Combination of Rigid and Nonrigid Fixation Versus Nonrigid Fixation for Bilateral Mandibular Fractures: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: We aimed to compare complication rates and functional outcomes in patients with bilateral mandibular fractures treated with different degrees of internal fixation rigidity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This international, multicenter randomized controlled trial included adults with bilateral mandibular fractures located at either the angle and body, angle and symphysis, or body and symphysis. Patients were treated with either a combination of rigid fixation for the anterior fracture and nonrigid fixation for the posterior fracture (mixed fixation) or nonrigid fixation for both fractures. The primary outcome was complications within 6 weeks after surgery. Secondary outcomes were complications within 3 months, Helkimo dysfunction index, and mandibular mobility at 6 weeks and 3 months after surgery. RESULTS: Of the 315 patients enrolled, 158 were randomized to the mixed fixation group and 157 to the nonrigid fixation group. The overall complication rate at 6 weeks in the intention-to-treat population was 9.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.3% to 15.6%) in the mixed fixation group and 7.8% (95% CI, 4.0% to 13.5%) in the nonrigid fixation group. With an unadjusted odds ratio of 1.25 (95% CI, 0.51 to 3.17), there were no statistically significant differences in complication rates between the 2 groups (P = .591). A multivariable model for complication risk at 6 weeks found no significant differences between treatment groups, but patients with moderate or severe displacement had a higher complication rate than those with no or minimal displacement (adjusted odds ratio, 4.58; 95% CI, 1.16 to 18.06; P = .030). There were no significant between-group differences in complication rates at 3 months. Moreover, no significant differences in Helkimo dysfunction index and mandibular mobility index at 6 weeks and 3 months were found between groups according to treatment allocated and treatment received. CONCLUSIONS: A combination of rigid and nonrigid fixation in patients with bilateral mandibular fracture has similar complication rates and functional outcomes to nonrigid fixation for both fractures.

The Effect of Platelet-Rich Fibrin Membrane in Surgical Therapy of Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw.

PURPOSE: We examined the effect of the membranous form of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) on patients with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study included patients who underwent an operation because of second- or third-stage osteonecrosis of the jaw induced by antiresorptive therapy. The diagnosis of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw was based on the 2009 and 2014 recommendations of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. On the basis of the duration of treatment, we divided our patients into 2 groups. Patients in the first group (Gr1) underwent traditional surgical therapy between 2009 and 2014, whereas patients in the second group (Gr2) underwent PRF membrane-supplemented operations between 2015 and 2017. Outcomes were assessed based on patient recovery, stage improvement, and relapse rate. The follow-up period was a minimum of 1 year. RESULTS: Our study included 101 patients: 73 in Gr1 and 28 in Gr2. The results in Gr2 were significantly better than those in Gr1: recovery (P = .022), stage improvement (P = .005), and relapse rate (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: In Gr2, significantly better results were achieved in terms of stage improvement, recovery, and relapse rate than in Gr1.

[Combined transplantation of a free skin island flap supplied by a septo-cutaneous perforator of the posterior tibial artery and the underlying fibula for the full reconstruction of the mandible and the mouth floor]. / Az arteria tibialis posteriorból eredo direkt septocutan perforator ér által ellátott különálló borszigetlebeny és a fibula kettos szabad átültetése a mandibula és a szájfenék kombinált rekonstrukciója kapcsán.

Microsurgical transplantation of the osteo-cutaneous fibula as a free flap to reconstruct the defect following radical resection of a mouth floor's tumor is a well-known and often applied procedure. Anatomy of the vessels supplying this flap is recognized but it may have some rare and unexpected variations. In this case report we discuss the reconstruction of the middle and lateral parts of the mandible which was resected due to a T4 gingival tumor. Interestingly, the aforementioned segment of the fibula and the overlying skin island were supplied by different pedicles, both emerging from the posterior tibial vessels. Both flaps were transplanted using autologous arterial and venous grafts of the peroneal artery and vein in case of the fibula. We believe this case is worth publishing due to its relative rarity in the literature and the applied surgical method.

[Mandibular reconstruction with free osteocutaneous fibula flap using the occipital artery as recipient vessel]. / Mandibularekonstrukció arteria occipitalisra varrt szabad osteocutan fibulalebennyel.

Authors performed reconstructive surgery for extensive skin and mandibular bone defect following gunshot injury to the left side of the face. The soft tissue and bone defect was reconstructed with the free osteocutaneous fibula flap harvested from the left lower leg, as suitable local reconstructive flap was not available. The bony continuity was reestablished with a 7 cm long fibula segment. Microvascular anastomoses were performed to the left occipital artery and the left internal jugular vein. The occipital artery was chosen as the external carotid system was completely missing on the right side and was missing several branches on the left side due to the trauma. The fibular segment became fully incorporated and 95% of the flap healed by primary intention.