Trends in Maxillomandibular Fixation Technique at a Single Academic Institution.

Study Design: Retrospective chart review. Objective: Restoration of premorbid occlusion is a key goal in the treatment of mandibular fractures. Placement of the patient in maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) is performed during mandibular fracture repair to help establish occlusion. A number of techniques are available to achieve MMF. We sought to examine trends in MMF technique at our institution. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted to evaluate patients who underwent surgical treatment of mandibular fractures between January 1, 2011 and March 31, 2021. Data including fracture characteristics, mechanism of injury, patient demographics, complication rates, and MMF technique utilized were collected. Results: One hundred sixty-three patients underwent MMF (132 males). The most common etiology of fracture was assault (34%). There was an increasing preference for rapid MMF techniques over time, as opposed to standard Erich arch bars. No significant difference in obtaining adequate fracture reduction as determined by postoperative imaging or complications were noted between those who underwent MMF with newer rapid techniques vs traditional MMF techniques. Conclusions: Our institution has demonstrated changing trends in the technique utilized for establishing occlusion intraoperatively, more recently favoring rapid MMF techniques, with similar rates of complications and ability to adequately reduce fractures.

Women in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: The State of the Academy and Why It Matters.

Facial plastic and reconstructive surgery has historically been a male-dominated field. It is critical to assess the current state of female representation within our Society to better gauge how we reflect the changing needs of our community and our patients. Although we have made headway in fostering a community ripe for progress, we must continue to create and promote equal opportunities, dissuade microaggressions, address burnout, and capitalize on the innate strengths of our female constituents. With the data presented in this study, we hope to further illuminate the benefits of women engagement in our Academy while recommending sustainable actions to create a culture of allyship.

Surgical Treatment of Dynamic Nasal Collapse.

Nasal obstruction is a prevalent issue that significantly impacts patient quality of life and contributes to a large-scale financial burden. Internal or external nasal valve collapse may play a role in nasal obstruction, with varying etiologies. Surgical correction of nasal valve collapse is indicated when septal and/or turbinate surgery alone are not sufficient in correcting the nasal obstruction. The choice of how to address nasal valve repair depends on presenting findings, associated aesthetic concerns, particularly of the nasal tip, patient anatomy, and surgeon preference. This article provides a methodical approach to the diagnosis of nasal valve collapse, indications for repair, and provides detailed explanation of the operative techniques used to address nasal valve collapse, while also discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each approach.

Guided Mindfulness Meditation for Pain Control After Septorhinoplasty: A Randomized-Controlled Pilot Study.

Background: Mindfulness meditation has been shown to alleviate pain and may be an appealing adjunctive pain management option. Objective: To compare measures of pain, mindfulness, and opioid usage, and collect evaluative feedback among patients undergoing septorhinoplasty with and without guided meditation. Methods: Patients undergoing septorhinoplasty were randomized to online-guided meditation postoperative days 0-3 versus standard care; all received the same pain medications. Primary outcome measures included pain intensity, opioid consumption, mindfulness scores, and evaluative feedback. Results: Twenty-one patients received guided meditation and 24 received standard care. No significant difference in opioid consumption or pain scores was seen with the exception of higher opioid use in patients with intranasal splints in the standard care group. Twenty out of 21 patients provided evaluative feedback; all recommended mindfulness meditation to friends undergoing nasal surgery, 90% reported it was beneficial, 85% believed it eased pain/discomfort, and 80% believed it aided with sleep. Conclusion: Although no objective difference was found in opioid consumption or pain scores, most patients reported that guided mindfulness meditation was beneficial to their recovery following septorhinoplasty.

Google Search Analysis: What Do People Want to Know About Rhinoplasty and Where Do They Find the Answers?

