The Role of Nasal Sill Correction in Secondary Cleft Rhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Evaluating outcomes after cleft rhinoplasty can be challenging because of the lack of objective measures that would lead to a more desirable outcome. METHODS: This study is a 10-year retrospective review of 30 consecutive patients who underwent secondary unilateral cleft rhinoplasty performed by a single surgeon. Subjective ratings were made using the Unilateral Cleft Lip Surgical Outcomes Evaluation (UCL SOE), which rates 4 components (nose, cupid's bow, lateral lip, and free vermillion) with a score of 0 to 2. Multiple anthropometric measurements (nostril height ratio, width ratio, medial » height ratio, sill ratio, nostril area ratio, columellar angle, tip projection ratio, and nasolabial angle) were taken using a free National Institutes of Health program, ImageJ. Standardized photographs were compared at T0 (preoperatively), T1 (<6 weeks postoperatively), and T2 (>6 weeks postoperatively). RESULTS: There were 30 patients who met our inclusion criteria: 10 males (66.7%) and 20 females (66.7%). Of these patients, 26 (86.7%) had a complete cleft lip and 4 (13.3%) had an incomplete cleft lip. The patients' average age at time of surgery was 16.2 years with a mean follow-up of 17.9 months. Subjective scores in both nasal and overall UCL SOE ratings improved from T0 to T1, 0.7 to 1.2 (P ≤ 0.001) and 3.6 to 4.7 (P ≤ 0.001), respectively. Visual analog scores in nasal and overall UCL SOE ratings improved between T0 and T2, 0.7 to 0.9 (P = 0.023) and 3.6 to 4.8 (P = 0.002), respectively. Of all the objective measures, nasal sill ratio and cleft height to width ratio correlated with improved subjective ratings across multiple time points. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that objective measures such as nasal sill and nostril shape (cleft height to width ratio) correlate with improved subjective visual analog scale using the UCL SOE. The nasal sill is an often overlooked, yet essential, part of creating an aesthetically pleasing nose during cleft rhinoplasty.

Square-root Palatoplasty: Comparing a Novel Modified-Furlow Double-opposing Z-palatoplasty Technique to Traditional Straight-line Repair.

The purpose of this study was to introduce a modification of the Furlow double-opposing Z-plasty (DOZ)-the square-root palatoplasty (SRP)-and critically evaluate outcomes compared to children who underwent straight-line repair (SLR). METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of all nonsyndromic children undergoing primary cleft palate closure either by SRP or SLR at our institution between 2009 and 2017. Outcomes of interest included rates/location of oronasal fistula, secondary surgery, speech delay/deficits, resonance, nasal air emission (NAE), articulation errors, and velopharyngeal function. Logistic regression was used to assess for the effect of surgery type on outcomes while controlling for Veau cleft type, age, and gender. RESULTS: Seventy-eight patients were included; 46 (59%) underwent SRP, and 32 (41%) underwent SLR. The mean follow-up was 4.07 years. When compared to SLR, children who underwent SRP were less likely to have oronasal fistula [odds ratio (OR) 4.8, P = 0.0159], speech delay/deficits (OR 7.7, P < 0.001), NAE (OR 9.7, P < 0.001), articulation errors (OR 10.2, P < 0.001), or need for secondary speech surgery (OR 13.2, P < 0.0002). Patients who underwent SRP were also more likely to have normal resonance (78.26% versus 43.75%, respectively; P = 0.0043) and good VP function (84.78% versus 56.25%, respectively; P = 0.0094). CONCLUSIONS: This study describes and evaluates outcomes following a modified-Furlow DOZ technique-the SRP. After adjusting for Veau classification, age, and gender in nonsyndromic children, SRP is associated with significantly less speech delay/deficits, NAE, articulation errors, and need for secondary speech surgery when compared to children who underwent SLR.

No Longer a Pain in the Neck: Use of Operating Microscope for Palatoplasty.

