Analysis of select esthetic nasal parameters in virtually planned orthognathic patients.

PURPOSE: Bony changes after orthognathic surgery are always followed by changes of the overlying soft tissues. Therefore, morphologic changes of the nose may be expected after procedures involving the maxilla. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes in the nasal region due to orthognathic surgery using computed tomography (CT) images of virtually planned patients. METHODS: 35 patients who underwent Le Fort I osteotomy, with or without bilateral sagittal split osteotomy, were included. 3D measurements on preoperative and postoperative images were performed and analyzed. RESULTS: The results revealed that aesthetically acceptable results can be achieved by orthognathic surgery alone. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of this study, it can be concluded that it is best to reserve decisions on rhinoplasty to the post-orthognathic period.

Does the vitamin C level affect postoperative analgesia in patients who undergo orthognathic surgery?

Vitamin C has a critical role in pain management because of its antioxidative, neuroprotective, and anti-nociceptive properties. Oxidative stress caused by surgery increases the requirement for vitamin C. The aim of this study was to evaluate the change in vitamin C level and its effect on postoperative pain in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery. Thirty patients were included in the study. The relationships between the postoperative plasma vitamin C level, duration of surgery, postoperative analgesic consumption, and pain scores (visual analogue scale) were analysed. The difference between the mean pre- and postoperative vitamin C levels was found to be statistically significant (7.5 ± 2.9 mg/l vs 4.9 ± 2.3 mg/l, respectively; P = 0.001). There was no significant relationship between the duration of surgery and the vitamin C level decrease (P > 0.05). There was an inverse correlation between the postoperative vitamin C level and the amount of analgesic requested via patient-controlled analgesia (r = -0.699, P < 0.001). The findings suggest that, in patients who undergo orthognathic surgery, plasma vitamin C levels decrease significantly (34.6%), and an increase in the duration of surgery is not associated with any decrease in the vitamin C levels. A low postoperative plasma vitamin C level was found to be associated with greater postoperative analgesic consumption. In patients with preoperative plasma vitamin C levels ≤ 42 µmol/l, perioperative vitamin C administration may be considered for postoperative pain management.

Prevalence of postoperative secondary bleeding and its relationship with intraoperative massive bleeding in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative bleeding after orthognathic surgery is a rare but life-threatening complication. Maxillary surgery is the main cause of bleeding, after which excessive epistaxis can occur until the 10th postoperative day. Due to the risk of secondary bleeding, the patient discharge process may be complicated for both the patient and clinician. Thus far, no studies have explored massive intra- and postoperative bleeding in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery. Therefore, this study was performed to determine the prevalence of postoperative secondary bleeding and its correlation with intraoperative massive bleeding in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 206 orthognathic surgery patients were included in this retrospective study. Perioperative data was collected by determining the number of patients who referred to the clinic for treatment of secondary bleeding. The following parameters were recorded: occurrence of intraoperative massive bleeding, pre- and postoperative haemoglobin and haematocrit values, intraoperative projected bleeding, amount of intravenous liquid needed, and length of hospital stay. In addition, the association between secondary and intraoperative massive bleeding was investigated. RESULTS: Two of 206 patients (0.97%) experienced both massive intraoperative bleeding and massive postoperative bleeding. CONCLUSION: Intra- and postoperative massive bleeding occurred only in a small number of patients; thus, longer hospitalisation and strict follow-up of this small group of patients may be required.

Modified high-level Le Fort I advancement without malar augmentation: assessment of effect on midfacial aesthetics.

The 'beauty arch', an aesthetic feature of the midface, is a double-S-shaped curve that extends downward from the lateral canthus. This retrospective study evaluated whether modified high Le Fort I advancement (combined with impaction or down-grafting) without malar augmentation can approximate a patient's 'ideal' beauty arch (IBA). Pre- and postoperative profile (natural head position) photographs for 36 patients with midfacial hypoplasia were aligned digitally. For each individual, standardized methods were used to identify landmarks and draw the preoperative real beauty arch (RBA), postoperative RBA, and IBA. Distances from a defined landmark to each arch were measured and means were compared. The mean advancement range was 4.2 ± 2.2 mm, and the mean pre- and postoperative RBA distances were significantly different (138.7 ± 24.1 vs 145.0 ± 25.8 pixels, respectively; P = 0.0001). In the impaction and down-grafting subgroups, there was no significant correlation between amount of maxillary movement and the difference between pre- and postoperative RBA distances (P > 0.05 for both). The postoperative RBA was satisfactorily close to the IBA in 35 cases (97.2%); one patient required later augmentation. The findings suggest that modified high Le Fort I advancement surgery without malar augmentation provides satisfactory malar projection for most patients with maxillary hypoplasia.

