Cranioplasty With Customized Craniofacial Implants and Intraoperative Resizing for Single-Stage Reconstruction Following Oncologic Resection of Skull Neoplasms.

BACKGROUND: Craniectomies requiring skull reconstruction are indicated following oncological resection of masses involving the underlying brain and/or skull. Immediate cranioplasties have previously been performed using suboptimal hand-bending or molding techniques using "off - the - shelf" products. Today with computer - aided design, customized craniofacial implants have become widely available for personalized reconstruction of resected bone and soft tissue. We present here the largest series to date of single stage reconstruction using alloplastic biomaterials in consecutive patient series with oversized customized implants. METHODS: A single-surgeon, retrospective, 8-year study was conducted on all consecutive patients undergoing single stage cranioplasty with prefabricated implants using a myriad of biomaterials. All outcomes were analyzed in detail and compared with previous studies utilizing similar alloplastic implants. RESULTS: In total, 56 patients underwent resection of skull neoplasms and subsequent cranioplasty reconstruction using customized implants. The most common neoplasms were meningiomas (39%). The most common complications seen among patients were dehiscence - (7%), and extrusion of implant - (3.5%). There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications between patients who had postoperative chemotherapy/radiotherapy versus those that did not (22.2% versus 13.1%, P = 0.39). One-year follow-up revealed acceptable cranial contour and symmetry in all 56 cases. CONCLUSIONS: This is a consecutive case series of prefabricated single-stage cranioplasty, following resection of brain tumors with bone extension or skull bone neoplasm, demonstrating excellent results with regards to safety and patient satisfaction. There are several advantages such as comprehensive resection and reconstruction plan using 3D models, shorter operative time, and better restoration of complex anatomy.

Synchronous Reconstruction of the Jaw Using a "One and a Half"-Barrel Fibular Bone Graft for Ossifying Fibroma Patients.

BACKGROUND: Ossifying fibroma is one of the common benign tumors that affect the appearance and functions of the jaw. Ossifying fibroma may exhibit a wide range of biological behaviors, leading to deformities involving the jaw and other secondary facial deformities. Hence, to improve the function of the jaw and the patient's general facial appearance (bearing in mind each patient's facial shape and, or appearance), the authors thus, however, used a ''one and a half"-barrel fibular bone graft to achieve the ideal height and radian of the bone graft. CASE PRESENTATION: Between July 2017 and January 2021, the authors retrospectively collected and analyzed clinical and surgical data from 39 patients who had undergone operations in our hospital. Twenty patients were operated on using our new surgical method, whereas 19 patients received conventional or debulking operation. Clinical factors associated with the operation were assessed, including classification of the jaw defects, perioperative complications, and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: All the flaps ultimately survived. According to the postoperative satisfaction survey, patients who underwent reconstruction were satisfied with their postoperative facial appearance, with an average of 8.5 out of 10. Based on the preoperative clinical data, 26 patients had suitable bone grafts for dentures to improve their oral function. CONCLUSIONS: A ''one and a half''-barrel fibular bone graft effectively improves the facial appearance of patients and as well as provides an appropriate height and radian for the bone graft.

Pediatric Cases of Recurrent Skull Giant Osteoma Misdiagnosed as Fibrous Dysplasia.

ABSTRACT: Osteomas are benign mature bone tumors that typically arise in the skull. Osteomas larger than 3 cm in diameter are considered giant osteomas. Giant osteomas of the skull vault are very rare, especially in children; therefore, only a few cases have been reported in the literature. Although osteomas are usually asymptomatic, a large skull mass can cause headache, as well as esthetic disfigurement of the forehead. it can be misdiagnosed as other conditions, such as fibrous dysplasia, ossifying cephalhematoma, or other malignant bone tumors. Herein, the authors report 2 rare pediatric cases of giant osteomas mimicking fibrous dysplasia and their successful surgical excision. These cases showed good results without recurrence or complications on long-term follow-up after complete excision.

Le Fort I Down-Fracture for Management of Midface Tumors.

