Emergence of the natural history of Myhre syndrome: 47 patients evaluated in the Massachusetts General Hospital Myhre Syndrome Clinic (2016-2023).

Myhre syndrome is an increasingly diagnosed ultrarare condition caused by recurrent germline autosomal dominant de novo variants in SMAD4. Detailed multispecialty evaluations performed at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Myhre Syndrome Clinic (2016-2023) and by collaborating specialists have facilitated deep phenotyping, genotyping and natural history analysis. Of 47 patients (four previously reported), most (81%) patients returned to MGH at least once. For patients followed for at least 5 years, symptom progression was observed in all. 55% were female and 9% were older than 18 years at diagnosis. Pathogenic variants in SMAD4 involved protein residues p.Ile500Val (49%), p.Ile500Thr (11%), p.Ile500Leu (2%), and p.Arg496Cys (38%). Individuals with the SMAD4 variant p.Arg496Cys were less likely to have hearing loss, growth restriction, and aortic hypoplasia than the other variant groups. Those with the p.Ile500Thr variant had moderate/severe aortic hypoplasia in three patients (60%), however, the small number (n = 5) prevented statistical comparison with the other variants. Two deaths reported in this cohort involved complex cardiovascular disease and airway stenosis, respectively. We provide a foundation for ongoing natural history studies and emphasize the need for evidence-based guidelines in anticipation of disease-specific therapies.

Is Insurance Payor Associated With Hospital Admission of Emergency Department Adult Patients With Odontogenic Infections?

BACKGROUND: Patients who present to the emergency department (ED) with severe odontogenic infections are often hospitalized for surgical drainage and medical management. However, inpatient management of these patients can be financially burdensome. While medical indications for hospital admission are well established, it remains unclear if patient insurance status is associated with admission. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the nationally representative estimates of the incidence of hospital admission for patients with odontogenic infections and the association with insurance payor. STUDY DESIGN, SETTING, SAMPLE: This retrospective cohort study used the 2018 Nationwide Emergency Department Sample. Patients with odontogenic infections (based on International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision codes) were included. Patients aged <18 years or who had missing data were excluded. PREDICTOR VARIABLE: The primary predictor variable was primary payor (private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, self-pay, and other). MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLE: The primary outcome variable was hospital admission (yes/no). COVARIATES: Covariates included sociodemographic, medical, infection, and hospital variables. ANALYSES: Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine national estimates and predictors of admission. Odds ratios and 99% confidence intervals were computed. Discharge weights were accounted for in all analyses to provide nationally representative estimates. RESULTS: This study included 31,221 weighted ED encounters, of which 10,451 (33.5%) were admitted. In the study cohort, 7,687 (24.6%) had private insurance, 5,046 (16.2%) had Medicare, 10,070 (32.3%) had Medicaid, 7,436 (23.8%) were self-pay, and 982 (3.1%) had other. Bivariate analysis suggested that payor status was significantly associated with hospital admission (P < .01). The multivariable analysis showed that self-pay patients had significantly lower odds of hospital admission compared to those with private insurance (odds ratio, 0.54; 99% confidence interval, 0.42-0.70). Other independent predictors of hospital admission included infection in more than 1 location based on International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision code, higher Charlson comorbidity index, and alcohol/substance use disorders. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: Approximately one-third of patients presenting to the ED with odontogenic infections were admitted. Patients with no insurance were less likely to be admitted compared to those with private insurance. This finding may reflect multiple possibilities, including hospital financial incentives.

Impact of Osteoporosis on Autogenous Bone Graft Resorption.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is a common disorder that is characterized by decreased bone density and increased bone resorption. This bone resorption may affect the grafted bone during the maxillofacial reconstruction. PURPOSE: This study aimed to measure the association between osteoporosis and resorption of anterior iliac crest bone grafts used to reconstruct the atrophic anterior maxillae. STUDY DESIGN, SETTING, SAMPLE: This prospective cohort study included female patients requiring bone augmentation of the anterior maxilla. Patients with a ridge width of <4 mm and ridge height of >7 mm were enrolled in the study. Exclusion criteria were chronic use of corticosteroids or intravenous bisphosphonates, history of maxillofacial radiation therapy, current smoking, and underlying conditions contributing to bone metabolism (eg, hyperparathyroidism, chronic renal failure, and hypophosphatemia). PREDICTOR/EXPOSURE/INDEPENDENT VARIABLE: Osteoporosis status was a predictor variable. Patients were allocated to the osteoporosis or control group based on T-scores obtained by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Mean T-scores ≤ -2.5 were assigned to the osteoporosis group. MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLE(S): The outcome variable was graft resorption, defined as the difference in ridge width between measurements made immediately (T1) and 6 months postoperatively (T2) using cone-beam computed tomography. COVARIATES: Patient age, preoperative (T0) bone width, and the amount of bone augmentation, defined as the differences in ridge width between measurements made preoperatively (T0) and immediately after grafting (T1), were covariates of this study. ANALYSES: Descriptive, analytic, and general linear models were computed. Statistical significance was set a P < .05. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients were included in the study (15 in the osteoporosis group and 17 in the control group). The amount of graft resorption at 6 months after grafting was 2.57 ± 0.59 mm in the osteoporosis group and 0.97 ± 0.59 mm in the control group (P < .001). A significant correlation was found between the mean T-score and graft resorption 6 months after grafting (P < .001). CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: A significant correlation was observed between osteoporosis and graft resorption in the anterior maxilla after 6 months.

