Use of intraoperative 3D imaging in the maxillofacial operating room: A French national survey.

PURPOSE: To gain a comprehensive understanding of the utilization of intraoperative 3D imaging among maxillofacial surgeons practicing in France through a web-based questionnaire. METHODS: An 18-point multiple-choice questionnaire was developed and distributed to participants. The questionnaire was divided into two sections, with the first section gathering general information about the respondents and the second section providing an overview of the utilization of 3D imaging techniques, such as cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), computed tomography (CT) scan, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including the conditions, frequencies, and indications for use, with a particular focus on the number of acquisitions per procedure and the other departments with whom the equipment is shared. RESULTS: A total of 75 participants completed the survey, with 30% of university hospital departments and 0% of private clinics currently utilizing intraoperative 3D imaging systems. The main indications for 50% of the users were for temporomandibular joint surgery and orbital fractures. CONCLUSION: The results of this survey indicate that the utilization of intraoperative 3D imaging in French maxillofacial surgery is limited to university centers, with poor utilization and a lack of standardization in indications for use.

Surgical navigation in maxillofacial surgery: A French national survey.

PURPOSE: to gain a national understanding of the utilization of surgical navigation among maxillofacial surgeons in France through a web-based questionnaire. METHODS: A 14-point multiple-choice questionnaire was created and distributed to the participants, divided into two sections. The first section gathered general information about the respondents, and the second section provided an overview of the use of surgical navigation. RESULT: A total of 75 participants completed the survey. The results showed that a majority of university hospital departments (65%) utilize an intra-operative 3D imaging system, while very few private clinics and general hospitals use this technology. CONCLUSION: The survey suggests that surgical navigation is primarily used in university centers in French maxillofacial surgery, with limited utilization and non-standardized indications for use.

Quantified analysis of facial movement: A reference for clinical applications.

Most techniques for evaluating unilateral impairments in facial movement yield subjective measurements. The objective of the present study was to define a reference dataset and develop a visualization tool for clinical assessments. In this prospective study, a motion capture system was used to quantify facial movements in 30 healthy adults and 2 patients. We analyzed the displacements of 105 reflective markers placed on the participant's face during five movements (M1-M5). For each marker, the primary endpoint was the maximum amplitude of displacement from the static position (M0) in an analysis of variance. The measurement precision was 0.1 mm. Significant displacements of markers were identified for M1-M5, and displacement patterns were defined. The patients and age-matched healthy participants were compared with regard to the amplitude of displacement. We created a new type of radar plot to visually represent the diagnosis and facilitate effective communication between medical professionals. In proof-of-concept experiments, we collected quantitative data on patients with facial palsy and created a patient-specific radar plot. Our new protocol for clinical facial motion capture ("quantified analysis of facial movement," QAFM) was accurate and should thus facilitate the long-term clinical follow-up of patients with facial palsy. To take account of the limitations affecting the comparison with the healthy side, we created a dataset of healthy facial movements; our method might therefore be applicable to other conditions in which movements on one or both sides of the face are impaired. The patient-specific radar plot enables clinicians to read and understand the results rapidly.

Masseteric nerve position on the "temporomandibular joint-chin tip" artificial axis: an anatomical study.

