The minimally invasive arthroscopic anterior myotomy in the treatment of internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint. A detailed description of the surgical technique.

PURPOSE: The aim of this report is to define a modification of the arthroscopic anterior myotomy that avoids disc suturing procedures for the treatment of advanced internal derangement (I D) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: The minimally invasive arthroscopic anterior myotomy (MIAAM) is based on a partial resection of the superior belly of the lateral pterygoid muscle performed through a small incision of the articular capsule associated with a scarification of the posterior ligament of the TMJ. The high-frequency wave system, called Coblation, is extremely useful to be able to complete the MIAAM. CONCLUSION: This technique is indicated for patients with ID and Wilkes stages III-IV without response to conservative treatments, and the presence of an integral disc with an appropriate consistency is transcendent for the success of the procedure. Because of the unique characteristics of the MIAAM, it can be considered as an alternative to arthroscopic discopexy procedures.

A one-arm surgical trial of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients before and 12 months after Bilateral Internal Ramus Distraction of the mandible (BIRD).

BACKGROUND: An innovative approach for the primary and definitive treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adult patients is presented: Bilateral Internal Ramus Distraction of the mandible (BIRD), which is a slow, progressive and more stable procedure to advance the mandibular bone. This study investigated whether this surgical approach is useful to cure OSA. METHODS: Study design was of an interventional (surgical) one-arm trial of OSA patients assessed before and 12 months after BIRD. All patients were evaluated by pre- and post-operative polysomnography and three-dimensional scans. The amount of skeletal advancement, percentage of upper airway volume increase and postoperative value of mandibular occlusal plane were the predictor variables. Changes in the apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI), oxygen desaturation index (ODI), and percentage of time with saturation under 90% (TC90) were the main outcome variables. FINDINGS: Thirty-two subjects with a mean ± SD age of 41.9 ± 13.3 years and 87.5% male were included, and they were followed-up 32 ± 14.2 months. AHI was 47.9 ± 23.1 per hour before surgery and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) was 13.4 ± 4.4. Postoperative AHI was 4.8 ± 5.6 per hour 12 months after surgery (P < 0.001), with 81.2% of the patients considered cured (AHI<5) and 18.8% suffering from a mild-to-moderate residual OSA. ESS decreased to 1.9 ± 1.8 at the end of the surgical treatment (P < 0.001). 3D changes revealed an upper airway volume increase of 188.4% ± 73.5% (P < 0.001). INTERPRETATION: Lengthening the mandibular ramus by distraction osteogenesis to cure OSA appears to be more effective and safer when compared to other surgical protocols, especially in very severe cases with initial AHI>50/h. Titration of the mandibular advancement weekly using respiratory polygraphy allows better healing control and customization of the skeletal advancement, enhancing the aesthetic result.

Modified arthroscopic anterior myotomy for internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint: clinical and radiological results.

The aim of this study was to present the results of a modification of the arthroscopic anterior myotomy for the treatment of internal derangement (ID) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ): the minimally invasive arthroscopic anterior myotomy (MIAAM). Fifteen joints with Wilkes stages III-IV ID treated with this technique were studied. Clinical data evaluated were pain (visual analogue scale, VAS) and articular movements (preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postoperative). The position of the disc at 1 year after surgery was compared with the pre-surgical position, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The mean pain level according to the VAS decreased from of 67.8 pre-surgery to 29.0 at the 12-month follow-up (P < 0.001). Functionally, mouth opening increased from a mean 27.8 mm to 36.0 mm (P < 0.001). Evaluation of the MRI images showed statistically significant improvements in disc position in both the closed (P = 0.00002) and open-mouth (P = 0.00001) position. The incidence of re-arthroscopy was 13.3% (2/15). This procedure is an effective method for the improvement of joint function and reduction of pain in patients with ID of the TMJ. However, MIAAM is moderately effective in regards to repositioning of the disc.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma: epidemiological study and risk factor assessment based on a 39-year series.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains a challenge for head and neck surgeons, with low 5-year survival rates despite improvements in diagnostic techniques and therapies. This retrospective observational study was performed to evaluate the epidemiology and risk factors in a cohort of 666 patients with invasive OSCC over a 39-year period. Risk factors assessed were age, sex, toxic habits, premalignant lesions, tumour location and size, and neck involvement, and pathological factors such as surgical margins, tumour thickness, perineural invasion, and bone invasion. These factors were analysed over time, and their influence on recurrence and survival rates examined. Results were compared with those of current epidemiological studies in the literature. This series showed a tendency to diagnosis at older ages (P<0.001) and decreased differences in sex distribution (P<0.001) over time. Regarding risk factors, tobacco and alcohol drinking increased significantly in females, but remained stable in males. Forty percent of the patients developed recurrences during follow-up; the relapse rate did not improve over time (45.6% in the 1980s to 36.1% in 2010-2017). The 5-year survival rate also remained stable over time, ranging from 62.7% (1980s) to 71.7% (2010-2017). This epidemiological study analysed trends across four decades in a stable cohort, with results that may be extrapolated to the populations of European countries. The results confirmed that recurrence rates and survival rates have not improved over time, despite better surgical treatments and new therapies. Further studies are needed to improve knowledge about genetics and tumour behaviour in oral cancer.

