Piezoelectric Technology in Rhinoplasty.

Piezoelectric tools are the novel ultrasonic methods for effective and safe osteoplasty or osteotomy in comparison with traditional soft and hard tissue approaches using rotating instruments due to lack of microvibrations, ease of control and use, and safer cutting, mainly in complex anatomic areas. Piezoelectric indicates favorable and valuable outcomes based on the immediate postoperative morbidities, even though long-term results have not been investigated. It could be indicated that the piezosurgery in rhinoplasty can be considered as a reliable and safe method and should be taken into account as a part of the surgeon's repertoire for rhinoplasty.

Does Fixation Method Affect Stability of Sagittal Split Osteotomy and Condylar Position?

PURPOSE: Fixation methods are important for condylar position and stability in sagittal split osteotomy (SSO) procedures. The aim of the present study was to compare the changes in the condylar position and stability after SSO for mandibular setback in plate fixation with monocortical screws and bicortical screws. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In the present retrospective cohort study, patients who had undergone mandibular setback were studied in 2 groups. In group 1, fixation was performed using a miniplate with 4 monocortical screws. In group 2, fixation was performed using 3 bicortical screws. Cone beam computed tomography scans were taken before and immediately after the SSOs and 1 year later. The condylar position was evaluated linearly (mediolateral movement in the coronal view) and angularly (condylar axis with Frankfort plane in the coronal view). The stability of the mandible was determined at the B point horizontally and vertically. RESULTS: A total of 50 patients were studied in 2 equal groups; however, 2 patients were lost to follow-up in group 2. A significant difference in the mediolateral changes of the condyle before and after osteotomy was detected between the 2 groups (P = .003). No difference was found between the 2 groups in the angular changes of the condyle before and after SSO in the coronal view (P = .45). Analysis of the data did not reveal any differences for vertical relapse at the B point (P = .47) or horizontal relapse between the 2 groups (P = .21). CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, bicortical screw fixation might be associated with more condylar displacement. However, we could not find significant differences in surgical stability between miniplate fixation with monocortical screws and bicortical screw fixation after 1 year of follow-up.

Evaluation of Sensorimotor Nerve Damage in Patients with Maxillofacial Trauma; a Single Center Experience.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate sensorimotor nerve damage in patients with maxillofacial trauma referring to Taleghani hospital, Tehran, Iran. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted during a 2-year period from 2014 to 2012 in Taleghani hospital of Tehran. We included a total number of 495 patients with maxillofacial trauma referring to our center during the study period. The demographic information, type of fracture, location of fracture and nerve injuries were assessed and recorded in each patients. The frequency of sensorimotor injuries in these patients was recorded. Data are presented as frequencies and proportions as appropriate. RESULTS: Overall we included 495 patients with maxillofacial trauma with mean age of 31.5±13.8 years. There were 430 (86.9% men and in 65 (13.1%) women among the patients. The frequency of nerve injuries was 67.7% (336 patients). The mean age of the patients with nerve injuries was 33.4 ± 3.7 years. Marginal mandibular branch of facial nerve was the most common involved nerve being involved in 5 patients (1%). Regarding trigeminal nerve, the inferior alveolar branch (194 patients 39.1%) was the most common involved branch followed by infraorbital branch (135 patients 27.2%). Mandibular fracture was the most common injured bone being reported in 376 patient (75.9%) patients followed by zygomatic bone in 100 patient (20%). CONCLUSION: The most frequent fracture occurred in mandible followed by zygoma and the most injured nerve was inferior alveolar nerve followed by infraorbital branch of trigeminal nerve. In facial nerve the marginal branch was the most involved nerve. The frequency of nerve injury and the male to female ratio was higher in the current study compared to the literature.