Reconstruction options in pediatric population with hemi or total mandibulectomy defects: A systematic review.

Purpose: Mandibular pathologies causing extensive defects in pediatrics is relatively rare, and sparse literature is available for the reconstructive options of the same. The main aim is to provide optimum esthetics and function. Materials and methods: PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, Embase, MEDLINE and Scopus databases were searched for articles published only in English language up to May 2021, involving reconstruction of hemi or total mandibulectomy defects in patients with the age of 8 years or less, associated with benign or malignant pathology. Primary outcome variable was the success of reconstruction. Qualitative analysis was performed using a microsoft excel-sheet. Results: Of the 2201 articles reviewed, only fourteen were selected for data extraction. 22 patients were included. Fifteen were benign, six were malignant pathologies, and one was not defined. Hemi-mandibulectomy was performed in twenty-one cases, while one underwent total mandibulectomy. Condyle was preserved in five cases, while was removed in nine. Single-stage reconstruction was done in nineteen cases, while second-stage reconstruction was done in the other three. Reconstruction was done with fibular graft in thirteen cases, while CCG was used in others with variable follow-up time. Though minor complications were observed, success was observed in all cases post reconstruction with either fibula or CCG graft, defined either by function, or growth. Conclusion: Irrespective of the age-group, nature of pathology and size of the defect, reconstruction should be considered with either fibula or CCG in single-stage, as they are equally efficacious, with minor complications. Well-defined reconstructive paradigm should be developed for pediatric mandibular reconstruction.

Outcomes of sequestrectomy and buccal fat pad reconstruction in the management of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of buccal fat pad (BFP) in the reconstruction of surgical defects following sequestrectomy in medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ). A total of ten patients with MRONJ underwent sequestrectomy and reconstruction using BFP. There were 3 males and 7 females. The age range was 20-70 years. Two patients were diagnosed with stage 2, and eight patients were diagnosed with stage 3 disease. Eight defects were present in the maxilla and two in the posterior mandible. Oro-antral communication was present in 8 cases. All patients have undergone sequestrectomy, debridement and reconstruction using BFP under local anaesthesia. Postoperatively, the patients were followed up at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months and evaluated for complete epithelisation of defect, infection, pain and recurrence of the lesion. Complete epithelisation with closure of the defect was achieved in all the cases. None of the patients had residual pain or inflammation at the surgical site. There was no case of postoperative infection. Reconstruction using buccal fat pad is an effective treatment modality to provide symptomatic relief and to prevent further progression of disease in MRONJ patients.

Comparison of outcomes with the single-puncture and double-puncture techniques of arthrocentesis of the temporomandibular joint: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare intra-operative and postoperative outcomes between the single-puncture and the standard double-puncture techniques of arthrocentesis. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, ScienceDirect and CENTRAL databases were searched from inception up to 31st August 2020. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), prospective and retrospective studies conducted on patients with temporomandibular joint disorders comparing any type of single-puncture arthrocentesis with standard double-puncture arthrocentesis and reporting intra-operative/postoperative outcomes were included. Assessment of the risk of bias was done with the Cochrane Collaboration risk assessment tool. RESULTS: Thirteen studies were included (12 were RCTs). Analysis of a limited number of studies indicated no difference in pain or maximal mouth opening (MMO) between the single-puncture type-1 or type-2 and the double-puncture technique at various follow-up intervals. Pooled analysis (four studies) demonstrated that the single-puncture type-2 technique requires significantly less operating time as compared to the double-puncture method. No such difference was noted between single-puncture type-1 and double-puncture techniques. Analysis of two studies indicated significantly reduced intra-operative needle relocations with the single-puncture techniques. Studies were not of high quality with concerns of bias in randomisation, allocation concealment and blinding. CONCLUSIONS: Limited data indicate no difference in pain or MMO with single- or double-puncture techniques of arthrocentesis. Amongst the three techniques, the single-puncture type-2 technique has the advantages of significantly lower operating time and reduced intra-operative needle relocations and it may be the preferred method of TMJ arthrocentesis in clinical practice.

