Cranioplasty of Hemispherical Defects Using High Impact Methylmethacrylic Plate.

UNLABELLED: Decompressive craniectomy is the most common neurosurgical procedure performed in today's scenario, usually posttrauma or a cerebrovascular event. Cranioplasty is the repair of a cranial defect or deformation. In the last decade, there has been an increase in the number of cranioplasties performed because of an increase in the number of decompressive craniectomies. Although the main purpose of cranioplasty is to protect the brain and restore aesthetics, it has been proved beyond doubt that there is also an improvement in function and patient self-esteem.Reconstructing the skull after a decompressive craniectomy is a challenge because of the size and contour of the defect, the projection of the brain outside in many cases, and the attendant risks of infection, hematoma, seizures, and CSF leak. In the last few decades, an enormous array of biomaterials has been used for cranioplasty, but there is no consensus on the best material. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Polymethylmethacrylate has been used for cranioplasty since the World War II and is still the most widely used reconstructive material. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients requiring reconstruction of hemispherical cranial defects were taken up for the study. An impression of the defect was taken over the skin using impression compound first and then silicone impression material. The model was trimmed to size, and an acrylic plate was made from High Impact Acrylic. Under general anesthesia, the acrylic plate was fixed to the margins of the defect using titanium plates and screws. Suction drain was placed and the wound closed with Vicryl Rapid. All patients were followed up for 2 years to note any postoperative complications and change in neurological status. There were 12 male patients and 3 female patients. Age of the patients ranged between 8 and 55 years. RESULTS: All patients were happy with the aesthetic results. There were no complications in all our patients. A few patients showed dramatic improvement in their neurological status. CONCLUSION: High Impact Acrylic is an excellent restorative material for reconstructing large sized cranial defects.

Accessory mental nerve: case report, review and its role in trigeminal neuralgia.

The presence of accessory mental nerve (AMN) is rare and only few cases have been reported. Peripheral neurectomy of the mental nerve is one of the treatments of choice in cases of trigeminal neuralgia (TGN) affecting the mental nerve. Failure to remove the mental nerve with all its branches completely is the main reason behind its regrowth leading to recurrence of the disease. Presence of AMN may be missed out during routine surgery leading to persistence of the neuralgic pain associated with the AMN. The purpose of this article is to present a case where an AMN was found accidently after excision of the mental nerve in a case of TGN. The AMN was dissected to its complete length and excised. The patient was followed up on monthly basis and there was no recurrence found 24 months postoperatively.

Parry Romberg Syndrome: Literature Review and Report of Three Cases.

Parry Romberg Syndrome or Progressive Hemifacial Atrophy is a rare disease usually affecting one side of face with loss of soft and hard tissues. The disease appears suddenly and is usually self-limiting in 2-10 years time. The loss of soft and hard tissue leads to aesthetic and functional deficits which are compounded by the presence of associated symptoms like neuralgia, migraine, epilepsy and ocular involvement. The degree of deformity depends on the age at which the disease manifests first; the younger the age, the more severe the deformity. These patients undergo severe psychological trauma and social problems. The exact etiology is not known, and treatment is largely cosmetic. A report of three cases and a literature review is presented.

Dermoid Cysts of the Maxillofacial Region: Case Series.

The maxillofacial region can be affected by a number of subcutaneous pathologic conditions that include developmental, inflammatory, infective and neoplastic entities. Many of these lesions present as a soft to firm painless swelling. Differential diagnosis of such lesions requires thorough knowledge of maxillofacial pathology as well as anatomy to come to a correct diagnosis and provide effective treatment. Misdiagnosis and improper treatment can lead to other complications and morbidity. The commonly encountered lesions include dermoid cysts, branchial cysts, lipoma and thyroglossal cyst. Dermoid cysts are dysontogenetic cysts rarely involving the maxillofacial region (1.6-7% of all dermoid cysts of the body). The most common site of involvement in the maxillofacial region is near the frontozygomatic suture followed by cervical region. Some lesions have a deep component which may involve the cranial or orbital cavities. This is a retrospective study of the cases managed at our center from 2001 to 2017. Of the 12 cases in our study, all but one was involving the floor of the mouth. There were 11 males and 1 female. Swelling was the only symptom. The patients age ranged from 16 to 34 years (Table 2). The cysts were present for a period ranging from 6 months to 5 years at the time of reporting. All cases were managed with enucleation. The patients are on follow-up with no report of recurrence. The period of follow-up was 1 to 16 years. There were no complications postoperatively.

Cranioplasty of Hemispherical Defects Using Calcium Phosphate Cements Along with Titanium Mesh: Our Experience.

INTRODUCTION: Cranial defects may arise due to trauma, infection, surgical ablation or errors in development. Restoration of such defects is important for esthetics, function and morale of the patient. Several materials are available. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Search is on for an ideal material. Autogenous grafts remain the gold standard in reconstruction of such defects. However, the morbidity associated with their harvest, additional time required, the need for a second surgical site and the limited supply has led to the search for newer substitutes. Although many materials are available today including biologic and non biologic substitutes, there is still no consensus about the best material. In this article we describe our use of calcium phosphate cements for reconstruction of hemispherical cranial defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cases requiring reconstruction of hemispherical cranial defects (more than 15 cm in any dimension) were selected for study. After exposing the defect under GA, titanium mesh was adapted to the defect for support. Then the calcium phosphate cement was prepared and injected on the mesh to establish good contour. The alloplastic insert in each patient was evaluated for: (a) Immediate post-operative complications (b) Restoration of contour and soft tissue support (c) New bone formation ascertained on HRCT at the end of 2 years. Patients were examined on postoperative first week, at 3 and at 6 months. High resolution computed tomography scans were taken at 2 years postop. There were two female and three male patients. RESULTS: There were no complications in the post operative period. The general condition of the patients improved post operatively. Even though the cements maintained their contour at 2 years, there were no signs of bone formation within the cement. CONCLUSION: Calcium phosphate cement is a good bone substitute for use in cranioplasty. In defects requiring mechanical strength, it should be supported by a titanium mesh. It retains the contour but is not replaced by bone even after 2 years.

Free dermal fat graft for restoration of soft tissue defects in maxillofacial surgery.

Various local flaps have been used for reconstruction of developmental and post surgical soft tissue defects of maxillofacial region. They include nasolabial flap, palatal pedicled flap, buccal fat pad, temporalis muscle and fascia flap. An ideal flap for all indications is yet to be found. Our experience with free dermal fat graft in the correction of deformities associated with Parry Romberg syndrome and oral submucous fibrosis is presented.