Patient-reported outcomes after oral cancer reconstructions with radial and ulnar forearm-free flaps.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate patient-reported quality of life and incidence of decision regret in patients undergoing radial (RFFF) and ulnar forearm-free flaps (UFFF) reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing either RFFF or UFFF were assessed with the University of Washington Quality of Life (UW-QOL) and Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaires, and the Decision Regret Scale (DRS), both before and at least 12 months post-reconstruction. RESULTS: In total, 40 RFFF and 40 UFFF were included. Harvesting time was longer in RFFF (p = 0.043), and the donor-site defect was significantly larger in RFFF than in UFFF (p = 0.044). Patients with UFFF scored better UW-QOL in the appearance, pain, activity, mood, and social functioning domains (p < 0.05). However, the RFFF group excelled in swallowing and chewing domains. The DRS score revealed a significant difference between RFFF and UFFF, with scores of 36.26 versus 27.36, respectively. Moreover, the mean DRS score reduced at 12 months compared with 6 months, significantly superior for UFFF. CONCLUSION: Oral cancer patients reconstructed with UFFF exhibited a better appearance, social domain, and mild decision regret compared with RFFF, indicating that the UFFF may contribute to improving postoperative quality of life in oral cancer patients.

Evaluation of Different Fixation Methods Combinations After L-Shaped Osteotomy Reduction Malarplasty: An In Vitro Biomechanical Study.

BACKGROUND: This in vitro study compared the stability of different fixation method combinations for the zygomatic complex after simulated L-shaped osteotomy reduction malarplasty, a common facial contouring surgery in East Asia with high postoperative complications due to poor fixation methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study used 108 zygoma replicas with various fixation methods combinations in the zygomatic body (L-shaped plate with short wing on zygoma and on the maxilla, two bicortical screws, one bicortical screw with L-shaped plate, square plate, and rectangular plate) and zygomatic arch (Mortise-Tenon structure, 3-hole plate, and Mortise-Tenon structure plus short screw). The failure force under incremental load was applied through the Instron tensile machine to a well-stabilized model using a rubber band simulating the masseter muscle and recorded the increasing force digitally. ANOVA test was used for comparison between recorded values (P < 0.05). RESULTS: The results showed that the most stable combination was a six-hole rectangular plate and a Mortise-Tenon structure plus one short screw (358.55 ± 51.64 N/mm2). The results also indicated that the placement vector of the fixation methods around the L-shaped osteotomy and the use of the two-bridge fixation method were important factors in enhancing the stability of the zygomatic complex. CONCLUSION: The study suggested that surgeons should choose appropriate fixation methods based on these factors to reduce postoperative complications and improve surgical outcomes. NO LEVEL ASSIGNED: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. 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 .

Development of postoperative velopharyngeal function in patients with cleft palate.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with a cleft palate often experience a velopharyngeal dysfunction known as velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI). The purpose of this study was to examine the development of velopharyngeal function (VPF) following primary palatoplasty and the factors that are linked to it. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted to examine the medical records of patients who had cleft palate, with or without cleft lip (CP ± L) and underwent palatoplasty at a Tertiary Affiliated Hospital between 2004 and 2017. Postoperative evaluation of VPF was conducted at two follow-up times (T1, T2) and was classified as either normal VPF, mild VPI, or moderate/severe VPI. The consistency of VPF evaluations between the two time points was then assessed, and patients were categorized into either the consistent or inconsistent group. The study collected and analyzed data on gender, cleft type, age at operation, follow-up duration, and speech records. RESULTS: The study included 188 patients with CP ± L. Out of these, 138 patients (73.4%) showed consistent VPF evaluations, while 50 patients (26.6%) showed inconsistent VPF evaluations. Among those with VPI at T1 (91 patients), 36 patients (39.6%) had normal VPF at T2. The rate of VPI decreased from 48.40% at T1 to 27.13% at T2, whereas the rate of normal VPF increased from 44.68% at T1 to 68.09% at T2. The consistent group had a significantly younger age at operation (2.90 ± 3.82 vs 3.68 ± 4.02), a longer duration of T1 (1.67 ± 0.97 vs 1.04 ± 0.59), and a lower comprehensive score of speech performance (1.86 ± 1.27 vs 2.60 ± 1.07) than the inconsistent group. CONCLUSIONS: It has been verified that there are changes in the development of VPF over time. Patients who underwent palatoplasty at a younger age were more likely to have confirmed VPF diagnosis at the first evaluation. The duration of follow-up was identified as a critical factor that affects the confirmation of VPF diagnosis.

