Detection of multidrug-resistant bacteria in the nasal cavities and evaluation of sinus disorders in patients undergoing Le Fort I osteotomy.

INTRODUCTION: Orthognathic surgery can lead to sinus alterations, including sinusitis, attributed to the exposure of maxillary sinuses during Le Fort I osteotomy. Furthermore, being a hospital-based procedure, there is potential risk of complications arising from bacteria prevalent in such environments. This study evaluated maxillary sinusitis occurrence and the presence of multidrug-resistant bacteria in the nasal cavity before and after orthognathic surgery. METHODS: Ten patients with dentofacial deformities underwent Le Fort I osteotomy. Clinical evaluations using SNOT-22 questionnaire were performed, and nasal cavity samples were collected pre-surgery and 3-6 months post-surgery to quantify total mesophilic bacteria and detect Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) was performed pre- and post-operatively, and the results were evaluated using the Lund-Mackay system. This study was registered and approved by the Research Ethics Committee of PUCRS (No. 4.683.066). RESULTS: The evaluation of SNOT-22 revealed that five patients showed an improvement in symptoms, while two remained in the same range of interpretation. One patient developed post-operative maxillary sinusitis, which was not detected at the time of evaluation by SNOT-22 or CBCT. CBCT showed a worsening sinus condition in three patients, two of whom had a significant increase in total bacteria count in their nasal cavities. The Brodsky scale was used to assess hypertrophy in palatine tonsils, where 60% of the subjects had grade 1 tonsils, 20% had grade 2 and 20% had grade 3. None of the patients had grade 4 tonsils, which would indicate more than 75% obstruction. Two patients harboured S. aureus and K. pneumoniae in their nasal cavities. Notably, K. pneumoniae, which was multidrug-resistant, was present in the nasal cavity of patients even before surgery, but this did not result in maxillary sinusitis, likely due to the patients' young and healthy condition. CONCLUSION: There was an improvement in signs and symptoms of maxillary sinusitis and quality of life in most patients after orthognathic surgery. However, some patients may still harbour multidrug-resistant bacteria, even if they are asymptomatic. Therefore, a thorough pre-operative assessment is essential to avoid difficult-to-treat post-operative complications.

Health-related quality of life, jaw function and sleep-disordered breathing among patients with dentofacial deformity.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Patients with dentofacial deformity (DFD) requiring orthognathic treatment have poor aesthetics, jaw function and psychological well-being, which potentially affect the quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the health-related general, oral and orthognathic quality of life, jaw function and sleep-disordered breathing at different stages of orthognathic surgical treatment. METHODS: A total of 120 consecutive patients with DFD were recruited and grouped as pre-orthodontic treatment (group 1), pre-surgery (group 2), 4 months post-surgery (group 3), 24 months post-surgery (group 4) and in addition 30 controls without DFD (group 0). Outcomes were assessed using general health Short Form Survey (SF-36), Oral Health Impact (OHIP-14), Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire (OQLQ), STOP-Bang and Jaw Function Limitation Scale (JFLS) questionnaires. In addition, presence or absence of pain was recorded. Data were tested with analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis test, Tukey post hoc test and structural equation modelling (SEM). RESULTS: Results revealed SF-36 (p = .814) and STOP-Bang (p = .143) total scores did not differ between control and treatment groups. In contrast, OHIP-14, OQLQ and JFLS total scores differed between groups (p = .001). Higher scores were observed in groups 1 (p = .001), 2 (p = .001) and 3 (p = .041) compared to group 0, indicating poor oral health in patients with DFD. Importantly, in group 4, oral health-related quality of life was better, and OHIP-14 (p = .936) and JFLS (p = .572) scores did not differ from controls. OQLQ scores of group 4 were significantly lower than group 1 (p = .001) but higher than group 0 (p = .013). SEM results revealed a significant negative associations of pain with JFLS and OQLQ; OHIP-14 with OQLQ; OHIP-14 with SF-36; and finally STOP-Bang with SF-36. Positive associations were observed between JFLS and OHIP-14; OHIP-14 and OQLQ. CONCLUSION: Oral health-related quality of life and jaw function appears to be improved 24 months after orthognathic surgery. Pain and limitation in jaw function had a negative association with health-related quality of life.

