Prognostic significance of extranodal extension of nodal metastasis in adenocarcinoma of the ampulla of Vater.

Although nodal metastasis (NM) is an important prognostic factor of ampullary adenocarcinoma, the prognostic implication of extranodal extension (ENE) is not well characterized. NM with ENE status was investigated in 279 surgically resected ampullary adenocarcinoma patients and compared with other clinicopathologic factors, including overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). Expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, including E-cadherin, Twist, and Snail, was assessed in a subset of the cohort. NM was observed in 94 cases (33.7%), of which ENE was observed in 32 cases (34%). NM with ENE was more frequently associated with tumors with poor differentiation than NM without ENE (P = .017). The 5-year OS and RFS rates of patients with NM and ENE was significantly worse (13.0% and 6.3%) than those with NM without ENE (37.7% and 21.4%) and those without NM (57.6% and 50.2%, respectively; P < .001). When pN category was matched, the OS and RFS was worse in patients with ENE than in those without ENE (P < .05). Moreover, the expression of E-cadherin and Twist was significantly different between NM areas with and without ENE (all, P < .001). Since ENE was associated with poorly differentiated ampullary adenocarcinomas and showed different expression of EMT markers, EMT could be a possible mechanism of ENE. Ampullary adenocarcinoma patients with ENE had worse OS and RFS than those without ENE. Therefore, evaluation of ENE can provide additional survival information for patients with surgically resected ampullary carcinoma.

Evaluation of Cortical Bone Formation on Mandibular Condyle in Asymptomatic Adolescents and Young Adults Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography.

The aim of this study was to evaluate cortical bone formation on the mandibular condyle using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in asymptomatic adolescents and young adults and to evaluate the relationship between age and sex. CBCT images that can evaluate the shape of the mandibular condyle were selected from asymptomatic patients aged 13−25. The degree of cortication on the mandibular condyle (CMC) was evaluated using CBCT images reconstructed in the axial, sagittal, and coronal planes. CBCT data of 829 patients (413 males, 416 females) were selected and then the left and right images of all patients were acquired; consequently, a total of 1658 temporomandibular joint-related images were evaluated in this study. The degree of CMC was correlated with age in men and women (p < 0.05). The frequency of CMC 0 disappeared in woman aged 20 years and in men aged 21 years. Cortical bone formation of the mandibular condyle was completed at age 22 years in women and 24 years in men. The degrees of cortical bone formation of the mandibular condyle between men and women showed significant differences between the ages of 15−19 and 22 years. This difference can be interpreted as a different mandible growth period between the sexes.

Vertical bony step between proximal and distal segments after mandibular setback is related with relapse: A cone-beam computed tomographic study.

INTRODUCTION: Vertical bony step (VBS) occurs between proximal and distal segments of the mandible during mandibular setback surgery with bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether VBS is correlated with the relapse of mandibular setback using 3-dimensional models constructed from cone-beam computed tomography. METHODS: The subjects consisted of 30 patients who underwent bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy for a mandibular setback. Double jaw surgery was performed in 18 patients, and isolated mandibular setback surgery was performed in 12 patients. Cone-beam computed tomography scans were taken at pretreatment (T0), postsurgery (T1), and posttreatment (T2). Treatment changes and the correlations between measurements were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean mandibular setback was -11.9 mm, and the mean VBS was -5.6 mm. Correlations with the relapse of mandibular setback were found in the amount of mandibular setback (T1 - T0), development of VBS (T1 - T0), posterior movement of the proximal segment (T1 - T0), counterclockwise rotation of symphysis (T2 - T1), and the resolution of VBS (T2 - T1). CONCLUSIONS: The development and resolution of VBS were correlated with the relapse of mandibular setback. Minimizing VBS is recommended to reduce the relapse of mandibular setback.

A surgery-first approach using single-jaw rotational mandibular setback in low-angle mandibular prognathism.

For the treatment of low-angle mandibular prognathism, rotational mandibular setback surgery is usually performed with Le Fort I maxillary osteotomy to rotate the maxillomandibular complex simultaneously. However, this maxillary surgery can be replaced with the orthodontic intrusion of maxillary posterior teeth. Single-jaw rotational mandibular setback surgery can be done with a surgery-first approach by planning orthodontic rotation of the maxillary occlusal plane with the simulation of the postsurgical forward mandibular rotation. This case report describes this approach applied to a 19-year-old female patient with low-angle mandibular prognathism but without maxillary deficiency. A Class II open bite was formed by the rotational setback surgery. During postsurgical orthodontic treatment, the maxillary total arch was distalized with maxillary molar intrusion using palatal mini-implants and lever. This case report demonstrates that orthodontic rotation of the maxillary occlusal plane and simulation of mandibular rotation can replace maxillary surgery and enable single-jaw rotational mandibular setback surgery with a surgery-first approach.

Maxillary molar intrusion and transverse decompensation to enable mandibular single-jaw surgery with rotational setback and transverse shift for a patient with mandibular prognathism and asymmetry.

When performing single-jaw surgery for mandibular setback, the distal segment of the mandible is brought distally along the occlusal plane, leaving the relationship of the B-point and pogonion unchanged. Double-jaw surgery for rotation of the maxillomandibular complex can be considered for solving this problem. However, maxillary surgery for rotational setback of the mandible can be replaced with orthodontic intrusion of the maxillary molars. Correcting the mandibular asymmetry that frequently accompanies mandibular prognathism often requires corrections of roll, yaw, and transverse shift of the mandible. Performing these corrections in mandibular single-jaw setback surgery requires transverse decompensation and orthodontic correction of maxillary occlusal-plane canting. This case report describes the simultaneous achievement of maxillary molar intrusion, transverse decompensation, and canting correction using a palatal lever supported by 2 midpalatal mini-implants. After creating a lateral open bite, mandibular setback surgery was performed with a 13.5° clockwise rotation, 2.9° roll correction, 3.5° yaw correction, and 3.5-mm transverse shift. The application of rotational setback significantly improved the facial esthetics. This case report demonstrates that orthodontic intrusion of the maxillary molars and transverse decompensation can replace maxillary surgery in the treatment of mandibular prognathism with asymmetry.

Treatment of Class I crowding using simple tubes bonded with customized resin coverings: A case report.

As an alternative to the conventional fixed appliance that uses orthodontic brackets, a simple round tube without a bonding base can be bonded to the tooth surface by covering the tube with flowable resin. In this technique, bent wires cannot be inserted into the simple tubes; therefore, repositioning of the simple tubes is often required for adjustments. To reduce repositioning of simple tubes, a dome-shaped resin covering of the simple tube can be designed with a customized in-and-out compensation, using three-dimensional computer-aided design software based on digital simulation of orthodontic tooth movement. In the present case, the use of simple tubes bonded with customized resin coverings in a Class I nonextraction case is described in a 17-year-old male, in whom moderate crowding of the anterior teeth was treated over an 8-month period. This case shows that simple tubes can be used as an alternative to brackets in some Class I nonextraction cases, with the potential benefit of reducing decalcification.