Horizontal alveolar transport distraction osteogenesis followed by implant placement.

Alveolar transport distraction osteogenesis (ATDO) is an alternative treatment method to vertical alveolar distraction osteogenesis in cases of large bony defects, especially when the bone is limited in size. ATDO was performed in 10 patients with 12 defects. The mean age of the patients was 39.1years. The average bone length gain was 18.2mm. Implants were inserted following a 3-month consolidation period. Three patients needed additional bone grafting for horizontal widening. Final prosthetic rehabilitation was performed at least 3 months following implant insertion. The mean follow-up period was 63 months and the survival rate of the 25 implants placed was 92%. All failures (n=2) occurred during the early healing period. Although the results are not totally predictable, it can be concluded that ATDO can be effective in the reconstruction of the alveolar crest prior to implant placement.

Effect of V-Y plasty on lip lengthening and treatment of gummy smile.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of isolated V-Y plasty on lip lengthening and the treatment of gummy smile. An isolated V-Y plasty was performed on 14 patients with a gummy smile. In each case, measurements of upper lip length and gingival display were recorded from posed-smile photographs taken preoperatively and at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Gingival display decreased significantly and lip length increased significantly over all intervals investigated. Applying this technique after Le Fort I surgery may be beneficial; however, as with other injection or surgical lip lengthening methods, its stand-alone application should be questioned.

Alveolar Ridge Splitting Versus Autogenous Onlay Bone Grafting: Complications and Implant Survival Rates.

PURPOSE: To compare the complications and implant survival rates of localized alveolar ridge deficiencies in the horizontal dimension reconstructed by alveolar ridge splitting (ARS) or autogenous onlay bone grafting (OBG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight ARS and 28 OBG were performed. The survival rate of the all included implants was evaluated using the clinical and radiographical evaluation criteria of Misch et al. Temporary exposure of graft, mild infection, temporary paresthesia, and bad split were defined as minor complications; permanent exposure of graft, loss of graft, and permanent paresthesia were defined as major complications. Major and minor complications of ARS and OBG groups were statistically compared. RESULTS: When the minor and major complication rates are considered, there was not any statistically significant difference between OBG (P = 0.099) and ARS (P = 0.241) groups. The satisfactory survival rate of OBG group was 92% and was 100% in the ARS group, and the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.116). CONCLUSION: When reconstructing vertically sufficient but horizontally insufficient alveolar ridges, ridge splitting technique could shorten the treatment period, decrease postoperative swelling and pain, eliminate the need for a second surgical site, reduce the treatment cost, and ease the patient cooperation to the surgery.

Evaluation of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo following Le Fort I osteotomy.

The Le Fort I osteotomy is widely used to correct dentofacial deformities. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common vestibular end organ disorder characterized by short, often recurrent episodes of vertigo. Head trauma is one of the known causes of BPPV. During pterygoid osteotomy, the surgical trauma induced by percussion with the surgical mallet and osteotomes can displace otoliths into the semicircular canal, resulting in BPPV. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential risk of occurrence of BPPV in individuals undergoing Le Fort I osteotomy. Twenty-three patients were included in this study. The Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre, positional tests using electronystagmography, and vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) tests were performed 1 week before surgery (T0), 1 week after surgery (T1), and 1 month after surgery (T2). The results were compared statistically. BPPV was observed in three patients. Eleven patients had nystagmus at the T1 evaluation and seven at the T2 evaluation. The difference between the T0 and T1 time points was statistically significant (P=0.001). BPPV is a possible complication of Le Fort I osteotomy. Surgeons should be aware of this complication, and the diagnosis of BPPV should be considered in patients who have undergone Le Fort I osteotomy.

