Median cleft of the upper lip: A new classification to guide treatment decisions.

Median cleft of the upper lip (MCL) is a specific and rare entity on the spectrum of facial clefts. MCL have different clinical expressions and can be either isolated or part of multiple malformations. Confusion still exists regarding the explanation and classification of MCL; some cases have been reported in the literature, but no studies carried out a complete review of the literature. This study reviewed cases of MCL in 2 French units and conducted a systematic review of the literature, in order to derive a new classification. Fourteen patients with MCL in the 2 units and 195 cases in the literature were reviewed. They involved complete (42%), incomplete (49%), and minor forms (9%). Epidemiological and clinical data were collected, from which a classification was derived, based on the type of cleft and its belonging to other syndrome(s). Three main groups were distinguished, namely, isolated MCL, MCL within craniofacial malformations, and MCL with extrafacial malformations. Each group and subgroup was associated with a prognosis and led to specific management. This study reviewed all of the various forms of MCL and their associated anomalies, in order to have a global view of MCL and to derive a useful classification scheme to guide management of care.

Bilateral dermoid cysts of the upper lip.

Dermoid cysts are benign tumors found throughout the body. They are either congenital or acquired. Derived from both ectoderm and mesoderm, they are often diagnosed in childhood. Dermoid cysts of the head and neck region account for less than 10% of all dermoid cysts. The most common locations of the cysts are the periorbital region and the neck. We expose the case of a 47-year-old man who presented with bilateral dermoid cysts of the upper lip. Only 1 case of unilateral dermoid cyst of the upper lip is referenced in the literature. Authors report the first case of bilateral dermoid cysts and discuss its possible origins.

Rapid prototyping in craniofacial surgery: using a positioning guide after zygomatic osteotomy - A case report.

INTRODUCTION: The management of post-traumatic deformity in the midface region poses challenges for the maxillofacial surgeon. Ensuring symmetry after zygomatic osteotomy can be difficult and precise positioning of the osteotomised bony fragments requires careful treatment planning. It may be necessary to use a coronal flap to allow the surgeon to compare the contralateral zygomatic bone to allow symmetrical reduction. The authors present a new technique for the positioning of osteotomised zygomatic bones using a combination of computer assisted surgical simulation and rapid prototyping. METHOD: A patient presented to our unit with a post-traumatic zygomatic deformity. Using surgical simulation software the displaced zygomatic bone was osteotomised and placed in the idéal position on a three-dimensional computed tomography scan (3D CT). The position was determined by reference to the contralateral zygoma. In addition the repositioning of the soft tissues was simulated. A surgical guide which allowed intraoperative positioning of the osteotomised zygoma was manufactured by a rapid prototyping process. Use of the guide allowed a minimally invasive approach to the affected zygoma. The post-operative results were compared to the predicted outcome. RESULTS: The post-operative appearance was satisfactory and corresponded well with the predicted result. There was a significant reduction in operative time compared to the previous management of similar cases.

Myoplasty for congenital macrostomia.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the different myoplasty techniques that could be used for limited commissural reconstruction. METHODS: Twelve cases of congenital macrostomia are reported, with different cleft lengths and termination sites. For each case, an orbicular myoplasty was performed, and in the case of extension to the area of the tragus or tonsillar pillars, a masseteric myoplasty or pharyngoplasty was performed. Functional and aesthetic results were analyzed. RESULTS: Functional results were excellent, with normal phonation, facial expression, and deglutition in the case of posterior extension. Aesthetic results were good, with only two cases of skin fasciculation during facial movement. CONCLUSIONS: Myoplasty in macrostomia could be limited to an orbicular reorientation in the case of a short cleft or can include a masseteric myoplasty or pharnygoplasty should the cleft extend further. Analyzing 90 reported cases of congenital macrostomia in the world literature, an important point has emerged. In some cases, the cleft could continue sagittally to the tonsillar pillars or laterally, distal to the anterior border of the masseter, to the region of the tragus. Repair in these cases requires reconstruction of the tonsillar pillars and masseteric repair in addition to orbicular removal. No reports in the world literature have referred to these other myoplasties that could be necessary, even if such pathology is very rare. In addition, no classification of congenital macrostomia was found in the world literature. We therefore propose a surgical classification of macrostomia relative to the nature of myoplasty required.

