3D evaluation of the effects of traumatic surgical techniques on Vomer bone volume and morphology in the treatment of lip and palate clefts.

BACKGROUND: Cleft lip/palate (CLP) deformity is the most common congenital facial anomaly. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the changes in volume and shape of Vomer bone after CLP repair surgery. METHODS: The images of a total of 30 patients aged between 9 and 12 years which were recorded with computed tomography were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into three groups: No syndrome, operated for unilateral CLP group (n=10), no syndrome, operated for bilateral CLP group (n=10), and control group (n=10) with no syndrome, no operation history, or no lip/palate deformities. Data of the patients were transferred to a software program and a new three-dimensional image was created for the Vomer. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in the Sella-Nasion lengths, Vomer base lengths, and Vomer vertical lengths among the three groups. However, the Vomer bone volume of the patients with bilateral CLP was found to be statistically significantly higher than the control group. CONCLUSION: We can conclude that more bone formation may be observed due to the periosteal reaction following bilateral Vomer flap elevation or during maxillary growth, tension on the palatal flap may be increased new bone formation by pulling the bilateral Vomer flap if it is elevated and sutured palatal mucoperiosteal flap in the early period. Our findings have led us to the conclusion that size and volume of the Vomer bone can be significantly affected by environmental factors. According to the functional matrix theory, scar tissue formation and lack of Vomer-maxilla fusion cannot stimulate the further development of the anterior cranial bones, leading to shorter anterior cranial base.

Comparison of different treatment techniques in the mandibular condyle fracture.

BACKGROUND: Mandibular condyle fractures can be treated conservatively by intermaxillary fixation (IMF) or by open reposition and internal fixation. Although many studies have discussed for the optimal treatment method, the issue remains controversial. In this study, we aimed to compare conservative techniques in the mandibular condyle fractures. METHODS: Twenty four unilateral condyle fracture patients aged between 18 and 48 years were treated according to one of three different modalities. Bracketing, arch bar or mini screw was applied to all non-surgery patients to obtain IMF. Eight patients were treated with only IMF meanwhile eleven patients were treated with one or double-sided amplifier occlusal splint according to the status of fractured segments, in addition to IMF. Remaining five patients have undergone open reduction and fractured segments immobilized with mini plates. Pre- and post-operative images were recorded with a computerized tomography device. Clinical and radiological examinations were performed by orthodontists and surgeons at baseline and at 6 months of treatment. RESULTS: The condyle lengths of the patients with unilateral fracture after recovery were compared with the unaffected side. The length between the most protruding point of the condyle and the mandible was measured and the length difference was only 5.94 mm in patients who were treated by IMF. The length difference of patients who used brackets and splints was 3.36 mm (p<0.05). The length difference of patients who were repaired by plate screws was 1.80 mm (p>0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) between the groups in the IMF, occlusal splint and IMF and mini plate groups, between the trauma side and the opposite side. None of the patients developed ankylosis, open mouth, limitation of mouth opening, facial asymmetry, laterognathia, and retrognathia. The occlusion of the patients who were not known to have pre-trauma occlusions were directed, repositioned and provided an appropriate occlusion. CONCLUSION: The use of IMF with an occlusal splint is a more conservative and acceptable treatment modality than open reduction in selected cases.

The Role of Extracellular Vesicles Secreted From Thermal Stress-Induced Adipose-Derived Stem Cells on Bone Regeneration.

PURPOSE: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are responsible for intercellular communication. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived vesicles have been shown to have similar properties as functional mesenchymal stem cells. The aim of this study was to compare the therapeutic benefit of EVs obtained from adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSC) on bone repair whereas using ß-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) biomaterial as a carrier. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A single critical size bone defect of 8 mm in diameter was created on the right side of rat calvarium using a custom-made punch needle. Animals were randomly divided into 5 groups: group 1 (no treatment), group 2 (bone graft), group 3 (ß-TCP + ADSC), group 4 (ß-TCP + EV), group 5 (ß-TCP). Eight weeks later, animals were sacrificed and histologic and radiologic evaluation was performed. RESULTS: Semiquantitative histologic scoring demonstrated significantly higher bone regeneration scores for groups 2, 3, and 4 compared to group 1. Radiologic imaging showed significantly higher bone mineral density for groups 2, 3, and 5 compared to group 1. There were no significant differences between treatment groups in either histologic or radiologic scoring. CONCLUSIONS: Our data showed that EVs provided from thermally induced ADSCs did not show any significant difference in bone regeneration when compared to ADSCs themselves. Future studies should focus on determining the optimum amount and content of EV application since these vary significantly depending on the microenvironment.

