Spontaneous Mandibular Dentoalveolar Changes after Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME), Slow Maxillary Expansion (SME), and Leaf Expander-A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: This systematic review aims to analyze the spontaneous dentoalveolar changes in the mandibular arch after maxillary expansion in growing patients obtained with different expansion protocols: Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME), Slow Maxillary Expansion (SME), and Leaf Expander. METHODS: The study adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Eligibility criteria were established in the PICO format, involving patients who underwent slow, rapid, or leaf maxillary expansion during the mixed or early permanent dentitions. A comprehensive search of electronic databases and manual searches was conducted up to December 2023. The outcome measures included inter-mandibular first permanent molar width, inter-deciduous molar and canine width, arch perimeter, and arch length; both short- and long-term results were considered. The articles that met the inclusion criteria were included in this systematic review and were qualitatively evaluated using a methodological quality scoring system with a 13-point scale. To assess the inter-examiner agreement concerning the article selection and the qualitative assessment of the included studies, Kappa statistics were computed. RESULTS: A total of 1184 articles were identified through electronic and manual searches. After the removal of duplicates and the initial examination of the titles and abstracts, 57 articles were considered for the full text analysis, and according to the eligibility and exclusion criteria, 22 studies were finally selected, composed of 8 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 14 retrospective/case-control studies. The qualitative assessment of the included studies showed the following scores: 6 papers have high research quality, 5 have moderate quality, and 11 have low quality. SME demonstrated negligible mandibular changes, with less than 1 mm variation on average (range 0.46-2.00 mm) in the selected parameters and relapses observed in the long term. RME induced more significant increases, particularly in intermolar width greater than 1 mm, which ranged between 0.93 and 3.3 mm, and good stability over the long term. Leaf Expander exhibited promising short-term lower intermolar width increases greater than 1 mm and ranged from 0.5 to 1.69 mm, but long-term stability was not thoroughly evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: SME results in negligible short- and long-term effects, while RME, especially with Haas-type appliances, exhibits significant intermolar width increases that remain stable over the years. Leaf Expander shows short-term lower intermolar width increases, requiring further investigation into long-term stability.

Treatment of maxillary hypoplasia with bone anchored maxillary protraction (BAMP) - A case report.

Early diagnosis and treatment is known to be beneficial in Class III malocclusions secondary to maxillary hypoplasia. However, success of treatment largely depends on the patient's compliance and thus, appropriate choice of treatment, appliance and the age for interception plays an important role. Bone anchored maxillary protraction is one such approach presented in this case report for a 13 years old boy who reported with the chief complaint of lower front teeth visibility during speech and smiling. On examination his molars were in Angle's Class III relation, anterior crossbite and deep bite with unerupted maxillary canines. Orthodontic treatment was begun for deep bite correction and for creating space for the maxillary canines, followed by surgical intervention for placement of bone anchored miniplates. Protraction was done for 14 months and the total treatment time was 20 months. Improvement in the patient's profile, aesthetics and function was achieved with well aligned arches.

RUNX2-related metaphyseal dysplasia with maxillary hypoplasia: A rare skeletal disorder resembling SFRP4-related Pyle disease.

Metaphyseal dysplasia with maxillary hypoplasia with or without brachydactyly (MDMHB) is an ultra-rare skeletal dysplasia caused by heterozygous intragenic RUNX2 duplications, comprising either exons 3 to 5 or exons 3 to 6 of RUNX2. In this study, we describe a 14-year-old Belgian boy with metaphyseal dysplasia with maxillary hypoplasia but without brachydactyly. Clinical and radiographic examination revealed mild facial dysmorphism, dental anomalies, enlarged clavicles, genua valga and metaphyseal flaring and thin cortices with an osteoporotic skeletal appearance. Exome sequencing led to the identification of a de novo heterozygous tandem duplication within RUNX2, encompassing exons 3 to 7. This duplication is larger than the ones previously reported in MDMHB cases since it extends into the C-terminal activation domain of RUNX2. We review previously reported cases with MDMHB and highlight the resemblance of this disorder with Pyle disease, which may be explained by intersecting molecular pathways between RUNX2 and sFRP4. This study expands our knowledge on the genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of MDMHB and the role of RUNX2 in rare bone disorders.

