Evaluation of virtual surgical planning and three-dimensional configurations for reconstruction of maxillary defects using the fibula free flap.

BACKGROUND: Maxillary reconstructive surgery with fibula free flaps (FFFs) is a challenging procedure for head and neck surgeons. However, virtual surgical planning (VSP) and three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies have contributed to improved functional and aesthetic outcomes. The objective of this report is to demonstrate VSP/3D application in reconstruction of maxillary defects using the FFF by describing the different configurations available. We reviewed a series of consecutive cases operated at our institution and considered the management strategy of in-house planning in VSP/3D application. METHODS: In total, 11 cases were included from November 2016 to December 2021. Eight male and three female were included, with a mean age of 55.4 years old (range: 34-74 years old). Maxillary defects were classified according to Brown's Classification: two cases with IIB, one case with IIC, four cases with IID, three cases with III, and one case with IV. Preoperatively, facial computed tomography (CT) and lower extremity computed tomography angiogram (CTA) were performed in all patients. Osteocutaneous FFFs were planned, harvested, and customized according to the VSP/3D guide configuration. VSP and 3D printed cutting guides were performed by an external company in nine cases and were self-planned in three of them. Titanium 3D-printed fixation plates were used in four cases. RESULTS: All flaps survived, and the main reconstructive goals were achieved in 9 cases out of 11. Mean FFF length before osteotomy was 20.0 cm (17.5-22.5 cm). None of the cases experienced flap ischemia or venous congestion. At least one complication occurred in four cases: Prefabricated titanium plate exposure (two cases), loss of donor site skin grafts (one case), and ectropion (one case). One patient underwent a second FFF reconstruction. Two titanium printed plates became exposed after radiotherapy and needed to be removed. Mean follow-up time was 23.5 months (range 6-63 months). Dental rehabilitation was completed in eight of the 11 cases. Regarding functional recovery, five cases underwent delayed osseo-integrated dental implants (ODI), and two cases had immediate ODI procedures. One case was treated with removal dentition. CONCLUSION: VSP/3D printing technology is a new and helpful tool to successful restoration of craniofacial function and aesthetics. It can be used in the broad range of configurations offered by FFFs considering our suggested management strategy.

The sternohyoid muscle flap for new dynamic facial reanimation technique: Anatomical study and clinical results.

BACKGROUND: Long-term facial nerve palsy has a highly negative impact on patients' quality of life. In 2016, Alam reported one case of facial reanimation with the sternohyoid muscle after publishing a preclinical study in 2013. Despite the potentially ideal characteristics of this muscle for reanimation of facial palsy, this technique is still not widely used. The objective of our description of cases was to present the clinical results obtained with the surgical procedure and the study on cadavers to confirm the anatomical findings. METHODS: This work describes the anatomical study of the vascular and nervous pedicle of the sternohyoid muscle compared with clinical results from a series of patients with long-term facial paralysis who underwent facial reanimation between June 2016 and September 2019, through the insertion of the sternohyoid muscle into the masseteric nerve. RESULTS: The anatomical study was conducted in eight human hemi-necks. In five cases (62%), the vascular pedicle was provided by the superior thyroid artery, and the entrance of the ansa cervicalis to the muscle was constant 1.8 cm from the distal insertion. This series included ten patients who underwent the surgery technique of facial reanimation using the sternohyoid muscle, with a 90% (n = 9) of reinnervation; 100% (n = 10) of flaps were viable, and none of the patients showed complications in the donor area. CONCLUSIONS: The sternohyoid muscle showed itself as a reliable muscle as a free flap in facial reanimation, and alternative to the gracilis flap. The surgical technique was safe, without any complications, with excellent excursion, recovery, and aesthetic results.