Is Insurance Payer Associated With Hospital Admission of Emergency Department Patients With Mandible Fractures?

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of consensus on the optimal triage pathway for emergency department (ED) patients with mandibular fractures. It remains unclear if patient insurance payers predict hospital admission given potentially competing logistical and health system incentives. PURPOSE: To generate nationally representative estimates of the frequency of hospital admission and its association with primary insurance payers for ED patients with mandible fractures. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study used the 2018 Nationwide Emergency Department Sample, the largest all-payer database in the United States, to identify patients with mandible fractures. The database includes a stratified sample with discharge weights to generate nationally representative estimates. Patients with other facial fractures and/or concomitant injuries that independently warranted admission were excluded. PREDICTOR: The primary predictor variable was primary payer (public, private, self-pay, and other/no charge). OUTCOME VARIABLE: The primary outcome variable was hospital admission (yes/no). COVARIATES: Covariates included patient-, medical/injury-, and hospital-related variables. ANALYSES: Descriptive statistics, along with bivariate and multivariate logistic regression with Bonferroni correction, were used to produce national estimates and identify predictors of admission. P < .01 was considered significant. RESULTS: The cohort included 27,238 weighted encounters involving isolated mandible fractures, of which 5,345(20%) were admitted. The payers for admitted patients were 46% public, 25% private, 22% self-pay, and 7% no charge/other. In bivariate analyses, public insurance was associated with a higher likelihood of admission than private insurance (RR 1.24, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.45), though there was no association in the multivariate model (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.28). In multivariate analysis, higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.18 to 1.48), alcohol-related disorder (OR 3.47, 95% CI 2.74 to 4.39), substance-related disorder (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.20 to 1.71), and more mandible fractures (OR 3.08, 95% CI 2.65 to 3.59) were associated with admission. Compared to body fractures, subcondylar (OR 3.83, 95% CI 2.39 to 6.14), angle (OR 3.53, 95% CI 2.84 to 6.09), and symphysis (OR 4.14, 95% CI 2.84 to 6.09) fractures had higher odds of admission. Finally, level I (OR 4.11, 95% CI 2.41 to 6.98) and level II (OR 3.16, 95% CI 1.85 to 5.39) trauma centers had higher odds of admission. CONCLUSIONS: In 2018, 20% of ED patients with isolated mandible fractures were admitted. Several patient and hospital characteristics were predictors of admission. Insurance status was not associated with admission.

Histopathology of Idiopathic Condylar Resorption Differs From Temporomandibular Joint-Only Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic condylar resorption (ICR) is a rare condition of unknown etiology characterized by progressive decrease in volume and pathologic remodeling of a previously normal mandibular condyle. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) affecting only the temporomandibular joint (TMJ-only JIA) is characterized by synovitis and destruction of TMJ tissues without involvement of other joints. It is often difficult to differentiate the 2 conditions because they exhibit similar phenotypes. PURPOSE: To compare histology of resected condylar specimens from patients with ICR and TMJ-only JIA. Specific aims were as follows: 1) to correlate longitudinal clinical data with histopathology of resected condyle specimens and 2) to compare resorption patterns between the 2 disease processes. STUDY DESIGN, SETTING, SAMPLE: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients treated at the Massachusetts General Hospital from 1999 through 2023. PREDICTOR/EXPOSURE/INDEPENDENT VARIABLE: Primary predictor variable was the diagnosis (ICR or JIA). Secondary predictor variables included age, gender, race, putative contributing factors, and laboratory studies. MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLE(S): Primary outcome variable was presence or absence of inflammatory infiltrates in bone and synovial specimens. Secondary outcome variables were structural integrity and morphologic characteristics of the condylar cartilage and bone. ANALYSES: Spearman correlation was used to assess the relationship between histological scores and age, gender, and possible associated contributing factors. A P value < .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Thirty-five subjects (67 specimens) were included in group 1 (ICR). Eight subjects (15 specimens) were included in group 2 (TMJ-only JIA). The histopathologic findings in ICR consisted of severe and irregular cartilage surface disruption, fibrocartilage degeneration, and subchondral bone with no inflammatory infiltrate. Degeneration was observed to begin at the anterior pole of the condyle and progress eventually to total resorption to the sigmoid notch. TMJ-only JIA was notable for more severe condylar degeneration and inflammation in the bone and synovia. There was no specific pattern of degeneration. For both groups, the subject's age, gender, or putative contributing factors did not correlate with the histopathologic scores. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: These results support the hypothesis that "ICR" and TMJ-only JIA are distinct clinical entities and can be distinguished by histopathologic findings in the mandibular condyles and synovia.

