Flap Design for Cranial Reconstruction: An Analysis of Craniectomy and Cranioplasty Incisions.

Background: The surgical approach for cranial reconstruction is influenced by the presence of pre-existing scar tissue. Scars that lie within the vicinity of cranial defect require modification. Purpose: The present study was conducted to analyse co-relation between craniectomy scar and cranioplasty incision. Materials and Methods: A retrospective evaluation of 70 patients who were divided into three groups based on location of cranioplasty incision line was done. In group I, incision was located parallel and outside the scar; group II, incision was located over the scar; and group III, mixed and criss-cross incision was present. The primary outcome variable of interest was to analyse co-relation between craniectomy and cranioplasty incisions. Results: There were 45 cases of group I, 15 cases of group II and 10 cases of group III. Thirty-three patients had defect on left side, 26 had on right side, and 10 had bifrontal defect. No significant association was noted between the site and cranioplasty incision (Chi2 = 9.155, p = 0.433 and likelihood ratio = 9.487, p = 0.394). Conclusion: Well-vascularized broad-based scalp flap that provides adequate exposure and located on healthy bone irrespective of pre-existing craniectomy scar forms the mainstay of successful cranial reconstruction.

Single Layer and Double Layer Duraplasty for the Management of Persistent Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea Following Frontal Sinus Trauma: A Retrospective Study.

ABSTRACT: Persistent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea is an infrequent complication of frontal sinus trauma. It often require craniotomy for dural repair and obliteration of sinus with well vascularized pericranial flap. The multilayer vascularized techniques have gained popularity over the years owing to low rate of postoperative CSF leaks. The study retrospectively analyzed 25 frontal sinus trauma patients (20 males, 5 females) of mean age 32 ±â€Š10.23 years with persistent CSF rhinorrhea from January 2011 to December 2018. All patients underwent frontal craniotomy and duraplasty was done with pericranial flap alone in 14 patients (Group I) and in combination with fascia lata graft in 11 patients (Group II). The clinical outcomes of single and double layer dural reconstruction techniques in management of CSF leak were analyzed. The size of defects ranged between 3 to 28 mm. Significant association was present between defect size and reconstruction technique with large defects underwent double layer repair. Two patients developed CSF leak following repair with pericranial flap alone. The rate of successful closure of CSF fistula was 100% with double layer reconstruction technique. However, statistically no significant association was noted between postoperative CSF leak and reconstruction technique. There was no evidence of meningitis, subdural hematoma, intracranial abscess, and mucocele formation in all patients during follow-up of 50.7 ±â€Š23.6 months. To conclude, pericranial flap is a reliable reconstruction material for management of post traumatic frontal sinus CSF leaks. Dual flap technique that combine the use of fascia lata provides comprehensive solution of CSF fistula repair.

Failures in cranioplasty - A clinical audit & review.

INTRODUCTION: Cranioplasty, like any other surgical procedure also comes with risk of complications and failure. Failure of cranioplasty may be early or delayed and further can be attributed to the surgical procedure itself or to the reconstruction material used for the procedure. The aim of this clinical audit is to analyze the causes of failure of 14 cases of cranioplasty procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study analyses the causes of failure of 14 cases of cranioplasty over 8 â€‹years â€‹at a tertiary care centre and identifies major etiological factors for failure including local and systemic. Further, a correlation between the reconstruction material used for cranioplasty and failure was studied along with other attributable factors such as systemic status of the patient and other local factors. RESULTS: The study established that there exists a correlation between failure and the biomaterial used for reconstruction. Various etiological factors like infection, flap break down, fixation protocol and foreign body were identified along with time frame of failure. After failure of cranioplasty, feasibility of a secondary cranioplasty has also been factored into this study, with 8 out of the 14 cases being successfully re-operated. CONCLUSION: Cranioplasty is a technically demanding and demands certain levels of operator skill levels. While formulating a treatment plan for reconstruction of cranial defects, one has to tailor make a strategy considering several factors such as systemic condition of the patient, status of the cranial surgical site, etiology behind craniectomy, choice of reconstruction material, duration from craniectomy and age of the patient. Inspite of best efforts and ideal reconstruction attempts, failures remain a nagging reality.

