Effects of SARPE and MISMARPE on correction of transverse maxillary deficiency: A preliminary comparative evaluation.

AIM: The present study was designed to compare, on cone-beam computed tomography imaging, the skeletal and dental effects of the SARPE (Surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion) and MISMARPE (Minimally Invasive Surgical and Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample of adult patients with transverse maxillary deficiency (TMD) was divided into two groups, and scans were obtained preoperatively (T0) and immediately after completion of expansion (T1). The posterior and anterior linear transverse distances of the maxilla and the angulation of the maxillary first molars were evaluated. The data were entered into a generalized estimating equations model to verify the postoperative effects of the different techniques. RESULTS: None of the techniques caused any appreciable change in the angulation of the molars. The skeletal changes were similar, with significantly greater gains in the nasal fossa and intermaxillary distance when using the MISMARPE. CONCLUSION: The technique can be an effective and lower morbidity alternative to SARPE.

Assessment of Resorbable and Non-resorbable Fixation Systems in Sagittal Split Ramus Osteotomy: An In vitro Study.

Objective: The internal fixation has been purpose of study for many years, but there is still no consensus on the best method of fixation in relation to resistance for bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (BSSO) using plates. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess five different methods of osteosynthesis using resorbable and non-resorbable plates and screws in simulated sagittal split osteotomy (SSO) of the mandibular ramus. Materials and Methods: SSO was performed in 25 polyurethane synthetic mandibular replicas. The distal segments were moved forward 5 mm, and the specimens were grouped according to the fixation method: Inion resorbable plate, KLS resorbable plate, standard four-hole titanium miniplate (Medartis), two standard four-hole titanium miniplates (Medartis) and an adjustable titanium miniplate (Slider/Medartis). Mechanical evaluation was performed by applying compression loads to first molar using an Instron universal testing machine up to a 5 mm displacement of the segments. Resistance forces were obtained in Newtons (N), and statistical analysis was performed using the software R v. 3.5 with significance level of 0.05. Linear mixed models were used to compare the force required to move each type of plate. Results: The results showed that the resistance of SSO was better accomplished using two titanium miniplates and KLS resorbable plate showed the least resistance. However, both titanium and resorbable plates behaved similarly in small displacements, which are most commonly observed in BSSO postoperative time. Conclusion: It can be concluded that both resorbable and non-resorbable systems might offer suitable mechanical resistance in the procedures where there are no mechanical postoperative complications.

Total Customized Alloplastic Reconstruction for Treatment of Severe Temporomandibular Joint Pathologic Conditions: A Case Series of Combined Intraoral and Extraoral Approach.

ABSTRACT: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) reconstruction with customized alloplastic implants has become a safe and effective treatment option of TMJ end-stage pathology with excellent outcomes reported in the literature. The purpose of this study is to report 5 cases of severe TMJ pathology and customized alloplastic reconstruction using a combined intraoral approach and extraoral approach. Four patients with TMJ involved for benign tumor and one patient with severe TMJ resorption were enrolled. Compromised joints were replaced with customized prosthesis under general anesthesia using an association of intraoral approach/extraoral approach. An implant handpiece with adapted drills for bone drilling and the insertion of screws was used to fixate the mandibular component intraorally; the fossa component was inserted via preauricular approach. The hemimandibulectomies/codilectomy with safety margin were successfully performed and for 2 patients Orthognathic Surgery was also required. Follow-up period was from 15 to 28 months (average 22 months), with no history of surgical site infection or damage to the prostheses. Occlusal relationship and function, as well as facial symmetry were kept stable in all patients. The combination of an intraoral and extraoral approach for total TMJ replacement with customized prosthesis may be an alternative and reliable strategy for pathologic reconstruction, keeping function and reducing aesthetic damage.

Cranial Base Superimposition of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Images: A Voxel-Based Protocol Validation.