Facial Reanimation by Modified Intraoral Temporalis Tendon Transfer With Ancillary Procedures.

ABSTRACT: Facial nerve palsy is an exceedingly debilitating condition, incapacitating functional and aesthetic facets of the face. Orthodromic transfer of temporalis muscle is an easy and predictable technique which offers early animation of oral commissure and lower face. A retrospective chart review of 6 patients of facial palsy treated with orthodromic temporalis tendon transfer for facial reanimation is presented. The technique consisted of intra-oral coronoidectomy followed by attachment of fascia lata grafts from the coronoid to the commissure, the upper and lower lips via small cutaneous incisions. Contraction of the temporalis, pulls the fascia lata extensions thereby reanimating the lower face. 4 male and 2 female patients with an age range of 25 to 49 years were treated. Simultaneous fat grafting (2 patients), depressor labi inferioris muscle resection (2 patients) and wedge excision of nasolabial fold (2 patients) was done as ancillary procedures. Post-operative smile evaluation was carried out using the Terzis and Noah facial grading system. Patients were asked to smile with and without biting, and photographs and video were taken. The results were graded from 1 to 5 based on a 5-point scale (ie, poor, fair, moderate, good, and excellent) by an independent observer. The results were excellent in 1 patient (Terzis grading 5/5) and good in the remaining 5 patients (Terzis grading 4/5). Excursion of the oral commissure ranged from 6 to 10 mm. Our experience indicates that temporalis tendon transfer for facial reanimation has a short learning curve and provides early predictable outcome without significant complications. This single-stage, day-care procedure can be easily incorporated by maxillofacial surgeons to expand their surgical spectrum.

Insertion Tendinosis of Stylomandibular Ligament: Ernest Syndrome.

ABSTRACT: Insertion tendinosis of stylomandibular ligament (SML) or Ernest syndrome is a very rare and under reported head and neck pain disorder. The pain originates from the insertion of stylomandibular region and radiates to the temple, lateral side of the neck and temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The diagnosis is confirmed by palpation of SML and local anesthetic block at the insertion of SML. The authors report 4 patients who presented with chronic pain which radiated to the TMJ and temple and did not respond to conservative management. All patients after diagnosed with Local anesthetic block were given methylprednisolone injection at the insertion of SML. Complete remission of pain was seen at 12 months of follow up without any recurrence. Craniofacial surgeons involved in the treatment of various head and neck pain should include this less documented syndrome in their differential diagnosis when treating TMJ disorders.

Management of Intraoral Surgical Defects Using Sublingual Gland Flap.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of sublingual gland flap in the reconstruction of surgical defect following sequestrectomy in medication induced osteonecrosis of jaws (MRONJ), osteomyelitis (OML), and osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of mandible. A total of 6 patients with MRONJ (n = 4) osteomyelitis (n = 1) and ORN (n = 1) underwent sequestrectomy and reconstruction with sublingual gland flap. There were 03 males and 03 females. The age range was 45-71-70 years. All defects were present in the posterior mandible. All patients' undergone sequestrectomy, debridement, and reconstruction with sublingual gland flap under local anesthesia. Postoperatively patients were followed up at 1, 3, and 6 months. Patients were monitored for complete epithelization of defect, infection, pain, and recurrence of the lesion. Complete epithelization with closure of the defect was achieved in all cases. None of the patients had residual pain or inflammation at the surgical site. None of our patients experienced any donor site morbidities. There was no case of postoperative infection. Reconstruction of intraoral defects using sublingual gland flap is an effective treatment modality to reconstruct small to medium sized defect of oral cavity.

Comparison of intraoperative outcomes with single and double puncture techniques of arthrocentesis of the temporomandibular joint.

