Secondary bone grafting for alveolar clefts: surgical timing, graft materials, and evaluation methods

Alveolar cleft belongs to the spectrum of cleft lip and/or palate, affecting 75% of cleft lip/palate patients. The goals of alveolar cleft treatment are stabilizing the maxillary arch, separating the nasal and oral cavities, and providing bony support for both erupting teeth and the nasal base via the piriform aperture. Secondary alveolar bone grafting is a well-established treatment option for alveolar cleft. Secondary alveolar bone grafting is performed during the period of mixed dentition using autologous bone from various donor sites. There are several issues relevant to maximizing the success of secondary alveolar bone grafting, including the surgical timing, graft material, and surgical technique. In this study, we reviewed issues related to surgical timing, graft materials, and evaluation methods in secondary alveolar bone grafting.Abbreviations: ABG, alveolar bone grafting; CBCT, cone-beam computed tomography; DBM, demineralized bone matrix; GPP, gingivoperiosteoplasty; rhBMP, recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein; 2D, two dimensional; 3D, three dimensional

Reconstruction of a pathologic fracture following osteomyelitis of the mandible using a fibula osteocutaneous flap

The use of a fibula osteocutaneous flap is currently the mainstay of segmental mandibular reconstruction. This type of flap is used to treat tumors, trauma, or osteoradionecrosis of the mandible. However, a fibula osteocutaneous flap may also be a good option for reconstructing the mandible to preserve oropharyngeal function and facial appearance in cases of pathological fracture requiring extensive segmental bone resection. Chronic osteomyelitis is one of the various causes of subsequent pathologic mandibular fractures; however, it is rare, and there have been few reports using free flaps in osteomyelitis of the mandible. We share our experience with a 76-year-old patient who presented with a pathologic fracture following osteomyelitis of the mandible that was reconstructed using a fibula osteocutaneous flap after wide segmental resection.

Reconstruction of a pathologic fracture following osteomyelitis of the mandible using a fibula osteocutaneous flap

The use of a fibula osteocutaneous flap is currently the mainstay of segmental mandibular reconstruction. This type of flap is used to treat tumors, trauma, or osteoradionecrosis of the mandible. However, a fibula osteocutaneous flap may also be a good option for reconstructing the mandible to preserve oropharyngeal function and facial appearance in cases of pathological fracture requiring extensive segmental bone resection. Chronic osteomyelitis is one of the various causes of subsequent pathologic mandibular fractures; however, it is rare, and there have been few reports using free flaps in osteomyelitis of the mandible. We share our experience with a 76-year-old patient who presented with a pathologic fracture following osteomyelitis of the mandible that was reconstructed using a fibula osteocutaneous flap after wide segmental resection.

Meningothelial hamartoma of the scalp

Meningothelial hamartoma is a benign tumor composed of ectopic meningothelial elements in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. It mainly occurs in the scalp; however, the incidence is extremely low. The origin of meningothelial hamartoma has not been elucidated; nevertheless, it has been theorized that it derives from ectopic meningothelial rests displaced during embryologic development. It can be diagnosed histologically as proliferation of connective tissue elements and cells arranged in solid nests, resembling vascular tumors. On immunohistochemistry, it stains positively for epithelial membrane antigen and vimentin. At least 17 cases have been reported, verifying the rarity of the lesion. We present the case of a 16-year-old male patient with a soft scalp mass which was thought to be a lipoma, but turned out to be a meningothelial hamartoma on histology.

Squamous cell carcinoma arising from a long-standing epidermoid cyst of the back

Epidermoid cysts are commonly encountered benign lesions in the field of plastic surgery, but their malignant transformation into squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is extremely rare. A 68-year old woman with a cystic mass on her left lower back presented to our department. We excised the lesion under the suspicion of an epidermoid cyst or metastatic colon cancer based on the patient’s medical history. The skin defect was covered with a split-thickness skin graft, and histopathological evaluation revealed the presence of SCC. Because of the low incidence of SCC arising from an epidermoid cyst, the mechanism of transformation of such cysts to SCC and the prognosis of this condition have not yet been well established. We therefore share the details of this rare case to contribute to the growing base of knowledge about SCC that arises from an epidermoid cyst.

