Functional reconstruction of the masseter muscle by microvascular free gracilis muscle transfer: technique and outcome.

Microvascular reconstruction of the cheek is most often performed using fasciocutaneous flaps and without functional reconstruction of the masseter muscle. This article reports a technique of masseter muscle resection, dissection of the masseteric nerve, and masseter muscle reconstruction with a functional gracilis muscle flap. The technique was applied in a 38-year-old man with recurrent intramuscular lipoma of the right masseter muscle. The flap was highly stable in form and showed good function. Bite force, electromyography results, and the radiological appearance of the gracilis muscle were similar to those of the contralateral masseter muscle at 12 months after surgery. In conclusion, full rehabilitation of masseter muscle function and good facial aesthetics were achieved by functional gracilis muscle reconstruction of the masseter muscle in a case of total resection.

Brain abscess caused by dental peri-implantitis.

We report the case of a patient presenting with severe headache and progressive aphasia due to a large brain abscess. End-stage peri-implantitis on a dental implant in the upper jaw with contact to the maxillary sinus floor causing maxillary and frontal sinusitis could be identified as the source of infection. Multidisciplinary treatment included broad-spectrum antibiotics, craniotomy for abscess drainage, sinus surgery, and the removal of the implant. Despite all the care taken, the patient died, underlining the importance of oral hygiene and a frequent recall in patients with dental implants. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a brain abscess caused by peri-implantitis in the literature.

Donor site morbidity after microvascular medial femoral condylar flap procurement for facial reconstruction.

The medial femoral condyle (MFC) flap is considered an ideal graft for bone reconstructions. This study was performed to evaluate donor site knee joint function and scar appearance after MFC flap procurement. Adult patients who had undergone facial reconstruction with an MFC flap between March 2011 and March 2017 at the University Hospital Salzburg were enrolled. Knee function was assessed postoperatively using two validated orthopaedic scores: Tegner Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale (TL) and Knee Society Score (KSS); both range from 0 to 100 (100 being no impairment). Scars were evaluated using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) (range 6-60). Thirty-eight patients were enrolled. The average postoperative TL score was 95.68 (range 66-100). The mean KSS clinical examination and function scores were 96.8 (range 58-100) and 97.11 (range 60-100), respectively. Flap type (osteocutaneous vs. non-osteocutaneous) did not correlate with TL or KSS scores. KSS and TL scores showed no association with vascular pedicle length or transplant volume. The average POSAS patient and observer scores were 6.84 and 15.24, respectively. POSAS observer scores were significantly higher for osteocutaneous flaps than for non-osteocutaneous flaps. The MFC flap causes minimal donor site morbidity. No knee joint instability or range of motion limitation was found. Postoperative TL and KSS scores indicated excellent knee function.

Correction: The influence of FCGR2A and FCGR3A polymorphisms on the survival of patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell head and neck cancer treated with cetuximab.

In the abstract and in other parts of the manuscript the authors wrote that the mutation rs396991 causes a valine (V) to phenylalanine (F) substitution at position 157. However, the correct codon number is 158. These errors have not been fixed in the original Article.

Analysis of an in-house technique for temporary mandibulotomy and its impact on postoperative radiotherapy.

The purpose of this study was to describe a newly developed procedure for temporary mandibulotomy and subsequent osteosynthesis. Clinical outcomes were evaluated, including complications and the impact on postoperative treatment, particularly postoperative radiotherapy. Twenty-four patients underwent temporary mandibulotomies for the surgical resection of malignancies located in the posterior oral or oropharyngeal region. All were treated with postoperative radiotherapy. An angulated median mandibulotomy was followed by osteosynthesis with three anchor screws directed towards the inferior aspect of the mandible. Anchor screws are modified conventional lag screws that include an additional biconcave washer. This modification prevents the screw heads from cracking into the cancellous bone during tightening, improving their biomechanical qualities considerably. Insertion of screws at any angle to the bony surface therefore becomes possible, which is a precondition for this technique. Minor complications occurred in two patients in the early postoperative period. However, complications causing bony non-union, leading to postponed postoperative radiotherapy were not noted in this cohort.