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of the present study was to find the gold-standard accuracy of voxel-based superimposition of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) datasets with a protocol developed for the Dolphin Imaging 3D software. The secondary objectives were to analyze reproducibility and efficiency of this protocol. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-five CBCT datasets of patients with dental implants present were selected. Each Base Volume dataset was duplicated to create a second volume. Subsequently, both volumes were superimposed with a voxel-based protocol consisting of 3 successive steps "Side-by-side Superimposition"; "Overlay Superimposition"; and "Export Orientation to 2nd Volume". The protocol's accuracy was evaluated by measuring the mean distance between the apex of each dental implant on the Base Volume and second volume datasets. Efficiency was given by the mean time needed to complete all superimposition steps. Reproducibility was analyzed by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficients. RESULTS: Mean time needed to complete the protocol was 198 seconds. The protocol had a rotational accuracy of 0.10° to 019° and a translational accuracy of 0.20 to 0.24 mm. Intra-observer and inter-observer reproducibility were 1 and 0.921 to 1, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The protocol is accurate, precise, reproducible, and efficient. The validation of this method enables unbiased analysis of surgical outcomes based on a single, user-friendly software product that is widely available in academic and clinical settings.

Sialolith removal in the submandibular region using surgical diode laser: report of two cases and literature review.

PURPOSE: Sialolithiasis is defined as the presence of one or more calcified structures within the duct of a major or minor salivary gland. It occurs as a result of deposition of calcium salts around an accumulation of organic debris in the duct lumen. The main signs and symptoms are edema and bacterial infection with abscess formation. METHODS: This study aimed to report two cases of submandibular sialolithiasis treated surgically with diode laser and conduct a review of the literature by means of a systematic search. In the two cases, the calculi were located in the distal part of the submandibular duct and could be palpated intraorally. Surgery was performed in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia. A linear incision was made in the floor of the mouth, in the region of the opening of Wharton's duct, to expose and remove the calculi. Laser cutting was performed using a diode laser module coupled to a 400-µm optical fiber emitting at a wavelength of 980 nm (infrared), 2.5 W output power, and in continuous pulse mode. RESULTS: The use of diode laser is a safe and minimally invasive option for this type of procedure. CONCLUSION: Offering advantages such as enhanced coagulation properties and high-quality incision, absence of bleeding, low risk of nerve damage, and few comorbidities.

Midfacial Protraction With Skeletal Anchorage After Pterygomaxillary Separation.

The present article reports the treatment of a 7-year-old girl with maxillary hypoplasia associated with multiple tooth agenesis through maxillary protraction with skeletal anchorage and pterygomaxillary separation. Two titanium mini-plates were placed in the lateral region of the nasal cavity and used as anchorage for maxillary protraction with a reverse-pull facemask. Pterygomaxillary separation was also performed to enhance the effects of maxillary protraction. One week after surgery, 300 g of force was applied on each side to protract the maxilla. Active treatment time was 4 months, with 12 additional months of follow-up. Analysis of the cone beam computed tomography images demonstrated that skeletal anchorage enabled the correction of the maxillomandibular discrepancy, with an improvement in facial appearance and occlusion and with no dental effects. Pterygomaxillary separation was not effective, showing no superior orthopedic response on maxillary advancement or restrictions to maxillary growth in the 12-month post-treatment follow-up.

Intraoral technique for locking reconstruction plate fixation using an implant handpiece with adapted drills.

BACKGROUND: Locking reconstruction plates are used in the treatment of jaw trauma and diseases if there is a need for surgical resection and to prevent pathologic fracture after tumor excision. Fixation is typically performed using an extraoral approach. METHODS: This article describes a technique for the intraoral fixation of locking reconstruction plates that uses prototyping to model the plate before the procedure as well as an implant handpiece with adapted drills for bone drilling and the insertion of screws into relatively inaccessible areas. CONCLUSION: Intraoral fixation not only prevents nerve damage and facial scarring but also minimizes the plate's risk of extraoral exposure and reduces surgical morbidity. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 1436-1439, 2016.

Myositis Ossificans of the Temporalis Muscle.

Traumatic myositis ossificans (TMO) is a rare ossifying disease that occurs in the muscle or soft tissues. A case of TMO isolated in the temporalis muscle is reported. In the case described, calcification in the temporalis muscle was confirmed after computed tomography. Surgery, physiotherapy, and histopathological analysis were performed. One year after treatment, further ossification was present but without interference in function. The most accepted treatment for TMO in the maxillofacial region is excision followed by physiotherapy. The high rate of non-recurrence may be concealed due to the short follow-up period. TMO is a lesion that may frequently recur and long-term follow-up must be provided.

Unusual complication after genioplasty.

