Temporomandibular Joint: Approach to the Intermediate Space by Triangulation With Transillumination Reference.

Arthroscopy of the temporomandibular joint is a minimally invasive surgical procedure. Nowadays, 3 levels are described depending on the complexity. Level I involves a single puncture with an anterior irrigating needle for outflow. Level II involves a double puncture using triangulation in order to be able to perform minor operative maneuvers. Subsequently, it is possible to progress to Level III and perform more advanced techniques, through multiple punctures, involving the arthroscopic canula and 2 or more working cannulas. However, in cases of advanced degenerative pathology or re-arthroscopy, it is common to observe advanced fibrillation, severe synovitis, adhesions, or articular obliteration which makes conventional triangulation difficult. On these cases, we propose a simple and effective technique that facilitates approach to the intermediate space by means of triangulation with transillumination reference.

TMJ arthroscopy with hyaluronic acid: A 12-month randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of hyaluronic acid (HA) as an adjunct to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthroscopy, relative to standard TMJ arthroscopy, in Wilkes stage-III and stage-IV patients. METHODS: A randomized clinical trial design was utilized (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04110587). 51 patients were allocated to a TMJ arthroscopy (n = 25) or a TMJ arthroscopy plus HA (n = 26) group. Visual analog scale joint pain scores, maximum mouth opening (MMO), and muscle pain were measured at baseline, and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Disk position on magnetic resonance imaging was evaluated at baseline and 12 months. Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) was assessed at baseline, and at 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: No group differences were observed in clinical or radiographic measurements (p ≥ .05). The results do not indicate any benefit of HA as an adjuvant therapy to arthroscopy during follow-up months 3-12. TMJ arthroscopy improved OHRQoL at 6 and 12 months (Oral Health Impact Profile-14 questionnaire scores of -14.59 and -14.27, 95% confidence intervals = -17.55 to -11.63 and -17.27 to -11.27) respectively, as well as pain and MMO, at all follow-up time points (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: A beneficial effect of HA injection during TMJ arthroscopy after the 3-month follow-up was not observed.

Is There a Relationship Between Age, Personal Factors or Surgical Findings, and Outcome After Temporomandibular Joint Arthroscopy?

PURPOSE: The variables involved in prognosis after treatment of internal derangement (ID) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are unclear. The purpose of this study was to estimate the frequency and identify which factors are associated with treatment success (or failure) among patients with ID managed with arthroscopy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was carried out of patients undergoing TMJ arthroscopy over a 9-year-period. The predictor variable was composed of a set of demographic, clinical, and operative findings, including, as primary variable, the patient's age. The primary outcome variable was based on the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (AAOMS) criteria of pain (measured by visual analogue scale (VAS)) and maximal interincisal opening (MIO) defined as VAS ≤ 3 and MIO greater 35 mm and grouped as success or failure. The improvement in pain and functional values were compared with the age by using the Pearson correlation coefficient, whereas categorical variables were tested using chi-squared analysis, and mean values were compared with Student t-test or ANOVA. Subsequently, a logistic regression model was used, and the odds ratios (OR) of the evaluated comparisons were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 212 patients were included in this study. In terms of arthroscopic findings, the presence of severe chondromalacia, adhesions or disc perforation (P < .001), was related with older patients. However, there was no statistically significant correlation between age and the postoperative improvement referred to pain or MIO. According to the AAOMS criteria, the procedure was successful in 54.24% of the cases. Two factors were related with a favorable outcome in the adjusted regression analysis: a higher presurgical MIO (OR 0.91, P < .001) and the presence of adhesions (OR 0.41, P = .003). CONCLUSION: Age has no influence on the outcome after arthroscopy. A higher presurgical MIO and the presence of adhesions provide, in the long-term, a favorable prognosis.

"Skeletal surgical approach in Down Syndrome with Obstructive Sleep Apnea."