Effect of low level laser therapy on crestal bone levels around dental implants-A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Implant success is affected by initial bone resorption at the implant surface. Continuous efforts have been made to reduce the peri-implant crestal bone loss. Limited information is available regarding the influence of low level laser therapy (LLLT) on interaction between the bone and implant surface. PURPOSE: The aim of this pilot study was to assess the effect of LLLT on peri-implant crestal bone levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty implants were placed in 20 patients who were randomly assigned to two groups. Group I patients' received no adjunctive treatment and group II patients' were administered LLLT using 980 nm diode laser at 0.1 W output power following implant placement. The energy density of 4 J/cm2 was delivered at six sites for a duration of 10 seconds per site. Crestal bone levels were evaluated primarily using digital intraoral periapical (IOPA) radiograph. The measurements were made immediately (T0) and 6 weeks (T1) post implant placement; and 6 months (T2) and 1 year (T3) post prosthetic loading time intervals and compared using repeated measures ANOVA test. RESULTS: Crestal bone levels at baseline were statistically not significant between groups (P = .880). At T3 time interval, the mean change in crestal bone levels around all anatomical implant sites measured was 0.81 (SE 0.04) mm for irradiated group and 0.97 (SE 0.04) mm for nonirradiated group. Intergroup analysis revealed statistically significant (P = .020) less crestal bone loss in group that received LLLT. CONCLUSION: Under the conditions of this study, LLLT reduced the crestal bone resorption surrounding dental implants. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The present clinical trial was not registered.

Histopathological Evaluation of Inferior Alveolar Neurovascular Bundle in Cases of Trigeminal Neuralgia.

BACKGROUND: Trigeminal neuralgia is a painful disease that has been afflicting mankind since time immemorial. The etiology and pathophysiology have been widely studied but poorly understood. There are well-documented researches analyzing ultrastructural changes in trigeminal root specimens obtained following microvascular decompression surgery. However, there are no studies evaluating microscopic changes following peripheral neurectomy. PURPOSE: The present study examined microscopic changes in inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle in trigeminal neuralgia patients of mandibular division with no underlying cause. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The biopsy specimens were obtained from peripheral neurectomy of 11 trigeminal neuralgia patients' refractory to anti-neuralgic medications. The autopsy specimens from 10 cadavers were used as control. The specimens were subjected to histopathological examination by hematoxylin and eosin, Masson trichrome and Luxol fast blue stains. RESULTS: All biopsy specimens reported luminal occlusion of small vessels, medial degeneration and intense mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate. Focal myelin digestion chambers were observed in large and small axons. No pathological alterations of either blood vessel or nerve fibers were reported in autopsy specimens. CONCLUSION: The demyelination of inferior alveolar nerve due to pathologic vascular changes in peripheral vasculature may have a role in initiation and precipitation of trigeminal neuralgia, and hence, peripheral neurectomy has a significant role in alleviating pain.

Cranioplasty With Autogenous Frozen and Autoclaved Bone: Management and Treatment Outcomes.

Cranioplasty is a widely employed procedure for restoration of calvarial form and shape. The use of autogenous bone flap offers biological reconstruction with minimal donor site morbidity. One of the options to re-use bone autograft is low temperature preservation followed by autoclaving during cranioplasty. A retrospective evaluation of 12 patients with a mean age of 32.58 ±â€Š10.04 years who underwent frozen autogenous autoclaved bone cranioplasty was done. Cranial bone flaps were removed during the initial craniectomy and stored at 4°C for 20 minutes followed by preservation at -40°C in the deep freezer of the blood bank. Cranioplasty subsequently was performed at a mean time period of 172.17 ±â€Š26.20 days by thawing the bone at room temperature followed by autoclaving at 121°C under 15 psi for 40 minutes. Data regarding patients' characteristics and complications were recorded. Clinical outcomes based on skull shape and symmetry, cosmesis and scars were analyzed by a panel of 4 raters, including 3 doctors and 1 patient. Radiological outcomes were analyzed based on remaining bone thickness and bone gap widening. The present study revealed functionally, structurally, and cosmetically satisfying results. All the cases had satisfactory healing and no incidence of bone graft infection. The skull shape and symmetry, cosmesis and scars revealed excellent to moderate improvement in three-fourth of the patients. Radiological outcomes revealed none of the patients had severe resorption requiring surgical revision with excellent to good implant alignment in 92% of cases. It was concluded that frozen autogenous cranial bone flaps sterilized by autoclaving is safe and effective material for cranioplasty.

Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis.

Mandibular hypoplasia is a common dentofacial deformity requiring a combination of orthodontic and surgical treatment. Before the introduction of distraction osteogenesis various orthognathic surgical procedures were carried out to treat mandibular hypoplasia. Orthognathic procedures like corpus lengthening by bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy and genioplasty are commonly practised all over the world to address the high esthetic demands and functional problems. But hardly there are any established orthognathic surgical procedures to address the deficiency of the posterior part of the mandible that is ramus and condyle. Transverse mandibular deficiency is one of the most difficult problems to be addressed surgically.With the advent of distraction osteogenesis there is a change in concept of addressing mandibular deficiency. Mandibular corpus distraction was first performed by McCarthy et al using an extraoral unidirectional distraction device. The precision of bone lengthening with extraoral distracters did not accurately match the device settings. Since then due to sustained research and design and collaboration with the manufacturers, clinicians have developed various devices to improve the results of mandibular lengthening. Distractor devices of various shape and size are developed for intraoral use in specific anatomical locations of mandible.This presentation will focus on use of intraoral distraction devices on different anatomical locations of mandible. The surgical methods of corpus, ramus, ramuscondylar unit, and symphyseal distraction osteogenesis and associated complications will be discussed in detail.

Comparative Histomorphometric Evaluation of Healthy and Ankylosed Mandibular Condylar Process.

BACKGROUND: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is one of the most disruptive maladies afflicting the masticatory system. The characteristic feature is the formation of bony mass bridging condyle with glenoid fossa. The exact pathogenesis is, however, not completely understood. PURPOSE: To investigate and compare histomorphometric features of ankylosed condylar specimen with normal condylar process. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Group I included 17 post-traumatic unilateral TMJ ankylosis patients managed by excision of ankylosed mass and interpositional arthroplasty. Group II included 13 condylar head fracture patients managed by surgical debridement. The bony specimens of both the groups were subjected to histomorphometric examination for assessment of percentage of bone in trabeculae area (%BONE), osteocyte cell density (OSTCD), the presence of inflammation and fibrosis. RESULTS: The mean %BONE, OSTCD, %inflammation, %fibrosis was 60.4%, 340.9 mm2, 52.9 and 58.8% in group I and 29.6%, 202.6 mm2, 31 and 0% in group II.  %BONE, OSTCD and fibrosis in cases of TMJ ankylosis were significantly higher than the controls while no significant difference was observed in the presence of inflammation. CONCLUSION: The persistence of joint inflammation following condylar head fracture causes aggressive reparative process leading to ankylosis.

Complications of Cranioplasty.

Cranioplasty is a time-honoured surgical procedure to restore the calvarial form and function that is associated with a relatively high complication rate. The present article analyzed various complications and reviewed the complications based on study of the relevant research in the craniofacial literature. Complications were broadly divided into 2 groups, intraoperative and postoperative, for ease of understanding. The etiological factors, local and systemic condition of the patient, prevention, and management of various complications were widely discussed. The article also highlighted problems and complications associated with various reconstructive materials. Insights into various complications of cranioplasty enable surgeon to understand them better, minimize the chances of occurrence, and improve surgical outcome. In spite of reported high rate of complications, serious complications like meningitis, air embolism, and death are rare.

Styloid Process Fracture Associated With Maxillofacial Trauma: Incidence, Distribution, and Management.

