Three-Dimensional Anthropometric Facial Analysis and Fitting Discrepancies Between Stereophotogrammetry and CT.

BACKGROUND: The reliability and repeatability of stereophotogrammetry and CT in 3-dimensional anthropometric facial analysis were investigated in this study, which also explored the clinical application of supine CT. METHOD: In this study, 3D CT and 3dMD stereophotogrammetry were used on 20 healthy volunteers. The fitting distance between stereophotogrammetry and CT scans at landmark points was measured, along with facial feature measurements (Al-Al) face width (Go-Go, Zy-Zy, Ex-Ex), and hemi-face height (Sn-Gn). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was employed to assess interrater agreement and to verify the reliability of the measurement methods. Paired t -analysis was utilized for analyzing intramethod displacement. RESULTS: The alare, nasion, and pronasale points were found to be minimally influenced by different positions and are more recommended as landmark points for registration. CT demonstrated good interrater reliability on all indicators. In stereophotogrammetry, measurements for Go-Go and Zy-Zy displayed an interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of less than 0.75. Significant differences between the 2 methods were observed for En-En, Ex-Ex, and Go-Go ( P < 0.05). Specifically, CT analysis for Go-Go showed a measurement 2.34 mm larger than that obtained with the 3dMD method. CONCLUSION: Both CT and stereophotogrammetry were found to be reliable methods for evaluating facial soft tissue. It is speculated that Go-Go measurement is primarily influenced by factors such as different positions, facial expressions, and gravity. These variables should be carefully considered during the evaluation of the mandibular angle region.

Regulatory T cells subgroups in the tumor microenvironment cannot be overlooked: Their involvement in prognosis and treatment strategy in melanoma.

BACKGROUND: Melanoma, the most lethal form of skin cancer, presents substantial challenges despite effective surgical interventions for in situ lesions. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) wield a pivotal immunomodulatory influence within the tumor microenvironment, yet their impact on melanoma prognosis and direct molecular interactions with melanoma cells remain elusive. This investigation employs single-cell analysis to unveil the intricate nature of Tregs in human melanoma. METHODS: Single-cell RNA and bulk sequencing data, alongside clinical information, were obtained from public repositories. Initially, GO and GSEA analyses were employed to delineate functional disparities among distinct cell subsets. Pseudotime and cell-cell interconnection analyses were conducted, followed by an endeavor to construct a prognostic model grounded in Treg-associated risk scores. This model's efficacy was demonstrated via PCA and K-M analyses, with multivariate Cox regression affirming its independent prognostic value in melanoma patients. Furthermore, immune infiltration analysis, immune checkpoint gene expression scrutiny, and drug sensitivity assessments were performed to ascertain the clinical relevance of this prognostic model. RESULTS: Following batch effect correction, 80 025 cells partitioned into 31 clusters, encompassing B cells, plasma cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, melanoma cells, monocytes, macrophages, and T_NK cells. Within these, 4240 CD4+ T cells were subclassified into seven distinct types. Functional analysis underscored the immunomodulatory function of Tregs within the melanoma tumor microenvironment, elucidating disparities among Treg subpopulations. Notably, the ITGB2 signaling pathway emerged as a plausible molecular nexus linking Tregs to melanoma cells. Our prognostic signature exhibited robust predictive capacities for melanoma prognosis and potential implications in evaluating immunotherapy response. CONCLUSION: Tregs exert a critical role in immune suppression within the melanoma tumor microenvironment, revealing a potential molecular-level association with melanoma cells. Our innovative Treg-centered signature introduces a promising prognostic marker for melanoma, holding potential for future clinical prognostic assessments.

Automated Preoperative Planning Algorithm for Mandibular Angle Osteotomy Based on Anatomical Landmarks Detection: A Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to develop and evaluate an automated preoperative planning algorithm based on anatomical landmark point recognition for enhancing the efficiency and intelligence of preoperative planning for mandibular angle osteotomy. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of 34 patients underwent preoperative planning with this algorithm. The present algorithm was developed using a method based on anatomical marker point recognition. The efficiency, symmetry, and safety of the automated preoperative planning and esthetics were statistically analyzed by paired t test and χ2 test. RESULTS: The results showed that the automated planning algorithm was able to achieve a great improvement in preoperative planning efficiency as well as safety and symmetry. A prospective case report of 2 patients is then reported, illustrating the safety and esthetics of the algorithm with 1-year postoperative follow-up and postoperative esthetic scores. CONCLUSION: This algorithm can help to improve the efficiency of preoperative planning for surgeons while ensuring safety and esthetics and can be further applied to other craniomaxillofacial personalized design surgeries in the preoperative design in the future.