Evidence of differences in operator-related outcomes between single and double puncture arthrocentesis is limited. The purpose of this prospective study was to compare intraoperative outcomes with single puncture types 1 and 2, and double puncture, arthrocentesis. A total of 59 patients with 60 temporomandibular joints (TMJ) were treated sequentially by single puncture type 1 (n=20), single puncture type 2 (n=20), and double puncture arthrocentesis (n=20). Total operating time, incidence of dislocation of the needle, preauricular swelling, and ease of operation were compared. Single puncture type 2 arthrocentesis took significantly less time than type 1 (p<0.0001) or double puncture arthrocentesis (p<0.0001), but there was no difference in operating time between single puncture type 1 and the double puncture technique (p=0.25). There were significantly fewer dislocations of the needle with single puncture type 1 (p=0.041) and single puncture type 2 (p=0.033) than with double arthrocentesis. Single puncture type 2 arthrocentesis was easier than the single puncture type 1 (p=0.001) or double puncture technique (p<0.0001). Extravasation of fluid caused swelling in seven patients after double puncture, and in three patients each after single puncture types 1 and 2, arthrocentesis. Our results indicate that the single puncture type 2 technique is easiest and requires the least operating time. There was no difference between single puncture type 1 and double puncture arthrocentesis in terms of operating time or ease of the procedure. There were fewer operative dislocations of the needle with the single than with the double puncture technique.

Management of Life-Threatening Hemorrhage from Maxillofacial Firearm Injuries Using Foley Catheter Balloon Tamponade.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of Foley catheter in the management of hemorrhage from penetrating maxillofacial injuries in austere environment. This retrospective cohort study evaluated all penetrating head and neck trauma caused by firearm injuries reported to a military hospital at a forward aid location during 2015-2017. Foley catheter was used in the emergency management of bleeding in 11 cases. The effectiveness of this technique in controlling hemorrhage, its indication, contraindications, and complications has been explained. Out of 26 penetrating injuries received during the time period, 11 patients underwent Foley catheter balloon tamponade for the control of hemorrhage. Ten out of 11 patients responded adequately to balloon tamponade. One patient with a bullet lodged inside the neck underwent immediate surgical exploration for its removal and repair of internal jugular vein. No neurological deficits or complications were noted in any of the patients. Foley catheter balloon tamponade is very effective in managing hemorrhage from head and neck penetrating injuries. It significantly reduces the mortality by controlling bleeding from the major vessels especially in a combat environment.

Pterygoid Hamulus Bursitis: A Rare Intra-Oral Pain Syndrome.

Pterygoid hamular bursitis is a rare craniofacial pain syndrome used to describe palatal and pharyngeal pain due to an enlarged pterygoid hamulus. The pterygoid hamulus is a hook-shaped bony process located bilaterally on each medial pterygoid plate of the sphenoid bone, posterior and medial to each maxillary tuberosity. These processes project downward and anterolaterally; serve as attachment for ligaments and a network of muscles. It can be palpated in patients with a finger palpating the posteromedial to maxillary tuberosity. The pathogenesis is elusive and varies from bursitis of tensor veli palatine, elongated pterygoid hamulus, persistent trauma to the mucosa overlying the pterygoid hamulus. The clinical features include strange chronic sensation, burning, swelling, and erythema of the pterygoid hamulus region. The pain often radiates to pharynx, ipsilateral face and sometimes radiating to temporal region making it difficult to diagnose from headache, temporomandibular disorders, and dental infections like pericoronitis. The anatomical neighboring structures in relation to oropharyngeal region may give a misleading diagnosis to dentist in case of pterygoid hamulus bursitis. The understanding of pterygoid hamulus anatomy and its relation to surrounding structures is necessary to get the correct diagnosis of the inflammatory or traumatic pain in oropharyngeal region.

