Neurocognitive Outcomes in Deformational Plagiocephaly: Is There an Association between Morphologic Severity and Results?

BACKGROUND: The neurodevelopmental effects of skull asymmetry and orthotic helmet therapy for deformational plagiocephaly (DP) have had limited investigation. This study assessed the long-term neurocognitive outcomes in patients with DP and their association with orthotic helmet therapy and head shape abnormality. METHODS: A total of 138 school-age children with a history of DP, 108 of whom received helmet therapy, were tested with a neurocognitive battery assessing academic achievement, intelligence quotient, and visual-motor function. Severity of presenting plagiocephaly was calculated using anthropometric and photometric measurements. Analysis of covariance was used to compare outcomes between helmeted and nonhelmeted cohorts, unilateral plagiocephaly and concomitant brachycephaly, and left-sided and right-sided plagiocephaly. The association between severity of plagiocephaly and neurocognitive outcome was assessed through a residualized change approach. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in neurocognitive outcomes between the helmeted and nonhelmeted DP cohorts or the unilateral plagiocephaly and brachycephaly cohorts. Participants with left-sided DP had significantly lower motor coordination scores than participants with right-sided DP (84.8 versus 92.7; effect size = -0.50; P = 0.03). There was a significant laterality by cephalic index interaction, with a negative association between cephalic index and reading comprehension and spelling for participants with left-sided DP. No significant associations were found between severity of presenting or posttreatment deformity and neurocognitive outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Pretreatment and posttreatment severity of plagiocephaly were not correlated with neurocognitive function at school age. Helmet therapy was not associated with better or worse long-term neurocognitive function. However, participants with left-sided DP demonstrated worse neurocognitive outcomes than participants with right-sided DP in the domains of motor coordination and some types of academic achievement. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Virtual Neurocognitive Testing in Craniofacial Surgery.

SUMMARY: Digital communication platforms have had an impact on plastic surgery research. Although neurocognitive testing is an important tool for understanding the long-term developmental outcomes of congenital craniofacial conditions, testing has been geographically limited because of its interactive nature. Virtual neurocognitive testing is a facsimile version of in-person testing that allows researchers to overcome this limitation with high fidelity. Ten school-age subjects completed a neurocognitive assessment battery measuring intelligence quotient, academic achievement, and visuomotor skills at an average age of 7.8 ± 1.4 years. The subjects then retook the same battery through an identical virtual testing method approximately 1 year after the initial test. There were no significant differences in verbal intelligence quotient (p = 0.878), performance intelligence quotient (p = 0.813), and full-scale intelligence quotient (p = 0.982) scores obtained through in-person and virtual tests. There were no significant differences between academic achievement letter and word recognition (p = 0.999), math computation (p = 0.619), reading comprehension (p = 0.963), and spelling (p = 0.344) scores. There were no significant differences in visuomotor integration (p = 0.158), visual perception (p = 0.798), and motor coordination (p = 0.796) scores obtained through the two methods. The median at-home time to set up study equipment for the virtual testing was 5.0 minutes (interquartile range, 2.3 minutes). Seventy percent of participants reported that they preferred participating in research from home. All participants stated that the virtual research study was an overall positive experience. Virtual neurocognitive testing is an effective method of performing high-fidelity neurocognitive assessments while overcoming geographic barriers.

Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis in Robin Sequence Using Three-Dimensional Analysis and Planning.

SUMMARY: The optimal management of patients with Robin sequence may include neonatal mandibular distraction osteogenesis, which has been used to achieve excellent functional and aesthetic outcomes in appropriate patients. This article and video vignette depict the treatment of micrognathia and airway obstruction secondary to Robin sequence, demonstrating the planning and surgical approach of the senior author (D.M.S.) using mandibular distraction osteogenesis.

A Comprehensive Single-Center Analysis of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting Following Orthognathic Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) remains a major clinical end-point for directing enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols in facial plastic surgery. This study aimed to identify risk factors for PONV and evaluate strategies for PONV reduction in orthognathic surgery patients. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed among patients receiving orthognathic surgery at our institution from 2011 to 2018. Patient demographics, surgical operative and anesthesia notes, medications, and nausea/vomiting were assessed for each patient. The amount of opioid analgesia given both perioperatively and postoperatively was recorded and converted into morphine equivalents (MEQ). Stepwise regression analysis was used to identify significant risk factors for PONV. Post hoc analyses were employed to compare PONV among patients based on MEQ dosage and antiemetic prophylaxis regimes. RESULTS: A total of 492 patients were included; mean age was 23.0 years (range: 13-60); 54.4% were female. The majority of patients received concurrent Le Fort I osteotomy, BSSO, and genioplasty (70.1%). During hospitalization, 59.4% of patients experienced nausea requiring antiemetic medications and 28.4% experienced emesis. Stepwise regression yielded Apfel scores (P = 0.003) and postoperative opioids (P = 0.013) as the strongest predictors of PONV. Post hoc analyses showed that undertreatment with prophylactic antiemetics (based on Apfel) predicted increased PONV (+12.9%, P = 0.020), and that lower postoperative MEQs (<28.0) predicted decreased PONV (-11.8%, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The study findings confirm the high incidence of PONV among orthognathic surgical patients and stratify previously reported PONV risk factors. More aggressive utilization of antiemetic medications and decreased dependence on opioid analgesia may decrease nausea/vomiting following orthognathic surgery.