Facial beauty depends on shape, proportion, and harmony between the facial thirds. The chin is one of the most important components of the inferior third and has an important role on the definition of facial aesthetic and harmony in both frontal and lateral views. There are 2 principal therapeutic approaches that one can choose to treat mental deformities, alloplastic implants, and mental basilar ostectomy, also known as genioplasty. The latest is more commonly used because of great versatility in the correction of three-dimensional deformities of the chin and smaller taxes of postoperative complications. Possible transoperative and postoperative complications of genioplasty include mental nerve lesion, bleeding, damage to tooth roots, bone resorption of the mobilized segment, mandibular fracture, ptosis of the lower lip, and failure to stabilize the ostectomized segment. The study presents 2 cases of displacement of the osteotomized segment after genioplasty associated with facial trauma during postoperative orthognathic surgery followed by rare complications with no reports in the literature.

Submandibular myofibroma: a case report.

PURPOSE: Myofibroma is a rare benign spindle cell neoplasm, and the aim of the present study was to carry out a literature review and present a clinical case of a patient with a myofibroma in the submandibular region and its management. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosis of myofibroma can be reached by a histopathologic and immunohistochemical analysis and surgical excision is the treatment of choice.

Osseointegration of atmospheric plasma-sprayed titanium implants: Influence of the native oxide layer.

The aim of this study was to evaluate in vivo the influence of the native oxide layer on osseointegration and new bone formation on the surface of atmospheric plasma-sprayed porous titanium coatings. Porous titanium coatings were deposited on all implant surfaces, and half of the samples were subsequently submitted to oxide layer removal treatment. Samples were implanted onto the cortical bone of sheep (tibia) and evaluated at 30 and 60 days. Implants were removed en bloc and the attachment of bone to implants was examined by tensile pull-out test (osseointegration assessment), light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (histological analysis), and instrumented hardness tests (mechanical properties of mature and newly formed bone tissue). Coatings submitted to oxide layer treatment presented higher osseointegration values at both healing periods and showed more mature and mineralized bone tissue when compared with nontreated coatings. Our findings showed that the use of acid-etching in association with atmospheric plasma spraying techniques improves osseointegration of titanium implants.

Computed gray levels in multislice and cone-beam computed tomography.

INTRODUCTION: Gray level is the range of shades of gray in the pixels, representing the x-ray attenuation coefficient that allows for tissue density assessments in computed tomography (CT). An in-vitro study was performed to investigate the relationship between computed gray levels in 3 cone-beam CT (CBCT) scanners and 1 multislice spiral CT device using 5 software programs. METHODS: Six materials (air, water, wax, acrylic, plaster, and gutta-percha) were scanned with the CBCT and CT scanners, and the computed gray levels for each material at predetermined points were measured with OsiriX Medical Imaging software (Geneva, Switzerland), OnDemand3D (CyberMed International, Seoul, Korea), E-Film (Merge Healthcare, Milwaukee, Wis), Dolphin Imaging (Dolphin Imaging & Management Solutions, Chatsworth, Calif), and InVivo Dental Software (Anatomage, San Jose, Calif). The repeatability of these measurements was calculated with intraclass correlation coefficients, and the gray levels were averaged to represent each material. Repeated analysis of variance tests were used to assess the differences in gray levels among scanners and materials. RESULTS: There were no differences in mean gray levels with the different software programs. There were significant differences in gray levels between scanners for each material evaluated (P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The software programs were reliable and had no influence on the CT and CBCT gray level measurements. However, the gray levels might have discrepancies when different CT and CBCT scanners are used. Therefore, caution is essential when interpreting or evaluating CBCT images because of the significant differences in gray levels between different CBCT scanners, and between CBCT and CT values.

Correction of facial asymmetry resulting from hemimandibular hyperplasia: surgical steps to the esthetic result.

Hemimandibular hyperplasia is a facial deformity in which there is an increase in the condyle, neck of the condyle or ramus, and an occlusal cant. Different surgical treatments are proposed in the literature, from simple low or high condylectomy to more complex procedures combining osteotomies in different sites of the mandible. Surgical procedure is defined by the scintigraphic diagnosis of activity or inactivity in the center of condylar growth. The case report describes a 35-year-old female patient with hemimandibular hyperplasia on the left side with inactivity of condylar growth, successfully treated with bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy associated with a basilar osteotomy in form of "L" on the affected side. The surgical technique was easily executed, with an improvement in function, aesthetics, and patient satisfaction. Correction of facial asymmetry caused by excessive growth of the mandible using this basilar osteotomy in the form of "L" combined with bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy proved to be a relatively simple technique of easy execution with a low risk of nerve damage.