The Evaluation of Facial Artery Position in Related to Soft Tissue Pogonion and Soft Tissue Gonion: A Cadaver Study.

This anatomic study was designed to assess the position of the facial artery concerning the soft tissue landmarks, pogonion (Pog)and Gonion (Go). Sixty freshly frozen cadavers were used in this study. On the right side, the mean distance between the facial artery and Pog was 7.05±0.66 cm. The mean distance between the facial artery and Go was 3.34±0.36 cm. The results indicated that the facial artery was 32.32%±2.05 of a mandibular length to Go and 67.78%±2.05 Pog. On the left side, the mean distance between the facial artery and Pog was 7.10±0.65 cm. The mean distance between the facial artery and Go was 3.23±0.34 cm. The results indicated that the facial artery was 31.30±2% of the mandibular length at Go and 68.71±2% at Pog. The ratio of the facial artery distance to Pog and Go did not correlate with the mandibular length (P>0.05). However, the distance between the facial artery, Pog, and Go correlated with mandibular length. (P<0.001). The ratio of the cross-point of the facial artery with the mandibular border to the length of the mandible about Go and the Pog was generally found to be independent of mandibular length.

Interfacility Emergency Department Transfer for Midface Fractures in the United States.

PURPOSE: Interfacility hospital transfer for isolated midfacial fractures is common but rarely clinically necessary. The purpose of this study was to generate nationally representative estimates regarding the incidence, risk factors, and cost of transfer for isolated midface fractures. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study using the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample 2018 to identify patients with isolated midface fractures. The primary predictor variable was hospital trauma center designation (Level I, Level II, Level III, and nontrauma center). The primary outcome variable was hospital transfer. Total emergency department (ED) charges were also assessed. Covariates were demographic, medical, injury-related, and hospital characteristics. Descriptive, bivariate, and multiple logistic regression statistics were used to evaluate the incidence and predictors of interfacility transfer. RESULTS: During the study period, there were 161,022 ED encounters with a midface fracture as primary diagnosis, of which 5,680 were transferred (3.53%). In an unadjusted analysis, evaluation at a nontrauma center, level III trauma center, nonteaching hospital, and numerous demographic, medical, and injury-related variables were associated with transfer (P ≤ .001). In the adjusted model, the strongest independent predictors for hospital transfer were evaluation at a nontrauma center (odds ratio [OR] = 16.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 13.6-19.4), level III trauma center (OR = 13.4, 95% CI = 11.1-16.1) or level II trauma center (OR = 3.25, 95% CI = 2.66-3.98), any Le Fort fracture (OR = 12.0, 95% CI = 10.4-14.0), orbital floor fracture (OR = 3.73, 95% CI = 3.48-4.00), history of cerebrovascular event (OR = 2.74, 95% CI = 2.18-3.45), and cervical spine injury (OR = 5.87, 95% CI = 4.79-7.20) (P ≤ .001). The average ED charge per encounter was $7,206 ± 9,294 for a total nationwide charge of approximately 1.16 billion dollars. Transferred subjects had total ED charges of $97 million, not including additional charges at the recipient hospital. CONCLUSION: Isolated midface fractures are transferred infrequently, but given the high incidence have substantial healthcare costs. Predictors of transfer were mixed rather than clustered within one variable type, although it is likely that transfers are driven in part by lack of access to maxillofacial specialists given the predominance of hospital covariates. Programs evaluating necessity of transfer and facilitating specialist evaluation in the outpatient setting may reduce healthcare expenditures for these injuries.

Nasal Construction in Congenital Arhinia Due to Novel SMCHD1 Gene Variant.

