An exchange technique in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthroscopy to insert a larger operative cannula to facilitate advanced procedures.

The paper describes a modification of the surgical technique for temporomandibular joint arthroscopy, using an exchange guide to replace the 2.2 mm cannula with one of 2.9 mm to better facilitate osteoplasty of the medial wall. The procedure is a simple and safe manoeuvre that reduces complications such as fluid extravasation into soft tissues, damage to the articular eminence, and bleeding into the superior joint space. Every oral and maxillofacial surgeon could benefit from this novel method, which reduces the chances of failure when exchanging the working cannulas, the potential morbidity of re-entry, and the duration of surgery.

Controversies in the treatment of early-stage oral squamous cell carcinoma.

The treatment of early-stage oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is still a controversial issue. Thanks to the 8th edition of TNM by AJCC there is a better distinction between the stages of OSCC. However, Stages I and II still share the same treatment protocol, even if the prognosis is radically different. A retrospective study has been conducted including 70 previously untreated patients with Stage I or II OSCC, treated with tumorectomy and selective neck dissection. The study focuses on the link between pT1/2 and various other factors, particularly histological grading, vascular and perineural invasion, local and cervical recurrence, surgical margins and overall survival. These data reveal significant differences between pT1 and pT2 in histological grade, perineural invasion, cervical recurrence, surgical margins, and overall survival, emphasizing the necessity of different treatment protocols for T1 and T2 OSCC. Distinct strategies should be proposed to treat Stage I and II OSCC, with Stage II patients possibly benefitting from more aggressive treatments: following these data, a wait-and-see strategy should only be considered in Stage I, while certain treatments at the cervical level - such as prophylactic neck dissection and sentinel node biopsy - should always be considered for Stage II tumors.

A Modified Technique for Harvesting Scapular Tip Flap and to Allow 2 Teams to Work at the Same Time.

AIM: The main aim of the present report is to describe a modified technique of tip scapular flap harvesting to allow 2 surgical teams to work at the same time and to shorten surgical times. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of 25 patients that had undergone maxillary or mandibular reconstruction by using a free scapular tip flap were retrospectively reviewed to identify the possible advantages and disadvantages of this type of flap. RESULTS: Thirteen patients analyzed in this series underwent maxillary reconstruction with tip scapular flap, while the other 12 patients underwent mandibular reconstruction. No failures, partial failures, or infections were evidenced in this series. Scapular tip flap allowed for acceptable esthetic and functional outcomes. In all cases, the patient was placed supine. No major complications were observed at the donor site during follow-up. CONCLUSION: Scapular tip flap might be extremely useful for head and neck reconstruction. Pedicle length, versatility, and reliability represent the major advantages of this reconstructive recourse. Moreover, the resistance of the scapular vascular system to atherosclerosis could be helpful in patients showing contraindications to free fibula flaps.

Arthroscopic osteoplasty of the medial and anteromedial wall of temporomandibular joint: surgical technique and anatomical considerations.

The anterior displacement of the articular disc is the most frequent cause of pathological alterations in the TMJ. Although it is an extremely common pathology, there is no certainty about the aetiopathogenesis of this disease. The main aim of the present report is to describe new anatomical findings that could help clarifying the aetiopathogenesis of this disease and determine a typology of treatment based on the cause of the disease. All the operative records of patients who underwent arthroscopic osteoplasty of the medial TMJ wall in our centre from January 2021 to September 2021 were reviewed and analysed to identify specific anatomical features observed in every procedure. Fifty-two joints were included for analysis in this study. Twenty-two joints were classified as Wilkes stages II-III and 30 as Wilkes stages IV-V. The most common complication observed in our sample was the dysaesthesias found in the temporal and preauricular regions. Other complications observed were frontal branch paresis (n = 2), intraoperative bleeding (n = 1), and postoperative malocclusion (n = 1). The compression of the superior head of pterygoid lateral muscle (SPLM) on the medial bony wall and the consequent muscle atrophy could be key for the aetiology of the anterior TMJ disc displacement. Therapeutic actions on the osseous and muscular component in this anatomical area could improve the outcomes of patients affected by TMJ internal derangement. A meticulous dissection of the fascia of the superior fascicle of the lateral pterygoid muscle allows a remodelling of the bone surfaces with minimal complications.