Implant handpiece with adapted drills in orthognathic surgery: preventing facial scars.

The attachment of bilateral sagittal-split osteotomy of the mandibular ramus with bicortical screws or the combination of miniplates and a bicortical screw is complicated through the intraoral approach because of the angle required for insertion of screws, so it is necessary to use a trocater. This article aimed to report a technique developed and used in 60 patients, wherein an implant handpiece with adapted drills was used in the intraoral attachment. The setting was performed intraorally to prevent scarring and extraoral facial nerve damage, which may be caused by extraoral and transbuccal approaches routinely performed when using the trocater. The versatility of the handpiece implant allows for the insertion of monocortical and bicortical screws and rigid internal fixation of mandibular sagittal-split osteotomy, as well as surgical time reduction, decreasing postoperative morbidity.

Pharyngeal airway changes in Class III patients treated with double jaw orthognathic surgery--maxillary advancement and mandibular setback.

PURPOSE: The pharyngeal airway may change after skeletal movement in patients who have undergone orthognathic surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the skeletal and pharyngeal airway changes in subjects with a Class III facial pattern who underwent double-jaw surgery (maxillary advancement and mandibular setback). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present retrospective study assessed preoperative (T0), 2- to 4-month postoperative (T1), and 6- to 12-month postoperative (T2) radiographs of subjects with a Class III facial pattern treated at São Lucas Hospital (Porto Alegre, Brazil) using imaging software (Dolphin Imaging 3D 11.5). Five measurements of the pharyngeal airway space (nasopharynx; upper, middle, and lower oropharynges; hypopharynx) were evaluated and correlated with the skeletal movement of the jaws (lines perpendicular to the Frankfurt horizontal plane passing through the nasion point to points A and B). The Student t test for paired samples was used to assess the presence of significant differences between the intervals, and the Spearman correlation coefficient was used to assess the significant correlation existing between the skeletal movement and the pharyngeal airway changes. The results were considered at a maximum level of significance of 5% (P < .05). RESULTS: In the sample of 58 subjects (38 female and 20 male, 18 to 48 years old), measurements of the nasopharynx, upper oropharynx, and middle oropharynx increased, whereas measurements of the lower oropharynx and hypopharynx decreased during these periods (T0 to T1, T0 to T2). Decreases from T1 to T2 in the measurements of the nasopharynx and upper oropharynx were also identified. A correlation between the jaw movements and the change in airway measurement was found between the line perpendicular to the Frankfurt horizontal plane passing through the nasion point to point A and the nasopharynx and between the line perpendicular to the Frankfurt horizontal plane passing through the nasion point to point B and the lower oropharynx for T0 to T1 and T0 to T2. CONCLUSIONS: A correlation between skeletal movements and changes in the measurements of pharyngeal airway was found between maxillary advancement and the nasopharynx, with proportions of 102.8% and 85.5% in the short and medium terms, respectively, and between mandibular setback and the low oropharynx, with proportions of 44.8% and 43.5% in the short and medium terms. A correlation for pharyngeal airway measurements was found between those located anatomically near each other, showing the importance of the pharyngeal muscles in this relation.

Worldwide incidence of odontogenic tumors.

PURPOSE: The objective of the study was to determine the relative frequency of odontogenic tumors (OTs) in the world population, directing an epidemiologic profile to these lesions. METHODS: Was conducted a search in epidemiologic studies involving OTs that are listed by PubMed and Ovid, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library, embracing the period from January 1960 to January 2010, to verify their incidence worldwide. We identified 195 articles, of which 19 articles were selected, considering the location, age, sex, histologic type, and World Health Organization classification. RESULTS: A total of 8544 OTs were found. The results showed a low frequency of malignant OTs in selected works. The most frequent tumor was ameloblastoma (39.6%), followed by odontoma (20.1%) and the newly included keratocystic OT (13.8%). CONCLUSIONS: These OTs are uncommon lesions in world population, and malignant OTs are very rare. The relative frequency of different kinds of OTs, the age, and the sex distribution show a marked geographic variation in incidence of those lesions. This was particularly notable in the ameloblastomas and odontoma, with the incidences being relatively well and weighted showing similar values to an average when compared with previous studies.

Impacted foreign bodies in the maxillofacial region-diagnosis and treatment.

