Mandibular Angle Fractures.

Angle fractures are the most common among the mandibular fractures. History and physical examination are crucial in guiding time course and specifics of management. Computed tomography (CT) has become the gold standard for diagnosis of mandible fractures, offering advantages for both surgical planning and assessing dental involvement. Currently the use of a single monocortical plate with the Champy technique for osteosynthesis is used preferentially for noncomminuted fractures of the mandibular angle. Other load-sharing options for plating include strut plates, malleable plates, and geometric or 3D plates. Load-bearing options remain viable for comminuted fractures or other complex circumstances.

Communication Chaos from Discrepancies in Personal Protective Equipment and Preoperative Guidelines.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To compare personal protective equipment (PPE) guidelines, specifically respirator use, among international public health agencies, academic hospitals, and otolaryngology-head and neck surgery (OHNS) departments in the United States for the care of coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) patients. STUDY DESIGN: Cross sectional survey. METHODS: Review of publicly available public health and academic hospitals guidelines along with review of communication among otolaryngology departments. RESULTS: Among 114 academic institutions affiliated with OHNS residencies, 20 (17.5%) institutions provided public access to some form of guidance on PPE and 73 (64%) provided information on screening or diagnostic testing. PPE guidelines were uniquely described based on several variables: location of care, COVID-19 status, involvement of aerosol generating or high-risk procedures, and physical distance from the patient. Six hospital guidelines were highlighted. Across these six institutions, there was agreement that N95 respirators were needed for high-risk patients undergoing high-risk procedures. Variations existed among institutions for scenarios with low-risk patients. Definitions of the low-risk patient and high-risk procedures were inconsistent among institutions. Three of the highlighted institutions had OHNS departments recommending higher level of airway protection than the institution. CONCLUSIONS: OHNS departments typically had more stringent PPE guidance than their institution. Discrepancies in communicating PPE use were frequent and provide inconsistent information on how healthcare workers should protect themselves in the COVID-19 pandemic. Identification of these inconsistencies serves as an opportunity to standardize communication and develop evidence-based guidelines. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V Laryngoscope, 131:E746-E754, 2021.

Consensus-based perioperative protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: During the COVID-19 pandemic, quaternary-care facilities continue to provide care for patients in need of urgent and emergent invasive procedures. Perioperative protocols are needed to streamline care for these patients notwithstanding capacity and resource constraints. METHODS: A multidisciplinary panel was assembled at the University of California, San Francisco, with 26 leaders across 10 academic departments, including 7 department chairpersons, the chief medical officer, the chief operating officer, infection control officers, nursing leaders, and resident house staff champions. An epidemiologist, an ethicist, and a statistician were also consulted. A modified two-round, blinded Delphi method based on 18 agree/disagree statements was used to build consensus. Significant disagreement for each statement was tested using a one-sided exact binomial test against an expected outcome of 95% consensus using a significance threshold of p < 0.05. Final triage protocols were developed with unblinded group-level discussion. RESULTS: Overall, 15 of 18 statements achieved consensus in the first round of the Delphi method; the 3 statements with significant disagreement (p < 0.01) were modified and iteratively resubmitted to the expert panel to achieve consensus. Consensus-based protocols were developed using unblinded multidisciplinary panel discussions. The final algorithms 1) quantified outbreak level, 2) triaged patients based on acuity, 3) provided a checklist for urgent/emergent invasive procedures, and 4) created a novel scoring system for the allocation of personal protective equipment. In particular, the authors modified the American College of Surgeons three-tiered triage system to incorporate more urgent cases, as are often encountered in neurosurgery and spine surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Urgent and emergent invasive procedures need to be performed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The consensus-based protocols in this study may assist healthcare providers to optimize perioperative care during the pandemic.

Association Between Conventional Bicycle Helmet Use and Facial Injuries After Bicycle Crashes.

