Autopsy or anatomical dissection: evidence of a craniotomy in a 17th-eighteenth century burial site (Ravenna, Italy).

Surgical procedures undergone in life, autopsies and anatomical preparations can all leave clearly identifiable traces on human skeletal remains. Several studies on skeletons from archeological contexts have identified traces of these practices. However, the distinction between medical/forensic autopsy and anatomical dissections for scientific research can be challenging. We report the case of a middle-aged female skeleton from the cemetery of the church of San Biagio (Ravenna, Italy), dating back to the 17th-19th centuries, that shows signs of a complete craniotomy. In an attempt to clarify the reason for this practice, we analyzed all pathological and non-pathological markers on the skeleton. We carried out anthropological analyses and osteometric measurements to determine the biological profile and the cranial capacity of the individual. Paleopathological investigation and analyses of traumatic injury patterns were carried out using both a morphological and a microscopic approach. While we observed that the craniotomy was performed with a rip saw, we identified perimortem blunt force trauma to the frontal bone and an osteolytic lesion on the inner surface of the frontal bone. No other pathology was recognizable on the skeleton. Our differential diagnosis confidently proved that the craniotomy was due to an autoptsy procedure and was not the result of an anatomical dissection. We believe that, among other possible reasons, failed surgery could likely be the motive behind the ordering of the autopsy.

Violence in the Early Bronze Age. Diagnosis of skull lesions using anthropological, taphonomic and scanning electron microscopy techniques.

In this paper we present the study of a skull belonging to a young male from the Italian Bronze Age showing three perimortem injuries on the frontal and parietal bones; the peculiarity of the frontal injury is represented by its singular shape, which may be indicative of the weapon that caused the lesion. The aim of the present study is to examine the traumatic evidence in relation to possible etiological factors, in order to attempt to establish if the lesion occurred peri or post-mortem, and to evaluate if these traumatic injuries could be interpreted as an evidence of interpersonal violence, by combining anthropological, taphonomic and ESEM investigations. The combination of multidisciplinary methods of study can provide important new insights into inter-personal violence.

Immune status of patients with frontal basilar trauma having bc "syntekost" applied in the surgical treatment. report 1. the state of the systemic cellular and humoral immunity factors of patients with frontal basilar trauma in the acute posttraumatic period prior to surgical treatment.

OBJECTIVE: Introduction: At present biocomposite materials are used in the surgical treatment of frontal bone fracture. They improve osteogenesis, reduce the number of complications. Immunologic aspects of application of these materials are studied insufficiently, therefore this report presents the results of immunoassay of patients with frontal bone fracture in the proximate posttraumatic period before implanting preparation "Syntekost". The aim: To define the role of immune mechanisms in the realization of the biocomposite material's positive influence on the development of effective posstraumatic rehabilitation schemes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: 16 patients with frontal bone fracture (FBF) were examined on admission to the Otolaryngology Clinics of Vinnitsa Region Hospital. Additionally, 10 patients of the similar age were examined as a control group. The content of cells with markers of surface antigens-CD3,14,16,20,25, concentration of immunoglobulins of classes M,G,A,E, С4 complement component and lactoferrin was determined in blood. Immunoenzyme methods were applied. Nonparametric Wilcoxon - Mann - Whitney test, computer programme WIN Pepi were used for statistical measurements. RESULTS: Results: A decrease in the level of IgM in comparison with practically healthy donors and an increase in the concentration of lactoferrin were identified as humoral immunity factors of patients with frontal basilar trauma. The most significant deviation in the peripheral blood cellular makeup in CD-markers was an increase in cells with markers CD14 and CD16. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The level of cells and prodefensin-lactoferrin that maintain inborn immunity increases and the concentration of coarse defensive protein decreases in the initial period after frontal bone fracture, which must be taken into consideration during post-surgical treatment.

Treatment of calvarial defects by resorbable and non-resorbable sonic activated polymer pins and mouldable titanium mesh in two dogs: a case report.

