Advanced mandibular reconstruction with fibular free flap and alloplastic TMJ prosthesis with digital planning.

INTRODUCTION: Resection of the mandible and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) without formal reconstruction is a devastating condition that negatively affects all aspects of the patient's life. We have approached the reconstruction of mandibular defects that include the condyle with simultaneous reconstruction with a vascularized free fibular flap (FFF) using Surgical Design and Simulation (SDS) and alloplastic TMJ prosthesis. The objective of this study is to report the functional and quality of life (QOL) outcomes in a cohort of patients that had undergone our reconstructive protocol. METHODS: This was a prospective case series of adult patients that underwent mandibular reconstruction with FFF and alloplastic TMJ prosthesis at the our center. Pre-operative and post-operative maximum inter-incisal opening (MIO) measurements were collected, and patients completed a QOL questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-H&N35) during those perioperative visits. RESULTS: Six patients were included in the study. The median patient age was 53 years. Heat map analysis of the QOL questionnaire revealed that patients reported a positive clinically significant change in the domains of pain, teeth, mouth opening, dry mouth, sticky saliva, and senses (relative change of 2.0, 3.3, 3.3, 2.0, 2.0, and 1.0 respectively). There were no negative clinically significant changes. There was a median perioperative MIO increase of 15.0 mm, and this was statistically significant (p = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the complexities involved in mandibular reconstruction with involvement of the TMJ. Based on our findings, patients can obtain an acceptable QOL and good function following simultaneous reconstruction with FFF employing SDS and an alloplastic TMJ prosthesis.

Postnatal Diagnosis of a Baby With Multiple Rare Congenital Anomalies Including Syngnathia, Brain Dysmorphism, and Skin Pigmentation.

Syngnathia is a rare congenital disorder of jaw fusion with a paucity of literature from developed countries. We present a case of an infant noted to have multiple anomalies at birth including syngnathia, microcephaly with a variant of brain abnormality between holoprosencephaly and syntelencephaly, optic nerve hypoplasia, ear canal anomalies, hemi-vertebrae, and suspected hypomelanosis of Ito. To our knowledge, this patient with syngnathia and multiple anomalies is the first to be reported, but whether they are a coincidence, a pathogenetic association, or a new syndrome remains unknown. This case is discussed with a brief review of the literature.

Three-dimensional biomodeling in complex mandibular reconstruction and surgical simulation: prospective trial.

BACKGROUND: Mandibular reconstruction is challenging for experienced and resident surgeons. Three-dimensional (3D) biomodeling creates accurate physical models of patients' craniofacial skeletons, which can potentially assist reconstruction. However, this capacity has not been objectively examined. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess 3D biomodels in performing and learning mandibular reconstruction through surgical simulation. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary care academic referral centre. METHODS: Ten experienced and 10 naive resident surgeons were asked to bend and fixate a titanium reconstruction plate, for a standardized anterior hemimandibular defect, on a 3D biomodel by freehand or 3D biomodel-assisted means. Participants were randomized to which technique was performed first. Twenty-four to 48 hours later, participants performed the opposite technique. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Accuracy was measured by anterior mental projection and intercondylar and interangular splay. The results per technique were compared to a complete (control) mandible. The time of reconstruction and usability of each technique, as per an International Standards Organization-based questionnaire, were also determined. RESULTS: Three-dimensional biomodel-assisted reconstruction led to plates with statistically indifferent projection and splay compared to the control (p < .05) for both groups. Conversely, freehand constructs significantly deviated in projection and splay for either group (p < .05). No difference in reconstruction time by technique was found (p < .05). Usability favoured 3D biomodel-assisted bending, with significantly higher ratings in either group (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional biomodels provide a usable and accurate means of mandibular reconstruction for experienced surgeons. Moreover, when used in surgical simulation, they provide an effective tool for teaching residents.

Actinomycosis presenting as osteomyelitis in the pediatric population.

Osteomyelitis attributable to Actinomyces often results in recurrent disease and inconsistent responses to antimicrobial agents. We present data for 4 patients and a review of the 15 previously described pediatric cases of actinomycosis presenting as osteomyelitis. Fourteen cases involved the mandible and 5 cases involved other sites. All mandibular cases required at least 1 debridement, with 4 of the cases requiring multiple debridements.