Increased Reliability in Medial Canthal Tendon Reposition in Nasoorbitoethmoidal Fractures with Computer-assisted Surgery and Surgical Navigation.

Avulsion of the medial canthal tendon secondary to nasoorbitoethmoidal fractures leads to severe aesthetic and functional impairments. The tendon should be repositioned at the posterior lacrimal crest. Owing to the complexity of nasoorbitoethmoidal fractures, accurate location of this point during surgery can be challenging. With the aid of computer-assisted planning and surgical navigation, the point at which the medial canthal tendon should be repositioned can be easily and precisely located. We have developed an innovative navigation-assisted technique that increases the reliability and safety of internal canthus repositioning. We performed a case series of three consecutive patients who underwent medial canthal tendon repositioning using computer-assisted planning and surgical navigation. We believe that this innovation provides a new and useful application of computer-assisted planning and surgical navigation in craniomaxillofacial surgery.

Computer-assisted and navigated piezoelectric surgery: A new technology to improve precision and surgical safety in craniomaxillofacial surgery.

Background: Computer-assisted navigated piezoelectric surgery (CANPS) is a surgical technique that combines the surgical navigation with a piezoelectric device. This association multiplies the advantages of both technologies, taking the best of each one providing a synergistic association. Objective: To describe and assess the indications, advantages, disadvantages, and complications of this association of surgical techniques. Methods: CANPS was used in 32 patients. The clinical diagnosis was facial trauma, tumors, orthognathic surgeries, temporomandibular joint ankylosis, pathology of the frontal sinus, and alveolar distraction. Nineteen patients were men and 13 were women. Planning software iPlan 3.05 of Brainlab, and Elements of Brainlab were used for planning and the Kolibri and Kurve of Brainlab for surgical navigation. The piezoelectric device used was a "Vercelotti" type in all patients. Results: CAPNS could be performed successfully in all cases without complications and reduced the surgeon's uncertainty during the osteotomies. There is continuous control of the position of the surgical instrument. The use of the navigated piezoelectric device allowed the surgeon's uncertainty to be reduced during the performance of the osteotomies in depth, in poorly visible areas, with little access or reduced visibility. It also increases the safety of bone resections near important anatomical structures. Conclusions: CANPS combines the advantages of piezoelectric surgery and navigation. CANPS affords real-time control of the position of the cutting tip and allows semiburied approaches. CANPS allows surgery to be precise, safer, and minimally invasive.

Chimeric profunda artery perforator - gracilis flap: A computed tomographic angiography study and case report.

BACKGROUND: The possibility of harvesting the profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap in a chimeric configuration together with the innervated gracilis muscle may be a good option for dynamic reconstruction following total glossectomies. In this paper, we present a retrospective radiological study, which evaluates the presence and characteristics of the anatomical variation of the chimeric PAP - gracilis flap. METHODS: The study sample comprised 66 patients (132 legs), 38 men, and 28 women with an average age of 56 ± 2 years old, who underwent head and neck reconstruction with a free flap. Preoperative computed tomographic angiography (CTA) was used for morphologic analysis. We present a case report of a patient with a total glossectomy reconstructed with this flap. RESULTS: A perforator in the PAP area joining with the main pedicle of the gracilis muscle was found in 38 legs (28.8%). Mean length of the pedicle from the profunda femoral artery to the point where the perforator in the PAP area and the pedicle of the gracilis joined was 3.0 ± 0.3 cm. Differences in the existence of this vascular configuration were not significant comparing groups by sex, BMI, height, side or source vessel. Motion of the new tongue was documented clinically and with electromyography. The patient achieved an intelligible speech and normal diet. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative evaluation is necessary to assess the existence of a perforator in the PAP area joining with the main pedicle of the gracilis muscle. This chimeric flap has been demonstrated useful for dynamic reconstruction of a patient with a total glossectomy.

Fibula free flap in maxillomandibular reconstruction. Factors related to osteosynthesis plates' complications.

