Comparative analysis of postoperative complications and outcomes in outpatient versus inpatient orthognathic surgery: A retrospective cohort study.

The purpose of this study was to assess and compare the complication rates of single-jaw orthognathic surgery between outpatients and inpatients, and to examine their impact on the outcome of care setting. A retrospective cohort study was performed of patients who underwent single-jaw orthognathic procedures. Outpatients between 2008 and 2023 were selected as the study group, while inpatients between 1997 and 2023 were enrolled as the control group. The predictor variable was the patient care setting. The primary outcome variable was the occurrence of overall complications. Secondary outcomes included surgery-, anesthesia-, and patient-related complications. Other study variables included age, sex, surgery, and anesthetic procedures. Descriptive, bivariate, and multiple logistic regression statistics were computed and the significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05. The sample included 307 patients with a mean age of 23.1 years ±9.5 years, of whom 55% were female. The outpatient and inpatient groups consisted of 123 (40.1%) and 184 (59.9%) patients, respectively. Of the 123 outpatients, 104 (85.5%) were discharged on the day of surgery. Age (p = 0.012) and ketamine administration (p = 0.022) were significantly associated with complications among outpatients. Outpatient setting and age were significantly associated with overall complications (OR 2.48; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.34-4.66, p = 0.003 and OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.88-0.98, p = 0.021, respectively) and anesthetic-related complications (OR 4.43, 95% CI 2.03-10.5, p = 0.0003 and OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.83-0.98, p = 0.041, respectively). The study demonstrated that outpatient orthognathic surgery had a high success rate but also identified a higher rate of anesthetic-related complications among outpatients, particularly in younger patients and in those receiving ketamine.

Current Strategies for Treatment of Mandibular Fractures With Plate Osteosynthesis: A European Prospective Study.

PURPOSE: The training and preferences of surgeons influence the type of surgical treatment for mandibular fractures. This multicentre prospective study analyzed the current treatment strategies and outcomes for mandibular fractures with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective study included patients aged ≥16 years who underwent ORIF for mandibular fractures in 12 European maxillofacial centers. Age, sex, pretrauma dental status, fracture cause, site and type, associated facial fractures, surgical approach, plate number and thickness (≤1.4 or ≥1.5 mm), duration of postoperative maxillomandibular fixation, occlusal and infective complications at 6 weeks and 3 months, and revision surgeries were recorded. RESULTS: Between May 1, 2021 and April 30, 2022, 425 patients (194 single, 182 double, and 49 triple mandibular fractures) underwent ORIF for 1 or more fractures. Rigid osteosynthesis was performed for 74% of fractures and was significantly associated with displaced ( P =0.01) and comminuted ( P =0.03) fractures and with the number of nonsurgically treated fracture sites ( P =0.002). The angle was the only site associated with nonrigid osteosynthesis ( P <0.001). Malocclusions (5.6%) and infective complications (5.4%) were not associated with osteosynthesis type. CONCLUSION: Rigid osteosynthesis was the most frequently performed treatment at all fracture sites, except the mandibular angle, and was significantly associated with displaced and comminuted fractures and the number of nonsurgically treated fracture sites. No significant differences were observed regarding postoperative malocclusion or infections among osteosynthesis types.