For craniofacial surgeons, cleft palate repair is an intricate and difficult operation positionally. Historically, use of loupe magnification and a headlight can cause significant strain to the surgeon's neck and, at times, subpar optics for both the operator and the assistant. The use of an operating microscope was first advocated by Sommerlad in 2003. By using the operating microscope for cleft palate closure, there are improved ergonomics for the surgeon and assistant by allowing for straight in-line back and neck posture with excellent visualization of the surgical field for the entire surgical team. The available zoom and focus improve the ability to isolate and repair the levator veli palatini muscle. Proper posture with a neutral cervical spine will help prolong a surgeon's career and ability to care for their patients.

Low incidence of maxillary hypoplasia in isolated cleft palate.

BACKGROUND: The cause of maxillary growth restriction in patients with cleft lip and palate remains controversial. While studies have investigated the effects surgical technique and timing have on maxillary growth, few focus on patients with isolated cleft palate (ICP). The purpose of this study was to determine the impact palate repair and its associated complications may have on maxillary growth. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of ICP patients who underwent palatoplasty from 1962 to 1999 at Akron Children's Hospital was performed. Patient demographics, Veau type, age at primary repair, closure technique, presence of fistula or velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI), number of palatal operations, maxillary hypoplasia (MH) frequency, and follow-up were recorded. Exclusion criteria included patients with cleft lip, submucous cleft, or syndromes. RESULTS: Twenty-nine non-syndromic ICP patients were identified; 62% (n = 18) had Veau type 1 and 38% (n = 11) had Veau type 2. All patients underwent 2-flap or Furlow palatoplasty with mobilization of mucoperiosteal flaps. Vomerine flaps were used in all Veau 2 cleft palate closures. Palatoplasty was performed at a mean age of 19.9 ± 8.2 months. Average follow-up was 209 ± 66.5 months. The rate of VPI was 59% (n = 17) and the rate of oronasal fistula was 14% (n = 4). CONCLUSIONS: There was a low incidence of MH despite complications after initial palate closure. Our results seem to suggest that age at palate closure, type of cleft palate, and type of surgical technique may not be associated with MH. Additionally, subsequent procedures and complications after primary palatoplasty such as VPI and palatal fistula may not restrict maxillary growth.

Risk Factors Associated With Allogenic Blood Transfusion in Primary Infant Cranial Vault Remodeling.

INTRODUCTION: Cranial vault remodeling is commonly associated with high blood loss and high transfusion rates. Blood management protocols have recently been developed to minimize blood loss and reduce transfusion requirements. We sought to determine risk factors associated with blood product transfusion for infants undergoing primary cranial vault remodeling after the implementation of a blood management protocol. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent cranial vault remodeling at a single center was performed. Patients under 18 months of age who underwent cranial vault remodeling after the establishment of a blood management protocol were included. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were identified. Eleven patients (31%) received allogenic blood transfusions. Patients who received allogenic blood transfusions had a lower absolute weight (8.8 kg versus 9.6kg P = 0.04), longer procedure times (337 minutes versus 275 minutes P < 0.01), and were more likely to have undergone fronto orbital advancement (91% versus 46% P = 0.02). There were no significant differences in age, weight percentile, and patient diagnosis between patients who received allogenic blood transfusions and those that did not (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Low weight, longer operative times, and fronto orbital advancement are associated with allogenic blood transfusion despite the use of a blood management protocol. Attempts to modify these factors may further improve outcomes.

Photogrammetric Outcomes of Primary Nasal Correction in Unilateral Cleft Lip Patients: Early Childhood Results From a Single Surgeon's Experience.

