Quality of life in osteoradionecrosis patients after mandible primary reconstruction with free fibula flap

Microvascular reconstruction of medication related osteonecrosis of the head and neck

BACKGROUND

Medication related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) requiring free flap (FF) reconstruction is uncommon with limited reported findings.

METHODS

Multicenter, retrospective case series of 49 consecutive adult patients presenting with advanced MRONJ requiring FF reconstruction from 2010 to 2022. Perioperative complications and outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

Eighty-two percent (n = 40) of cases were of the mandible and 18% (n = 9) were of the maxilla. The mean follow-up was 15 months (±19.6). The majority of FF survived (96%, n = 47). FF reconstructions of the maxilla were more likely to require postoperative debridement (56%, 95% CI [27, 81%] vs. 15%, 95% CI [7, 25%], p = 0.008) or develop intraoral bone exposure (56%, 95% CI [27, 81%] vs. 18%, 95% CI [9, 27%], p = 0.02). Most patients (71%, n = 35) received preoperative antibiotics which was associated with a higher rate of FF survival (100% vs. 86%, 95% CI [60, 96%], p = 0.02) and fewer complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing FF reconstruction for MRONJ do well with high rates of FF success. MRONJ of the maxilla have a higher rate of some complications. Preoperative antibiotics correlated with higher FF survival and fewer postoperative complications.

Pre- and Post-Operative Quality of Life in Patients with Osteoradionecrosis of the Jaw

Osteoradionecrosis of the jaw (ORNJ) is a feared complication following radiation therapy performed for oncological treatment of head and neck cancers (HNC). To date, there is no clear evidence regarding the impact of surgical treatment of ORNJ on the quality of life (QoL) of affected patients. However, understanding the significance of the surgical treatment approach and its effects on QoL is an essential factor in the decision-making process for optimal, individualized therapy. In this prospective clinical study, QoL was assessed in relation to health related QoL (HRQoL) and oral health related QoL (OHQoL) before and after surgical treatment of ORNJ using standardized questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30, QLQ-HN35, OHIP-14). The overall QoL scores as well as individual domains of the collected scales regarding functional and symptom-related complaints were statistically analyzed. Subgroups concerning age, gender, different risk factors and type of ORNJ therapy were compared using Kruskal Wallis test. In addition, clinical and demographic patient data were collected and analyzed. QoL improvement correlated with the type of surgical ORNJ and the length of hospitalization. Better QoL scores were achieved post-operatively regarding different symptoms like pain, swallowing and mouth opening. Long-term effects of radiation therapy remained visibly restrictive to QoL and worsen over time.

Quality of Life after Mandibular Reconstruction Using Free Fibula Flap and Customized Plates: A Case Series and Comparison with the Literature

A single-center retrospective study was conducted to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in 23 consecutive patients undergoing mandibular reconstruction using the computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technology, free fibula flap, and titanium patient-specific implants (PSIs). HRQoL was evaluated after at least 12 months of surgery using the University of Washington Quality of Life (UW-QOL) questionnaire for head and neck cancer patients. In the 12 single question domains, the highest mean scores were found for "taste" (92.9), "shoulder" (90.9), "anxiety" (87.5), and "pain" (86.4), whereas the lowest scores were observed for "chewing" (57.1), "appearance" (67.9), and "saliva" (78.1). In the three global questions of the UW-QOL questionnaire, 80% of patients considered that their HRQoL was as good as or even better than it was compared to their HRQoL before cancer, and only 20% reported that their HRQoL had worsened after the presence of the disease. Overall QoL during the past 7 days was rated as good, very good or outstanding by 81% of patients, respectively. No patient reported poor or very poor QoL. In the present study, restoring mandibular continuity with free fibula flap and patient-specific titanium implants designed with the CAD-CAM technology improved HRQoL.

Quality of life after segmental mandibulectomy and free flap for mandibular osteonecrosis: Systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Review QOL outcomes among patients undergoing segmental mandibulectomy and bony free flap reconstruction for ONJ.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed was searched for MeSH terms "Quality of life," "Osteonecrosis," "Osteoradionecrosis," "Bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw," "Free tissue flaps," and "Mandibular reconstruction."

REVIEW METHODS

English language studies with QOL outcomes data for patients undergoing free flap reconstruction for advanced ONJ were included. 197 records were initially screened; 18 full texts assessed; 10 full texts included. PRISMA guidelines were followed.

RESULTS

Ten studies were included in this systematic review: six retrospective, three retrospective with comparison groups, and one prospective. In studies with comparison groups, ONJ patients have worse self-reported QOL than the general population as well as head and neck cancer patients without ONJ. Nearly all patients with QOL measurements (220/235 patients) had ONJ from prior radiation. Segmental mandibulectomy and bony free flap improved overall QOL in over half of patients, as well as pain associated with ONJ in 70-75 % of patients. Surgery did not improve long-term effects of radiation such as chewing, swallowing, and salivary production. Donor site morbidity rarely affects QOL.