The aim of this paper is to identify risk factors associated with the development of osteosynthesis plates' related complications in fibula free flap reconstructions. This is a case series study of consecutive fibula free flaps. Clinical and radiological variables were recorded. Patient outcomes were evaluated with special attention to osteosynthesis plates' related complications; these included plate exposure, plate fracture, loosening of screws, non-union, bone resorption, oro-cutaneous fistulas, and bone exposure. We have done a descriptive analysis, univariate analysis, and multivariate logistic regression model to explore possible risk factors for osteosynthesis plates' related complications. Data analysis was performed using R software (version 3.5.0). 111 fibula free flaps were studied. 29 patients (26.1%) developed osteosynthesis plates' related complications. The mean time to osteosynthesis plates' related complications was 22 months; range (1-120); the median and mode were 12 months. Patients with preoperative radiotherapy (34% vs 14%, p = 0.021), and secondary reconstruction (31% vs 15%, p = 0.053) had a higher incidence of osteosynthesis plates' related complications. In the univariate analysis, "preoperative radiotherapy" (OR 3.07, 95%CI = 1.139-8.242, p = 0.025) and "extraoral soft-tissue defect" (OR 2.907, 95%CI = 1.032-8.088, p = 0.042) were risk factors for osteosynthesis plates' related complications. We have observed an interaction effect: patients with mandibular Brown's classes III + IV and "secondary reconstruction" have a higher risk for osteosynthesis plates' related complications; more than 47.30 times compared to Brown's class I and "primary reconstruction" (p = 0.026). Different factors may contribute to the development of osteosynthesis plates' related complications. Our study adds important information about these. Patients with higher risk of developing complications should be informed that a second intervention to remove the plates might be necessary.

The thin profunda femoral artery perforator flap for tongue reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: With the ongoing global epidemic of obesity in the Western countries, thigh flaps such as the profunda artery perforator (PAP) free flap, have been less favorable for glossectomy reconstruction due to large bulk of adipose tissue associated with traditional subfascial harvest. In this article, we present a series of 10 patients who underwent reconstruction with suprafascial PAP free flaps following oncologic tongue resection. METHODS: Our series included six men and four women with an average age of 53.9 years old (range, 28-71 years). All patients underwent preoperative computed tomographic angiography (CTA) for selection of the most suitable perforator and preoperative design of its customized thickness. Flap elevation was performed at the superficial fascia layer while modifying the plane of dissection according to the specific bulk needs in each case. RESULTS: Flaps survived in nine patients; one flap failed due to vasospasm. Mean pedicle length was 7.4 cm (range, 6-8 cm). Skin paddle dimensions varied between 8 × 6 and 15 × 9 cm. Flaps thicknesses ranged from 0.4 to 3 cm. Functional outcome was evaluated at 6 months follow up: good speech and deglutition functional outcomes relative to extent of resection were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The dissection above the superficial fascia layer represents an important refinement to the traditional fasciocutaneous PAP flap. Flap thickness can be tailored to avoid excess of bulk in the medial thigh observed in larger BMI populations.

A Novel Technique to Secure the Skull Post in a Thin Skull Allowing for Surgical Navigation in Infants.

Several surgical procedures have been described to correct the deformities associated with craniosynostosis. To simplify the prediction of results, virtual planning techniques and image-guided surgery have been used. Digital planning can be transferred to the operating room using osteotomy and cutting guides or surgical navigation. We describe a novel bone fixation method that allows for anchoring of a cranial dynamic reference frame (DRF) in a steady manner. DRF can be used for registration and as a reference for surgical navigation in an infant's skull. We describe this novel technique to overcome the problems of DRF fixation on an infant's thin and weak calvarium. We fixed the DRF to the cranium using this new system. A 6-hole X-shaped miniplate was placed using 5 screws, leaving 1 of the central holes free. The self-drilling screw that anchors the DRF in position was placed in the free central hole, avoiding calvarial bone breakage and allowing for surgical navigation. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first report of this DRF anchorage modification for surgical navigation during surgery of craniosynostosis in an infant.

Reforming Refugee Healthcare in Canada: Exploring the Use of Policy Tools.

Refugee healthcare in Canada has been a controversial and heavily debated topic over the past several years. In this paper, we present a policy analysis of the 2012 Canadian federal government decision to change the criteria and funding of the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP). The IFHP provides federally funded healthcare coverage for refugees until they gain access to provincially funded health insurance. The paper offers a policy perspective on the changes to refugee health coverage over time. We draw on the policy concepts of agenda setting, framing, venues and causal stories to explore this topic. We suggest that these concepts represent a set of tools for both researchers and laypersons to critically appraise any issue on the policy agenda, and understand how certain topics become policy issues and why they are "solved" in particular ways.

