Mandibular Reconstruction Using Iliac Bone and Great Auricular Nerve Grafts and Oral Rehabilitation Using Osseointegrated Implants in a Patient With a Large Ossifying Fibroma: A 10-Year Follow-Up Study

The Reconstruction of Mandible Defects in War Injuries: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Study Design

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective

There has been an increasing trend in maxillofacial injuries associated with combat trauma. Within the maxillofacial complex, the mandible is the most likely structure to be damaged during combat. The structural deficits as a result can be reconstructed with many options. These include vascularised bone grafts (VBGs), non-vascularised bone grafts (NVBGs), alloplastic implants, reconstruction bars and distraction osteogenesis. This study aimed to determine the common modality and efficacy of mandibular reconstruction in combat trauma-related defects.

Methods

A literature search was conducted on Pubmed, Prospero, Dynamed, DARE, EMBASE, COCHRANE and BMJ databases.

Results

A total of six articles met the inclusion criteria identifying 165 patients requiring mandibular reconstruction. Non-vascularised iliac bone graft (n = 137) was the most common method followed by ileac crest bone chips harvest using Dacron urethran osteomesh tray (n = 24) and frontoparietal grafts (n = 4). Meta-analysis of five out of six trials demonstrated an overall success rate of 85% (95% CI 79-90; I2 = 59%). A total of 13% (n = 22) of reconstructions failed either completely or partially and 21% (n = 34) of patients suffered postoperative complications.

Conclusions

NVBGs are a practical, cost-effective and favourable method of war zone management of mandibular defects with success rates comparable to those reported in the civilian literature. However, general trauma principles take precedence to rule out life-threatening injuries. Due consideration of patient factors, surgical factors, and available resources are required in the first-line management of combat-related mandibular defects.

Synchronous Reconstruction of the Jaw Using a "One and a Half"-Barrel Fibular Bone Graft for Ossifying Fibroma Patients

BACKGROUND

Ossifying fibroma is one of the common benign tumors that affect the appearance and functions of the jaw. Ossifying fibroma may exhibit a wide range of biological behaviors, leading to deformities involving the jaw and other secondary facial deformities. Hence, to improve the function of the jaw and the patient's general facial appearance (bearing in mind each patient's facial shape and, or appearance), the authors thus, however, used a ''one and a half"-barrel fibular bone graft to achieve the ideal height and radian of the bone graft.

CASE PRESENTATION

Between July 2017 and January 2021, the authors retrospectively collected and analyzed clinical and surgical data from 39 patients who had undergone operations in our hospital. Twenty patients were operated on using our new surgical method, whereas 19 patients received conventional or debulking operation. Clinical factors associated with the operation were assessed, including classification of the jaw defects, perioperative complications, and postoperative outcomes.

RESULTS

All the flaps ultimately survived. According to the postoperative satisfaction survey, patients who underwent reconstruction were satisfied with their postoperative facial appearance, with an average of 8.5 out of 10. Based on the preoperative clinical data, 26 patients had suitable bone grafts for dentures to improve their oral function.

CONCLUSIONS

A ''one and a half''-barrel fibular bone graft effectively improves the facial appearance of patients and as well as provides an appropriate height and radian for the bone graft.

Donors for nerve transplantation in craniofacial soft tissue injuries

Neural tissue is an important soft tissue; for instance, craniofacial nerves govern several aspects of human behavior, including the expression of speech, emotion transmission, sensation, and motor function. Therefore, nerve repair to promote functional recovery after craniofacial soft tissue injuries is indispensable. However, the repair and regeneration of craniofacial nerves are challenging due to their intricate anatomical and physiological characteristics. Currently, nerve transplantation is an irreplaceable treatment for segmental nerve defects. With the development of emerging technologies, transplantation donors have become more diverse. The present article reviews the traditional and emerging alternative materials aimed at advancing cutting-edge research on craniofacial nerve repair and facilitating the transition from the laboratory to the clinic. It also provides a reference for donor selection for nerve repair after clinical craniofacial soft tissue injuries. We found that autografts are still widely accepted as the first options for segmental nerve defects. However, allogeneic composite functional units have a strong advantage for nerve transplantation for nerve defects accompanied by several tissue damages or loss. As an alternative to autografts, decellularized tissue has attracted increasing attention because of its low immunogenicity. Nerve conduits have been developed from traditional autologous tissue to composite conduits based on various synthetic materials, with developments in tissue engineering technology. Nerve conduits have great potential to replace traditional donors because their structures are more consistent with the physiological microenvironment and show self-regulation performance with improvements in 3D technology. New materials, such as hydrogels and nanomaterials, have attracted increasing attention in the biomedical field. Their biocompatibility and stimuli-responsiveness have been gradually explored by researchers in the regeneration and regulation of neural networks.