The tongue flap for large palatal fistulas, a success or a failure? Our 15-year experience.

Large palatal fistulas after cleft palate surgery are difficult to treat using local mucoperiosteal flaps alone, particularly if multiple attempts to close the fistulas have resulted in tissue scarring. In this study, we present our 15-year surgical experience with tongue flaps for large palatal fistulas. A total of 34 patients who underwent tongue flap surgery at our institution between January 2000 and January 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. An anteriorly-based dorsal tongue flap was used for the treatment of anteriorly localized large palatal fistulas in all patients. Data including demographic characteristics of the patients, previous surgeries, localization of the fistula, time between the first and second surgery, and complications were recorded. Factors affecting the surgical success were evaluated. Of the patients, 21 were males and 13 were females with a mean age of 11.7 ± 6.9 (range: 4 to 29) years. Detachment of the tongue flap was observed in nine patients after surgery. Seven of the patients with detachment were male aged ≤6 years (p < 0.05). Resuturing the flap back to the defect did not significantly affect the results. Our study results suggest that proper patient selection and attentive and rigorous surgical technique have a critical importance in the tongue flap repair and tongue flap is not recommended for patients who are under seven years of age.

The Comparison of Pierre Robin Sequence and Non-Syndromic Cleft Palate.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate pre-operative nutritional status, associated syndromes and abnormalities, and post-operative outcomes of patients with Pierre Robin Sequence (PRS) versus those with non-syndromic isolated cleft palate (CIP). METHODS: Between January 1995 and December 2013, patients with a cleft palate Veau I-II according to the Veau classification with and without PRS who underwent primary repair were retrospectively analyzed. The nutrition status, age at the time of palatoplasty, additional anomalies, gestational complications, and post-operative speech abnormalities and outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 59 patients with PRS (PRS group) and 132 patients without PRS (non-PRS group) were included in the study. Of all patients, 92 were males and 99 were females with a mean age of 14 ±â€Š4.18 (range, 6 to 26) years. The rate of gestational complications, enteral nutrition, complete cleft, additional anomalies, and velopharyngeal insufficiency was significantly higher in the PRS group (P < 0.05). However, the incidence of fistulas and age at the time of palatoplasty did not significantly differ between the groups. CONCLUSION: Based on our study results, enteral nutrition, respiratory problems, pregnancy complications, velopharyngeal insufficiency, and additional anomalies, but not post-operative palatal fistulas, are more frequently seen in patients with PRS. Although pre-operative care and treatment and rehabilitation in patients with PRS are more complicated than those with the CIP, our experience demonstrates that meticulous repair and follow-up can minimize complications, such as fistulas.

Intraluminal fluid infusion in a rat jejunum ischemia/reperfusion model is associated with improved tissue perfusion and less mucosal damage.