Hyoid bone syndrome masquerading as temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

Hyoid bone syndrome is a type of cervicofacial pain that is caused by degeneration of the greater cornu of the hyoid at the attachment of the stylohyoid ligament. We report four patients who presented with deep-seated, dull, aching, temporomandibular (TMJ) pain that radiated from the greater cornu of the hyoid bone and did not respond to conservative management. Diagnostic tests included a local anaesthetic block and digital palpation of the greater cornu of the hyoid bone. All four patients responded well to methylprednisolone 40 mg/ml at the greater cornu of the hyoid bone, which resulted in complete resolution of their symptoms. No patients developed postoperative complications. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons involved in the treatment of orofacial pain should consider this less documented condition in their differential diagnosis when treating temporomandibular disorders.

Is splint therapy required after arthrocentesis to improve outcome in the management of temporomandibular joint disorders? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review was to assess the efficacy of splint therapy in improving outcomes after arthrocentesis for the management of temporomandibular joint disorders. STUDY DESIGN: A comprehensive electronic search was conducted to search for randomized control trials, controlled clinical trials, and retrospective studies comparing arthrocentesis and splint therapy with arthrocentesis alone. RESULTS: Six studies were included in this review. There was no statistical significant difference in pain reduction with or without the use of splint after arthrocentesis at 1 month (fixed: weighted mean difference [WMD] = -0.01; 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.46 to 0.44; P = .96; I2 = 0%) and 6 months (fixed: WMD = -0.08; 95% CI -0.27 to 0.42; P = .66; I2 = 0%). Similarly, no difference was seen in improvement in maximal mouth opening at 1 month (fixed: WMD = -0.16; 95% CI -1.75 to 1.42; P = .84; I2 = 44%), and 6 months (fixed: WMD = -0.83; 95% CI -0.52 to 2.18; P = .23; I2 = 0%). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitation of this review, there is some evidence that splint therapy may not improve outcomes after arthrocentesis. There is a need for well-designed RCTs evaluating the additional benefit of splint therapy after arthrocentesis for managing temporomandibular joint disorders.

Surgical Management of Migraine Headaches: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to systematically review and analyze the available evidence on the role of surgery in improving outcomes in patients with migraine headaches. METHODS: An electronic search of PubMed, Scopus, CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), and Google Scholar databases was performed for English-language articles reporting results of peripheral nerve surgery for migraine headaches. RESULTS: The search strategy revealed a total of 1528 records, of which 23 studies were included in the review. A total of 1151 headache patients were treated in the included studies. The trigger site of migraine addressed varied across studies. Meta-analysis of data of 616 patients revealed that migraine surgery significantly reduces migraine headache frequency (random: mean, 9.52; 95% confidence interval, 7.14-11.9; P < 0.00001; I = 94%). Similarly, when data of 797 patients were analyzed, there was statistically significant reduction in migraine headache intensity in patients undergoing migraine headache surgery (random: mean, 3.97; 95% confidence interval, 3.31-4.62; P < 0.00001; I = 94%). On pooling of data of all 23 studies, 8.3% to 76.4% of patients reported complete elimination of headache after surgery, whereas 3.9% to 33.3% had no relief. CONCLUSIONS: Peripheral nerve decompression surgery is highly effective in reducing migraine headache frequency and migraine headache intensity. However, not all patients benefit from the surgical procedure, with a small subset showing no improvement. Further clinical and anatomical studies are needed to define the exact mechanism of nerve compression in migraine patients and as to why a subset of patients does not respond to surgical treatment.

Styloid-stylohyoid syndrome: a rare cause of cranio-facial pain-a retrospective case series of 12 patients.