Background: During online search queries, Google uses machine learning algorithms to provide frequently associated ("People Also Ask" [PAA]) questions with corresponding websites answering the question. We aimed to identify the most frequent questions about rhinoplasty asked online and the sources used to answer them. Materials and Methods: PAA questions were extracted for the terms "rhinoplasty," "nose surgery," and "nose job." Questions were categorized into specific topics. Websites were categorized by type and assessed for quality using Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria. A search engine optimization tool determined search volume for individual questions and specific topics. Results: Internet searches for the PAA questions (n = 102) and associated websites were related to preoperative factors (46%), cost (35.7%), and recovery timeline (7.3%). Sources for the answers to PAA questions were single surgeon personal (39.3%) and medical practice (20.6%) websites. Conclusions: Surgeons may wish to emphasize specific patient education topics, including preoperative factors, cost, and recovery timeline, on their websites to address the most frequently sought-after information regarding rhinoplasty online.

Allergic Fungal Sinusitis Imitating an Aggressive Skull Base Lesion in the Setting of Pembrolizumab Immunotherapy.

OBJECTIVES: We report a case of acutely worsening allergic fungal sinusitis in a patient receiving immunotherapy with pembrolizumab, a programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitor. METHODS: A 53-year-old man with a history of metastatic melanoma and recent initiation of pembrolizumab therapy presented with acutely worsening headaches, left abducens nerve palsy, and neuroimaging demonstrating an erosive skull base lesion with bilateral cavernous sinus involvement. RESULTS: Intraoperative findings were consistent with non-invasive allergic fungal sinus disease. Microbiology and histopathologic data ruled out malignancy and demonstrated Aspergillus fumigatus without concern for angioinvasion. After treatment with antifungal therapy, the patient's symptoms and abducens nerve palsy resolved. Symptoms were well-controlled 7 months after his initial presentation. CONCLUSIONS: Inflammatory sinusitis in patients receiving anti-PD-1 therapy may be secondary to T-cell infiltration, a similar pathophysiology as immune-related adverse events, and warrants appreciation by otolaryngologists given our increasing exposure to immunotherapy and its head and neck manifestations.

Early Outcomes in an Emerging Facial Nerve Center: The Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) Experience.

OBJECTIVES: Nerve transfer (NT) and free gracilis muscle transfer (FGMT) are procedures for reanimation of the paralyzed face. Assessing the surgical outcomes of these procedures is imperative when evaluating the effectiveness of these interventions, especially when establishing a new center focused on the treatment of patients with facial paralysis. We desired to discuss the factors to consider when implementing a facial nerve center and the means by which the specialist can assess and analyze outcomes. METHODS: Patients with facial palsy secondary to multiple etiologies, including cerebellopontine angle tumors, head and neck carcinoma, and trauma, who underwent NT or FGMT between 2014 and 2019 were included. Primary outcomes were facial symmetry and smile excursion, calculated using FACE-gram and Emotrics software. Subjective quality of life outcomes, including the Facial Clinimetric Evaluation (FaCE) Scale and Synkinesis Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ), were also assessed. RESULTS: 14/22 NT and 6/6 FGMT patients met inclusion criteria having both pre-and postoperative photo documentation. NT increased oral commissure excursion from 0.4 mm (SD 5.3) to 2.9 mm (SD 6.8) (P = 0.05), and improved symmetry of excursion (P < 0.001) and angle (P < 0.001). FGMT increased oral commissure excursion from -1.4 mm (SD 3.9) to 2.1 mm (SD 3.7), (P = 0.02), and improved symmetry of excursion (P < 0.001). FaCE scores improved in NT patients postoperatively (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Measuring outcomes, critical analyses, and a multidisciplinary approach are necessary components when building a facial nerve center. At our emerging facial nerve center, we found NT and FGMT procedures improved smile excursion and symmetry, and improved QOL following NT in patients with facial palsy secondary to multiple etiologies.

Simultaneous maxillary and mandibular reconstruction with a single Osteocutaneous fibula free flap: A description of three cases.