Finite element analysis of sagittal screw expander appliance in the treatment of anterior maxillary hypoplasia.

The skeletal anterior crossbite is a common malocclusion in clinic. However, there have been no reports on the maxillary sagittal expansion to correct the premaxillary hypoplasia, which greatly influences the facial morphology and masticatory function, using finite element analysis. In the present study, a three-dimensional finite element model of craniomaxillofacial complex with maxillary sagittal hypoplasia is constructed and the treatment for premaxillary hypoplasia by the sagittal screw expander appliance is simulated. The hypoplasia of the left premaxilla is more serious than that of the right and thus the size of the left part of premaxillary expander baseplate is designed to be larger than that of the right part and the loading is applied at 10° leftward to the sagittal plane and 30° forward and downward to the maxillary occlusal plane. The displacements or equivalent stress distributions of the maxilla, teeth and their periodontal ligaments, are analyzed under the loads of 5.0 N, 10.0 N, 15.0 N, and 20.0 N. Consequently, as the load increases, the displacements or equivalent stresses of the maxilla, teeth and their periodontal ligaments all increase. Almost the whole premaxilla markedly move forward, downward, and leftward while other areas in the craniomaxillofacial complex remain almost static or have little displacement. The equivalent stress concentration zone of the maxilla mainly occurs around and in front of the incisive foramina. The displacements of left premaxilla are generally greater than those of the right under the loading forces. The maximum equivalent stress on the teeth and their periodontal ligaments are 2.34E-02 MPa and 2.98E-03 MPa, respectively. Taken together, the sagittal screw expander appliance can effectively open the premaxillary suture to promote the growth of the premaxilla. An asymmetrical design of sagittal screw expander appliance achieves the asymmetric expansion of the premaxilla to correct the uneven hypoplasia and obtains the more symmetrical aesthetic presentation. This study might provide a solid basis and theoretical guidance for the clinical application of sagittal screw expander appliance in the efficient, accurate, and personalized treatment of premaxillary hypoplasia.

The CBCT Retrospective Study on Underwood Septa and Their Related Factors in Maxillary Sinuses-A Proposal of Classification.

Introduction. The presence of bone septum in the maxillary sinus is one of the most common anatomical findings. So-called Underwood septa (US) are an atypical bone formation in the maxillary sinuses. Mostly they are quite easily found in CBCT studies and have major importance in sinus lift procedures in dental surgery. Furthermore, the shape, location, and size of the bony septa are important in each maxillary sinus surgery. Material and methods. A retrospective study of 120CBCT scans from the authors' own database was conducted. Results. Approximately 37.5% of each CBCT was associated with the occurrence of US, while just 25% had a full septum, and a total of only 14 patients had a half septa. More females have US, while healthy pneumatized maxillary sinus is most commonly found (82.22%). There is no correlation between the occurrence of silent sinus syndrome (p = 0.174), mucosal thickening (p = 0.325), or retention cyst formation (p = 0.272). Most sinuses are without any opacification in CBCT evaluation (91.11%), while other syndromes are not statistically relevant. Conclusions. It seems that the occurrence of Underwood septa is not statistically related to any clinical, radiological, or pathological condition within the sinus (p > 0.05). Furthermore, a more full or partial appearance of US was found in female patients.

Severe midface and maxillary hypoplasia in non-cleft and non-syndromic patients: A 2-stage surgical strategy using distraction osteogenesis and orthognathic surgery.

Severe midface and maxillary hypoplasia can have an impact on an individual, either on the appearance, functions or psychologically. Based on literature review, severe maxillary hypoplasia with more than 25.0 mm reverse overjet in non-cleft and non-syndromic patients is very rare. It is more often seen in cleft lip and palate and syndromic patients. When the magnitude of correction exceeds the limit of what a single orthognathic surgery can achieve, multiple surgeries would be required, involving different surgical techniques. The authors report two rare cases of non-syndromic nor cleft severe hypoplastic midface and maxilla with 26.0 mm and 27.0 mm reverse overjet, respectively, treated with 2-stage surgery involving maxillary distraction osteogenesis and orthognathic surgery. Both cases recorded reasonably clinical and functional outcomes. The significance of both surgical interventions is further discussed.