BACKGROUND: Concerns of nonlasting results and potential nasal growth damage precluded cleft nasal correction at the time of initial cleft lip repair. Our goal was to evaluate the outcome of primary cleft nasal correction in our patients with unilateral cleft lip. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients with complete and incomplete unilateral cleft lip who underwent primary cleft nasal correction from 2010 to 2017 by the same surgeon was performed. The cleft-to-noncleft nostril height, width, one-fourth medial part of nostril height, nasal sill height, and nostril area ratios, as well as inner nostril height-to-width ratios were determined from standard basilar view photographs taken in different time points (T1, <3 months; T2, 3-12 months; T3, 12-36 months; and T4, >36 months after surgery). A 5-point visual analog scale (1 = worst, 5 = best) was used to assess each patient's nose appearance. RESULTS: Seventy-two patients were identified (66.7% male, 51.3% with a complete cleft lip). Average visual analog scale scores T1-T4 were 3.88 ± 0.85, 3.72 ± 0.93, 3.54 ± 0.99, and 3.40 ± 0.71, respectively. Intraclass correlation ranged from 0.61 to 0.94. A significant decrease [mean difference (SD)] was found for cleft-to-noncleft nostril width ratio [0.15 (0.18)] from T1 to T2, and an increase for one-fourth medial height ratio [-0.09 (0.07)] and for inner nostril height-to-width ratio in the noncleft side [-0.23 (0.25)] from T1 to T3. Thirteen patients required secondary surgical revision. CONCLUSION: Based on photogrammetry, primary cleft nasal correction in our patients with unilateral cleft lip achieved acceptable and stable outcomes during early childhood.

Isolated Post-Shunt Metopic Synostosis and Neural Tube Defects.

BACKGROUND: Craniosynostosis is an uncommon complication after shunting procedures for congenital hydrocephalus. We report a case of a child with myelomeningocele and normocephaly at the time of birth. She underwent ventricular shunting for Chiari malformation and hydrocephalus at 3 days of age. An immediate postoperative CT scan confirmed all sutures were open. Serial CT scans document an open metopic suture at 2 months, closed metopic suture at 5 months, and trigonocephaly at 11 months with concomitant slit ventricle syndrome, and collapsed lateral and third ventricles. METHODS: An Ovid MEDLINE search within the dates of 1948 through 2017, using the keywords "synostosis AND shunt" was carried out. A tabulation of all patients and their respective synostosis patterns were recorded. RESULTS: We identified 8 case series and 2 case reports during 43 years (1966-2017). Seventy-eight patients with 79 suture synostosis patterns were identified (one patient underwent a second cranial reconstruction for identification of a separate, newly formed synostosis). Eighteen (30.5%) cases were associated with a neural tube defect (NTD). Patients with NTD and secondary craniosynostosis had on average earlier age of shunt placement (P = 0.001), craniosynostosis presentation (P = 0.146), and cranioplasty (P = 0.325) than secondary craniosynostosis patients without NTD. CONCLUSIONS: Ventricular shunt drainage in treating hydrocephalus rarely may lead to early synostosis and cranial deformity, especially in patients with NTDs. Early shunt placement poses significant risk in patients with NTD. Close follow-up may be necessary to evaluate overdrainage and cranial deformity after shunting procedures.

Long-Term Comparison between Human Normal Conchal and Microtia Chondrocytes Regenerated by Tissue Engineering on Nanofiber Polyglycolic Acid Scaffolds.

BACKGROUND: Previous regeneration studies of auricle-shaped cartilage by tissue engineering leave unresolved whether the chondrocyte phenotype from human auricular chondrocytes seeded onto polymeric scaffolds is retained over the long term and whether microtia remnants may be a viable cell source for auricular reconstruction. METHODS: Chondrocytes were isolated from human ears, either normal conchal ear or microtia cartilage remnants, expanded in vitro, and seeded onto nanoscale-diameter polyglycolic acid sheets. These tissue-engineered constructs were implanted into athymic mice for up to 40 weeks. At harvest times of 5, 10, 20, and 40 weeks, samples were documented by gross morphology, histology, and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. RESULTS: Neocartilages generated from the two types of surgical tissues were similar in appearance of their extracellular matrices and positive staining for elastin and proteoglycans. In the 5- to 40-week time interval, there was an increasing trend in gene expression for type II collagen, elastin, and sex determining region Y box 5, important to normal cartilage phenotype, and a decreasing trend in gene expression for type III collagen, a fibroblast and dedifferentiation marker. Over 40 weeks of implantation, the original nanoscale-diameter polyglycolic acid scaffold dimensions (1 cm × 1 cm × 80 µm) were generally maintained in tissue-engineered cartilage length and width, and thickness was statistically significantly increased. CONCLUSIONS: Auricular cartilage can be regenerated over the long term (40 weeks) from surgical remnants by tissue-engineering techniques incorporating nanoscale-diameter polyglycolic acid scaffolds. Based on the present assays, microtia neocartilage very closely resembles tissue-engineered cartilage regenerated from chondrocytes isolated from normal conchal cartilage.

