Segmental mandibulectomy and microvascular reconstruction with fibula free flap: Comparison between intraoral and extraoral approaches.

BACKGROUND: Segmental mandibulectomy and reconstruction of resulting defect can be performed via intraoral approach (IOA) or extraoral approach (EOA). Both approaches have advantages, disadvantages, indications, and contraindications to consider during their selection. OBJECTIVE: To compare IOA vs EOA of segmental mandibulectomy and microvascular reconstruction with fibula free flap (FFF). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study in which 51 patients who underwent segmental mandibulectomy and microvascular reconstruction with FFF from 2020 to 2024 were included, especially 17 patients by IOA and 34 patients by EOA, representing both groups of this study. Clinical characteristics, surgery parameters, and patients' prognosis were evaluated. Patients' satisfaction and Derriford Appearance Scale (DAS59) were assessed during follow-up. RESULTS: Ameloblastoma was the most frequent diagnosis (52.9% managed by IOA vs 70.6% by EOA); FFF was frequently positioned as double barrel (94.1% managed by IOA vs 88.2% by EOA). Compared with EOA group, IOA group had less intraoperative blood loss (mean difference [MD] = -112.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -178.9 to -45.5, p = 0.001), higher satisfaction score (MD = 1.3, 95% CI: 0.9 to 1.7, p ˂ 0.001), and lower DAS59 score (MD = -0.5, 95% CI: -0.7 to -0.2, p ˂ 0.001). CONCLUSION: Both IOA and EOA were found safe and feasible, presenting similar perioperative features and postoperative outcomes. Patients managed with IOA were more satisfied with aesthetic outcomes than patients managed with EOA. In the absence of simultaneous immediate implant during mandibular FFF reconstruction, after stability of FFF on the defect site, patients should always be referred to an implantologist and/or prosthodontist for teeth restoration to improve functional and aesthetic outcomes.

Volumetric analysis of spontaneous bone formation after segmental mandibulectomy in patients with MRONJ.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to quantify the spontaneous new bone formation and bony bridge formation by 3-dimensional analysis of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) after segmental mandibulectomy reconstruction using an R-plate without any graft material in patients with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). STUDY DESIGN: 15 MRONJ patients (13 females and 2 males) were selected based on the inclusion criteria. Data on new bone formation, bony bridge formation, R-plate fracture, patient age, and type and duration of medication were collected. Panoramic and CBCT scans were obtained at 1 day, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. CBCT images of each period were transferred to a personal computer using MIMICS 21.0 for volumetric analysis. After quantifying the volume of new bone formation, we calculated the percentage of the volume of new bone to the segmentally resected necrotic bone volume (%NB). RESULTS: All patients showed spontaneous new bone formation with the average of 20.69% within a year and 28.52% within 2 years, and 80.0% showed bony bridge formation within a year. CONCLUSIONS: The R-plate reconstruction in patients with MRONJ showed significant amount of spontaneous new bone formation within 2 years after segmental mandibulectomy.

Aggressive Late Recurrence of a Calcifying Epithelial Odontogenic Tumor: Surgical Refinements Based on New Technologies.

A calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor is a rare, benign odontogenic neoplasm. Surgical treatment is the option, and late recurrence is very rare. Radiologically, the lesions are commonly present scattered calcifications. This case report details a 64-year-old female patient with a recurrence of a right mandibular calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor 2 decades after successful initial surgical removal. A segmental mandibulectomy and immediate reconstruction were performed using a planned vascularized free fibula flap with virtual surgery, custom reconstruction plate, and intraoperative computed tomography. Modifications were made to the design of the reconstruction plate to improve the cervicofacial profile and subsequent rehabilitation with dental implants. Fully guided implant surgery with point-of-care manufacturing protocol was done to improve prosthetically driven implant planning. The case presented highlights the usefulness of new technologies for mandibular reconstruction with the free fibula flap and the concept of point-of-care with technical notes that increase precision and reduce morbidity in implant-supported rehabilitation.

Does the use of intraoperative frozen section of bone marrow from the cut end of the mandible help assess the adequacy of bone margins following mandibulectomy for oral cancer?