Arhinia, or congenital absence of the nose, is an exceedingly rare anomaly caused by pathogenic variants in the gene SMCHD1 . Arhinia exhibits unique reconstructive challenges, as the midface is deficient in skeletal and soft tissue structures. The authors present 2 related patients with arhinia who harbor a novel SMCHD1 gene variant and illustrate their surgical midface and nasal construction. Targeted sequencing was carried out on DNA samples from the 2 affected patients, 1 anosmic and 1 healthy parent, to identify variants in exons 3 to 13 of SMCHD1 . The affected patients and anosmic parent were found to have a novel SMCHD1 gene variant p.E473V. A staged surgical approach was applied. First, both patients underwent a LeFort II osteotomy and distraction osteogenesis to improve the projection of the midfacial segment, followed by tissue expansion of the forehead, and nasal construction with a forehead flap that was placed over a costochondral framework derived from rib cartilage. The novel gene variant could guide future investigations on genetic pathways and molecular processes that underly the physiological and pathologic development of the nose. Further investigations on the variable expressivity ranging from anosmia to arhinia could improve clinical genetic screens for risk stratification of individuals with anosmia on passing on arhinia to their children. Due to the exceptional rarity and complexity of congenital arhinia, most surgical approaches are developed on a single-case basis. This case series, albeit limited to 2 cases, is the largest pedigree of such cases in the literature. It highlights key principles of a staged approach to nasal construction in arhinia and discusses nuances and improvements learned between both patients. It subsequently offers an optimized guide to this surgical strategy.

Sclerostin immunohistochemical staining in surgically treated giant cell tumor of bone.

BACKGROUND: Giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) is a destructive lesion with a high potential for recurrence. RANK-ligand targeted therapy has provided promising, yet mixed results. Sclerostin (SOST) inhibition results in a net anabolic response and is currently used in the treatment of osteoporosis. The application to GCTB is unknown. OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine if GCTB stained for SOST on immunohistochemistry and correlate its expression with predictor variables. METHODS: All patients at a single institution undergoing surgery for GCTB between 1993 and 2008 with a minimum of 6 months follow-up were included. Primary outcomes included the presence of SOST staining, secondary outcomes included the correlation of patient and tumor-specific predictor variables. RESULTS: SOST antibody staining of any cell type was present in 47 of 48 cases (97.9%). Positivity of the stromal cells was present in 39 of 48 cases (81.3%) and was associated with radiographic aggressiveness (p = 0.023), symptomatic presentation (p = 0.032), prior surgery (p = 0.005), and patient age (p = 0.034). Positivity of giant cells was present in 41 of 48 cases (85.4%) and was not significant with predictive factors. CONCLUSIONS: Sclerostin staining in GCTB is a novel finding and warrants further research to define the role of sclerostin as a prognostic factor and therapeutic target.

Is Cleft Lip or Palate a Risk Factor for Perioperative Complications in Orthognathic Surgery?

PURPOSE: Perioperative outcomes following cleft orthognathic surgery are not well established. The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of orthognathic specific complications (OSCs) in patients with and without cleft lip and/or palate. METHODS: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program adult and pediatric databases were used to enroll patients undergoing orthognathic surgery. The primary predictor variable was a prior diagnosis of cleft lip and/or palate: cleft versus noncleft. The primary outcome variable was OSCs (yes/no) within 30 days of the index operation. Descriptive, bivariate, and multiple logistic regression statistics were computed to measure the association between cleft status and OSCs. RESULTS: The study sample was composed of 1,149 subjects: 98 in the cleft group and 1,051 in the noncleft group. The incidence of OSCs was 6.1 and 4.7% for the cleft and noncleft groups, respectively (P = .461). After adjusting for age, cleft status, bone grafting, segmentation of the maxilla, and history of bleeding disorder, classification as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) III (P = .002, odds ratio [OR] = 3.92, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.63-9.40), ASA IV (P = .039, OR = 9.47, 95% CI 1.12-80.4), and isolated mandibular osteotomies (P = .006, OR = 3.23, 95% CI 1.40-7.48) were independent predictors of OSCs. Length of stay was 1.66 ± 1.14 days compared to 1.37 ± 3.74 days for the cleft and noncleft groups, respectively (P = .443). CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in the incidence of perioperative OSCs and length of hospital stay between cleft and noncleft patients. Cleft status was not an independent predictor of OSCs; instead, greater ASA classification and isolated mandibular osteotomies were the only predisposing factors. Patients with clefts undergoing orthognathic surgery do not have an increased risk of short-term OSCs within the limitations of this study.

Is Preoperative Serum Albumin Predictive of Adverse Surgical Outcomes in Maxillofacial Fracture Repair?