Changes in the lower lip soft tissue after bone graft harvesting from the mandibular symphysis.

Following the surgical release of the mentalis muscle, lip incompetence and/or an increase in lower incisor exposure may be seen due to undesirable attachment of the muscle fibres. The aim of this study was to evaluate the extent of lip ptosis, lower incisor exposure, and other soft tissue changes following bone graft harvesting from the mandibular symphysis when the mentalis muscle is reapproximated precisely to its original position. Seventeen consecutive patients who underwent bone graft harvesting from the mandibular symphysis were included in this study. The mentalis muscle was isolated, identified, marked, and reapproximated precisely during the bone harvesting operation. Digital lateral cephalograms obtained preoperatively and at 6 months postoperative were analyzed and compared by paired samples t-test to determine the horizontal and vertical soft tissue changes in the lower lip and chin. Although the soft tissue thickness at soft tissue point B and at soft tissue pogonion had increased significantly at 6 months after chin bone graft harvesting, there were no significant changes in lower incisor exposure or other positional alterations of the lower lip (P<0.05). Precise reattachment of the mentalis muscle in its original position helps to avoid significant vertical positional changes in the lower lip. Increases in soft tissue thickness can be observed following bone graft harvesting from the mandibular symphysis.

Changes in difficult airway predictors following mandibular setback surgery.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of surgical mandibular backward movements on the predictors of a difficult airway. Thirty-seven skeletal class III patients were included in this study. The Mallampati score, body mass index (BMI), maximal inter-incisal distance, and thyromental and sternomental distances of these patients were evaluated preoperatively and at 6 months and 2 years postoperatively. A sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) without genioplasty was performed in all patients by the same surgical team, and anaesthesia was provided by the same anaesthesiologist using nasotracheal intubation. The paired samples t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used for statistical comparisons of the data. There were no statistically significant changes in BMI or sternomental and thyromental distances after SSRO. The maximal inter-incisal distance was significantly reduced at 6 months postoperatively (P<0.05), but no statistical difference was found between the values obtained preoperatively and at 2 years postoperative. A statistically significant increase in Mallampati score was observed postoperatively (P<0.05). Both the patient and practitioner should be aware of the risks associated with an increased postoperative Mallampati score in mandibular setback patients. The amount of mandibular setback in skeletal class III patients with a high preoperative Mallampati score should be limited to prevent potential postoperative airway problems.

The effect of conventional surgery and piezoelectric surgery bone harvesting techniques on the donor site morbidity of the mandibular ramus and symphysis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the morbidity following bone harvesting at two different intraoral donor sites, mandibular symphysis and ramus, and to determine the effects of piezoelectric and conventional surgical graft harvesting techniques on donor site morbidity. Intraoral block bone grafts were harvested from the symphysis (n=44) and ramus (n=31). The two donor site groups were divided into two subgroups according to the surgical graft harvesting method used (conventional or piezoelectric surgery). Intraoperative and postoperative pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Donor site morbidity and the harvesting techniques were compared statistically. Of 290 teeth evaluated in the symphysis group, four needed root canal treatment after surgery. The incidence of transient paresthesia in the mucosa was significantly higher in the symphysis group than in the ramus group (P=0.004). In the symphysis group, the incidence of temporary skin and mucosa paresthesia was lower in the piezoelectric surgery subgroup than in the conventional surgery subgroup (P=0.006 and P=0.001, respectively). No permanent anaesthesia of any region of the skin was reported in either donor site group. VAS scores did not differ between the ramus and symphysis harvesting groups, or between the piezoelectric and conventional surgery subgroups. When the symphysis was chosen as the donor site, minor sensory disturbances of the mucosa and teeth were recorded. The use of piezoelectric surgery during intraoral harvesting of bone blocks, especially from the symphysis, can reduce these complications.

The influence of bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy on submental-cervical aesthetics.

