Technical refinements of the scapular tip-free flap for mandibular reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The use of scapular tip chimeric free flaps (STFFs) for reconstructing mandibular defects has recently become popular, but its utility relative to other bone-containing free flaps remains debatable. The aim of the report is to describe how technical modification of STFF impacted in its use for mandibular reconstruction also commenting results obtained in a unicentric series of patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing mandibular reconstruction using an STFF from January 1, 2014 to June 1, 2022 were retrospectively enrolled in this report. We collected data on chimeric flap type, bone management, vascular pedicles, and the final outcomes. In total, 31 patients (13 men and 18 women) with a mean age of 68 years were enrolled. According to the classification system of Urken, 15 patients had body defects, while 7 had ramus defects, another 7 had symphysis defects, and 2 had both ramus and bodily defects. STFF was always harvested working in two equips simultaneously, in supine position. Dissection included preparation of chimeric components of the flap as latissimus dorsi, serratus and scapular tip. After pedicle dissection scapular bone was cut basing on reconstructive needing with a rectangular (stick) shape including the border of the scapula. In cases of longer bone harvesting, circumflex pedicle was also included to perfuse the upper portion of the scapular border. In five cases, the STFF was harvested with only the scapular angle component, and was thus a composite osteomuscular flap; for the remaining 26 cases, a chimeric STFF was used. Circumflex pedicle was included for eight patients. Six of the seven patients with symphyseal defects underwent a single osteotomy. RESULTS: The average length of the harvested was 69.92 mm (maximum length = 104 mm). The average height of transplanted bone was 26.78 mm (maximum height = 44.2 mm). Mouth-opening was normal in 25 patients, limited in 6 patients, and severely impaired in no patients. The cosmetic results were rated as excellent by 20 patients, good by 8 patients, and poor by 3 patients. CONCLUSION: The STFF is an excellent option for mandibular reconstruction when other flaps are not available and for patients in poor general condition. Technical innovations here presented made possible to harvest long bone segments with accurate shape thanks to osteotomies if needed and with adequate soft tissues components of the chimeric flap, ensuring satisfactory functional and cosmetic results.

Changes in hospital admissions for facial fractures during and after COVID 19 pandemic: national multicentric epidemiological analysis on 2938 patients.

PURPOSE: The objective of this multicenter study was to examine the differences in maxillo-facial fractures epidemiology across the various phases of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. METHODS: This is a retrospective study on patients who underwent surgery for facial bone fractures in 18 maxillo-facial surgery departments in Italy, spanning from June 23, 2019, to February 23, 2022. Based on the admission date, the data were classified into four chronological periods reflecting distinct periods of restrictions in Italy: pre-pandemic, first wave, partial restrictions, and post-pandemic. Epidemiological differences across the groups were analysed. RESULTS: The study included 2938 patients. A statistically significant difference in hospitalization causes was detected between the pre-pandemic and first wave groups (p = 0.005) and between the pre-pandemic and partial restriction groups (p = 0.002). The differences between the pre- and post-pandemic groups were instead not significant (p = 0.106). Compared to the pre-pandemic period, the number of patients of African origin was significantly higher during the first wave and the post-pandemic period. No statistically significant differences were found across the periods concerning gender, age, fracture type, treatment approach, and hospital stay duration CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic brought about significant changes in fracture epidemiology, influenced by the restrictive measures enforced by the government in Italy. Upon the pandemic's conclusion, the fracture epidemiology returned to the patterns observed in the pre-pandemic period.

The ability of the eighth edition of the TNM staging system plus minor invasion criteria to predict the biological behaviour of oral cavity carcinomas.

BACKGROUND: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) treatment is based largely on the TNM stage. The eighth edition includes important new prognostic parameters (extranodal extension and depth of invasion), while it does not consider tumour molecular characteristics or minor invasion criteria (perineural and lymphovascular invasion, grading and resection margins). This study evaluated how well the TNM eighth edition predicts the biological behaviour of OSCC, considering survival and risk of locoregional recurrence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from 217 patients treated for OSCC were analysed, including epidemiologic characteristics, histological features and treatment. RESULTS: No significant correlations with overall survival or tumour recurrence were found for pT stages and the type of treatment, while different pN stages had significant differences in recurrence, but not in overall survival. We found significant correlations between overall survival and tumour grade and lymphovascular and perineural invasion and a significant correlation between tumour resection margins and the risk of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: The current TNM staging system is a necessary but not sufficient tool for predicting the overall survival and risk of recurrence of OSCC. It could be improved by considering other factors, such as minor invasion criteria and biological markers.

Optimizing the results of facial animation surgery: Botulinum toxin injection into free functional gracilis flap transfer.