Importance: Bicycling is an increasingly common activity in the United States that is often associated with fall injuries to the head and face. Although helmets lessen head injury, their role in reducing facial injuries is less clear; therefore, it is important to understand the protective capacity for the face in current helmet design. Objective: To estimate the conventional bicycle helmet's association with the rate of facial injury after bicycle crashes. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective cohort study accessed records from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2014, from the National Trauma Databank, which collects data from emergency departments in US hospitals. Each record pertained to 1 emergency department admission for a bicycle crash. The National Trauma Databank registry data are collected and recorded by incident, which is equivalent to an injury-related hospital admission. All injuries involving patients aged 18 to 65 years for whom data on helmet use and injury were available were included. Statistical analysis was conducted from July 19 to October 17, 2016. Exposures: Helmeted and nonhelmeted bicycle crashes. Main Outcomes and Measures: Head and facial injuries among helmeted and nonhelmeted bicycle crashes. Results: A total of 85 187 facial injuries met inclusion criteria (patient age 18-65 years, availability of helmet use status, and type of injury). Demographic information on bicycle riders was frequently unavailable. Among all injuries, fractures to the head (11.6% [9854]) and face (11.3% [9589]) occurred at similar rates. Helmets reduced head fractures by 52% (from 14.0% [7623] to 7.3% [2231]) and head soft-tissue injuries by 30% (from 15.0% [8151] to 10.9% [3358]), but had lower rates in protecting against facial injuries. While reducing facial injuries overall, the amount of protection with helmet use varied with facial location of the injury. Reduction in facial fractures was 35% (95% CI, 31%-39%) for upper face, 28% (95% CI, 23%-32%) for mid face, and 21% (95% CI, 15%-26%) for the lower face. Helmets were less protective against facial soft-tissue injuries, with a reduction of 33% (95% CI, 30%-36%) in the upper face, 21% (95% CI, 16%-26%) in the mid face, and 2% (95% CI, 0%-6%) in the lower face. Conclusions and Relevance: Although bicycle helmets provide some protection against facial injuries after bicycle crashes, the level of protection depends on the proximity of the injury to the helmeted head. The lower face is particularly vulnerable to injury despite helmet use.

Silent sinus syndrome without opacification of ipsilateral maxillary sinus.

Silent sinus syndrome (SSS) is a rare disease characterized by spontaneous enophthalmos and hypoglobus secondary to collapse of the orbital floor in patients with asymptomatic maxillary sinusitis. Radiographic findings include ipsilateral maxillary sinus opacification, lateralization of the uncinate and middle turbinate, and infundibular occlusion. We present a case series of three patients with clinical and radiographic evidence of SSS but without maxillary sinus opacification. Although uncommon, an aerated maxillary sinus in patients with unexplained enophthalmos, hypoglobus, and maxillary atelectasis should not exclude the diagnosis of SSS. Laryngoscope, 128:2004-2007, 2018.

Orbital Fractures.

Anatomic, rather than volumetric, reconstruction leads to improved outcomes in orbital reconstruction. Endoscopic visualization improves lighting and magnification of the surgical site and allows the entire operative team to understand and participate in the procedure. Mirror-image overlay display with navigation-guided surgery allows in situ fine adjustment of the implant contours to match the contralateral uninjured orbit. Precise exophthalmometry is important before, during, and after surgery to provide optimal surgical results.

Surgical treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis after sinus lift.