Failing to address Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in Down Syndrome (DS) patients can have serious consequences, leading to increased mortality. Moreover, a notable portion of individuals find it challenging to tolerate Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). Therefore, this study aims to share our experiences in treating adult DS patients with moderate to severe OSA who don't tolerate CPAP using various surgical approaches. A retrospective analytical study including 20 DS with moderate to severe/very severe OSA who had no tolerance to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) was conducted. Regarding the individual skeletal characteristics of each patient various orthognathic surgery techniques were performed. Two in-hospital polysomnographies (PSG) were undertaken for every patient; one before the surgical procedure, while another was performed between 6 and 60 months of the follow-up post-surgery period. Polysomnographic variables were analyzed in this study such as AHI, ODI, and T90, which all showed statistically significant improvement after surgery with a p value in the Wilcoxon test <0,01. These results have remained stable over time, with no recurrences of OSA observed over the five years of follow-up. Thus, orthognathic surgery may be the only viable option for individuals with DS who are unable to tolerate CPAP.

Consensus Report and Recommendations on the Management of Late-stage Internal Derangement of the Temporomandibular Joint.

Introduction: This report investigates late-stage internal derangement (ID) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) with the aim of establishing a more effective and personalized treatment protocol to improve patients' quality of life (QoL). Material and methods: A consensus was reached among maxillofacial surgeons specializing in LSID, based on a literature research and collective expert experience following the Delphi method. Consensus was considered to be achieved when a response received at least 80% of votes. Results: Four expert groups were established, respectively, focusing on diagnosis, minimally invasive surgery (MIS), open surgery and joint replacement. A comprehensive approach to late-stage ID of the TMJ requires a consensus report. This underscores the need for a personalized treatment plan, considering the variability in clinical presentations and progression of this pathology. Our recommendations aim to optimize clinical outcomes and enhance patient QoL.

Zygomatic distraction osteogenesis for correction of midfacial support after hemimaxillectomy: experience and technical considerations.

PURPOSE: The maxilla is the functional and esthetic keystone of the midface, and large maxillary defects remain a challenge for reconstructive surgery. Different regional and microvascularized flaps have been used to restore the hemimaxilla. Distraction osteogenesis offers an alternative to complex flaps, with less donor-site morbidity. This method is also preferable as a secondary reconstruction in cases of serious bone defects where other flaps have failed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Four patients with maxillary defects after oncologic ablation presented at a mean follow-up period of 36 months (standard deviation, 18 mo). In these patients, transport distraction osteogenesis of the zygoma was used to restore the bony support of the low maxilla. RESULTS: After a latency period of 15 days, distraction began at a rate of 0.5 mm/day. A 2-step distraction, by changing the direction of the zygomatic device, was carried out in 3 cases. After a consolidation period of 4 to 6 months for each distraction, the devices were removed and the bone edges were joined together with an autogenous bone graft (anterior iliac crest and calvaria). A good quality of bone was observed in the distracted gap, which allowed for postoperative dental implant placement and prosthetic rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: In patients with large maxillary defects in which the remaining bone is insufficient and in patients in whom other reconstructive methods have failed, zygomatic distraction is an excellent option to restore the low projection of the maxilla. Bone transport was found to be a stable reconstructive method that allowed for the restoration of function and esthetics in oncologic patients.

Temporomandibular joint disc perforation: long-term results after operative arthroscopy.