Maxillary Protraction: A Bibliometric Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this analysis was to investigate the historical development, current status, and research hot spots related to maxillary protraction in the treatment of maxillary hypoplasia. METHODS: The term "TS = maxillary protraction" was used to search for articles in the Web of Science Core Collection at the library of Capital Medical University. The results were analysed using CiteSpace6.2.R1 software, including the examination of annual publication trends and analysis of author, country, institution, and keywords. RESULTS: A total of 483 papers were included in this study. The annual publications showed an overall increasing trend. The top 5 authors with the most published papers were Lorenzo Franchi, Tiziano Baccetti, Seung-Hak Baek, Paola Cozza, and U Hagg. The top 5 countries with the highest publication counts were the US, Turkey, South Korea, Italy, and China. The top 5 institutions in terms of the number of published papers were the University of Florence, the University of Michigan, Kyung Hee University, Seoul National University, and Gazi University. The top 3 journals with the most citations were the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Angle Orthodontist, and the European Journal of Orthodontics. Furthermore, "Maxillary protraction," "Class III malocclusion," and "Maxillary expansion" were the most common keywords. CONCLUSIONS: The effective age range for maxillary protraction has been expanded with the introduction of skeletal anchorage and the combination of maxillary expansion and protraction. Skeletal anchorage offers significant advantages over dental anchorage, but there is a need for further research to further substantiate its stability and safety. In recent years, the positive effects of maxillary protraction on the nasopharyngeal area have been well established, but its impact on the oropharyngeal area remains a topic of debate. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct further investigations into the effects of maxillary protraction on the oropharyngeal area and explore the factors that influence different outcomes.

Maxillary anterior segmental distraction osteogenesis to correct maxillary hypoplasia and dental crowding in cleft palate patients: a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to present comprehensive skeletal, dental and facial aesthetic outcomes and long-term stability of maxillary anterior segmental distraction osteogenesis (MASDO) for the treatment of maxillary hypoplasia in CLP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six patients with maxillary hypoplasia treated with MASDO by a miniscrew assisted intraoral tooth-borne distractor were included. Cephalometric radiographs were obtained before distraction (T1), after the consolidation period (T2) and after orthodontic treatment or before orthognathic surgery (T3). Thirty-one cephalometric variables (12 skeletal, 9 dental, and 10 soft tissue variables) were used to evaluate changes in the dentofacial structures and the soft tissue profile. Friedman and Wilcoxon tests were applied to identify significant differences in hard and soft tissue changes during the T1-T2, T2-T3, and T1-T3 periods. RESULTS: All patients successfully underwent MASDO without serious complications. From T1 to T2, forward movements of ANS and A (FH ⊥ N-A, VRL-ANS and VRL-A) were significant (p < 0.05). Significant increases in SNA and ANB were noted. Significant upward movement of points ANS (CFH-ANS) and A (CFH-A) was observed (p < 0.05). After distraction, a significant decrease in overjet and an increase in overbite were obtained (p < 0.05). Anterior tipping of the upper incisors (U1/ANS-PNS and U1/SN) was observed (p < 0.05). The soft tissue points of Pn, Sn, Ss, and ls showed significant anterior movement (p < 0.05). In addition, a significant increase in the nasolabial angle was measured (p < 0.05). All of the above data showed no statistically significant changes between T2 and T3 (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: MASDO using a miniscrew assisted tooth-borne distractor presented significant maxillary advancement and favorable long-term stability in treating CLP patients with maxillary hypoplasia.