OBJECTIVE: To perform an integrative review associating current literature with a clinical series regarding the use of Le Fort I osteotomy for the removal of tumors located in the midface and central region of the skull base. METHODS: A systematic review was performed through the PubMed, SCOPUS, and Cochrane databases. In addition, 4 different patients operated using the above-cited technique are described in this study. RESULTS: Initially, 123 articles were found. After the removal of duplicates, and title and abstract reading, 27 articles were selected for data extraction. The Le Fort I surgical approach of tumors was performed in 183 patients. CONCLUSION: The Le Fort I surgical approach allows lesion exeresis with good visualization, low rates of recurrences and complications, and without aesthetic compromises for the patient.

One-stage frame-guided resection and reconstruction with PEEK custom-made prostheses for predominantly intraosseous meningiomas: technical notes and a case series.

Treatment of intraosseous meningiomas is a two-staged procedure including tumor resection and cranial reconstruction. Several are the potential pitfall of this kind of surgery such as the conspicuous dimensions usually reached by the tumor and the peculiar involvement of irregular and deep bony structures. For these reasons, a surgical accurate virtual planning and a careful removal followed by tailored reconstruction are mandatory to achieve satisfactory results. We analyzed six patients operated on for intraosseous meningiomas between September 2014 and June 2018. Resection strategy was planned beforehand and shared with the manufacturer who provided the PEEK cranioplasty used in the reconstructive phase. Between September 2014 and April 2018, six patients affected by intraosseous meningioma were operated on. Female/male ratio was 5:1 and mean age was 54 ± 10.8 years. Mean FU was 20.3 ± 16.4 months. Mean dimension was 73.9 ± 24.8 mm × 69.2 ± 16.2 mm. Mean surgical time was 5.1 ± 1.1 h. The resection of intraosseous meningiomas requires the earliest and finest reconstructive phase. Custom-made implants should be considered the gold-standard for cranioplasty, especially in large skull and in frontal or hairless areas of the skull. The described technique is simple, accurate, and effective in achieving good results in disease control as well as cosmetic and functional restoration.

Surgical Management of a Recurrent Odontogenic Keratocyst With Orbital and Temporal Fossa Invasion.

Odontogenic keratocyst is a benign locally aggressive odontogenic cyst with a high recurrence rate. This report presents an unusual case of a recurrent odontogenic keratocyst with zygomatic bone involvement and orbital and temporal extension resulting in globe compression. Odontogenic keratocyst is reviewed, and surgical management of the cyst is discussed.The authors present a case of a recurrent odontogenic keratocyst involving the zygoma with orbital and temporal invasion; aggressive surgical resection and reconstruction was required.

Alveolar soft part sarcoma metastatic to the breast: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) is an extremely rare neoplasm that tends to occur in the lower limbs of children and adolescents. Metastatic breast tumors constitute 0.5-2.0% of all malignant mammary neoplasms, and cases of ASPS with mammary metastases are very rare. CASE PRESENTATION: Three years ago, an 11-year-old girl presented to the hospital with pain in the right jaw after becoming aware of a mass in the right cheek. After detailed examination, the patient was diagnosed with ASPS with the primary tumor in the right cheek and multiple lung metastases, and chemotherapeutic treatment was initiated. One year later, accumulation of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) was observed in the right front of the skull (standardized uptake value (SUV)-max 2.8) and left breast (SUV-max 2.4) using FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) / computed tomography (CT). Ultrasonography revealed the mammary tumor as a hypoechoic, internally heterogeneous mass measuring 22.4 × 16.2 × 21.1 mm with a rich blood supply. Using pathological findings of core-needle biopsy, we diagnosed it as ASPS. Based on the above information, we made a diagnosis of ASPS with left mammary and cranial metastases. Due to chemoresistance, surgical excision was selected as the mode of treatment; resection of the metastatic cranial bone was performed first, and partial mastectomy of the left breast was performed in two stages. Postoperative conditions were good, and we are currently performing regular follow-ups (visual palpation every 3 months and semi-annual mammary gland ultrasonography). CONCLUSIONS: We have reported an extremely rare case of ASPS with mammary metastasis with some reference-based discussion. In our case, disease control was obtained by a combination of drug therapy and surgical treatment.