Temporal Bone Fractures and Related Complications in Pediatric and Adult Cranio-Facial Trauma: A Comparison of MDCT Findings in the Acute Emergency Setting.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the prevalence of and complications resulting from temporal bone fractures in adult and pediatric patients evaluated for cranio-facial trauma in an emergency setting. METHODS: A retrospective blinded analysis of CT scans of a series of 294 consecutive adult and pediatric patients with cranio-facial trauma investigated in the emergency setting was conducted. Findings were compared between the two populations. Preliminary reports made by on-call residents were compared with the retrospective analysis, which was performed in consensus by two experienced readers and served as reference standard. RESULTS: CT revealed 126 fractures in 116/294 (39.5%) patients, although fractures were clinically suspected only in 70/294 (23.8%); p < 0.05. Fractures were longitudinal, transverse and mixed in 69.5%, 10.3% and 19.8% of cases, respectively. Most fractures were otic-sparing fractures (95.2%). Involvement of the external auditory canal, ossicular chain and the osseous structures surrounding the facial nerve was present in 72.2%, 8.7% and 6.3% of cases, respectively. Temporal bone fractures extended into the venous sinuses/jugular foramen and carotid canal in 18.3% and 17.5% of cases, respectively. Vascular injuries (carotid dissection and venous thrombosis) were more common in children than in adults (13.6% versus 5.3%); however, the observed difference did not reach statistical significance. 79.5% of patients with temporal bone fractures had both brain injuries and fractures of the facial bones and cranial vault. Brain injuries were more common in adults (90.4%) than in children (63.6%), p = 0.001. Although on-call residents reliably detected temporal bone fractures (sensitivity = 92.8%), they often missed trauma-associated ossicular dislocation (sensitivity = 27.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Temporal bone fractures and related complications are common in patients with cranio-facial trauma and need to be thoroughly looked for; the pattern of associated injuries is slightly different in children and in adults.

Emerging Strategies for the Biofabrication of Multilayer Composite Amniotic Membranes for Biomedical Applications.

The amniotic membrane (AM) is the innermost part of the fetal placenta, which surrounds and protects the fetus. Due to its structural components (stem cells, growth factors, and proteins), AMs display unique biological properties and are a widely available and cost-effective tissue. As a result, AMs have been used for a century as a natural biocompatible dressing for healing corneal and skin wounds. To further increase its properties and expand its applications, advanced hybrid materials based on AMs have recently been developed. One existing approach is to combine the AM with a secondary material to create composite membranes. This review highlights the increasing development of new multilayer composite-based AMs in recent years and focuses on the benefits of additive manufacturing technologies and electrospinning, the most commonly used strategy, in expanding their use for tissue engineering and clinical applications. The use of AMs and multilayer composite-based AMs in the context of nerve regeneration is particularly emphasized and other tissue engineering applications are also discussed. This review highlights that these electrospun multilayered composite membranes were mainly created using decellularized or de-epithelialized AMs, with both synthetic and natural polymers used as secondary materials. Finally, some suggestions are provided to further enhance the biological and mechanical properties of these composite membranes.

Does the type of craniomaxillofacial fracture (CMF) differ between patients with intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) and those with blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI)? A retrospective study.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate and compare craniomaxillofacial fracture (CMF) type in patients with intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) versus blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI). A retrospective cohort study was performed. The predictor variables were the types of CMF. The primary outcomes variables were ICH and BCVI. Secondary outcomes were death and survival with or without neurological sequelae. Descriptive, bivariate, and multiple logistic regression statistics were computed, and the significance level was set at P ≤ 0.05. The sample was composed of 1440 patients with a mean age of 46.6 years ±24 years, and 71% were men. Pure orbital wall (odds ratio [OR]), 3.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.32-12.69; P < 0.022), Le Fort III (OR, 16.08; 95% CI, 5.89-43.50; P < 0.001), cranial vault (OR, 9.74; 95% CI, 3.83.24.32; P < 0.001), skull base (OR, 9.42; 95% CI, 3.86-24.02; P < 0.001) and cervical fractures (OR, 5.50; 95% CI, 1.65-15.97; P = 0.003) were significantly associated with BCVI. All of the CMFs (P < 0.001), except for Le Fort I (OR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.18-2.63; P = 0.731), nasal (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.77-1.42; P = 0.758), and mandibular (OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.45-1.01; P = 0.066) fractures, were significantly associated with ICH. Secondary outcomes were negatively influenced by ICH and BCVI (P < 0.001). Within the limitations of the study it seems that Le Fort I and nasal fractures could be protective of cerebrovascular injuries, by cushioning impact forces. On the other hand it seems that patients with pure orbital wall, Le Fort III and cranio-cervical fractures are more prone to having concomitant life-threatening cerebrovascular injuries. This category of patients should have an immediate and comprehensive neurological assessment and CT angiography to rule out BCVI and to determine its severity.

Identifying Risk Factors Associated with Major Complications and Refractory Course in Patients with Osteomyelitis of the Jaw: A Retrospective Study.

