Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Reconstruction with Polyetheretherketone Patient-Specific Implants: Aesthetic and Functional Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Reconstructing cranio-maxillo-facial defects presents significant challenges. This study evaluates the results of polyetheretherketone patient-specific implants (PEEK PSIs) in primary and secondary cranio-maxillo-facial reconstructions, with a focus on aesthetic and functional outcomes and long-term complications. METHODS: From October 2009 to February 2023, 45 patients underwent cranio-maxillo-facial reconstructions with PSIs. Patients aged 18 years or older, with a minimum follow-up period of 12 months, were included. The morpho-functional outcome was evaluated through a modified Katsuragy Scale, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, and four FACE-Q|Aesthetics© scales. RESULTS: In total, 44 PSIs were placed in 37 patients (51.3% males; mean age 45.1 years). The main cause of the defect was the resection of a tumor (55.4%). Mean follow-up was 78.6 months. Clinical evaluations showed an improvement in the postoperative period both in patient's and surgeon's scores (p: 0.01 and p: 0.002, respectively). Subgroup analysis confirmed a significant improvement in patients undergoing cranioplasty (p = 0.02) and mandible reconstruction (p = 0.03). No cases of prosthesis dislocation, rupture, or long-term infection were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: PEEK PSIs offer significant advantages in craniofacial reconstructions. Despite challenges in predicting soft tissue adaptation, overall patient satisfaction was high with no long-term complications. Future improvements should focus on predicting and enhancing soft tissue adaptations.

Changing trends in maxillofacial injuries among paediatric, adult and elderly populations: A 22-year statistical analysis of 3424 patients in a tertiary care centre in Northwest Italy.

BACKGROUND: This retrospective study analysed the epidemiology of maxillofacial trauma over 22 years to assess whether there have been significant changes in the causes and characteristics of fractures in paediatric, adult and elderly populations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The following data were collected: age, sex, injury cause and mechanism, fracture site, Facial Injury Severity Scale, associated injuries, time of injury, type of treatment and length of hospital stay. The patients were analysed by age group (children [≤16 years], adults [17-60 years] and elderly [>60 years]) and divided into two time groups (group 1: 2001-2011; group 2: 2012-2022) that were compared to each other. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software. RESULTS: Between 01 January 2001 and 31 December 2022, 3535 patients (2690 males and 845 females, mean age 39.3 years) were admitted for facial fractures. The comparison of the two temporal periods showed a decrease in the prevalence of males (p = .02), in road traffic injuries (p < .001), and in fractures of the lower third of the face (p = .005); there were significant increases in the mean age (p < .001), prevalence of the elderly (p = .006) and in fall- and assault-related injuries (p < .001 and p = .03, respectively). Assault injuries increased only in the 17-60 age group (p = .02) while RTA-related fractures decreased in all age groups (p < .05 for all comparisons). Bicycle accidents increased significantly, with a parallel decrease in motor vehicle accidents (both p < .001). Fall-related fractures increased only in 17-60 and >60 age groups (p < .001 and p = .02, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows significant changing trends in the epidemiology of maxillofacial trauma. While road traffic policies have been effective in the last years, preventive measures for falls in the elderly population and new legislative measures to prevent interpersonal violence should be advocated.

Characteristics and surgical management of pure trapdoor fracture of the orbital floor in adults: a 15-year review.

PURPOSE: This retrospective study aims to define the optimal timing of the surgical treatment of orbital floor trapdoor fractures (OFTFs) in adults according to clinical and radiological findings. METHODS: From January 2006 to December 2020, 382 patients with isolated orbital floor fracture were admitted to the Division of Maxillofacial Surgery of Turin, Italy. The criteria for inclusion were age ≥ 16 years, preoperative computed tomography showing a linear (1a) or medial hinge fracture (1b), diplopia, and 6 months of follow-up data. Aetiology and mechanism of injury, presence of post-traumatic enophthalmos and oculocardiac reflex, time between trauma occurrence and surgery [stratified as < 24 h (urgent treatment), 24-96 h (early treatment), and > 96 h (late treatment)], days of hospitalisation, and clinical outcomes were examinated. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients (18 males; mean age, 23.2 years) presented with OFTFs. The most common cause was sport injury (50%). Type 1a fracture was observed in eight patients (mean age, 19.5 years), type 1b fracture in 16 patients (mean age, 23.6 years). Urgent, early, and late treatments were performed in eight patients each. The mean time between trauma occurrence and surgery was 3,8 days (range: 0-17 days). Resolution of diplopia was observed 1 week after surgery in 10 patients, 1 month in 12. Diplopia persisted in 2 patient, both treated > 96 h after trauma. CONCLUSION: Although the number of patients was too small to define a standard protocol, the authors recommend early treatment of adult OFTFs to promote complete resolution of diplopia.