A Minimally Invasive Approach for Temporomandibular Joint Replacement: A Pilot Study.

Temporomandibular joint replacement (TJR) with an alloplastic (metal/ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene) device has proven to be a successful and predictable procedure. This paper describes a novel technique for performing TJR with an endaural incision alone. The technique we are describing uses only an endaural incision with supplemental trocar incision(s), to perform a TJR. There were 4 patients for a total of 8 temporomandibular joints that were selected. All 4 patients were assessed immediately following surgery, on postoperative days 1 and 7 and at 6 months following surgery. Maximal interincisal opening and subjective variables were assessed at each of the time points. Additionally, the total operative time was measured and compared to a previous age and diagnosis matched control group using the traditional 2 incisions TJR.There were 3 females and 1 male (ages 19-67) who underwent TJR with an endaural incision alone. There were 4 females (ages 19-68) who underwent traditional TJR surgery. None of the patients in either group had major complications and all patients were discharged on postoperative day 1. All patients in the endaural incision alone group had increased maximal interincisal opening and reported a quicker subjective decrease in pain and disability following surgery with less average time in the operating room. However, all patients in the endaural incision alone group had CN VII weakness that lasted longer than those in the traditional TJR group.The minimally invasive approach for TJR was successful in the present pilot study and could be used in specific situations to decrease the morbidity associated with additional incisions for this procedure. Ultimately, the endaural only incision approach offers promising outcomes for future patients undergoing temporomandibular joints TJR in the right patient population.

Most Facial Fractures Do Not Require Surgical Intervention.

PURPOSE: Literature describing the number of patients that had a facial fracture that required surgical intervention in the United States is very limited. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the percentage of patients who required surgical intervention after presenting to a Level 1 Trauma Center with 1 or more facial fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of all patients who presented with facial fracture(s) to University Hospital, a Level 1 Trauma Center (San Antonio, Texas), over a 5-year period from July 2015 to July 2020. Patients' charts that had 1 or more International Classification of Diseases 10 codes pertaining to facial fractures were collected. Cases were subdivided by fracture location: mandible, midface, upper face, or a combination of any of the aforementioned locations (predictor variables). After subdividing based on location, each chart was then reviewed and separated based on whether or not surgical intervention was provided (primary outcome variable). Data were tabulated and analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: Over the 5-year period, 3,416 patients presented with facial fractures. Of the 3,126 patients who survived their injuries and were not lost to follow-up, the vast majority (80.9%) did not require surgical intervention for their facial fractures. Mandible fractures required surgical intervention, whether isolated or in combination, much more frequently than in patients who did not have any type of mandible fracture (RR 8.01, 95% CI 6.92-9.27, P < .05 and RR 4.60, 95% CI 3.42-6.18, P < .05, respectively). Patients aged 50 years or less were also more likely to receive surgical intervention than those aged 51 years and more (RR 1.98 95% CI 1.63-2.41, P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The vast majority of facial fractures that present to a Level 1 Trauma Center do not require surgical intervention. Patients who present with any type of mandible fracture and are aged 50 years or less are more likely to need surgical intervention.

Temporomandibular Joint Prosthesis Revision and/or Replacement Survey and Review of the Literature.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to report the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) alloplastic reconstruction (TMJR) revision and/or replacement rates and associated complication outcomes data gathered from experienced TMJ surgeons and to review the recent relevant data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 21-question anonymous on-line survey was sent to all Commission on Dental Accreditation-approved oral and maxillofacial surgery program directors and to members of the European Society of TMJ Surgeons and the American Society of Temporomandibular Joint Surgeons. RESULTS: Of the surgeons sent the survey, 22% completed the full questionnaire. Most responses were from surgeons who routinely perform TMJR surgery (93.5%). Of the respondents, 28.3% had more than 30 years of experience and 73.9% were full-time academic faculty. A total of 4638 TMJR procedures were recorded and analyzed. The incidence of TMJR revision (keeping the same device) was 3% and that of replacement (placing a new device) was 4.9%. The most common reason for revision was heterotopic ossification (27.5%). The most common reason for replacement was infection (21.1%). Revision was successful in 86.7% and replacement in 94.6% of the patients at the longest follow-up reported. CONCLUSIONS: The data from the present study have shown that the incidence is low and the success rate is high for TMJR revision and replacement.

Idiopathic Condylar Resorption: A Survey and Review of the Literature.

PURPOSE: Idiopathic condylar resorption (ICR) is a relatively uncommon condition. Its diagnosis, etiology, and management options are controversial. Furthermore, it is difficult for 1 provider to collect a large cohort of ICR patients to develop a statistically significant study of these concerns. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to survey experienced temporomandibular joint (TMJ) surgeons who have managed ICR cases relative to these concerns, as well as review the management outcome literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: SurveyMonkey (Palo Alto, CA) was used to canvas the 88 international TMJ surgeons on the TMJ Concepts (Ventura, CA) InterNetwork. This network connects a group of surgeons across the world who consistently perform TMJ surgery. The intent was to provide a global snapshot of the demographic, epidemiologic, diagnostic workup, and outcome data related to the management of ICR cases. RESULTS: The surveys from surgeons who did not respond to all 12 questions were not included in the results. After application of the exclusion criteria, complete data on a cohort of 100 patients were obtained and used for the study. A history of hormonal imbalance was reported in only 10% of patients; however, 42 of 94 women were reportedly taking birth control pills presumably affecting their menstrual cycles. The most common reason for consultation was Class II malocclusion (98% of patients). Treatment modalities varied and included orthodontics, orthotics, TMJ total joint replacement, orthognathic surgery, and disc repositioning. CONCLUSIONS: ICR management proved to be controversial among the surveyed surgeons. Multiple treatment options have been described in the literature, including medical management, orthognathic surgery only, TMJ and orthognathic surgery, and total joint prosthesis reconstruction. Long-term, controlled, multicenter clinical studies should be developed to evaluate outcomes of all nonsurgical and surgical management options for the ICR patient.