Cirugía ortognática y rehabilitación implantosoportada simultáneas mediante implantes subperiósticos o supraóseos personalizados / Simultaneous orthognathic surgery and implant-supported rehabilitation using customized subperiosteal or supraosseous implants

Presentamos un caso clínico donde, utilizando implantes subperiósticos o supraóseos, es decir, estructuras metálicas tridimensionales personalizadas de titanio fabricadas de forma digital, hemos conseguido realizar dos objetivos a la vez: 1) la corrección de una severa deformidad facial, y 2) dotar a la paciente de fijaciones o implantes para la rehabilitación implantosoportada de su edentulismo maxilar completo. No tenemos constancia de ningún caso similar publicado en la literatura a día de hoy.Creemos que esta nueva técnica, relativamente sencilla, puede ser una alternativa a las cirugías complejas que involucran el empleo de complicados injertos óseos, con el consiguiente ahorro en tiempo y morbilidad para los pacientes que asocian hipoplasia maxilar y edentulismo con grave atrofia ósea. (AU)

We present a clinical case in which, using subperiosteal or supraosseous implants, that is to say, three-dimensional personalized metallic titanium structures manufactured digitally, we have managed to achieve two objectives at the same time: 1) correction of a severe facial deformity, and 2) furnish the patient with fixations or implants for the implant-supported rehabilitation of her complete maxillary edentulism. We are not aware of any similar case published in the literature to date.We believe that this new, relatively simple technique can be an alternative to complex surgeries that involve the use of complicated bone grafts, with the consequent savings in time and morbidity for patients who associate maxillary hypoplasia and edentulism with severe bone atrophy. (AU)

Early Outcomes and Risk Factors in Orthognathic Surgery for Mandibular and Maxillary Hypo- and Hyperplasia: A 13-Year Analysis of a Multi-Institutional Database.

BACKGROUND: Orthognathic surgery (OS) is a frequently performed procedure for the correction of dentofacial deformities and malocclusion. Research on OS is mostly limited to single-surgeon experience or single-institutional reports. We, therefore, retrospectively analyzed a multi-institutional database to investigate outcomes of OS and identify risk factors for peri- and postoperative complications. METHODS: We reviewed the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database (2008-2020) to identify patients who underwent OS for mandibular and maxillary hypo- and hyperplasia. The postoperative outcomes of interest included 30-day surgical and medical complications, reoperation, readmission, and mortality. We also evaluated risk factors for complications. RESULTS: The study population included 674 patients, 48% of whom underwent single jaw surgery, 40% double jaw surgery, and 5.5% triple jaw surgery. The average age was 29 ± 11 years, with an equal gender distribution (females: n = 336; 50%, males: n = 338; 50%). Adverse events were relatively rare, with a total of 29 (4.3%) complications reported. The most common surgical complication was superficial incisional infection (n = 14; 2.1%). While the multivariable analysis revealed isolated single lower jaw surgery (p = 0.03) to be independently associated with surgical complication occurrence, it also identified an association between the outpatient setting and the frequency of surgical complications (p = 0.03) and readmissions (p = 0.02). In addition, Asian ethnicity was identified as a risk factor for bleeding (p = 0.003) and readmission (p = 0.0009). CONCLUSION: Based on the information recorded by the ACS-NSQIP database, our analysis underscored the positive (short-term) safety profile of OS. We found OS of the mandible to be associated with higher complication rates. The calculated risk role of OS in the outpatient setting warrants further investigation. A significant correlation between Asian OS patients and postoperative adverse events was found. Implementation of these novel risk factors into the surgical workflow may help facial surgeons refine their patient selection and improve patient outcomes. Future studies are needed to investigate the causal relationships of the observed statistical correlations.

Multidisciplinary Presurgical Education: Clinical Impact on Children With Orofacial Clefts Undergoing Maxillary Distraction via Rigid External Distraction.