CONCLUSIONS

Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) worsens quality-of-life, and advanced disease often requires segmental mandibulectomy and bony free flap reconstruction. Patients and surgeons may expect improvement in some, but not all, domains of patient-reported QOL by the use of segmental mandibulectomy and reconstruction for advanced ONJ.

A Comparative Study of Analog Preoperative Planning Versus Virtual Preoperative Planning for Mandibular Reconstruction With Fibula Free Flap

ABSTRACT

Mandibular reconstruction is a challenging procedure, especially in cancer patients with defects that are greater than 6 cm. Free vascularized fibular flap is the gold standard treatment in these cases since it allows three-dimensional restoration of the lost segments after ablative surgery in addition to providing the possibility of a subsequent implant-supported rehabilitation improving the functional and aesthetic outcomes of the surgery.To obtain accurate results, preoperative planning must be done with detail. Approaches for the preoperative planning include both the conventional analog planning and the virtual planning that are valid alternatives in meeting the trans-surgical requirements.This study makes a comparative analysis of 2 clinical cases with a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma that were reconstructed using a vascularized fibular free flap. The first case was planned using the conventional analog method whereas the second case was planned using the virtual planning approach.The impact of virtual planning and conventional analog planning on preoperative planning time, ischemia period, and total surgical time is analyzed according to the experience obtained in the cases presented. In addition, the authors described the technique used for each planning method along with a literature review in which the results are contrasted and discussed.

Mandibular shape prediction model using machine learning techniques

OBJECTIVE

To create a mandibular shape prediction model using machine learning techniques and geometric morphometrics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Six hundred twenty-nine radiographs were used to select the most appropriate craniomaxillary variables in different craniofacial pattern classifications using a support vector machine. To obtain the three-dimensional mandibular shape, a Procrustes fit was used on 55 tomograms, in which 17 three-dimensional landmarks were digitized. A partial least square regression was employed to find the best covariation between craniomaxillary angles and the symmetric components of mandibular shape. The model was applied to a new sample of six tomograms and evaluated by the mean absolute error. Each mandible predicted was assessed using the Hausdorff distance (HDu) and a color scale. The model was also exploratively applied to six new radiographs.

RESULTS

Covariation was 88.66% with a significance of < 0.0001 explained by twelve craniomaxillary variables. Low differences between the original and predicted models were obtained, with a mean absolute error of 0.0143. The mean distance between meshes ranged from 0.0033 to 0.0059 HDu and each color scale demonstrated general similarity between the surfaces.

CONCLUSIONS

This approach offered promising results in obtaining a mandibular prediction model that enhances shape properties in an economical way and is applicable to a Latin American population. Clinical proof of this method will require further studies with larger samples.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This method offers a reliable, economic alternative to traditional mandibular prediction methods and is applicable to the Latin American population.

Development and evaluation of the clinimetric properties of the Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw Quality of Life Questionnaire (MRONJ-QoL)

The purpose of this study was to develop a self-administered questionnaire (MRONJ-QoL) to assess the quality of life (QoL) of patients with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). A prospective study was performed to develop and evaluate the questionnaire. The MRONJ-QoL was formulated through a review of the literature and interviews of experts and patients. Following development, it was administered to 60 patients with a diagnosis of MRONJ. The sensibility of the questionnaire was assessed by evaluating feasibility (via interviews of patients), face validity (via interviews of patients and experts), and content validity (via evaluation of internal consistency, floor/ceiling effects, and factor analysis). Reliability was evaluated by measuring intra-rater reliability. Construct validity of the questionnaire was evaluated by both cross-sectional and longitudinal comparisons, including comparing scores of the MRONJ-QoL to disease resolution at 6 months. The final MRONJ-QoL questionnaire consisted of 14 questions, demonstrating high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha of 0.85) and good reliability (weighted kappa score of 0.65). At the 6-month follow-up, disease resolution was found to be significantly associated with improved MRONJ-QoL scores, suggesting validity of the questionnaire (P < 0.01). Therefore, this is a sensible, reliable, and valid questionnaire for evaluating the QoL of patients with MRONJ.