Condylar intramedullary intraosseous lipoma: Contribution of a new case and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Lipoma is the most common benign tumour of the human body, being intraosseous involvement very rare. Just 1 to 4% of all cases of lipoma are located in the oral cavity, only 0.1% being intraosseous. The jaw is its most uncommon bone location. Etiology of intraosseous lipoma (IOL) is unknown, although several theories have been proposed. Usually asymptomatic, the symptoms, when present, will depend on its location and size. Its origin may be intraosseous or juxtacortical. A biopsy is essential for diagnosis, and definitive treatment involves resection or curettage of the lesion. The aim of this paper is to present a new case of intramedullary intraosseous lipoma of the mandible with involvement of the left mandibular ramus and condylar neck. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A case of intramedullary intraosseous lipoma (IOL) on the left mandibular ramus and condyle is presented. No history of trauma in temporomandibular joint existed. The radiology showed a radiolucent multi-lobulated lesion with values of attenuation in the range of fat. Curettage is performed and the histopathology showed a conglomerate of adipocytes without trabeculae, calcifications or atypia. RESULTS: According to the bibliography 24 cases of mandibular IOL have been described. This is the second reported case of condylar involvement and the first with cortical expansion. CONCLUSIONS: Lipoma intraosseous is a very rare benign bone neoplasm. Histology is required for the differential diagnosis from other radiolucent lesions. The IOL treatment is the curettage with a good prognosis, although malignant transformation to liposarcoma has been reported in other locations. It is a disease with a difficult differential diagnosis, therefore the publication of new cases is important. Key words:Intraosseous lipoma, lipoma, jaw tumour, condylar tumour.

Precisión en reconstrucción orbitaria con mallas de titanio preformadas / Precision in orbital reconstruction with preformed titanium meshes

Objetivos. Evaluar la adaptación de las mallas orbitarias preformadas industrialmente en nuestro entorno. Determinar la influencia de la planificación preoperatoria y la navegación en la precisión de la reconstrucción. Material y método. Se estudió a pacientes con fracturas unilaterales de suelo orbitario reconstruidos con mallas de titanio preformadas entre 2009 y 2014. Las tomografías computarizadas (TC) se analizaron con iPlan 3.0 (BrainLab). Se importó la malla preformada en formato Standard Tesellation Language (STL) y se posicionó en la órbita sana reflejada en espejo sobre la fracturada. Se cuantificó la diferencia de volumen entre órbitas reconstruida y sana (DV), así como la adaptación del contorno de la malla a las superficies orbitarias. La navegación se hizo con el sistema Kolibrí (BrainLab). Resultados. Se incluyeron 17 reconstrucciones, 10 realizadas previa planificación y con navegación intraoperatoria. La DV fue significativamente menor en el grupo reconstruido con navegación (0,24±0,13 cc), p<0,01. En 9 pacientes la malla no se adaptaba adecuadamente en la TC preoperatoria, introduciéndose 1,88±0,27mm bajo el reborde infraorbitario y 3,23±1,3mm en la fosa nasal, con un ángulo medio de 13±5,2°. La adaptación postoperatoria fue significativamente mejor en los casos en los que se había utilizado la navegación (p<0,05). Conclusiones. Las mallas orbitarias preformadas necesitan ajustes en un 50% de nuestros casos. Planificación preoperatoria y navegación permiten identificar las órbitas en las que la adaptación no es buena y corregirla, y así mejorar la precisión de la reconstrucción (AU)

Objectives. To assess reconstruction with preformed orbital titanium meshes in our patients. To evaluate the influence of surgical planning and intraoperative navigation in orbital reconstruction accuracy. Material and method. Patients with unilateral orbital floor fractures reconstructed with preformed titanium meshes between 2009 and 2014 were included. Computed tomographies (CT) were analyzed with iPlan 3.0 (BrainLab). Orbital mesh was imported as a Standard Tesellation Language (STL) object and it was placed in the best position over the mirror uninjured orbit. Difference of volume between healthy and reconstructed orbits (VD) and variables to measure contour adaptation of the orbital mesh were evaluated. Intraoperative navigation was done with the BrainLab Kolibrí navigation system. Results. A total of 17 patients were reconstructed, 10 with preoperative planning and intraoperative navigation. VD was statistically lower in the group that was reconstructed using navigation (0.24±0.13cc), P<.01. In 9 patients the position of the mesh was not adequate in the preoperative CT: the mesh protruded 1.88±0.27mm below the infraorbital rim, and 3.23±1.3mm in the nose with an angle of 13±5.2°. Postoperative adaptation was statistically better in navigated patients (P<.05). Conclusions. Preformed orbital meshes needed adjustments in about 50% of our patients. Preoperative planning and surgical navigation help identifying them, increasing accuracy in their reconstructions (AU)

