[Pre-implant posterior mandibular reconstruction]. / Reconstruction pré-implantaire du secteur mandibulaire postérieur.

INTRODUCTION: We present a literature reviewed of pre-implant posterior mandible reconstruction, and report our experience with 107 patients exclusively reconstructed with cranial bone grafts. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Over a period of 15 years, 167 patients presenting with sometimes extremely severe bone resorption were grafted using various techniques depending on the type of resorption. RESULTS: The mean bone augmentation was 7.83 mm vertically and 7.16 mm horizontally respectively for patients with vertical and horizontal resorption. It was 6.66 mm vertically and 8.11 mm horizontally for patients with combined horizontal and vertical resorption. The postoperative complications were: mental nerve dysesthesia in 6.5% of patients, graft exposure in 1.8%, and ± complete graft resorption in 4.2%. Implant placement was possible 3 months after reconstruction and bridge placement 6 months after reconstruction. DISCUSSION: The posterior mandible is the most difficult area to reconstruct, according to our experience. The vertical expansion technique, called "sandwich" osteotomy, frequently cannot be used. Alveolar distraction has a lot of drawbacks: patient constraints, uncertain outcome, and high risk of complications. Guided bone regeneration is restricted to small deficits. The onlay graft technique is poorly documented although it has many assets as demonstrated by our study. It may be used in any situation, even the most severe cases, except for rare cases of reduced occlusal space.

[The chin fat pad]. / Le corps adipeux du menton.

The chin fat pad is poorly described in anatomic publications. To improve its knowledge, we performed 10 dissections, we studied 10 CT Scanners and ten RMN from patients without mental scar, and we performed a CT scanner of this area in a man at rest and during the lips protraction. A histological study has been performed comparing the chin fat pad with the subcutaneous fat and the buccal fat pad. The chin fat pad was cylindric, measuring 20 mm long, 7,5 mm wide and 4 mm high. It became thinner during the lips protraction. The histological study revealed a lot of fibrous septa. It was more similar to the subcutaneous fat than to the buccal fat pad.

[Complications of head and neck skin expansion]. / Complications de l'expansion cutanée cervico-faciale.

INTRODUCTION: Skin expansion is a good solution for the reconstruction of head and neck defects. We assessed the complications of cervico-facial skin expansion technique to draft recommendations so as to minimize risks. METHODS: We made a retrospective study from 1990 to 2005. Complications were analyzed according to age, sex, etiology, area to reconstruct, location of the expander, expander volume and number, simultaneous single or repeated technique, type of expander, duration of expansion, and type of flap used for reconstruction. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-nine tissue expanders were placed in 114 patients. The rate of complications was 60.4%. Age was not a risk factor (P=0.21; Fisher's exact test). The early complications were not related to the expander volume (P=0.32; Fisher's exact test). Infection was the most frequent complication (51.3%). Hypertrophic or large scars, retraction, or cording accounted for 32.4% of sequels. A rate of 6.5% of total and 6.5% of partial failure were recorded. Infection was the cause of 77.8% of total or partial failure. DISCUSSION: The complications of head and neck soft tissue expansion are often minor. The rate of reconstruction failure remains acceptable.

[The sphenomandibular ligament: an anatomical obstacle to ramus lengthening]. / Le ligament sphénomandibulaire, obstacle anatomique à l'allongement du ramus.

INTRODUCTION: The sphenomandibular ligament is strong and its insertion below the medial cut of the sagittal split osteotomy explains that it is a barrier to the mobilization of the distal segment. It is the main obstacle to ramus lengthening. We describe the disinsertion technique with an anatomical dissection. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: After sagittal split ramus osteotomy, we verify that a stable occlusion has been achieved without straining. In case of resistance, a 90° angled periosteal rugine is introduced below the periosteum, against the medial cortex. It is used to detach the last fibers of the medial pterygoid muscle under visual control, and it is carefully moved to the lingula to detach the anterior sphenomandibular ligament insertion. DISCUSSION: In case of a very short ramus, there is hypoplasia of soft tissues, especially the pterygomasseteric sling, and the stylomandibular ligaments are short. This is why it seems necessary to release the sphenomandibular ligament in all forms of ramus lengthening.