OBJECTIVE: Treatment of severe maxillary hypoplasia is commonly addressed via distraction osteogenesis with a rigid external device (RED). While effective, this method can be socially stigmatizing in an already vulnerable patient population. To prepare children and their caregivers for life with a RED and decrease peri-operative anxiety, we instituted a multidisciplinary pre-surgical education session (MPES). This educational team involves our cleft care coordinator, child life specialist, orthodontist and plastic surgeon 2 weeks prior to surgery. We reviewed the impact of this intervention by examining clinical outcomes before and after its implementation. DESIGN: From February 2017 to February 2020, a retrospective chart review was performed to include patients with orofacial clefts and maxillary hypoplasia who underwent maxillary distraction osteogenesis with RED at our center before (28 patients) and after (29 patients) the implementation of MPES. RESULTS: MPES was associated with a significantly shorter length of stay compared to controls who did not receive MPES (3.6 vs 3.1 days, p < 0.03) and significantly decreased usage of inpatient narcotic pain medication compared to controls (16.8 morphine equivalents vs 31.8 morphine equivalents, p < 0.02). Our intervention also demonstrated a trend towards decrease in minor complications but did not achieve statistical significance p = 0.32). CONCLUSIONS: Multidisciplinary presurgical education is a beneficial adjunct in the care of patients with orofacial clefts and maxillary hypoplasia undergoing maxillary advancement with a RED.

Augmented reality hologram combined with pre-bent distractor enhanced the accuracy of distraction vector transfer in maxillary distraction osteogenesis, a study based on 3D printed phantoms.

Background: Vector control is a significant concern in maxillary distraction osteogenesis (DO). Distraction vector planning on the patient's 3D-printed skull phantom is more intuitive for surgeons and cost-efficient than virtual surgical planning. However, the accuracy of transferring the planned vector to intraoperative (vector transfer) according to the shape of the pre-bent footplate alone is relatively limited. The application of augmented reality (AR) in surgical navigation has been studied for years. However, few studies have focused on its role in maxillary DO vector transfer. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of AR surgical navigation combined with the pre-bent distractor in vector transfer by comparing it with the pre-bent distractor alone. Methods: Ten patients with maxillary hypoplasia were enrolled with consent, and three identical 3D-printed skull phantoms were manufactured based on per patient's corresponding pre-operative CT data. Among these, one phantom was for pre-operative planning (n = 10), while and the other two were for the AR+Pre-bending group (n = 10) and the Pre-bending group (n = 10) for the experimental surgery, respectively. In the Pre-bending group, the distraction vector was solely determined by matching the shape of footplates and maxillary surface. In the AR+Pre-bending group, the distractors were first confirmed to have no deformation. Then AR surgical navigation was applied to check and adjust the vector in addition to the steps as in the Pre-bending Group. Results: For the angular deviation of the distraction vector, the AR+Pre-bending group was significantly smaller than the Pre-bending group in spatial (p < 0.001), x-y plane (p = 0.002), and y-z plane (p < 0.001), and there were no significant differences in the x-z plane (p = 0.221). The AR+Pre-bending group was more accurate in deviations of the Euclidean distance (p = 0.004) and the y-axis (p = 0.011). In addition, the AR+Pre-bending group was more accurate for the distraction result. Conclusions: In this study based on 3D printed skull phantoms, the AR surgical navigation combined with the pre-bent distractor enhanced the accuracy of vector transfer in maxillary DO, compared with the pre-bending technique alone.

Three-dimensional image study of accelerated maxillary expansion in oral breathing kids

Abstract Objective: To evaluate, by a three-dimensional study, the volumetric and integumentary effects of rapid maxillary expansion on the nose, in mouth breathing kids with maxillary hypoplasia, in the short term, assessing the possible interference of gender, growth and age on the results achieved. Methods: 120 mouth breathing patients with maxilla hypoplasia were divided into an Experimental Group treated by rapid maxillary expansion (n = 104, 62 males and 42 females, mean age 10.1 years, SD = 2.10, ranging from 5.1 to 13.9 years); and Control Group, constituted by 16 patients (9 males and 7 females, mean age 9.3 years, SD = 2.1 years, ranging from 6.1 to 13.2 years). Patients in the experimental group underwent multislice computed tomography examinations at two different times: (T1) pre-expansion and (T2) post-expansion. The control group was submitted to the same tests at the same time intervals. Six soft tissue variables of the nose were studied, besides the volume and area of the nasal cavity, and the measurement and comparison of data between T1 and T2 were performed using the Dolphin Imaging 11.7 Premium software. Results: The experimental group showed significant mean increases in all soft tissue variables studied (p < 0.005), yet there were no significant changes in the control group. In the comparison between groups, only inclination of the nasal dorsum did not present any significant change. Conclusion: Rapid maxillary expansion may alter the nasal shape and physiology, by anatomical changes in the nose soft tissues, making it an important aid in the treatment of mouth breathing in childhood. Level of evidence: The soft tissues of the nose play an important role in nasal shape and physiology and facial esthetics, and since they are directly related to the nasal valves, they are fundamental for maintenance and stability of the nasal breathing pattern.