PURPOSE: Elongated styloid process results in severe cranio-facial/cervico-facial pain. The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy of treatment outcomes using transcervical approach in the management of styloid-stylohyoid syndrome/styloid syndrome. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort study. Subjects were enrolled from out-patient clinics reporting between the periods Jan 2016-Jan 2018. METHODS & METHODS: Twelve patients diagnosed with styloid syndrome based on history, thorough clinical workup, and assessment were included in the study. The primary outcomes-improvement in pain and regression of chief complaints following surgery were assessed. Elongated styloid was resected using transcervical approach under general anesthesia. RESULTS: The intra-operative lengths of the styloid process varied from 40 to 43 mm. No post-operative complications were encountered and the symptoms regressed completely after surgery in all the patients at follow-up of 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Transcervical styloidectomy is an effective treatment for exposure and resection of the styloid process with minimal complications in patients with stylo-stylohyoid syndrome.

Surgical management of oral submucous fibrosis using buccal fat pad: a retrospective study of 30 cases.

The aim of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness of buccal fat pad (BFP) in the management of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF). Retrospective records of 30 patients of OSMF treated with BFP with atleast a year of follow-up were analyzed. Patients were divided into groups based on the stages of OSMF. Surgical management consisted of resection of fibrous bands, bilateral temporalis myotomy, and coronoidectomy followed by grafting with BFP. There were 17 patients of stage III (mouth opening 16-25 mm) and 13 patients of stage IV OSMF (mouth opening less than 16 mm). The mean mouth opening of stage III group pre-operatively was 19.94 ± 2.19 mm which increased to a mean of 35.12 ± 5.69 mm (p < 0.0001). For patients with stage IV OSMF, the mouth opening increased from a pre-operative of 10.23 ± 4.07 mm to a post-operative of 31.46 ± 6.78 mm (p < 0.0001). No intra-operative complications were noted in any patient. Relapse was seen in 1 patient (5.8%) of stage III while 3 patients (23.07%) had relapse in stage IV group. Our results indicate that BFP is a good flap owing to its benefits which are easy to harvest and entails minimal morbidity for management of OSMF.

The use of intra-articular analgesics to improve outcomes after temporomandibular joint arthrocentesis: a review.

PURPOSE: The aim of this review was to assess the efficacy of intra-articular analgesics in improving outcomes after temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthrocentesis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An electronic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Google scholar databases was performed for papers in English published up to December 2017 reporting the use of intra-articular analgesics after TMJ arthrocentesis. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), controlled clinical trials (CCTs), comparative studies, retrospective studies, and case series were included while case reports, technical reports, animal studies, cadaveric studies, and review papers were excluded. RESULTS: Of the six studies included in the review, three were RCTs, two were randomized comparative studies, and one was a retrospective study. Both opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been used after TMJ arthrocentesis. Morphine, tramadol, fentanyl, buprenorphine, tenoxicam, and COX-2 inhibitors are the drugs used till date. Placebo-controlled studies reported improved outcomes after TMJ arthrocentesis with morphine and fentanyl but no such results with buprenorphine and tenoxicam. Tramadol was found to be better than COX-2 inhibitor. The quality of literature was not high. CONCLUSIONS: There is inconclusive evidence in literature on the benefits of using intra-articular analgesics after TMJ arthrocentesis. Well-designed high-quality RCTs with standard protocol studying the effects of intra-articular opioids and NSAIDS after TMJ arthrocentesis would provide stronger evidence on its use.

The efficacy of dextrose prolotherapy over placebo for temporomandibular joint hypermobility: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the systematic review was to analyse the available evidence in order to assess the efficacy of dextrose prolotherapy in improving outcomes in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) hypermobility patients as compared to placebo. METHODS: An electronic search of PubMed, Scopus, CENTRAL and Google scholar databases was performed for English language papers published up to February 2018. Randomised clinical trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs) comparing dextrose prolotherapy with placebo for TMJ hypermobility were included. RESULTS: Three RCTs were included in the review. Frequency of subluxation/dislocation was reported by two trials which found no difference between dextrose and placebo. A statistical significant difference in reduction of MMO with the use of dextrose prolotherapy was seen on pooling of data (random: MD = -3.32, 95% CI -5.26 to -1.28; P = 0.0008; I2  = 0%). A statistical significant difference in pain reduction was also seen with dextrose as compared to placebo (random: MD = -1, 95% CI -1.58 to -0.42; P = 0.0007; I2  = 0%). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of the study, dextrose prolotherapy may cause significant reduction in mouth opening and pain associated with TMJ hypermobility. Conclusions with regard to reduction of episodes of subluxation/dislocation cannot be drawn. There is a need of more high-quality RCTs with larger sample size and homogenous prolotherapy protocol to draw stronger conclusions on the effect of dextrose prolotherapy in patients with TMJ hypermobility.

