Dynamic Trends in Surgical Oromaxillofacial Trauma Epidemiology: A Comparative Study of Pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 Periods in Tertiary Referral Hospitals in Madrid.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has induced profound societal and healthcare transformations globally. Material and methods: This multicenter retrospective study aimed to assess potential shifts in the epidemiology and management of oromaxillofacial trauma requiring surgical intervention over a 1-year period encompassing the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, in comparison to the preceding year. The parameters investigated included age, sex, injury mechanisms, fractured bones, and treatment modalities. The statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: A notable 39.36% reduction in oromaxillofacial fractures was identified (p < 0.001), with no significant alterations in sex distribution, types of fractured bones, or treatment modalities. An appreciable increase in mean age was observed (35.92 vs. 40.26) (p = 0.006). Analysis of the causes of oromaxillofacial trauma revealed diminished incidents of interpersonal violence (41% vs. 35%) and sports-related injuries (14% vs. 8%), alongside an escalation in cases attributed to falls (27% vs. 35%), precipitation events (2% vs. 5%), and traffic accidents (12% vs. 13%). The mandible emerged as the most frequently fractured bone. Conclusion: In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has decreased the number of maxillofacial fractures treated surgically and has changed the epidemiology and the etiology of facial traumas.

Survival rate of odontogenic descending necrotizing mediastinitis. Our experience in last 5 years

Background: Descending necrotising mediastinitis is one of the most lethal and least frequent forms of mediastinitis. It is a life-threatening infection most frequently originating from an oropharyngeal or odontogenic infection.Material and methods: A retrospective study of 6 patients diagnosed and treated for descending necrotising mediastinitis between 2015 and 2020 is reported.Results: All patients were male, mean age of 34.83 years; 66% were smokers. 83% had an orocervical infection and 34% had initial mediastinal spread. All patients were treated initially with empirical broad-spectrum antibiotics and surgical drainage, with subsequent admission to the Intensive Care Unit; only one of them required tracheostomy. The mean hospital stay was 27.37 days. After a mean follow-up of 6 months, 100% of the cases had a complete recovery.Conclusions: Early diagnosis and surgical treatment combined with improved life-support treatment in intensive care units and broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy leads to a decrease in associated mortality. (AU)

Orbital Cellulitis and Frontal Epicranial Empyema Secondary to Pansinusitis: A Case Report.

Orbital cellulitis is a relatively uncommon complication of sinusitis. Its association with intracranial complications is rare. We present the case of a 36-year-old patient with no associated risk factors who presented with a four-day history of headache, periorbital inflammation, suppuration, and necrosis. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a frontal epidural abscess and signs of chronic pansinusitis. This case highlights the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for complications of this condition and the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach in managing this rare complication.

Assessment of Quality of Life in Head-and-Neck Oncologic Patients with Intraoral Soft-Tissue Defects Reconstructed with Buccinator Myomucosal Flap.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the functional outcomes and quality of life (QoL) in oncologic patients with intraoral defects reconstructed with the buccinator myomucosal flap. A retrospective study was performed involving 39 patients with intraoral soft-tissue defects, reconstructed with a buccinator myomucosal flap during a six-year period. Patients completed the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer questionnaires, the standard questionnaire (QLQ-C30) and the head-and-neck specific module (QLQ-H&N35). Thirty-nine patients with a mean age of 61.23 ± 15.80 years were included in the study. Thirty-three patients were diagnosed with an oncological condition (84.61%). Six patients (15.38%) developed orosinusal communication and underwent extensive debridement. The median global-health-status score was 79.27 and emotional performance was the lowest scoring, with a mean score of 76.93. As for the symptom items, the most outstanding were dental problems (33.33), oral opening (31.62) and dry mouth (37.61), followed by sticky saliva (24.79), problems with social eating (21.15) and pain (19.87). The most significant symptoms were radiotherapy-related adverse effects such as pain, fatigue, dental problems and dry mouth. Patients reconstructed with the buccinator myomucosal flap develop a good quality of life for all types of activities, and a correct function and aesthetics. Postoperative radiotherapy is associated with a poorer quality of life, and can lead to impairment of several symptoms such as swallowing, oral opening and dry mouth.

Virtual Surgical Planning, Stereolitographic Models and CAD/CAM Titanium Mesh for Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Fibula Flap with Iliac Crest Graft and Dental Implants.

Mandibular reconstruction with fibula flap shows a 3D discrepancy between the fibula and the remnant mandible. Eight patients underwent three-dimensional reconstruction of the fibula flap with iliac crest graft and dental implants through virtual surgical planning (VSP), stereolitographic models (STL) and CAD/CAM titanium mesh. Vertical ridge augmentation and horizontal dimensions of the fibula, peri-implant bone resorption of the iliac crest graft, implant success rate and functional and aesthetic results were evaluated. Vertical reconstruction ranged from 13.4 mm to 10.1 mm, with an average of 12.22 mm. Iliac crest graft and titanium mesh were able to preserve the width of the fibula, which ranged from 8.9 mm to 11.7 mm, with an average of 10.1 mm. A total of 38 implants were placed in the new mandible, with an average of 4.75 ± 0.4 implants per patient and an osseointegration success rate of 94.7%. Two implants were lost during the osseointegration period (5.3%). Bone resorption was measured as peri-implant bone resorption at the mesial and distal level of each implant, with a variation between 0.5 mm and 2.4 mm, and with a mean of 1.43 mm. All patients were rehabilitated with a fixed implant prosthesis with good aesthetic and functional results.