OBJECTIVE: This study used an experimental model mimicking early postoperative enteral feeding after the transfer of free jejunal flap and tested the hypothesis that jejunal infusion with dextrose or saline is associated with improved tissue perfusion and/or less mucosal damage after ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury. METHODS: Thirty-five male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups: sham group (no IR and no intraluminal infusion); IR control group (IR but not intraluminal infusion); IR plus intraluminal 0.9% NaCl infusion or 5% dextrose or 10% dextrose infusion groups. A jejunal segment of each rat was isolated. The animals had jejunal ischemia for 40 min, reperfusion, and intestinal infusion on the basis of their allocation. Jejunal tissue perfusion was measured with laser Doppler flowmetry at one hour and two hours after reperfusion, after which the animals were sacrificed and tissue samples were obtained for the scoring of histological damage at superficial and cryptic epithelium, villus structure, and inflammatory cell infiltration and tissue nitric oxide (NO), interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP) level measurements. RESULTS: At 1 h of reperfusion, IR plus 5% dextrose and 10% dextrose groups both had significantly higher perfusion rates than the IR control group (384.8 ± 26.7 and 462.4 ± 44.7 versus 270.3 ± 34.2 PU, respectively, p < 0.05 for both). These differences were maintained at 2 h of reperfusion (p < 0.05 for both). Saline infusion, however, resulted in improved tissue perfusion only at the early phase of reperfusion. Intraluminal infusion with dextrose solution, either 5% or 10%, was associated with higher tissue NO, IL-1, and IL-6 levels than that in the sham group (p < 0.05 for all). In addition, intraluminal infusion of any fluid resulted in less severe histological damage (8.1 ± 0.9 versus 5.8 ± 1.0, 5.4 ± 0.9, and 5.2 ± 1.9, for IR plus saline, 5% dextrose and 10% dextrose groups, respectively, p < 0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: Intraluminal infusion of fluids, particularly dextrose solutions, may be protective against IR injury as demonstrated by improved tissue perfusion and less histological damage. In addition, increases in tissue NO, IL-1, and IL-6 levels in association with dextrose infusion may be explained by the activation of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory protective pathways. These support early enteral feeding after free jejunum flap transfers; however, further studies are warranted.

Ischemic Preconditioning and Iloprost Reduces Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Jejunal Flaps: An Animal Model.

BACKGROUND: Free jejunal flaps are among the most commonly used flaps for esophageal reconstruction. However, ischemia-reperfusion injury caused by warm ischemia seen during transfer limits their use. Iloprost, a prostacyclin analogue, has been shown to reduce ischemia-reperfusion injury in various organs. The authors investigated tissue damage in jejunal flaps with iloprost and ischemic preconditioning and compared the effectiveness of these two modalities. METHODS: Thirty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into five groups: sham, ischemia-reperfusion (control), ischemic preconditioning, iloprost, and ischemic preconditioning plus iloprost. All flaps, except those in the sham group, underwent ischemia for 60 minutes and reperfusion for 2 hours. Flap perfusion was assessed by laser Doppler perfusion monitoring. Histologic sections were scored using the Chiu scoring system. Superoxide dismutase and myeloperoxidase levels were measured spectrophotometrically. RESULTS: Animals that were administered iloprost and/or underwent ischemic preconditioning had better postischemic recovery of mesenteric perfusion (ischemic preconditioning, 78 percent; iloprost, 83 percent; ischemic preconditioning plus iloprost, 90 percent; versus ischemia-reperfusion, 50 percent; p < 0.05). All intervention groups showed improved histology of jejunal flaps following ischemia-reperfusion injury (ischemic preconditioning, 3; iloprost, 2.3; ischemic preconditioning plus iloprost, 3.2; versus ischemia-reperfusion, 4.7; p < 0.01, p < 0.001, and p < 0.05, respectively). Superoxide dismutase levels were higher in ischemic preconditioning, iloprost plus ischemic preconditioning, and iloprost groups (ischemic preconditioning, 2.7 ± 0.2; ischemic preconditioning plus iloprost, 2.5 ± 0.3; versus ischemia-reperfusion, 1.2 ± 0.1; p < 0.01; iloprost, 2.4 ± 1.1; versus ischemia-reperfusion, 1.2 ± 0.1; p < 0.05). Myeloperoxidase, a marker for neutrophil infiltration, was lower in the iloprost group (iloprost, 222 ± 5; versus ischemia-reperfusion, 291 ± 25; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that both iloprost and ischemic preconditioning reduced reperfusion injury in jejunal flaps. Based on histologic results, iloprost may be a novel treatment alternative to ischemic preconditioning.

Use of abdominal negative pressure wound therapy in different indications: a case series.

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is a widely used wound management system. Several articles have been published on the advantages and complications of this system. Abdominal dressing negative pressure system (abdominal NPWT) is a newer technology, developed and used in open abdomen cases. The adherence of the sponge to the intra-abdominal organs is prevented by a polyurethane foam. This study presents a number of case series where an abdominal NPWT (ABThera, KCI, US) has been used to treat other vital organs, helping to prevent complications such as organ rupture and fatal bleeding.