Greater Occipital Nerve Decompression for Occipital Neuralgia.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of greater occipital nerve decompression for the management of occipital neuralgia. Eleven patients of medical refractory occipital neuralgia were enrolled in the study. Local anaesthetic blocks were used for confirming diagnosis. All of them underwent surgical decompression of greater occipital nerve at the level of semispinalis capitis and trapezial tunnel. A pre and postoperative questionnaire was used to compare the severity of pain and number of pain episodes/month. Mean pain episodes reported by patients before surgery were 17.1 ±â€Š5.63 episodes per month. This reduced to 4.1 ±â€Š3.51 episodes per month (P < 0.0036) postsurgery. The mean intensity of pain also reduced from a preoperative 7.18 ±â€Š1.33 to a postoperative of 1.73 ±â€Š1.95 (P < 0.0033). Three patients reported complete elimination of pain after surgery while 6 patients reported significant relief of their symptoms. Only 2 patients failed to notice any significant improvement. The mean follow-up period was 12.45 ±â€Š1.29 months. Surgical decompression of greater occipital nerve is a simple and viable treatment modality for the management of occipital neuralgia.

Surgical Management of Migraine Headache.

Migraine surgery has been recently reported as an alternative to medical management to provide long-term relief in migraine sufferers. A prospective study was designed wherein patients diagnosed with migraine were screened for surgery by injecting botulinum toxin type A at the primary trigger site. Surgery consisted of corrugator supercilii muscle resection to decompress supra-trochlear and supra-orbital nerves with avulsion of zygomaticotemporal branch of trigeminal nerve. Using pre and postsurgery questionnaires, information regarding the degree of reduction of migraines with regard to severity and frequency; and surgical site problems was acquired. Thirty patients volunteered for migraine surgery. Mean migraine headaches reduced from 15.2 ±â€Š6.3 episodes per month to 1.9 ±â€Š2.4 episodes per month (P < 0.0001) postsurgery. The mean intensity of migraine headache also reduced from a preoperative 7.3 ±â€Š3.5 to a postoperative of 1.3 ±â€Š1.4 (P < 0.0001). Fourteen (46.7%) patients reported complete elimination of migraine after surgery while an equal number reported significant relief of symptoms. Two (6.6%) patients failed to notice any significant improvement after surgery. The mean follow-up period was 11.1 ±â€Š2 months with no major surgical complications. Results of the authors' study confirm prior published results that surgical treatment of migraine is a reality. Surgeons can easily incorporate this simple surgical procedure in their armamentarium to offer relief to numerous migraine patients.

The Double Intravenous Catheter Technique for Single-Puncture Arthrocentesis.

Traditionally, arthrocentesis involves insertion of 2 needles into the joint space of which one acts as an inflow port and the other as the outflow port. These 2 needles must triangulate and be exactly placed in the upper joint space for the procedure to be effective. Due to the difficulty in maintaining the needle position, single-puncture arthrocentesis is gaining popularity. It is relatively easier to perform and less traumatic to the joint. The authors describe a simple technique of single-puncture arthrocentesis using parts of 2 peripheral intravenous catheters of different gauges. The outflow port is formed by the catheter tube of 1 cannula while the inflow port is formed by the needle of the second cannula. Besides beings easy to perform and cost-effective, our technique provides predictable joint lavage of the joint with minimal trauma to the tissues.