Autogenous Iliac Crest Versus rhBMP-2 for Alveolar Cleft Grafting: A 14-Year Single-Institution Experience.

PURPOSE: This study sought to compare radiographic outcomes and resource utilization between recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) and anterior iliac crest bone graft (AICBG) when used for secondary alveolar grafting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a 14-year retrospective study of patients with alveolar clefts treated at the Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center between January 2006 and January 2020. Patients who had alveolar grafting with either rhBMP-2 or AICBG were included in this study. The primary study predictor was the graft material. The study outcomes were bone height, operating room time, and the number of scrubbed personnel (surgeon and assistants). Graft survival was measured at a minimum of 6 months postoperatively. Bone height was scored according to the Bergland scale, and radiographic success was defined as Bergland types 1 or 2. RESULTS: The study sample included a total of 115 patients with 130 alveolar clefts. Overall, 13.0% of patients had bilateral repairs, and 17.4% were retreatments. The cumulative success rate was 89.5%. There were no differences in success between materials (rhBMP: 90.3%; AICBG: 89.1%; P = .85). Patients presenting for retreatment were more likely to receive rhBMP-2 than AICBG (48.6 vs 3.8%, P < .01). After controlling for other significant confounders, the rhBMP-2 group required less personnel (P < .01) and operating room time (P < .01). Only 1 patient in the rhBMP-2 group was admitted, whereas all AICBG patients were admitted a minimum of 1 night. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with AICBG, rhBMP-2 produced a similar height of bone but required less hospital resources. The decision to use harvested ilium or rhBMP-2 is not limited by outcome data at this time. More studies will need to be performed to identify the particular advantages of each graft material. The choice of material is currently both surgeon specific and patient specific and requires thorough informed consent.

Evaluation of Mandible Fractures in Patients With Sickle Cell Anemia-A Nationwide Study.

PURPOSE: Sickle cell anemia is the most commonly inherited blood disorder in the United States. Despite its prevalence, clinicians know little about the extent of its impact on orofacial manifestations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients with diagnoses of mandible fracture and sickle cell anemia admitted from 2004 through 2014 were identified using the National Inpatient Sample. Patient demographics, fracture regions, and complications were characterized by descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Fifty-one of 48,464 patients admitted for mandible fracture had sickle cell anemia. The mean age of the identified patients was 25 years (range, 4 to 58 yr). Of all admitted patients, mandible angle fracture was the most common (19%), followed by fracture of the body of the mandible. Seventy-five percent of cases reviewed were treated with open reduction and internal fixation. CONCLUSIONS: Most mandible fractures in patients with sickle cell anemia were located in the angle of the mandible. Complications were minimal and outcomes were satisfactory. Aseptic necrosis of the jaw was a frequent complication of mandible fracture in patients with sickle cell anemia. These results provide clinicians with a better understanding of the distribution and hospital course of patients with sickle cell anemia and facial fractures.

Which Factors Affect Length of Stay and Readmission Rate in Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis?

PURPOSE: Because Robin sequence (RS) is clinically heterogeneous, there is uncertainty as to whether different presentations yield different perioperative outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate factors associated with postoperative length of stay and readmission rate after mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) for RS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a 10-year retrospective cohort of patients with RS who had MDO performed from 2007 through 2017 at the Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of the NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center (New York, NY). Predictor variables were the presence of multiple anomalies, airway intervention used before MDO, and feeding method used before MDO. Outcome variables were postoperative day (POD) of discharge and number of readmissions from the period of discharge to hardware removal. Patient characteristics and outcomes were compared within predictors using Fisher's exact and 2-tailed Student's t tests. Multiple regression models were calculated for each outcome variable using univariate predictors with P values less than or equal to .25. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients who had MDO performed at a mean age of 18.1 weeks were included in this study. On average, patients were extubated on POD 6.6 and distracted to 13.9 mm. Seven patients (29.2%) were readmitted from the period of discharge to hardware removal. Patients receiving an invasive airway intervention before MDO were significantly older at the time of the operation (55.0 vs 8.4 weeks; P = .01). In addition, these patients had a significantly higher readmission rate (80.0 vs 15.8%; P = .01) with a trend toward longer postoperative stays (45.0 vs 21.6 days; P = .06). Feeding status and presence of multiple anomalies did not appear to influence these outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Baseline airway intervention may be useful for predicting length of stay and readmission rate after MDO.

Using 3D computer planning for complex reconstruction of mandibular defects.

For complex reconstruction of osseous defects of the head and neck, three-dimensional (3D) computer planning has been available for over 20 years. However, despite its availability and recent refinements, it is a technology that has not been widely adopted. While 3D computer planning has been proposed to improve surgical precision, reduce operating time and enhance functional outcomes, the objective evidence supporting these claims is limited. Here we review the recent literature that supports the use of 3D computer planning for complex osseous defects of the mandible. We highlight a case example where 3D modeling played a critical role, particularly during the virtual surgical planning stage. Finally, we propose that routine post-operative 3D analysis become an essential element in determining operative success. Critical evaluation of outcomes will better define its use in complex reconstruction of osseous defects.

Maxillary sinus bone augmentation techniques.

Maxillary sinus expansion and atrophy can be difficult to overcome for patients who require functional dental prostheses. One solution for this problem is sinus augmentation and implant placement. Patients are evaluated and diagnosis is ascertained, leading to development of a treatment plan and surgical strategy. The surgeon decides on a surgical technique and grafting material, based on ultimate success, stability, and function as they relate to the goals. Complications can occur during an operation or during the postoperative healing phase. Dealing with these complications can be challenging; however, solving these problems positively affects the overall outcome and success.

Resection of an upper cervical aneurysmal bone cyst and spinal reconstruction using a midline mandibular osteotomy in a pediatric patient.

The authors report on the surgical management of an extensive lesion of the upper cervical spine that required an uncommon transmandibular approach to facilitate exposure, resection, and stabilization in a pediatric patient. A 6-year-old boy with a large aneurysmal bone cyst of the C-2 vertebra presented with progressive weakness and right-sided neck pain. The lesion extended laterally into the soft tissue of the neck, inferiorly to C-4, and posteriorly around the spinal cord. A transmandibular osteotomy was performed to provide adequate exposure for complete resection of the mass and anterior C1-3 instrumentation and fusion. Subsequently, the patient underwent occiput to C-4 posterior instrumentation and fusion. The patient tolerated the operation well and had regained all function at 3 and 11 months' follow-up. No neurological complications or problems of speech, swallowing, or respiration occurred. Even in pediatric patients, the transmandibular approach for the treatment of upper cervical spine lesions is an effective method of maximizing exposure for complex lesions requiring resection and stabilization.