Automated Preoperative Planning Algorithm for Mandibular Angle Osteotomy Based on Anatomical Landmarks Detection: A Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to develop and evaluate an automated preoperative planning algorithm based on anatomical landmark point recognition for enhancing the efficiency and intelligence of preoperative planning for mandibular angle osteotomy. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of 34 patients underwent preoperative planning with this algorithm. The present algorithm was developed using a method based on anatomical marker point recognition. The efficiency, symmetry, and safety of the automated preoperative planning and esthetics were statistically analyzed by paired t test and χ2 test. RESULTS: The results showed that the automated planning algorithm was able to achieve a great improvement in preoperative planning efficiency as well as safety and symmetry. A prospective case report of 2 patients is then reported, illustrating the safety and esthetics of the algorithm with 1-year postoperative follow-up and postoperative esthetic scores. CONCLUSION: This algorithm can help to improve the efficiency of preoperative planning for surgeons while ensuring safety and esthetics and can be further applied to other craniomaxillofacial personalized design surgeries in the preoperative design in the future.

Discrepancy in Mandibular Medullary Cavity on Different Sides: More Hints Towards Understanding Hemifacial Microsomia.

The authors attempt to approach hemifacial microsomia with macroscopic techniques and look for a link between clinical manifestations with pathogenesis. In this study, for the first time mandibular medullary cavities as essential parts of the mandible were intravitally measured based on the 3-dimensional models. A total of 153 patients were included. The 3-dimensional models of patients' mandibles were reconstructed and medullary cavity volumes (mm 3 ) were measured. The ratio of medullary cavity volume to mandible volume was calculated to determine the proportion of the marrow in the bone. Statistical significance was found in mandible volumes ( P <0.001) and medullary cavity volumes ( P <0.001) on different sides. Medullary cavity volumes were significantly related to mandible volumes on both sides (both P <0.001). Medullary cavity volumes on the nonaffected and affected side were both in correlation with age but in different degrees ( r =0.214, P =0.008 versus r =0.170, P =0.036). The ratios of medullary cavity volume and the mandible were significantly different ( P <0.001) on 2 sides. The volume ratio on the nonaffected side correlated to age while this correlation did not exist on the affected side ( r =0.195, P =0.016 versus r =0.129, P =0.112). A smaller medullary cavity found on the affected side could lead to a reduced amount of bone marrow cells and consequently reduced osteogenic and hematopoietic potential. This could result in abnormal bone formation on the affected side of mandible. Proportions of marrow in bone on the affected side irrelevant to patients' ages signify a poorer potential of expansion. This may explain a higher reluctancy of growth in affected mandibular sides.

Exploration of Novel Genetic Evidence and Clinical Significance Into Hemifacial Microsomia Pathogenesis.

The authors browsed through past genetic findings in hemifacial microsomia along with our previously identified mutations in ITGB4 and PDE4DIP from whole genome sequencing of hemifacial microsomia patients. Wondering whether these genes influence mandibular bone modeling by regulation on osteogenesis, the authors approached mechanisms of hemifacial microsomia through this investigation into gene knockdown effects in vitro. MC3T3E1 cells were divided into 5 groups: the negative control group without osteogenesis induction or siRNA, the positive control group with only osteogenesis induction, and 3 gene silenced groups with both osteogenesis induction and siRNA. Validation of transfection was through fluorescence microscopy and quantitative real-time Polymerase chain reaction on knockdown efficiency. Changes in expression levels of the 3 genes during osteogenesis and impact of Itgb4 and Pde4dip knockdown on osteogenesis were examined by quantitative real-time Polymerase chain reaction, alkaline phosphatase, and alizarin red staining. Elevation of osteogenic genes Alpl, Col1a1, Bglap, Spp1, and Runx2 verified successful osteogenesis. Both genes were upregulated under osteogenic induction, while they had different trends over time. Intracellular fluorophores under microscope validated successful transfection and si-m-Itgb4_003, si-m-Pde4dip_002 had satisfactory knockdown effects. During osteogenesis, Pde4dip knockdown enhanced Spp1 expression (1.95±0.13 folds, P =0.045). The authors speculated that these genes may have different involvements in osteogenesis. Stimulated expression of Spp1 by Pde4dip knockdown may suggest that Pde4dip inhibits osteogenesis.