PURPOSE: Malnutrition has been recognized as a predictor of postoperative adverse outcomes across many surgical subspecialties. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between serum albumin and adverse outcomes in patients undergoing operative repair of maxillofacial fractures. METHODS: The authors utilized the 2011 to 2018 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) databases to identify patients with facial fractures undergoing operative repair. The primary predictor variable was preoperative serum albumin level. Outcome variables included complications and other adverse outcomes occurring within 30 days of the index operation. Descriptive, bivariate, and multiple logistic regression statistics were utilized to evaluate the relationship between serum albumin and adverse outcomes. RESULTS: During the study period 1211 subjects underwent operative repair of a facial fracture and had a documented serum albumin level. Of these subjects, 1037 (85.6%) had normal albumin levels and 174 (14.4%) had hypoalbuminemia. A total of 90 subjects experienced a complication (7.43%), although albumin level was not associated with surgical complications or any complication. In bivariate analysis, subjects with hypoalbuminemia were significantly more likely to have an extended length of stay (P ≤ .001), adverse discharge disposition (P ≤ .001), and be readmitted (P = .002). In multivariate analysis, hypoalbuminemia was an independent predictor of an extended length of stay (P ≤ .001, 95% CI 2.50 to 7.62), adverse discharge disposition (P = .048, 95% CI 1.01 to 3.75), and readmission (P = .041, 95% CI 1.03 to 3.47). CONCLUSIONS: Serum albumin was not an independent predictor of complications after maxillofacial trauma repair. However, it was an independent predictor of other adverse outcomes including extended length of stay, adverse discharge disposition, and readmission. Targeted nutritional optimization may represent an opportunity to improve outcomes in this demographic.

Is Intensive Care Unit Monitoring Necessary After Maxillomandibular Advancement for Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

PURPOSE: Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) is an accepted treatment modality for obstructive sleep apnea. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of complications requiring an intensive care unit (ICU) level of care and the necessity of routine overnight ICU airway monitoring after MMA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing MMA at Massachusetts General Hospital from 2003 to 2020. The primary predictor variable was postoperative admission to the ICU versus post anesthesia care unit (PACU) or ward. The primary outcome variable was grade IV or V complications as scored using the Clavien-Dindo classification system. The secondary outcome variables included postoperative SpO2 nadir and length of hospital stay. Descriptive and bivariate statistics were computed to measure the association between complications and predictor variables. RESULTS: The study sample consisted of 104 patients (74.0% male, mean age 37.6 ± 12.1 years), 61 of whom were admitted to the ICU (58.7%). During the initial 24 hours of airway monitoring, the mean SpO2 nadir was 93.7 ± 2.59% for patients admitted to the ICU compared with 94.0 ± 6.56% for patients admitted to the PACU or ward (P = .862). Patients experienced 2 grade IV complications (1.92%) and no grade V complications, with no statistical association between complications and postoperative admission location (P = 1.000). Age (P = .002) and operative time (P = .046) were the only variables statistically associated with grade IV or V complications. There was no difference in length of hospital stay between patients admitted to the ICU (2.64 ± 1.37 days) versus PACU or ward (2.58 ± 1.62 days). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of complications requiring ICU-level care after MMA for obstructive sleep apnea is low. Additional studies are warranted to guide development of feasible, cost-effective perioperative protocols for patients undergoing MMA.

Does the Modified Frailty Index (mFI-5) Predict Adverse Outcomes in Maxillofacial Fracture Repair?

PURPOSE: Frailty has been recognized as a predictor of postoperative adverse outcomes in many surgical subspecialties. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between frailty and complications in patients undergoing operative repair of facial fractures. METHODS: The authors utilized the 2011 to 2018 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) databases to identify patients with facial fractures undergoing operative repair. The primary predictor variable was frailty as measured by the 5-Factor Modified Frailty Index (mFI-5). The primary outcome variable was the postoperative complication rate. Descriptive, bivariate, and multiple logistic regression statistics were utilized to evaluate the relationship between frailty and complications. RESULTS: During the study period, 4,290 subjects underwent operative repair of a facial fracture. Of these subjects, 4,086 (83.0%) were classified as nonfrail, 626 (12.7%) as moderately frail, and 208 (4.20%) as severely frail. A total of 237 subjects experienced a complication (4.82%), and the incidence of complications increased in a stepwise manner with increasing frailty (P ≤ .001). In multivariate regression, age (P = .050, 95% CI = 1.00 to 1.02), Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander race (P = .018, 95% CI = 1.23 to 8.63), classification as moderately frail (P = .010, 95% CI = 1.15 to 2.66), classification as severely frail (P = .032, 95% CI = 1.06 to 3.70), mandibular fractures (P = .004, 95% CI = 1.24 to 2.98), and wound classification as contaminated (P ≤ .001, 95% CI = 1.53 to 4.57) or dirty/infected (P = .020, 95% CI = 1.16 to 5.55) were independent predictors of complications. Severely frail subjects also had greater length of hospital admission (P ≤ .001) and higher 30-day readmission rates (P ≤ .001). CONCLUSIONS: Frailty is an independent predictor of complications following facial fracture repair and is associated with greater length of hospital admission and 30-day readmission rates.