BACKGROUND: The adequacy of the cut end of the mandible following a segmental mandibulectomy done for oral cancer intraoperatively is at times assessed using a frozen section (FS) of the bone marrow (BM) at the cut ends. The study aimed to assess its utility to guide the intraoperative decision on the adequacy of bony margins. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) who underwent segmental mandibulectomy from January 2012 to December 2021 at our institute and for whom intraoperative FS of BM was utilized were included. We analyzed the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value (PPV, NPV) of this in predicting positive bone margins. RESULTS: A total of 457 patients were included in the study. The majority of the cases were per premium cases (n = 372, 81.4%). The median age of the cohort was 52 years (range: 22-80 years). Most patients had T4 disease (n = 406, 88.8%). On FS, BM was positive in only 18 patients (3.9%) for whom the bone margin was revised. BM biopsy report in the final histopathology was positive in 12 patients (2.2%). The sensitivity, specificity PPV, and NPV were 52.3%, 98.65%, 64.7%, and 97.7% respectively. No factors predicting BM positivity on FS could be identified in this cohort. CONCLUSIONS: The BM FS was positive in only a small percentage of patients, and it helped in reducing the bone margin positivity rate from 3.9% to 2.2% only. Hence the intraoperative BM FS seems to have limited utility as seen from our study.

Early and Late Complications of Mandibulectomy Free Flap Reconstruction: Does the Selective Use of Soft Tissue Only Flaps Reduce Complications?

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the factors most associated with early and late complications following microvascular free tissue transfer (MVFTT) after mandibulectomy. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients undergoing MVFTT after segmental mandibulectomy from September 2016 to February 2021 was performed across a single academic institution. Surgical variables were collected, including the location of the resultant mandibular defect (anterior vs posterior) and flap type (osseous or non-osseous). The primary outcome variables included postoperative complications (early, <90 days; and late, >90 days) and the patients' functional status (return to oral intake). Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, Fischer's exact test, and 2-sample t tests were used to analyze differences among variables. RESULTS: We analyzed a cohort of 114 consecutive patients with mandibular defects, comprising 57 anterior and 57 posterior defects. Bony free flaps with hardware were used to reconstruct 98% of anterior defects compared to 58% of posterior defects (P < .001). All soft tissue only flaps did not utilize any hardware during the reconstruction. Anterior defects demonstrated more late complications requiring additional surgery (30% vs 9%, P = .04). A secondary analysis of posterior mandibular reconstructions compared soft tissue only flaps and bony free flaps with hardware and showed equivalent rates of early (12% vs 13%, P > .99) and late (9% vs 8%, P > .99) complications requiring additional surgery while demonstrating a similar return to full oral competence (55% vs 46%, P = .52) and recovery of a 100% oral diet (67% vs 54%, P = .53). CONCLUSION: Osseous free tissue transfer for segmental mandibular defects remains the gold standard in reconstruction. In our patient cohort, anterior mandibular defects are associated with greater late (>90 day) complications requiring additional surgery. Comparable outcomes may be achieved with soft tissue only versus osseous free flap reconstruction of posterior mandibular defects.

The TSAR-osteotomy, a total subapical and ramus osteotomy: A technical note.

There are several treatment options to treat a class II dentofacial deformity with a pronounced chin. A total subapical osteotomy is one of these options. This type of osteotomy was refined to total subapical and ramus (TSAR) osteotomy. In this technical note, a detailed and schematic presentation of the TSAR osteotomy is presented step by step. The surgical approach to the TSAR osteotomy is divided into three parts. The first part consists of the horizontal osteotomy at the level of the ramus, the second part approaches the corticotomy to release and protect the mental nerve and the third part consists of connecting the horizontal ramus osteotomy and the local corticotomy around the mental nerve. In this third part, it is important that the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) is actively sought and protected.

Stair-stepped mandibulotomy: Clinical indication, surgery program design, and operation points.