Histiocitosis de células de Langerhans con afectación maxilomandibular simultánea y rápida evolución simulando patología periodontal / Langerhans cell histiocytosis with simultaneous maxillomandibular involvement and rapid evolution mimicking periodontal pathology

La histiocitosis de células de Langerhans (HCL) es una enfermedad poco común con una tasa estimada de 1 caso por millón anualmente en adultos. En el sistema de clasificación actual, la HCL se clasifica según el grado de afectación de los órganos. Clínicamente, la cabeza y el cuello están afectados en casi el 90 % de los casos y pueden ser las únicas zonas afectadas. El maxilar y la mandíbula se ven afectados entre un 5 y un 10 % de los casos. En cuanto al diagnóstico, cuando se aprecia patología periodontal avanzada con movilidad dentaria y lesiones quísticas líticas en las pruebas de imagen, la HCL debe considerarse en el diagnóstico diferencial de dicha patología, pero el diagnóstico definitivo se realiza mediante estudio histológico e inmunohistoquímico. Presentamos un caso inusual de HCL que afecta simultáneamente al maxilar y a la mandíbula con una alta reabsorción ósea y patología periodontal de rápida evolución. Los síntomas que presentó la paciente simulaban patología periodontal y periapical. Tras analizar las muestras enviadas al servicio de anatomía patología, se diagnosticó HCL crónica y multifocal. El paciente fue tratado con legrado óseo, extracción dental y corticoides intralesionales. La HCL puede simular diferentes tipos de patologías periodontales que afectan al hueso maxilar o mandibular y estas deben ser diagnosticadas tempranamente mediante el envío de muestras al servicio de anatomía patológica. Además, es necesario realizar un correcto estudio de extensión porque su pronóstico cambia notablemente si afecta a varios órganos. (AU)

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disease with an estimated rate of 1 case per million annually in adults. In the current classification system, LCH is classified according to the degree of organ involvement. Clinically, the head and neck are affected in almost 90 % of cases. The maxilla and mandibular are affected in 5 to 10 % of cases. Regarding diagnosis, when advanced periodontal pathology with tooth mobility and lytic cystic lesions is seen in imaging tests, LCH could be considered in the differential diagnosis, but the definitive diagnosis is made through histological and immunohistochemical study. We present an unusual case of LCH that simultaneously affects the maxilla and mandible with high bone resorption and rapidly evolving periodontal pathology. The symptoms presented by the patient simulated periodontal and periapical pathology. After analyzing the samples sent to the anatomopathology deparment, chronic and multifocal LCH was diagnosed. The patient was treated with bone curettage, dental extraction and intralesional corticosteroids infiltration. LCH can simulate different types of periodontal pathologies that affect the maxillary or mandibular bone and it must be diagnosed early by sending samples to the anatomopathology department. Furthermore, it is necessary to carry out a correct extension study because its prognosis changes significantly if it affects several organs. (AU)

Impact of histological tumor grade on the behavior and prognosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity.

INTRODUCTION: Unlike other types of cancers, the prognostic value of histological tumor grade is not well determined for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This study therefore aimed to evaluate the impact of tumor differentiation on prognosis and overall survival of patients affected by squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A retrospective analysis was conducted using the records of patients diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity between 2010 and 2015. The study included 162 patients treated with a tumorectomy and selective neck dissection. The influence of histological tumor grade on several prognostic factors such as T-Stage, N-stage, recurrence rate, perineural invasion, vascular invasion, surgical margins, and overall survival was analyzed. RESULTS: Histological grade strongly correlated with N-stage, recurrence rate, perineural invasion, vascular invasion, surgical margins, and overall survival. Overall survival was 71.6% in patients with well-differentiated tumors and 43.2% in those with moderately and poorly differentiated tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Histological grade represents an important prognostic factor for OSCC. Therefore, various treatment strategies based on this histological parameter could improve the overall survival rate of patients affected by oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Osteoplasty of Medial Temporomandibular Joint Wall. A New Strategy for Treating Disc Displacement.

INTRODUCTION: Numerous factors have been indicated as possible causes of alterations in the articular disc of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The main aim of the present study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of arthroscopic osteoplasty of the medial TMJ wall associated with myotomy of the superior head of the lateral pterygoid muscle for treating TMJ internal derangement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective and comparative study was performed analyzing patients diagnosed with TMJ internal derangement and underwent TMJ arthroscopic surgery in our Hospital. These patients presented signs and symptoms of TMJ internal derangement along with pathological magnetic resonance imaging images, and underwent either arthroscopic osteoplasty of the medial TMJ and myotomy of lateral pterygoid muscle (group 1) or arthroscopic eminoplasty (group 2) in our center. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 109 patients (21 male, 88 females) who agreed to voluntarily participate in our study. The results revealed that the patients who had undergone arthroscopic osteoplasty of the medial TMJ and myotomy of lateral pterygoid muscle showed better outcomes in terms of pain reduction when compared with patients who had undergone arthroscopic eminoplasty. No statistically significant differences were found between the 2 groups in terms of postoperative mouth opening. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic osteoplasty of the medial and anterior medial wall of TMJ associated with arthroscopic myotomy of the SLEM represent an effective treatment option for TMJ internal derangement even in advanced stages (Wilkes IV and V).