Although neuromuscular gracilis transplantation is the best choice for facial reanimation in patients with congenital or inveterate palsy, the results are not completely satisfactory. Ancillary procedures developed to achieve better symmetry of the smile and reduce the hypercontractility of the transplanted muscle have been reported. However, the intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin has not been described for this purpose. Patients undergoing gracilis injections of botulinum toxin after facial reanimation surgery between September 1, 2020, and June 1, 2022, were retrospectively enrolled in this study. We collected photographs taken before and 20-30 days after injection and compared the symmetry of the face using software. Nine patients with a mean age of 23.56 years (range, 7-56 years) were enrolled. Reinnervation of the muscle was provided by the contralateral healthy facial nerve via a sural cross-graft (four patients), by the ipsilateral masseteric nerve (three cases), and by the contralateral masseteric and facial nerve (two). Using Emotrics software, we identified differences in the commissure excursion discrepancy of 3.82 mm, the smile angle discrepancy of 0.084°, and the dental show discrepancy of 1.49 mm; the average difference in the commissure height deviation was 2.26 mm (P = 0.02), and those in the upper- and lower-lip height deviation were 1.05 mm and 1.49 mm, respectively. Gracilis injection of botulinum toxin after gracilis transplantation is a safe and feasible procedure that could be applicable to all patients with asymmetric smiles related to excessive transplant contraction. It yields good esthetic results with little to no related morbidity.

Supercharged massetric-facial cross-graft for gracilis reinnervation in unilateral facial palsy treatment.

BACKGROUND: The choice of neurotization source for gracilis neuromuscular transplant is a key point in the treatment of unilateral long-standing paralysis. To combine the advantages of different donor nerves and overcome their disadvantages, mixed neurotization sources have been described with encouraging results. The authors present a preliminary report of a novel technique, the "supercharged" cross-graft, a two-step technique consisting of a double powered cross nerve graft provided by a zygomatic branch of the healthy facial nerve and the masseter nerve of the healthy side. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2015 to December 2019 eight patients, aged between 19 and 61 years old (mean age at surgery 33.62) suffering unilateral established paralysis (congenital or acquired, >24 months) underwent gracilis reinnervation with the supercharged cross grafting technique. Subjects underwent a two-step surgical rehabilitation: in the first operation sural nerve was harvested and used as cross-graft cooptated by healthy side facial nerve branch and masseteric nerve. During second procedure gracilis neuromuscular transplant was performed reinnervarting the muscle with the cross-graft. Patients were evaluated using Emotrics software, which allowed for automated facial measurements on post-operative pictures taken at the last follow-up. The results of the different poses were compared to assess the contribution to smile excursion by the masseter and facial nerve, together and separately. Finally, we analyzed spontaneous smile to assess whether masseteric contribution is used in daily life. RESULTS: No major or minor complications occurred. Follow-up time ranged from 12 to 41 months, with a mean of 22.75 months. A good commissure excursion (mean 33.84 mm) was obtained during smile with no teeth clenching (without masseter activation), as well as during teeth clenching without smiling (activation of gracilis only - mean 32.55). When smiling and biting simultaneously the excursion was greater than the single two components (mean 35.91). In spontaneous smile, commissure excursion was higher (mean 34.23) than that provided by only the facial nerve (smile only) in most patients. CONCLUSIONS: This novel technique of mixed neurotization for gracilis transplant shows consistent results with powerful contraction and good smile coordination. It also allows us to extend the indications for mixed neurotization techniques.

Maxillary reconstruction with scapular tip chimeric free flap.

PURPOSE: Purpose of the article is to discuss the use of the scapular tip free flap (STFF) for the reconstruction of maxillary defects. METHODS: A retrospective evaluation of patients who underwent maxillary reconstruction with STFF is presented. Patients were evaluated with respect to complications, function, and cosmesis. RESULTS: Study population consisted of 53 patients. All flaps survived and partial bone resorption only occurred in a young patient. Minor complications included two instances of partial muscular necrosis. The donor site was primarily closed in all patients. Mouth opening was assessed as good (>3 cm) in 41 patients, partially limited (2-3 cm) in 9 patients, and limited (<2 cm) in 3 patients. Dental rehabilitation was achieved in 35 patients; esthetic results were assessed by patient as excellent in 19 patients, good in 28 patients, and poor in 6 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The scapular tip chimeric free flap represents an indispensable tool for reconstructive head and neck microsurgery. The main advantages of this technique are very low donor site morbidity and a long pedicle, as well as the potential for harvesting multiple flaps in a chimeric design; STFF represents the first choice for treatment of small postero-lateral defects of the maxilla, and of wide and complex through-and-through defects involving all components of the midface.

Long-term results of facial animation surgery in patients with Moebius syndrome.