BACKGROUND: The sinus lift (or sinus augmentation) is a common procedure to improve maxillary bone stock before dental implantation. Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a potential complication of this procedure and may be refractory to medical treatment. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery has previously been used to address CRS, however, results of previous studies indicated that implant removal is required. There are limited follow-up data available. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to characterize the long-term outcomes and efficacy of endoscopic sinus surgery for refractory CRS after sinus lift, including the ability to salvage dental implants. METHODS: This was a retrospective case series that described nine patients who, between June 2011 and September 2016, underwent endoscopic sinus surgery for CRS after a sinus lift procedure. The presenting symptoms of the patients, medical management, imaging results, operative procedures, and outcomes were reviewed. RESULTS: The majority of patients developed symptoms (mucopurulent nasal drainage, facial pain and/or pressure, nasal congestion, and foul smell) within 3 months of implant placement and were treated with at least three courses of antibiotics before referral to an otolaryngologist. All the patients underwent wide endoscopic maxillary antrostomy, with no surgical complications or postoperative reports of infection. There was a statistically significant improvement in 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test scores (t(8) = -2.908; p = 0.02) and discharge, inflammation, and polyps/edema endoscopic scores ([z = -2.539; p = 0.011) between pre- and postsurgical treatment. Four patients had their dental implants removed before presentation. Among the five patients who presented with intact dental implants, none required removal before or after functional endoscopic sinus surgery. CONCLUSION: Functional endoscopic sinus surgery was a reasonable and efficacious treatment option for patients who presented with paranasal sinus disease after a sinus lift. Dental implant removal may not be a requirement for successful treatment of CRS associated with sinus lift procedures.

A novel sinonasal endoscopy scoring system: the discharge, inflammation, and polyps/edema (DIP) score.

BACKGROUND: There is an increasing need for a validated grading system to assess sinusitis severity as observed on endoscopic examination. Existing endoscopy scales have limitations in complexity, validation, and/or applicability. We present a novel and straightforward endoscopic scoring system measuring discharge, inflammation, and polyps/edema (DIP). The aim of this study is to determine correlation of the DIP score with existing sinus endoscopy scoring systems, and to determine interrater and test-retest reliability. METHODS: This retrospective cohort includes a total of 29 patients who underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) for chronic rhinosinusitis. Sinus endoscopy videos were scored in a random and blinded fashion by 3 rhinologists (S.D.P., A.N.G., A.H.M.) using the Lund-Kennedy Endoscopic Score (LKES), the Perioperative Sinus Endoscopy (POSE) score, and the DIP score. Pearson correlation coefficients, interrater reliability and test-retest reliability were determined. RESULTS: The results of this study show that the DIP score correlates well (p < 0.0001) with the existing LKES and POSE (Pearson correlation coefficients of 0.78 and 0.90, respectively). The interrater reliability intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) is highest for the DIP score (0.87), followed by the POSE score (0.84) and the LKES (0.78). Test-retest reliability ICC is highest for the DIP score (0.78), followed by the POSE score (0.59) and the LKES (0.53). CONCLUSION: The DIP score is a novel and straightforward endoscopic sinus scoring system that shows substantial test-retest and interrater reliability in the post-FESS population. It also demonstrates a high correlation with existing scoring parameters (LKES and POSE).

Effect of steroid-releasing sinus implants on postoperative medical and surgical interventions: an efficacy meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) can be compromised by postoperative inflammation, polyposis, and adhesions, often requiring subsequent interventions. A bioabsorbable, steroid-releasing sinus implant has been studied in 2 prospective, randomized clinical trials for its ability to preserve sinus patency and reduce medical and surgical interventions after ESS in patients with CRS. The objective of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of the efficacy results from the 2 trials. METHODS: The 2 prospective, randomized, double-blinded, multicenter trials enrolled a total of 143 patients utilizing an intrapatient control design. Postoperative day 30 videos were obtained for each patient, randomly ordered, and presented to an independent panel of 3 otolaryngologists for grading of efficacy endpoints. The need for postoperative interventions, formation of polyposis, and adhesions were assessed. Results from the 2 studies were then pooled. RESULTS: Implants were successfully placed in all 286 ethmoid sinuses. According to the grading done by the panel, drug-releasing implants reduced postoperative interventions by 35% (p = 0.0008), lysis of adhesions by 51% (p = 0.0016), and oral steroid need by 40% (p = 0.0023), compared to controls. The relative reduction in frank polyposis was 46% (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Early postoperative healing is a predictor of longer-term success after sinus surgery. Evaluation of postoperative outcomes by a blinded independent panel demonstrates that steroid-releasing implants that provide a sustained release of corticosteroid improve surgical outcomes by reducing frank polyp formation, sinus adhesions, and middle turbinate lateralization. Steroid-releasing implants reduce the need for surgical intervention, and the need for oral steroid treatment.