BACKGROUND: To date, calvarial defects in dogs have traditionally been addressed with different types of implants including bone allograft, polymethylmethacrylate and titanium mesh secured with conventional metallic fixation methods. This report describes the use of an absorbable and non absorbable novel polymer fixation method, Bonewelding® technology, in combination with titanium mesh for the repair of calvarial defects in two dogs. The clinical outcomes and comparative complication using resorbable and non-resorbable thermoplastic pins were compared. CASE PRESENTATION: This report of two cases documents the repair of a traumatic calvarial fracture in an adult male Greyhound and a cranioplasty following frontal bone tumor resection in an adult female Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with the use of a commercially available titanium mesh secured with an innovative thermoplastic polymer screw system (Bonewelding®). The treatment combination aimed to restore cranial structure, sinus integrity and cosmetic appearance. A mouldable titanium mesh was cut to fit the bone defect of the frontal bone and secured with either resorbable or non-resorbable polymer pins using Bonewelding® technology. Gentamycin-impregnated collagen sponge was used intraoperatively to assist with sealing of the frontal sinuses. Calvarial fracture and post-operative implant positioning were advised using computed tomography. A satisfactory restoration of skull integrity and cosmetic result was achieved, and long term clinical outcome was deemed clinically adequate with good patient quality of life. Postoperative complications including rostral mesh uplift with minor associated clinical signs were encountered when resorbable pins were used. No postoperative complications were experienced in non-resorbable pins at 7 months follow-up, by contrast mesh uplift was noted 3 weeks post-procedure in the case treated using absorbable pins. CONCLUSIONS: The report demonstrates the innovative use of sonic-activated polymer pins (Bonewelding® technology) alongside titanium mesh is a suitable alternative technique for skull defect repair in dogs. The use of Bonewelding® may offer advantages in reduction of surgical time. Further, ultrasonic pin application may be less invasive than alternative metallic fixation and potentially reduces bone trauma. Polymer systems may offer enhanced mesh-bone integration when compared to traditional metallic implants. The use of polymer pins demonstrates initial potential as a fixation method in cranioplasty. Initial findings in a single case comparison indicate a possible advantage in the use of non-absorbable over the absorbable systems to circumvent complications associated with variable polymer degradation, further long term studies with higher patient numbers are required before reliable conclusions can be made.

Simplified Access for Reduction and Fixation of a Frontal Bone Fracture.

The frontal bone fractures occur very often in service units in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Bicoronal access is the most common for the surgical treatment of frontal bone fractures. However, patients are surprised when they receive notice that such invasive access will be made. This approach allows adequate visualization of the fracture site, but may be associated with complications, which can be avoided by the use of less invasive techniques. We describe an alternative approach that aims to minimize the complications of a coronal incision.

The Supratarsal Approach for Correction of Anterior Frontal Bone Fractures.

BACKGROUND: To approach isolated anterior frontal bone fracture, coronal incision is the common surgical access of choice. This approach has complications such as aesthetically undesirable scarring and alopecia along the incision line. An alternative approach to these fractures is through a supratarsal incision. The aim of the present study was to correct the frontal bone fracture, through supratarsal approach. METHODS: Six consecutive patients with frontal bone fracture were operated through supratarsal incision and evaluated regarding: patient cosmetic satisfaction, forehead contour, scarring, sensibility and motility in forehead and upper eyelids. RESULTS: Seven months (6-12) postoperatively, all the patients had normal mobility in the forehead and the upper eyelids and 17% (n = 1) had hypoesthesia of superior orbital nerve. The forehead contour was excellent in all patients. About 83% (n = 5) of the patients were very satisfied and 17% (n = 1) were satisfied with the surgical result. CONCLUSION: Correction of anterior frontal bone fracture through a supratarsal approach appears to be safe and offers a sufficient exposure to the frontal bone fracture correction with excellent contouring results and no noticeable scarring.

Frontal Bone Fracture Patterns Suggesting Involvement of Optic Canal Damage.