PURPOSE: Disc perforation (DP) is one of the most important pathologic signs of intracapsular temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disease; however, few clinical studies have focused on the arthroscopic management of this feature. The purpose of the present study was to assess whether operative arthroscopy with abrasion of the perforation borders is effective for the treatment of this alteration of the internal derangement of the TMJ. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-six patients (39 joints) who underwent TMJ arthroscopy under general anesthesia and presented with DP (Wilkes stages IV and V) from 1994 through 2006 were included in this study. The age range at the time of surgery was 14 to 59 years. DPs were classified into 3 groups according to size: small (SMA), medium (MED), or large (LAR). Pain (visual analog scale, scores 0 to 100), maximal interincisal opening, and lateral and protrusive excursions were assessed at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 months after surgery. Preoperative and postoperative scores were compared and tested for statistically significant differences by the Student t test for paired data. The level of statistical significance was set at .05. Differences in the global, SMA, MED, and LAR groups were evaluated. RESULTS: In the global group, the mean score of preoperative pain according to the visual analog scale was 53.97 mm, which decreased to 14.33 mm at 4-year follow-up. The maximal interincisal opening improved from a mean of 28.56 mm before surgery to 34.88 mm after the final follow-up. SMA perforations were found in 11 cases (28.20%), MED in 19 cases (48.71%), and LAR in 9 cases (23.07%). A significant decrease in pain (P < .01) was observed from the first postoperative month to the end of the follow-up period in the global and SMA groups. A statistically significant increase in mouth opening was observed in the global group from 6 months postoperatively; however, no significant differences were observed in the MED and LAR groups from before surgery to the different times of follow-up. After the final follow-up, 2 patients underwent open TMJ surgery owing to unfavorable results. CONCLUSIONS: Operative arthroscopy of the TMJ is a reliable and effective procedure for the articular dysfunction associated with DP because this procedure alleviates pain and improves mouth opening. Patients with SMA perforations are better candidates for this surgical treatment.

Osseointegrated implant rehabilitation of irradiated oral cancer patients.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to analyze implant survival in patients who received radiotherapy treatment for oral malignancies and in patients who had suffered mandibular osteoradionecrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed retrospectively 225 implants placed in 30 patients who had received radiotherapy as part of the oncologic treatment. Radiation doses ranged between 50 and 70 Gy. 39 implants were placed after a combined treatment of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Data referred to tumour type and reconstruction, presence of osteoradionecrosis, region of implant installation and type of prostheses were recorded. Survival rates were calculated with cumulative Kaplan-Meier survival curves and compared between different groups with a log-rank test. RESULTS: 152 osseointegrated implants were placed in patients who presented previous reconstruction procedure. Five patients developed osteorradionecrosis as a complication of the radiotherapy treatment. Once osteoradionecrosis had healed in these patients, 41 implants were installed. The overall 5 year survival rate in irradiated patients was 92.6%. Irradiated patients had a marginally significantly higher implant loss than non-irradiated patients. (p = 0.063). The 5 year survival rate in the osteoradionecrosis group was of 48.3% and in the non-osteoradionecrosis group 92.3%, with a statistically significant difference between both groups. (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Osseointegrated implants enhance oral rehabilitation in most irradiated patients, even being an acceptable option for patients who had suffered osteoradionecrosis. Totally implant supported prostheses are recommended after irradiation providing functional, stable and aesthetically satisfactory rehabilitation.

Influence of Genetic Polymorphisms on the Response to Tramadol, Ibuprofen, and the Combination in Patients With Moderate to Severe Pain After Dental Surgery.

PURPOSE: We aimed to elucidate the influence on analgesic effect of genetic polymorphisms in enzymes responsible for biotransformation of tramadol and ibuprofen or other possible genes involved in their mechanism of action. METHODS: The study population comprised 118 patients from a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, Phase III clinical trial that assessed the analgesic efficacy and tolerability of a single dose of ibuprofen (arginine)/tramadol 400/37.5 mg compared with ibuprofen arginine 400 mg alone, tramadol 50 mg alone, and placebo in patients with moderate to severe pain after dental surgery. We analyzed 32 polymorphisms in the cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes COMT, ABCB1, SLC22A1, OPRM1, and SLC22A1. FINDINGS: We did not find any statistically significant difference among CYP2C9 phenotypes related to ibuprofen response, although CYP2C9 poor metabolizers had a longer effect (higher pain relief at 6 hours). Likewise, we did not find any statistically significant difference among PTGS2 genotypes, contradicting previously publications. IMPLICATIONS: There was not a clear effect of CYP2D6 phenotype on tramadol response, although CYP2D6 poor metabolizers had a slower analgesic effect. Concerning the transport of CYP2D6, we observed a better response in individuals carrying ABCB1 mutated alleles, which might correlate with higher tramadol plasma levels. Finally, we found a statistically significant better response in patients carrying the OPRM1 A118G G allele, which contradicts the previous reports. Measuring the active metabolite O-desmethyl-tramadol formation would be of great importance to better evaluate this association because O-desmethyl-tramadol has a higher µ-opioid receptor affinity compared with the parent drug. EudraCT.ema.europa.eu identifier: 2013-004637-33.

