Vertical distraction osteogenesis of a free vascularized fibula flap in a reconstructed hemimandible for mandibular reconstruction and optimization of the implant prosthetic rehabilitation. Report of a case.

Free vascularized fibular flap is considered the treatment of choice in mandibular reconstruction for extensive bone defects (over 6 centimeters) resulting from trauma, infections or tumor resections. But, when the reconstruction involves a dentate mandible, the fibula has the limit as it does not offer sufficient bone height to restore the alveolar arch up to the occlusal plane. Therefore, the deficiency in bone height makes implant placement impractical. We report a case of vertical distraction osteogenesis of a free vascularized fibula flap used to reconstruct a hemimandible after resection of an odontogenic myxoma, for optimization of the implant prosthetic rehabilitation. The distraction device was applied intraorally. After 10 days of latency period, distraction protocol was performed at a distraction rate of 0.5 mm per day. A consolidation period of 3 months followed. Afterwards the distraction device was removed and 3 osseointegrated dental implants were placed in the distracted area. As a result, the vertical discrepancy between the fibula and the native hemimandible was corrected. The amount of vertical height achieved after distraction was 17 milimeters. The increase of vertical bone height was stable and enabled placement of dental implants without any complications. In conclusion, we consider that vertical distraction osteogenesis of free vascularized flaps is a reliable technique that optimizes implant positioning for ideal prosthetic rehabilitation, after mandibular reconstruction following tumor surgery.

Lateral pterygoid muscle dystonia. A new technique for treatment with botulinum toxin guided by electromyography and arthroscopy.

Lateral pterygoid muscle dystonia is characterized by mandibular displacement towards the opposite side of the affected muscle. It may be associated with functional disorders affecting speech, swallowing, chewing and facial symmetry. Injection with botulinum toxin is recognized as the most effective treatment. Locating the lower head of the lateral pterygoid muscle for the injection is not difficult using electromyographic guidance; however, location of the upper head is more complicated, even with electromyography. We report a case of lateral pterygoid muscle dystonia in which precise injection of the upper head was achieved with the aid of arthroscopy.

Unsuccessful temporomandibular joint arthroscopy: is a second arthroscopy an acceptable alternative?

PURPOSE: Arthroscopic surgery has been shown to be an effective treatment for patients with temporomandibular disorders, relieving patients' symptoms and restoring adequate mandibular function. For those patients with poor arthroscopic outcomes, various treatment modalities are possible, such as nonsurgical therapy, open surgery, or repeat arthroscopic surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate our results with rearthroscopy in patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The clinical data and operative reports for 50 patients who underwent a second arthroscopic procedure from 1994 to 2004 were reviewed retrospectively. Outcome assessments were based on reductions in pain, measured using a visual analog scale, and improvements in maximal interincisal opening. The minimum follow-up period was 2 years. RESULTS: Significant differences were evident between presurgical and postsurgical pain at months 1, 6, 12, and 24. The mean score of preoperative pain on the visual analogue scale was 61.65 mm, which was reduced to 36.28 mm at 2-year follow-up. With regard to mandibular function, all patients presented with restricted mouth opening, with a mean preoperative maximal interincisal opening of 26.73 mm. Postoperatively, the maximal interincisal opening showed a statistically significant improvement (P < .05), and at 2-year follow-up, we obtained a total improvement of 7 mm. Only 8 patients (16%), who had an unsuccessful result after a second arthroscopy, underwent further surgical intervention (open surgery). CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic surgery is a reliable and effective procedure for temporomandibular joint dysfunction that improves pain and mouth opening, with the advantages of being minimally invasive and repeatable. Repeat arthroscopic surgery, with a proven history of fewer complications, can be attempted before open arthrotomy.

Clinical results in the management of Frey's syndrome with injections of Botulinum toxin.

INTRODUCTION: Frey's Syndrome is defined by facial hyperhidrosis in the preauricular region unleashed by gustatory stimulus and caused mainly by parotidectomy. Several treatment and prevention measures have been proposed, with no conclusive results. Recently, injections of Botulinum Toxin have been suggested, obtaining encouraging results. The objective is to describe our experience in treating Frey's Syndrome with this drug. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Between 2004 and 2007, our team treated 10 patients suffering from Frey's Syndrome. All cases were caused by parotid resection. In 60%of cases a complete elevation of the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) was carried out. In the remaining cases, such elevation was either not made or the SMAS was severely damaged. All patients were treated with intradermic injections of Botulinum Toxin. Recorded data were: units administered, affected area, time lapse until improvement in the symptoms, and the evolution after one, six and twelve months after the injection. Possible side effects were also recorded. RESULTS: The average treated area per patient was 26 cm2. An average of 38 units of Botulinum Toxin per patient was injected. Average time lapse until improvement was 5.5 days. Five patients were injected with a second dose after an average of 18 months from the first injection. On this occasion, the area affected was considerably smaller than that presented before the first injection. The most frequently reported side effect was dry mouth. CONCLUSION: Our team considers that treating Frey's Syndrome with Botulinum Toxin is effective. The effects of the treatment are long-lasting and side effects are minimal and temporary. A second injection is needed after 15 to 18 months of the first, although the affected area is usually smaller.

Sinus elevation by in situ utilization of bone scrapers: technique and results.

OBJECTIVES: The objective was to present a novel technique for antrostomy performed before sinus elevation in atrophic maxilla for subsequent implant placement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 10 sinus elevations performed by the proposed technique in nine consecutive patients presenting with inadequate posterior maxillary height. The technique is described, calculating the antrostomy surface area, volume of bone tissue obtained and final height attained in each case. A total of 16 implants were placed. RESULTS: All ten elevations were accomplished. Mean antrostomy surface area was 0.55 mm2, mean bone volume obtained was 0.56 cm3 and mean height attained was 11.7 mm from a baseline mean height of 5.6 mm. Out of the 16 implants, 14 were inserted immediately after the elevation and 2 were inserted in a second step, after ossification; 93.7% of the implants were osseointegrated at 6 months after prosthesis placement. CONCLUSION: The use of bone scrapers to create antrostomy for sinus elevation is a simple and very safe procedure. It provides a variable amount of particulate bone graft that is easily handled and highly useful for packing the cavity that will elevate the sinus membrane.