Outcome measures of the surgery first approach for orthognathic correction of dentofacial deformities.

In the surgery-first approach (SFA), orthognathic surgery is performed without the need for presurgical orthodontic treatment. This study was aimed at assessing the treatment durations and occlusal outcomes for a consecutive cohort of patients, with a range of dentofacial deformities, who had completed orthognathic treatment using SFA. The duration of orthognathic treatment was measured. The overall change in occlusion, and the quality of the final occlusion, were evaluated using the patients' study casts. A single, independent, calibrated operator carried out the occlusal scores, using the validated Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) index. This was repeated to test intraoperator reliability. A total of 51 patients completed surgery-first treatment during the study period. The mean (range) age at surgery was 23.3 (15-47) years. The pre-treatment skeletal jaw relationship was Class III in 39 cases, and Class II in 12 cases. The mean (SD) overall treatment duration was 11.7 (5.7) months. The intraexaminer reliability of assessing the occlusion was high. The PAR scores confirmed a significant improvement in the quality of occlusion at the completion of treatment, which compares favourably with previous studies on the conventional orthodontics-first approach. The surgery first approach can be effective at correcting both Class II and Class III malocclusion types with reduced treatment times.

Surgery-First Orthognathic Approach for Correction of Dentofacial Deformity in Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate.

BACKGROUND: Although several studies have reported the advantages of the surgery-first approach for orthognathic correction of class III deformity, there is no report of the success of this approach for patients with cleft lip and palate. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the stability and outcome of bimaxillary surgery for cleft-related dentofacial deformity using a surgery-first approach. METHODS: Forty-one patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate who consecutively underwent Le Fort I and bilateral sagittal split osteotomies for skeletal class III deformity were included. Cone-beam computed tomographic scans before surgery, 1 week after surgery, and after orthodontic treatment were used to measure the surgical and postsurgical changes in jaw position by landmarks, and outcomes of jaw protrusion and relation, incisor angle and occlusion, and menton deviation after treatment. Self-report questionnaires regarding satisfaction with overall appearance of the face and seven facial regions were administered after treatment. RESULTS: A clinically insignificant relapse was found in the maxilla (<1 mm) and mandible (<2 mm). There was a significant improvement in the jaw protrusion and relation, incisor angle and occlusion, and menton deviation. Responses from the self-report questionnaires completed after treatment indicated that patient satisfaction was high. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate surgical-orthodontic treatment with a surgery-first approach can successfully improve cleft-related dentofacial deformity in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Do Patients Detect Changes in Breathing After Orthognathic Surgery?

BACKGROUND: Orthognathic surgery addresses facial aesthetics and function in patients with dentofacial deformities. It is associated with changes in upper airway volume (UAV). If changes in UAV are perceived by asymptomatic patients is unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose was to measure associations between changes in UAV and patient-reported benefits using patient-reported outcome measures. STUDY DESIGN: A sample presenting dentofacial deformities without reported breathing problems undergoing orthognathic surgery was retrospectively studied. Patients aged 18-30 years with 12-month follow-up were included. Patients with systemic disease, drug abuse, mental health disorder, or temporomandibular joint dysfunction were excluded. PREDICTOR: The predictor variable was changes in UAV measured in 3-dimensional computed tomography. Subjects were grouped into increased or decreased UAV. MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLE: The primary outcome variable was changes in health-related quality of life measured with Oral Health Impact Profile 49 (OHIP-49). COVARIATES: Weight, height, age, sex, and sub-scaled OHIP-49 were registered. Cephalometric measurements of hard tissue movements were recorded. ANALYSES: Mean, standard deviation, and a level of statistical significance at P < .05 were used. Differences in OHIP-49 were compared using unpaired t-test. The correlation between covariates and outcomes was analyzed using the Spearman's rank test. Analysis of covariance between the predictor and outcome, adjusted for covariates (body mass index), was performed. RESULTS: Fifty-four subjects with a mean age of 20.89 years and 52% males were enrolled. The mean change in UAV was 0.12 cm3 (standard deviation [SD] 9.21, P = .93) with a mean absolute deviation of 7.28 cm3 (SD 5.54). The mean change in OHIP-49 score was 20.93 (SD 28.90). Twenty-seven (50%) subjects had increased UAV (7.4 cm3, SD 6.13) and the other had decreased (-7.17 cm3, SD 5.01) (P = .01). At follow-up, equal levels of mean OHIP-49 score were found, but because of a baseline difference (15.74, P = .048), the subjects with and without increased UAV improved in OHIP-49 score 13.04 (SD 30.53) and 28.81 (SD 25.33), respectively (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: Because equal levels of OHIP-49 score at follow-up, changes in UAV could not be associated with patient-reported health-related quality of life. Patient-reported outcome measure evaluations of orthognathic surgical treatment for airway obstruction should be performed in patients with a perceived impairment.