Concomitant Temporomandibular Joint Replacement and Orthognathic Surgery.

The treatment of patients with severe temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and associated skeletal discrepancies presents a complex challenge for oral and maxillofacial surgeons. It is widely recognized that TMDs can impact the stability and outcomes of surgical treatments for dentofacial deformities. Consequently, addressing TMDs prior to or in conjunction with orthodontic or surgical interventions may be necessary to achieve optimal and long-lasting results. Alloplastic temporomandibular joint replacement (TMJR) and orthognathic surgery have emerged as the standard approach due to their predictability, long-term stability and excellent outcomes when addressing end-stage TMJ disease in conjunction with DFDs as it provides a comprehensive solution to address both functional and aesthetic aspects of these patients' conditions. Understanding the appropriate utilization of TMJR in conjunction with orthognathic surgery can lead to improved treatment planning and successful outcomes for patients with complex TMJ disorders and associated dentofacial deformities. This review aims to discuss the indications, preoperative evaluation, staging, sequencing, and surgical considerations involved in utilizing alloplastic TMJ replacement in the presence of dentofacial deformities.

Sagittal reduction genioplasty: Technical note.

Without a doubt, the chin plays an important role on facial harmony. Both position and shape of the chin can significantly affect the facial profile. Genioplasty is a relatively simple surgical procedure that allows to correct deformities associated to the chin area. Several techniques and modifications have been described in the literature for different types of deformities. Anterior posterior reduction osteotomies of the chin have an unpredictable effect on the soft tissues and the use of the conventional sliding osteotomy have shown unsatisfactory cosmetic outcomes, this associated with step deformity, notching at the inferior border of the mandible among others. We propose a simple and effective technique that allows the correction of a chin deformity in cases where sagittal or vertical reduction is required with excellent esthetic results. Four case examples are presented for technique illustration.

Outcomes of total joint alloplastic reconstruction in TMJ ankylosis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate subjective and objective outcomes in patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis treated with TMJ alloplastic reconstruction (TMJR). STUDY DESIGN: All patients diagnosed with TMJ ankylosis that underwent TMJR at our institution between 2010 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into 2 cohorts: bony and fibrous ankylosis. Subjective variables assessed were facial pain and headaches, TMJ pain, jaw function, diet, and disability. Objective variables assessed were maximum interincisal opening and lateral excursions. The Mann-Whitney test was employed to analyze subjective variables and an unpaired t-test was used to analyze the objective variables. P < .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients met the inclusion criteria (21 female, 7 male). The mean age at the time of surgery was 42 years, and the mean number of prior TMJ surgeries was 3. A total of 52 TMJRs were performed in the 28 patients, and the mean follow-up time was 46 months. All subjective variables were significantly improved, and the mean maximum interincisal opening increased from 16.9 mm to 37.25 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study demonstrate that TMJR is an effective and reliable method for the management of both fibrous and bony TMJ ankylosis.

Treatment of malocclusion after TMJ disc repositioning with Mitek anchors. A retrospective review.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the outcomes of using Class III elastic mechanics to correct the postsurgical malocclusion produced after temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc repositioning with the Mitek anchor technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of 42 patients (72 TMJs) with a Wilkes class II or III internal derangement (ID) that were corrected surgically with Mitek anchors (Mitek Surgical Products, Westwood, MA) for TMJ disc repositioning at the OMS Department, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. RESULTS: Immediately post-operatively (T2) 23 of the 42 patients (54%) had immediate malocclusion (bilateral posterior open bite, mandibular deviation, and class III malocclusion) requiring elastics. Sixteen of the 23 patients with malocclusion elected to use elastics and the other ones did not desire treatment. Class III elastics patients post-operatively showed 11 patients of 16 (69%) without malocclusion at 7 days after surgery, with all patients (100%) returning to their pre-operative occlusion by one and a half months post-operatively. The patients treated without elastics showed 6 of 7 (85%) with malocclusion at 7 days post-operatively, and 4 of them (57%) exhibited persistent malocclusion after two months that required further treatment. CONCLUSION: Class III elastics placed immediately after TMJ articular disc repositioning with Mitek anchors provide an effective and predictable resolution of malocclusion at a higher rate than without treatment.

Demencia / Dementia

Al describir las demencias se sigue el siguiente orden: concepto y delimitación nosológica. Definición, etiología, clasificación, clínica, evaluación general, diagnóstico, curso y evolución. Pronóstico, tratamiento y manejo, prevención. Se las clasifica en reversibles e irreversibles, recomendando una evaluación general que incluya: historia clínica meticulosa; exhaustiva anamnesis, cuidadoso examen psiquiátrico, examen clínico completo, incluyendo el neurológico, exámenes paraclínicos, imagenología, electro encefalografía y evaluación psicométrica. Se sugiere procurar diagnóstico precoz, que permita modoficar el curso, la evolución y el pronóstico de la demencia, ya que el 10 por ciento de ellas puede remitir y en el 30 por ciento se detiene el curso. También se proponen medidas preventivas

La delincuencia del inmigrante y su prevención / The delinquency the immigrant and by prevention

El autor comienza definiendo los términos emigrante y colonia y se refiere a las actitudes asumidas por éstos ante la sociedad mayoritaria; describe la normativa legal de inmigración en Venezuela; muestra la mayor morbilidad psiquiátrica y el aumento de la delincuencia extranjera, así como los delitos más frecuentes según las nacionalidades y las actitudes de las colonias; finalmente sugiere medidas de prevención