Gasless Endoscopic Submandibular Gland Excision Through Hairline Approach.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of gasless endoscopic submandibular gland excision through hairline approach and the safety, feasibility and practicability of this technique. METHODS: Twenty-five patients with submandibular gland lesions who underwent gasless endoscopic submandibular gland excision through hairline approach at the Department of Head and Neck Oncology of the West China Hospital of Stomatology from May 1 st 2021 to May 31 st 2022 were included in this prospective study. The variables were analyzed statistically with SPSS software version 23.0 (IBM Corp, Armonk, New York, USA). RESULTS: There was a female predominance (72%), female to male ratio was 2.6. The mean age was 30.6±10.2 years (range: 11 to 52 year). All 25 cases of endoscopic submandibular gland excision through hairline approach were done without conversion to conventional approach. This approach was indicated in 14 cases (56%) for pleomorphic adenoma, 8 cases (32%) for chronic sialadenitis, 2 cases (8%) for adenoid cystic carcinoma, and 1 case (4%) for lymphadenitis. The incision length mean was 4.8±0.4 mm (range: 4 to 5 mm); the operation duration mean was 100.6±39.7 min (range: 51 to 197 min); the intraoperative bleeding mean was 13.2±5.7 ml (range: 5 to 20 ml); the hospital length of stay mean was 4.5±0.8 days (range: 3 to 6 days). The follow-up mean was 10±3.4 months (range: 5 to 16 months). The patients were very satisfied with postoperative cosmetic result (score mean: 9.2±1). No recurrence of disease and complications such as postoperative bleeding, hematoma, nerve damage, skin necrosis, infection, and hair loss occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Gasless endoscopic submandibular gland excision through hairline approach is safe, feasible and practicable, resulting in a very satisfied cosmetic result without significant complications; the intraoperative bleeding is less, the operative field is clear, the operation duration decreases with accumulation of experience.

Three dimensional condylar positional and morphological changes following mandibular reconstruction based on CBCT analysis: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the condylar positional changes following mandibular reconstruction with preservation of the condylar head using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). Also, to assess joint space changes and the overall volumetric space compared to the preoperative status. METHODOLOGY: This prospective study included 30 patients (60 joints) subjected to unilateral mandibular resection and reconstruction with preservation of the condylar head. The Helkimo index and preoperative (T1), two weeks postoperative (T2), and follow-up CBCTs (T3) after at least six months were gathered and processed to evaluate the condylar position and TMJ joint space using Anatomage Invivo 6. A student's t-test and repeated-measures ANOVA statistics were used. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Thirty patients (14 males, 16 females) with a mean age of 40.01 ± 12.7 years (a range of 18.1-62.9 years) were included. On the tumor side, there were significant variances in the vertical and mediolateral condylar positions between the three-time points (T1, T2, T3). Immediately after the operation, the condyles were significantly displaced in a downward direction at T2, which became larger after the last follow-up period (T3) (p = 0.007). The condylar positions at the anteroposterior direction were relatively stable without significant differences between the three times points (p = 0.915). On the non-tumor side, the condylar positions were relatively stable in the mediolateral and anteroposterior positions. In the tumor side, all of the TMJ spaces were significantly increased in size following the mandibular reconstructions (T2 and T3). However, on the non-tumor side, the anterior, posterior, and medial joint spaces were significantly changed postoperatively. CONCLUSION: After mandibular reconstruction with condylar preservation, the condylar position and volumetric measurement immediately changed noticeably and continued to be a permanent change over time compared to relatively stable condyles on the non-tumor side. According to Helkimo index, patients become adapted to the postoperative changes without significant differences between the two sides.

Evaluation of Postoperative Outcomes in Two Cleft Palate Repair Techniques without Relaxing Incisions.