Body mass index and weight loss in patients submitted to orthognathic surgery: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the body mass index (BMI) and the weight loss (WL) in patients with dentofacial deformities who underwent monomaxillary versus bimaxillary orthognathic surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective longitudinal study included 69 patients with dentofacial deformities who underwent surgical orthodontic treatment. Patients were divided into two groups according to the type of orthognathic surgery: monomaxillary or bimaxillary. A preoperative nutritional assessment based on BMI was performed; the percentage of involuntary WL between the preoperative and postoperative periods was also calculated. Data were collected at preoperative and 10, 40, and 90 days postoperative (PO). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 17.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA), and data are reported with 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: According to BMI, patients who underwent monomaxillary surgery presented: underweight = 2.6%, normal weight = 51.3%, overweight = 35.9%, and obese = 10.3%. The subjects who underwent bimaxillary surgery presented: normal weight = 43.3%, overweight = 36.7%, and obese = 20%. BMI was similar between the groups at all time points (preoperative, p= 0.237; 10 days PO, p= 0.325; 40 days PO, p= 0.430; and 90 days PO, p= 0.609). All patients lost weight postoperatively, and WL was similar among the PO measurements (p= 0.163). CONCLUSIONS: Although both monomaxillary and bimaxillary orthognathic surgeries resulted in WL and lower BMI, there was no statistically significant difference in these metrics between the two types of surgery.

Impact of patient age on the functional and psychosocial outcomes of orthognathic treatment.

Orthognathic treatment has been demonstrated to enhance oral function and quality of life. In the UK, prior approval criteria have been trialled to govern the provision of orthognathic surgery within the National Health Service (NHS). These include the patient's age and presence of functional concerns. The purpose of this paper was to examine the outcomes of orthognathic treatment with respect to patient age at the start of treatment. This was a retrospective evaluation of a single surgeon's experience of patients treated for dentofacial deformity over a 17-year period. A total of 118 patients completed pre-treatment and post-treatment questionnaires. There were significant improvements (p < 0.001) in reported functional problems, and in Body Satisfaction Scale (BSS), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), and in Anxiety questionnaire scores. There was no difference in outcome when younger and older patients were compared. Orthognathic treatment produced positive functional and psychosocial outcomes irrespective of the patient's age at the start of treatment.

Plication of the Suprahyoid Muscles Concomitant with Genioplasty to Improve the Aesthetics of the Submandibular Region / Plicatura de los Músculos Suprahioideos Concomitante con Genioplastia para Mejorar la Estética de la Región Submandibular

In addition to functionally correcting skeletal facial deformities, orthognathic surgery also has a great impact on aesthetics and facial proportions. However, patients who have soft tissue changes, such as tissue flaccidity, may not achieve an ideal result, and require complementary surgical techniques that promote aesthetic refinement. The literature on less invasive techniques is limited, and therefore, this work aims to report a surgical technique performed concomitantly with genioplasty to refine the harmony of the submandibular region, in a simple and effective way. Patient with skeletal class II deformity, with lack of mandibular definition and submandibular flaccidity, underwent bimaxillary advancement orthognathic surgery with advancement genioplasty to correct chin retrusion. Due to limited results with bone repositioning alone, plication of the suprahyoid musculature was performed in association with the same approach used in the genioplasty. As a result, there was traction in the cervical region, with a consequent decrease in the submental-cervical angle and improvement in submandibular aesthetics. Furthermore, there was no need for extensive surgical intervention and no impairment of the functional results of the orthognathic surgery itself. Therefore, it can be concluded that plication of the suprahyoid musculat ure concomitantly with genioplasty is a technique that promotes aesthetic gains in the cervical region.

