Modified Reconstruction of Brown II Defects With Anterolateral Thigh Flaps Following Tumor Resection.

OBJECTIVE: Maxillary defects reconstructed with flaps usually cause nasalomaxillary fistula, discomfort oral lining, and poor function of denture. To resolve these problems, this study introduces a modified method of anterolateral thigh flap (ALTF) with skin and myofascial paddles to reconstruct nasal and oral lining of maxillary defects. METHODS: This study retrospectively reviewed 66 consecutive patients of Brown II maxillary defects following tumor resection reconstructed with ALTFs of modified or conventional methods. In modified group, oral lining was reconstructed with myofascial paddle and nasal lining was reconstructed with skin paddle. The functional and aesthetic outcomes, and the scores based on the University of Washington quality of life questionnaire were assessed. RESULTS: All flaps were successful in reconstruction of Brown II maxillary defects. No nasalomaxillary fistula and obstruction of the nasal cavity were found in modified ALTFs group. The functions of removable denture were better in modified ALTFs group. There was no significant difference about tumor recurrence, range of mouth opening, and aesthetic outcomes between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: The modified method of ALTF with skin and myofascial piddle to reconstruct Brown IIa and IIb defects following tumor resection is simple and reliable, which improves the oral comfortability and function of denture, and avoids obstruction of the nasal cavity.

A case study of monofilament line entanglement in a common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus): entanglement, disentanglement, and subsequent death.

BACKGROUND: Free-ranging common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) can become entangled in fishing line and other marine debris. Infrequently, dolphins can be successfully disentangled, released back into the wild, and later examined postmortem to better understand the pathology and long-term effects of these entanglements. CASE PRESENTATION: An entangled common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) calf was observed in the Indian River Lagoon, Florida, USA, with monofilament fishing line wrapped tightly around its maxilla. A multi-agency team successfully disentangled the dolphin for immediate release back into its natural habitat. A year after disentanglement, photos and observations indicated that the now independent calf showed a decline in body condition, characterized by grossly visible ribs and a prominent post-nuchal depression. More than 2 years post-disentanglement, the freshly dead carcass of this juvenile dolphin was recovered with extensive predation wounds. Despite the forestomach being ~ 50% full of ingesta (fish), the dolphin was emaciated. During postmortem examination, we collected and evaluated photographs and measurements of the maxillary damage resulting from the entanglement. CONCLUSION: The monofilament entanglement caused permanent, bilateral deformation of the maxillary dental arcade, including a 4.0-4.2 cm long, 0.5 cm deep linear groove where the entanglement eroded the lateral edges of the maxilla. There was no evidence of maxillary fracture and the dolphin survived for more than 2 years after disentanglement. External evidence of propeller scars and a fishing hook discovered embedded in the laryngeal mucosa at necropsy indicated repeated human interactions.

Penetrating head injury due to angle grinder: an occupational hazard.

Penetrating head injury is a life threatening condition. In the workplace, these are mostly non missile type, low velocity civilian injuries caused by sharp objects. Angle grinders are used to cut stones, metal etc, and cause penetrating head injuries due to shattered rotating discs from the grinder at home and workplaces. We report a series of three cases of penetrating head injuries due to unsafe use of angle grinders. The relevant literature is reviewed and management of such cases is discussed.

Use of Porous Implants for the Prosthetic Rehabilitation of Fibula Free Flap Reconstructed Patients.

Vascularized free flaps represent today the gold standard in Maxillo-Facial reconstructive treatment of the upper and lower compromised maxillas.The aim of this study is to perform the advantages and disadvantages of the vascularized fibula free flap and the available rehabilitation options with porous implants.In this study the authors analyzed 45 patients with 211 inserted implants treated and reconstructed with vascularized fibula flaps. The authors compared the use of 103 titanium tapered implants (with micro rough surface) versus 108 tantalum-titanium porous implants to evaluate the bone reabsorption and implant survival. Immediate implant stability, the peri-implant reabsorption, and the survival were evaluated. The follow-up was after 3, 6, 12, and 24 months.The authors found that for the 108 Zimmer TM they had an average bone loss of 1 mm ± 0.2 mm after 1 year of follow-up, compared with the other implants where the average bone loss was 2.27 mm ± 0.4.This study demonstrated that the problems caused by different fibula flaps level, compared with the mandibula or, with adjacent teeth in the maxilla, can be solved using TM porous implants that almost duplicate the fixture surface and guarantees long life prognosis to the authors' prosthetic devices.