Comparison of Piezosurgery and Conventional Osteotomy for Orbital Hypertelorism Surgical Correction.

The purpose of this study was to compare the safety and effect of piezosurgery with conventional osteotomy in a box-shifting procedure for orbital hypertelorism (ORH) correction surgery. This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical record of 10 ORH patients aged from 5 to 12 years, and they were second-degree ORH with an interorbital distance (IOD) of 35 to 37.8 mm. Three of them received the osteotomy with piezosurgery (the piezosurgery group), whereas the other 7 patients received osteotomy with the conventional osteotomy method (the control group). They were compared with age and preoperative IOD. All the patients' IOD was effectively improved to normal range after the surgery. The results showed that the application of piezosurgery did not prolong the surgery time (piezosurgery group: 8.3±0.5 hours; control group: 8.7±1.4 hours, P =0.68). Furthermore, the patients in the piezosurgery group had less drainage volume (piezosurgery group: 79.1±12 mL; the control group: 170±41.3 mL, P =0.0065) and shorter postoperative hospital stay (piezosurgery group: 8.3±2.0 d; control group: 12.43±2.29 d, P =0.029). There were 2 patients who had wound infections, 1 in the piezosurgery group and 1 in the control group, respectively. However, 1 patient in the control group suffered from cerebrospinal fluid leakage. On the basis of the results, the application of piezosurgery benefited the patients on a better and smoother recovery course with less drainage and shorter hospital stays. The advantages of piezosurgery are the fine and precise osteotomy and the protection for soft tissue, which make it a comparatively safe and effective tool for craniofacial surgery, especially for young patients.

The Feasibility of Electromagnetic Navigation Technique to Achieve Preoperative Plan in Mandibular Angle Osteotomy.

BACKGROUND: In contrast to the most commonly used optical navigation system, electromagnetic navigation has huge potential in operations with a narrow field. The purpose of this experiment was to test and confirm whether the electromagnetic navigation method the authors developed for mandibular angle osteotomy (MAO) met clinical requirements. METHODS: Using a dental splint that could be repeatedly mounted on teeth, registration between surgical plan and actual field was performed automatically. RESULTS: Navigation of MAO was first performed on 10 mandibular models. The position precision measured using a coordinate measuring machine was 1.30±0.61 mm. Then, a navigation experiment was performed on 4 patients. Accuracy in actual operation measured by the NDI pointing sensor was 1.89±0.76 mm. Our noninvasive automatic registration process reduced the surgical exposure time and eliminated the bias of the manual selection of registration points. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study confirmed the feasibility of the electromagnetic navigation technique in terms of both applicability and accuracy in MAO surgery.

Preliminary Application Research of 3D Bioprinting in Craniofacial Reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, 3-dimensional (3D) printing has been widely used in regenerative medicine research and other fields because of its ability to customize macroscopic morphology and precisely control microstructure. Polymer scaffolds are 1 of the commonly used 3D bioprinting materials for defect repair and have recently been a research focus. Our article explored the bone-formation accelerating effect of 3D-printed porous scaffold Poly(glycerol sebacate) [PGS] in the critical bone defect of an enhancing rabbit mandibular model. Also, we overview and summarize the classification of 3D bioprinting materials and prospects for their various application scenarios in craniofacial reconstruction surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A PGS elastomer scaffold was prepared by polymerizing equimolar amounts of sebacic acid and glycerol using a biological 3D printer. Six male New Zealand white rabbits were prepared (3 for the control group and 3 for the PGS group), each weighing 3 kg. Osteotomy was performed at the anterior edge of the ascending ramus of the mandible with a bone saw to open the 8 mm defect. Defects of the control group were empty, and defects of the PGS group were put into 8 mm-wide PGS elastomer scaffolds. The rabbits were euthanized 6 weeks after the operation, and the postoperative mandibles were collected. Information (presence or absence of pus from infection, nonunion, degree of macroscopic bone healing) was recorded, and the skeletal tissue was fixed in a paraformaldehyde solution. RESULTS: The mandible on the enhanced side was significantly longer than that on the opposite side, and the contralateral incisor was hyperplasia. The mandibles of rabbits in each group healed well, and there was no obvious local infection and purulence. The gross specimen appearance showed that both ends of the defect were connected. When comparing the reconstructed mandibles of the two groups, it is apparent that the width and thickness of the new bone in the PGS group were significantly better than that in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: This article verifies the effect of 3D polypore PGS scaffolds in animal craniomaxillofacial bone defects and introduces various application scenarios of 3D printing materials in craniomaxillofacial reconstruction surgery. There are quite good application prospects for 3D bioprinting in animal experiments and even clinical treatment of craniofacial defects.