For radical treatment of malignancies in the posterior region of the oral cavity and oropharynx, surgical exposure of the tumor by mandibulotomy is often required. Midline or paramedian vertical mandibulotomies are commonly performed in clinical practice, but these can damage the suprahyoid musculature and genioglossus, and weaken the swallowing and speech function of patients. Stair-stepped mandibulotomy is a new procedure, developed on the principles of functional surgery, that preserves the structure and function of the mandible whilst providing a clear field and avoiding damage to critical muscle attachments. Stair-stepped mandibulotomy is suitable for patients whose primary tumor is located in the middle and posterior part of the tongue or oropharynx, especially if the lesion involves extrinsic tongue muscles. In this case report, we draw on 2 cases of typical patients in our center to elaborate the surgery program design, operation points, advantages and disadvantages of stair-stepped mandibulotomy.

Mandibular Body Osteotomy Combined with Sagittal Split Ramus Osteotomy for the Treatment of Severe Skeletal Class â ¢ Malocclusion with Ankylosed Teeth.

This study presents a combination of 2 different surgery procedures performed on the mandible as part of the treatment aiming to improve the facial profile and occlusal function of patients with severe skeletal class Ⅲ malocclusion and bilateral edentulous gaps. The teeth next to the edentulous gaps were found to be ankylosed. Mandibular setback by bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomies and mandibular body osteotomies, combined with Le Fort Ⅰ level maxillary advancement were performed, since the chief complaint of the patient was a concave profile. As a result, the skeletal class Ⅲ malocclusion had been corrected, a satisfying facial profile had been achieved, and no apparent adverse effect was found. Thus, it has been proved that the combination of sagittal split ramus osteotomy and mandibular body osteotomy is available for correcting skeletal class Ⅲ malocclusion.

Double Chin Concerns after En Bloc Mandibular U-Shaped Osteotomy: Submental-Cervical Soft Tissue Changes and Anterior Belly of Digastric Muscle Assessment.

OBJECTIVE: To assess submental-cervical soft tissue changes after en bloc mandibular U-shaped osteotomy and examine alterations in the anterior belly of digastric muscle (ABDM). METHODS: A retrospective study analyzed 20 patients who underwent en bloc mandibular U-shaped osteotomy from 2018 to 2023. Preoperative (Tp) and long-term follow-up (Tf) CT data were collected for analysis, measuring mandibular volume, soft tissue thickness at menton (Mes) and cervicale (C), and ABDM parameters (length, cross-sectional area (CSA), volume, distance from centroid point to the mandibular margin). Correlation analyses were performed to investigate the connection between soft tissue thickness changes, ABDM changes, and mandibular osteotomy volume. RESULTS: Long-term follow-up revealed a significant increase in soft tissue thickness at the Mes and C points after U-shaped mandibular osteotomy, especially at the C point. The adaptive length of ABDM decreased, CSA increased, and volume decreased, but the ABDM centroid point shifted downward relative to the mandibular margin, indicating drooping protrusion. The increment of soft tissue thickness was moderately positively correlated with the amount of osteotomy, and the decrement of ABDM length and volume were slightly positively correlated with the amount of osteotomy. CONCLUSION: The degree of soft tissue relaxation after U-shaped osteotomy is related to the extent of osteotomy. Notably, the protrusion of ABDM relative to the mandibular margin affects submental-cervical contour aesthetics. Prior to U-shaped osteotomy, it is crucial to assess the soft tissue condition of the patient's lower face, and the individualized design of the osteotomy volume should be carried out cautiously and safely. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

[Mandibular osteotomy, a simpler and safer method of osteosynthesis]. / Ostéotomie mandibulaire, une méthode plus simple et plus sûre d'ostéosynthèse.

Bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) is a surgical procedure to treat mandibular malpositions. However, this surgery is associated with a risk of recurrence. Osteosynthesis techniques may be the cause of early recurrences. This study aims to demonstrate the efficiency and stability of osteosynthesis with two bicortical screws placed with a transjugal approach. We included patients who benefited from a BSSO alone, between May 2020 and August 2021. We performed the osteosynthesis using two bicortical screws placed with a transjugal approach. All the patients underwent lateral X-rays before the surgery, one week after and minimum six months after the intervention. These medical images allowed to study the mandibular movements during the intervention and the osteosynthesis stability. Twenty-five patients benefited from a BSSO alone. Patients obtained a satisfactory occlusal result. The results showed good stability of the two fragments, after surgery, during the studied period (average follow up of 8 months). Two bicortical screws osteosynthesis placed with a transjugal approach is a simple, effective and stable method for osteosynthesis in case of BSSO.

Les ostéotomies sagittales bilatérales mandibulaires (OSBM) sont des procédures chirurgicales utilisées pour traiter les malpositions mandibulaires. Toutefois, cette chirurgie présente un risque de récidive. Les techniques d'ostéosynthèse pourraient être la cause de récidives précoces. Cette étude vise à démontrer l'efficacité et la stabilité de l'ostéosynthèse à l'aide de deux vis bicorticales placées par voie transjugale. Nous avons inclus les patients ayant bénéficié d'une OSBM seule, entre mai 2020 et août 2021. Nous avons réalisé les ostéosynthèses à l'aide de deux vis bicorticales placées par voie transjugale. Tous les patients ont réalisé des clichés radiologiques de profil avant l'intervention, une semaine après et minimum six mois après. Ces imageries ont permis d'étudier les mouvements mandibulaires durant l'intervention et la stabilité de l'ostéosynthèse. Vingt-cinq patients ont bénéficié d'une OSBM seule. Les patients ont obtenu un résultat occlusal satisfaisant. Les résultats ont montré une bonne stabilité des deux fragments après la chirurgie durant la période étudiée (en moyenne, recul de 8 mois). En conclusion, l'ostéosynthèse à l'aide de deux vis placées par voie transjugale est une méthode simple, efficace et stable d'ostéosynthèse d'OSBM.

Postoperative Radiotherapy and Survival in Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma With Mandibulectomy.

Importance: Oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) tumors with mandibular invasion are upstaged to pT4a regardless of their size. Even small tumors with boney invasion, which would otherwise be classified as pT1-2, are recommended for the locally advanced treatment pathway to receive administration of postoperative radiotherapy (PORT). Objective: To evaluate the association of PORT with overall survival according to tumor size among patients who received mandibulectomy for pT4aN0 oral cavity SCC. Design, Setting, and Participants: This was a retrospective analysis using data from the US National Cancer Database from January 1, 2004, through December 31, 2019. All patients who received mandibulectomy for treatment-naive pT4aN0 oral cavity SCC with negative surgical margins were included. Data analyses were performed in January 2023 and finalized in July 2023. Exposure: PORT vs no PORT. Main Outcomes and Measures: Entropy balancing was used to balance covariate moments between treatment groups. Weighted multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression was used to measure the association of PORT with overall survival associated with tumor size. Results: Among 3268 patients with pT4aN0 oral cavity SCC (mean [SD] age, 65.9 [12.1] years; 2024 [61.9%] male and 1244 [38.1%] female), 1851 (56.6%) received PORT and 1417 (43.4%) did not receive PORT. On multivariable analysis was adjusted for age, insurance status, Charlson Comorbidity Index score, tumor site, tumor grade, tumor size, and PORT. Findings indicated that PORT was associated with improved overall survival and that this relative survival advantage trended upwards with increasing tumor size. That is, the larger the tumor, the greater the survival advantage associated with the use of PORT. For the 1068 patients with tumors greater than 4 cm, the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) in favor of PORT was 0.63 (95% CI, 0.48-0.82); for the 1774 patients with tumors greater than 2 cm but less than or equal to 4 cm, the aHR was 0.76 (95% CI, 0.62-0.93); and for 426 patients with tumors less than 2 cm, the aHR was 0.81 (95% CI, 0.57-1.15). Conclusions and Relevance: In this retrospective analysis of patients who received mandibulectomy for pT4aN0 oral cavity SCC, PORT was associated with improved overall survival, the benefit of which improved relatively with increasing tumor size. These findings suggest that tumor size should be considered in guidelines for PORT administration in this patient population.