Le Fort I osteotomy and calvarial bone grafting for dental implants.

INTRODUCTION: We present a reconstruction technique for atrophied maxilla which combines a Le Fort I osteotomy and calvarial bone grafting. This retrospective study was carried out to evaluate bone volume increase and the possibility to insert dental implants. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Bone volume increase was assessed in 56 patients using preoperative and 6-month postoperative computed axial tomography (CAT). The implant rate success and the type of prosthesis were evaluated. RESULTS: The average increase at the first molar level was 10.2mm vertically and 8.2mm transversally. No infection was reported. The implant success rate was 97.9% and a prosthetic rehabilitation was performed in all patients (55% with removable bar-supported prostheses, and 45% with fixed prostheses). DISCUSSION: The technique is adapted to atrophied maxilla reconstruction for dental implant rehabilitation. The implant success rate was similar to that of other bone augmentation techniques.

Maxillary distraction complications in cleft patients.

INTRODUCTION: Cleft lip and palate (CLP) patients often present with a class III malocclusion in connection with a three dimensional maxillary hypoplasia. Twenty-five to 60% of these patients need maxillary advancement. Two solutions are possible: orthognathic surgery and maxillary distraction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the complications of maxillary distraction in CLP patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data was collected from the records of patients treated in our surgery unit between 2000 and 2007. Among the eight patients (four male and four female), five presented with a bilateral CLP, two with a unilateral CLP, and one with a unilateral cleft lip associated to a soft palate cleft. The average age at surgery was 17 years. All underwent a Le Fort I osteotomy with a pterygomaxillary disjunction. An external distractor was used for the first two patients and an internal distractor for the six following patients. After a seven-day latency, activation was implemented at a rate of 1mm twice a day. The average period of consolidation was four months. Maxillary advancement ranged between 7 and 19mm, with an average of 12.6mm. The average follow-up was four years. RESULTS: Complications were noted in seven patients: one intra-operative hemorrhage, one avulsion of a tooth anchored at the pterygoid process during osteotomy, three cases of device dysfunction, two cases of significant pain during activation, one loosening of the orthodontic arch in an external system, two cases of labial ulceration, and one maxillary sinusitis due to migration of a wisdom tooth. DISCUSSION: Complications of maxillary distraction in CLP patients were very frequent. Most were related to the device and did not interfere with the final result. This must be taken into account when indicating distraction and choosing the device. Two types of complications can occur during distraction: those related to the osteotomy and those related to the device. The complications related to the osteotomy are linked to the cicatricial ground of previous surgery. They are not specific to distraction. The comfort of the internal device is undeniable, but the design of some models must be reviewed to improve their tolerance.

[Reconstruction of the atrophic edentulous maxilla for implant placement]. / Reconstruction pré-implantaire du maxillaire atrophique.

INTRODUCTION: Extreme maxillary atrophy results from partial or total maxillary bone defect, affecting the alveolar and basal segments. The residual bone is only a few millimeters high and does not allow retention of dental prostheses (complete edentulation), or placing implants. Bone reconstruction with cranial bone grafts usually allows obtaining enough bone volume in a single step to place implants for prosthetic rehabilitation, 3 months later. TECHNICAL NOTE: Reconstruction begins by inserting bone grafts on the sinus floor. The pre-maxilla is then rebuilt with bone grafts placed on the nose floor then on the palate and vestibule. The premolar and molar sectors are rebuilt last with vestibular and palatine bone grafts assembled and stabilized by screws, or steel wire rings, and reinforced on their deep portion with diploe sheets. DISCUSSION: Extreme maxillary atrophy reconstruction with cranial bone grafts is a reliable technique with reproducible results and few complications (sinusitis, bone sequester). Nevertheless, it requires strong experience to adequately perform harvesting and reconstruction.