The effect of orthodontic-surgical treatment on submental-cervical region was evaluated in a very limited number of studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate submental-cervical soft tissue contour changes following mandibular advancement and set-back procedures via bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy. Sixty-seven patients were included in this study. Group 1 consisted of 27 skeletal Class II patients who underwent mandibular advancement surgery, whereas Group 2 consisted of 40 skeletal Class III patients who underwent mandibular set-back surgery. Various linear and angular measurements were performed on pre-operative and sixth month post-operative cephalometric radiographs. A new method was used to evaluate the amount of sagging at submental region. The submental length did not change in Group 1; however, it decreased significantly in Group 2 (P < 0·05). The angle between submental plane and facial plane decreased to 95·9° from 98·8° in Group 1(P < 0·05), whereas it increased to 93·1° from 88·2° in Group2 (P < 0·05). The change of submental soft tissue sag was almost stable in Group 1, while 0·34 mm increase of sag was observed in Group 2. This increase was not statistically significant (P > 0·05). Mandibular set-back and advancement procedures do not remarkably change the submental sag following approximately 6 mm jaw movement. Although mandibular advancement did not significantly effect submental length, soft tissue followed mandibular set-back with a ratio of 1:1 at C-point to projection of soft tissue pogonion and 1:0·7 at C-point to soft tissue menton distances.

Bone anchoring of sutures for adequate repositioning of the soft tissue flaps in one stage dental implants.

The choice of suture material and technique is important to optimize wound healing. If surgical wound edges are not properly approximated healing may be delayed because blood may accumulate under the flap and separate it from the underlying bone. The authors present an alternative suturing technique. They use a 'C suture' to fix and minimize mobilization of the soft tissues around non-submerged implants.

Are success and survival rates of early implant placement higher than immediate implant placement?

Immediate placement refers to the placement of an implant into a tooth socket at the time of extraction; early placement refers to the placement of an implant after substantial gingival healing, but before any clinically significant bone fill occurs within the socket. This study evaluated the success and survival rates of implants following immediate and early placement. 50 implants were placed in 36 patients. 26 immediate (group I) and 24 early placements (group II) were performed. Pain or tenderness with function, mobility, radiographic bone loss from initial surgery and exudate history were evaluated. Mean vertical bone loss in the immediate placement group was 0.55 mm and 0.80 mm in the early placement group. The survival rate for the immediate placement group was 96.16% with 51.6 months follow-up and in the early placement group was 100% with 61.9 months follow-up. The results of this study suggest that although the success and survival rates of early placed implants were a little higher and the follow up period was longer than immediately placed implants, the difference was not remarkable. In conclusion, both implant insertion techniques are safe and reliable procedures with considerably high survival rates.

Is auditory function affected after Le Fort I osteotomy?

The aim of this study was to evaluate changes to the Eustachian tube and middle ear function and hearing level in individuals undergoing Le Fort I osteotomy. 20 consecutive patients underwent Le Fort I maxillary osteotomy with advancement, impaction or a combination of both. All individuals underwent hearing sensitivity tests, including pure tone audiometry and acoustic impedance measurements (middle ear pressure and compliance), which were carried out by an audiologist 1 week before surgery (t(0)), and then again 1 week (t(1)) and 4 weeks (t(2)) after surgery. Regarding pure tone audiometry, the differences between t(0) and t(2) at a frequency of 125Hz (P=.002), between t(0) and t(1) and between t(0) and t(2) at a frequency of 250Hz, and between t(0) and t(1) at a frequency of 1000Hz (P=.006) were statistically significant. There was no statistically significant difference at any other frequency. Regarding middle ear pressure, no statistically significant difference was observed between t(0) and t(1), and t(0) and t(2). Following Le Fort I osteotomy, mild changes in hearing sensitivity and middle ear pressure are possible, but these changes were clinically insignificant.