Relationship between arthroscopic findings of synovitis and levels of tumour necrosis factor-alpha and matrix metalloproteinases in synovial lavage fluid from patients with unilateral high mandibular condyle fractures.

Arthrocentesis has an effect of washing out inflammatory products that accumulate in the joint compartment of a dysfunctional temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The procedure removes inflammatory cytokines, which are pain-causing substances, for early reduction of TMJ pain and quick recovery of jaw function, thus increasing the possibility of a successful rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between arthroscopy synovitis grade in patients with unilateral high condylar fractures and concentrations of the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha as well as of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in washed-out synovial fluid (SF) samples obtained from those patients. A total of 26 patients with unilateral high condylar fractures who underwent arthrocentesis for a therapeutic purpose were examined. SF samples were collected before performing arthroscopy to determine synovitis grade. The detection rates and concentrations of TNF-alpha and MMPs were determined, and their association with synovitis grade was analysed. TNF-alpha was detected in 23 and MMP-3 in 22 of the TMJs. There was a correlation between synovitis grade and concentration of TNF-alpha in the fracture group. Furthermore, the concentrations of TNF-alpha and MMP-3 were significantly higher as compared to the control group, comprised of TMJs on the non-fracture side of the same patients, while a correlation was also noted between TNF-alpha concentration and synovitis grade in the fracture group. The present findings may provide a biological/biochemical rationale for arthrocentesis as a reasonable treatment modality for high condylar fractures.

Reconstruction of the mandibular condyle using the microvascular lateral femoral condyle flap.

The lateral femoral condyle (LFC) flap is a new flap first reported in 2015 for the treatment of osteomyelitis in hand surgery. This paper introduces a technique of osteochondral LFC flap harvest for mandibular condyle reconstruction and reports on the use of this flap in temporomandibular joint reconstruction. For condyle resection, a pre-auricular approach saving the temporal artery and vein is performed. A step osteotomy technique is used for condyle resection. LFC harvesting starts with dissection of the popliteal artery and vein. The superior genicular artery and vein are identified and followed along their periosteal branches. An osteochondral flap according to the condyle defect is harvested from the anterior pole of the knee. The flap is banded according to the defect and fixed to the mandibular neck with three miniscrews. Follow-up computed tomography scans should be performed at 1 week, 6 months, and 1year after surgery. The case of a 58-year-old female patient with osteomyelitis of the left mandibular condyle after multiple preoperative therapies is reported. The LFC flap technique was used for left condyle reconstruction, resulting in good functional and morphological outcomes at the 6-month postoperative follow-up. In conclusion, the osteochondral LFC flap is a new and promising technique for mandibular condyle reconstruction for special indications.

The influence of FCGR2A and FCGR3A polymorphisms on the survival of patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell head and neck cancer treated with cetuximab.

FCGR2A-H131R and FCGR3A-V157F are single-nucleotide polymorphisms known to influence the outcome of patients treated with rituximab, cetuximab and trastuzumab. We investigated the impact of these polymorphisms on the clinical outcome of 103 patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck treated with a platinum compound, fluorouracil and cetuximab as palliative first-line therapy. The survival of patients with FCGR2A-131H/H and/or FCGR3A-157V/V genotypes was significantly longer compared with patients carrying 131R and 157F alleles (median progression-free survival (PFS): 5.5 vs 4.1 months, P=0.02; median overall survival: 10.2 vs 7.2 months, P=0.04). In multivariate analysis, the FCGR2A and 3A genotypes as well as the time between initial diagnosis and relapse of disease not amenable to curative therapy remained the only independent prognostic factors for PFS. The results are in line with previous reports in colorectal cancer patients and confirm the possible value of genetic polymorphisms of immunocompetent cells for the success of cetuximab treatment.