Removal of Foreign Bodies in Orbit-Zygomatic-Maxillary Complex.

Trauma is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Due to its anatomy and position in the facial skeleton, the orbit becomes a region susceptible to trauma which may also involve the penetration of foreign bodies (FBs). These events can have serious repercussions depending on their extent due to the proximity of the orbit with other noble structures of the face and skull. Because of this, a system of prehospital management of traumas must be established, in order to promote a better prognosis for patients. The present study aims to report the case of a patient suffering from a motorcycle accident with multiple fragments of FBs in the region of orbit-zygomatic-maxillary complex. The emergency surgical removal of the fragments was performed by a multidisciplinary team, involving Ophthalmology and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Traumatology (OMST). Wound cleansing and debridement were performed with subsequent removal of the foreign bodies by the OMST team, in addition to the reduction and fixation of related fractures. As for Ophthalmology, the evisceration of the affected eye was performed due to its anatomical and functional impairment. The patient is 12 months postoperatively, with no aesthetic or functional complaints regarding OMST. The anatomical knowledge of the traumatized region, besides the establishment of the conduct regarding the removal of possible associated foreign bodies are required so that the success of the treatment can be obtained, aiming to minimize the damages to the patient.

3D-printed model for hands-on training in dental traumatology.

AIM: To assess the feasibility of creating a realistic model for hands-on training in dental traumatology using 3D printing technology, and then to investigate the added value of working with the website dentaltraumaguide.org. METHODOLOGY: With the use of special software applications, a model was designed based on the CBCT of the maxilla of a real patient that imitated several traumatic dental injuries. The model was reproduced using a stereolithographic printer to use the specimens in a hands-on training course on dental traumatology for undergraduate students in their final year in the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology in Munich, Germany. During the course, half of the participants had access to dentaltraumaguide.org, whereas the others did not. The students were then assessed according to their theoretical knowledge and practical performance in simulated treatment. These data were analysed by Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, unpaired t-test and Mann-Whitney U test. Subsequently, the participants were asked to evaluate the model. RESULTS: The workflow for manufacturing a model of dental traumatology for training purposes was practical and relatively inexpensive. In the evaluation process, the model was considered to be highly realistic and useful during an instructive hands-on training course. There were significant differences between the two groups in favour of using the dentaltraumaguide.org website. CONCLUSIONS: 3D printing technology offers new possibilities for training specific dental treatments that are currently difficult to imitate. The online platform dentaltraumaguide.org assisted students in correctly managing traumatic dental injuries.

Orthognathic Surgery and Implant-Supported Bridge in a Class III Patient Injured in a Motor Vehicle Accident.

Occlusal and esthetic rehabilitation of jaw deformities in patients with partially edentulous maxilla are challenging procedures. This article describes a patient involving a skeletal Class III, 36-year-old male patient with a single bilateral anterior partially edentulous maxilla resulting from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident; his anterior teeth had been lost for more than 10 years. His lip protruded from the lateral view due to the proclined upper incisors and mandibular protrusion.Because of the facial deformity and inadequate prosthesis of the maxilla, the prosthesis had dropped out repeatedly. Bone deficiency was prominent in the area of the anterior maxillary region and required augmentation for implant restoration.Consultation among the prosthodontist, orthodontist, and patient led to a decision to perform an orthognathic surgery and bone graft before implant treatment. After orthodontic treatment combined with orthognathic surgery, 3 dental implants were placed with simultaneous iliac bone graft for prosthetic rehabilitation. The treatment restored the maxillary dental arch, which supported the upper lip with appropriate occlusion, both esthetically and functionally. After a 2-year clinical follow-up, the orthoprosthesis of the maxilla remained stable, and the patient was satisfied with the outcome of treatment. The combination of orthodontic, surgical, and dental implant treatment could be an option for skeletal Class III patients with bone-deficient, edentulous jaws.