A Periodic Case of Maxillo-Nasal Dysplasia or Binder Syndrome Successfully Operated With Bilateral Le Fort II Osteotomy With Distraction Osteogenesis.

Binder syndrome (BS) is an uncommon congenital disorder affecting the face. The condition, which also goes by the names naso-maxillary hypoplasia (NMH) and maxilla-facial dysplasia (MFD), causes the central face to develop inward and may also affect the upper jaw and the nose. A 19-year-old male with a known case of BS presented with a complaint of poor esthetics since birth. Previously, the patient was admitted to a private hospital where he was operated on for cleft lip and palate in the years 2003 and 2005. In 2017, he visited the dental clinic where the orthodontic treatment started for poor esthetics, and then he was referred to the oral surgery ward for surgical intervention. For about five years, he has been undergoing orthodontic treatment. A physical examination of the oral cavity was done and the physician suggested a CT scan of the brain. Recently, the patient underwent bilateral Le Fort II osteotomy with distraction osteogenesis under general anesthesia which repaired the patient's esthetics.

Orthognathic Surgery in Patients with Syndromic Craniosynostosis.

Patients with syndromic and nonsyndromic synostosis may have end-stage skeletal discrepancies involving the lower midface and mandible, with associated malocclusion. While orthognathic surgical procedures in this population can be reliably executed, the surgeon must be aware of the unique morphologic characteristics that accompany the primary diagnoses as well as the technical challenges associated with performing Le Fort I osteotomies in patients who have undergone prior subcranial midface distraction.

Aberrations in Maxillary Anatomy of Adult Patients with Cleft Maxillary Hypoplasia: A Computed Tomographic Study.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the maxillary anatomy in patients with cleft maxillary hypoplasia using computed tomogram. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out in all cleft patients reporting to our department for the correction of secondary cleft deformities. A preoperative computed tomogram of the midface (from the superior orbital rim to the maxillary occlusal plane) was recorded to assess the parameters which evaluate the maxillary and pterygomaxillary anatomy in cleft maxillary hypoplasia patients. Results: A total of 18 adult patients (female-5; male-13) were included in the study, which includes 15 unilateral and 3 bilateral cleft lip and palate patients. All the patients had undergone palatoplasty in their early childhood. Evaluation of the circum maxillary and pterygo-maxillary anatomy on the computed tomogram revealed that the average width of maxillary tuberosity was (mean-6.91 mm on cleft side, 4.51 mm on noncleft side); distance between medial and lateral pterygoid plates was (mean-6.45 mm on cleft side, 5.94 mm on noncleft side); distance from greater palatine foramen to posterior palatal border was (mean-5.6 mm on cleft side, 6.1 mm on noncleft side); distance from greater palatine foramen to pterygoid process was (mean-4.83 mm on cleft side, 5.6 mm on noncleft side); distance from pyriform rim to greater palatine foramen was (mean-30.0 mm on cleft side, 31.8 mm on noncleft side); inter pterygoid distance between medial pterygoid plates at the level of pterygoidhamulus was (mean-3.3 cms = 33 mm); inter pterygoid distance between medial pterygoid plates at skull base was (mean-3.0 = 30 mm). Conclusion: Maxillary hypoplasia in adult cleft patients distorts the circum maxillary and pterygomaxillary anatomy with cleft side being more hypoplastic compared to the noncleft side which needs to be evaluated prior to planning maxillary advancement.