Además de corregir funcionalmente las deformidades faciales esqueléticas, la cirugía ortognática también tiene un gran impacto en la estética y las proporciones faciales. Sin embargo, los pacientes que tienen cambios en los tejidos blandos, como la flacidez, pueden no lograr un resultado ideal y requieren técnicas quirúrgicas complementarias que promuevan el refinamiento estético. La literatura sobre técnicas menos invasivas es limitada, por lo que este trabajo tiene como objetivo reportar una técnica quirúrgica realizada concomitantemente con la genioplastia para refinar la armonía de la región submandibular, de manera simple y efectiva. Se trató a un paciente con deformidad esquelética clase II, con falta de definición mandibular y flacidez submandibular, intervenida de cirugía ortognática de avance bimaxilar con genioplastia de avance para corregir la retrusión del mentón. Debido a los resultados limitados solo con el reposicionamiento óseo, se realizó la plicatura de la musculatura suprahioidea en asociación con el mismo abordaje utilizado en la genioplastia. Como resultado, hubo tracción en la región cervical, con la consiguiente disminución del ángulo submentoniano-cervical y mejoría en la estética submandibular. Además, no hubo necesidad de una intervención quirúrgica extensa ni deterioro de los resultados funcionales de la cirugía ortognática en sí. Por lo tanto, se puede concluir que la plicatura de la musculatura suprahioidea concomitantemente con la genioplastia es una técnica que promueve ganancias estéticas en la región cervical.

Maxillomandibular Advancement Efficacy in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients With Class 2 Versus 3 Dentofacial Deformity.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with class 2 versus 3 dentofacial deformities (DFDs). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Tertiary sleep surgery center. METHODS: Patients with OSA and DFD class 2 versus 3 undergoing MMA at Stanford Sleep Surgery between 2014 and 2021 were matched by preoperative body mass index (BMI), age, and sex. Postoperative outcome was compared with polysomnography measures and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). RESULTS: Twenty-eight matched subjects, 14 in each deformity group were identified and assessed. The mean age (standard deviation) was 34.29 (10.21) and 33.86 (10.23) for classes 2 and 3, respectively. The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) decreased from 43.42 (28.30) to 9.6 (5.29) (p < .001) and 37.17 (35.77) to 11.81 (15.74) (p = .042) in class 2 and 3 subjects, respectively. The oxygen desaturation index (ODI) changed from 30.48 (24.02) to 6.88 (3.39) (p = .024) and 11.43 (11.40) to 5.44 (7.96) (p = .85) in class 2 and 3 subjects, respectively. The Epworth sleepiness scale changed from 8.93 (5.28) to 3.91 (2.70) (p = .018) and 10.23 (4.38) to 4.22 (3.07) (p = .006) in class 2 and 3 subjects, respectively. CONCLUSION: Among age, sex, and BMI-matched subjects, MMA is equally effective in both dentofacial class 2 and 3 groups, both objectively and subjectively. Preoperatively, dentofacial class 2 patients with OSA presented with the more severe disease with higher AHI and ODI. Dentofacial class 3 patients with OSA may require additional attention to improve nasal function outcomes.

Treatment of dentofacial deformities secondary to condylar hyperplasia.