Recovery of Sensation Over the Distribution of the Inferior Alveolar Nerve Following Mandibular Resection Without Nerve Reconstruction

PURPOSE

To assess the long-term recovery of sensation in the lower lip after mandibular resection without reconstruction of the inferior alveolar nerve.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty patients who had mandibular resection carried out without reconstruction of the inferior alveolar nerve were examined after an interval ranging from 6 to 33 years.

RESULTS

Only 1 patient, seen 10 years after resection, was totally numb over the distribution of the inferior alveolar nerve. The other 29 patients had some return of sensation and many had a significant return, though it may take several years to reach the final result. Utilizing the MRC scale 70% of patients achieved S3 (return of superficial cutaneous pain and tactile sensibility without over response) CONCLUSION: This study can serve as a baseline for comparison with patients who have had mandibular resection with reconstruction of the inferior alveolar nerve to assess if this procedure improves the outcomes.

The Great Auricular Nerve: Anatomical Study with Application to Nerve Grafting Procedures

BACKGROUND

When it comes to autogenous nerve grafting, the sural and great auricular nerve (GAN) are the 2 nerves predominately used for trigeminal and facial nerve repair. Arising from the second and third cervical ventral rami, the GAN emerges from the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid coursing superiorly and anteriorly toward the ear.

METHODS

Eleven sides from 5 Caucasian and 1 Asian cadaveric heads (all fresh-frozen) were used. One man and 5 women were used with an age at death ranging from 57 to 91 years, with a mean of 80.3 years. Measurements were made from the inferior border of the ear to the GAN, the GAN to the external jugular vein, and the inferior border of the mastoid process to the GAN; the proximal, medial, and distal diameters of the GAN and the length of the GAN that was obtained from this exposure were also measured.

RESULTS

The mean distance from the inferior border of the mastoid process to the GAN, inferior border of the ear to the GAN, and GAN to the external jugular vein was 27.71, 31.03, and 13.28 mm, respectively. The mean length of the GAN was 74.86 mm. The mean diameter of its distal, middle, and proximal portions was 1.51, 1.38, and 1.58 mm, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The GAN is an excellent option for use in nerve grafting for repair of, for example, facial dysfunction. In this study, we review our measurements, techniques for identification, and dissecting techniques for the GAN. The proximity to the operative area and minimal complications associated with GAN grafting might contribute to improved patient satisfaction and better outcomes regarding functional restoration.

Relationship Between Oral Perception and Habitual Chewing Side for Bare Bone Graft With Dental Implants After Mandibular Reconstruction

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between habitual chewing side and perception of the oral mucosa following reconstruction with dental implants.

STUDY DESIGN

Five patients comprised 2 males and 3 females, with ameloblastoma in 2 patients, odontogenic myxoma in 2 patients, and oral squamous cell carcinoma in 1 patient. They were treated using mandibular reconstruction with bare bone graft after segmental resection of the mandible. Perception (tactile, warm, and cold) was measured at 8 points (chin, lower lip, gingiva, and lateral edge of the tongue, bilaterally). Habitual chewing side was evaluated using a computerized index, the first chewing cycle, and a question on chewing.

RESULTS

Perception on resected sides was improved at all measurement points for tactile and cold sensitive evaluation, although sensitivities on the resected side remained below the normal range. In the relationship between habitual chewing side and implanted prostheses in reconstructed bone, the chewing side was the resected side in 2 of the 5 patients. When those 2 patients underwent prosthesis implantation after removal of denture, the chewing side changed from the nonresected side to the resected side. Implant prostheses on resected side were suggested to contribute to masticatory function. Perception in those patients was incomplete but was improved compared with other patients. When prosthesis implantation is performed on the reconstructed side, the resected side may become the habitual chewing side.