Large defects that comprise both the maxilla and mandible prove to be difficult reconstructive endeavors and commonly require two free tissue transfers. Three cases are presented to discuss an option for simultaneous reconstruction of maxillary and mandibular defects using a single osteocutaneous fibula free flap. The first case describes a 16-year-old male with a history of extensive facial trauma sustained in a boat propeller accident resulting in a class IId maxillary and 5 cm mandibular defect status post three failed reconstructive surgeries; the second, a 33-year-old male with recurrent rhabdomyosarcoma of the muscles of mastication with resultant hemi-mandibulectomy and class IId maxillary defects; and lastly, a 48-year-old male presenting after a failed scapular free flap to reconstruct defects resulting from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, which included a 5 cm defect of the right mandibular body and 4.5 cm defect of the inferior maxillary bone. In all cases, a single osteocutaneous fibula free flap was used in two bone segments; one to obturate the maxillary defect and restore alveolar bone and the other to reconstruct the mandibular defect. The most recent patient was able to undergo implantable dental rehabilitation. Postoperatively, the free flaps were viable and masticatory function was restored in all patients during a follow-up range of 2-4 years.

Degree of Self-Reported Facial Impairment Correlates with Social Impairment in Individuals with Facial Paralysis and Synkinesis.

Importance: Facial paralysis leads to both aesthetic and functional deficits placing patients at risk for sociopsychological sequelae and social impairment. Objective: To examine the effect of facial paralysis and synkinesis on social impairment and quality of life (QOL). Design, Setting, and Participants: This is a cross-sectional study at a tertiary care medical center. Adults with a history of facial palsy were broadly categorized by self-reported degree of facial paralysis and synkinesis. Main Outcomes and Measures: Clinical demographic information, self-reported degrees of facial paralysis and synkinesis, and facial palsy-specific QOL as measured by the Facial Clinimetric Evaluation (FaCE) Scale and the Synkinesis Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) were collected. FaCE and SAQ scales were evaluated as predictors of social impairment outcomes, as measured by the Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation-II (BFNE-II), the Social Anxiety Questionnaire (SAQ-A30), and Social Avoidance and Distress (SAD) scales, in addition to health utility scores from the Short-Form 6D (SF-6D). Results: Fifty-six participants with facial palsy were included (30% male; average age: 56.4 [standard deviation (SD): 15] years). Sixty-three percent of participants reported history of Bell's palsy; 37% reported other etiologies. Forty-seven percent of participants reported moderate or severe facial impairment and 46% of participants reported involuntary facial movement. Participants with moderate or severe facial impairment exhibited increased BFNE-II (p = 0.03), SAQ-A30 (p = 0.04), and SAD (p < 0.01) scores and lower health valuation on SF-6D (p = 0.04). FaCE scores moderately correlated with lower health valuation (r = 0.39, p < 0.01), and moderately and inversely correlated with SAD (r = -0.33, p = 0.01) and BFNE-II (r = -0.35, p < 0.01) scores. Furthermore, worsening FaCE scores predicted worsening SAQ (p < 0.01), SAD (p = 0.01), BFNE-II (p < 0.01), and SF-6D (p < 0.01) scores. Worse degrees of synkinesis correlated with higher BFNE-II scores (r = 0.38, p < 0.01) and worsening SAQ scores predicted worsening FaCE (p < 0.01) and BFNE-II (p < 0.01) scores. Females demonstrated significantly worse BFNE-II scores (p = 0.04) when compared with men, and female gender significantly predicted worse FaCE scores (p < 0.01). Seventy-one percent of women with self-reported moderate or severe facial impairment met criteria for social anxiety, as did 67% of women with self-reported moderate or severe synkinesis. Conclusions and Relevance: Individuals with self-reported moderate or severe facial impairment exhibit a higher degree of social impairment and poorer health valuation than those with no or mild facial impairment. Facial palsy-specific QOL moderately and inversely correlated with social impairment and moderately correlated with health valuation. Our results indicate that FaCE scores may be used as a predictor of SAD, BFNE-II, and SF-6D scores and that facial palsy QOL and its relationship with social impairment should be considered when treating patients with a history of facial palsy.

Reconstructing Forearm Free Flap Donor Sites Using Full-Thickness Skin Grafts Harvested from the Ipsilateral Arm.