A screw and wire assisted coronoidectomy procedure: A technical note.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis and oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) often exhibit elongated hyperplastic coronoid processes with fibrous attachments to the temporalis muscle. In managing this condition, a vital step involves performing a coronoidotomy or coronoidectomy alongside the primary surgical procedure. While coronoidectomy is preferable due to reattachment issues, its complexity arises from the thickened and elongated coronoid process. Our technical note introduces a screw and wire assisted coronoidectomy method, found to be efficient, replicable, and time-saving.

Clinicopathologic Profile and Surgical Modalities in Mandibular Ameloblastoma: A Descriptive Study.

BACKGROUND: Ameloblastoma is a benign neoplasm composed of epithelial tissue with invasive and infiltrative behavior at the local level and a high recurrence rate, with various histopathologic patterns and clinical forms. Approximately 85% of conventional ameloblastomas occur in the mandible, most often in the body, angle, and ascending ramus area. The treatment modalities include both conservative and radical treatments. Postoperative follow-up is most important in the treatment of ameloblastoma. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinicopathologic profile of mandibular ameloblastoma in patients undergoing different surgical modalities. The primary objective was to describe the clinicopathologic profile and surgical management of mandibular ameloblastoma in patients aged ≥18 years, who had reported to a tertiary dental care center for follow-up during the study period. The secondary objective was to describe the distribution of comorbidities associated with different surgical modalities and reconstructive methods. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 34 patients with mandibular ameloblastoma who underwent various surgical modalities between 2011 and 2021 were studied. Information was collected using a predesigned proforma and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty-four review cases of ameloblastoma were included in the study. The patients were analyzed concerning age, sex, site, size, clinical presentation, radiographic pattern, histopathologic subtype, type of surgery, and associated comorbidities. Most cases of mandibular ameloblastoma involve the age of 16 to 55 years. The mean age of occurrence was found to be 35.5±13.2. A female preponderance, a tumor size range of 2 to 4 cm, a multicystic variant, involvement of the mandibular body in the premolar-molar area, root resorption, cortical perforation, and a follicular type of histopathologic pattern were the common presentations. Isolated anterior tumors restricted to the incisor/canine region were not found. The common surgical modalities undertaken were conservative methods such as enucleation, and chemical cauterization, and radical methods such as marginal mandibulectomy and segmental resection. Reconstruction using a titanium plate or free fibular graft was performed in the indicated cases. The common comorbidities included difficulty in chewing and loss of facial contour. Recurrence after surgical treatment was rare. Only 9% of cases developed a recurrence within 5 years. No recurrence was noted in cases treated with radical treatment, whereas 50% of cases treated with conservative methods showed recurrence. CONCLUSION: The age of occurrence, site, and size of the tumor, cortical perforation, root resorption, histopathologic type, and radiographic patterns are widely considered factors in devising a treatment plan for mandibular ameloblastoma. However, there may be rare instances where these tumors behave differently regardless of their innocuous clinicopathologic presentation. Surgical procedures such as segmental resection and marginal mandibulectomy were found to be promising for the eradication of the tumor, and prevention of recurrences and metastasis. However, conservative measures such as enucleation and chemical cauterization were fraught with an increased risk of tumor recurrence and metastasis. Future studies with a larger sample size should focus on the clinicopathologic characteristics of ameloblastoma to elucidate its varied behavior and develop newer and advanced treatment modalities that would provide better surgical and postsurgical outcomes in affected patients.

Case report of a patient with mandibulectomy followed up for 11 years.

Mandibular deviation and rotation following mandibulectomy can significantly impact oral function and quality of life. The postoperative course of a 57-year-old patient who underwent mandibulectomy for oral cancer and findings over 11 years of follow-up observation to monitor changes in the mandibular position are described here. Based on the observations, it is important to raise awareness regarding the necessity of continued monitoring of mandible position and regular adjustments of prostheses for patients who have undergone mandibulectomy.

Management of Through-and-Through Oromandibular Defects after Segmental Mandibulectomy with Fibula Osteocutaneous Flap.