BACKGROUND: A modified palatoplasty was established by incorporating the designs of both Sommerlad and Furlow techniques in addition to a novel incision on the medial pterygoid plate's surface, named the Sommerlad-Furlow modified technique. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes of the Sommerlad-Furlow modified technique against an accepted standard, the Furlow technique. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted for 212 consecutive nonsyndromic cleft palate patients who underwent Sommerlad-Furlow ( n = 106) and Furlow ( n = 106) repairs without relaxing incision on the hard palate between 2011 and 2016. The success of surgical procedures was estimated by the rate of postoperative fistula, speech outcomes, and velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI)-related quality of life. The demographic and surgical data, including sex, age, cleft type, cleft width, and follow-up period were recorded. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the two treatment groups regarding demographic and surgical data, except the cleft width ( P < 0.001). The incidence of the fistula was 7.5% and 6.6% after the Sommerlad-Furlow and Furlow procedures, respectively. The two groups showed no significant differences in speech outcomes, and adequate velopharyngeal function was found in 84% and 82.1% in Sommerlad-Furlow and Furlow procedures, respectively. Besides, the rate of severe VPI was slightly lower in Sommerlad-Furlow (0.9%) than in Furlow (2.8%) procedures. Moreover, an adequate VPI-related quality of life was found in 80.4% of the Sommerlad-Furlow group and 78.6% of the Furlow group. CONCLUSION: The Sommerlad-Furlow technique has obtained acceptable postoperative outcomes and could be a choice for cleft palate repair, especially in wider clefts. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Cupid's Bow Leveling and Preservation of Lip Height and Width: A Modified Rotation-Advancement Technique.

BACKGROUND: Several methods for cleft lip repair have been developed over time, with no clear method considered the standard. In the authors' department, the use of a modified rotation-advancement technique rather than the traditional rotation-advancement technique in unilateral complete cleft lip repair has increased over the past decade. This study aimed to determine which technique provides better outcomes. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted by analyzing the preoperative and postoperative aesthetic nasal and labial anthropometric measurements of the frontal and basal views of 213 consecutive patients treated between October of 2013 and June of 2019. A total of 141 participants were treated with the traditional rotation-advancement technique, and 72 with the modified rotation-advancement technique. The inclusion criteria were nonsyndromic unilateral complete cleft lip repair with high-resolution, good-quality photographs; no presurgical nasoalveolar molding; no revision in the lip or nose areas; and at least 1 year of follow-up. RESULT: Patients who received the modified rotation-advancement technique had significantly improved Cupid's bow position and orientation ( P < 0.02 and P < 0.01, respectively) and enhanced vertical lip height symmetry ( P < 0.01) while preserving the lip width. The columellar length ( P < 0.03) and angulation ( P < 0.045) were also significantly improved, with enhanced nostril inclination in this group ( P < 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: According to the findings of the current study, modified rotation-advancement technique assisted surgeons in improving symmetrical leveling of the Cupid's bow and significantly aided in correcting lip height without compromising lip width. Moreover, the modified rotation-advancement technique resulted in better aesthetic nasal outcomes. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Evaluation of late cleft palate repair by a modified technique without relaxing incisions.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the postoperative outcomes together with analyzing the associated influencing factors following a late cleft palate repair by the Sommerlad-Furlow modified technique (S-F). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective cohort, 320 consecutive patients with cleft palate, who received S-F technique between 2011 and 2017, were reviewed. The patients were divided into three age groups, less than one year (143), one to two years (113), and greater than 2 years (64). The postoperative outcomes included wound healing (complete/fistula) and velopharyngeal function (VPF). RESULTS: The overall cleft width was 10 ± 3.07 mm. The overall rates of complete wound healing and proper velopharyngeal function were 96.6% and 81.56%, respectively. No significant difference was found between the age groups regarding wound healing, with an overall fistula rate of 3.4%. The VPF was significantly varied among the age groups (P<0.001). In context, the rates of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) were 9.8%, 14.2%, and 45.4% among patients repaired at ˂1, 1-2, and >2 years old, respectively. The cleft type was the most potential factor associated with fistula. The age at repair was identified as the most implicating factor for VPI. CONCLUSIONS: The S-F technique had achieved low fistula rate and satisfactory speech outcome, especially in early repair group and even in the wide cleft palate. The older age at repair and severe cleft type had a major impact on the postoperative outcomes.