A 12-year retrospective analytic study of the implant survival rate in 177 consecutive maxillary sinus augmentation procedures.

PURPOSE: This retrospective study sought to demonstrate the outcome of maxillary sinus elevation surgery in a series of 177 procedures performed over 12 years and to determine the existence of variables that could independently predict implant survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective descriptive and analytic study of a series of maxillary sinus elevation procedures performed between 1996 and 2007 was undertaken. The sample was composed of patients with severe atrophy of the posterior maxilla who had been rehabilitated with osseointegrated implants placed in grafted maxillary sinuses. Several features of the patients (smoking habit, presence of comorbidities, and previous oral carcinoma) and of the surgical procedure (grafting material, associated procedures, associated materials, simultaneous/delayed implant placement, and complications) related to implant survival or failure were monitored during the follow-up period. Implant survival and the existence of variables that could predict implant survival independently were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-seven sinus augmentation procedures were performed in 119 consecutive patients (mean age 50.02 years; SD 11.5). Of the 272 implants placed in sinus-augmented regions, 19 were lost. The mean follow-up period was 60.7 months (SD 36.5). The overall cumulative implant survival rate was 93% after 5 years. The multivariate analysis showed that the presence of complications related to the sinus augmentation procedure (membrane perforation and sinusitis) and peri-implantitis were factors in predicting implant failure. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of this retrospective analysis, it might be concluded that sinus augmentation is a very versatile procedure. Its efficacy and predictability in terms of implant survival rate is extremely high and independent of the graft material, surgical technique, associated comorbidities, smoking habits, and timing of implant placement. Complications such as membrane perforation, sinusitis, and peri-implantitis appeared to influence implant failure.

Prognostic factors influencing contralateral neck lymph node metastases in oral and oropharyngeal carcinoma.

PURPOSE: The prognostic influence of different clinicopathologic factors in contralateral lymph node metastases of oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) has been rarely described in the literature. Prediction of these contralateral metastases may be of relevance because this factor is strongly associated with poor prognosis. This study analyzed the relationship between predictor factors and the development of contralateral metastases in oral and oropharyngeal SCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A series of 402 cases of oral and oropharyngeal SCC were analyzed retrospectively. Unilateral neck dissection was carried out in 190 patients, bilateral neck dissection in 101, and tumor resection without neck dissection in 111. The log-rank test was used for survival analysis of contralateral metastases. Correlation between different clinicopathologic factors and the presence of contralateral metastases was studied with the chi(2) test for univariate analysis and logistic regression for association of these factors and contralateral metastases in the multivariate analysis (P < .05). RESULTS: Of the patients, 20 (5.1%) had primary positive contralateral metastases in neck dissection specimens and 19 (4.8%) had contralateral recurrences at follow-up. When the 2 groups were taken into consideration, the rate of contralateral metastases of the series was 9%. Gender, tumor location, homolateral positive nodes, tumor extension across the midline, histologic grade, margin status, pattern of growth, and perineural spread were correlated with contralateral metastases in the univariate analysis (P < .05). However, homolateral lymph node metastases and extension across the midline were the most important predictors of contralateral metastases (P < .01) on multivariate logistic regression analysis. Positive contralateral metastases showed a strong correlation with a poor prognosis for survival in this study (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Oral and oropharyngeal carcinomas with homolateral positive lymph nodes and tumor extension across the midline are at higher risk of contralateral lymph node involvement. Prediction of contralateral metastases may be useful in planning more aggressive therapies in patients with head and neck SCC with poor prognostic criteria.