An Algorithmic Approach to the Management of Ballistic Facial Trauma in the Civilian Population.

Annual incidence of non-fatal ballistic civilian has been increasing for the last decade. The aim of the present study was to clarify the optimal reconstructive management of civilian ballistic facial injuries. A systematic review of PubMed was performed. Articles were evaluated for defect type and site, reconstructive modality, complications, and outcomes. A total of 30 articles were included. Most common region of injury was mandibular with a 46.6% incidence rate. All-cause complication rate after reconstruction was 31.0%. About 13.3% of patients developed a postoperative infection. Gunshot wounds had overall lower complication rates as compared with shotgun wounds at 9.0% and 17.0%. By region, complications for gunshot wounds were 35% and 34% for mandible and maxilla, respectively. Immediate surgical intervention with conservative serial debridement is recommended. However, for patients with pre-existing psychiatric disorders, secondary revisions should be delayed until proper psychiatric stabilization. When there is extensive loss of soft tissue in the midface, aesthetic outcomes are achieved with a latissimus dorsi or anterolateral thigh free flap. Radial forearm flap is favored for thin lining defects. Open reduction is suggested for bony-tissue stabilization. The fibula flap is recommended for bony defects >5 cm in both midface and mandible. For bony defects, <5 cm bone grafting was preferred. Delaying bone grafting does not worsen patient outcomes. Surgical treatment of ballistic facial trauma requires thorough preparation and precise planning. An algorithm that summarizes the approach to the main decision points of surgical management and reconstruction after ballistic facial trauma has been presented in this study.

Quality of Postoperative Pain Management After Maxillofacial Fracture Repair.

BACKGROUND: Effective pain management is an essential component in the perioperative care of surgical patients. However, postoperative pain after maxillofacial fracture repair and its optimal therapy has not been described in detail. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a prospective cohort study, 95 adults rated their pain on the first postoperative day after maxillofacial fracture repair using the questionnaire of the Quality Improvement in Postoperative Pain Management (QUIPS) project. Quality Improvement in Postoperative Pain Management allowed for a standardized assessment of patients' characteristics and pain-related parameters. RESULTS: Overall, the mean maximal pain and pain on activity (numeric rating scales) were significantly higher in patients with mandibular fractures than in patients with midface fractures (P = 0.002 and P = 0.045, respectively). In patients with mandibular fractures, a longer duration of surgery was significantly associated with higher satisfaction with pain intensity (P = 0.015), but was more frequently associated with postoperative vomiting (P = 0.023). A shorter duration of surgery and an absence of preoperative pain counseling in these patients were significantly correlated to desire for more pain medication (P = 0.049 and P = 0.004, respectively). Patients with mandibular fractures that received opioids in the recovery room had significantly higher strain-related pain (P = 0.017). In patients with midface fractures, a longer duration of surgery showed significantly higher levels of decreased mobility (P = 0.003). Patients receiving midazolam for premedication had significantly less minimal pain (P = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with mandibular fractures seem to have more postoperative pain than patients with midface fractures. Monitoring of postsurgical pain and a procedure-specific pain-treatment protocol should be performed in clinical routine.

Computer-guided implant removal: A clinical report.

Occasionally, osseointegrated dental implants must be removed because of complications such as malpositioning or screw fracture. This is most often accomplished with a surgical handpiece and trephine. However, a flap is often required to access and visualize the implants. This paper presents a treatment in which computer planning and a 3-dimensional-printed, custom fabricated, surgical guide was used to assist in implant removal. This technique simplified the procedure, allowed conservative removal of peri-implant bone, and permitted subsequent immediate implant replacement.