Despite improved knowledge regarding the diagnosis and treatment of osteomyelitis of the jaw (OMJ), it remains a clinical challenge for oral and maxillofacial surgeons. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with severe forms of OMJ, i.e., related to the occurrence of major complications or the refractory course of the disease. A retrospective study was performed based on the medical records of all patients diagnosed with OMJ from the past 20 years. Collected data included demographic information, medical and dental history, clinical, radiological, and bacterial findings as well as treatment modalities. The main outcome variables were the onset of major complications and treatment results. Fifty-four patients were included. Our results showed that alcohol and smoking habits, as well as malnutrition, were significantly associated with the occurrence of major complications. We also established that dental implant-induced OMJ should be considered an aggressive subtype of OMJ. Finally, clinical bone exposure was significantly associated with unfavorable outcomes, whereas dental causes or radiological evidence of periosteal reaction were predictive of successful outcomes. Identifying such factors could be useful in preventing serious complications and informing patients about the refractory course of the disease based on the presence of these factors.

The Use of Equimolar Mixtures of Nitrous Oxide and Oxygen in Oral Surgery-A Retrospective Study of Patients in a Swiss University Hospital Setting.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the success of procedural conscious sedation using inhaled equimolar nitrous oxide-oxygen (NOIS-EMONO) in patients undergoing routine dental and oral surgery procedures in a Swiss university hospital setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients that underwent NOIS-supported procedures between 2018 and 2022 at the oral surgery department of the University Hospital of Geneva (HUG), Switzerland. The primary outcome was the measurement of the procedure's success and efficacy as defined by the European Society of Anesthesiology. Secondary objectives included the analysis of the types of treatments performed, their indications, patient behavior, and the patient-clinician satisfaction score. RESULTS: 55 patients were included in the study; 85% underwent surgical procedures, and the remaining 15% underwent restorative and preventive procedures. The overall treatment success rate was 98.2% and 97.9% for surgically treated patients. Out of the patients, 62% appeared relaxed, calm, and serene, while 16% expressed pain or fear during the procedure. Infiltrative administration of local anesthesia caused stress in 22% of patients. This portion was significantly lower in sub-cohorts who received local topical anesthetics (0%) or a combination of systemic and local topical analgesics (7%). Patients (75%) and clinicians (91%) were satisfied with the procedure. CONCLUSION: Inhaled equimolar nitrous oxide-oxygen procedural sedation used during dental procedures and oral surgery results in high treatment success and satisfaction rates. The administration of additional topical anesthetics helps to reduce the anxiety and stress related to infiltrative anesthesia. Further dedicated studies and prospective trials are needed to confirm these findings.

Manual versus rigid intraoperative maxillo-mandibular fixation in the surgical management of mandibular fractures: A European prospective analysis.

PURPOSE: Intraoperative stabilisation of bony fragments with maxillo-mandibular fixation (MMF) is an essential step in the surgical treatment of mandibular fractures that are treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). The MMF can be performed with or without wire-based methods, rigid or manual MMF, respectively. The aim of this study was to compare the use of manual versus rigid MMF, in terms of occlusal outcomes and infective complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This multi-centric prospective study involved 12 European maxillofacial centres and included adult patients (age ≥16 years) with mandibular fractures treated with ORIF. The following data were collected: age, gender, pre-trauma dental status (dentate or partially dentate), cause of injury, fracture site, associated facial fractures, surgical approach, modality of intraoperative MMF (manual or rigid), outcome (minor/major malocclusions and infective complications) and revision surgeries. The main outcome was malocclusion at 6 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: Between May 1, 2021 and April 30, 2022, 319 patients-257 males and 62 females (median age, 28 years)-with mandibular fractures (185 single, 116 double and 18 triple fractures) were hospitalised and treated with ORIF. Intraoperative MMF was performed manually on 112 (35%) patients and with rigid MMF on 207 (65%) patients. The study variables did not differ significantly between the two groups, except for age. Minor occlusion disturbances were observed in 4 (3.6%) patients in the manual MMF group and in 10 (4.8%) patients in the rigid MMF group (p > .05). In the rigid MMF group, only one case of major malocclusion required a revision surgery. Infective complications involved 3.6% and 5.8% of patients in the manual and rigid MMF group, respectively (p > .05). CONCLUSION: Intraoperative MMF was performed manually in nearly one third of the patients, with wide variability among the centres and no difference observed in terms of number, site and displacement of fractures. No significant difference was found in terms of postoperative malocclusion among patients treated with manual or rigid MMF. This suggests that both techniques were equally effective in providing intraoperative MMF.