PURPOSE: Fracture of the frontal bone can be accompanied by damage to the optic canal. The present study uses finite element analysis to identify fracture patterns, suggesting the involvement of the optic canal. METHODS: Ten finite-element skull models were generated from computer tomography data of 10 persons. Then, dynamic analyses simulating collision of a 2-cm-radius brass ball to 6 regions on the frontal bone in the 10 models were performed. Fracture patterns presented by the frontal bone in the 60 experiments were observed, and all those involving the optic canal were selected. Commonalities of the selected fracture patterns were identified. RESULTS: Fracture of the optic canal was observed in 9 of the 60 patients. In all 9 patients, fracture existed on the anterior and posterior walls of the frontal sinus and on the superior orbital wall. CONCLUSION: When the anterior and posterior walls of the frontal sinus and the superior orbital wall are all broken, the optic canal is highly likely to be involved in the damage. When this pattern is observed in emergency examination, preventive decompression of the optic nerve should be considered to avoid potential occurrence of blindness.

[Orbitofrontal bone reconstruction with cutting guides]. / Reconstruction orbito-frontale osseuse sur mesure par guides de coupes.

INTRODUCTION: Reconstruction of craniofacial defects due to traumatic injuries is a challenge for a reconstructive surgeon, given the functional impact, the aesthetic impact and the geometric complexity of the craniofacial skeleton. The use of cutting and repositioning guides enables a new approach from the craniofacial reconstruction with bone grafts on measure. We are presented to illustrate this technique the case of a patient. OBSERVATION: The patient was 50 years old, he presented a traumatic facial sequelar: a left frontal craniofacial deformation, an enlarged left orbit with enophthalmos and valgus left zygoma. The patient had a permanent diplopia, an important aesthetic and social gene impeding daily life. Surgical planning was performed for optimal care. We performed a cranioplasty frontotemporal by bone parietal duplication, osteotomy of zygoma and intra-orbital bone graft customized using cutting guides. The bone pieces were positioned with the repositioning books. DISCUSSION: This presentation illustrates a novel application of cutting guides. This technique has the advantage of using customized autologous bone. This is the gold standard, it requires surgical experience.

Everting Fracture of Entire Frontal Bone: Management and Importance of Preliminary Reconstruction.

A 34-year-old woman with severe craniofacial trauma, which included eversion of the entire frontal bone, survived with high-quality functional and cosmetic results as a consequence of efficient and aggressive action by emergency technicians and physicians. Early preliminary steps of craniofacial reconstruction provided a structural foundation that facilitated this outcome.

Ceramic-polylactide composite material used in a model of healing of osseous defects in rabbits.

The growing demand for various kinds of bone regeneration material has in turn increased the desire to find materials with optimal physical, chemical, and biological properties. The objective of the present study was to identify the proportions of ceramic and polylactide components in a bone substitute material prepared in collaboration with the Crystal Chemistry of Drugs Team of the Faculty of Chemistry at the Jagiellonian University, which would be optimal for bone regeneration processes. Another goal was to provide a histological analysis of the influence of a ceramic-polylactide composite on the healing of osseous defects in rabbits. The study was performed on laboratory animals (18 New Zealand White rabbits). The following study groups were formed: - group A (study group, 9 animals) - in this group we performed a histological analysis of healing with a ceramic-polylactide composite based on an 80/20 mix of hydroxyapatite and polylactide; - group B (study group, 9 animals) - in this group we performed a histological analysis of healing with a ceramic-polylactide composite with a reduced amount of hydroxyapatite compared to the previous group, i.e. in a ratio of 61/39; - group K (control, 18 animals) - the control group comprised self-healing, standardised osseous defects prepared in the calvarial bone of the rabbits on the contralateral side. In the assessment of histological samples, we were also able to eliminate individual influences that might have led to differentiation in wound healing. The material used in the histological analysis took the form of rabbit bone tissue samples, containing both defects, with margins of around 0.5 cm, taken 1, 3, and 6 months after the experiment. The osseous defects from groups A and B filled with ceramic-polylactide material healed with less inflammatory infiltration than was the case with control group K. They were also characterised by faster regression, and no resorption or osteonecrosis, which allowed for better regeneration of the bone tissue. A statistical analysis of the study results revealed the increased resorptive activity of the composite in group B, which may have been due to its higher polylactide content. Simultaneously, we observed that healing of osseous defects filled with ceramic-polylactide composites in 80/20 and 61/39 ratios was comparable.