3D reconstruction images of cone beam computed tomography applied to maxillofacial fractures: A case study and mini review.

Maxillofacial injuries can be complex and are clinically important due to their functional and cosmetic significance. Maltreated and missed fractures might cause deformity of the face; thus, accurate evaluation of the fracture provided by X-ray images is critical. In this study, we explore the application of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for diagnosis of severe maxillofacial traumas. A patient with a complex fracture that affects the maxilla, mandible, wall of the maxillary sinus, zygoma, zygomatic arch and nasal bone was diagnosed using 3D reconstruction of CBCT images. This diagnostic approach provides detailed information obtained by static images and a systematic model with unique advantages for the following pre-surgical evaluation, surgical treatment and prognostic assessment of complex maxillofacial fractures.

A study on shotgun injuries to the craniomaxillofacial Region in a Nigerian Tertiary Health Center.

CONTEXT: Short-range shotgun wounds of the craniomaxillofacial region are life-threatening and are as devastating as military rifle wounds. AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the pattern of presentation of craniomaxillofacial shotgun injuries, types of shotgun injuries, and the outcome of treatments in our environment. SETTING AND DESIGN: This is a prospective observational study. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective observational study conducted from February 2006 to March 2012. All patients with shotgun wounds to the craniomaxillofacial region were included in the study by convenient sampling method. Glezer's shotgun classification scheme was used to categorize the patients into short-, intermediate-, and long-range shotgun wounds. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 16. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Descriptive statistics were used to calculate the data. Mean and standard deviation (SD) were calculated for all quantitative variables such as age. Frequency and percentages were presented for qualitative variables. RESULTS: A total number of 28 patients were seen. Ages ranged from 19 to 64 years with a mean (±SD) of 32.7 (±11.4) years. The two most commonly used shotguns were locally made pistol (25, 42.9%) and the cut-size gun (10, 35.7%) and the least commonly used was Dane gun (1, 3.6%). Close-range injury to the face was 17 (60.7%) while that of intermediate- and long-range injuries were 6 (21.1%) and 5 (17.9%), respectively. CONCLUSION: Wounds sustained from close-range shotguns to the face were the most common in this environment. The outcome of treatment was satisfactory when treated with conservative debridement and early reconstruction.

Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Post-Traumatic Deficient Anterior Maxilla.

PURPOSE: Maxillary retrognathism appears in 14.3% of patients exhibiting malocclusion after trauma treatment. This report describes the application of alveolar distraction osteogenesis (ADO) for treating the severely deficient anterior maxilla after trauma injuries in the vertical and anteroposterior planes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study of patients exhibiting severe vertical and anteroposterior maxillary bone deficiency after trauma injuries and treated by ADO as a first stage with additional Le Fort I advancement when required. Predictor variables included ADO for alveolar augmentation and Le Fort I advancement for anteroposterior discrepancy after ADO. Outcome variables included dental implant failure and anteroposterior maxillary relations. RESULTS: Twelve patients with severe atrophic anterior maxilla secondary to trauma injuries were included and treated using ADO. In accordance to the size of the horizontal deficiency, 1 or 2 distractors were used. Vertical alveolar distraction was performed and the transported segments were elongated at a rate of 0.5 mm/day to a mean total of 13.9 mm (12 to 15 mm). In 4 of 12 cases, there was a severe anteroposterior discrepancy larger than 8 mm that could not be fully corrected using an anterior inclination during the vertical elongation. Therefore, a second stage of conventional Le Fort I advancement was performed. Thirty-eight dental implants were inserted, with a survival rate of 97.37% (median follow-up, 6.2 yr). CONCLUSIONS: This report describes treatment of the deficient anterior maxilla after trauma injuries in the vertical and anteroposterior planes, including implant-based dental rehabilitation. The main advantages include simultaneous bone and mucosa augmentation, no donor site morbidity, considerably higher vertical augmentation compared with other methods, and minimal relapse. Using an additional Le Fort I advancement in severe cases permits a useful method for proper repositioning of the maxilla, thus resulting in superior intermaxillary relations.