Aplicación clínica de la planificación virtual y la navegación en el tratamiento de las fracturas del suelo de la órbita / Clinical application of virtual planning and navigation for the treatment of the orbital floor fractures

El objetivo del tratamiento de las fracturas de órbita es reconstruir la forma tridimensional de las paredes orbitarias para restablecer el volumen orbitario y la función ocular. El enoftalmos y la diplopía producidos por la reconstrucción inapropiada de la anatomía orbitaria tras un traumatismo continúan siendo todavía una secuela de estas fracturas. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir la técnica de la planificación virtual y la navegación intraoperatoria en el tratamiento de fracturas de suelo y pared medial de la órbita como herramienta útil en el tratamiento de estas fracturas. La técnica de planificación virtual y navegación intraorbitaria se aplica para el tratamiento de pacientes con fracturas de suelo o pared medial de órbita. La corrección virtual de la órbita fracturada se realiza utilizando la imagen en espejo del lado sano superpuesta sobre el lado fracturado. La planificación preoperatoria permite, además, importar y seleccionar preoperatoriamnete una malla premoldeada y determinar la adecuación de esta, en forma y tamaño, para tratar la fractura. La navegación intraoperatoria permite la disección segura y adecuada del contenido orbitario («primera» navegación) y la confirmación de la adecuada reconstrucción de las paredes orbitarias («segunda» navegación). La planificación en ordenador, la cirugía virtual y la navegación intraoperatoria aportan una guía útil, precisa y segura para la reconstrucción orbitaria (AU)

The goal of the treatment of orbital fractures is to reconstruct the three-dimensional shape of the orbital walls to restore the orbital volume and eye function. Enophthalmos and diplopía caused by inappropriate orbital wall anatomy reconstruction after trauma, remain still a sequel to these fractures. The objectives of this paper are to describe the technique of virtual planning and intraoperative navigation in the treatment of floor and medial wall fractures of the orbit as a useful tool in the treatment of these fractures. We have applied the technique of virtual planning and navigation for the treatment of patients with fractures of floor and/or medial orbital wall. The virtual correction of the fractured orbit is performed using the mirror image of the healthy side superimposed on the fractured side. Preoperative computer planning also allows importing the object ‘premolded mesh' to the plan to determine its appropriateness, in shape and size, to treat the fracture. Intraoperative navigation allows a safe and proper dissection ('first' navigation) of the orbital contents and confirmed the proper reconstruction of the orbital walls ('second' navigation). Navigation allows a safe dissection of the orbital contents and a verification of the accuracy of the position of the mesh. Computer planning, virtual surgery and intraoperative navigation provide precise guidance and safety for orbital reconstruction (AU)

Granulomatosis de Wegener con afectación de la mucosa oral como primera manifestación / Wegener's granulomatosis with oral mucosal involvement as first manifestation

No disponible

Neck dissection with the harmonic scalpel in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity.

UNLABELLED: Our purpose was to evaluate the use of the Harmonic scalpel in neck dissections. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a randomized prospective intervention study to compare the Harmonic scalpel (32 patients) with the conventional technique (31 patients). RESULTS: Operative time was lowered by 64 min (p < 0.001) and 7.5 min (p = 0.367); blood lost during surgery was lowered by 80.5 ml (p < 0.001) and 76.6 ml (p < 0.001); the length of time the drains were kept in place was lowered by 1.3 days (p < 0.001) and 1.5 days (p < 0.01); and the volume of drainage was lower by 228.7 ml (p < 0.001) and 187.6 ml (p < 0.01) in selective and comprehensive neck dissections respectively in patients treated with the Harmonic scalpel. CONCLUSIONS: The Harmonic scalpel shortens operative time in selective dissections. It reduces blood loss during surgery; time drains are kept in place and the amount of drainage in comprehensive and selective neck dissections.