Effects of Rat Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Demineralized Bone Matrix on Cranial Bone Healing.

BACKGROUND: Studies in tissue engineering about mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) provide promising results for bone regeneration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of rat bone marrow-derived MSCs (rMSCs) alone and when combined with demineralized bone matrix (DBM) on critical-sized cranial defects of rats. METHODS: Ten rats were used to obtain allogeneic rMSCs. Forty rats were separated equally into 4 groups. A full-thickness circular bone defect was created in the frontal bone of the rats. Group 1 was an operative control group. In group 2 DBM, in group 3 rMSCs, and in group 4 DBM combined with rMSCs were applied into the defects. Bone regeneration was evaluated by computed tomographic analysis and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: In radiological evaluation, the percentage of area healed in group 3 at the 12th week was statistically significantly greater than in group 1. In group 3 and group 4, distributed healing patterns were observed more than in group 2 and in group 1. Immunohistochemical evaluation revealed that group 4 had the best osteoinductive potential. Osteoinductive potential of group 3 was similar to group 2 and was better than group 1. CONCLUSIONS: Allogeneic rMSC applications have created a statistically significant radiologic reduction of the bone defect areas at the end of the 12 weeks. The MSC applications have also increased the bone density and changed the healing patterns. Combined use of the DBM and rMSCs has created more osteoinductive responses. This combination can provide better results in craniofacial bone reconstruction.

Scapular Bone Grafts: Good Options for Craniofacial Defects?

INTRODUCTION: There is still no consensus on the ideal material to be used in craniofacial defects. Autogenous bone grafts are mostly preferred owing to their use with fewer complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the scapular bone graft can be used with equal or more advantages to other bone graft resources in orbital, maxillary sinus front wall, and frontal bone defects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-four orbital, maxillary sinus front wall, and frontal bone defects were reconstructed with scapular bone grafts. Sixteen patients presented with complicated orbital fractures, 5 patients presented with isolated orbital floor fractures, and 3 patients presented with frontal bone fractures. The grafts were radiologically evaluated 1 day, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively by 3-dimensional computed tomography scan. RESULTS: All orbital, maxillary sinus front wall, and frontal bone defects were reconstructed successfully with scapular bone grafts. Clinical evaluation of the patients at 6 to 24 months of follow-up was considered satisfactory. Minimal donor site morbidity was observed. Scapular bone grafts adapted nicely to the recipient area, and bony union was complete as demonstrated by 3-dimensional computed tomography scans. CONCLUSIONS: Reconstruction of orbital, maxillary sinus front wall, and frontal bone defects with scapular bone grafts is an easy and safe procedure with minimal donor site morbidity. Scapular bone graft is a good reconstructive option for orbital, maxillary sinus front wall, and frontal bone defects.

Halo-Type Distraction Device Used to Treat a Severe Midface Depression Fracture.

The deep layers of the nasoethmoid region comprise a thin-walled lacrimal bone, a paper-thin ethmoid plate, and ethmoidal cells, forming an extremely fragile and easily crushed structure. In a nasoethmoid complex fracture where the support structure itself is destroyed, epithesis and immobilization are difficult and can lead to residual saddle nose deformities. Therefore, bone grafts are often necessary at a later date. Recently, the authors occasionally see reports of nasoethmoid complex fractures that are treated with Halo distraction devices. Advantages of this device are that it applies constant traction to maintain the shape of the structures until the ruptured nasoethmoid bone and mucosa are repaired, thus minimizing relapse. There is no need for rigid fixation with a plate, no limitations on how much distraction is possible, and no major skin incisions are required for the approach. The authors treated a 30-year-old man who suffered a severe and widespread depressed facial deformation due to a nasoethmoid fracture that included a midface comminuted fracture using a Halo-type distraction device. A gentle traction was maintained on the nasoethmoid bone and part of the maxilla pulling it forward, and resulted in an extremely good outcome both esthetically and functionally. This method is believed to be extremely useful and effective, requiring only minimally invasive surgery for comminuted midface fractures involving a nasoethmoid fracture with a depressed frontal process of the maxilla. Below, the authors provide a detailed description of their experience with this device.