CONCLUSIONS

Recovery of perception can influence acquisition of the habitual chewing side.

Which Patients With Ossifying Fibroma of the Jaws Would Be Suitable for Radical Ablative Surgery?

OBJECTIVE

The aim of authors' study was to present their 10-year experience in the treatment of giant ossifying fibroma (GOF), and to prove if GOF can be totally excised preventing recurrence. The authors' secondary goal was to study the aesthetic and functional outcomes after radical resection of GOF followed by immediate reconstruction.

METHODS

Eighteen patients who underwent radical ablative surgery of GOF of the jaw followed by immediate reconstruction with vascularized fibula flap or ilium flap between May 2003 and May 2013 were taken. Recurrence rate was statistically observed and 2-year postoperative aesthetic and functional outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

The average length of follow-up was 4.5 years. There was no residual tumor or tumor recurrence observed in any patient during the mean follow-up of 4.5 years, and good cosmesis and functional outcome was noted after ablative surgery of GOF followed by computer-assisted reconstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

For giant OF, if it is mainly located in the jaws without invasion of the skull base and/or pterygoid process, radical surgical treatment should be performed for prevention of tumor recurrence. And good aesthetic and functional results can be achieved by immediate computer-assisted reconstruction and dental rehabilitation.

Preservation of the inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle in the osteotomy of benign lesions of the mandible using a digital template

Our aim was to evaluate the effect of a digital template in the preservation of the inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle during osteotomy for benign lesions of the mandible in 6 patients who were treated with mandibular osteotomies during 2013. Computed tomographic (CT) data were imported into ProPlan CMF 1.4 software. The borders of the lesion and the inferior alveolar canal were marked, and a digital template designed to mark the borders, outline the canal, and guide the osteotomy. A mirror image of the unaffected mandible was used to make a stereolithographic model by a rapid prototyping technique to prefabricate the reconstruction plate for the bone graft. The accuracy of the designs and the templates was evaluated during operation and postoperatively by CT. The sensation of the skin was tested using a Neurometer® CPT (current perception threshold) sensory detector (Neurotron Inc, Baltimore USA) to evaluate the function of the preserved inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle during follow up. With the digital template it was possible to guide removal of the bony lesion while accurately protecting the neurovascular bundle. Follow up for a mean of 8 months (range 5 -12) showed good facial symmetry, a stable occlusion, and recovery of sensation in the lower lip on the affected side. We conclude that a digital template can successfully help the resection of benign lesions of the mandible while preserving the function of the inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle.

Treatment of odontogenic myxoma: a multidisciplinary approach-6-year follow-up case

The most aggressive diseases that affect the oral environment are considered tumors of the jaw. The surgical treatment is preferably done by surgical resection of the lesion, resulting in a great loss of tissue and esthetics. Multidisciplinary planning is required for the rehabilitation of these cases. Autogenous grafting techniques or vascularized flaps allow ridge reconstruction for implant placement, restoring function, and esthetics. This paper reports a 6-year follow-up case of an odontogenic myxoma treated with wide resection and mandibular bone reconstruction for posterior rehabilitation with dental implants.

Reconstruction of Defect after Treatment of Bisphosphonate-related Osteonecrois of the Jaw with Staged Iliac Bone Graft

Bisphosphonate is used widely for osteoporosis treatment, but a rising concern is the risk of osteonecrosis after long-term bisphosphonate use. Such cases are increasing, suggesting a need for research to prevent and treat bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of jaws. A 63-year-old female took bisphosphonate (Fosamax^®) for four years for treatment of osteoporosis and stopped medication two months ago because of unhealed wound. She was treated with marginal mandibulectomy maintaining the inferior border, and a metal plate was placed to prevent mandible fracture. Four months after the mandibulectomy, mandible reconstruction surgery using iliac bone and allograft was done. Six months after reconstruction, implant placement and treatment with an overdenture was done without complications. This study presents a case with a successful result.