Mandibular Fracture Repair in Older Adults: Is Age Associated With Adverse Outcomes?

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to measure the association between age and adverse outcomes in patients undergoing open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) of mandibular fractures. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study utilizing the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program databases (2011 to 2019) to identify patients with mandibular fractures treated with ORIF. The primary predictor variable was age (<45 years, 45 to 54 years, 55 to 64 years, 65 to 74 years, and ≥75 years). The primary outcome variable was surgical complications. Secondary outcome variables included any complication, extended length of stay (LOS ≥95th percentile), and adverse discharge destination. Covariates included demographic, medical, and perioperative covariates. Descriptive, bivariate, and multiple logistic regression statistics were utilized to evaluate the association between age and adverse outcomes. RESULTS: During the study period, 2,843 patients underwent ORIF of a mandibular fracture, and 2,168 subjects were included. There were 1,673 subjects aged <45 years (77.2%), 240 subjects aged 45 to 54 years (11.1%), 155 subjects aged 55 to 64 years (7.10%), 53 subjects aged 65 to 74 years (2.40%), and 47 subjects aged ≥75 years (2.20%). A total of 148 subjects (6.83%) experienced a surgical complication; the incidence of surgical complications increased in a step-wise fashion with each decade of life (P ≤ .001). In bivariate analysis, subjects aged 65 to 74 years were more likely to experience extended LOS (P = .004), whereas subjects aged ≥75 years were more likely to have an extended LOS (P ≤ .001) and an adverse discharge destination (P ≤ .001). In multivariate analysis, age 65 to 74 years was an independent predictor of any complication (P = .032, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.08 to 5.37), extended LOS (P = .001, 95% CI = 1.72 to 8.79), and adverse discharge destination (P = .050, 95% CI = 1.00 to 14.4), whereas age ≥75 years was an independent predictor of surgical complications (P = .043, 95% CI = 1.03 to 6.68), any complication (P = .018, 95% CI = 1.20 to 6.75), extended LOS (P = .001, 95% CI = 2.35 to 12.3), and an adverse discharge destination (P ≤ .001, 95% CI = 3.01 to 33.2). CONCLUSIONS: The elderly are at increased risk of adverse outcomes with step-wise increases in the odds of select outcomes with increasing age.

Interfacility Emergency Department Transfer for Mandibular Fractures in the United States.

PURPOSE: Interfacility hospital transfer for isolated mandibular fractures is common but rarely clinically necessary. The purpose of this study was to generate nationally representative estimates regarding the incidence, risk factors, and cost of transfer for isolated mandibular fractures. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study using the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample 2018 to identify patients with isolated mandibular fractures. The primary predictor variable was hospital trauma center designation (Level I, Level II, Level III, and nontrauma center). The primary outcome variable was hospital transfer. Total emergency department (ED) charges were also assessed. Covariates were demographic, medical, injury-related, and hospital characteristics. Descriptive, bivariate, and multiple logistic regression statistics were used to evaluate the incidence and predictors of interfacility transfer. RESULTS: A total of 28,357 encounters with mandibular fracture as the primary diagnosis were included. Within this cohort there were 2,893 hospital transfers (10.2%). In unadjusted analysis, evaluation at a nontrauma center, level III trauma center, metropolitan nonteaching hospital, nonmetropolitan nonteaching hospital, micropolitan region, and history of cerebrovascular event was associated with hospital transfer (P ≤ .001). In the adjusted model, independent predictors (risk factors) for hospital transfer were evaluation at a nontrauma center (P ≤ .001, odds ratio [OR] = 12.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 6.43 to 25.4), level III trauma center (P ≤ .001, OR = 10.7, 95% CI = 5.25 to 21.7), nonmetropolitan nonteaching hospital (P ≤ .001, OR = 2.45, 95% CI = 1.73 to 3.46), metropolitan nonteaching hospital (P ≤ .001, OR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.20 to 2.06), cervical spine injury (P = .002, OR = 3.53, 95% CI = 1.61 to 7.75), fractures of the mandibular body (P = .007, OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.08 to 1.64), and unspecified mandibular fractures (P = .006, OR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.12 to 1.99). The average ED charge per encounter was $7,482 ± 565 for a total nationwide charge of $212,172,264. Transferred subjects had total ED charges of $25,632,974, not including additional charges incurred at the recipient hospital. CONCLUSION: Isolated mandibular fractures are common injuries that are frequently transferred and cost the healthcare system millions of dollars annually. Hospital characteristics rather than medical or injury-related variables were the strongest predictors of transfer, suggesting that transfers are primarily driven by need to access maxillofacial surgical services. Programs evaluating necessity of transfer and facilitating specialist evaluation in the outpatient setting may reduce healthcare expenditures for this injury.