PURPOSE: Fracture of the styloid process of the temporal bone has been infrequently reported. The present study evaluated the incidence, causes, distribution, and management of styloid process fracture in association with other maxillofacial fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective evaluation of patients with maxillofacial trauma over a period of 1 year was carried out and patients' characteristics, mode and distribution of injury, and length of styloid process were recorded. Patients were divided into 5 groups based on the site of maxillofacial fracture and into 2 groups based on styloid process length to evaluate their association with styloid process fracture. The authors' unit protocol was carried out for management of styloid process fracture. RESULTS: Of 84 patients with maxillofacial trauma, 27 patients (14 men, 13 women; mean age, 25.7 ± 8.92 yr) had styloid process fracture. The most common cause of injury was road traffic accidents. Mandibular and multiple facial fractures accounted for most concomitant styloid process fractures. The mean length of the styloid process in patients with fracture was 2.46 ± 0.89 cm and no relevant association was present between the length and fracture of the styloid process. All patients responded well to initial conservative management. CONCLUSION: Styloid process fractures are relatively common injuries in developing countries and a meticulous examination is essential for prompt diagnosis and adequate care.

Comparison of Early Onset Nasoalveolar Molding With Patients Who Presented for Molding Up to 1 Year of Age.

PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness of nasoalveolar molding (NAM) in infants with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate presenting before and after 6 months of age and justify its use in older infants presenting for treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The university NAM protocol was followed for 150 patients who were included in the study. NAM was performed by 1 month of age (group I, n = 50), at 1 to 6 months of age (group II, n = 50), and at 6 months to 1 year of age (group III, n = 50). Seven linear anthropometric measurements were compared using dentofacial models. RESULTS: Statistical analysis before and after NAM showed that group I had 83, 176, 69, and 142% improvement in intersegment distance, nasal height, nasal dome height, and columella height, respectively. Group II had 53, 44, 30, and 67% improvement. Group III had 45, 38, 28, and 62% improvement. CONCLUSION: Patients in all 3 groups showed improvement with the NAM protocol. Although patients who presented for treatment before 1 month of age benefited the most, those who presented at 6 months to 1 year of age benefited as much from NAM as those who presented at 1 to 6 months, thus validating its use in these patients.

Skeletal relapse following sagittal split ramus osteotomy advancement.

BACKGROUND: Sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) is an accepted and standard procedure to address mandibular corpus deficiency. The relapse following the mandibular advancement has a negative impact both on clinician and patient. PURPOSE: To analyse the hard tissue changes and to investigate relapse following SSRO advancement procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 21 patients treated by bilateral SSRO advancement at our institute was conducted. Lateral cephalograms obtained at pre-treatment (T1), pre-surgery (T2), 2 months (T3) and 2 years post-surgery (T4) were evaluated by an independent investigator. The data T2-T3 revealed immediate postoperative changes, and T3-T4 revealed skeletal relapse following surgery after 2 years. RESULTS: Twelve females and nine males with age ranging from 16 to 24 years underwent mandibular advancement. The mean follow-up period was 2 years 7 months ± 4 months. The mean mandibular advancement at pogonion was 5.1 ± 1.25 mm with significant improvement in SNB, ANB, CoGn, maxillo-mandibular differential and SN:GoPg ratio following surgery. Comparison of the outcomes following surgery revealed that the mean relapse at pogonion was 0.2 ± 0.44 mm. B point, mandibular corpus length, anterior and posterior facial height remained stable with no significant relapse following mandibular advancement. CONCLUSION: Sagittal split ramus osteotomy within the range of mandibular advancement is a stable procedure.

Cervicofacial hemangiomas: pattern, clinical management, and treatment outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate treatment outcomes following various managements of hemangiomas. STUDY DESIGN: Sixty-two patients were included and retrospective review conducted. Based on clinical management, each patient was assigned different treatment groups: steroid, sclerotherapy, surgical, and combined therapy. Treatment outcomes were evaluated based on improvement in size, color, and texture by a blinded panel of 4 raters including 3 doctors and 1 patient or patient's parents. Finally, comparison of outcomes between groups was analyzed. RESULTS: The results revealed that there was reduction in size and improvement in color and texture following intervention in each group. No significant difference in outcome was observed between groups regarding change in size and texture. However, color change was better in combined and surgical treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: A favorable outcome can be achieved following appropriate intervention during all stages of development of hemangiomas.