Primary unilateral incomplete cleft lip repair by a modified rotational advancement technique.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to describe a modified technique for primary unilateral incomplete cleft lip repair together with postoperative outcomes assessment. STUDY DESIGN: A Retrospective study. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: Photos of 64 consecutive patients with nonsyndromic primary unilateral incomplete cleft lip were reviewed. Of the 64 participants for the study sample, 32 patients had received Millard rotational advancement technique (RA), while the other 32 had modified rotational advancement technique (MRA) with preserving the nasal sill intact. It was conducted at a university-affiliated tertiary hospital between 2013 and 2021. MAIN MEASURES: The lip measures were represented by lip height and width, vermillion height, midline-philtrum angle, and angle of Cupid's bow peaks. The nasal measures involved columella length and angle, nostril height and width, and ala width. Both descriptive and comparative data analyses were calculated. RESULTS: Symmetrical lip height, lip width, philtrum angle, Cupid's bow, as well columellar length, and alar width were obtained following the MRA technique. No significant difference was found between the MRA and RA groups concerning the preoperative lip height, Cupid's bow angle, columellar length and angle. However, the postoperative lip height, width and columellar length were greater in MRA group than RA group (P= .001, 0.004 and 0.002, respectively). On the other hand, the MRA group had significantly smaller columellar and Cupid's bow peaks angles than RA group (0.53±0.36 vs 1.21±0.91 and 1.34±1.84 vs 3.14 ± 2.97, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The MRA technique has obtained satisfactory lip and nasal outcomes in terms of lip height, lip width, philtrum angle, Cupid's bow, columellar length, and alar width while keeping the nasal sill intact.

The Sommerlad-Furlow Modified Palatoplasty Technique: Postoperative Complications and Implicating Factors.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the incidence of postoperative complications and investigate the impact of preselected factors on functional and quality of life outcomes following the Sommerlad-Furlow modified palatoplasty technique. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. METHODS: A total of 429 patients with cleft palate, who received Sommerlad-Furlow modified technique between 2011-2017 were enrolled. The postoperative complications including oronasal fistula (ONF), velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI), and inadequate quality of life (QOL) were collected. Data of preselected factors including gender, age at palatoplasty, cleft type, cleft width, palatal width, pharyngeal cavity depth, and operation duration were also collected. RESULTS: Among 429 patients, 40.1% were males whereas 59.9% were females. The mean age at palatoplasty was 1.23 ± 0.69 (0.42-4) years, and the average cleft width was 10.15 ± 2.95 (4-27) mm. The cleft types had recorded rates of about 6.8%, 69.5%, 17.7%, and 6.1% of Veau I, II, III, and IV, respectively. The overall incidence rates of ONF, VPI, and inadequate QOL were 2.3%, 19.4%, and 31.3%, respectively. In both the univariate and multivariate analyses, the cleft type was significantly implicated in ONF formation (p = 0.023 and 0.032, respectively) whereas the velopharyngeal function was impacted by the palatoplasty age (p Ë‚ 0.001). The receiver operating characteristic curve indicated that age of palatoplasty ≥1.3 years (area under the curve = 0.611, p = 0.002) was the cutoff value for predicting the incidence of VPI. CONCLUSIONS: The Sommerlad-Furlow modified technique appears to have appropriate postoperative outcomes, even in the wide cleft palate. The older age at palatoplasty has a major impact on the overall postoperative outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 133:822-829, 2023.

Single incision-plus approach for gasless endoscopic parotidectomy: a seven-step procedure.

Endoscopic parotidectomy has the potential to become a reliable procedure for benign and low-grade malignant parotid gland tumors. Based on the previous literature review and our own clinical experience, we introduced in detail the surgical procedure of single incision-plus approach for gasless endoscopic parotidectomy. This method contributes a logical approach to achieving endoscopic resection of parotid gland tumor and preservation of facial nerve, which can be summarized into the following seven-step method: preoperative preparation; design of retroauricular-hairline incision and plus-incision; surgical cavities creation and coalescence; separation of surgical boundaries; separation and protection of the facial nerve trunk; processing of the branches of facial nerve; en bloc resection of the superficial parotid gland and tumor. Endoscopic parotidectomy is a more difficult procedure than conventional parotid surgery, requiring more precision as well as more experience and equipment. The learning curve of time and frequency is influenced by many factors, like anatomy, instruments, procedures and patience. We contribute our clinical exploration of anatomical precautions, feasible instruments, and surgical procedures and summarize precautions under single incision-plus in gasless endoscopic parotidectomy. Given the growing interest in the aesthetic process of the parotid region, the seven-step method may have the potential to be a method for teaching gasless endoscopic parotidectomy.