Females Have Worse Overall and Disease-Specific Survival in Human Papillomavirus-Negative Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Although sex (male vs female) has been identified as an independent prognostic factor in human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), the role of sex in HPV-negative OPSCC is less understood. The purpose of this study is to measure the association between sex and HPV-negative OPSCC disease-specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS). METHODS: This longitudinal, retrospective study examined cases of HPV-negative OPSCC diagnosed in the United States between 2013 and 2016 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Patients with primary OPSCC and known HPV-negative status were included. Those with HPV-positive or unknown status and primary lesions located outside the oropharynx were excluded. The primary predictor variable was patient sex (male vs female). Primary outcome variables of interest included DSS and OS. The following patient-level covariates were also assessed: age, race, insurance status, primary anatomical site and histological type of lesion, histologic grade and stage, and disease outcome. A survival analysis was conducted using univariate and multivariate analyses via a cox proportional hazard regression model. An α value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The study sample consisted of 2,565 cases (25.1% female) of HPV-negative OPSCC. Females presented with lower histologic grade (P = .015) and earlier stage (P = .003). Females demonstrated worse DSS (P < .001) and OS (P < .001). After multivariate adjustment, female sex (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13 to 1.67; P = .002), advanced age (HR = 1.672; 95% CI, 1.07 to 2.60; P = .023), advanced overall stage (HR = 4.69; 95% CI, 1.54 to 14.267; P = .006), TNM stage (T4: HR = 5.74; 95% CI, 3.86 to 8.55, P < .001, N3: HR = 3.48; 95% CI, 2.17 to 5.58; P < .001, and M1: HR = 2.80; 95% CI, 2.09 to 3.74; P < .001), subjects residing in counties with the highest rates of smoking (HR = 1.29; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.65; P = .044), and the lack of surgical treatment in patients treated with radiation and/or chemotherapy (HR = 1.44; 95% CI, 1.08 to 1.91; P = .012) were correlated with poorer DSS and OS. CONCLUSION: Females with HPV-negative OPSCC demonstrated worse DSS and OS despite better typical prognostic signs such as histologic grade and clinical stage.

Influence of Residency Training Program on Pursuit of Academic Career and Academic Productivity Among Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to examine the impact of residency training institutions on the pursuit of a career in academic oral and maxillofacial surgery and assess variables associated with academic productivity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of full-time academic oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMSs) in the United States. The primary predictor variable was program of residency training. Secondary predictors included gender, fellowship training, advanced degrees, and private practice affiliation. The primary outcome variable was the number of graduates in a ful-time academic position. Academic productivity (h-index, publication number) was a secondary outcome. Descriptive, logistic and linear regression analyses were computed. RESULTS: The study sample consisted of 294 full-time academic OMSs in 82 training programs. The top 10 high-output residency programs were identified and graduates from these programs were more likely to have a medical degree (OR = 1.99, 9% CI: 1.17 - 3.36, p=0.0108), higher h-indices (11.03 vs 7.96, p = 0.0032) and higher number of publications (40.3 vs 25.6, p = 0.003). Faculty characteristics associated with higher h-indices included a medical degree (10.33 vs 7.66, p = 0.0067), PhD (15.23 vs 8.38, p = 0.0002), MPH (17.47 vs 8.66, p = 0.0040) and fellowship training (11.15 vs 7.76, p = 0.0012). There were no significant differences between genders in having a medical degree, completing a subspecialty fellowship, or academic productivity. Female surgeons represented 16.33% of academic OMSs and were more likely to have entered academia more recently based on duration in years of academic appointment (12.48 versus 21.08; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Ten programs have trained 29.6% (n = 87) of all full-time academic OMSs. These programs' graduates were more likely to have a medical degree, higher h-indices, and greater number of publications.

Orthognathic Surgery in Older Patients: Is Age Associated With Perioperative Complications?