Testicular carcinoma presenting as cutaneous nasal metastasis: case report and review of the literature.

Testicular choriocarcinoma is a highly malignant germ cell neoplasm, which metastasises to lungs, and brain. Spread to the skin, however, is rare, with only 11 cases reported to our knowledge. This is the second reported case of a skin metastasis of choriocarcinoma to the head and neck, and the third in which a cutaneous metastasis was the first finding at initial presentation. A review of published reports showed that it had been described as individual firm, reddish or violaceous subcutaneous nodules with typical histological features.

Outcomes 18 months after the first human partial face transplantation.

BACKGROUND: We performed the first human partial face allograft on November 27, 2005. Here we report outcomes up to 18 months after transplantation. METHODS: The postsurgical induction immunosuppression protocol included thymoglobulins combined with tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisone. Donor hematopoietic stem cells were infused on postoperative days 4 and 11. Sequential biopsy specimens were taken from a sentinel skin graft, the facial skin, and the oral mucosa. Functional progress was assessed by tests of sensory and motor function performed monthly. Psychological support was provided before and after transplantation. RESULTS: Sensitivity to light touch, as assessed with the use of static monofilaments, and sensitivity to heat and cold had returned to normal at 6 months after transplantation. Motor recovery was slower, and labial contact allowing complete mouth closure was achieved at 10 months. Psychological acceptance of the graft progressed as function improved. Rejection episodes occurred on days 18 and 214 after transplantation and were reversed. A decrease in inulin clearance led to a change in immunosuppressive regimen from tacrolimus to sirolimus at 14 months. Extracorporeal photochemotherapy was introduced at 10 months to prevent recurrence of rejection. There have been no subsequent rejection episodes. At 18 months, the patient is satisfied with the aesthetic result. CONCLUSIONS: In this patient who underwent the first partial face transplantation, the functional and aesthetic results 18 months after transplantation are satisfactory.

Piezoelectric osteotomy: a new technique for bone surgery-advantages in craniofacial surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Ultrasonic bone cutting is a new surgical technique used in dentistry to section hard tissues without damaging adjacent soft tissues. We hypothesized that such a device could also be useful in craniofacial surgery, particularly during the removal of the superior orbital roof during craniofaciostenosis surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An ultrasonic device was employed in different craniofacial surgical procedures: 1. to remove the superior orbital roof in 30 cases of craniofaciostenosis, 2. to perform a Le Fort III osteotomy for the treatment of Crouzon syndrome in two patients, 3. to cut the parietal and frontal bone in 30 cases of craniofaciostenosis. The integrity of soft tissues and surgical time was evaluated. RESULTS: Functional results were good without any soft tissue damage appreciated. The overall operative time, however, was increased. CONCLUSIONS: Piezosurgery is a new technical procedure, which can be advantageous for bone cutting in multiple situations with minimal to no damage in adjacent soft tissues.

Bilateral macrostomia as an isolated pathology.