Dentofacial deformities secondary to condylar hyperplasiais a kind of disease presenting facial asymmetry, malocclusion, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and other symptoms caused by non-neoplastic hyperplasia of the condyle. The etiology is still unknown, and currently, pre- and post-operative orthodontics accompanied by orthognathic surgery, temporomandibular joint surgery and jawbone contouring surgery are the main treatment methods. A personalized treatment plan was developed, considering the active degree of condyle hyperplasia, the severity of the jaw deformity, and the patient's will, to correct deformity, obtain ideal occlusal relationship, and regain good temporomandibular joint function. Combined with the author's clinical experience, the etiology, clinical and imageological features, treatment aims, and surgical methods of condylar hyperplasia and secondary dentofacial deformities were discussed in this paper.

Prevalence of signs and symptoms related to temporomandibular disorders and orofacial pain in patients indicated for orthognathic surgery: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of signs and symptoms related to temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and orofacial pain in patients with indication for orthognathic surgery. METHODS: The search was carried out in seven electronic databases and gray literature. Studies that evaluated the frequency of signs and symptoms related to TMD and orofacial pain were included. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Critical Appraisal tool. A meta-analysis of proportions with a random effect model was performed and the GRADE tool judged the certainty of evidence. RESULTS: After searching the databases, 1859 references were retrieved, 18 of which were selected for synthesis. The prevalence of individuals with at least one TMD symptom was 51% [CI95% = 44-58%], and 44% of the subjects had temporomandibular joint click/crepitus [CI95% = 37-52%]. Additionally, 28% exhibited symptoms related to muscle disorders [CI95% = 22-35%], 34% had disc displacement with or without reduction [CI95% = 25-44%], and 24% had inflammatory joint disorders [CI95% = 13-36%]. The prevalence of headache was 26% [CI95% = 8-51%]. The certainty of evidence was considered very low. CONCLUSION: Approximately 1 in 2 patients with dentofacial deformity presents some sign and symptom related to TMD. Myofascial pain and headache may be present in approximately a quarter of patients with dentofacial deformity. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A multidisciplinary treatment is necessary for these patients, involving a professional with expertise in the management of TMD.

The impact of orthognathic surgery on quality of life for class III dentofacial deformities.

In this study, we aim to evaluate the quality of life in patients with Class III deformities after orthognathic surgery. A total of the 40 patients (26 female and 14 male) were included. The mean age of the patients was 24.85. Patients' ages ranged from 20 to 36 years. All patients received orthodontic treatment before surgery. Sagittal split ramus osteotomy was performed for single jaw patients. Le Fort I osteotomy and sagittal split ramus osteotomy was performed for double jaw patients. Patients completed the Oral Health Impact Profile 14 (OHIP-14) and Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire (OQLQ) three times. [Preoperatively (T0), 1st week after orthognathic surgery (T1) and in the 6th - 12th months after orthognathic surgery (T2)]. There was a statistically significant difference in the dimensions of OHIP-14 when the preoperative (T0) score, postoperative 1st week (T1) score and postoperative 6th - 12th month (T3) score are compared among themselves except for psychological discomfort, physical disability, and handicap. OQLQ total score and preoperative (T0) score was greater than the postoperative 1st week (T1) score and the postoperative 1st week(T1) score was greater than the postoperative 6th - 12th month (T2) scores except oral function. When single jaw and double jaw surgeries were compared, no statistically significant difference was found between OHIP-14 and OQLQ total scores for preoperative, postoperative 1st week, and postoperative 6th - 12th months. When both OHIP-14 and OQLQ scores were examined after orthognathic surgery, the OHRQOL of patients with Class III dentofacial deformity improved significantly.