Three-dimensional Printing Technologies in Craniofacial Plastic Surgery: An Institutional Experience.

Rapid developments in 3-dimensional(3D) printing technologies in craniofacial plastic surgery have provided a new treatment modality for patients. In this article, we intend to share our institution's experience using 3D printing in 3 modes-namely, 3-dimensional printing for manufacturing contour models, guides, and implants. Fifty-nine patients were enrolled in our study between September 2009 and September 2021. Among the 3D printing-assisted technologies, 41 cases were used for congenital malformations, 82 for trauma repair, and 112 for cosmetic surgery. Preoperative design and postoperative data were compared and analyzed based on imaging data. In craniofacial plastic surgery, all patients had excellent postoperative objective bone measurements close to the preoperative design and improved esthetic appearance. Our survey of postoperative satisfaction showed that patients were quite satisfied with the surgery, especially concerning congenital deformities. Rapid prototyping 3-dimensional printing technology provides a practical and anatomically accurate means to produce patient-specific and disease-specific translational tools. These models can be used for surgical planning, simulation, and clinical evaluation. Expanding this technology in craniofacial plastic surgery will provide adequate assistance to practitioners and patients.

Radiomics and Artificial Intelligence Study of Masseter Muscle Segmentation in Patients With Hemifacial Microsomia.

BACKGROUND: Hemifacial microsomia (HFM) is one of the most common congenital craniofacial condition often accompanied by masseter muscle involvement. U-Net neural convolution network for masseter segmentation is expected to achieve an efficient evaluation of masseter muscle. METHODS: A database was established with 108 patients with HFM from June 2012 to June 2019 in our center. Demographic data, OMENS classification, and 1-mm layer thick 3-dimensional computed tomography were included. Two radiologists manually segmented masseter muscles in a consensus reading as the ground truth. A test set of 20 cases was duplicated into 2 groups: an experimental group with the intelligent algorithm and a control group with manual segmentation. The U-net follows the design of 3D RoI-Aware U-Net with overlapping window strategy and references to our previous study of masseter segmentation in a healthy population system. Sorensen dice-similarity coefficient (DSC) muscle volume, average surface distance, recall, and time were used to validate compared with the ground truth. RESULTS: The mean DSC value of 0.794±0.028 for the experiment group was compared with the manual segmentation (0.885±0.118) with α=0.05 and a noninferiority margin of 15%. In addition, higher DSC was reported in patients with milder mandible deformity ( r =0.824, P <0.05). Moreover, intelligent automatic segmentation takes only 6.4 seconds showing great efficiency. CONCLUSIONS: We first proposed a U-net neural convolutional network and achieved automatic segmentation of masseter muscles in patients with HFM. It is a great attempt at intelligent diagnosis and evaluation of craniofacial diseases.

Feasibility of a Robot-Assisted Surgical Navigation System for Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis in Hemifacial Microsomia: A Model Experiment.

This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and accuracy of osteotomy and distractor placement using a robotic navigation system in a model surgical experiment of mandibular distraction osteogenesis for hemifacial microsomia. Imaging data from 5 patients with Pruzansky-Kaban type II (IIa: 4; IIb: 1) mandibular deformities were used to print 3D models for simulated mandibular distraction osteogenesis. In the experimental group, a robot-assisted surgical navigation system was used to perform the surgery under robotic guidance following registration, according to the preoperative design. Conventional surgery was performed in the control group, in which the operation was based on intraoperative estimations of the preoperative design by experienced surgeons. The accuracies of the osteotomy and distractor placement were assessed based on distance and angular error. Osteotomy accuracy was higher in the experimental group than in the control group, and the distance error ( t =9.311, P <0.001) and angular error ( t =5.385, P =0.001) were significantly reduced. The accuracy of distractor placement was also significantly higher in the experimental group, while the distance error ( t =3.048, P =0.016) and angular error ( t =3.524, P =0.024) were significantly reduced. The present results highlight the feasibility of robot-assisted distraction osteogenesis combined with electromagnetic navigation for improved surgical precision in clinical settings.