Radiation-Induced Soft Tissue Injuries in Patients With Advanced Mandibular Osteoradionecrosis: A Preliminary Evaluation and Management of Various Soft Tissue Problems Around Radiation-Induced Osteonecrosis Lesions

Objectives

Radiation-induced soft-tissue injuries (STIs) in mandibular osteoradionecrosis (ORN) are not well studied regarding their correlations with nearby bone lesions. The aim of this study is to investigate the severity of radiation-induced STIs in advanced mandibular ORN and its relationship with hard-tissue damage and postoperative outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed in our institution from January 2017 to December 2019. Aside from demographic factors, the associations between the triad ORN variables (irradiation doses, ORN stages, ORN sizes) and radiation-related STI factors, vascular characteristics, and postoperative functional recovery were assessed. In addition, the severity of STI was also compared with treatment outcomes. Such correlations were established via both univariate and multivariable analyses.

Results

A total number of 47 patients were included. The median follow-up reached 27 months. Nasopharyngeal cancer was the histology type among most patients (n = 21, 44.7%). The median irradiation doses reached 62 Gy (range, 40–110 Gy). For STI, the symptom scoring equaled an average of 5.4 (range from 1 to 12), indicative of the severity of STI problems. During preoperative MRI examinations, signs of hypertrophy or edema (n = 41, 87.2%) were frequently discerned. Most patients (n = 23, 48.9%) also had extensive muscular fibrosis and infection, which required further debridement and scar release. Surprisingly, most STI factors, except cervical fibrosis (p = 0.02), were not in parallel with the ORN levels. Even the intraoperative soft-tissue defect changes could not be extrapolated by the extent of ORN damage (p = 0.096). Regarding the outcomes, a low recurrence rate (n = 3, 6.9%) was reported. In terms of soft tissue-related factors, we found a strong correlation (p = 0.004) between symptom scores and recurrence. In addition, when taking trismus into consideration, both improvements in mouth-opening distance (p < 0.001) and facial contour changes (p = 0.004) were adversely affected. Correlations were also observed between the intraoperative soft-tissue defect changes and complications (p = 0.024), indicative of the importance of STI evaluation and management.

Conclusions

The coexistence of hard- and soft-tissue damage in radiation-induced advanced mandibular ORN patients reminds surgeons of the significance in assessing both aspects. It is necessary to take the same active measures to evaluate and repair both severe STIs and ORN bone lesions.

Reconstruction of mandibular defects involving the central segment with fibula osteoseptocutaneous free flap following ameloblastoma resection: Patient-reported outcomes

OBJECTIVES

Mandibular defects involving the central segment are challenging. This study analyzes the impact of defect extent and reconstruction method on quality of life (QOL) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-nine ameloblastoma patients received segmental mandibulectomy involving the C-segment and immediate fibula free flap reconstruction were recruited. Defects: (C: 2, LC: 11, LCL: 19). Mean defect length: 8.79 cm (± 2.34). Inset: Low-single-barrel (n: 19), with secondary distraction osteogenesis (n: 8/19), high-single-barrel (n: 7), double barrel (n: 3). Patients were surveyed using University of Washington Quality of Life (UW-QOL) and Berlin risk of postoperative sleep apnea questionnaires.

RESULTS

Flap failure: None. Mean follow-up: 109.6 ± 92.8 months.

UW-QOL

Physical function 91.83 (± 14.92); social function 90.17 (± 17.19). No statistical difference between C, LC, and LCL was found, but C group which received low-single-barrel had the lowest score in appearance and chewing domains. In health-related QOL (HR-QOL) compared with 1 month before cancer, 69% reported best results. "Appearance" was the most important issue for the past 7 days, followed by "Chewing," prevailing in LC and C groups that predominately reconstructed by low-single-barrel. Berlin score: 7 patients (4 LCL, 3 LC≥8 cm) were at high risk for postoperative OSA.

CONCLUSION

"Like-with-like" reconstruction with immediate endosteal dental implants yields the best results. Inset of fibula bone could affect outcomes, favoring double-barrel or single-high-barrel inset. Appearance and chewing remain the main concerns, largely, in those with low-single-barrel inset and no dental restoration. After long/extensive LCL and LC mandibulectomies, postoperative OSA warrants further investigation, and modification of resection/reconstruction techniques.

Health related quality of life and patient concerns in patients with osteoradionecrosis

The number of patients presenting with osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is likely to increase in future and health related quality of life (HRQOL) is a key outcome. This study aimed to report patient concerns and HRQOL in an osteoradionecrosis cohort over 12 years. Patients attended routine follow-up clinics between 2008 to 2020, where patient reported outcome (PRO) assessment was used before consultations as standard practice. The two PROs were the Patient Concerns Inventory (PCI) and the University of Washington quality of life questionnaire (UW-QOL v4). The study sample comprised 109 patients with ORN seen in 445 clinics when PCI and UW-QOL were used. At clinic, patients were in one of six ORN states: before ORN (26 with data), at diagnosis (12), and following treatment either improved (27), progressed (46), stable (63) or resolved (37). Worst HRQOL outcomes were reported in the progressive group with 50% reporting overall QOL as less than good. Pain was a major dysfunction (63%) as was physical and social-emotional functioning and this group reported many PCI issues, median (IQR) 7 (4-11). Kaplan-Meier estimates of survival with 95% CI after diagnosis with ORN were 96% (90-99%) at 12 months, 89% (81-94%) at 24 months and 73% (61-82%) at 60 months. This study indicates that ORN is a chronic condition with long-term survivorship consequences. More data through cohort studies and trials are needed to assist in decision making for individual patients.