Salvage Free Anterolateral Thigh Composite Flap Transfer Based on the Musculocutaneous Perforator Retrograde Blood Flow Principle.

An anterolateral thigh myo-adipofascial flap was used in the definitive management of a patient presented with chronic infective process associated with a large fronto-nasal defect. Unfortunately, the risk of free flap transfer failure emerged when intraoperative dissection showed absence of a reliable ipsilateral superficial temporal artery as the recipient artery. This rare incident happened at the stage whereby the anterolateral thigh flap was nearly completely raised with a distal perforator in situ. In this article, the authors presented an innovative strategy to salvage the flap by transforming the flap into a modified composite flap based on the retrograde blood flow principle. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of using such a technique in reconstructive microsurgery. This successful salvage strategy has clinical application and could potentially minimize free flap transfer failure.

USE OF OSTEOTOMY IN POST-TRAUMATIC DEFORMITY OF FRONTAL SINUS ANTERIOR WALL. CASE REPORT.

Post-traumatic deformity of frontal sinus anterior table can be treated in various ways. Usage of a certain type of an implant is a common method. We performed an osteotomy and subsequent reduction of the fragments to reconstruct their anatomical position. Titanium miniplates and screws were used for fixation. This case report suggests a possible use of this method in patients with more extensive frontal sinus and distinct post-traumatic deformity. No similar case manages as described in our case report was found in the literature.

Pediatric Longitudinal Clivus Fracture: Survival With Minimal Morbidity.

Longitudinal clivus fractures are rare in children, with only 5 cases published in the English literature to date. Clivus fractures, particularly longitudinal type, are associated with high mortality and morbidity. We report a case of longitudinal clivus fracture in a teenager with survival and complete neurological recovery. Our case is the first pediatric case of longitudinal clivus fracture caused by frontal impact and the first described pediatric case associated with transient diabetes insipidus (DI).

Percutaneous sclerotherapy with absolute alcohol to treat aneurysmal bone cyst of the frontal bone.

Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) rarely occur in the cranial bone. Surgical resection can lead to bone defects, deformities, functional abnormalities, and so on. This article describes a frontal ABC in a 73-year-old man who has a rapidly increasing swelling in the frontal bone preceded by an accidental trauma. In this case, we use percutaneous sclerotherapy with absolute alcohol under the guidance of fluoroscopy to treat the ABC instead of traditional surgical resection. When analyzed the follow-up imaging, bone reconstruction happened after using absolute alcohol. It is a feasible alternative treatment for ABC arising from the cranial bone.

Surgical treatment of severe frontal bone fracture.

Craniofacial trauma can lead to several complications. The combined fractures of anterior and posterior walls of the frontal bone are almost always followed by lesions in nasofrontal orifices and disruption of nasofrontal ostia or ducts, a significant factor for the development of early and late complications after sinus fractures. This article reports a case of trauma patient, who underwent neurological evaluation and at first showed good general condition. Computed tomography noted fracture of the anterior and posterior walls of the frontal sinus and small foci of pneumocephalus in the cerebral cortex. The patient was monitored periodically and 9 days after trauma showed increased areas of pneumocephalus in prefrontal cortex, cerebrospinal fluid draining, and large dura mater lesion, with signs of necrosis and inflammation (meningitis). The necrotic tissues were removed, and dura mater was repaired through the approximation with resorbable wire polyglactin 910 5-0, oxidized cellulose application, and bonding with human fibrin sealant (fibrinogen, thrombin, and calcium chloride). Sinusectomy, frontal sinus, and nasofrontal duct obliteration with pedicled pericranium flap were performed. Tomographically, a reanatomization was noted in frontal region, and a 12-month follow-up showed no complication. The use of fibrin glue to repair dura mater lacerations, as well as the pedicle pericranium flap for frontal sinus and nasofrontal duct obliteration, is an efficient method for treating fractures of the frontal bone.