Spatial Analysis of the Temporomandibular Joint and Condyle Following Mandibular Distraction in Robin Sequence.

ABSTRACT: To comprehensively assess changes in temporomandibular joint and mandibular condyle morphology in Robin sequence (RS) patients undergoing mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO). A retrospective analysis of pediatric patients with RS and functional temporomandibular joints who underwent MDO by a single surgeon was performed. Preoperative and postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans were morphometrically analyzed three-dimensional in 3-matic and Mimics (Materialise). Comparative analysis was performed using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Fourteen RS patients were included (28 condyles, 56 CT scans), 78% male and 22% females. The mean age at surgery was 9.4 weeks (range 1.6-46.7 weeks). The average age at initial CT was 5.3 days (range 0-11 days). The mean time interval for CT scan before MDO and after hardware removal were 8.8 ±â€Š6.4 days and 11.2 ±â€Š25.8 days, respectively. Rotatory changes of the condyle revealed a significantly decreased horizontal angle following MDO (-7.55°, 95% confidence interval -11.13° to -3.41°; P < 0.001). Anteroposteriorly, the angle between condylar process and ramus (incline) increased significantly (14.14°, 95% confidence interval 10.71°-19.59°; P < 0.001). Intragroup analysis revealed no difference between left versus right condylar position measurements. The condyle itself increased in size and length and the intercondylion distance increased post-MDO. There were no complications and all patients achieved relief of airway obstruction without tracheostomy. Morphologic and positional changes of the mandibular condyle following MDO in RS patients parallel changes that occur during normal development in non-RS patients. As a result, MDO may facilitate normal condylar morphology and function in RS patients.

Conformity of the Virtual Surgical Plan to the Actual Result Comparing Five Craniofacial Procedure Types.

BACKGROUND: The "accuracy" of virtual surgical planning across multiple procedure types is not known. The authors aimed to compare the planned outcome from virtual surgical planning to the actual postoperative outcome for five craniofacial procedure types performed by a single surgeon: implant cranioplasty, cranial vault remodeling, orthognathic surgery, mandible reconstruction, and mandibular distraction. METHODS: Stereolithography formats were obtained from virtual surgical planning and compared to postoperative computed tomographic scans for consecutive patients who underwent one of the five procedure types. Volumetric renderings of the operated bony region of interest were overlaid and compared using a Boolean operation to compute conformity (as a percentage of the region of interest). Conformity across procedure type was analyzed using analysis of variance and post hoc Bonferroni analysis, where appropriate. RESULTS: One hundred thirty patients were included (51.5 percent male and 49.5 percent female; mean age, 27 years; 59 orthognathic surgery, 32 cranial vault remodeling, 16 mandible reconstruction, 12 mandibular distraction, and 11 implant cranioplasty patients). The highest tier of conformity was obtained for implant cranioplasty (median, 76.8 ± 10.3 percent) and mandible reconstruction (mean, 69.4 ± 11.2 percent), followed by orthognathic surgery (mean, 55.0 ± 7.3 percent) and mandibular distraction (median, 41.9 ± 20.3 percent), followed by cranial vault remodeling (mean, 22.2 ± 12.1 percent) (p < 0.001 between tiers and p > 0.05 among tiers). CONCLUSIONS: Virtual surgical planning resulting in custom permanent implants and intraoperative guides provides more predictable results compared to virtual surgical planning used for procedures involving higher degrees of skeletal repositioning and postoperative movement (i.e., mandibular distraction and nonrigid cranial vault remodeling). In cases with expectedly lower conformity, excellent outcomes can be achieved with sound intraoperative judgment.

Three-Dimensional Analysis and Surgical Planning for Open Correction of Trigonocephaly.

SUMMARY: Metopic craniosynostosis results in trigonocephaly, characterized by a triangular forehead with metopic ridge, bitemporal pinching, and narrow-set eyes with recessed lateral orbital rims. Surgical management is controversial but may include open expansion and vault remodeling, to enhance neurocognitive and aesthetic outcomes. This article and video vignette depict the diagnosis and treatment of metopic craniosynostosis, demonstrating the senior author's open approach, three-dimensional virtual surgical planning, and technical steps.

Orthognathic Surgery in Cleidocranial Dysplasia.