Personal technique for definite repair of complete unilateral cleft lip: modified Millard technique

BACKGROUND: Millard’s rotation-advancement repair, which is used by many surgeons, can make a natural philtral column, but most surgeons use a modification of the rotation-advancement flap. The purpose of this article is to introduce a modification utilized by the authors and to provide detailed surgical procedure. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 82 patients’ medical records and presented surgical technique and outcomes. The main features of the authors’ strategy are emphasizing horizontal length of the lip, orbicularis oris muscle duplication for improving the definition of the philtral column, overcorrection of domal portion than the non-cleft side in order to compensate for the recurrence during growth. Two judges rated two times the appearance of the patients’ nose and lip using Asher-McDade aesthetic index. Intra- and interobserver reliabilities were determined using Cohen’s kappa statistics. RESULTS: All patients recovered eventually after surgery; however, two patients have a minor complications (wound infection in one patient, wound disruption due to trauma in the other patient). The improvement of the aesthetic results can be achieved with this modified Millard technique. Total mean scores of the Asher-McDade index was 2.08, fair to good appearance. The intraobserver reliabilities were substantial to almost perfect agreement and the interobserver reliabilities were moderate to almost perfect agreement. CONCLUSION: We modified Millard method for repair of complete unilateral cleft lip. The surgical outcomes were favorable in long-term follow-up. We hope our technique will serve as a guide for those new to the procedure.

Polydeoxyribonucleotide Improves Peripheral Tissue Oxygenation and Accelerates Angiogenesis in Diabetic Foot Ulcers

BACKGROUND: Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) is known to have anti-inflammatory and angiogenic effects and to accelerate wound healing. The aim of this study was to investigate whether PDRN could improve peripheral tissue oxygenation and angiogenesis in diabetic foot ulcers. METHODS: This was a prospective randomized controlled clinical trial. Twenty patients with a non-healing diabetic foot ulcer were randomly distributed into a control group (n=10) and a PDRN group (n=10). Initial surgical debridement and secondary surgical procedures such as a split-thickness skin graft, primary closure, or local flap were performed. Between the initial surgical debridement and secondary surgical procedures, 0.9% normal saline (3 mL) or PDRN was injected for 2 weeks by the intramuscular (1 ampule, 3 mL, 5.625 mg, 5 days per week) and perilesional routes (1 ampule, 3 mL, 5.625 mg, 2 days per week). Transcutaneous oxygen tension (TcPO2) was evaluated using the Periflux System 5000 with TcPO2/CO2 unit 5040 before the injections and on days 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28 after the start of the injections. A pathologic review (hematoxylin and eosin stain) of the debrided specimens was conducted by a pathologist, and vessel density (average number of vessels per visual field) was calculated. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the PDRN-treated group showed improvements in peripheral tissue oxygenation on day 7 (P < 0.01), day 14 (P < 0.001), and day 28 (P < 0.001). The pathologic review of the specimens from the PDRN group showed increased angiogenesis and improved inflammation compared with the control group. No statistically significant difference was found between the control group and the PDRN group in terms of vessel density (P=0.094). Complete healing was achieved in every patient. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, PDRN improved peripheral tissue oxygenation. Moreover, PDRN is thought to be effective in improving inflammation and angiogenesis in diabetic foot ulcers.

Polydeoxyribonucleotide Improves Peripheral Tissue Oxygenation and Accelerates Angiogenesis in Diabetic Foot Ulcers