Contribution of 3D printing for the surgical management of jaws cysts and benign tumors: A systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Three-dimensional (3D) printing is now a widely recognized surgical tool in oral and maxillofacial surgery. However, little is known about its benefits for the surgical management of benign maxillary and mandibular tumors and cysts. PURPOSE: The objective of this systematic review was to assess the contribution of 3D printing in the management of benign jaw lesions. METHODS: A systematic review, registered in PROSPERO, was conducted using PubMed and Scopus databases, up to December 2022, by following PRISMA guidelines. Studies reporting 3D printing applications for the surgical management of benign jaw lesions were considered. RESULTS: This review included thirteen studies involving 74 patients. The principal use of 3D printing was to produce anatomical models, intraoperative surgical guides, or both, allowing for the successful removal of maxillary and mandibular lesions. The greatest reported benefits of printed models were the visualization of the lesion and its anatomical relationships to anticipate intraoperative risks. Surgical guides were designed as drilling locating guides or osteotomy cutting guides and contributed to decreasing operating time and improving the accuracy of the surgery. CONCLUSION: Using 3D printing technologies to manage benign jaw lesions results in less invasive procedures by facilitating precise osteotomies, reducing operating times, and complications. More studies with higher levels of evidence are needed to confirm our results.

Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Modeling (CAD/CAM) for Guiding Dental Implant Surgery: Personal Reflection Based on 10 Years of Real-Life Experience.

Traditional dental implant surgery has been challenged by the phenomenal progression in computer-assisted surgery (CAS) that we have been witnessing in recent years. Among the computer-aided technologies, computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) techniques represent by far the most attractive and accepted alternatives over their dynamic counterpart, navigational assistance. Based on many years of experience, we have determined that CAD/CAM technology for guiding dental implant surgery is valuable for rehabilitation of the anterior maxillary region and the management of complete or severe partial edentulism. The technology also guarantees the 3D parallelism of implants. The purpose of the present report is to describe indications for use of CAD/CAM dental implant guided surgery. We analyzed the clinical and radiological data of thirteen consecutive edentulous patients treated using CAD/CAM techniques. All of the patients had stable cosmetic results with a high rate of patient satisfaction at the final follow-up examination. No intra- and/or postoperative complications were encountered during any of the steps of the procedure. The application of CAD/CAM techniques produced successful outcomes in the patients presented in this series.

European multicenter prospective analysis of the use of maxillomandibular fixation for mandibular fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation.

INTRODUCTION: The goal of mandibular fracture treatment is to restore static and dynamic occlusal functions. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of these fractures can be associated with an intraoperative and/or postoperative maxillo-mandibular fixation (MMF). The aim of this study was to analyse the use of perioperative MMF and its effects on occlusal outcomes in the management of mandibular fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This multicentric prospective study included adult patients with mandibular fractures treated with ORIF. The following data were collected: age, gender, pre-trauma dental status (dentate, partially dentate), cause of injury, fracture site, associated facial fractures, surgical approach, type of ORIF (rigid, non-rigid or mixed), thickness and number of plates, modality of intraoperative MMF (arch bars, self-tapping and self-drilling screws [STSDSs], manual, other) and duration of postoperative MMF. The primary outcome was malocclusion at 6 weeks and 3 months. Statistical analyses were performed with Fisher's exact test or chi-square test, as appropriate. RESULTS: Between 1 May 2021 and 30 April 2022, 336 patients, 264 males and 72 females (median age, 28 years) with mandibular fractures (194 single, 124 double and 18 triple fractures) were hospitalized. Intraoperative MMF was performed in all patients. Osteosynthesis was rigid in 75% of single fractures, and rigid or mixed in 85% and 100% of double and triple fractures, respectively. Excluding patients who underwent manual reduction, postoperative MMF (median duration, 3 weeks) was performed in 140 (64%) patients, without differences by type or number of fractures (p > 0.05). No significant difference was found in the incidence of malocclusion in patients with postoperative MMF (5%, 95% confidence interval [CI], 2-10%) compared to those without (4%; 95% IC, 1-11%) (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Postoperative MMF was performed in more than half of the patients despite adequate fracture osteosynthesis, with wide variability amongst centers. No evidence of a reduction in the incidence of postoperative malocclusion in patients treated with postoperative MMF was found.