[Maxillary distraction complications in cleft patients]. / Complications de la distraction chez les patients porteurs de fentes labio-maxillopalatines.

INTRODUCTION: Cleft lip and palate (CLP) patients often present with a class III malocclusion in connection with a three dimensional maxillary hypoplasia. Twenty-five to 60% of these patients require a maxillary advancement. Two solutions are possible: orthognathic surgery and maxillary distraction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the complications of the maxillary distraction in CLP patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data was collected from the records of patients treated at our Surgery Unit between 2000 and 2007. Among the eight patients (four male and four female), five presented a bilateral CLP, two a unilateral CLP and one a unilateral cleft lip associated to a soft palate cleft. The average age at surgery was 17 years old. All had a Le Fort I osteotomy with a pterygomaxillary disjunction. The first two patients had external distractors and the six following internal ones. After a seven-day latency, activation was led to the rate of 1mm per day twice. The period of consolidation was four months on average. The maxillary advancement varied between 7 and 19 mm with an average of 12.6mm. The average follow-up was four years. RESULTS: We encountered difficulties and/or complications in seven patients: one intraoperatively haemorrhage, one avulsion of a tooth fixed at the pterygoid process during the osteotomy, three device failures, two cases of significant pains during activation, one dissociation of the dental anchorage of an external system, two labial ulcerations and one maxillary sinusitis by migration of the 18. DISCUSSION: Difficulties of maxillary distraction in CLP patients are very frequent. The majority is related to the distractors and did not interfere with the final result. But this frequency must be taken into account in the indication and in the choice of the material. Two types of complications can occur during distraction: those related to the osteotomy and those related to the material. The complications related to the osteotomy are in connection with the cicatricial ground of the CLP. They are not specific of the distraction. We especially managed complications related to the material. The social benefit of the internal distractors is undeniable, but the design of certain models must be reexamined to improve their tolerance.

[Orbital hydatid cyst]. / Kyste hydatique de l'orbite.

CASE: A 72-year-old man presented with left exophthalmia, impaired visual acuity and ocular pain. CT revealed a posterolateral homogeneous unilocular cyst in the left orbital cavity. Ultrasound showed a 38 x 17 mm purely cystic retro-ocular thin lined mass. Hydatid serologic tests were positive. The cyst was completely enucleated, after irrigation with hypertonic saline solution. The diagnosis was confirmed histologically. DISCUSSION: The orbital hydatic cyst is a rare pathology in Western countries but remains relatively frequent in North-African countries. It can be observed in urban centers a high percentage of immigrant population. It is thus necessary to keep this pathology in mind when confronted to an intra-orbital cystic formation and to avoid its rupture.

[Difficulties of the management of head and neck neurofibromatosis]. / Difficultés de la prise en charge des atteintes de l'extrémité céphalique dans les neurofibromatoses.

INTRODUCTION: Neurofibromatoses represent a group of 7 diseases having the same cutaneous signs due to a common embryologic origin. The types 1 and 2 are the most frequent and the most studied. Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) or Von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis is an autosomal dominantly inherited disease, whose prevalence is 1/4500. The cranio-orbitotemporal lesions exist in 1 to 10% of the cases. Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is also an autosomal dominantly inherited disease, but is ten times less frequent than the NF1 and is characterized by bilateral vestibular schwannomas (former acoustic neurinomas). The purpose of this work was to detail the clinical features, highlighting the diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Nine patients managed between 1990 and 2005 were reviewed retrospectively. Eight patients were found carrier of NF1 and one patient carrier of NF2 according to the diagnostic criteria of the 1988's National Institute of Health consensus. RESULTS: Five women and four men were managed; patient age varied between 13 and 62 years and the mean age was 26 years. Surgical resection of the tumor was carried out among 8 patients with bone reconstruction of the orbit on 3 patients and cutaneous expansion on one other. The results are difficult to appreciate especially that the surgery was iterative. However, all our patients were satisfied with the result and we noted recurrence in a patient presenting a retro-auricular tumor, which filled the external auditory canal requiring a further surgery. The patient having NF2 was treated by neurosurgery and showed a good result. DISCUSSION: The NF1 manifestations are extremely variable. Facial neurofibromatoses are difficult to control given the presence of soft tissues infiltration and the associated osseous dysplasia. The results are modest and recurrence is frequent. Cancer risks and the disease's completely unpredictable evolution urge a regular and multidisciplinary patient follow-up.