C-modified osteotomy for bilateral advancement of the orbital rim in Graves orbitopathy: a technical note.

The authors present a modification of the classical three-wall orbital decompression for the treatment of Graves' orbitopathy. It consists of two 'C' osteotomies for the bilateral projection of the superolateral, lateral and inferolateral orbital rims, associated with the removal of the lateral orbital walls. This technique is performed following a coronal approach. Ultrasound cutting instruments were used for the osteotomies. They avoided lesion of surrounding soft tissues, such as the duramater and the periorbital tissues. Stabilization of the advanced structure was achieved by interposition of autologous bone graft obtained from the outer cortex of the calvaria. An extreme advancement of the orbital rim with resolution of diplopia, ocular pain and eyelid incompetence was obtained. Using this procedure, a good functional and aesthetic outcome was achieved.

Contralateral lymph neck node metastasis of primary squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue: a retrospective analytic study of 203 patients.

In primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oral cavity, many clinical and histopathological factors have been described as predictive for cervical lymph-node metastasis, but there are no data available on this association for surgical resection of lateral tongue primary SCC. The aim of this study was to analyse factors related to contralateral neck relapse in a series of 203 consecutive patients with SCC of the lateral aspect of the tongue treated by surgery with or without adjuvant radiotherapy. Several clinical features were analyzed. Histological study included pTNM classification, tumour size, surgical margins, extracapsular spread of lymph-node metastasis, perineural infiltration, peritumoral inflammation and bone involvement. The mean duration of follow up for surviving patients was 70.9+/-49.6 months; 47 patients eventually died of the disease and 116 patients are alive with no evidence of recurrence. The mean disease-specific survival time was 149+/-7 months. Twenty (9.8%) patients developed ipsilateral and nine (4.4%) contralateral neck recurrence. The mean period of time from surgery to contralateral neck recurrence was 11.4 months (range 3-27 months). Fourteen of the 20 ipsilateral and 8 of the 9 contralateral neck relapse patients eventually died of the disease. Histopathological grading and peritumoral inflammation were found to be statistically significant (P<0.05). Clinical and pathological lymph neck node status was not found to be associated with the appearance of contralateral lymph neck node relapse. Due to the increased risk of contralateral neck relapse within the first 2 years of surgery, close surveillance is mandatory at this time.

Maxillomandibular advancement as the initial treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea: Is the mandibular occlusal plane the key?

Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) can be effective for managing obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA); however, limited information is available on the predictor surgical variables. This study investigated whether normalization of the mandibular occlusal plane (MOP) was a determinant factor in curing OSA. Patients with moderate or severe OSA who underwent MMA were evaluated by preoperative and postoperative three-dimensional (3D) scans and polysomnograms. The postoperative value of MOP and the magnitude of skeletal advancement were the predictor variables; change in the apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) was the main outcome variable. Thirty-four subjects with a mean age of 41±14years and 58,8% female were analysed. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) was 17.4±5.4 and AHI was 38.3±10.7 per hour before surgery. Postoperative AHI was 6.5±4.3 per hour (P<0.001) with 52.94% of the patients considered as cured, and 47.06% suffering from a mild residual OSA with ESS 0.8±1.4 (P<0.001). 3D changes revealed a volume increase of 106.3±38.8%. The mandible was advanced 10.4±3.9mm and maxilla 4.9±3.2mm. MOP postoperative value was concluded to be the best predictor variable. Treatment planning should include MOP normalization and a mandibular advancement between 6 and 10mm. The maxillary advancement would depend on the desired aesthetic changes and final occlusion.