Overview of Wound Healing and Management.

Wound healing is a highly complex chain of events, and although it may never be possible to eliminate the risk of experiencing a wound, clinicians' armamentarium continues to expand with methods to manage it. The phases of wound healing are the inflammatory phase, the proliferative phase, and the maturation phase. The pathway of healing is determined by characteristics of the wound on initial presentation, and it is vital to select the appropriate method to treat the wound based on its ability to avoid hypoxia, infection, excessive edema, and foreign bodies.

M to T rearrangement: an approach to correct webbed neck deformity.

For the Noonan syndrome patient, the most concerning physical defect is often congenital webbing of the neck or pterygium colli. We present a patient with pterygium colli and a low and laterally displaced nuchal hairline. Since its description, various surgical approaches have been implemented to correct the deformity. Previously reported posterior and lateral approaches have notable disadvantages with regard to hairline displacement and recurrence. In order to address these disadvantages, a new surgical technique was used on this patient. We have termed this technique an M to T rearrangement. Using a lateral approach, the M and T incisions are made and the trapezial fascial web is directly visualized and able to be completely excised. This prevents the recurrence seen with the use of posterior techniques. Inferolateral displacement of hair-bearing skin can be removed with resection of the superior intervening triangle and improves the appearance of the low nuchal hairline. The excision of excess skin along with the zig-zag closure also prevents postoperative scar contraction and recurrence. An important effect of this technique is the prevention of anterior displacement of hair bearing skin. M to T rearrangement is an effective technique for the correction of webbed neck deformities seen in Noonan and Turner syndromes.

Speech outcome after palatal repair in nonsyndromic versus syndromic Robin sequence.

BACKGROUND: The authors' purpose was to document speech outcome after cleft palate repair in patients with syndromic versus nonsyndromic Robin sequence. Results of secondary correction of velopharyngeal insufficiency using a superiorly based pharyngeal flap or double-opposing Z-palatoplasty are also reported. METHODS: Charts of patients with Robin sequence and cleft palate between 1980 and 2007 were reviewed. Data collected included date of birth, sex, syndrome/association, cleft palatal type (Veau I or II), age at palatoplasty, incidence of palatal fistula, postoperative speech assessment, videofluoroscopic results, need for secondary operation for velopharyngeal insufficiency, and type of secondary operation (pharyngeal flap or double-opposing Z-palatoplasty). RESULTS: The authors identified 140 patients with Robin sequence who had palatal closure. Postoperative speech evaluation was available for 96 patients (69 percent). A syndrome or association was identified in 42 patients (30 percent). Primary palatoplasty was successful in 74 patients (77 percent); speech was characterized as competent and competent to borderline competent. The authors found a significantly higher incidence of velopharyngeal insufficiency following palatal repair for syndromic (38 percent) than nonsyndromic Robin sequence (16 percent). (p = 0.039). In patients with velopharyngeal insufficiency, competent or borderline competent speech was determined after double-opposing Z-palatoplasty (two of five patients) or pharyngeal flap (eight of 10 patients). CONCLUSIONS: The rate of velopharyngeal insufficiency in syndromic Robin sequence is significantly greater than in nonsyndromic Robin sequence. The authors prefer pharyngeal flap for velopharyngeal insufficiency in patients with Robin sequence, whether syndromic or nonsyndromic, without retrognathism or signs/symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea.

Benign hyperostotic mass of the frontal bone.