PURPOSE: The use of the masseteric nerve develops in the surgery of facial paralysis rehabilitation. The objective of this study was to determine the topography of the masseteric nerve and to deduce and predict a precise and reproducible anatomical cluster to facilitate its clinical identification during V-VII neurotization surgery. METHOD: For the purpose of this work, a cadaveric study was performed on 31 hemi-faces. All dissections were performed bilaterally and comparatively, following steps aiming at simulating, as close as possible, the clinical conditions of a facial palsy rehabilitation by V-VII anastomosis. RESULT: For the identification of the masseteric nerve, bony reference points were used, i.e., the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the chin point (CT). A virtual axis was drawn between the TMJ and the CT, and the distance [TMJ-MN] determining the smallest length h was then plotted against the distance [TMJ-CT] determining the largest length H, thus allowing the calculation of an h/H proportion ratio (PR) indicating the proximal part of the masseteric nerve from the TMJ. The average length h between the TMJ and the NM was 3.5 cm (± 0.1 cm) from the TMJ, i.e., an average ratio h/H [TMJ-MN]/[TMJ-CT] of 28.1% 4.0 and a median ratio of 28.6% of the distance [TMJ-CT]. CONCLUSION: Our study opens new perspectives for facilitating its identification and use, offering practitioners a tool to make V-VII the neurotization procedure less complex, with the eventual prospect of a minimally invasive procedure combining imaging, surgery, and augmented reality.

Bilateral bifid condyles: A rare etiology of temporomandibular joint disorders.

Background: Bifid mandibular condyle (BMC) is a rare etiology of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders characterized by a duplication of the head of the mandibular condyle.Case report: The authors report the case of a 20-year-old patient complaining of a painful and clicking TMJ and mandibular hypomobility, which had been progressing for several months. Radiological investigations (dental panoramic radiograph and X-ray CT scan) revealed right and left abnormalities of the TMJ due to bilateral BMC requiring surgical management.Conclusion: Despite a prevalence of 0.31% to 1.82% and the controversies surrounding its pathophysiology, maxillofacial surgeons should be aware of BMC to avoid misdiagnosis related to the clinical presentation (pain, clicking, hypomobility, or ankylosis) and provide adequate management.

Use of an occlusal splint and intraoperative imaging with an intraoral approach in the management of mandibular subcondylar fractures.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the feasibility of safely managing subcondylar fractures using an original surgical procedure combining an intraoral approach, the use of a custom-made occlusal overlay splint, and intraoperative imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Condylar fragment was freed from surrounding soft tissues, was laterally exposed to the ramus, and a miniplate was fixed in place for osteosynthesis. An overlay splint maintaining the dental occlusion was used to facilitate reduction and stabilization during fixation. Intraoperative monitoring by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was performed before completing the fixation. RESULTS: Between November 2018 and June 2019, 10 patients were treated using this procedure. The median length of the proximal condylar fragment was 29 mm (range 24-39 min). Five patients had an associated mandibular fracture. The median duration of the condylar fracture surgery was 54.5 min (range 38-79 min). All patients had satisfactory reduction and osteosynthesis with no complications. CONCLUSION: It is feasible to safely manage subcondylar fractures with this surgical procedure that could facilitate open reduction using intraoral approaches. Occlusal splints maintain downward pressure on the rami bilaterally and symmetrically, helping to anatomically reposition condylar process fractures. Intraoperative imaging is used to monitor this step.

Endosteal blood supply of the mandible: anatomical study of nutrient vessels in the condylar neck accessory foramina.

PURPOSE: In the mandible, the condylar neck vascularization is commonly described as mainly periosteal; while the endosteal contribution is still debated, with very limited anatomical studies. Previous works have shown the contribution of nutrient vessels through accessory foramina and their contribution in the blood supply of other parts of the mandible. Our aim was to study the condylar neck's blood supply from nutrient foramina. METHODS: Six latex-injected heads were dissected and two hundred mandibular condyles were observed on dry mandibles searching for accessory bone foramina. RESULTS: Latex-injected dissections showed a direct condylar medular arterial supply through foramina. On dry mandibles, these foramina were most frequently observed in the pterygoid fovea in 91% of cases. However, two other accessory foramina areas were identified on the lateral and medial sides of the mandibular condylar process, confirming the vascular contribution of transverse facial and maxillary arteries. CONCLUSIONS: The maxillary artery indeed provided both endosteal and periosteal blood supply to the condylar neck, with three different branches: an intramedullary ascending artery (arising from the inferior alveolar artery), a direct nutrient branch and some pterygoid osteomuscular branches.