BACKGROUND: Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) is known to have anti-inflammatory and angiogenic effects and to accelerate wound healing. The aim of this study was to investigate whether PDRN could improve peripheral tissue oxygenation and angiogenesis in diabetic foot ulcers. METHODS: This was a prospective randomized controlled clinical trial. Twenty patients with a non-healing diabetic foot ulcer were randomly distributed into a control group (n=10) and a PDRN group (n=10). Initial surgical debridement and secondary surgical procedures such as a split-thickness skin graft, primary closure, or local flap were performed. Between the initial surgical debridement and secondary surgical procedures, 0.9% normal saline (3 mL) or PDRN was injected for 2 weeks by the intramuscular (1 ampule, 3 mL, 5.625 mg, 5 days per week) and perilesional routes (1 ampule, 3 mL, 5.625 mg, 2 days per week). Transcutaneous oxygen tension (TcPO2) was evaluated using the Periflux System 5000 with TcPO2/CO2 unit 5040 before the injections and on days 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28 after the start of the injections. A pathologic review (hematoxylin and eosin stain) of the debrided specimens was conducted by a pathologist, and vessel density (average number of vessels per visual field) was calculated. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the PDRN-treated group showed improvements in peripheral tissue oxygenation on day 7 (P < 0.01), day 14 (P < 0.001), and day 28 (P < 0.001). The pathologic review of the specimens from the PDRN group showed increased angiogenesis and improved inflammation compared with the control group. No statistically significant difference was found between the control group and the PDRN group in terms of vessel density (P=0.094). Complete healing was achieved in every patient. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, PDRN improved peripheral tissue oxygenation. Moreover, PDRN is thought to be effective in improving inflammation and angiogenesis in diabetic foot ulcers.

The Measurement of the Sensory Recovery Period in Zygoma and Blow-Out Fractures with Neurometer Current Perception Threshold

BACKGROUND: Facial hypoesthesia is one of the most troublesome complaints in the management of facial bone fractures. However, there is a lack of literature on facial sensory recovery after facial trauma. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the facial sensory recovery period for facial bone fractures using Neurometer. METHODS: Sixty-three patients who underwent open reduction of zygomatic and blowout fractures between December 2013 and July 2015 were included in the study. The facial sensory status of the patients was repeatedly examined preoperatively and postoperatively by Neurometer current perception threshold (CPT) until the results were normalized. RESULTS: Among the 63 subjects, 30 patients had normal Neurometer results preoperatively and postoperatively. According to fracture types, 17 patients with blowout fracture had a median recovery period of 0.25 months. Twelve patients with zygomatic fracture had a median recovery period of 1.00 month. Four patients with both fracture types had a median recovery period of 0.625 months. The median recovery period of all 33 patients was 0.25 months. There was no statistically significant difference in the sensory recovery period between types and subgroups of zygomatic and blowout fractures. In addition, there was no statistically significant difference in the sensory recovery period according to Neurometer results and the patients' own subjective reports. CONCLUSIONS: Neurometer CPT is effective for evaluating and comparing preoperative and postoperative facial sensory status and evaluating the sensory recovery period in facial bone fracture patients.

Anatomical and Functional Recovery of Neurotized Remnant Rectus Abdominis Muscle in Muscle-Sparing Pedicled Transverse Rectus Abdominis Musculocutaneous Flap

BACKGROUND: Pedicled transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flaps typically sacrifice the entire muscle. In our experience, the lateral strip of the rectus abdominis muscle can be spared in an attempt to maintain function and reduce morbidity. When the intercostal nerves are injured, muscle atrophy appears with time. The severed intercostal nerve was reinserted into the remnant lateral strip of the rectus abdominis muscle to reduce muscle atrophy. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed 9 neurotized cases and 10 non-neurotized cases. Abdominal computed tomography was performed to determine the area of the rectus muscles. Electromyography (EMG) was performed to check contractile function of the remnant muscle. A single investigator measured the mean areas of randomly selected locations (second lumbar spine) using ImageJ software in a series of 10 cross-sectional slices. We compared the Hounsfield unit (HU) pre- and postoperatively to evaluate regeneration quality. RESULTS: In the neurotization group, 7 of 9 cases maintained the mass of remnant muscle. However, in the non-neurotization group, 8 of 10 lost their mass. The number of totally atrophied muscles in each of the two groups was significantly different (P=0.027). All of the remnant muscles showed contractile function on EMG. The 9 remaining remnant rectus abdominis muscles showed declined the HU value after surgery but also within a normal range of muscle. CONCLUSIONS: Neurotization was found to be effective in maintaining the mass of remnant muscle. Neurotized remnant muscle had contractile function on EMG and no fatty degeneration by HU value.