OBJECTIVE: To compare morbidity and aesthetic outcomes of full-thickness skin grafts (FTSGs) and split-thickness skin grafts (STSGs) in the reconstruction of the forearm free flap donor site. STUDY DESIGN: Case series, retrospective chart review. SETTING: Institutional microvascular database. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Subjects who underwent forearm free flaps and FTSGs for donor site reconstruction from April 2016 to November 2017 were included. FTSGs were obtained from the donor forearm with a proximal S-shaped incision, thereby avoiding additional wound creation. Morbidity outcomes were compared to 68 consecutive patients with STSG reconstruction from January 2009 to May 2010. Complications, including tendon exposure, subjective functional impairment, complete graft loss, partial graft loss, infection, paresthesias, and hematoma/seroma, were evaluated, as were aesthetic outcomes. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients underwent FTSG reconstruction. No significant differences between FTSGs and STSGs were demonstrated in terms of graft loss ≥40% (4% vs 4%, P = 1.000), partial graft loss (<40%) (29% vs 40%, P = .207), tendon exposure (9% vs 12%, P = .573), infection (15% vs 13%, P = .805), paresthesias (12% vs 7%, P = .382), subjective functional impairment (0% vs 2%, P = .316), or hematoma/seroma (2% vs 0%, P = .316). Aesthetic outcomes were better in the FTSG group compared to the STSG group, as determined by both patients (P = .004) and surgeon (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results advocate for the consideration of FTSGs in the reconstruction of the forearm free flap donor site given superior aesthetic results without additional donor site morbidity or additional wound creation when compared to STSGs.

Relationship between Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy Findings, Tonsil Size, and Polysomnographic Outcomes of Adenotonsillectomy in Children.

OBJECTIVE: (1) Determine the correlation of awake tonsil scores and preadenotonsillectomy (pre-AT) sleep endoscopy findings. (2) Assess the relationship between polysomnographic AT outcomes with awake tonsil scores and sleep endoscopy ratings of tonsil and adenoid obstruction. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series with chart review. SETTING: Tertiary care children's hospital. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Children aged 1 to 18 years who underwent sleep endoscopy and AT from January 1, 2013, to August 30, 2016, were included. Pre-AT sleep endoscopy findings were scored with the Sleep Endoscopy Rating Scale. Awake tonsil scores and sleep endoscopy ratings were compared with Spearman correlation. Associations between changes in pre- and post-AT polysomnography parameters and (1) awake tonsil scoring and (2) sleep endoscopy scoring were assessed with 1-way analysis of variance and linear regression. RESULTS: Participants included 36 children (mean ± SD age, 6.8 ± 4.3 years; 68% male, 44% obese). Awake tonsil scores and sleep endoscopy ratings were strongly correlated (R = 0.58, P = .003). Awake tonsil scores were not associated with changes in any polysomnography parameters after AT (all P > .05), while sleep endoscopy ratings of adenotonsillar obstruction were significantly associated (all P < .05, R2 = 0.16-0.35). Patients with minimal adenotonsillar obstruction during sleep endoscopy had less improvement than those with partial or complete obstruction (mean obstructive apnea-hypopnea index change: -8.2 ± 11.5 vs -15.9 ± 14.3, and -46.8 ± 31.3, respectively; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: In children at risk for AT failure, assessment of dynamic collapse with sleep endoscopy may better predict the outcome of AT than awake tonsil size assessment, thus helping to inform surgical expectations.

The clinical value of a thorough diagnostic evaluation for neurotologic complaints.

PURPOSE: Determine the clinical efficacy of comprehensive neurotologic testing in patients presenting with complaints of hearing loss, tinnitus and/or dizziness. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of 1170 consecutive charts of patients who presented between 1980 and 2013 with neurotologic complaints. Demographic data, chief complaint, diagnostic imaging, audiograms, and blood tests were evaluated. RESULTS: Retrospective analysis of 1170 patient charts was performed. 762/1170 (65%) patients presented with subjective hearing loss, 575/1170 (49%) with dizziness, and 657/1170 (56%) with tinnitus. Audiometric testing revealed hearing loss in 1059/1169 (91%) patients. 536/1120 (48%) patients had abnormalities on Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and 343/1087 (32%) on Computed Tomography imaging. Endocrine and immunologic testing revealed 108/1135 (9.5%) patients were hyperglycemic; 125/1124 (11%) patients had elevated TSH; 149/1141 (13%) patients had a positive ANA; and 82/1133 (7.2%) patients were positive for RF. 198/1083 (18%) of patients were positive for HLA-B35, 246/1083 (23%) for HLA-Cw4, 454/1083 (42%) for HLA-Cw7, and 747/1060 (70%) of patients had absent HLA-DR4. 112/1085 (10%) of patients were positive for anti-68kD antibodies and 154/936 (17%) for protein 0. Many patients were diagnosed with previously unrecognized medical conditions. CONCLUSION: Comprehensive neurotological workup results in diagnoses that would go unrecognized otherwise, allowing patients to receive prompt treatment for medically important conditions, some of which may be causally related to their neurotologic complaints. However, the value of each study for routine testing of patients with neurotologic complaints remains controversial; and the evidence presented herein should help practitioners determine what studies should be included in their patient assessments.