Associations between temporomandibular disorders, pain, jaw and masticatory function in dentofacial deformity patients: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Patients with dentofacial deformity often present with impaired masticatory function, orofacial pain and temporomandibular disorders (TMD). This study investigates the relationship between TMD, pain, jaw and masticatory function at different stages of orthognathic surgical (OS) treatment. METHODS: A total of 120 OS patients were prospectively recruited and grouped as pre-orthodontic (group 1), pre-surgery (group 2), 4-month post-surgery (group 3), 24-month post-surgery (group 4), in addition to 30 controls (group 0). Outcomes were assessed using: Jaw Function Limitation Scale (JFLS), McGill pain questionnaire, DC/TMD instrument, voluntary maximum bite force (MVBF), and masticatory efficiency (ME) using two-coloured chewing gum. Data were analysed using structural equation modelling. RESULTS: The prevalence of non-painful TMD did not differ between groups (p = .827). However, the prevalence of painful TMD differed between groups (p = .001). Among the painful TMDs, the highest prevalence was observed for masseter myalgia in group 2 (p = .031), and importantly group 4 did not differ from group 0 (p = .948). The MPQ score was significantly higher in group 1 (p = .001) compared to group 0, and the JFLS score was significantly higher in groups 1, 2 and 3 compared to group 0. Notably, MPQ (p = .756) and JFLS (p = .572) scores in group 4 were not different from group 0. However, MVBF (p = .996) and ME (p = .991) did not differ between groups 1 and 4. The association of self-reported pain and jaw function with the masticatory function was observed in OS patients. CONCLUSION: OS was not associated with a negative impact on TMD. Jaw function and pain levels were similar to controls at the 24-month follow-up. The masticatory function was further affected by the surgery and seems to require a longer recovery time. Moreover, it was confirmed that pain and TMD were associated with limitations in jaw function and impacts on masticatory function.

Distribution of orthognathic surgery among the Swedish population: a retrospective register-based study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to provide a nationally representative assessment of orthognathic procedures performed in hospitalised patients in Sweden and study regional differences in prevalence, demographic parameters and hospitalisation time. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare's register, all the patients undergoing orthognathic surgery between 2010 and 2014 were identified. Outcome variables were categorised into: (1) Surgical methods and regional distribution (2) Demographic variations (3) Hospitalisation time. RESULTS: The population-prevalence-rate of orthognathic procedures over the 5-year period was 6.3 (SD 0.4) per 100,000 persons, a regional difference in the prevalence was found. Most common were Le Fort I osteotomies (43.4%) and bilateral sagittal split osteotomies (41.6%), 39% of the patients had bimaxillary surgery. The majority of the surgery was performed in the age group 19-29 (68.8%). The mean hospital stay was 2.2 days (SD = 0.9, range 1.7-3.4). A significant regional difference (p ≤ 0.001) was found in hospitalisation time for single-jaw versus bimaxillary surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Regional differences in the distribution of orthognathic surgery and demographic variations were found in Sweden in 2010-2014. The underlying causes of variations are still unknown and request further investigation.

Review of the studies on the relationship and treatment of anterior disk displacement and dentofacial deformity in adolescents.

Anterior disk displacement (ADD) is a common type of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) internal derangement. In adolescents, the relationship between ADD and dentofacial deformities are brought into focus. Whether treatment is needed, or what kind of treatment are effective are still without a consensus. From the literature review, the consequences of ADD without treatment and the effect on disk repositioning were summarized. The results showed that after ADD, condylar height was prone to reduce that may lead to or aggravate dentofacial deformities in adolescents. Disk repositioning could promote the regeneration of condylar bone, thus improving the development of dentofacial deformities.

Surgery First and Surgery Early Treatment Approach in Orthognathic Surgery.

We have observed a revival of the original Surgery First approach in orthognathic surgery. Fully digital planning and simulation of the surgery has improved the predictability of Surgery First procedures. The orthodontist plays a crucial role in the successful management of Surgery First and Surgery Early cases. Surgery First and Surgery Early procedures have made the correction of a dentofacial deformity and dysgnathia a clear and transparent procedure. The decision of the treatment protocol is based on a thorough consideration and discussion between the surgeon, the orthodontist, and the patient for a successful outcome.

Effects of sagittal split osteotomy on brainstem reflexes.