Implant Stability Outcomes After Immediate and Delayed Revascularized Free Fibula Flaps: A Preliminary Comparative Study.

PURPOSE: This pilot study investigated the retrospective outcomes of implants placed immediately or with a delayed protocol in revascularized free fibula flaps (FFF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing FFF between 2014 and 2017 were included in the study. Implants were inserted either immediately or 23.63 ± 10.61 months after reconstructive surgery. Resonance frequency analyses were recorded at the time of implant placement (first control) and 4 months postoperatively while uncovering and screwing the gingiva formers (second control). The statistical significance level was set at P < .05. RESULTS: Eight patients (four men, four women, mean age: 46.75 ± 12.96 years) were included in the study. Twenty-six implants were placed in FFF (14 immediate, 12 delayed), and 28 were placed in the alveolus. All implant stability quotient (ISQ) scores were in high stability ranges. Statistically significant differences were observed between delayed (79.25 ± 4.77) and immediate implant placement (73.14 ± 7.42) at first controls, but not at second controls (79.17 ± 3.59 and 76.00 ± 6.18). The ISQ values of immediate implant placement significantly increased from first to second controls (P = .018). Bicortically placed implants showed significantly higher scores than unicortical implants (P < .05). ISQ values of FFF and alveolar bone groups were similar (P > .05). CONCLUSION: High stability scores similar to alveolar bone could be achieved by both immediate and delayed implant placement. Bicortical implantation results in better implant stability.

A Comparative Clinical Study of Flap Thickness: Medial Sural Artery Perforator Flap Versus Anterolateral Thigh Flap.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study is to measure flap thicknesses of anterolateral thigh (ALT) and medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) flaps in healthy subjects by Doppler ultrasonography and compare the results in relation to sex and body mass index (BMI). METHOD: The perforators of ALT and MSAP flaps were marked on 30 healthy subjects. The thickness of skin and subcutaneous tissue was measured in millimeters at the site of the perforator using Doppler ultrasonography. RESULTS: The mean ± SD age of the participants was 36.4 ± 10.5, the mean ± SD BMI was 25.2 ± 3.9 (19.4-32.5). The mean ± SD flap thickness was 11.55 ± 4.38 mm for ALT and 8.31 ± 3.6 mm mm for MSAP (P < 0.01). Anterolateral thigh flap was significantly thicker than MSAP in both males (9.02 vs 6.11 mm) and females (14.07 vs 10.52 mm) (P < 0.05). The thickness of both MSAP and ALT flap had a positive correlation with BMI. The relationship was stronger for ALT in males (r = 0.66 for ALT, r = 0.59 for MSAP) and for MSAP in females (r = 0.70 for ALT, r = 0.83 for MSAP). DISCUSSION: This study confirms that MSAP flap is thinner than ALT and the results correlate with BMI. Therefore, MSAP flap can be considered a good alternative to ALT, to avoid bulk, in reconstruction of shallower soft tissue defects.

Assessment of Tissue Perfusion Following Conventional Liposuction of Perforator-Based Abdominal Flaps.

BACKGROUND: The effect of liposuction on the perforators of the lower abdominal wall has been investigated in several studies. There are controversial results in the literature that have primarily demonstrated the number and patency of the perforators. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of liposuction on the perfusion of perforator-based abdominal flaps using a combined laser-Doppler spectrophotometer (O2C, Oxygen to See, LEA Medizintechnik). METHODS: Nine female patients undergoing classical abdominoplasty were included in the study. Perforators and the perfusion zones of the deep inferior epigastric artery flap were marked on the patient's abdominal wall. Flap perfusion was quantitatively assessed by measuring blood flow, velocity, capillary oxygen saturation, and relative amount of hemoglobin for each zone preoperatively, after tumescent solution infiltration, following elevation of the flap on a single perforator, and after deep and superficial liposuction, respectively. RESULTS: The measurements taken after elevation of the flap were not significantly different than measurements taken after the liposuction procedures. CONCLUSIONS: The liposuction procedure does not significantly alter the perfusion of perforator-based abdominal flaps in the early period. The abdominal tissue discarded in a classic abdominoplasty operation can be raised as a perforator flap and has been demonstrated to be a unique model for clinical research.