Early Cleft Palate Repair by a Modified Technique Without Relaxing Incisions.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to evaluate a modified palatoplasty technique (MPT) concerning the postoperative outcomes and associated influencing factors. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: One hundred forty-three consecutive patients with non-syndromic cleft palate, who received MPT before one year of age within an oral and maxillofacial surgery department of a university-affiliated tertiary hospital between 2011-2017, were reviewed. MAIN MEASURES: The postoperative wound healing and velopharyngeal function (VPF) were the primary outcome measures. The sex, age at surgery, cleft type, cleft width, palatal width, soft palate length, pharyngeal cavity depth, and operation duration were preselected as influencing factors. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted. RESULTS: The mean age at surgery was 9 ± 1.31 months (5-11), and the average cleft width was 9.03 ± 2.41 mm (4-15). The rate of incomplete cleft palate was 84.6% while the complete cleft palate was 15.4%. Complete wound healing was reported in 96.5% while the others (3.5%) had persistent oronasal fistula. About 90.2% of cases have shown normal velopharyngeal function whereas the others (9.8%) had sustained velopharyngeal insufficiency. The wound healing appeared to be significantly impacted by cleft width and pharyngeal cavity depth (P = .015 and 0.049, respectively). However, none of the factors had a significant association with VPF. CONCLUSIONS: The present modified palatoplasty technique has obtained a low fistula rate and appropriate speech outcome. Therefore, this MPT could be promoted for early repairing cleft palate of different severities.

Influence of Inferior Alveolar Nerve Exposure During Sagittal Split Osteotomy on the Rate and Timing of Baseline Sensory Recovery.

PURPOSE: Neurosensory disturbance is the most common consequence of sagittal split osteotomy (SSO). The purpose of this study is to quantitatively assess neurosensory deficiency and recovery to the preoperative status when the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) was exposed versus unexposed during SSO. METHODS: This is a single-center, prospective, cohort study of all patients undergoing bilateral SSO between August 2018 and July 2019. Patients were included in the study sample if they underwent bilateral SSO with an intact intraoperative IAN and were received follow-up assessment for at least a year. The predictor variable was the intraoperative IAN status (exposed vs unexposed). The outcomes of interest were the rate and timing of recovery to the preoperative status. The covariates were age, sex, and the magnitude and direction of surgical movements. Neurosensory function was quantitatively evaluated using the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test at follow-up intervals of 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Descriptive statistics, bivariate statistics, Cox proportional hazards regression, and Kaplan-Meier analyses were performed. P value <.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Of 90 patients, 86 patients who underwent 172 SSOs were included in this study. The mean age was 22.95 ± 3.34 years (range, 17 to 30), 65 were women, and the range of surgical movements was 3 to 8.3 mm of advancement and 2 to 12 mm of setback. Eighty-five nerves (49.4%) were allocated to the unexposed group, and 87 (50.6%) to the exposed group, with statistically significant differences in the rate and timing of recovery (hazard ratio = 2.368; 95% confidence interval, 1.662 to 3.376; P < .001). Among those with recovered nerves, the median time to recovery was 90 days in the unexposed group and 364 days in the exposed group (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: IAN exposure during SSO is associated with an increased risk of neurosensory deficiency and an increased time of sensory recovery to the baseline threshold in patients aged 17 to 30 years. When the IAN remained fully enclosed in the canal of the distal segment, only 11% of patients had a measurable sensory deficit 1 year after surgery. In those patients with any degree of IAN exposure, 36% had a residual sensory deficit 1 year after surgery.

Long-term three-dimensional condylar remodeling during presurgical orthodontics and after orthognathic surgery of mandibular retrognathia with high mandibular plane angle.