Effects of different mandibular fracture patterns on the stability of miniplate screw fixation in angle mandibular fractures.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of horizontally favourable and unfavourable mandibular fracture patterns on the fixation stability of titanium plates and screws by simulating chewing forces. Favourable and unfavourable mandibular fractures on 22 sheep hemimandibles were fixed with 4-hole straight titanium plates and 2.0mm×7mm titanium screws according to the Champy technique. Hemimandibles were mounted with a fixation device in a servohydraulic testing unit for compressive testing. Displacement values under 20, 60, 100, 120, 150, 200N, maximum displacements, and maximum forces the model could resist before breakage were recorded and compared. The authors found no statistically significant differences between the groups for the displacement values in the force range 60-200N (60, 100, 120, 150 and 200N). Statistically significant differences for maximum displacement values (displacement values at the breaking forces) between the groups were found (P<0.05). There was no evidence for the need to apply different treatment modalities to mandibular fractures regardless of whether the factures are favourable or not.

The accuracy of computer-assisted surgical planning in soft tissue prediction following orthognathic surgery.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the accuracy of a computer-assisted imaging system in predicting the soft tissue response following orthognathic surgery. METHODS: The study sample consisted of 11 adult patients with a mean age of 23.5 years. The preoperative and postoperative lateral cephalograms were obtained after orthodontic preparation and immediately before surgery and at least 1 year after surgery. The computer-generated soft tissue image and the actual surgical outcome were compared to evaluate the accuracy of the imaging system. RESULTS: In the sagittal plane, the tip of nose was the most accurate site and the largest difference was shown in the upper lip. The lower lip was noted to be the least accurate and the subnasale the most accurate region in the vertical plane. Predictions were found to be more accurate for the sagittal plane when compared with those for the vertical plane. CONCLUSIONS: Computer-assisted visual treatment objectives was proved to be satisfactory in predicting the soft tissue outcome following orthognathic surgery.

A comparison of pre-emptive analgesic efficacy of diflunisal and lornoxicam for postoperative pain management: a prospective, randomized, single-blind, crossover study.

Diflunisal and lornoxicam are currently available non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that have been shown to be effective to various degrees in pain relief when administered either pre-emptively or postoperatively. The pre-emptive analgesic efficacy of diflunisal 1000 mg was compared with that of lornoxicam 16 mg in 40 ASA I patients undergoing surgical removal of bilateral impacted third molars. The impacted third molar teeth on one side were removed at the first surgical appointment using one of the two drug regimens being assessed and the teeth on the contralateral side were removed at a second appointment using the alternate drug regimen; all operations were performed by the same surgeon. Acetaminophen up to 2000 mg daily was provided as rescue medication. The postoperative rescue analgesic consumption was recorded and pain scores were evaluated with a visual analogue scale at 2, 4, 6, 12 and 24h postoperatively. No statistically significant differences were found between groups with respect to rescue analgesic consumption and postoperative pain scores. Pre-emptive administration of both NSAIDs proved to be effective in the management of pain following the surgical removal of impacted third molar teeth.

Digital panoramic radiography: a reliable method to diagnose carotid artery atheromas?

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the panoramic radiographs of 4106 patients for carotid artery atheromas (CAAs) and to correlate our findings with the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The digital panoramic radiographs of 4106 dental patients (2428 female, 1678 male) were evaluated. Radiographs of patients 40 years of age or older were randomly chosen from a computer database. CAA findings were defined as radiopaque masses adjacent to the cervical vertebrae at or below the intervertebral space between C3 and C4 on the panoramic radiograph. The patients who had CAA findings were contacted by telephone, and some of them agreed to further evaluation. Evaluation included carotid ultrasound, ECG, echocardiography and treadmill exercise testing at the Department of Cardiology. RESULTS: Of 4106 patients, 88 patients (2.1%; 70 female, 18 male) had one or more radiopaque mass detected on digital images. All 88 patients with CAA findings were contacted by telephone and 23 agreed to further evaluation at the university hospital. Of these 23 patients, 8 (34.7%) had CAAs on carotid ultrasound and 15 (65.3%) had normal carotid arteries. From these eight patients with CAAs on Doppler ultrasound, 7 (30.4%) had plaques that were not haemodynamically significant and only one (4.3%) had significant plaque. The patient with severe carotid artery stenosis consequently underwent endarterectomy operation. There were no statistically significant differences between male and female in CAAs (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Digital panoramic images may have some diagnostic value for detecting CAAs and this early diagnosis could potentially increase the length and quality of life for people with CAAs.