OBJECTIVE: Congenital macrostomia is a lateral orofacial cleft between the maxillary and mandibular components of the first branchial arch. Bilateral macrostomia is a poorly characterized malformation, with only 14 cases reported in the literature. The purpose of this study was to compare our experience with the world literature. METHOD: A retrospective analysis of 20 cases of bilateral congenital macrostomia was conducted; 6 cases were drawn from 2 maxillofacial surgery units and 14 cases from the world literature. Cases of bilateral congenital macrostomia were compared with cases of unilateral forms using a review of the literature post-1954. Among the six cases identified from the two maxillofacial surgery units, three were treated with linear sutures and three with Z-plasty. Subsequent aesthetic and functional results were analyzed. RESULTS: Compared to unilateral forms, bilateral macrostomia is more often isolated without ear or skin deformities. Moreover, there are a greater proportion of larger defects among cases with bilateral macrostomia when compared to unilateral macrostomia. Alimentation, phonation, and mouth opening were always normal. The two sides were always symmetric. Only one case presented with the complication of skin contractions during lip movement. CONCLUSION: The etiopathogenesis of bilateral macrostomia is unclear. Although over 50% of the reported cases of bilateral macrostomia are isolated, this condition presents a therapeutic challenge. In the case of bilateral forms, the surgeon must define the commissure position without a normal side. Repair thus requires extraoral landmarks and normal measurements.

Maxillary and mandibular reconstruction using bicortical calvarial bone grafts: a retrospective study of 122 reconstructions in 73 patients.

BACKGROUND: Using classic maxillary and mandibular reconstruction with mandibular bone grafts or unicortical calvarial bone grafts, the authors performed 122 reconstructions in 73 patients using bicortical calvarial bone grafts and report the results in this article. Such a technique has not been previously described in the world literature. METHODS: Seventy-three patients, 55 women and 18 men, with severely atrophied maxillas or mandibles were treated with bicortical calvarial bone grafts and placement of implants over a 5-year period. Patient selection was based on the important insufficient remaining height or width of bone placement of multiple 10-mm implants and the thinness of the calvaria (<5 mm). All patients had major bone atrophy. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients had 121 implants placed in vertical bicortical bone grafts and 40 patients had 170 implants placed in horizontal bicortical bone grafts. All patients underwent a two-stage procedure, with the implants being placed 4 to 5 months after the grafting procedure. The majority of maxillary implants were placed between the canine eminence and zygomatic buttress. Of the 122 bicortical calvarial bone grafts that took, two cases presented an incised wound of the dura. A simple nonabsorbable suture was performed in these two cases without any postoperative problems. There were no cerebral injuries encountered with the donor sites. CONCLUSIONS: Bicortical bone grafting seems to be a solution for reconstruction of voluminous bone atrophy in cases of thin calvaria. Because of legal issues, such a technique must be performed by a trained craniofacial surgery team. The resorption rate seems to be lower in cases of bicortical bone graft.

Sensitivity of the inferior lip and chin following mandibular bilateral sagittal split osteotomy using Piezosurgery.

BACKGROUND: Bimaxillary osteotomy, including bilateral sagittal split osteotomy, is the most commonly performed orthognathic surgical intervention in Europe and the United States. Neurosensory perturbation in the territory of the inferior alveolar nerve is a reported adverse effect of bilateral sagittal split osteotomy. Piezosurgery is a relatively new technique that allows bone to be cut while preserving soft tissues, including nerves. The purpose of this study was to assess inferior alveolar nerve function through clinical neurosensory testing after bilateral sagittal split osteotomy using Piezosurgery. METHODS: Between February and September of 2004, 20 patients (40 sides) presenting with dentoskeletal deformities underwent bimaxillary osteotomy, including bilateral sagittal split osteotomy. The Mectron Piezosurgery device was used to perform all sagittal splits, with distraction being performed between the two bone valves. The inferior alveolar nerve was evaluated both objectively with clinical neurosensory testing, including pin-prick sensation, light touch sensation, and two-point discrimination tests, and subjectively at the following time points: preoperatively; at days 5, 7, and 10, postoperatively; and at the second month postoperatively. RESULTS: The anatomical integrity of the inferior alveolar nerve was respected in all cases. Observed normal results for the different tests at 10 days were 90, 82, and 70 percent, respectively, for pin-prick sensation, light touch sensation, and two-point discrimination. By computing scores for different clinical neurosensory tests, the authors observed between 75 and 80 percent complete neurosensory recuperation as early as the second postoperative month. CONCLUSIONS: Piezosurgery used for bilateral sagittal split osteotomy allows prompt recovery of inferior alveolar nerve neurosensory function within 2 months. No comparison is possible with the results using the standard technique for bilateral sagittal split osteotomy.