Styloid Process Fracture Associated With Maxillofacial Trauma: Incidence, Distribution, and Management.

PURPOSE: Fracture of the styloid process of the temporal bone has been infrequently reported. The present study evaluated the incidence, causes, distribution, and management of styloid process fracture in association with other maxillofacial fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective evaluation of patients with maxillofacial trauma over a period of 1 year was carried out and patients' characteristics, mode and distribution of injury, and length of styloid process were recorded. Patients were divided into 5 groups based on the site of maxillofacial fracture and into 2 groups based on styloid process length to evaluate their association with styloid process fracture. The authors' unit protocol was carried out for management of styloid process fracture. RESULTS: Of 84 patients with maxillofacial trauma, 27 patients (14 men, 13 women; mean age, 25.7 ± 8.92 yr) had styloid process fracture. The most common cause of injury was road traffic accidents. Mandibular and multiple facial fractures accounted for most concomitant styloid process fractures. The mean length of the styloid process in patients with fracture was 2.46 ± 0.89 cm and no relevant association was present between the length and fracture of the styloid process. All patients responded well to initial conservative management. CONCLUSION: Styloid process fractures are relatively common injuries in developing countries and a meticulous examination is essential for prompt diagnosis and adequate care.

Removable Partial Denture After Gunshot Injury: Five Year Follow-Up.

The aim of this study was to report a patient of rehabilitation with removable partial denture retained by implants in-patient who suffered injury after firearm shooting. A 19-year-old man presented to the hospital of the Val Paraíso city after being hit by a bullet in the right on the face, affecting the teeth 12 to 16. The surgery to remove the shards of teeth, and bullet was performed. Surgical team opted for installation of implants without bone grafts; however, due to extensive loss of alveolar bone, only 3 tilted implants (2 Ø3.75 × 8.5 mm and 1 Ø3.75 × 10 mm) were installed. After recovery, the patient was referred to the Araçatuba Dental School-UNESP for the rehabilitation on the affected region. The difficulty of rehabilitation with conventional fixed prostheses was verified during the prosthetic phase. This way, it was opted for rehabilitation with removable partial dentures associated with dental implant. Two attachment system ERA (ERA, Sterngold) were positioned in the bar to make the removable partial denture. After 5 years of follow-up, the authors can conclude that the use of removable partial denture retained by implants is effective for functional and aesthetic rehabilitation, favoring socialization and self-esteem of the patient.

Management of an uncomplicated crown fracture by reattaching the fractured fragment-Case report.

Coronal fractures of the anterior teeth are common sequelae of traumatic dental injuries. Reattachment of fractured tooth fragments using dental adhesive techniques offers some advantages, including restoration of the function, esthetics, shape, texture, and brightness of the surface. The present report describes a clinical case of reattachment with a 4-year clinical and radiographic follow up in a permanent maxillary central incisor with an uncomplicated crown fracture. Fragment reattachment is a conservative procedure, preserving esthetics and functionality, and it can provide an immediate positive emotional response from the patient.

Tooth autotransplantation as a pillar for 3D regeneration of the alveolar process after severe traumatic injury: A case report.

In dental traumatology, the loss of teeth and the supporting alveolar bone in children compromise the proper development of maxillofacial structures and also limit the solutions that can be offered. In this case report, multidisciplinary management is described of a child with a significant loss of alveolar bone and associated teeth due to a traffic accident at 8 years of age. The management involved staged teeth autotransplantation into surgically prepared sites with bone expanders, orthodontic treatment and dental implants. The 3D regeneration of the alveolar process was successfully stimulated by teeth autotransplantation. At the 4-year follow-up visit, evaluation of the autotransplanted teeth and the implants indicated a successful outcome for the patient.