Some chronic rhinosinusitis patients have elevated populations of fungi in their sinuses.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To measure the populations of 36 fungi in the homes and sinuses of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and non-CRS patients. STUDY DESIGN: Single-blind cross-sectional study. METHODS: Populations of 36 fungi were measured in sinus samples and in the home vacuum cleaner dust of CRS (n = 73) and non-CRS patients (n = 16) using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Etest strips containing amphotericin B, anidulafungin, caspofungin, fluconazole, and voriconazole were used to test the susceptibility of seven potentially relevant fungi. RESULTS: Seven fungi (Alternaria alternata, Cladosporium cladosporioides types 1 and 2, Cladosporium herbarum, Penicillium brevicompactum, Penicillium crustosum, and Penicillium chrysogenum type 2) were discovered at very high concentrations in some CRS patients. In vitro antifungal susceptibility testing of these seven fungi demonstrated species specific sensitivities. Four CRS patients with marked elevations of fungal populations in their sinus samples underwent endoscopic sinus surgery. After surgical treatment, the fungal populations were reduced by several orders of magnitude. CONCLUSIONS: Seven fungi were found in very high concentrations in the sinuses of some CRS patients. Not one of the five common antifungal agents could control all seven of these fungi based on in vitro tests.

Interrater reliability of endoscopic parameters following sinus surgery.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To determine the interrater reliability of a set of postoperative endoscopic scoring parameters in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis who have undergone endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort with retrospective review. METHODS: One hundred twenty video-endoscopic evaluations in 20 subjects recorded at 14, 30, and 45 days after ESS were scored in real time by the clinical investigators who performed the endoscopies and recorded the videos and retrospectively by an independent panel of four sinus surgeons who were blinded to all information. The scoring parameters included categoric grading for adhesion formation and middle turbinate position and continuous grading (visual analog scale) for degree of inflammation and crusting. Interrater reliability of the panel members was assessed using the Fleiss kappa test, bias index and prevalence index for categoric data, and the Shrout-Fleiss test for continuous data. The level of agreement between the panel and the real-time clinical investigator was also assessed. RESULTS: For categoric variables, strong agreement between raters on the panel was found for both middle turbinate position (kappa=0.499, prevalence index=0.925) and adhesions (kappa=0.364, prevalence index=0.829). For continuous data, good agreement between raters was found for both inflammation (reliability coefficient=0.554) and crusting (reliability coefficient=0.620). Real-time investigator scoring and panel scoring showed strong agreement. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the endoscopic scoring parameters assessed (middle turbinate position, adhesions, inflammation, and crusting) have acceptable interexaminer reproducibility and are suitable for evaluating ESS outcomes in the postsurgical period.

Claim validity of print advertisements found in otolaryngology journals.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy and scientific evidence supporting product claims made in print advertisements within otolaryngology journals. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey with literature review and multiple-reviewer evaluation. Fifty claims made within 23 unique advertisements found in prominent otolaryngology journals were selected. References to support the claims were provided within the advertisements or obtained through direct request to the manufacturer. Five academic otolaryngologists with distinct training and geographic practice locations reviewed the claims and supporting evidence. Each physician had substantial experience as an editorial reviewer, and several had specific training in research methodology and scientific methods. RESULTS: Of the 50 claims, only 14 were determined to be based on strong evidence (28%). With regard to the supporting references, 32 references were published sources (76%), while 3 references were package inserts and/or prescribing information (7%). Interobserver agreement among the reviewers overall was poor; however, when 3 or more of the reviewers were in agreement, only 10% of the claims were deemed correct (n = 5). Reviewers also noted that only 6% of the claims were considered well supported (n = 3). CONCLUSION: Advertisers make claims that appear in respectable journals, but greater than half of the claims reviewed were not supported by the provided reference materials.