Foreign bodies are often encountered by oral and maxillofacial surgeons and may present a diagnostic challenge to the trauma surgeon due to many factors such as the size of the object, the difficult access, and a close anatomic relationship of the foreign body to vital structures. They are usually a result of injuries or operations. Fragments of broken instruments can be left behind and entire teeth or their fragments can be displaced during extraction. The approach to this kind of injury should be sequential and multidisciplinary, beginning with the trauma unit that will provide maintenance of the airways, hemodynamic stabilization, and, but only if necessary, neurologic, ophthalmologic, and vascular evaluation. With a view to illustrating and discussing the diagnosis and treatment of this kind of injury, this study reports impacted foreign bodies in oral and maxillofacial region. The following data were collected: age, sex, race, etiology, occurrence of fracture, anatomic location of the fracture, daytime of the traumatic event, type of the object, signal and symptoms, type of imaging examination used, type of anesthesia, approach, transoperative complication, period between surgery and hospital liberation, and the occurrence of death. Foreign body injuries in the maxillofacial region can place the patient's life at risk, so a correct initial treatment performed by a multidisciplinary team increases the survival of this kind of patient.

Assessment of the oral and maxillofacial surgery service in a teaching hospital in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine an epidemiologic profile of the patients hospitalized and/or operated on by an oral and maxillofacial surgery service in Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective and descriptive epidemiologic survey of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Service from Saint Lucas Hospital at the Pontifical Catholic University, Porto Alegre, Brazil, from January 2000 to December 2005, was performed. Data related to the number, sex, age, service year, as well as surgical modalities performed, instituted treatments, and length of stay, were collected from the hospital's handbooks. RESULTS: A total of 1117 patients were attended during the 6 years of study, with a decreasing tendency throughout the years (P = 0.022). There was female predominance (54%), between 10 and 40 years old, and attended via public health system (56%). Among surgical modalities performed, dentoalveolar surgery was the most prevalent (22.9%), followed by the orthognathic surgeries (21.4%), facial fractures (18%), pathologic condition surgeries (16.7%), and dental implants and grafts (13.7%). Surgeries of patients with cleft lip and/or palate (3.4%), treatment of maxillofacial infections (2.95%), and temporomandibular joint surgeries (1%) were less frequent. CONCLUSIONS: The information presented in this research elicited data to clarify the type of attendance performed by the service, being a cornerstone for planning, organization, and attention improvement of these patients. In addition, this information can compare with data among services, specialty acting fields, as well as, its impact in hospital activities.

Embolization of pseudoaneurysm of the internal maxillary artery after orthognathic surgery.

In orthognathic surgery, Le Fort I osteotomy is one of the most often used methods for the correction of dental-facial deformities and is considered technically safe. However, this procedure may lead to diverse complications, including uncommon vascular complications. A clinical case is described of late development of pseudoaneurysm in one of the branches of the maxillary artery in a 20-year-old patient who had undergone Le Fort I osteotomy, bilateral sagittal osteotomy of mandibular branch, and mentoplasty and subsequently treated with embolization. The main forms of treating vascular injuries are reviewed, and embolization is demonstrated to be a technically safe procedure with few complications.

Self-drilling and self-tapping screws: an ultrastructural study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the current study was to compare self-drilling and self-tapping screws with regard to bone contact and the production of bone debris using scanning electron microscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three New Zealand rabbit calvariae were used. Self-tapping and self-drilling screws were inserted into the outer surface of the skull with and without saline solution irrigation. All screws were 5 mm in length and were inserted until their tips projected through the endosteal side. Sixteen screws were used--8 with a head diameter of 1.5 mm and 8 with 2.0 mm. All self-tapping screws were inserted through a drill bit hole (1.6 mm for 2.0-mm screws and 1.3 mm for 1.5-mm screws). RESULTS: There was no damage to the screws after insertion. Bone damage occurred when irrigation was not used during the installment of the self-tapping screws. Bone debris formed during the installment of the self-drilling screws, which is considered beneficial. CONCLUSIONS: Because the insertion of self-drilling screws is performed with manual pressure, irrigation is not essential. Unlike the drilling that occurs with self-tapping screw, the bone debris formed with self-drilling screws is not the result of the heat generated, but rather the result of biologically active bone tissue capable of reacting with the screw and improving its performance. The animal model used proved highly appropriate for comparisons with human beings because the bone structures of the head have the same density and thickness.