Three-dimensional image study of accelerated maxillary expansion in oral breathing kids.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate, by a three-dimensional study, the volumetric and integumentary effects of rapid maxillary expansion on the nose, in mouth breathing kids with maxillary hypoplasia, in the short term, assessing the possible interference of gender, growth and age on the results achieved. METHODS: 120 mouth breathing patients with maxilla hypoplasia were divided into an Experimental Group treated by rapid maxillary expansion (n = 104, 62 males and 42 females, mean age 10.1 years, SD = 2.10, ranging from 5.1 to 13.9 years); and Control Group, constituted by 16 patients (9 males and 7 females, mean age 9.3 years, SD = 2.1 years, ranging from 6.1 to 13.2 years). Patients in the experimental group underwent multislice computed tomography examinations at two different times: (T1) pre-expansion and (T2) post-expansion. The control group was submitted to the same tests at the same time intervals. Six soft tissue variables of the nose were studied, besides the volume and area of the nasal cavity, and the measurement and comparison of data between T1 and T2 were performed using the Dolphin Imaging 11.7 Premium software. RESULTS: The experimental group showed significant mean increases in all soft tissue variables studied (p < 0.005), yet there were no significant changes in the control group. In the comparison between groups, only inclination of the nasal dorsum did not present any significant change. CONCLUSION: Rapid maxillary expansion may alter the nasal shape and physiology, by anatomical changes in the nose soft tissues, making it an important aid in the treatment of mouth breathing in childhood. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: The soft tissues of the nose play an important role in nasal shape and physiology and facial esthetics, and since they are directly related to the nasal valves, they are fundamental for maintenance and stability of the nasal breathing pattern.

Minimally invasive surgical and miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MISMARPE) in adult patients.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate maxillary expansion, operative time and pain associated with a new minimally invasive surgical technique to treat maxillary hypoplasia in adult patients. Consecutive patients were included and prospectively analyzed. The technique consists in miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE), minimally invasive approach to maxillary osteotomies, latency period and activation period until the desired expansion. The parameters evaluated included operative time, treatment-related pain by the visual analog scale (VAS), and transverse maxillary expansion. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to assess the normality of data distribution. A paired t-test was used to compare the data between T0 (preoperative) and T1 (postoperative - end of activation). The significance level was set at 5%. Eleven patients were included. Mean operative time was 24.11 min (14.4-32 min) and overall postoperative VAS score was 2.81 (0-9). A comparative analysis showed significant increases in maxillary width at the skeletal, alveolar, and dental levels (p < 0.0001 for all), with a mean range of 1.8 (SD 0.3) mm to 4.7 (SD 0.5) mm. The present minimally invasive surgical MARPE (MISMARPE) technique appears to yield good skeletal outcomes with minimal trauma. It might have potential for clinical use, but larger comparative studies are needed to confirm the clinical relevance of the approach.

Phenotypic and Molecular Heterogeneity in Mandibulofacial Dysostoses: A Case Series From India.

OBJECTIVE: Facial dysostosis is a group of rare craniofacial congenital disabilities requiring multidisciplinary long-term care. This report presents the phenotypic and genotypic information from South India. DESIGN: The study is a case series. SETTING: This was an international collaborative study involving a tertiary craniofacial clinic and medical genetics unit. PATIENTS, PARTICIPANTS: The participants were 9 families with 17 affected individuals of facial dysostosis. INTERVENTION: Exome analysis focused on known genes associated with acrofacial and mandibulofacial syndromes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The outcome measure was to report phenotyptic and genetic heterogeneity in affected individuals. RESULTS: A Tessier cleft was seen in 7 (41%), lower eyelid coloboma in 12 (65%), ear anomalies in 10 (59%), uniolateral or bilateral aural atresia in 4 (24%), and deafness in 6 (35%). The facial gestalt of Treacher Collins syndrome (TCS) showed extensive phenotypic variations. Pathogenic variants in TCOF1 (Treacher Collins syndrome) were seen in six families, POLR1A (acrofacial dysostosis, Cincinnati type) and EFTUD2 (mandibulofacial dysostosis with microcephaly) in one each. One family (11.1%) had no detectable variation. Five out of six probands with Treacher Collins syndrome had other affected family members (83.3%), including a non-penetrant mother, identified after sequencing. CONCLUSION: Our report illustrates the molecular heterogeneity of mandibulofacial dysostosis in India.