Transcriptional expression of calvarial bone after treatment with low-intensity ultrasound: an in vitro study.

The capacity to reossify a calvarial bone defect is very small in mature animals and in humans greater than 2 y of age. The clinical treatment of injured tissue sites of bones by low-intensity pulsed ultrasound is widespread, but little is known about the precise effects of ultrasound on the fundamental processes that promote repair and regeneration. In this study, we used real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to investigate the expression of osteogenesis-associated genes after stimulation by low-intensity ultrasound in adult mouse osteoblast from the parietal calvaria. The gene associated with the Runx2 pathway had notably higher levels after 1, 2 and 3 days of stimulation. Therefore, low-intensity ultrasound seems to have an effect on the transcriptional gene expression of the calvarial bone in vitro.

Dermoid cyst of the tongue: an association of dermoid cyst with bronchogenic epithelium.

A congenital dermoid together with a bronchogenic cyst of the tongue is extremely rare. The diagnosis made in this case of a 1-year-old boy was "teratoid cyst of the tongue". A surgical exploration was performed under general anaesthesia via a midline sagittal glossotomy. The tumour was completely dissected and excised, the microscopical examination of the surgical specimen revealed multiple cystic cavities lined by a keratinized squamous epithelium with skin appendages and fatty tissue. Others were composed of cylindrical, ciliated epithelial cells of respiratory type. This is the third reported case in the world literature. All cases were reviewed and compared with this case.

Clinicopathologic monitoring of the skin and oral mucosa of the first human face allograft: Report on the first eight months.

BACKGROUND: The first human face allograft was performed in France on November 27, 2005. We report herein the clinicopathologic findings from the skin and oral mucosa of this allograft during the first eight months. METHODS: Sequential biopsies were taken from the facial skin (n = 3), oral mucosa (n = 20), and sentinel skin graft (n = 11) from day 3 to day 220 postgraft and examined (immuno)histologically, using a pathological score previously proposed for evaluation of rejection in composite tissue (hand) transplantation. RESULTS: The patient developed clinically rejection episodes at day 20 and during the eighth month postgraft, manifesting with redness and edema of the facial skin, oral mucosa, and sentinel graft skin. Pathologically, changes suggestive of rejection grades 0, I, II, and III were seen in 1, 1, 1, and 0 biopsies of facial skin, 7, 2, 1, and 1 biopsies of sentinel skin graft and 3, 5, 8, and 4 biopsies of oral mucosa, respectively. Pathological changes were generally more severe in the oral mucosa than in facial and sentinel graft skin (mean scores 1.85, 0.64, and 1, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: As it happens with other composite tissue allografts, close clinicopathologic monitoring of the skin (and oral mucosa) seems to be the most reliable way to detect rejection in the setting of human facial tissue allotransplantation. Apart from these rejection episodes, the skin and mucosa maintained a normal microscopic structure, paralleling functional recovery.

Early CT-scan for chronic lacrimal duct symptoms - case report of a malignant melanoma of the lacrimal sac and review of the literature.

Malignant melanoma of the lacrimal sac is rare, and only 21 cases have been reported in the world literature. They have an insidious onset and may look like chronic dacryocystitis. In only 6 of these cases were there no recurrences. In most of the survivors, the diagnosis was made early which appears to be the most important prognostic factor. Hence a CT-scan in cases of persistent dacryocystitis is important. Melanoma of the lacrimal duct system is a good example of a condition requiring a multidisciplinary approach between ophthalmologist and maxillofacial surgeon. Any persistently symptomatic lacrimal duct system may need a maxillofacial consultation.