Advances in Robot-Assisted Surgery for Facial Bone Contouring Surgery.

Since our team reported the application of robot-assisted surgery in facial contouring surgery in 2020, further clinical trials with large samples have been conducted. This paper will report the interim results of a single-center, large-sample randomized controlled trial of the first robot developed by our team for facial contouring surgery. Meanwhile, this research field will be systematically reviewed and prospected.

STING inhibition accelerates the bone healing process while enhancing type H vessel formation.

The stimulator of interferon genes (STING), one of the critical factors of innate immunity, is indicated to be closely related to angiogenesis. This study examined STING's role in angiogenesis and the formation of type H vessels, a specific subtype of bone vessels that regulates bone healing. Different concentrations of 2',3'-cGAMP, and H-151 or C-176 were applied to activate or inhibit STING, respectively. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were used to examine the effect of STING on angiogenesis in vitro; cell viability, cell migration, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions were performed. Also, the metatarsal experiment was applied as ex vivo proof. Bone fracture or defect mice models were used to examine the effect of STING in vivo; the bone healing process was evaluated by radiography weekly and by µCT on the 14th day after surgery. The formation of type H vessels (CD31hi Emcnhi endothelial cells) and osteogenesis (OCN-positive cells) was assessed using the cryosection and paraffin section. STING activation inhibited angiogenesis both in vitro and ex vivo and slowed down the bone healing process in vivo. Histological analysis showed an increased callus formation, fewer type H vessels, and almost no callus mineralization in the STING activation group compared to the control group. By contrast, H-151 (a hsSTING inhibitor) promoted angiogenesis at a low dose. Moreover, inhibition of mmSTING by C-176 enhanced type H vessels' formation, implying osteogenesis promotion in bone healing (higher bone volume density and more OCN-positive cells). Our data suggested that STING inhibition accelerates the bone healing process while enhancing type H vessel formation.

Changes in Facial Soft Tissues After Mandibular Angle Ostectomy Based on 3-Dimensional Measurement: A Clinical Study.

PURPOSE: A limited number of clinical studies have focused on the changing trends of facial soft tissue after mandibular angle ostectomy. We conducted this study to investigate the changes in facial muscles and facial soft tissue appearance before and after mandibular angle ostectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted on female patients admitted to our hospital for mandibular angle ostectomy between 2019 and 2020. The primary predictor variable was time (preoperative vs 6 months postoperative). The primary outcome variables were surface area and total volume of the manually delineated region of interest (ROI) for the masseter and temporalis muscles. We utilized computed tomography data to reconstruct 3-dimensional models to delineate muscle ROI and then measure them computationally. Secondary outcome variables were indicators of mandible appearance in soft tissue including bilateral mandibular angle distance, mandibular ramus height, and mandibular angle value. Age, preoperative body mass index, and ostectomy volume were chosen as covariates for correlation analysis with outcome variables. Paired t tests and Pearson correlation analysis were conducted, and P values < .05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 29 female patients (mean age, 26 years; range, 18 to 37 years) who underwent mandibular angle ostectomy in our hospital were included. The surface area and total volume of the masseter muscle ROI were reduced by 2,541.2 ± 1,925.0 mm2 (12.8%; P < .05) and 16,242.4 ± 12,646.8 mm3 (18.4%; P < .05), respectively, 6 months after surgery. In contrast, the surface area and total volume of the temporalis muscle ROI increased by 6,081.6 ± 6,169.4 mm2 (12.0%; P < .05) and 19,273.3 ± 21,666.2 mm3 (10.7%; P < .05), respectively. The ostectomy volume showed a correlation coefficient of 0.59 with postoperative masseter ROI change (P < .05). CONCLUSION: We observed statistically significant levels of atrophy of the masseter muscle ROI and expansion of the temporalis muscle ROI 6 months after mandibular angle ostectomy, which may account for appearance changes after surgery. Besides, ostectomy volume positively correlates with postoperative masseter ROI changes. In summary, our study provided empirical evidence illustrating soft tissue alterations in patients who have undergone mandibular angle ostectomy.