The deep circumflex iliac artery free flap in maxillofacial reconstruction: a comparative institutional analysis.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to perform a comparative analysis of the utility, outcomes, and complications of DCIA (deep circumflex iliac artery) flap for the reconstruction of maxillofacial defects between two institutions that continue to use the DCIA flap as a reconstructive resource. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective analysis included a total of 68 patients (mean age 51.1 years) at the University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy, and the University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA, between January 2010 and April 2019. RESULTS: No statistical differences were found in relation to the site of reconstruction (p = 0.09), bone graft quantity (p = 0.93), rehabilitation with dental implants (p = 0.464), length of hospitalization (p = 0.086), BMI (0.677), swallow function (p = 0.419), medical comorbidities (p = 0.933), pre-existing radiation (p = 0.691), adjuvant treatment (p = 0.298), ECOG-PS pre-and post-surgery (p = 0.329; p = 0.545), and flap failure: one partial failure observed (p = 0.412) and donor site morbidities (p = 0.742). A noted trend to increased risk of hernia without the use of a primary mesh repair was observed (p = 0.059). CONCLUSION: The DCIA free flap represents a useful and reliable reconstructive flap for maxillofacial reconstruction. Reconstructive microvascular surgeons should be proficiently trained in this flap technique for its consideration as a first-line option in maxillofacial reconstruction.

Clinical behavior of T1-T2 squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity.

OBJECTIVES: The main aim of the present study is to analyze the differences in the clinical behavior of pT1 and pT2 oral squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity and the importance of tumor thickness in these groups of patients. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted using the records of patients diagnosed with pT1 and pT2 oral squamous cell carcinoma between 2006 and 2015 to identify significant differences between these two groups of patients. Several pathological features such as T-stage, N-stage, tumor thickness, surgical margins, and locoregional failure were analyzed. RESULTS: 194 patients were included in this study. Tumor thickness >0.4 cm was significantly related with nodal involvement and overall survival (p < 0.001). T and N stage, tumor thickness, extracapsular spread and surgical margins were associated with poorer outcomes in terms of overall survival (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Tumor thickness represents an extremely important prognostic factor and to include depth of invasion (DOI) in the staging of oral squamous cell carcinoma will help in the choice of better treatment strategies and to improve overall survival.

Osteonecrosis maxilar asociada a denosumab. Análisis de 9 casos / Maxillar osteonecrosis related to denosumab. Evaluation of nine cases

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Absceso cervical como forma de presentación excepcional de osteonecrosis mandibular avanzada inducida por bisfosfonatos. A propósito de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Cervical abscess as an exceptional presentation of advance bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: case report and review of the literature

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Role of Arthroscopic Eminoplasty in the Management of the Habitual Dislocation of Temporomandibular Joint.

AIM: To evaluated the effectiveness of arthroscopic eminoplasty in the management of habitual dislocation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study is based on a retrospective evaluation of 11 patients (20 joints) with chronic habitual dislocations of TMJ treated with arthroscopic eminoplasty. Maximal postoperative mouth opening, complications related to surgery, duration of postoperative hospital stay, and recurrence rate (at 2 years follow up) were analyzed. RESULTS: Six patients presented complete dislocation (non self-reducible), while 5 patients reported a history of repetitive subluxations that altered their quality of life. Arthroscopic eminoplasty showed great outcomes in terms of recurrence rate, complications related to surgery and hospital stay. DISCUSSION: Arthroscopic eminoplasty represents a safe and effective technique to treat habitual dislocation of the TMJ. Moreover, the integrity of the TMJ capsule-ligament system is respected with this approach and this is extremely important in terms of joint stability.

Fractura patológica mandibular bilateral en osteonecrosis maxilar inducida por bisfosfonatos / Bilateral pathologic mandibular fracture in maxillary osteonecrosis induced by bisphosphonates

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Linforragia cervical masiva tras vaciamiento cervical izquierdo / Massive cervical chylous fistula after left cervical dissection

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