Adenocarcinoma of the ethmoidal and nasal mucosa: lateral rhinotomy as a more conservative approach.

Malignant neoplasms of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses are infrequent. In relation to salivary gland carcinomas of the naso-ethmoidal region and, due to its poor prognosis, a radical en bloc resection followed by radiotherapy is mandatory to control the disease. Surgically, naso-ethmoidal tumors must be managed by means of a combined craniofacial approach or using a lateral or total rhinotomy, a transpalatal or a transantral approach. We suggest the use of lateral rhinotomy for tumors of moderate size located homo-laterally, without involvement of the orbits, the cribriform plate, sphenoidal sinus or the clivus. A wide approach with minimal aesthetic and functional consequences is obtained by means of this method.

Primary mandibular reconstruction with bridging plates.

25 cases in which the mandible was resected and reconstructed using a reconstruction plate (AO titanium reconstruction system and Leibinger titanium reconstruction system) are presented. 16 patients suffered from oral carcinoma, 7 presented with odontogenic tumours and 2 had chronic osteomyelitis of the mandible. The mean age was 54.2 years, the male to female ratio was 2.6:1. 3 patients had a reconstruction plate for mandibular resection without continuity defect (marginal resection), in all the other patients the reconstruction plate bridged a mandibular resection with a continuity defect: 13 were located in the body, body-angle or ascending ramus with preservation of the mandibular condyle; 4 hemimandibulectomies with disarticulation of the TMJ; and 5 involved the anterior arch, crossing the midline. 12 patients received radiotherapy (3 pre-operatively). Only 3 patients with significant local side effects needed the treatment to be stopped for a period of time. There was no perioperative mortality. Only one plate was removed. Although minor complications were noted in 11 patients, the general improvement in the functional and cosmetic balance of the patients when compared with patients in whom no plate was used, justifies the use of this reconstruction system, in our opinion.

Rehabilitation of edentulous posterior atrophic mandible: inferior alveolar nerve lateralization by piezotome and immediate implant placement.

The height and consistency of the bone tissue located above the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) represents an important challenge when a patient's atrophied posterior mandible is rehabilitated with an osseointegrated implant. Usually, the surgical reconstruction of atrophic ridges is performed using several different techniques. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of the inferior alveolar nerve lateralization (IANL) technique performed with ultrasonic cutting technology (piezotome). To demonstrate this, 38 osseointegrated implants (11-15 mm in length) were performed during 19 procedures on 15 different patients. After 8 weeks, 14 of those 15 patients (18 of 19 sites: 94.73%) showed normal IAN function. The implant success rate was 97.36%.

Radial forearm free flap for reconstruction of the oral cavity: clinical experience in 55 cases.

OBJECTIVE: Since the advent of modern microvascular techniques, the radial forearm free flap (RFFF) has become a reliable method for reconstruction of defects within the oral cavity. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate our experience with the use of the RFFF for the reconstruction of oral cavity defects after tumor resection. STUDY DESIGN: During a 9-year period, 103 consecutive patients were treated in our department for the reconstruction of oral defects after tumoral ablation by means of microvascularized free flaps. Fifty-five patients were reconstructed by means of the RFFF. Patients were treated for benign (n = 1) and malignant (n = 54) entities. All the patients underwent an abdominal split-thickness skin graft for the closure of the donor site. RESULTS: Fifty-five patients underwent reconstruction by means of the RFFF after resection of the oral cavity. Squamous cell carcinoma was present in 54 patients. A mean age of 55.5 years was observed (range 16-78). Thirty-nine patients (70.9%) were men and 16 (29.1%) women. Primary reconstruction was achieved in 52 patients (96.3%). A fasciocutaneous graft was used in all of the cases, with a mean size of 7.39 x 5.17 cm. The mean flap ischemic time was 56.02 minutes. During the immediate follow-up period, revision of the vascular anastomosis was necessary in 18.9% of the cases owing to flap ischemia. CONCLUSION: Our results revealed that the RFFF is a reliable method for reconstructing a wide range of oral cavity defects with an acceptable low morbidity rate. It provides adequate bulkiness and pliability, resulting in adequate reconstruction of a wide variety of defects within the oral cavity.

Carbon dioxide laser vermilionectomy for actinic cheilitis.

