Evaluation of virtual surgical planning and three-dimensional configurations for reconstruction of maxillary defects using the fibula free flap.

BACKGROUND: Maxillary reconstructive surgery with fibula free flaps (FFFs) is a challenging procedure for head and neck surgeons. However, virtual surgical planning (VSP) and three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies have contributed to improved functional and aesthetic outcomes. The objective of this report is to demonstrate VSP/3D application in reconstruction of maxillary defects using the FFF by describing the different configurations available. We reviewed a series of consecutive cases operated at our institution and considered the management strategy of in-house planning in VSP/3D application. METHODS: In total, 11 cases were included from November 2016 to December 2021. Eight male and three female were included, with a mean age of 55.4 years old (range: 34-74 years old). Maxillary defects were classified according to Brown's Classification: two cases with IIB, one case with IIC, four cases with IID, three cases with III, and one case with IV. Preoperatively, facial computed tomography (CT) and lower extremity computed tomography angiogram (CTA) were performed in all patients. Osteocutaneous FFFs were planned, harvested, and customized according to the VSP/3D guide configuration. VSP and 3D printed cutting guides were performed by an external company in nine cases and were self-planned in three of them. Titanium 3D-printed fixation plates were used in four cases. RESULTS: All flaps survived, and the main reconstructive goals were achieved in 9 cases out of 11. Mean FFF length before osteotomy was 20.0 cm (17.5-22.5 cm). None of the cases experienced flap ischemia or venous congestion. At least one complication occurred in four cases: Prefabricated titanium plate exposure (two cases), loss of donor site skin grafts (one case), and ectropion (one case). One patient underwent a second FFF reconstruction. Two titanium printed plates became exposed after radiotherapy and needed to be removed. Mean follow-up time was 23.5 months (range 6-63 months). Dental rehabilitation was completed in eight of the 11 cases. Regarding functional recovery, five cases underwent delayed osseo-integrated dental implants (ODI), and two cases had immediate ODI procedures. One case was treated with removal dentition. CONCLUSION: VSP/3D printing technology is a new and helpful tool to successful restoration of craniofacial function and aesthetics. It can be used in the broad range of configurations offered by FFFs considering our suggested management strategy.

Effectiveness of a training intervention to improve the management of vertigo in primary care: a multicentre cluster-randomised trial, VERTAP.

BACKGROUND: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common type of vertigo. While BPPV is best treated with canalicular repositioning manoeuvres, they are not routinely performed in primary care (PC). METHODS: To evaluate the effectiveness of blended training (online and face-to-face) on the diagnosis and management of vertigo to improve adherence of family doctors to clinical practice guidelines, we designed a community multicentre cluster-randomised open-label trial with an intervention (IG) and a control (GC) group of 10 primary care teams (PCT) each. Outcome variables will be ICD-10 diagnostic codes (proportion of nonspecific diagnoses such as dizziness and vertigo versus specific diagnoses such as BPPV, vestibular neuritis, and Menière's disease); number of referrals to ENT or neurology specialists; prescription of antivertigo agents; and duration of sick leave due to vertigo. The baseline comparability of the two study groups will be analysed to ensure homogeneity. A description of all baseline variables will be performed. Student's t-test will be used to evaluate the differences between the groups. Logistic regression multivariate analysis will be performed to study the relationship between baseline variables of professionals and centres with outcome variables. DISCUSSION: With the improvement of the diagnosis and management of vertigo by family doctors after this training, we expect an increase in the proportion of specific diagnoses, a decrease in the prescription of antivertigo agents, a decrease in referrals to ENT or neurology specialists and a reduction in the duration of sick leave due to temporary disability. The blended training will be easily expanded within primary care services, since it is mainly delivered online, with a single face-to-face session to ensure that the manoeuvres have been adequately learned. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04929444 . Registered June 18, 2021. This protocol has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the Institut Universitari d'Investigació en Atenció Primària Jordi Gol (IDIAP Jordi Gol) with the code 20/004-P. All patient data will be anonymised in agreement with the 2016/679 European Regulation.