Three-Dimensional Craniofacial Bone Reconstruction With SmartBone on Demand.

This is a report of a 34-year-old male lacking of bone development in the frontal and orbital part of the skull due to a surgical removal of a right orbital-front osteoma at the age of 5. The integrity of the craniofacial district was important for the young patient also for social acceptance and self-esteem.Based on computed tomography patient images, a skull model was reconstructed, both digitally and on 3-dimensional real model, to best design the needed bone graft. Defect wide extension and surface curvature called for the use of the puzzle technique, where the whole graft is composed by several elements, mechanically slotting into each other. The realization was made possible thanks to the use of a composite xenohybrid bone substitute specifically developed for reconstructive surgery (SmartBone, by Industrie Biomediche Insubri SA). SmartBone technology allowed the realization of custom-made grafts which perfectly joined each other and fitted the bone defect thanks to mechanical strength, also at low thicknesses and wide extensions.The postoperative course was uneventful and computed tomography scans showed new bone formation and complete calvaria continuity already 10 months after surgery, with no signs of inflammation over the entire follow-up.This case study represents a proof of concept that SmartBone on Demand custom-made bone grafts, together with puzzle technique, are effective, easy to handle and provide final excellent functional and aesthetic results.

Treatment of calvarial defects by resorbable and non-resorbable sonic activated polymer pins and mouldable titanium mesh in two dogs: a case report.

BACKGROUND: To date, calvarial defects in dogs have traditionally been addressed with different types of implants including bone allograft, polymethylmethacrylate and titanium mesh secured with conventional metallic fixation methods. This report describes the use of an absorbable and non absorbable novel polymer fixation method, Bonewelding® technology, in combination with titanium mesh for the repair of calvarial defects in two dogs. The clinical outcomes and comparative complication using resorbable and non-resorbable thermoplastic pins were compared. CASE PRESENTATION: This report of two cases documents the repair of a traumatic calvarial fracture in an adult male Greyhound and a cranioplasty following frontal bone tumor resection in an adult female Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with the use of a commercially available titanium mesh secured with an innovative thermoplastic polymer screw system (Bonewelding®). The treatment combination aimed to restore cranial structure, sinus integrity and cosmetic appearance. A mouldable titanium mesh was cut to fit the bone defect of the frontal bone and secured with either resorbable or non-resorbable polymer pins using Bonewelding® technology. Gentamycin-impregnated collagen sponge was used intraoperatively to assist with sealing of the frontal sinuses. Calvarial fracture and post-operative implant positioning were advised using computed tomography. A satisfactory restoration of skull integrity and cosmetic result was achieved, and long term clinical outcome was deemed clinically adequate with good patient quality of life. Postoperative complications including rostral mesh uplift with minor associated clinical signs were encountered when resorbable pins were used. No postoperative complications were experienced in non-resorbable pins at 7 months follow-up, by contrast mesh uplift was noted 3 weeks post-procedure in the case treated using absorbable pins. CONCLUSIONS: The report demonstrates the innovative use of sonic-activated polymer pins (Bonewelding® technology) alongside titanium mesh is a suitable alternative technique for skull defect repair in dogs. The use of Bonewelding® may offer advantages in reduction of surgical time. Further, ultrasonic pin application may be less invasive than alternative metallic fixation and potentially reduces bone trauma. Polymer systems may offer enhanced mesh-bone integration when compared to traditional metallic implants. The use of polymer pins demonstrates initial potential as a fixation method in cranioplasty. Initial findings in a single case comparison indicate a possible advantage in the use of non-absorbable over the absorbable systems to circumvent complications associated with variable polymer degradation, further long term studies with higher patient numbers are required before reliable conclusions can be made.

Endoscopic endonasal approach for trigeminal schwannomas: our experience of 39 patients in 10 years.