Application of Augmented Reality Navigation in Treatment With Fibrosis Dysplasia.

OBJECTIVE: In order to reduce the possibility of accidental injury to neurovascular and important tissues, this research conduct preoperative design and intraoperative guidance for fibrous dysplasia through augmented reality technology. METHODS: Five patients with fibrous dysplasia were selected for three-dimensional (3D) Computed Tomography (CT) scan and 3D model was reconstructed. Considering the navigation plan was comprehensively, the guide plate (composed of card groove, connector, and fixator) was designed and 3D printed. Threedimensional software was used to unify the coordinates of the surgical plan and the guide plate, and the relative position was fixed. Then, the virtual and real overlapping registration is completed on the physical model. Pattern recognition technology is used to identify pre-defined markers in the video images before operation. Finally, the registration results are superimposed into the surgical field of vision to guide and remind surgeons. RESULTS: In this study, the navigation based on augmented reality technology was used in the surgical treatment of 5 cases patients with fibrous dysplasia. The 3D navigation information was displayed in real time in the operative field. The operation was accurate and the postoperative effect was good. CONCLUSIONS: This paper introduces an effective visual navigation surgical method in treatment with fibrous dysplasia. The augmented- reality based navigation system achieves individualized precise treatment by displaying 3D navigation directly in the surgical field. It is an effective auxiliary method for future research on craniofacial surgery.

A Novel Precise Optical Navigation System for Craniomaxillofacial Surgery Registered With an Occlusal Splint.

BACKGROUND: An augmented reality tool allows visual tracking of real anatomical structures and superimposing virtual images, so it can be used for navigation of important structures during surgery. OBJECTIVES: The authors have developed a new occlusal splint-based optical navigation system for craniomaxillofacial surgery. In this study, the authors aim to measure the accuracy of the system and further analyze the main factors influencing precision. METHODS: Ten beagle dogs were selected and a three-dimensional model was established through computed tomography scanning, dental model making, and laser scanning, and then registration was performed according to the tooth marking points. The bilateral mandibular osteotomy was performed on Beagle dogs under navigation system based on the occlusal splint. The left side was taken to compare the deviation between the preoperative plan and the surgical results, and the accuracy of distance and angle and the stability of the system were analyzed. RESULTS: The average position deviation between the preoperative design and intraoperative navigation was: 0.01 ±â€Š0.73 mm on the lateral height of the mandibular ramus, 0.26 ±â€Š0.57 mm on the inner height of the mandibular ramus, and 0.20 ±â€Š0.51 mm on the osteotomy length. The average angle deviation is 0.94°â€Š±â€Š1.38° on the angle between the mandibular osteotomy plane and ramus plane and 0.66°â€Š±â€Š0.97° on the angle of the retained mandibular angle. And most of the data showed good consistency. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the accuracy of the system can meet clinical requirements and can be used as a useful tool to improve the accuracy of craniomaxillofacial surgery.

Correlations Between Mandible Condylar Structures and External Ear Deformities in Hemifacial Microsomia With Three-Dimensional Analysis.

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to explore correlations between mandible and ear deformities and quantitative volumetric relations between condylar structures and external ear in hemifacial microsomia. The authors reconstructed three-dimensional craniofacial models from 212 patients with unilateral hemifacial microsomia (the unaffected side as the controls). Patients were evaluated by Pruzansky-Kaban and Marx classification, and divided into 3 age groups (0-6, 7-12, and >12 years of age). The mandible condylar structures, including condyle and the condylar skeletal unit, were selected (except the classification of the mandibular or ear deformities (M3)). Along with the external ear (except the classification of the mandibular or ear deformities (E4)), their volumes were measured and analyzed. Spearman correlation coefficient analysis was applied. There was a positive correlation between the mandible and ear deformities (r = 0.301, P   <  0.001). Either between the condyle and external ear ( P  = 0.071-0.493) or between the condylar unit and external ear ( P  = 0.080 - 0.488), there were no volumetric relations on the affected side, whereas on the unaffected side were (r = 0.492-0.929 for condyle, r = 0.443-0.929 for the condylar unit, P  < 0.05). In most cases, the condylar structures of the classification of the mandibular or ear deformities (M2b) were significantly smaller than the classification of the mandibular or ear deformities (M2a). Results suggested deformities of mandibular condylar structures and ear did not correlate, although deformities of mandible and ear did. The condylar deformity might develop independently from microtia and be more severe within relatively more abnormal temporomandibular joints.