BACKGROUND: Oromandibular defects involving the external skin are a reconstructive challenge. This study aimed to evaluate the use of the fibula osteocutaneous free flap (FOCFF) for through-and-through oromandibular defects by comparing the surgical outcomes and complications of different techniques to close the external skin defect. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted of patients who underwent reconstruction of through-and-through oromandibular defects after oncologic segmental mandibulectomy between January 2011 and December 2014. Five groups were analyzed according to the method of external skin coverage: primary closure, locoregional flaps, deepithelialized double-skin paddle FOCFF (deEpi-FOCFF), division of the skin paddle for double-skin paddle FOCFF (div-FOCFF), and a simultaneous second free flap. Intraoperative and postoperative outcomes along with complications were analyzed between groups. RESULTS: A total of 323 patients were included. The mean total defect area requiring a simultaneous second free flap was larger in comparison to other groups (p < 0.001). Reconstructions performed with div-FOCFF had a higher number of perforators per flap when compared with deEpi-FOCFF (p < 0.001). External defects closed with another free flap exhibited higher intraoperative time for the reconstructive segment in comparison to other groups (p < 0.05). The overall rate of complications was comparable between groups (24%, p = 0.129). CONCLUSION: The FFOCF is a reliable alternative to harvesting multiple simultaneous free flaps for through-and-through oromandibular defects. The authors recommend appropriate curation of the surgical plan based on individual patient characteristics and reconstructive requirements.

Tissue changes and tissue reactivity following osteotomy by a conventional rotary device, an ultrasonic unit, and an Er: YAG laser - A comparative study in humans.

INTRODUCTION: Innovative technologies from other fields of science are constantly being introduced in medicine. Research works on animals strongly confirm the belief in better results following ultrasound and laser surgery. The main conclusions are based on observations from different animal species, whose biological characteristics differ from those of humans. This requires scientific experiments to be performed and confirmed in humans. MATERIAL & METHODS: Human mandible specimens harvested in vivo by a conventional low-speed rotary device, an ultrasonic unit, or an Er: YAG laser were studied and analyzed to compare their effects on bone morphology and tissue response following surgery. RESULTS: The cutting surface of eighty biopsies was studied, as well the facial edema, pain levels, and jaw dysfunction were followed up in the same eighty patients from whom the slices were obtained. In the piezosurgery and drill groups, the borders exhibited irregular edges full of bone fragments and debris. Thermal alterations within the superficial surface in all bone samples were generally minimal. In all specimens, intact osteocytes were detectable away from the area of direct action of the bone-cutting device. It was established, that the reactive facial edema, pain levels, and jaw disfunction were with milder values following in vivo osteotomy by an ultrasonic unit and Er: YAG laser compared to the conventional drilling. Moreover, the recovery of the patients in these two groups was more pronounced. The observed tissue changes proved to affect the follow-up tissue reactions in the postoperative period (p ≤ 0.05). DISCUSSION: Based on the established effects on human bone by its in vivo cutting, it can be concluded that laser and ultrasonic bone surgery was a superior alternative osteotomy method in humans to conventional drilling.

Accuracy of computer-assisted design and manufactured three-dimensional device for condylar positioning in mandibular bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (clinical trial).

INTRODUCTION: Aligning dental arches in orthognathic treatment after undergoing LeFort I osteotomy or bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) relies on occlusal splints, which do not provide precise control over the condylar head. AIM OF THE STUDY: To clinically and radiographically assess the accuracy of computer-assisted design and manufactured (CAD/CAM) surgical guide for condylar positioning in a BSSO. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study recruited 8 patients with a non-syndromic dentofacial deformity who underwent a BSSO. Surgery was planned according to CAD/CAM technology. After osteotomy, a pre-operative guide was used, followed by a repositioning guide. Computed tomography scans were conducted on all patients 1 week pre-operatively, immediately, and 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The data are presented as median values with the 25th and 75th percentiles. Eight patients (37.50% females and 62.50% males) between the ages of 19 and 24 underwent BSSOs. The surgical procedure successfully corrected their skeletal deformities. The absolute change between immediate postoperative and pre-operative condylar angle was 0.15 (0.00-0.3). The absolute change between 3 months postoperative and pre-operative condylar angle was 0.20 (0.00-0.30). CONCLUSION: The stability of the condylar head in position is well assessed by 3-dimensional condylar positioning devices designed and manufactured by CAD/CAM technology in the mandibular BSSO.