BACKGROUND: The anatomical locations involved in trigeminal schwannomas (TSs) are quite complex. The endoscopic endonasal approach provides a minimal damage access corridor to both anterior and middle skull base for surgery. Given the nerve function recovery and postoperative neurological deterioration varied in different reports, the author demonstrates his surgery tips and the functional outcomes under endoscopic surgery in one single institution. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients with TSs was undertaken to assess the outcome of endoscopic surgery from 2006 to 2016. Clinical features, imaging findings, preoperative/postoperative neurological deficits, surgical approaches and followed up data were collected. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients with TSs were included in this study. Surgical approaches include endoscopic medial maxillectomy approach (n = 8), endoscopic endonasal-assisted sublabial transmaxillary approach (n = 27) and endoscopic endonasal-assisted sublabial transmaxillary combined with septectomy (n = 4). Gross total resection and sub-total resection were achieved in 27 and 10 patients, respectively. The most common chief complaint was facial numbness, accounting for 41%, with a resolved rate of 62.5% after treatment. Fifteen patients developed new neurologic symptoms, including facial numbness/pain (n = 9 and 2, respectively), dry eye (n = 3) and mastication weakness (n = 1). Eight of these patients had partial improvement except for patients with dry eye. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic endonasal approach represents a safe and effective surgical procedure for TSs in pterygopalatine fossa, infratemporal fossa and even Meckel cave. Tumor resection can be achieved by endoscope with few neurologic deficits and complications.

Maxillo-Mandibular Reconstruction in Pediatric Patients: How To Do It?

Maxillo-mandibular reconstruction in pediatric patients involves particular functional and cosmetic implications. Attention is required for the craniofacial growth over time, involvement of the permanent dentition, facial symmetry, and donor site morbidity. Our aim is to identify the best reconstructive options for maxilla-mandibular defects in children (<18 years) based on our experience with 25 pediatric patients. We believe that reconstruction has to be performed at the same time as resection in pediatric patients. Local flaps should be reserved for cases of maxillary defects because of malignant neoplasms, which ultimately have poor prognosis. In cases of large mandibular defects, radiotherapy is eventually required. When the condition of the soft tissues is poor (because of previous surgery, etc), free flaps potentially represent the best options. Nevertheless, in patients younger than 5 years old (with no damaged tissues), reconstruction with rib grafts should be performed, and the use of titanium plates should be reserved for very select cases (such as temporary reconstruction in toddlers).

Reconstruction of Liposarcoma Resection Defect With a Made-to-Measure Polyethylene Prosthesis Using Three-Dimensional Digital Technology.

BACKGROUND: Liposarcoma is considered one of the most frequently occurring tumors of the soft tissues, representing 17% to 30% of all mesenchymal cell tumors. It is less common in the head and neck representing <10% of tumors in this region. The reconstruction of defects derived from resection of these tumors presents a surgical challenge. New three-dimensional digital technologies allow more exact surgery, cause less morbidity, and achieve adequate aesthetic outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article was to describe the complex reconstruction of a defect caused by the resection of a liposarcoma in the temporal region. METHODS: Three-dimensional technology allowed patient planning and a reconstruction that was as exact as possible. A made-to-measure polymethyl methacrylate prosthesis was used to correct the defect in the zygomatic arch. The temporal fossa was covered with a standard porous polyethylene prosthesis. CONCLUSIONS: Satisfactory esthetic and functional results were achieved using three-dimensional digital technology for treatment planning and to fabricate a made-to-measure polyethylene prosthesis and surgical guide.

Evaluation of locally manufactured patient-specific custom made implants for cranial defects using a silicone mould.