OMENS+ Classification Correlations Analysis of Craniofacial Microsomia in China: The Relationship Between Macrostomia and Mandibular Hypoplasia.

ABSTRACT: Macrostomia is arare congenital craniofacial deformity that influences the appearance and function of patients. In most cases, it coexists with craniomaxillofacial deformities such as craniofacial microsomia (CFM). This study aimed to analyze the relationship between macrostomia and mandibular hypoplasia so as to facilitate the early detection and diagnosis of children with CFM. It included 236 patients diagnosed with CFM. All underwent facial expression analysis, multi-angle photography, computed tomography, and three-dimensional reconstruction of soft and hard tissues. The clinical classification was performed according to OMENS+. Spearman (rank) correlation analysis was used to analyze the relationship between the severity of macrostomia (C1 and C2) and the degree of mandibular involvement (M1, M2a, M2b, and M3), and the correlation among the components of OMENS+. Of the 80 cases of macrostomia (34%) reported, 72 cases (90%) were C1 and 8 (10%) were C2. The analysis of OMENS+ revealed significant correlations among OMENS+ components. Also, a high correlation was observed between macrostomia (C) and hypoplasia of the mandible (M) ( P  = 0.002). Macrostomia was closely related to mandibular hypoplasia among children diagnosed with CFM. These results suggested that patients with macrostomia, who might also have craniofacial malformations caused by other first branchial arch anomalies, should be comprehensively physically examined for other syndromes.

Assessment of an Artificial Intelligence Mandibular Osteotomy Design System: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: In this study, an AI osteotomy software was developed to design the presurgical plan of mandibular angle osteotomy, which is followed by the comparison between the software-designed presurgical plan and the traditional manual presurgical plan, thus assessing the practicability of applying the AI osteotomy software in clinical practices. METHODS: (1) Develop an AI osteotomy software: design an algorithm based on convolutional neural networks capable of learning feature point and processing clustering segmentation; then, select 2296 cases of successful 3D mandibular angle osteotomy presurgical plans, followed by using those 2296 cases to train the deep learning algorithm; (2) compare the osteotomy presurgical plan of AI osteotomy software and that of manual: first step: randomly selecting 80 cases of typical female head 3D CTs, and designing those 80 cases by means of AI osteotomy software designing (group A) and manually designing (group B), respectively; second step: comparing several indexes of group A and those of group B, including the efficiency index (time from input original CT data to osteotomy presurgical plan output), the safety index (the minimum distance from the osteotomy plane to the mandibular canal), the symmetry indexes (bilateral difference of mandibular angle, mandibular ramus height and mandibular valgus angle) and aesthetic indexes (width ratio between middle and lower faces (M/L), mandibular angle and mandibular valgus angle). RESULTS: The efficiency index: the design time of group A is 1.768 ± 0.768 min and that of group B is 26.108 ± 1.137 min, with P = 0.000; the safety index: The minimum distances from the osteotomy plane to the mandibular canal are 3.908 ± 0.361mm and 3.651 ± 0.437mm, p = 0.117 in groups A and B, respectively; The symmetry indexes: Bilateral differences of mandibular angle are 1.824 ± 1.834° and 1.567 ± 1.059° in groups A and B, respectively, with P = 0.278; bilateral differences of mandibular ramus height are 2.083 ± 1.263 and 2.965 ± 1.433, respectively, with P = 0.119 in groups A and B; Aesthetic indexes: M/L in groups A and B is 1.364 ± 0.074 and 1.371 ± 0.067, respectively, with P = 0.793; mandibular angles in groups A and B are 127.724 ± 5.800° and 127.242 ± 5.545°, respectively, with P = 0.681; Valgus angles in groups A and B are 11.474 ± 5.380 and 9.743 ± 4.620, respectively, with P = 0.273. CONCLUSIONS: With high efficiency, as well as safety, symmetry and aesthetics equivalent to those of a manual design, the AI osteotomy software designing can be used as an alternative method for manual osteotomy designing. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.