Diagnosis of a slow-growing mass of the cranium can be challenging. We present a rare clinical report of a 19-year-old woman with a unilateral mass of the frontal bone. Pathological diagnosis was hyperostosis, which is extremely rare in this age group. A comprehensive review of literature with recommendations for diagnostic modalities and treatment options is reported. Specifically, hyperostosis frontalis interna can be evaluated with computed tomography imaging of the cranium and treated with resection and reconstruction with split calvarial bone grafts. Annual radiographic imaging is recommended to ensure remission.

The GILLS score: part I. Patient selection for tongue-lip adhesion in Robin sequence.

BACKGROUND: The compromised airway in Robin sequence demands prompt operative intervention. Tongue-lip adhesion is one alternative; however, the outcome of this technique is variable. The purpose of this study was to identify variables that preoperatively predict the success of adhesion in Robin sequence patients with life-threatening respiratory distress. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of infants with severe (Laberge grade II or III) Robin sequence managed by tongue-lip adhesion. Variables analyzed included diagnosis (syndromic versus nonsyndromic), age at operation, preoperative and postoperative airway management, duration of intubation, length of intensive care and hospital stay, serial weight, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: Fifty-three infants had tongue-lip adhesion for airway compromise: 47 (89 percent) were successfully managed and treatment failed in six. Preoperative intubation, days of intubation, intensive care unit days and hospitalization, and reintubation were more common in syndromic infants (p < 0.05). Those infants who had adhesion within 14 days of birth required shorter duration of postoperative ventilator support and intensive care unit/hospital stay (p < 0.05) than those who had a later procedure. Significant variables were gastroesophageal reflux (p = 0.002), intubation preoperatively (p = 0.002), late operation (older than 2 weeks) (p = 0.001), low birth weight (<2500 g) (p = 0.01), and syndromic diagnosis (p < 0.001). The acronym GILLS summarizes these predictive findings; one point was assigned for each variable present. Adhesion was successful in 100 percent of infants with a GILLS score of 2 or less (n = 39) but failed in 43 percent (six of 14 infants) with a score of 3 or more. CONCLUSION: The GILLS score may improve patient selection and predict outcome of tongue-lip adhesion in infants with Robin sequence. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, II.(Figure is included in full-text article.).

Comparative genomic hybridization for the diagnosis of melanoma.

Despite advancements in protocols, a subset of melanocytic lesions continues to pose diagnostic challenges. This is particularly true in the pediatric population where certain congenital nevi mimic melanoma. Recently, comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) has been utilized to support diagnoses of melanocytic lesions based on DNA copy number changes. Because distinct differences in copy number changes have been shown to occur in malignant melanoma and benign nevi, CGH can be a useful adjunct when diagnosis based on histology alone is indeterminate. The authors discuss the benefits of using CGH to aid in the diagnosis of melanocytic lesions that are difficult to characterize as malignant or benign based on clinical and histologic features alone. This paper presents a brief clinical report and review of the literature. A 13-year-old Caucasian male presented to an academic tertiary care medical center after a shave biopsy unexpectedly revealed malignant melanoma with positive deep margins. Following complete excisional biopsy, the diagnosis of malignant melanoma with depth of 0.92 mm was confirmed, both by the home institution's pathologist and by consultant dermatopathologists at two separate academic tertiary medical centers. Sentinel lymph node biopsy revealed a small focus of metastatic melanoma, this lead to a left-sided modified radical neck dissection. All nodes removed were negative for disease, and surgical and postsurgical care was uncomplicated. Before proceeding with interferon therapy, CGH was performed on the tissue from the primary lesion. Other than a slight amplification of chromosome 16p, no other aberrations were detected favoring a benign lesion. Ultimately, the diagnosis was amended to compound melanocytic nevus of the nose with benign nevus cell rest in the sentinel node. While histopathologic evaluation is the current gold standard for the diagnosis of melanoma, there are many cases where it is inaccurate. The use of CGH in the evaluation of histologically equivocal lesions may allow certain patients to avoid invasive procedures and associated morbidities. The authors propose that, in these select diagnostically challenging cases, tissue analyses by CGH may be beneficial before proceeding to more invasive procedures such as sentinel node biopsy and complete lymphadenectomy.