BACKGROUND: Cranial vault defects can pose a significant problem for neurosurgeons where autologous bone is no longer available for cranioplasty. Numerous materials exist to create implants which include polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and titanium. A technique using 3-dimensional CT scan reconstruction of a cranial defect and creating a silicon mould which can be autoclaved in theatre to create a PMMA implant was developed. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy, cosmetic result, safety and cost-effectiveness of this procedure and compare this to existing techniques. METHOD: An ambispective study was performed in patients requiring cranioplasty with a custom made implant. Patients were assessed for risk factors and cosmetic outcome, surgical technique was described and complications and cost compared to existing literature between 2010 and 2016. RESULTS: Thirty retrospective and 30 consecutive prospective patients were recruited into the study. Overall sepsis rate was 8.3%. All septic cases had superficial sepsis of which 2 grafts were removed due to cerebrospinal fluid leakage resulting in wound breakdown. A 100% accurate implant to defect ratio was achieved leading to a high satisfaction rate. Average cost was 5 times cheaper than the closest market related product. CONCLUSION: Patient specific moulds using PMMA to create custom implants are safe, have excellent cosmetic results and are a very cost-effective option to manage cranial defects. Accurate planning strategies for large craniotomies, where bone will potentially be discarded, add to surgical effectiveness and cost-saving to the patient.

Clinical implications, diagnosis, and treatment of a giant frontoethmoid osteoma.

Osteomas are benign, asymptomatic fibro-osseous tumors that are most commonly observed in the paranasal sinuses and sometimes are found in imaging examinations that were taken for other reasons. Giant osteomas are rarely found in the frontal and ethmoid sinuses but, when they are, they may cause intracranial and orbital complications. The aims of this case report are to describe a frontoethmoid osteoma in a 40-year-old woman, discuss the characteristics of this lesion through cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging, and review the options for treatment. A CBCT examination performed for the purpose of orthodontic diagnosis revealed the presence of a large, well-defined, lobular, hyperdense mass that occupied a sizeable area of the frontal sinus and extended to the ethmoid sinus. The patient did not report any pain. Based on the physical and imaging characteristics of the mass, the location and size of the lesion, and the patient's age, the diagnosis was a giant frontoethmoid osteoma. Due to its enhanced field of view, CBCT may enable earlier diagnosis of lesions that affect the maxillofacial region.

An Unusual Location of Osteochondroma: Temporal Bone.

Osteochondromas are the most common benign tumor of the bones which are cartilage-capped exophytic lesions that arises from the bone cortex. They usually seen in the axial skeleton, especially around the metaphysis of long bone but seldom in the head and neck region. The majority of patients in the head and neck region affect the mandibular area. To our knowledge, this is the first reported patient with an osteochondroma of the temporal bone in the English literature. A patient with temporal bone osteochondroma and its surgical treatment are here described.

Giant cell reparative granuloma of the pediatric cranium: case report and review of the literature.

PURPOSE: Giant cell reparative granulomas are rare bone tumors. Although benign, these tumors are locally destructive and can be highly vascular. They seldom occur in the cranial vault. We describe a multidisciplinary approach to a case of giant cell reparative granuloma of the cranium in a 3-year-old patient. CASE REPORT: A 3-year-old girl female referred to the pediatric neurosurgery department for evaluation of a retro-auricular mass. She had a history of recurrent otitis media with two subsequent courses of antibiotics without resolution. CT imaging revealed an expansive lesion located in the right mastoid region. Open surgical biopsy revealed a hemorrhagic tumor consistent with a giant cell reparative granuloma. Angiography identified a hypervascular tumor blush that was supplied by the occipital artery. Preoperative transcatheter embolization was performed followed by a multidisciplinary surgical resection and reconstruction. Blood loss was minimal, and the patient recovered well after surgery. CONCLUSION: Preoperative endovascular embolization and a multidisciplinary intraoperative approach with primary resection and cranial vault reconstruction is an effective approach to hypervascular giant cell reparative granulomas.

Evaluation of reconstructive techniques for anterior and middle skull base defects following tumor ablation.