Combined endoscopic and transcervical approach for free flap reconstruction of nasopharyngeal and clival defects: A case report.

We report a case during which a new method of reconstruction for a nasopharyngeal and skull base defect was successfully performed. A 45-year-old female with granulomatosis with polyangiitis presented with computed tomography (CT) findings demonstrative of chronic clival and cervical spine osteomyelitis secondary to nasopharyngeal destruction. The posterior nasopharyngeal defect, evident as a wide area of mucosal erosion exposing the clivus centrally, was successfully reconstructed with an anterior serratus muscle-free tissue transfer via both transcervical and endoscopic transnasal approaches utilizing a laparoscopic fixation device, a previously unreported method for free flap inset, to secure the free flap. The patient tolerated this well and no major complications were encountered. At 2-year follow-up, the patient was without signs of cerebrospinal fluid leak or sequelae of infectious complications, including meningitis and osteomyelitis. A combined transcervical and endoscopic transnasal approach using a laparoscopic fixation device for free flap inset can be an effective method to reconstruct posterior nasopharyngeal defects in those patients whom local reconstructive options are not available.

Neuromodulator for the Treatment of Congenital Unilateral Lower Lip Palsy.

INTRODUCTION:: Congenital unilateral lower lip palsy is an infrequently encountered condition that manifests as lower lip asymmetry during smiling, laughing, and crying. Treatment options are not well characterized. METHODS:: The authors present the case of a 51-year-old woman who was referred for surgical intervention for facial paralysis. Physical examination demonstrated a symmetric face at rest that became asymmetric when smiling. The asymmetry, evident by inappropriate inferior displacement of the lower lip, was secondary to unilateral contraction and presence of the depressor labii inferioris. The depressor anguli oris was symmetric bilaterally. Her presentation was consistent with congenital unilateral lower lip palsy. RESULTS:: Lidocaine was injected into the depressor labii inferioris on the side of the face that demonstrated unilateral presence and contraction. This resulted in symmetry of the smile and lower lip without untoward effect. Onabotulinum toxin A was thereafter injected into the depressor labii inferioris. In-office treatment with botulinum toxin injection resulted in a 4-month improvement in smile symmetry. CONCLUSION:: Chemodenervation is a safe and minimally invasive method to improve smile symmetry and lower lip position in cases of congenital unilateral lower lip palsy.

Aesthetics of the Nasal Dorsum: Proportions, Light, and Shadow.

Due to its central location, the nose plays a prominent role in facial aesthetics. As tastes have shifted and techniques have advanced, the accepted "ideal" appearance and proportions of the nose have evolved over time. By assessing the aesthetics of the nasal dorsum through the use of lines and angles, one can more precisely elucidate a goal for the patient's postoperative nasal shape, which should, in turn, guide the surgeon to execute specific operative maneuvers needed to achieve that contour. In assessing the aesthetics of the nasal dorsum, practitioners calculate and observe aspects such as the paired dorsal aesthetic lines, the nasofrontal angle, and the nasofacial angle. There is also additional consideration given to nasal tip position as this must fit harmoniously with the shape of the dorsum. In contrast to the established aesthetic lines and angles, using nasal geometric polygons for the aesthetic evaluation and development of operative goals in rhinoplasty has recently been described in the literature. Constructed ideals, in the form of proportions, lines, and angles, should be used with caution, as there are many factors to consider in the aesthetic analysis of the nasal dorsum, including ethnic differences, and subjective and changing views of beauty.