Fistula after 2-flap palatoplasty: a 20-year review.

Oronasal fistula formation is a recalcitrant complication following palatoplasty, resulting in nasal emission during speech and deglutition. We review our series to identify factors associated with fistula incidence. A retrospective review of all children with nonsyndromic cleft palate who underwent 2-flap palatoplasty by the senior author from July 1983 to August 2004, was performed. Patient demographics, cleft characteristics, and operative techniques were recorded for each patient. The incidence rates of fistula, pharyngeal flap, and reoperation were used as primary outcomes. Statistical comparisons of frequencies were performed using Fisher exact test. Comparisons of means were performed using chi2 analysis. A total of 332 consecutive children met inclusion criteria. Mean age at palatoplasty was 10.8 months, and mean follow-up was 74.1 months. Eight children (2.4%) were found to have fistulae postoperatively, ranging in size from 2 to 15 mm. Four palatal fistulas occurred in the soft palate, 2 at the junction of the hard and soft palate, 1 in the hard palate, and 1 at the incisive foramen. Symptomatic nasal emission requiring reoperation occurred in 5 children. Two of these 5 children required a second operation to achieve fistula closure. Forty pharyngeal flaps were required for correction of velopharyngeal incompetence (12.0%). Two-flap palatoplasty remains a highly successful technique for closure of a variety of palatal clefts, with low fistula incidence. Surgical technique and experience are factors associated with low fistula incidence.

X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets and craniosynostosis.

Bone mineralization is possible via complex interactions among fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), phosphate-regulating gene with homologies to endopeptidases on the X-chromosome (PHEX), and matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein. A loss-of-function mutation in PHEX disrupts this interaction leading to hypophosphatemic rickets. X-linked hypophosphatemic (XLH) rickets is the most common form of metabolic rickets, and there have been reports linking XLH rickets to craniosynostosis. A clinical report of a patient with XLH rickets and craniosynostosis is presented with a review of literature. A review of physiology of bone mineralization reveals that, at high levels, there is cross-binding of FGF23 with FGF receptors 2 and 3 at the cranial sutures. This may be the reason for the common association of craniosynostosis and XLH rickets. There are complex interactions of proteins required for mineralization, proteins inhibiting mineralization, bone remodeling, and bone-renal phosphate homeostasis. Clarification of this pathway and reproducibility in a mouse model may pave the way for medical prevention of craniosynostosis in rickets.

Outcomes in pharyngoplasty: a 10-year experience.

OBJECTIVE: The outcomes of 61 patients who underwent a pharyngoplasty for velopharyngeal insufficiency were reviewed to determine potential risk factors for reoperation. DESIGN: This was a retrospective chart review of 61 consecutive patients over approximately 10 years (1993 to 2003). Variables analyzed included gender, cleft type, age at the time of pharyngoplasty, length of time between palate repair and pharyngoplasty, and associated syndromes. PARTICIPANTS: Of the 61 patients, 20 (34%) had a unilateral cleft lip and palate, 5 (8%) had a bilateral cleft lip and palate, 13 (21%) had an isolated cleft palate, 7 (11%) had a submucous cleft palate, and 16 (26%) were diagnosed with noncleft velopharyngeal insufficiency. RESULTS: Of the 61 patients, 10 (16%) required surgical revision. No statistically significant difference was found among gender, cleft type, age at the time of pharyngoplasty, the length of time between palate repair and pharyngoplasty, and associated congenital syndromes, with respect to the need for surgical revision (p > .05). Of the surgical revisions, 50% (5) were performed for a pharyngoplasty that was placed too low. CONCLUSIONS: Because 50% of the pharyngoplasty revisions had evidence of poor velopharyngeal closure and associated hypernasality resulting from low placement of the sphincter, the pharyngoplasty needs to be placed at a high level to reduce the risk for revisional surgery. The pharyngoplasty is a good operation for velopharyngeal insufficiency with an overall success rate of 84% (51 of 61) after one operation and greater than 98% (60 of 61) after two operations.