Polymorphisms in the hypoxia inducible factor 1-alpha and the impact on the prognosis of early stages of oral cancer.

BACKGROUND: Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) is the key regulator of cellular responses to hypoxia and presumably plays a central role in the control of tumor growth. Polymorphisms or mutations increasing its activity and stability in vitro under normoxia have recently been identified. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of C1772T and G1790A single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), located within the exon 12 of HIF-1alpha on the prognosis of early stages of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). METHODS: The frequency of C1772T and G1790A polymorphisms was determined by PCR-RFLP in 139 DNA samples from healthy volunteers and 74 patients with surgically treated T1/2 N0 OSCC. The impact of HIF-1alpha SNPs on tumor size, invasive depth, pathological features, and histological grade was studied. Correlations between genotype and relapse and/or disease-specific survival were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank test. RESULTS: Concerning G1790A SNP, the frequencies of GA heterozygous and AA variant homozygous genotypes were significantly higher in patients than in healthy volunteers (32.8% vs. 6.5% and 4.7% vs. none, respectively) (P < .0001). Also, the presence of the variant allele A was associated to disease-relapse (P = .02) and shorter disease-free survival (P = .04). The genotype distribution of C1772T did not diverge between patients and healthy subjects, and no differences were observed with respect to disease-free or overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that G1790A polymorphism in the HIF-1alpha gene might confer susceptibility to OSCC and could be a marker of disfavorable prognosis at early stages.

Le Fort I osteotomy, bilateral sinus lift, and inlay bone-grafting for reconstruction in the severely atrophic maxilla: a new vision of the sandwich technique, using bone scrapers and piezosurgery.

Severe atrophy of the edentulous maxilla and progressive pneumatisation of the maxillary sinus can compromise the insertion of dental implants. In this context, ideal implant positioning is limited by inadequate height, width, and quality of the bone. Le Fort I osteotomy and interpositional bone graft is an excellent treatment concept for the dental rehabilitation of patients with atrophied maxilla and reversed intermaxillary relationship. In this report, we indicate the transcendent aspect of elevation and preservation of maxillary sinus and nasal mucosa, modifying the sandwich technique by the useful of bone scrapers and piezosurgery. The procedure is described including a 1-stage approach using cortico-cancellous bone blocks through which implants are placed. In the extremely atrophied alveolar process of the maxilla, this technique provides the desired gain of bone, allows for the ideal placement of dental implants, and improves any discrepancy between the upper and lower arches.

Contralateral lymph neck node metastasis of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity: a retrospective analytic study in 315 patients.

PURPOSE: In relation to primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oral cavity, many clinical and histopathologic factors have been reported to be predictive for lymph neck node relapse. However, few large studies concerning the association between clinical-histopathologic features and the development of contralateral lymph neck node relapse (CLNR) after surgical resection of primary SCC of the oral cavity are available. The purpose of this study was to analyze those factors related to the appearance of contralateral lymph neck node relapse in patients with SCC of the oral cavity primarily treated by means of surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was based on a series of 315 consecutive patients with primary SCC of the oral cavity treated between June 1979 and December 1999. All patients were treated primarily by means of surgery with or without adjuvant radiotherapy. The following data were analyzed for each patient: age, gender, habits, time to diagnosis, performance status, tumor clinical features, histologic grade, TNM staging, type of neck dissection, survival outcome, and functional/esthetic results at the end of the follow-up period. Histologic study included the pTNM classification, tumor size, surgical margins, extracapsular spread of lymph neck node metastasis, perineural infiltration, peritumoral inflammation, and bone involvement. RESULTS: Eighty-three patients eventually died of the disease (26.34%). A total of 177 patients were alive with no evidence of recurrence at the end of the study. The mean disease-specific survival rate was 147 +/- 6 months. Twenty-nine (9.1%) patients developed ipsilateral lymph neck node relapse (ILNR), whereas 18 (5.69%) patients developed CLNR. The mean period of time from surgery to the appearance of CLNR was 12.52 months (range, 3 to 49 months). Eighteen of 29 patients with ILNR finally died of the disease. Seven of 18 patients with CLNR died of the disease. Several clinical-pathologic features were predictive for CLNR in SCC of the oral cavity, such as the time to diagnosis, TNM staging, positive ipsilateral clinical N status, histopathologic differentiation, surgical margins of primary tumor resection, type of neck dissection, and perineural infiltration. CONCLUSION: Delay in diagnosis 12 or more months is associated with increased CLNR. Clinical and pathologic factors predictive for CLNR are TNM tumor staging IV, histopathologic poor-differentiation of the primary tumor, surgical margins less than 1 cm around the primary tumor, performance of isolated ipsilateral modified type III radical neck dissection, and perineural tumor involvement. Presence of ipsilateral neck metastasis at the time of diagnosis is associated with an augmented incidence of CLNR in SCC of the oral cavity.