Gracilis neuromuscular transplant is considered the gold standard for facial animation in Moebius syndrome patients. However, long-term evaluation of the results has not been critically examined in the international literature. Thus, it remains unknown how the transplanted flap changes with facial growth, and whether contraction (smiling) is maintained. Pediatric patients with Moebius syndrome who underwent facial animation surgery with at least 5 years of follow-up were retrospectively examined. Photographs taken at the 1-year and most recent follow-up visits were analyzed and compared using Emotrics software. Analyses focused on the rest position, and on gentle and maximum smiles. Eighteen patients were enrolled. Seven patients had bilateral and 11 unilateral Moebius syndrome; therefore, 25 gracilis transplants were analyzed. The latest follow-ups ranged from 5 to 13.2 years (mean 7.6 years). The three principal facial expressions that were examined did not differ significantly between 1 year and a mean of 7.6 years after surgery, but tended to improve in most patients. Commissure excursion and smile angle for the maximum smile did improve significantly (p = 0.002 and 0.029, respectively). The series examined in this study supports the limited literature regarding the long-term stability of gracilis transplantation to animate the faces of Moebius syndrome children.

Transoral resection with buccinator flap reconstruction vs. pull-through resection and free flap reconstruction for the management of T1/T2 cancer of the tongue and floor of the mouth.

AIM: To compare the most important techniques usually used in these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicentric retrospective evaluation on patients treated for cT1/2 N0 OTFOM SCC was conducted; patients in group A were treated by transoral approach and miomucosal local flap while those in group B were treated by pull-through and free flap reconstruction. Oncologic, functional and quality of life evaluation was assessed. RESULTS: 55 patients were enrolled. Group A consisted of 35 patients and group B 20. At the 3-year follow-up 30 and 17 patients in group A and B were alive without disease. Tongue mobility index score was 23.3 in group A and 13.89 in group B (p < .001); Sydney swallowing mean score was 118.5 and 543.22 in group A and B (p < .001). EORTC QLC-C30 was of 33.57 in group A and 38.89 in group B (p = 0.057). CONCLUSION: T1/T2 cancers of the tongue and floor of the mouth can be equally treated with both techniques. Because of the fact that transoral resection with buccinators reconstruction provides better functional outcome, this technique should be preferred whenever appropriate.

Bilateral Harvesting of a Fibula Free Flap: Assessment of Morbidity.

PURPOSE: To investigate morbidity related to harversting of bilateral fibula free flap for head and neck reconstruction using subjective and functional tests. METHODS: Patients were retrospectively evaluated using point evaluation system (PES) and balance evaluation systems test (BESTest) questionnaires to assess morbidity related to surgery. RESULTS: Five patients were enrolled in the study. Mean PES scores was 22.2 over 24. Mean overall function assessed with BESTest was 77.6%, and the results were poorest for section I. Sections V and VI had scores of 88% and 83%, respectively, indicating that the sensory balance and gait stability of the patients were compromised only minimally. CONCLUSION: Bilateral harvesting of the fibula free flap is not associated with an increase in long-term morbidity and does not lead to significant functional impairments. Therefore, this procedure should be considered safe, and can be performed without concern regarding morbidity, when bone reconstruction with a fibula free flap is indicated.

Donor site morbidity after scapular tip free flaps in head-and-neck reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Recently, the scapular tip free flap has been popularized as a valuable option for bone reconstruction of the head and neck area. Analyses of perioperative and long-time morbidity are crucial to enable complete comprehension of this technique and will be presented in this paper. METHODS: Perioperative and long-term morbidity of scapular tip flaps harvesting were analyzed in a cohort of 19 patients. Local complications and ambulation-time were used to assess perioperative results, while Constant-Murley and DASH scores were used to evaluate long-term morbidity on shoulder functions. RESULTS: Local perioperative complications were minimal (three cases of seroma and two wound dehiscence). Ambulation time ranged between 2 and 4 days (mean 2.7 days). Constant-Murley scores ranged between 66 and 100 (mean 92.2). The DASH score ranged between 39 and 85 (mean 48.6). CONCLUSION: Harvesting a scapular tip free flap resulted in very low shoulder morbidity, without interfering the patient's daily activities. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 35:447-450, 2015.

Reconstruction of mandibular defects using the scapular tip free flap.

PURPOSE: Purpose of the article is to present the use of the scapular tip free flap (STFF) for the reconstruction of oromandibular defects. PATIENTS: Eleven patients who underwent oromandibular reconstruction with STFF were retrospectively evaluated with regards to form and function assessing mouth opening, dietary intake, and cosmetic outcome. Donor site morbidity was evaluated using the Constant-Murley test for the shoulder unit. RESULTS: Follow-up ranged from 6 to 35 months (mean 20.6 months). Good or excellent results in mouth opening and cosmesis were achieved in eight patients, speech was assessed as intelligible or normal in all but one patient and mean ambulation time after surgery was 2.5 days. Results of Constant score ranged from 45 to 70 (mean 60.6), and the main limitation encountered was elevation of the arm above the head, which was seen in all but one patient confirming the low impact of the technique on the shoulder system. CONCLUSION: Low morbidity, early ambulation time, possibility of simultaneous harvesting with the tumor resection, large musculocutaneous paddles in the chimeric version of the flap are advantages of the STFF and makes it a good choice in elderly patients, when other bone containing free flaps are not indicated because of the related morbidity, when other flaps are not available or when wide composite defects are approached.