ABSTRACT: Optimal surgical correction of the craniofacial manifestations of cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) has not been established due to the rarity of the condition. A 27-year-old female with CCD is presented. She underwent virtual surgical planning (VSP) followed by LeFort-I disimpaction, bone grafting, bilateral sagittal-split osteotomy, genioplasty, submental lipectomy, and targeted facial fat grafting. The patient necessitated 15-mm of vertical maxillary disimpaction centrally, stabilized with wide maxillary plates and interpositional allogenic fibula grafts. Six-month postoperative examination demonstrated improved appearance and functional symptoms. Skeletal relationships were normalized on computed tomography (CT) and there was minimal change between immediate and 6-month postoperative CT measurements, demonstrating a stable result. Orthognathic surgery used to establish dentofacial harmony in patients with CCD can test the extremes of single-stage facial skeletal expansion. Use of VSP, wide maxillary plates, and interpositional bone grafts can help optimize maxillary expansion and stability, while concurrent fat redistribution optimizes facial aesthetics.

Vascularized Composite Parietal Bone Flap for Immediate Reconstruction of a Hemi-Maxillectomy Defect in an Infant.

BACKGROUND: Surgical resection of maxillary tumors can result in defects that can be difficult to reconstruct by conventional means due to the complex functional and anatomic nature of the midface and lack of regional bone flap options in the head and neck. Many reconstructive methods have been used to repair maxillary defects, but the ideal technique for the reconstruction of hemi-maxillectomy defects in growing pediatric patients has yet to be determined. METHODS: The authors present a rare pediatric patient with melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy resulting in a hemi-maxillectomy defect after resection that was reconstructed using a pedicled vascularized composite flap consisting of temporalis muscle, pericranium, and parietal bone. RESULTS: The patient achieved successful long-term bony reconstruction of his right maxilla with this flap. Stable skeletal fixation with adequate orbital support was maintained over a >3-year follow-up period. CONCLUSION: A vascularized composite parietal bone flap is a reliable reconstructive option for reconstruction of large maxillectomy defects providing low donor-site morbidity, adequate globe support, excellent long-term skeletal stability, and malar symmetry in rapidly growing pediatric patients. Successful reconstruction for a rare patient with maxillary melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy requiring hemi-maxillectomy was demonstrated with >3-year follow-up.

Spring-Assisted Strip Craniectomy Versus Cranial Vault Remodeling: Long-Term Psychological, Behavioral, and Executive Function Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Controversy exists regarding the optimal surgical approach for non-syndromic sagittal synostosis. This study provides the first comparative analysis of the long-term behavioral, psychological, and executive function outcomes for patients who underwent either cranial vault remodeling (CVR) or spring-assisted strip craniectomy (SAS). METHODS: Thirty-six CVR patients and 39 SAS patients were evaluated. Parents and caregivers completed the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) and the Behavior Assessment System for Children, Second Edition (BASC-2) to evaluate behavioral, emotional, social, adaptive, and executive functioning skills. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the CVR and the SAS groups (P > 0.05) in any of the BRIEF areas of function. Furthermore, the BASC-2 battery illustrated no significant differences in all areas analyzed except one. Among the 2 groups, the CVR group was rated as having fewer social withdrawal symptoms on the BASC-2 (47.00 ±â€Š10.27) compared to the SAS cohort (54.64 ±â€Š10.96), F = 6.79, P = 0.012, Cohen d = 0.688. However, both means were still within the normal range. CONCLUSIONS: Children undergoing SAS and CVR procedures for isolated sagittal synostosis were not rated as having clinically significant behavioral, emotional, social, adaptive, or executive functioning problems on parental forms.

Surgical management of lymphedema: a review of current literature.

Lymphedema may be characterized by a progressive clinical course and limitations in improvement despite multi-modality treatment. In westernized countries, it most commonly presents as an undesirable complication of cancer treatment, particularly breast cancer. In the past several decades, surgical treatments for lymphedema have advanced, alongside developments in microsurgery. Lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) and lymph node transplantation are physiological therapies that may reduce lymphedema through addressing its route cause. Ablative techniques such as liposuction and subcutaneous excision aid in resolving the accumulation of proteinaceous adipose and fibrotic tissue seen in advanced lymphedema. The goal of this review is to examine the outcomes and limitations of current surgical techniques used in lymphedema management.

The impact of radiation on lymphedema: a review of the literature.

Radiation therapy (RT) is a common adjunct therapy in oncology. However, it carries a significant risk of lymphedema when utilized in some anatomic locations. Recent studies have provided insight into lymphedema pathophysiology, diagnostic techniques, and RT. This review will examine the role of RT in upper and lower extremity lymphedema. Radiation's role in increasing the risk of lymphedema through decreased lymphatic proliferation potential, interstitial fibrosis compressing lymphatic vessels, and mechanical insufficiency of the lymphatic system will be reviewed.