Combination of microvascular medial femoral condyle and iliac crest flap for hemi-midface reconstruction.

In midface defects including the orbit (Brown class III and IV), no single flap can provide adequate reconstruction. In this technical note, the combination of vascularized iliac crest flap and vascularized medial femoral condyle flap (MFC) is described. The vascularized iliac crest flap is reported to be the gold standard for maxilla reconstruction. There is, however, no consensus on the best method for orbital and nasal wall reconstruction. The MFC flap can be harvested as a thin corticoperiosteal flap or as an osteomyocutaneous flap. Due to the periosteal blood supply, this flap can be customized for an individual defect of the upper hemi-midface. It is therefore of great benefit in orbital and nasal wall reconstruction. By combining the deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) bone flap and the MFC flap, the best standard reconstruction technique of the hemi-maxilla can be combined with a new anatomical precise microvascular reconstruction technique of the orbit. A nearly symmetric midface appearance can be achieved.

Comparative study of the osseous healing process following three different techniques of bone augmentation in the mandible: an experimental study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the osseointegration of three different bone grafting techniques. Forty-eight mature New Zealand rabbits were divided randomly into three groups of 16 each. Horizontal augmentation was performed on the corpus of the mandible using three different techniques: free bone graft (FBG), free periosteal bone graft (PBG), pedicled bone flap (BF). The animals were sacrificed at postoperative weeks 1, 3, or 8. Specimens were decalcified for histological examination, and histomorphometric measurements were performed. The histological evaluation demonstrated bony fusion between the grafts and the augmented mandibular bone after 8 weeks in all groups. At week 8, the bone volume was significantly greater in the BF group than in the FBG (P<0.001) and PBG (P=0.001) groups, and also the trabecular thickness was significantly greater than in the FBG (P=0.015) and PBG (P=0.015) groups. Trabecular separation was significantly lower in the BF group than in the FBG group at week 8 (P=0.015). BF demonstrated greater osseous healing capacity compared to FBG and PBG. The preserved vascularization in BF improves the bone quality in mandibular bone augmentations.

[Defect coverage with myofasciocutaneous free flaps. Consequence of corticosteroid infiltration of the wrist in a patient on immunosuppressive therapy]. / Defektdeckung mit myofasziokutanem Lappen. Folge einer Kortikoidinfiltration des Handgelenks bei einer immunsuppressiv behandelten Patientin.

Intra-articular corticosteroid injection and radiation of the wrist was performed in a patient on immunosuppressive therapy. She sustained empyema and impending compartment syndrome. After fasciotomy, debridement and antibiotic therapy had been performed, we provided soft tissue coverage by a combined ALTP and muscular free flap on the vascular trunk of the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery. There were no complications and the patient is very satisfied with the outcome.

Intramandibular course of the mandibular nerve; clinical significance for distraction and implantology.

OBJECTIVE: Loss of teeth is accompanied with loss of function and therefore reduction of alveolar bone height. Insufficient bone height can jeopardize the anchorage of implants or surgical procedures such as distraction osteogenesis, because of possible mandibular nerve damage. The goal of this investigation was to determine the exact course of the intramandibular nerve in edentulous mandibles. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study samples included 37 dry human edentulous mandibles. A dental CT scan analysis was performed and four cross sectional views were investigated for each mandible. The Cawood classification was used to assess the grade of atrophy. Implantation simulation was performed in every case. RESULTS: There was no bilateral symmetry in edentulous mandibles, whatever the cross-section studied. A rate of 38.7% were classified Cawood class IV, the most common group in edentulous patients. Our study results led us to place the distraction osteogenesis device in the posterior edentulous mandible. Implant placement was not possible in every case. DISCUSSION: Our findings allow better understanding from the pathway of the mandibular canal close to the first and second molar in edentulous mandibles. This anatomical data and surgical techniques such as implant insertion and distraction osteogenesis allow finding solutions for "mandibular edentulism". Distraction is essential for a successful implantology.