The lockdown effect: The impact of the COVID-19-related confinement on the nature of dental emergencies and the number of patients seen at the Geneva university hospital's dental clinic.

PURPOSE: The aim of this retrospective case study was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 confinement on consultation number and nature of dental emergencies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The investigators implemented a retrospective case-control study and enrolled a sample of patients who presented to the University Hospital of Geneva for dental emergencies during the COVID-19 confinement from March 16 to April 26, 2020. They were compared to a matched case-control group treated in 2018 and 2019. The predictor variable was the COVID-19 confinement. The outcome variables were consultation number and nature of dental emergencies. Other study variables included age, gender, socio-economic status, delay from symptoms to consultation and type of treatment. Descriptive and bivariate statistics were computed and significance level was set at ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: The study sample was composed of 1104 patients, with 386 in the case-study and 718 in the control group. No significant change in patient numbers was observed. In the case-study group patients were significantly younger (P= 0.004), had a significantly higher proportion of acute toothache and dental infections (P= 0.01), the main reason for consultation was pain or swelling (P= 0.01) and the delay from first symptoms to consultation was shorter compared to the controls (P=0.008). CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 confinement had no impact on the consultation number of dental emergencies. However, changes in emergency type were noted, with an increase in acute toothaches and infections and patients waited less time between the onset of symptoms to consultation.

Reflections on a patient-centered approach to treatment of blow-out fractures: Why the wisdom of the pastmust guide our decision-making.

The management of blow-out orbital fractures (BOFs) continues to be controversial and regularly questioned. In recent years, treatment decision-making has shifted from a clinically dominated emphasis to a more objective data-based approach. This has come about through the refinement of imaging technologies that can more precisely define the fracture itself. Decision-making is now mainly driven by computed tomography (CT) parameters among which the fracture's size is by far the most often used. The variability in a patient's clinical presentation and outcomes for similar types of BOFs raises serious doubts about the pertinence of applying standardized guidelines based on quantitative data for the treatment of individual patients. An approach that fails to include patient variability and relies too heavily on average objective results with an emphasis on the application of quantitative rather than qualitative methods can lead to poor patient outcomes. A review of the knowledge accumulated over the many years of treatment of BOFs has demonstrated that despite the exceptional imaging-based technologies available, clinical acumen remains the most sophisticated decision-assistive tool. Thus, the treatment of BOFs must be regarded as a patient rather than merely a geometrical imaging issue. Imaging then becomes a valuable diagnostic rather than a final decision-making tool. This more conservative approach leads to a substantial decrease in indications for surgical repair.

Orbital Fractures With Concomitant Ocular Nerve Palsy: An Insidious and Potentially Misleading Association in Surgical Decision-Making.

PURPOSE: Orbital fractures (OFs) are common, but their association with concomitant traumatic ocular nerve palsy (TONP) is exceptional and may potentially cause confusing clinical pictures of oculomotor involvement. The purpose of the present study is to describe a series of patients with OFs and concomitant TONP following facial trauma and to evaluate clinical features, diagnostic pitfalls, and final functional outcome. METHODS: The investigators designed and implemented a retrospective case series and enrolled a sample of patients with OFs and concomitant TONP who had been managed at the University Hospitals of Geneva between 2013 and 2020. The primary outcomes were clinical pitfalls (diagnosis of neurogenic vs restrictive ocular motility pattern at baseline) and final functional outcome (persistent symptomatic diplopia). Other study variables included demographic and injury related parameters. RESULTS: The sample was composed of 10 patients with a mean age of 40.7 ± 12.3 years (range 21 to 53 years) and 80% were men. In all patients, the diagnosis of the neurogenic component accounted for the main diagnostic pitfalls associated to the baseline post-traumatic limitation of ocular motility and diplopia. Six patients (60%) had a full spontaneous recovery of their diplopia. Four patients (40%) had a partial recovery with residual diplopia. Of these 4 patients, 1 patient underwent corrective strabismus surgery, 2 had temporary occlusion of 1 eye, and 1 had Fresnel prisms. At the final follow-up visit none of the patients had persistent symptomatic diplopia. CONCLUSIONS: The present study has shown that OFs with concomitant TONP entail complex ocular motility patterns of neurogenic and/or restrictive origin; the diagnosis of the neurogenic component represents the main clinical pitfall that warrants a careful orthoptic evaluation to ensure the appropriate management; the final outcome was favorable with no persistent symptomatic diplopia in any of the patients.