Modified submandibular mandibulotomy approach versus lip-splitting approach in tongue cancer surgery: a retrospective paired-cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: The surgical approach for resection and reconstruction of tongue cancer (TSCC) with or without the lip-splitting incision is controversial. This study introduced a modified approach without lip-splitting and the clinical results were assessed. METHODS: Sixty-eight TSCC patients underwent surgery using the modified submandibular mandibulotomy (MSMM) approach without lip-splitting, and another matched 68 patients using lip-splitting mandibulotomy (LSM) approach were enrolled in this study. The clinical results including intraoperative relevance and surgical morbidities, survival status, facial appearance and scar scores, function of lower lip, and quality of life (QOL) were evaluated. RESULTS: The primary tumors were en bloc resected through the MSMM approach with excellent tumor exposure and R0 resection margins as LSM approach. The survival status and complications were similar in both groups. The function of lower lip was better in patients of MSMM group at 1 month after surgery. The MSMM approach was associated with significantly better facial appearance and recreation compared to LSM approach by scar scores and QOL assessment. CONCLUSION: The MSMM approach without lip-splitting achieves similar tumor control, better aesthetic results, and QOL compared to LSM approach. It is a safe and effective surgical approach for patients with TSCC. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The MSMM approach without lip-splitting is oncological safety in tongue cancer surgery and is scrutinized as one part of the treatment concept for better aesthetic results.

Does mandibular osteotomy affect the infraorbital nerve? a prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensory function of the infraorbital nerve after orthognathic surgery (OS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent Le Fort I osteotomy with or without BSSO for dentofacial deformity treatment were studied. Two groups were created according to whether BSSO was performed. Class A tests were performed to determine the degree of peripheral nerve damage. The Class B test was performed if decreased sensation was detected in at least one of these tests. A Class C test was performed if abnormal sensation was detected. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients (n=56) who underwent OS were included in this prospective study. Of the patients, 57.1% were female, 42.9% were male, and the mean age was 24.6 (±3.8). Seven patients were in group 1 (n=14), and 21 patients were in group 2 (n=42). In both groups, there were statistically significant differences between T1 and T2 (p<0.001), and the mean NSD score at T2 was higher than that at T1. The mean NSD score in the single jaw group was higher than that in the double jaw group at all time points. CONCLUSIONS: Bimaxillary surgeries had a negative effect on the somatosensory changes that developed in the early period. The upper lip's somatosensorial recovery was faster than IOR and single jaw recovery was faster than double jaw. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Maxillofacial surgeons performing orthognathic surgery should be aware that in double jaw operations, changes in the somatosensory function of the ION are more severe.

Mandibular small cell osteosarcoma: a case report and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Small cell osteosarcoma is an extremely rare histopathological variant of conventional osteosarcoma. Due to nonspecific symptoms, most osteosarcomas of the jaws are misdiagnosed as periapical abscesses and mistreated by teeth extraction and drainage. CASE PRESENTATION: We report, to our knowledge, the seventh case of small cell osteosarcoma in gnathic sites affecting the mandible of an old female with history of a large painful swelling related to the right mandibular molar area for 2 months. Cone-beam computed tomography scan showed an osteolytic lesion related to the lower molar area with involvement of the inferior alveolar nerve. An incisional biopsy was taken, and after histopathological examination and immunohistochemical staining, a diagnosis of small cell osteosarcoma was reached. Hemi-mandibulectomy was performed by a maxillofacial surgeon. No clinical evidence for recurrence was noted until manuscript writing. CONCLUSION: Accurate diagnosis is very important, and general practitioners should be aware of this entity considering that small cell osteosarcoma has a poor prognosis when compared to conventional osteosarcoma.