Discrepancia negativa transversal del maxilar y diferencias cefalométricas laterales según el ancho de la arcada superior / Negative maxillary transverse discrepancy and cephalometric lateral differences according to the width of upper arch

Introduction: Negative maxillary transverse discrepancy is not exclusive to narrow upper arch. The transverse discrepancy due to maxillary deficiency is well described, but this is not the case when the maxilla displays adequate dimensions and the origin of the problem is an excess of mandibular width. Objective: To describe the cephalometric characteristics of negative maxillary transverse discrepancy present in narrow upper arches with those of normal or increased width. Methods: An observational and cross-sectional study was carried out in records of patients with negative maxillary transverse discrepancy. The cases referred to the maxillofacial surgery department at Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico "Hermanos Ameijeiras" between January 2016 and January 2020 were selected. The initial study models were measured and two groups were formed: those with a distance between central fossae of 16 to 26, less than 47 mm and the other with equal or greater values. Lateral cephalometric analysis of Ricketts, McNamara, Björk & Jarabak, Burstone and soft profile were performed on the initial teleradiographs. Using the Mann Whitney U test of independent samples, measurements with statistically significant differences between both groups were selected. (p <0.05). Results: Significant differences were found regarding the cranial-mandibular relationship, mandibular anatomy, maxillo-mandibular relationship and occlusal relationship. The most important differences observed in each group were respectively: S-Ar / Ar-Go ratio (p = 0.033), mandibular body length (p = 0.01), mandibular-maxillary difference (p = 0.003) and overjet (p = 0.043). Conclusions: In the studied patients, negative maxillary transverse discrepancy has the same probability of presenting a wide or in norm upper arch, as well as a narrow arch. In the first case, it is more likely to find jaws with increased body length, a skeletal class III pattern and a concave profile; in the second case, the tendency is to present small jaws with increased articular angle and dental overjet(AU)

Introducción: La discrepancia negativa transversal del maxilar no es exclusiva de una arcada superior angosta. La discrepancia transversal por deficiencia maxilar está bien descrita, pero no ocurre así cuando el maxilar se presenta con dimensiones adecuadas y el origen del problema es un exceso del ancho mandibular. Objetivo: Describir las diferencias cefalométricas de la discrepancia negativa transversal del maxilar que presentan arcadas superiores estrechas con aquellas de ancho normal o incrementado. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, de corte transversal, en expedientes de pacientes con discrepancia negativa transversal del maxilar. Se seleccionaron los casos que acudieron entre enero del 2016 y enero del 2020 a la consulta de cirugía maxilofacial del Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico "Hermanos Ameijeiras". Se midieron los modelos de estudio iniciales y se conformaron dos grupos: aquellos con distancia entre fosas centrales de 16-26, menor de 47 mm y el otro con valores iguales o superiores. Se realizaron análisis cefalométricos laterales en las telerradiografías iniciales de Ricketts, McNamara, Björk & Jarabak, Burstone y perfil blando. Por medio de la prueba U de Mann Whitney de muestras independientes, se seleccionaron las mediciones con diferencias estadísticas significativas entre ambos grupos (p < 0.05). Resultados: Se encontraron diferencias significativas concernientes a la relación cráneo mandibular, anatomía mandibular, relación máxilo mandibular y relación oclusal. Las diferencias observadas más importantes de cada grupo fueron respectivamente: relación S-Ar/Ar-Go (p = 0,033), longitud del cuerpo mandibular (p = 0,01), diferencia mandibular-maxilar (p = 0,003) y resalte (p = 0,043). Conclusiones: En los pacientes estudiados, las discrepancias negativas transversales tienen la misma probabilidad de presentarse con la arcada superior ancha o en norma, que angosta. En los primeros es más probable encontrar mandíbulas con longitud del cuerpo incrementada, patrón de clase III esquelética y perfil cóncavo; en los segundos, la tendencia es a presentar mandíbulas pequeñas con ángulo articular y resalte dentario aumentados(AU)