PURPOSE: The incidence of older patients undergoing orthognathic surgery is increasing. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the association between age and perioperative adverse outcomes in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing orthognathic surgery in the 2011 to 2019 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program databases. The primary predictor variable was age group (≥40 or <40 years). The primary outcome variable was adverse outcomes occurring within 30 days of the index operation. Descriptive, bivariate, and Firth logistic regression statistics were utilized to evaluate association between age and adverse outcomes. RESULTS: During the study period, 1,226 patients underwent an orthognathic procedure and 835 subjects were included. Of these subjects, 145 were 40 years or older (17.4%) and 690 were less than 40 years (82.6%). Subjects 40 years or older were more likely to be American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification II (P ≤ .001), ASA III (P ≤ .001), or diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (P ≤ .001). A total of 34 subjects experienced an adverse outcome (4.07%), though there was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse outcomes between age groups (P = .152). In bivariate analysis, hypertension on medication (P = .037), procedure type (P = .001), and segmented Le Fort I osteotomies (P = .039) were associated with adverse outcomes. After controlling for age, hypertension on medication, segmented Le Fort I osteotomies, and diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea, isolated mandibular osteotomies were the only independent predictors of adverse outcomes (odds ratio 2.64; 95% confidence interval, 1.06 to 7.24; P = .038). Length of stay was 1.38 ± 1.43 days for the 40 years or older group compared to 1.06 ± 1.18 in the <40 group (P = .012). CONCLUSIONS: Despite higher ASA classifications, older patients did not have a significantly greater incidence of perioperative adverse outcomes including airway complications, nor was increased age associated with adverse outcomes in bivariate or multivariate analysis.

Sclerostin Immunohistochemical Staining in Aggressive Maxillofacial Giant Cell Lesions: Initial Results and Potential Therapeutic Target.

INTRODUCTION: Maxillofacial (MF) giant cell lesions (GCLs) are benign, often locally aggressive lesions with potential for recurrence. Systemic treatments have included interferon alpha, calcitonin, bisphosphonates, and denosumab. Sclerostin (SOST) is typically thought to be a negative regulator of bone metabolism and anti-SOST agents have been used to treat osteoporosis; however, its role in central giant cell granuloma is unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression of SOST in MF GCLs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of patients with MF GCLs treated at a single institution between 1993 and 2008 with a minimum follow-up of 6 months. Representative tissue was used to create a tissue microarray and SOST immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and grading was performed. The primary outcomes were IHC staining of the stromal cells and giant cells. The secondary outcomes included correlation of IHC staining and patient predictor variables including clinically benign and aggressive lesions. All analyses were completed using univariate statistical tests. RESULTS: A total of 37 subjects were included (29 clinically aggressive and 8 clinically benign). Sclerostin staining was present in 30 of 37 subjects (81%). Of these, 22 (60%) had stromal cell staining and 28 (76%) had giant cell staining. The presence or absence of staining, of either cell type, was not associated with aggressiveness, presence of clinical symptoms, tumor size, previous interferon therapy, previous surgery, or the race or age of the patient. DISCUSSION: Maxillofacial GCLs have an overall high level of SOST staining; however, the role of SOST in treatment and prognosis is unknown and warrants further study.

Clinical Practice Trends and Postoperative Outcomes in Primary Cleft Rhinoplasty.

PURPOSE: Optimal correction of the cleft nasal deformity remains challenging. The purpose of this study was to examine the practice patterns and postoperative course of patients undergoing cleft lip repair with rhinoplasty compared to those who have primary lip repair without rhinoplasty. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted based on the Kids' Inpatient Database. Data were collected from January 2000 to December 2011 and included infants aged 12 months and younger who underwent cleft lip repair. The predictor variable was the addition of rhinoplasty at primary cleft lip repair. Primary outcome variables included hospital setting, year, and admission cost, while secondary outcome variables included length of stay and postoperative complication rate. Independent t-tests and chi-squared tests were performed. Continuous variables were analyzed by multiple linear regression models. RESULTS: The study sample included 4559 infants with 1422 (31.2%) who underwent primary cleft rhinoplasty. Over time, there was a significant increase in the proportion of cleft lip repairs accompanied by a rhinoplasty (p < .01). A greater proportion of patients with unilateral cleft lips received simultaneous rhinoplasty with their lip repairs (33.8 vs 26.0%, p < .01). This cohort had a significantly shorter length of stay (1.6 vs 2.8 days, p < .01) when compared to children that underwent cleft lip repair alone. CONCLUSIONS: Performing primary cleft rhinoplasty is becoming more common among cleft surgeons. Considering comparable costs and complication rates, a rhinoplasty should be considered during the surgical treatment planning of patients with cleft nasal deformities.