Safety and efficacy of a novel bioabsorbable, steroid-eluting sinus stent.

BACKGROUND: Inflammation/polyp recurrence, adhesions, and middle turbinate lateralization are causes of suboptimal outcomes following sinus surgery and lead to increased rates of revision. A bioabsorbable, drug-eluting stent was evaluated for its ability to preserve sinus patency by providing controlled steroid delivery to the sinus mucosa. The study objective was to assess safety and efficacy of a steroid-eluting sinus stent when used following functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). METHODS: Prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind clinical trial, enrolling 43 patients in 2 groups. One group (n = 38) used an intrapatient control design comparing drug-eluting to non-drug-eluting stents. The other group (n = 5) received bilateral drug-eluting stents to assess systemic safety. Endoscopic follow-up was performed for 60 days. Efficacy endpoints included assessment of inflammation, polyp formation, adhesions, and middle turbinate position. RESULTS: Stents were successfully deployed in all 86 sinuses. Compared to the control stent, the drug-eluting stent provided statistically significant reduction in inflammation at days 21 to 45 (p < 0.003), frequency of polyp formation (p = 0.0391), and frequency of significant adhesion (p = 0.0313). Reduced frequency of middle turbinate lateralization was also apparent though not statistically significant. No device-related adverse events occurred. Eluted steroid was unquantifiable systemically and there was no evidence of adrenal cortical suppression. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the safety and efficacy of a novel bioabsorbable, steroid-eluting stent for use in CRS patients. The steroid-eluting stent is effective in improving wound healing by preserving sinus patency, reducing inflammation, and minimizing adhesions via controlled local steroid delivery without measurable systemic exposure.

Computed tomography imaging of the paranasal sinuses: direct versus reformatted coronal images.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the image quality of coronal reformatted CT images compared with direct coronal CT images. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent paranasal sinus CT scans using both direct coronal images (DC) and axially acquired images with coronal reconstructions (CR) were consecutively enrolled. Two reconstruction groups were evaluated: group CR1 with 1-mm axial collimation and group CR2 with 0.625-mm axial collimation. Scans were presented in a randomized, blinded fashion to two sinus surgeons and a neuroradiologist. RESULTS: When compared with CR1, DC images had higher image quality for each of five key anatomic landmarks (P < .0001). DC images were more likely to be adequate preoperative imaging (P < .0001). When compared with CR2, improved DC image quality was noted in the majority of key anatomic landmarks. No difference was noted in the "adequacy rating" between the DC and CR2 (0.625 mm) protocols. CONCLUSION: The 0.625-mm reformatted images were judged to be adequate preoperative imaging. The additional information provided by multiple-image planes make reformatted 0.625-mm axial images an acceptable approach.

Fungal speciation using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) in patients with and without chronic rhinosinusitis.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The objectives of this study were to determine the mycology of the middle meatus using an endoscopically guided brush sampling technique and polymerase chain reaction laboratory processing of nasal mucous; to compare the mycology of the middle meatus in patients with sinus disease with subjects without sinus disease; to compare the responses on two standardized quality-of-life survey forms between patients with and without sinusitis; and to determine whether the presence of fungi in the middle meatus correlates with responses on these data sets. STUDY DESIGN: The authors conducted a single-blind, prospective, cross-sectional study. METHODS: Patients with sinus disease and a control group without sinus disease were enrolled in the study. A disease-specific, validated Sinonasal Outcomes Test survey (SNOT-20) was completed by the subjects and a generalized validated Medical Outcomes Short Form 36 Survey (SF-36) was also completed. An endoscopically guided brush sampling of nasal mucous was obtained from the middle meatus. Fungal specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) was performed on the obtained sample to identify one of 82 different species of fungus in the laboratory. Statistical analysis was used to categorize the recovered fungal DNA and to crossreference this information with the outcomes surveys. RESULTS: The fungal recovery rate in the study was 45.9% in patients with sinus disease and 45.9% in control subjects. Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis had a mean SNOT-20 score of 1.80 versus the control group mean score of 0.77 (P < .0001). SF-36 data similarly showed a statistically significant difference between diseased and control populations with controls scoring a mean of 80.37 and patients with chronic rhinosinusitis scoring a mean of 69.35 for a P value of .02. However, no statistical significance could be ascribed to the presence or absence of fungi recovered, the type of fungi recovered, or the possible impact of fungi on the quality-of-life survey results. CONCLUSION: The recovery rate of fungi from the middle meatus of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and a control population without chronic rhinosinusitis is 45.9% using QPCR techniques. No direct causation with regard to fungal species or presence was proven; however, a species grouping for future studies is proposed based on trends in this data and other reports. Disease-specific outcomes surveys revealed a statistically significant difference between the two groups.