Histomorhological and clinical evaluation of maxillary alveolar ridge reconstruction after craniofacial trauma by applying combination of allogeneic and autogenous bone graft.

A variety of techniques and materials for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of traumatized maxillary ridges prior to dental implants placement have been described in literature. Autogenous bone grafting is considered ideal by many researchers and it still remains the most predictable and documented method. The aim of this report is to underline the effectiveness of using allogeneic bone graft for managing maxillofacial trauma. A case of a 30-year-old male with severely atrophic maxillary ridge as a consequence of complex craniofacial injury is presented here. Augmentation procedure in two stages was performed using allogeneic and autogenous bone grafts in different areas of the osseous defect. Four months after grafting, during the implants placement surgery, samples of both sectors were withdrawn and submitted to histological evaluation. On the examination of the specimens, treated by hematoxylin and eosin staining, the morphology of integrated allogeneic bone grafts was revealed to be similar to the autologous bone. Our clinical experience shows how the allogeneic bone graft presented normal bone tissue architecture and is highly vascularized, and it can be used for reconstruction of severe trauma of the maxilla.

Blast Injuries Caused by Vape Devices: 2 Case Reports.

Vaporizing devices have become a popular alternative to conventional nicotine products. They are thought to be safer as they produce aerosolized nicotine powered by a lithium ion battery. Many people have used these electronic devices as a tool to quit smoking; however, the batteries can be unstable and explode.We present 2 case reports where explosions of electronic vapor devices caused significant injuries. The first patient sustained a combustion injury to the maxilla resulting in bone and anterior maxillary tooth loss requiring reconstruction. The second patient had a severe blast injury to the hand which ultimately resulted in loss of a digit. Toxicology was consulted due to concerns for systemic absorption of metals in the soft tissue of the hand. Cobalt and manganese were initially elevated but decreased after surgical debridement. The patient did not have any systemic symptoms.Currently, there is no federal regulation of electronic cigarettes or vape devices in the United States. With the increasing use of these devices and no standard regulations, we anticipate more blast injuries occurring in the future. Medical providers will need to be able to be prepared to manage the devastating clinical injuries that ensue.

Evaluation of a possible association between a history of dentoalveolar injury and the shape and size of the nasopalatine canal.

OBJECTIVES: Maxillary incisors (MI) are often affected by dentoalveolar injury resulting in tooth devitalization and apical periodontitis. The aim of the present study was to analyze any association between a history of dentoalveolar injury and the shape and size of the nasopalatine canal (NC) using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients were allocated to the trauma group if they had a history of dentoalveolar injury and a root filling in at least one MI and/or one missing MI. As controls, 100 matched-controlled (age and gender) patients were selected. NC dimensions including length, width at midway, and diameter of incisal and nasal foramen were measured in sagittal and axial CBCT planes. Furthermore, an evaluation of NC bulging signs, apical osteolysis of MI, and its fusion with NC was performed. RESULTS: In the trauma group (n = 96), 31.3 % had at least one missing MI, and 95.8 % had a root filling in a MI. The antero-posterior dimension of the incisive foramen (p = 0.02) and of the NC at midway (p = 0.04) was significantly larger in the trauma group. Significantly more cases with a bulging sign were found in the trauma (n = 19) than in the control group (n = 3, p = 0.001). An apical osteolysis was identified in 5.1 % of MI, and 12/38 did show a fusion with the NC. CONCLUSION: Wider dimensions of the NC and a bulging sign may suggest a former dentoalveolar injury to the anterior maxilla. Periapical osteolysis of central MI over 5 mm in diameter tends to fuse with the NC. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In patients with a history of dentoalveolar injury and/or apical periodontitis, the NC should be evaluated on available CBCT images. Any inflammatory processes in the neighboring teeth should be recognized and eliminated as they may initiate bulging of the NC and/or the formation of a nasopalatine duct cyst (NPDC). NC with bulging signs should be monitored clinically and radiographically to diagnose a NPDC in an early stage.