A Rare Type of Upper Extremity Injury: Penetrating Injuries Caused by Blunt-edged Items.

BACKGROUND: Penetrating upper extremity injury is a common encountered cause of significant loss of labor force and it is generally caused by sharp items. This article presents five rare cases of penetrating hand and forearm injury caused by blunt-edged items in conjunction with a detailed discussion of the mechanism and management of the injury. METHODS: Five patients with a mean age of 37.6 were treated for upper extremity trauma caused by "blunt-edged items" such as corrugated iron fence, garden wires, iron stick or iron safety fence between 2009 to 2014. All patients were operated under general anesthesia after performing detailed physical examination and x-ray imaging. RESULTS: The explorative surgery of the affected limbs revealed no nervous or vascular injury. In two patients, partial tear of the muscles bellies of intrinsic hand muscles (opponens pollicis and adductor pollicis); in two patients, partial extensor digitorum communis tendon laceration and in the remaining patient, partial tear of the third annular pulley were the only encountered injuries. The physical examinations performed in the last visit of each patient revealed, complete healing of the affected limb without any functional, vascular or sensorial deficiency in a mean follow-up period of 19.2 months. CONCLUSIONS: Despite their initial horrible appearance, injuries caused by "blunt-edged items" are quite harmless to the affected limb because they follow weak anatomic spaces of the extremity and cause minimal tissue damage leaving all vascular and nervous structures intact.

Repair of critical size defects using bioactive glass seeded with adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

Bioactive glass has been demonstrated as a biocompatible bone substitute. However bone healing process can be prolonged due to late resorption of the material. Adipose derived stem cells (ASC) have osteogenic differentiation potential and hence can be a cell source for bone regeneration. The aim of this study was to test whether combination of bioactive glass with ASCs would enhance bone regeneration. Following creation of critical sized defects on the calvaria of 32 Wistar rats, the animals were randomly divided into four groups: Group C (control): Defects were left untreated; Group G: Defects were covered with autologous bone graft; Group BG: Defects were filled with bioactive glass; Group BG/ASC: Defects were filled with bioactive glass seeded with ASCs. The defect size was significantly greater in Group C compared to all other groups. Bone density was significantly lower in Group C compared to Group G and Group BG/ASC. Bone regeneration score of Group C was significantly lower than other groups. Group BG/ASC demonstrated lamellar bone and havers canal formation. The results of this study demonstrated that bioactive glass implanted with ASC is a biocompatible construct stimulating radiologically and histologically evident bone regeneration similar to autologous bone grafting. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 1002-1008, 2017.

The Effect of Liquid Nitrogen on Bone Graft Survival.

Liquid nitrogen is used in medicine for cancer treatment and tissue preservation; however, bone viability after its application is controversial. This study aims to evaluate both the tissue viability and the clinical and histopathologic findings following liquid nitrogen application with different thawing techniques in rats. Mandibular bone grafts were taken from 45 Wistar rats and freezed in liquid nitrogen for 20 minutes. In the rapid-thawing technique (Rapid Thawing-1, Rapid Thawing-2), the grafts were held for 20 minutes in room temperature; in the slow-thawing technique (Slow Thawing-1, Slow Thawing-2), 20 minutes in -20°C, 20 minutes in +4°C, and 20 minutes in room temperature, respectively. In Rapid Thawing-2 and Slow Thawing-2 groups, autografts were implanted to their origin for 3 weeks and bone staining with India ink was performed and samples taken for histologic examination. The amount of cells and blood vessels and the density of bone canaliculi were significantly reduced in Rapid Thawing-1 and Slow Thawing-1 groups comparing to the Control group. However, the reduction rate was more significant in the Slow Thawing-1 group. Histomorphometric evaluation of the healing autografts after 3 weeks revealed that the decreased amounts of canaliculi were not changed in Slow Thawing-2 group. The study results demonstrated that bone tissue survives after liquid nitrogen treatment regardless of the performed thawing technique; however, slow thawing causes more tissue damage and metabolism impairment.