Reconstruction of the nose with a new double flap technique: microvascular osteocutaneous femur and microvascular chondrocutaneous ear flap--first clinical results.

This study describes a new microvascular flap combination from the medial femur and ear to reconstruct the nose after subtotal resection and presents the first clinical results. In four patients a squamous cell carcinoma of the nose was registered. In three patients this was diagnosed for the first time while in the fourth patient it was the second relapse after two resections and local flap surgery. In every case, tumour resection ended up in an extended defect of the nose, cheek and upper lip region. For skeletal reconstruction and the inner lining of the nose, a microvascular osteocutaneous femur flap was used. After reconstructing the nasal skeleton, the remaining defect was covered by a microvascular composite flap from the left ear and preauricular region. Both flap pedicles were anastomosed to the facial vein and artery. In every case, the flaps healed without complications. There was no tumour relapse. 12 months after reconstruction, minor surgical corrections were made. The patients showed a satisfying functional and aesthetic result. The combination of a microvascular osteocutaneous femur flap and a microvascular ear flap can be used successfully for reconstructing the nose after subtotal resection.

[Semilunar bone necrosis (Kienböck's disease) - first clinical results after free microvascularised bone graft from the distal femur]. / Die idiopathische Mondbeinnekrose (M. Kienböck) - Erste Ergebnisse nach operativer Therapie mit einem freien mikrovaskulären Femurtransplantat.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic aseptic osseous necrosis of the semilunar bone is also called Kienböck's disease after Robert Kienböck who firstly described this disease. The clinical picture is characterised by a stage-like course. Internationally the classification according to Lichtman and Ross has achieved the most acceptance. The actual therapy is dependent on the present disease stage. Basically, various pressure-relieving operative procedures are possible, on the other hand operative interventions via revascularisation represent a therapeutic option. In the case of advanced disease only, "salvage procedures" like partial or total arthrodesis of the wrist are available. However, such operations are associated with marked restrictions in the range of motion and unsatisfactory clinical results. The present study reports on our clinical experiences after operative therapy for aseptic lunar bone necrosis via free microvascularised bone grafting from the distal femur. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 01/2005 and 12/2010 nineteen patients with idiopathic semilunar bone necrosis underwent operative care via a free microvascularised bone graft from the distal femur at our institution. 16 patients could be re-evaluated retrospectively on follow-up examination at 26.5 months (range 16-42) on average after primary care. Mean age was 43.8 years (range 24-66). Clinical assessment was performed according to the Mayo wrist score (MWS) and the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score. Radiological assessment was performed according to the classification of Lichtman and Ross. RESULTS: On operative treatment 14 patients were graded II at least according to the Lichtman classification. An additional 2 patients showed a stage III B disease. The median operative time amounted to 254 min (range 233-362). The postoperative course did not reveal any complications, in particular concerning wound healing. Only one patient (6 %) showed no trabecular integration between the inserted graft and the lunar bone. Clinical evaluation according to the MWS with a median of 82.5 points (65-100), and the DASH score with a median of 29.5 points (24.2-102.2) documented good to excellent clinical results. CONCLUSION: Operative treatment for idiopathic semilunar bone necrosis via a free microvascularised bone graft from distal femur achieves good clinical results without an increase of postoperative complications even with advanced stages of the disease. However, long-term results and larger patient samples are required to prove the final success of this operative technique.

[Reconstruction of the elbow with the deep circumflex iliac artery. Multicomponent free flap plasty after a gunshot wound]. / Rekonstruktion des Ellenbogens durch eine A. circumflexa iliaca profunda. Mehrkomponentenlappenplastik nach einer Schussverletzung.

A 20-year-old woman sustained massive elbow trauma from a gunshot wound. After initial surgery soft tissue coverage, reconstruction of the proximal third of the ulna, of the ulnar collateral ligament and of the triceps tendon was performed by one multicomponent microvascular free flap. There were no complications, the elbow is stable and reached full weight bearing 11 months after trauma. Active range of motion for extension and flexion is 0-20°-80°.