Actinic cheilitis is a premalignant condition of the lower lip that requires treatment. Several methods have been advocated to manage this disease. In this study, 19 cases of actinic cheilitis were treated by carbon dioxide (CO2) laser vermilionectomy with good results. Because it has the advantages of both scalpel vermilionectomy and laser vaporization of the vermilion, CO2 laser vermilionectomy is proposed as a good method of treating actinic cheilitis.

[Cephalometric study of the cranial base in 133 cases of Down's syndrome]. / Etude céphalométrique de la base crânienne dans 133 cas de syndrome de Down.

Previous studies in patients with Down's syndrome have revealed signs of major anomalies of base of skull. A cephalometric radiography study was conducted to determine extent of these anomalies by quantitative methods. Skull morphology and structure were investigated in two groups of patients with Down's syndrome in whom cytogenetic analysis had demonstrated the presence of an extra chromosome in group G. The first group included 100 patients of both sexes aged between 9 and 30 years, the second group consisted of 33 patients aged 5 to 19 years. A matched control group was also studied. Cephalometric analysis (Björk, Delaire) showed shortening of anterior segment of base of skull in patients with Down's syndrome, as well as an increase in angle of base of skull when compared with controls, the differences being statistically significant.

[Ingestion of foreign bodies during endodontic treatment]. / Ingestion de cuerpos extraños durante tratamiento endodóntico.

In this article a review is done about the diagnostic and therapeutical process that must be followed in case of an accidental ingestion or aspiration of a foreign body in the odontostomatologic practice.

[Dens invaginatus]. / Diente invaginado.

Dens invaginatus is an abnormal enamel growth first described by Salter in 1855. It has an incidence between 0.4 - 10%, and the tooth most frequently affected is the lateral upper incisor. Its etiology is not explained. There are many asymtomatic cases and others with symptoms derived from periapical lesions. Treatment must be as conservative as possible. A bibliographic review has been made and we demonstrate a radiologic sequence of the many cases observed in our Service in the last two years.

[Malignant nerve sheath tumor (malignant schwannoma). Presentation of a clinical case and review of the literature]. / Tumeur maligne des gaines nerveuses (Schwannome malin). Présentation d'un cas clinique et revue bibliographique.

The malignant schwannoma is a sarcoma which very rarely occurs on the face. This article describes the case of a woman with such a tumour and whose study and evolution shows that was no relation with the nervous trunk, neurofibroma or neurofibromatosis.

Tumor DNA content as a prognostic indicator in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity and tongue base.

BACKGROUND: Nuclear deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) content is a prognostic factor in several tumors, and decisions regarding treatment have been made using this parameter. Nevertheless, there is no agreement in head and neck cancer. The purpose of the present study was to ascertain whether tumor DNA content correlated with prognosis in cases of primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oral cavity and tongue base. METHODS: A retrospective study of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue from patients with histologically confirmed SCC of the oral cavity and tongue base was performed using flow cytometry. Tumor DNA content was studied in 109 sets of specimens from previously untreated patients. All of them underwent surgical resection at the University "Hospital de La Princesa" between 1982 and 1992. Clinical parameters (age, sex, site of primary tumor, clinical stage, adjuvant therapy received, and disease-free and overall survival) and histologic parameters (histopathologic stage, tumor differentiation, type of inflammatory infiltration, presence of perineural invasion) were recorded in all cases. An exhaustive statistical analysis was applied. RESULTS: Only the histograms of 93 patients were adequate for consideration. In flow cytometric analysis, DNA aneuploidy was observed in 51 tumors (55%). The proportion of aneuploid tumors was significantly higher in advanced-stage carcinomas (p < .05), tumors with perineural invasion (p < .05) and in men (p < .05). In the 24 patients with lymph node metastasis, the incidence of aneuploidy was 82% (19 of 24) (p < .05). The rate of metastasis and aneuploidy increased as the degree of differentiation decreased (p < .05 for both). Patients with aneuploid carcinomas in both early and advanced stages had shorter relapse-free and overall survival periods than did the patients with diploid tumors (p < .001 for both). A Cox regression analysis demonstrated that ploidy was the single most important prognostic factor in determining relapse and death (p < .001 for both). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that tumor DNA analysis by flow cytometry appears to be useful as a supplement to clinical and histologic evaluation in predicting the tendency of SCC of the oral cavity and tongue base to metastasize to regional lymph nodes and to predict the outcome of the disease.