PURPOSE: Reconstruction after resection of head and neck cancer can be challenging, especially when tumors extend to the base of the skull. Vascularized flaps are the option of choice, whether free or pedicled. Free flaps have the added benefit of access to the more cephalad defects of the anterior cranial base without the constraints of the rotation arc of pedicled flaps. The authors compared various flaps used for the reconstruction of defects of the anterior or middle skull base after resection of malignant tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors identified 12 patients in whom 14 flaps were performed. All patients had malignant neoplasms extending to the anterior or middle cranial base that were reconstructed with free or pedicled flaps. A retrospective analysis was performed to compare the characteristics of patient demographics, tumor, and surgical technique. Complications among the various flaps were compared. Patients' assessments of function and quality of life were assessed by conducting a telephone survey. RESULTS: Most patients had stage 3 or 4 squamous cell carcinoma originating in the paranasal sinuses and extending to the anterior or middle skull base, requiring orbital exenteration. The flaps used included 6 radial forearm free flaps (RFFFs), 3 anterolateral thigh flaps (ALTs), 4 thoracodorsal artery perforator free flaps (TDAPs), and 1 pedicled supraclavicular flap. There were no major complications, such as perioperative heart attack, stroke, death, or meningitis. Minor complications included 3 mesh exposures after radiation treatment, 1 wound infection, and 2 flaps with wound dehiscence after radiation. These 2 dehiscences were seen with RFFFs and were later reoperated using TDAPs. There were no cerebrospinal fluid leaks or donor-site morbidity. There were no complaints of functional deficits, such as feeding difficulties or speech impairments. Some visual disturbance was reported after orbital exenteration, although this was an expected outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Vascularized flaps provide reliable and durable reconstructive options for anterior and middle skull base defects after resection of large complex malignant neoplasms of the craniofacial region. Free flaps, such as RFFFs, ALTs, and TDAPs, are well suited for these defects. They have a low risk of complications and low donor-site morbidity and offer good functional and esthetic outcomes.

Jaw deviation and ankylosis caused by condylar osteochondroma: long-term treatment outcome.

PURPOSE: To evaluate outcomes of total subcondylar excision of mandibular condylar osteochondroma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two adult patients presented with progressive facial asymmetry, jaw deviation, and limited mouth opening. Computed tomogram (CT) showed a large osseous tumor arising from the right condyle occupying the subtemporal space in these patients. Complete surgical excision was performed without condyle reconstruction. The pathology report indicated osteochondroma. Patients were followed for an average of 5 years. RESULTS: Long-term evaluation showed restoration of dento-occlusal function and facial appearance. Follow-up CT showed a partly regenerated and remodeled condyle. Patients' chewing function was acceptable, but predominantly on the lesion side. CONCLUSIONS: Condylar osteochondroma caused jaw deviation and joint dysfunction. Complete surgical excision achieved an adequate long-term outcome, but condylar reconstruction is advisable.

Technical strategies for en bloc resection and immediate reconstruction in hemangioma of the frontal bone.

Hemangioma of the skull is a benign solitary tumor, often found in the frontal or parietal area. A hemangioma lesion typically involves the outer table rather than the inner, but its complete removal at the diploe level is difficult. Full-thickness resection at the calvaria is often needed to ensure a free margin, but it will leave a bony defect that requires reconstruction. Although curettage and covering of the lesion with alloplastic material are a simple treatment option for hemangioma of the skull, it does not always prevent recurrence. Hence, complete resection is needed. As our technical strategies for reconstruction, we organize a split calvarial bone graft if a defect is near the frontal sinus and calcium phosphate cement if it is somewhat far from the sinus.

Primary Ewing's sarcoma of the skull: radical resection and immediate cranioplasty after chemotherapy. A technical note.

PURPOSE: The current standard treatment of Ewing's sarcoma is chemotherapy followed by surgery, making an immediate cranial reconstruction in a one-step surgical procedure possible. METHODS: We describe the technique used to repair a cranial defect after the resection of a primary Ewing's sarcoma of the skull in a one-step surgical procedure. RESULTS: Bone repair with a custom-made cranioplasty immediately after resection of a primary Ewing's sarcoma of the skull avoids deformities and late complications associated with reconstructive surgery after radiotherapy and not interfere with radiotherapy and neither with follow-up. CONCLUSION: A one-step surgical procedure after chemotherapy for primary Ewing's sarcoma of the skull could be safer, less aggressive and more radical; avoiding deformities and late complications.