A clinical and MRI retrospective cohort study of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) to determine if initial temporomandibular joint (TMJ) examination findings are associated with severity of TMJ arthritis.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the association between initial TMJ examination findings and clinical and MRI severity of TMJ arthritis in a cohort of patients with JIA. The clinical variables were signs and symptoms at the initial TMJ evaluation. Outcome was the severity of TMJ arthritis as evaluated clinically by the Helkimo clinical dysfunction indices and by MRI. Associations of signs and symptoms with clinical and MRI severity were analyzed using a Fisher exact test and linear regression. The sample was composed of 101 patients with a mean age of 12.8 years, 76% of which were girls. Subjective difficulty in opening the mouth wide and objective limited MIO were the only clinical findings associated with both the severity of clinical dysfunction (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively) and the acute (p = 0.008 and p = 0.001, respectively) and chronic (p = 0.006 and p = 0.001, respectively) MRI severity of the TMJ arthritis. The results of this study suggest that in patients with JIA, limited mouth opening at the initial TMJ assessment may be a valid indicator of clinical severity of TMJ arthritis, which correlates with severity as seen on MRI.

Dental implants in patients suffering from autoimmune diseases: A systematic critical review.

PURPOSE: This systematic review aimed to evaluate complications and survival rates of dental implants placed in patients suffering from autoimmune diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses systematic review guidelines (PRISMA), using Google scholar and PubMed electronic databases with a stop date of September 2021. The eligibility criteria included all full text human studies in the English language literature reporting on patients with autoimmune diseases treated with dental implants. RESULTS: Fifty-five studies reporting on nine distinct autoimmune diseases were analyzed: 17 on Sjögren's syndrome (SS), 11 on oral lichen planus (OLP), 8 on Type 1 diabetes, 6 on rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 4 on systemic scleroderma (SSc), 3 on Crohn's disease (CD), 3 on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 2 on mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMB) and 1 on pemphigus vulgaris (PV). Despite the heterogeneity and methodological limitations of most of the studies, results showed that dental implant survival rates were comparable to those reported in the general population. However, patients with secondary SS or erosive OLP were more susceptible to developing peri-mucositis and increased marginal bone loss. CONCLUSION: This review suggested that dental implants may be considered as a safe and viable therapeutic option in the management of edentulous patients suffering from autoimmune diseases. Nevertheless, scrupulous maintenance of oral hygiene and long-term follow-up emerge as being the common determinants for uneventful dental implant treatment.

Buccal corticotomy using piezosurgery as a surgical approach for removal of deeply impacted mandibular teeth: An alternative procedure to avoid pitfalls associated with the conventional technique.

PURPOSE: To describe and evaluate the use of buccal corticotomy (BC) using a piezosurgical approach for the removal of deeply impacted mandibular teeth. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The charts of all patients who underwent BC for the removal of impacted mandibular teeth between 2011 and 2019 at the University Hospital of Geneva were reviewed. The primary outcome variables were (1) the indication for the removal of impacted mandibular teeth by BC, (2) complications. Other variables included age, gender, teeth involved, indication for tooth removal and radiological features. Follow-up was at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months, and we noted the status of healing and complications, if any. RESULTS: Twenty-three mandibular-impacted teeth in 6 patients were extracted using BC (8 third molars, 6 second molars, 1 first molar, 4 second premolars and 4 first premolars). The indications for using the BC approach included (1) deeply impacted teeth closely related to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) that runs either lingually or inferior to the dental roots (4 patients); or (2) deeply impacted teeth closely related to the IAN and located anterior to the second molar region (2 patients). No complications were observed during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: The present study showed that the BC approach is a valuable method for removing deeply impacted teeth in close proximity to the mandibular canal and is associated with no complications and sound bone healing.

