Superficial temporal artery perforator flap for reconstruction of periorbital and eyelid defects, a variant of the classic flaps dissected in perforator flap.

INTRODUCTION: The eyelids reconstruction presents an aesthetic, but above all, a functional challenge. It must allow the good protection of the cornea. The development of perforator flaps is major in recent years and is gradually spreading to the face, which has pushed us to apply it to palpebral surgery. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Since 2014, in the maxillofacial surgery department of St Etienne, four patients have benefited from a palpebral reconstruction. A temporal perforator flap, dissected on a perforator of the superficial temporal artery was performed for the anterior lamella and a palatal mucosa graft for the tarsal reconstruction. RESULTS: The results were satisfying. Functionally, this technique allowed good occlusion of the eyelid and prevented the occurrence of ocular complications. On the aesthetic view, the position of the neo-eyelids is satisfying. No patient need retouching. The perforator flap allowed a significant mobilization without distortion of neighboring tissues, and maintaining frontal contractility. DISCUSSION: This contemporary approach to flap dissection provides a good functional result, reduces the sequelae of the donor site and does not impose a secondary aesthetic gesture. However, despite these advantages, this type of dissection has the disadvantage of being technically more delicate and requires a trained operator.

Place of 3D printing in facial epithesis.

Facial rehabilitation from facial epithets is part of the facial surgeon's therapeutic arsenal. The primary technique requires taking imprints on the patient, which has major drawbacks such as discomfort and difficulties for precisely recording anatomical surfaces. In this paper, we present a technical improvement in the design of facial epithesis, introducing application of a 3D printing technology. By exploiting digital data in DICOM format, it is possible to produce a digital copy of an epithesis. Based on this copy a model can be printed and then used to support the final prosthesis.

[Outcome of endoscopically assisted surgical treatment of mandibular condyle fractures: a retrospective study of 22 patients]. / Résultats du traitement chirurgical assisté par endoscopie des fractures du condyle mandibulaire: étude rétrospective sur 22 patients.

INTRODUCTION: The condylar region is a frequent localization of mandibular fractures; there are various types of management. Mini-invasive endoscopic surgery is an alternative to open reduction. We had as goal to evaluate the outcome of this technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a monocentric retrospective study of patients consecutively operated for a condylar fracture (type II to V in the Spiessl and Schroll classification) with intraoral route and endoscopic assistance, during 30 months. We assessed the functional and radiological outcomes, and the complications. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients (25 fractures) were included. Seventeen patients (19 fractures) could be followed (mean follow-up: 16.7 months). The mean values were: interincisal opening, 45mm (±8.4); protrusion, 8.3mm (±1.9); ipsilateral excursion of the jaw: 8.6mm (±2); contralateral excursion: 8.7mm (±4). Three routes were used combined with a preauricular approach. The fracture reduction was good for 10 of the 19 fractures and poor for 3. The complications were: 3 cases of infection, 1 case of fixation failure with good consolidation; for combined approaches: 2 cases of temporary facial palsy and 2 cases of Frey syndrome. DISCUSSION: Endoscopic assistance for the surgical management of the fracture of mandibular condyle is a reliable technique, with a good functional outcome, and a low rate of specific complications, especially for facial nerve lesion or esthetic outcome.

[Mechanical venous microanastomosis using a double ring eversion system in reconstructive surgery]. / Microanatomose mécanique veineuse par double éversion sur anneaux en chirurgie réparatrice.

INTRODUCTION: The major complications of free flap surgery are anastomotic obstructions. The coupler, mechanical anastomosis using a double ring eversion system, yields higher venous patency rates than sutured anastomoses, and requires less operating time. We present our initial experience with this coupler in free flap surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted this retrospective study between November 2011 and June 2012. We focused on complications having occurred in the first 10 patients having undergone free flap reconstruction (11 flaps) with end-to-end venous anastomosis using this coupler. Five flaps were used to fill cervico-facial defects in carcinologic surgery: one for mandibular osteoradionecrosis, one for cranioplasty coverage, one for cranial base reconstruction, two for skin defects in lower limb (heel, leg). One was an antebrachial radial flap, four anterolateral thigh flaps, five fibular flaps, and one latissimus dorsi flap. Fifteen veins were anastomosed. The diameters of the couplers used were 2.5 mm (3/15), 3 mm (6/15), and 3.5 mm (6/15). RESULTS: There were no venous complications. One flap failed because of arterial ischemia. DISCUSSION: The coupler is a fast and reliable alternative to usual sutures in free flap reconstructions, for head and neck as well as for limbs.