniosynostosis treated at St Louis Children's Hospital between 2007 and 2014 using either Resorb-X or Delta bioresorbable plating systems were reviewed. Only patients with preoperative, immediate, and long-term 3-dimensional photographic images or computed tomography scans were included. A comparison of plating system outcomes was performed to determine the need for clinic and emergency room visits, imaging obtained, and incidence of subsequent surgical procedures due to complications. RESULTS: Forty-six patients (24 Resorb-X and 22 Delta) underwent open repair with bioabsorbable plating for single suture craniosynostosis. The mean age at each imaging time point was similar between the 2 plating systems (P > 0.717). Deformity-specific measures for sagittal (cranial index), metopic (interfrontotemporale), and unicoronal (frontal asymmetry) synostosis were equivalent between the systems at all time points (0.05 < P < 0.904). A single Delta patient developed bilateral scalp cellulitis and abscesses and subsequently required operative intervention and antibiotics. CONCLUSION: Bioabsorbable plating for craniosynostosis in children is effective and has low morbidity. In our experience, the authors did not find a difference between the outcomes and safety profiles between Resorb-X and Delta.

Intraoperative Image Guidance Improves Outcomes in Complex Orbital Reconstruction by Novice Surgeons.

PURPOSE: This study aims to describe the utility of surgical navigation in improving operative outcomes in complex orbital reconstruction by novice compared with experienced surgical trainees. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized, controlled cadaveric study was conducted at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine with otolaryngology and ophthalmology residents and fellows. Participants were divided into novice (postgraduate year 2-4 residents) and experienced (postgraduate year 5 residents and fellows) groups. Ten cadaveric specimens with pre-dissection computed tomography images underwent endoscopic resection of the orbital floor and lamina papyracea bilaterally. Participants performed reconstruction with or without the use of surgical navigation, randomized by laterality and order of the use of navigation. Post-dissection imaging was obtained after reconstruction and compared with pre-dissection imaging. The primary outcome was orbital volume; secondary outcomes included the participant's operative time and National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index score, a subjective workload assessment measure. Matched-pair t tests and 2-way analysis of variance were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Novice participants (n = 6) had improved outcomes with respect to orbital volume when using surgical navigation compared with experienced participants (n = 4). There were no differences in operative times or National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index scores when using surgical navigation. CONCLUSIONS: In a cadaveric setting, use of surgical navigation by novice surgeons improves post-dissection orbital volume in complex orbital reconstruction. Surgical navigation should be considered as an adjunct to surgical training and simulation curricula.

Recurrent Gingival Lesions in a Pediatric Patient.

We present the case of a 13-year-old girl who developed numerous gingival masses that recurred after two prior resections. Following the initial resection as a child, she reported that there was a period of resolution for several years before recurrence as a teenager. After the second resection, the masses recurred after 4 months. The lesions obscured the majority of her dentition and interfered with speech, eating, and oral hygiene. The patient underwent staged resection of the masses, and the wounds were allowed to heal by secondary intention. The histopathologic findings of the specimens were consistent with a diagnosis of peripheral ossifying fibroma, which is unusual as these are generally solitary lesions. We believe that this case brings attention to an underrecognized and atypical presentation of peripheral ossifying fibroma, and it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of multicentric gingival masses.