OBJECTIVES: This prospective study was designed to assess whether patients with skeletal deformities show characteristic masseter inhibitory reflex (MIR) and blink reflex (BR) patterns. A secondary aim was to investigate whether these reflexes change following bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen consecutive patients who underwent single-jaw BSSO and 14 class I subjects who constituted the control group were enrolled into the study. MIR and BR, obtained by the stimulation of supraorbital (SBR) and mental nerves (MBR), were electrophysiologically recorded. Sensory impairment in the mental nerve distribution was clinically tested. Three evaluation periods were specified as immediately before (T0), 1 month (T1) and 6 months (T2) after surgery. RESULTS: MIR early silent period duration was significantly shorter in the patients at T0 (p < 0.001). Sensory deficits developed on 23 sides after BSSO, of which, 17 recovered after 6 months. At T1, MBR was inelicitable bilaterally in 3 patients and unilaterally in 2 patients. These responses were still unrecordable bilaterally in 1 patient, and unilaterally in 4 patients at T2. MIR were unrecordable on 18 sides at T1 and recovered on 11 sides at T2. There were no parallels between the clinical sensory deficits and the abnormal results of the reflexes. CONCLUSIONS: Shorter MIR in patients with dentofacial abnormalities may be a reflection of an adapted trigeminal reflex mechanism. Although MBR and MIR abnormalities do not develop parallel to the clinical sensory deficits, their course might provide insights into the disturbed trigeminal reflex pathways.

Surgery-first approach for correction of class III dentofacial deformity with Le Fort I osteotomy; is it advantageous?

The surgery-first approach (SFA) to orthognathic treatment aims to reduce its duration without compromising the outcome. However, the objective assessment of the achieved occlusion has been limited. This study was designed to assess the treatment duration, outpatient appointment number, and quality of occlusal outcomes for two groups of patients; one treated with the SFA and the other with an orthodontics-first approach (OFA). We carried our a retrospective cohort study of case records for twenty consecutive SFA, and 23 consecutive OFA, cases with class III malocclusions, treated with Le Fort I maxillary osteotomy only. Pre-and post-treatment study models were assessed using the Peer Assessment Rating (PAR). Significant differences (p<0.001) were found between the median active treatment durations (10.2 months for the SFA and 32.5 months for the OFA) and appointment numbers (14 for SFA and 24 for OFA). Median absolute PAR reductions were 40 for the SFA and 39 for the OFA. There was no significant difference between the groups regarding quality of occlusal correction. Treatment durations for the SFA group were significantly shorter than for the OFA group, with fewer outpatient appointments. The quality of occlusal outcome for both SFA and OFA groups were satisfactory and comparable.

Estudo comparativo de métodos de orientação da cabeça para o planejamento virtual de cirurgias ortognáticas / Comparative study of the head orientation methods for 3d virtual planning of orthognathic surgeries

INTRODUÇÃO A simulação computadorizada 3D foi uma quebra de paradigma no tratamento das deformidades dentofaciais, porém, a melhor maneira de alcançar a Posição Neutra da Cabeça (PNC) ainda é controversa. Há uma carência de estudos comparativos entre os protocolos disponíveis, para avaliação do grau de precisão dos métodos. Este trabalho objetiva avaliar o grau de discrepância entre métodos de PNC em ambiente virtual. MÉTODOS Dez pacientes selecionados de forma consecutiva com deformidades dentofaciais foram incluídos na análise. Cada paciente foi submetido a todos os seguintes protocolos de aquisição da posição neutra da cabeça: (A) O Método do Protocolo CASS; (B) O Método do Protocolo Charlotte; (C) O Método do Protocolo Universal. Tomografias computadorizadas cone-beam (TCCB) com registro de mordida em RC foram solicitadas e moldagens de ambas as arcadas dentárias foram realizadas para o escaneamento 3D. Em seguida, para o preparo e posicionamento dos crânioscompostos na PNC foi utilizado o software Anatomic Aligner (Houston Methodist Research Institute), gerando um total de 30 crânios-compostos, uma vez que cada paciente virtual foi submetido a 3 protocolos de transferência de PNC. As discrepâncias foram avaliadas pela sobreposição dos modelos 3D craniofaciais pela análise cefalométrica Gateno-Xia, seguida de mensurações das diferenças lineares e angulares RESULTADOS Nos casos analisados nesse estudo, quando comparando os métodos de aquisição de PNC entre si os valores lineares e angulares obtidos encontram-se dentro dos limites preconizados na literatura como sendo excelentes (diferenças angulares inferiores a 4°, e lineares inferiores a 2mm, e para a linha média da maxila inferiores igual ou inferiores a 1mm), sendo o maior desvio linear de 1,1mm, e de orientação de 2,3°, e um máximo de desvio de linha média da maxila de 1mm, considerando todos os crânio-compostos orientados. Ainda, análises comparativas pareadas entre os métodos de PNC foram realizadas, seguindo as seguintes confrontações: Grupo A contra Grupo B; Grupo A contra Grupo C; e Grupo B contra Grupo C. Os autores não observaram desvios dos valores preconizados na literatura em todas as duplas comparativas. Por fim, análise estatística de ANOVA não evidenciou nenhuma diferença estatisticamente significante. DISCUSSÃO Os autores confirmam a hipótese de que todos os métodos de orientação da cabeça avaliados neste estudo não apresentam diferenças estatisticamente significantes (P>0,05) e consideram que quando realizado o preparo e orientação do crânio-composto em ambiente controlado e por profissionais especializados e capacitados na área cirúrgica, todas as técnicas para orientação da cabeça poderão ser úteis, precisas e válidas para o resultado desejado. Isso devido ao fato da checagem da PNC ser sempre baseado na análise facial e dados clínicos coletados pelo cirurgião. CONCLUSÃO Esse estudo evidenciou que não houve diferença estatística em questão de precisão entre todos os protocolos elencados para comparação, e mostrou-se de suma importância para a proporcionar aos cirurgiões uma reflexão sobre qual técnica seria mais adequada para o tratamento dos pacientes com deformidades dento faciais em seu centro, considerando sempre os principais aspectos que facilitam o dia a dia clínico do cirurgião, a saber: Simplicidade de execução; menor gasto de tempo; e familiaridade com a técnica (AU).