Pediatric Cranial Vault Fractures: Analysis of Demographics, Injury Patterns, and Factors Predictive of Mortality.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric cranial vault fractures are a unique subset of injuries that pose distinct management and treatment challenges. They are anatomically distinct from their adult counterparts with potential implications on the development of the brain and craniofacial skeleton, and require unique considerations for management and treatment outcomes.A detailed analysis of the characteristics and outcomes of pediatric cranial vault fractures remains understudied in this population. Thus, the aim of this study was to characterize the demographics, injury patterns, operative interventions, concomitant injuries, and factors predictive of mortality in pediatric patients sustaining cranial vault fractures. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients less than 18 years of age presenting to the emergency department of a pediatric level I trauma center between 2000 and 2005 with skull fractures was performed. All patients were included regardless of treating specialty, treatment modality, or inpatient status. Patients were stratified into 3 groups (age < = 5 yrs, 5.1-11 yrs, and >11 yrs). ZIP codes were mapped using ArcGIS 10.2 Software (ESRI Inc, Redlands, CA) with ZIP code shapefiles from ESRI's ArcGIS Online. Socioeconomic and demographic variables at the ZIP code level were linked to each geocoded location using the United States Census Bureau summary files, and spatial clusters of injury were performed using GeoDa to conduct a test of local indicator of spatial autocorrelation. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS version 17 (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL). RESULTS: A total of 923 consecutive patients met the inclusion criteria for the study. Caucasian (P < 0.001) males (P = 0.055) were most likely to sustain cranial vault fractures. The average age at injury was 5.97 years. Falls (53.7%) were the most common cause of injury across all age groups, followed by collisions (20.8%), with falls being more common in the youngest age group (< = 5 yrs), and collisions being more common in the older age groups. Direct objects to the head had the highest rate of surgical intervention (P < 0.001). Parietal bone fractures were more frequent in the youngest age group, while frontal and temporal bone fractures were more common in the older age groups. Increasing age was an independent predictor of the need for surgical intervention (P < 0.0001). The overall incidence of blindness and hearing loss was low, and increased with increasing age. Patients with fractures as a result of violent mechanisms were more likely to come from highly impoverished zip codes, compared with patients with nonviolent mechanisms of injury (19.6% versus 8%). Overall mortality was low (2.9%). Temporal bone fractures had the greatest risk of mortality (P < 0.001) with age > = 5 years being an independent predictor of mortality (P < 0.001). Victims of falls, and patients with associated gastrointestinal or musculoskeletal injuries, had a statistically significant increased chance of survival, whereas victims of collisions and patients with concomitant cervical spine, cardiothoracic, or respiratory injuries had a significantly increased risk of death. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric cranial vault fracture injury patterns are significantly correlated with demographics, mechanisms of injury, presence and type of concomitant injuries, need for surgical intervention, and mortality. Although the need for operative intervention and overall mortality is low, these variables play significant roles in portending prognosis, and an understanding of the metrics presented herein will enable practitioners optimize management and treatment in this unique patient population.

Intradiploic hematoma of the frontal bone with secondary exophthalmos in a mare.

A 13-year-old cob mare was presented with exophthalmos and periocular swelling of the left eye. The diagnostic work-up included ocular ultrasound, sonographic examination through the thinned frontal bone, radiography, standing computed tomography of the skull and exploratory osteoplastic surgery. Histopathology was consistent with an organized hematoma. An intradiploic hematoma of the frontal bone was diagnosed 5 years after head trauma, with progressive expansion and deformation of the skull resulting in exophthalmos. Exophthalmos with facial bone deformation was the only clinical finding of intradiploic hematoma. Standing computed tomography (CT) aided the diagnosis to differentiate intradiploic hematoma from other, more common causes of facial bone distortion associated with paranasal sinus diseases. Intradiploic hematoma of possible traumatic origin is a differential diagnosis for sinonasal disease and exophthalmos in the horse.