Secondary alveolar bone grafting: An outcome analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To review the outcome of secondary alveolar bone grafting in unilateral and bilateral cleft lip and palate. DESIGN: A surgeon's experience, by retrospective chart review, of 70 consecutive patients at a tertiary care centre. OUTCOME MEASURE: Periapical radiographs were taken at least six months after secondary alveolar bone grafting. The Enemark grading system was used to stratify graft-take. RESULTS: In unilateral clefts, 33% were level 1, 36% were level 2, 20% were level 3 and 11% were level 4. In bilateral clefts, 29% were level 1, 50% were level 2, 14% were level 3 and 7% were level 4. There was no statistically significant difference between the level of take and the type of cleft. Complications encountered were infection (n=3), fistula (n=3), pain (n=4) and bone graft exposure that led to failure (n=2). Two patients required reoperation for bone grafting. CONCLUSIONS: The iliac crest is a good donor site with excellent results and minimal morbidity.

Symptomatic plate removal in maxillofacial trauma: a review of 76 cases.

This study reviewed the fate of titanium plates used to correct maxillofacial trauma in 76 patients to define risk factors for plate removal. Medical records of 76 consecutive patients at a single institution, over a 10-year period, were retrospectively reviewed. Variables included age, sex, trauma type, diagnosis, fracture type, fracture diagnosis, plate location, surgical approach, and reasons for plate removal. Fracture diagnosis was described as panfacial (42%), blowout (3%), midface (28%), zygoma (26%), mandible angle (6%), ramus (7%), and symphysis (9%). All plate removals according to fracture diagnosis were in the mandible angle (30%) and symphysis (20%). When plate location was reviewed, 68% of the plates were placed in the upper and midface and 32% were placed in the mandible. Specifically, plates were placed in the frontozygomatic suture (18%), zygomaticomaxillary suture (19%), infraorbital rim (14%) and mandible symphysis (15%), mandible angle (9%), piriform (6%), nasal (5%), mandible ramus (4%) and body (4%), zygoma (2%), and frontal (2%). Of 163 plates that were placed, 6 plates (3.7%) were removed. Three (12%) of the symphysis plates and 3 (20%) of the angle plates were removed. Among all variables, only fracture diagnosis (P = 0.01) and plate location (P = 0.01) were statistically significant in plate removal. Five plates were removed for abscess/infection; 1 plate was removed for osteomyelitis. Further review revealed that 4 out of 6 plates removed involved synchronous mandible fractures. Most infections after maxillofacial trauma occur in the mandible, and often these infections are the main reason for plate removal. More vigilance is needed in the treatment of mandible angle and symphyseal fractures, especially if there are synchronous fractures, to prevent infection, plate removal and subsequent malunion.

Evaluation of alveolar bone grafting: a survey of ACPA teams.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the management of alveolar clefts by cleft palate and craniofacial teams in North America. DESIGN: An anonymous survey was mailed to 240 American Cleft Palate- Craniofacial Association teams across North America regarding alveolar bone grafting. The questionnaire included multiple questions about each team's approach to alveolar bone grafting and options for the missing tooth. RESULTS: Consensus was achieved in three areas: 90% of centers performed secondary alveolar bone grafting, 78% performed grafting between ages 6 and 9 years, and iliac crest donor site was the most popular site (83%). There was no consensus with respect to dental criteria for the timing of grafting, follow-up x-rays, or the use of a grading system for evaluating results. In addition, there was no consensus on the management of the missing tooth. CONCLUSION: There is wide acceptance of secondary bone grafting and there is a consensus for the age of grafting (6 to 9 years) and donor site (iliac crest). The disturbing finding was the lack of postoperative x-ray evaluation of the results. With so much variability in management, the use of a routine, standardized scale to measure postoperative results would allow for better outcome studies in alveolar bone grafting.