OBJECTIVES: Patients with high mandibular plane facial morphology are the most dominant facial type who experience TMJ abnormalities with resultant condylar resorption, affecting the orthodontic and orthognathic treatment outcomes. The study aimed to quantitatively assess the three-dimensional condylar remodeling during the presurgical orthodontics and after orthognathic surgery of the retrognathic mandible with a high mandibular plane angle. The study also investigated the correlation between the resultant remodeling based on the hypothesis that condylar resorption following orthognathic surgery is a part of a progressive presurgical resorption process. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included adults with mandibular retrognathism and high mandibular plane angle who have computed tomography scans (CT) obtained before any treatment (T0), after completion of presurgical treatment before surgery (T1), and at long-term follow-up after surgery (T2). DICOM of CT scan was gathered and processed using ITK-SNAP and 3D Slicer software. The interval between T0 and T1 was represented as a presurgical phase, while between T1 and T2 was defined as a postsurgical phase (T1-T2). RESULTS: Twenty-five patients (50 condyles) were included with a mean age of 23 ± 3.2 years. The mean of the follow-up during the presurgical phase was 19.8 ± 7.1 months and 15.5 ± 5.5 months during the postsurgical phase. The condylar volume during the presurgical phase (T0-T1) was relatively stable (- 3.3 ± 37.2mm3). However, during the postsurgical phase (T1-T2), the volume was significantly reduced - 113.8 ± 98.3mm3 (P < 0.001). Localized condylar surface resorption during the postsurgical phase was significantly higher than during the presurgical phase (P < 0.05). No correlation was found between the localized condylar surface remodeling during the presurgical and postsurgical phases. However, a negative statistically significant correlation existed between the overall condylar volume changes during the presurgical and postsurgical phases (r = 0.502, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Significant condylar resorption following orthognathic surgery of the retrognathic mandible with a high mandibular plane angle might occur regardless of the presurgical status of the condyle. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The study provided an evidence to be discussed with the patients and considered throughout the treatment of mandibular retrognathia with high mandibular plane angle.

Correlation of the Chinese velopharyngeal insufficiency-related quality of life instrument and speech in subjects with cleft palate.

OBJECTIVE: Assessment of the hypothesized correlation between the Chinese Velopharyngeal Insufficiency (VPI) Effects on Life Outcomes (VELO) instrument and measured speech parameters. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Oral Clefts Center of West China Hospital of Stomatology between January 2019 and December 2019. Speech parameters including speech intelligibility deficit, VPI severity, VP gap, and need for speech therapy were evaluated by speech-language pathologists. All patients and their parents completed the VELO instrument. The correlation between aforementioned speech parameters and VELO scores was examined utilizing Spearman correlation coefficients. The reliability of VELO test-retest and parent proxy assessment was estimated utilizing intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to calculate the cutoff VELO score. RESULTS: One hundred and forty patients with their parents were enrolled. The mean age was 12.58 ± 3.72 years. Both parent and youth VELO total and domain scores recorded moderate to strong correlations with all speech parameters (r > -.40, P ˂ .001) except the swallowing domain. Most VELO domain items have shown significant correlations with at least one speech parameter. Moreover, the scales of all speech parameters showed different VELO scores (P Ë‚ .001). The ICC reported test-retest correlation >.73 in all domains, and parent proxy correlation >.63 in most domains except the emotional and perception domains. The cutoff VELO score was 79.04 in parent version and 85.77 in youth version. CONCLUSIONS: The correlations between VELO scores and measured speech parameters have provided evidence for test-retest and parent proxy reliability and criterion and construct validity of the Chinese version of the VELO instrument. A VELO score ≥79.04 (in parent version) or ≥85.77 (in youth version) mostly reflects proper speech-related quality of life. Hence, this instrument could serve as a simple tool to help clinicians understand the social, emotional, and physical influences of VPI.