Impact of socioeconomic status on the diagnosis to treatment interval in Waldeyer's ring carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the impact of socioeconomic status on the diagnosis to treatment interval in Waldeyer's ring cancers by comparing the experience of a public hospital and an academic tertiary care medical center. DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: Otolaryngology clinic of a public hospital and an academic medical center. PATIENTS: One hundred seven patients with Waldeyer's ring carcinoma who were diagnosed and treated at San Francisco General Hospital (SFGH) or at the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center (UCSFMC) from January 1995 through December 2000 were included in the study. The same departments of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery and radiation oncology staff both hospitals. All radiation therapy was provided at UCSFMC. Patients included in the study had a histologic diagnosis of Waldeyer's ring carcinoma, primary treatment with radiation, and no prior treatment of Waldeyer's ring carcinoma. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The time of diagnosis to start of radiation therapy, dose of radiation, number of treatment days, duration of treatment, and 1 and 3 year survival were recorded. Differences between the two groups were analyzed using Student's t test. RESULTS: The time course from diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma to start of radiation therapy was 56 days at SFGH compared with 34 days at UCSFMC. This difference was statistically significant (P = .0001). Difference in diagnosis to treatment intervals for base of tongue cancer was also significant at 66 days at SFGH compared with 31 days at UCSFMC (P = .0038). For cancer of the tonsil, the diagnosis to treatment interval was 70 days at SFGH versus 40 days at UCSFMC (P = .0005). Dose of radiation, number of days of treatment, and duration of treatment were not statistically different. Only patients with cancer of the tonsil demonstrated a statistically significant difference in 3 year survival (P = .0175). CONCLUSION: Although radiation therapy delivery appears similar between the public and tertiary care medical centers, there appears to be a statistically significant delay in the initiation of therapy for patients at the public institution. It is possible that this influences 3 year survival in cancer of the tonsil.

Complications and the time to repair of mandible fractures.

OBJECTIVE: Treatment delays in the operative management of mandible fractures are often unavoidable. We were interested in determining whether delays increased the incidence of complications in these patients. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients who presented to the San Francisco General Hospital with an operative mandible fracture in 2002. On the basis of the number of days from initial injury to surgery, the patients were divided into two groups: those repaired in 3 days or less and those repaired after 3 days. The incidence of infectious and technical complications was then compared between these groups. Substance abuse was also evaluated for its role in complication risk. RESULTS: Of the 84 patients in the study, 11 had infectious complications, and 10 had technical complications. Although treatment delay did not increase the risk of developing an infectious complication, substance abuse considerably increased this risk. The incidence of technical complications was remarkably higher in patients repaired after 3 days. CONCLUSION: Although patients with mandible fractures treated after 3 days do not have a higher risk of developing an infectious complication, this risk is elevated in patients who abuse substances regularly. The risk of technical complications increases with treatment delay, and therefore the surgical team must be even more vigilant when reducing these fractures.