Posttraumatic Respiratory Epithelial Orbital Cyst With Intracranial Extension: A Unique Association.

Respiratory epithelial orbital cysts (REOC) are rare benign lesions that may be either congenital or acquired. Congenital REOC develop from embryological epithelial rests and are known as choristomas, whereas acquired forms develop from the sequestration of respiratory epithelium from adjacent paranasal sinuses following trauma and/or fracture repair procedures. The final diagnosis can be difficult because congenital and acquired REOC and mucoceles share the same features histologically. The involvement of the paranasal sinuses, which is the landmark of mucoceles, does not occur with REOC. Moreover, the intracranial extension, which is known for mucoceles, has never been reported for REOC. Respiratory epithelial orbital cysts warrant prompt radical surgical resection given that these lesions may lead to a progressive intracranial progression and/or recurrent infection with a potential for meningitis or cerebral abscess. The authors report a unique case of a patient with an intraorbital posttraumatic respiratory epithelial orbital cyst associated with intracranial involvement.

Maxillary surgical ciliated cysts following advancement Le Fort I osteotomy with concomitant autogenous bone grafting: a simple coincidence or a cause-effect relationship?

Surgical ciliated cysts (SCCs) are rare benign lesions that have been described after radical maxillary sinus surgery such as a Caldwell-Luc procedure for chronic sinusitis. They usually occur several years following surgery, and they typically present as an evolving swelling in the maxillary sulcus and cheek area. The pathogenetic mechanism is related to the entrapment of respiratory epithelium from the paranasal sinuses and/or the nose within the wound created by the surgical procedures. Radiologically, SCCs manifest as a well-demarcated, unilocular or multilocular radiolucency and histologically are lined by respiratory epithelium. Enucleation remains the treatment of choice. Since the 1990s, cases of SCCs have also been described following orthognathic surgery and developing not only within the maxilla but also surprisingly within the mandible. We report here three unique cases of patients with postoperative maxillary cysts following Le Fort I advancement osteotomy with concomitant inter-positional gap autogenous bone grafting.

Are Inferior Rectus Muscle Displacement and the Fracture's Size Associated With Surgical Repair Decisions and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Pure Blowout Orbital Fracture?

PURPOSE: Although orbital blowout fractures are common, there is no consensus with respect to treatment decision making and long-term outcome. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between inferior rectus muscle (IRM) displacement and fracture size and the surgical repair decisions and clinical outcomes in patients with blowout fractures (BOFs). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We designed a prospective cohort study and enrolled all patients who presented to the University Hospital of Geneva for evaluation of a BOF. The primary predictor variables were the IRM grade, measuring the severity of downward displacement of the IRM relative to the level of the fracture's edge (mild [grade I], moderate [grade II], or severe [grade III]), and fracture size. The primary outcome was surgical repair. The secondary outcomes were post-trauma diplopia (at baseline and at 10 days) and persistent annoying diplopia and/or enophthalmos considered independently or as a composite outcome. Other study variables included demographic and injury-related parameters. Descriptive, bivariate, and multiple logistic regression statistics were computed, and the significance level was set at P ≤ .05. RESULTS: The sample was composed of 108 patients with a mean age of 46.8 ± 23 years; 73.1% were men. The IRM grade was associated with surgical repair (P < .001), post-trauma diplopia (P < .001), and the composite outcome (P = .003). Fracture size was associated with enophthalmos (P = .03) and the composite outcome (P = .009). In the adjusted model, only IRM grades II and III were associated with the decision for surgical repair (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that the IRM grade, unlike fracture size, may be a valid measurement in surgical decision making, as well as in determining BOF severity, as evidenced by the correlation between the IRM grade and surgical repair, as well as clinical outcome.