INTRODUCTION The 3D computer simulation was a paradigm shift in treating dentofacial deformities. However, the best way to achieve the Neutral Head Position (NHP) is still controversial. There there are need to perform comparative studies between the available protocols to assess the degree of accuracy of the methods. This work aims to evaluate the degree of discrepancy between PNC methods in a virtual environment. METHODS Ten consecutively selected patients with dentofacial deformities were included in the analysis. Each patient underwent all the following neutral head position acquisition protocols: (A) The CASS Protocol Method; (B) The Charlotte Protocol Method; (C) The Universal Protocol Method. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) with CR bite registration was requested, and impressions of both dental arches were taken for 3D scanning. Then, for preparing and positioning the composite skulls in the PNC, the Anatomic Aligner software (Houston Methodist Research Institute) was used, generating a total of 30 composite skulls since each virtual patient was submitted to 3 transfer protocols of PNC. The discrepancies were evaluated by superimposing the 3D craniofacial models using the Gateno-Xia cephalometric analysis, followed by linear and angular differences measurements. If within limits recommended in the literature as being excellent (angular differences less than 4°, and linear differences less than 2mm, and for the midline of the maxilla less than or equal to 1mm), the most significant linear deviation being 1.1mm, and orientation of 2.3°, and a maximum maxillary midline deviation of 1mm, considering all oriented cranial composites. Also, paired comparative analyzes between the PNC methods were carried out, following the following comparisons: Group A against Group B, Group A against Group C, and Group B against Group C. The authors did not observe deviations from the values recommended in the literature in all comparative pairs. Finally, ANOVA statistical analysis did not show any statistically significant difference. DISCUSSION The authors confirm the hypothesis that all the head orientation methods evaluated in this study do not present statistically significant differences (P>0.05) and consider that when the preparation and orientation of the skull-composite are carried out in a controlled environment and by specialized professionals and trained in the surgical area, all head orientation techniques can be helpful, accurate and valid for the desired result. This is because the PNC check is always based on facial analysis and clinical data collected by the surgeon. CONCLUSION This study showed no statistical difference in accuracy between all the protocols listed for comparison, and it proved to be of paramount importance to provide surgeons with a reflection on which technique would be most appropriate for the treatment of patients with dentofacial deformities. At its center, always consider the main aspects that facilitate the surgeon's day-to-day clinical: Simplicity of execution, less time spent, and familiarity with the technique (AU).