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.

Endoscopically-assisted transoral approach for the treatment of subcondylar fractures of the mandible.

INTRODUCTION: Treatment of subcondylar fractures of the mandible is one of the most controversial aspects in the field of maxillofacial traumatology. This controversy centers on the positive and negative aspects of open and closed approaches for the treatment of this kind of fractures. Open techniques lead to good reduction and osteosynthesis, but have a high risk of injury to the facial nerve and produce facial scars. Closed techniques (intermaxillary fixation) reduce all the above-mentioned risks but rarely produce correct anatomic reduction, and complications such as ankylosis, condylar necrosis and inhibition of mandibular growth, causing abnormal occlusion, may occur. Despite all the associated risks, closed techniques are currently the most popular treatment. OBJECTIVES: To introduce the endoscopically-assisted transoral approach for the treatment of subcondylar fractures, presenting three cases treated in our department. A description of the technique has been included as well as the clinical and radiographic results obtained. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study is based in three patients with subcondylar fractures of the mandible who were treated by an endoscopically-assisted transoral approach. A description of the surgical technique is included. The results were assessed by postsurgical radiographic control (orthopantomography), maximum mouth opening, occlusion and pain. RESULTS: Three reductions of subcondylar fractures with transoral endoscopically-assisted approach were undertaken. The follow-up period was 6 months. Postsurgical radiographic control showed good reduction of the fracture in all three cases. None of the patients showed any sign of temporomandibular dysfunction after 6 months. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic treatment by transoral approach combines the positive aspects of both conventional techniques: closed and open reduction; allowing anatomic reduction and a stable fixation leaving no visible facial scars and with a minimum risk of injury to the facial nerve.

Arthroscopic Management of Synovial Chondromatosis of the Temporomandibular Joint. Case Series and Systematic Review.

AIM: Synovial chondromatosis (SC) is a benign condition that is characterized by the formation of cartilaginous nodules within the synovial tissue of a joint that may detach and form loose bodies inside the articular space. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of surgical arthroscopy for the treatment of SC of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A series of six patients treated with arthroscopy (one patient requiring an open arthrotomy due to the size of the loose bodies) in our centre between 1997 and 2016 is presented and results are discussed. A systematic review of the literature of patients with SC treated with arthroscopy or arthroscopy-assisted open arthrotomy is also carried out. RESULTS: Pain, which was the main symptom in our patients, and maximum mouth opening both improved significantly after surgical treatment. Three of the patients were diagnosed with primary SC, and the other 3 had a previous diagnosis of internal derangement. None of the patients showed signs of relapse during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows the extraction of loose bodies and even partial synovectomy of the affected membrane with good results and without recurrence of the disease. This technique can be useful in cases of SC with loose bodies measuring less than 3 mm or without extra-articular extension.

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.