[Algorithm for the treatment of ameloblastoma in Tunisia]. / Algorithme de prise en charge des améloblastomes en Tunisie.

INTRODUCTION: Ameloblastoma is a benign but locally aggressive and infiltrative odontogenic neoplasm. Numerous methods of treatment have been proposed but the latest studies showed that a radical treatment is the recommended protocol for the surgical management of ameloblastomas. The purpose of this study was to review the clinical features and surgical treatment of ameloblastomas treated in our department and to propose an algorithm for the treatment adapted to our country. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data was collected from the records of patients treated at our Surgery Unit between 1993 and 2004. Data with respect to the patients' ages, sex, tumor locations, and surgical treatment history, as well as radiographic findings and number of recurrences, was analyzed. RESULT: 8 male and 5 female patients were included in the study. Sixty-two percent of ameloblastomas were located in the mandibular angle. Swelling was the most common symptom and was experienced by 85% of the patients. A radiographic assessment of the tumors showed that 85% were multicystic. Conservative surgery was used in 92% of the cases. The 8 patients followed-up all presented with recurrence. The other 5 patients were lost to follow-up. A radical treatment was used for 6 of the recurrent ameloblatomas with immediate iliac bone reconstruction. One patient refused radical treatment, he benefited from a conservative treatment, and the other one was lost to follow-up. DISCUSSION: This study was characterized by the preponderance of the conservative treatment, the non-specification of histological types, systematic relapse, and the significant number of lost to follow-up. We recommend significant modifications in the management of ameloblatomas in Tunisia, based on radical surgical treatment. This suggests implementing further training of operators (free flaps) and pathologists (histochemistry), as well as a better education and information of patients.

[Mandibular aggressive fibromatosis]. / Fibromatose agressive mandibulaire.

INTRODUCTION: Aggressive fibromatosis is a rare histologically benign fibrous tumor with a potential for locoregional aggression. Treatment is not well defined and several therapeutic approaches have been proposed. Surgical treatment is the reference, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and homonotherapy being proposed as complementary treatment or for inoperable tumors. CASE REPORT: A three-year-old patient underwent surgery for removal of a mandibular tumor. Pathology reported aggressive fibromatosis. The patient was given conservative treatment and was free of recurrence nine years after resection. DISCUSSION: Conservative surgery for aggressive mandibular fibromatosis appears to be preferable to radical mutilating surgery which would have a major impact on facial growth in children.

[Mandibular aneurysmal bone cyst mimicking a malignant tumor]. / Kyste osseux anévrismal mandibulaire mimant une tumeur maligne.

CASE: We report the case of a 24-year-old woman presenting with a rapidly growing mass in the right masseteric region. MRI suggested a diagnosis of a rhabdomyosarcoma but CT-scan evoked a benign lesion such as chondroblastoma or aneurismal bone cyst. The biopsy specimen proved the diagnosis of aneurismal bone cyst and the patient was treated by surgical curettage. There was no recurrence after 4 years of follow-up. DISCUSSION: The aneurismal bone cyst of the jaw is a rare pseudocystic lesion, characterized by replacement of the normal bone with fibro-osseous tissue containing blood-filled sinusoidal or cavernous spaces. The lesion generally affects young persons under 20 years of age. The molar region, the angle, and the ascending ramus of the mandible are the predominantly affected sites. The lesion does not have any clinical or radiological specificity and surgical curettage is the standard treatment. Recurrence is rare and occurs within 30 months after surgery.