The hierarchy of different treatments for myogenous temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

The best treatment modality for the management of painful temporomandibular disorders of muscular origin (M-TMD) with predictable outcomes based on solid evidence is still not well defined. Thus, the aim of this network meta-analysis (NMA) was to identify the best treatment for adult patients with M-TMD. An electronic search was undertaken from the inception of each database to August 2018, to identify randomized clinical trials (RCTs), which are comparing two or more of the following treatment modalities in patients with M-TMD: counseling therapy; occlusal appliances; manual therapy; laser therapy; dry needling; intramuscular injection of local anesthesia (LA) or botulinum toxin-A (BTX-A); muscle relaxants; hypnosis/relaxation therapy; oxidative ozone therapy; and placebo or no treatment. Primary outcome variables were the reduction of pain and mechanical sensitivity. The secondary outcome was the maximal mouth opening (MMO). The quality of evidence was rated according to Cochrane's tool for assessing risk of bias. Standardized mean difference was used to analyze via frequentist network meta-analysis (NMA), using STATA software. 52 RCTs were included in this NMA. At the most follow up moments, manual therapy, counseling therapy, occlusal splints therapy, and needling using BTX-A or LA as well as dry needling significantly decreased post-treatment pain intensity in M-TMDs, when compared to placebo.  At short term (≤5 months), the four highest-ranked treatments for post-treatment pain reduction were manual therapy (83.5%, low quality evidence), ozone therapy (75.7%, very low quality evidence),counseling  therapy (71.2%, moderate quality), and occlusal appliances  (71.7%,moderate quality evidence). When intermediate term (≥6 months)was considered, BTX-A (85.8%, very low quality evidence) , counseling therapy(80%, low quality evidence), occlusal appliances  (62.8%, low quality evidence) and hypnosis (50.6%, very low quality evidence) were the four highest-ranked treatments.  This NMA reveals that manual therapy can be considered the most effective treatment for M-TMD, followed by counseling treatment, intramuscular injection of LA, and occlusal appliances  . However, considering the limitations of the studies included, and the scarce of strong evidence, the present findings should be interpreted cautiously.

Modified Rotational Advancement Technique for Primary Unilateral Complete Cleft Lip Repair.

Importance: Leveling Cupid's bow while maintaining lip height and width in unilateral complete cleft lip patients with improved nose outcomes is a significant challenge for surgeons. Objective: This study aimed to measure the symmetry of the nasal and labial anthropometric points after using this modified cleft lip repair technique. Design, Setting, and Participants: In this retrospective study, 72 consecutive nonsyndromic unilateral complete cleft lip patients underwent a modified rotational advancement technique. Photos of at least 1 year follow-up period were collected. Main Outcomes and Measures: The nose measurements included columella length, nostril height and width, ala width, nostril inclination, columella angle, and ala bases angle. The lip measurements included lip height and width, vermillion height; midline-philtrum angle, and angles of Cupid's bow peaks. Descriptive quantitative analysis of the lip and nose measurements, intraclass correlation coefficient, and ANOVA tests were conducted. Results: Well-aligned Cupid's bows with symmetrical lip height and width were obtained with satisfactory aesthetic nasal outcomes. Conclusions: The present technique had leveled the Cupid's bow while preserving the lip height and width, with resultant satisfactory nasal outcomes.

Does intraoperative perforation of Schneiderian membrane during sinus lift surgery causes an increased the risk of implants failure?: A systematic review and meta regression analysis.

PURPOSE: There is still debate whether intraoperative Schneiderian membrane (SM) perforation in the maxillary sinus lift causes an increase the risk of implants failure. The aim of this study was to assess an association between SM perforation and implants loss following the maxillary sinus lift. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical studies assessing association between SM perforation and implants failure based on PRISMA was conducted. Three major databases were used to gather research dating from their respective inception up until March 2018. All clinical studies expressly reported the number of the SM perforation and implants loss that installed in the perforated and nonperforated sinuses were included. The statistical analyses used were Pearson's correlation, simple linear regression, and meta regression. The risk ratio (RR) of implant loss between perforated and nonperforated sites was estimated. RESULTS: A total of 2947 patients with 3884 maxillary sinuses augmentations who received 7358 implants, enrolled in 58 studies were included in this study. There was a significant relationship between the implants' failure and SM perforation according to simple linear regression (P < .001) and meta regression analysis (P = .06). There was a significant decrease (moderate quality evidence) in implant loss in the nonperforated sinuses compared to perforated sunrises (RR = 2.17, CI: 1.52-3.10, P = .001). There was also no significant association between implant loss in the perforated sinuses and the surgical devices used (piezosurgical or rotary), surgical approach applied (lateral or crestal sinus lift), barrier membrane used and type of bone grafting materials. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that an intraoperative SM perforation could increase the risk of implant failure after the sinus lift surgery.