Removal of an intraosseous hemangioma of the frontal bone through an anterior hairline incision: a case report.

An intraosseous hemangioma of the frontal bone is typically removed via a coronal incision. This procedure, while effective, can be lengthy and may result in complications such as a prominent scar and hair loss. An alternative approach involves a direct incision in the forehead, which leaves a less noticeable scar and allows a quicker recovery. However, in this specific case, the patient declined both coronal surgery and surgery through a direct forehead incision due to cosmetic concerns. Therefore, we proposed an anterior hairline incision. A 35-year-old woman presented with a firm, non-mobile, palpable mass on her right forehead. Preoperative non-contrast computed tomography revealed a heterogeneous osteolytic lesion. We performed an excisional biopsy through the anterior hairline. Postoperative non-contrast computed tomography was conducted 2 and 6 months after surgery. The wound was clean and free of complications, and there was no local recurrence. Partial resection can reduce scarring for patients who are concerned about cosmetic outcomes. However, the potential for recurrence remains a significant concern. We present this case of an anterior hairline incision for a hemangioma located in the forehead, evaluated using serial computed tomography for both preoperative and postoperative imaging.

Micropipette tip intubation in rats as a replacement for conventional endotracheal tube intubation.

Endotracheal intubation is often necessary in the course of animal experiments, especially in craniofacial surgery. However, endotracheal intubation can be a major burden in this context. The authors performed simple and cost-saving method using a 200 µL yellow micropipette tip, and the success of this method was demonstrated by X-ray and autopsy. We used a total of 30 rats. After the rats were fixed with a plaster, the trachea and vocal cords were visualized with the tongue pulled back. Under direct visualization of the vocal cords, a curving micropipette tip was advanced into the trachea. This method can be learned quickly and applied successfully by general experimenters. We successfully intubated all 30 rats without any complications. The success rate of micropipette tip intubation was 100%. This procedure was performed by one experimenter within 2 to 3 minutes after induction of anesthesia. We demonstrated its superiority by X-ray and autopsy. Herein, we describe endotracheal intubation of rats using micropipette tips. To the best of our knowledge, this method is novel and represents the simplest and most efficient means of intubation in rats, providing an alternative to conventional endotracheal intubation.

The healing of critical-sized bone defect of rat zygomatic arch with particulate bone graft and bone morphogenetic protein-2.

For some critical-sized bony defects in the facial bones, it is necessary that the defect be reconstructed using an autologous bone graft from another donor site, not only to ensure stability, but also to derive aesthetic contouring. However, because of the easy gain and easy moulding of particulate bone, it would be easier to reconstruct the defect by using particulate bone graft (PBG) rather than block bone graft (BBG). This study was designed to confirm the usefulness of PBG with bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) instead of BBG and to observe its long-term outcome in critical-sized zygomatic arch defects in a rat model. A sample of 18 Sprague-Dawley rats was divided into three groups; a 5-mm critical-sized bone defect was made in both zygomatic arches of all subjects. Each group was treated with different combinations of BMP-2 and PBG. At 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after treatment, each defect was compared radiologically. Histological evaluation was performed after 12 weeks. In the first group, the defects with PBG decreased more than in those with no bone graft (P<0.01). In the second group, defects with PBG and BMP-2 decreased more than in those with PBG alone (P<0.01). In the third group, there was no significant difference between the group with PBG and BMP-2 and that with in situ bone graft (instead of BBG). In conclusion, PBG with BMP-2 showed satisfactory bone healing without any additional bone graft in the animal model.

An intermaxillary fixation screw traction wire: an aid for facial bone fracture repair.

We have devised a new technique to improve stabilization of fractured facial bone fractures (frontal sinus fractures, zygomatic fractures, mandibular condyle fractures) by intermaxillary fixation screw traction wires (stainless steel wires through intermaxillary fixation screws). A retrospective study evaluating intermaxillary fixation screw traction wires was performed. We have used this technique for 3 cases of frontal sinus fractures, 9 cases of zygomatic fractures, and 7 cases of mandibular condyle fractures. After dissection of a fractured site, a hole is drilled on the fractured bone where it does not interfere with positioning the plate across the fracture line. After an intermaxillary fixation screw is inserted, a stainless steel wire is tied through a hole in the screw head. By the aid of wire for traction, the displaced fractured bone is easily aligned to the proper position. Plates and screws are applied readily on the predetermined area. A retrospective study on 19 patients using intermaxillary fixation screw traction wires was performed. The diagnoses and associated complications of the cases were recorded. No associated complication as a result of using this technique was identified. The use of intermaxillary fixation screw traction wire enhances stabilization and visualization without possible risk for surrounding soft tissue injury using, a sharp traction device like a bone hook. An intermaxillary fixation screw traction wire is an useful aid for visualization and stabilization during facial bone fracture reduction, particularly where exposure is difficult such as in the condylar region of the mandible. And unlike a classic traction wire, the intermaxillary fixation screw traction wire has almost no risk of having it loosened from the screw.

Aneurysmal benign fibrous histiocytoma with atrophic features.

Aneurysmal benign fibrous histiocytoma is an uncommon pathologic variant of dermatofibroma. In addition to the features of a typical dermatofibroma, it has large cleft-like or cavernous blood-filled spaces with numerous hemosiderin pigments. It should be differentiated from angiomatoid malignant fibrous histiocytoma, malignant melanoma, and vascular tumors such as Kaposi's sarcoma and angiosarcoma. Atrophic dermatofibroma is also a rare variant of dermatofibroma, and the combination of aneurysmal and atrophic features is rarer still. We report a case of aneurysmal benign fibrous histiocytoma with atrophic features in a 27-year-old male who had a grayish-brown atrophic patchy lesion on his back for 2 years.

The use of bioabsorbable plate fixation for nasal fractures under local anaesthesia through open lacerations.

Nasal fractures are the most common facial fractures. The majority of nasal fractures have been discussed as minor injuries and managed by closed reduction and intranasal packing. However, in cases of a nasal fracture with open laceration on fracture site, the plates fixation may be accomplished with definite reduction through the open laceration. But, metallic reconstruction plates can sometimes produce palpable irregularity at the site of fixation in nasal bone fractures. We performed rigid fixation through open laceration wound with bioabsorbable plate and screws under local anesthesia. Satisfactory result was obtained in both functional and aesthetic aspect. Open reduction through external laceration and bioabsorbable fixation under local anesthesia is a reliable and useful method for the treatment of extensive and comminuted nasal fractures.

Nasal packs with X-ray indicators.

Nasal packing is routinely performed by many surgeons following nasal surgery and is also frequently used for the treatment of epistaxis. The use of nasal packing, however, is sometimes associated with serious complications such as aspiration, bowel perforation, obstructive apnea, and hypoxia. This author has also once had the experience of losing a nasal pack during a procedure performed on a mentally impaired patient. If a nasal pack could be easily tracked by x-ray, treatment would be faster and easier. We now use x-ray indicators quilted into our nasal packs, which enable us to find the packs quickly and easily with plain x-ray film.