Microvascular Reconstruction of Osteonecrosis: Assessment of Long-term Quality of Life

OBJECTIVE

Review long-term clinical and quality-of-life outcomes following free flap reconstruction for osteonecrosis.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective multi-institutional review.

SETTING

Tertiary care centers.

METHODS

Patients included those undergoing free flap reconstructions for osteonecrosis of the head and neck (N = 232). Data included demographics, defect, donor site, radiation history, perioperative management, diet status, recurrence rates, and long-term quality-of-life outcomes. Quality-of-life outcomes were measured using the University of Washington Quality of Life (UW-QOL) survey.

RESULTS

Overall flap success rate was 91% (n = 212). Relative to preoperative diet, 15% reported improved diet function at 3 months following reconstruction and 26% at 5 years. Osteonecrosis recurred in 14% of patients (32/232); median time to onset was 11 months. Cancer recurrence occurred in 13% of patients (29/232); median time to onset was 34 months. Results from the UW-QOL questionnaire were as follows: no pain (45%), minor or no change in appearance (69%), return to baseline endurance level (37%), no limitations in recreation (40%), no changes in swallowing following reconstruction (28%), minor or no limitations in mastication (29%), minor or no speech difficulties (93%), no changes in shoulder function (84%), normal taste function (19%), normal saliva production (27%), generally excellent mood (44%), and no or minimal anxiety about cancer (94%).

CONCLUSION

The majority of patients maintained or had advancement in diet following reconstruction, with low rates of osteonecrosis or cancer recurrence and above-average scores on UW-QOL survey suggesting good return of function and quality of life.

Novel Technique with Double Free Flap Design for Advanced Mandibular Osteoradionecrosis: A Case Series

Advanced mandibular osteoradionecrosis is arguably among the most challenging cases for reconstructive head and neck surgeons. Several reconstructive methods for complex mandibular defects have been reported; however, for advanced mandibular osteoradionecrosis, a safe option that minimizes the risk of renewed fistulation and infections is needed. For this purpose, we present a new technique using a fascia-sparing vertical rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap as protection for a vascularized free fibula graft (FFG). This technique also optimizes recipient site healing and functionality while minimizing donor site morbidity. Our initial experiences from a 4 patient case series are included. Mean operative time was 551 minutes (SD: 81 minutes). All donor sites were closed primarily. Mean time to discharge was 13 days (SD: 7 days), and mean time to full mobilization was 2 days (SD: 1 days). This double free flap technique completely envelops the FFG and plate with nonirradiated muscle. It allows for the transfer of an FFG without a skin island, thus avoiding the need for split skin graft closure. This results in faster healing and minimizes the risk of fibula donor site morbidity. The skin island of the vertical rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap has the added benefit of providing intraoral lining, which minimizes contractures and trismus. Although prospective long-term studies comparing this approach to other double flap procedures are needed, we argue that this technique is an optimal approach to safeguard the mandibular FFG reconstruction against the inherent risks of renewed complications in irradiated unhealthy tissue.

Interventions for preventing osteoradionecrosis of the jaws in adults receiving head and neck radiotherapy

BACKGROUND

Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the jaws is among the most serious oral complications of head and neck cancer radiotherapy, arising from radiation-induced fibro-atrophic tissue injury, manifested by necrosis of osseous tissues and failure to heal, often secondary to operative interventions in the oral cavity. It is associated with considerable morbidity and has important quality of life ramifications. Since ORN is very difficult to treat effectively, preventive measures to limit the onset of this disease are needed; however, the effects of various preventive interventions has not been adequately quantified.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of interventions for preventing ORN of the jaws in adult patients with head and neck cancer undergoing curative or adjuvant (i.e. non-palliative) radiotherapy.

SEARCH METHODS

Cochrane Oral Health's Information Specialist searched the following databases: Cochrane Oral Health's Trials Register (to 5 November 2019), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2019, Issue 10) in the Cochrane Library (searched 5 November 2019), MEDLINE Ovid (1946 to 5 November 2019), Embase Ovid (1980 to 5 November 2019), Allied and Complementary Medicine (AMED) Ovid (1985 to 5 November 2019), Scopus (1966 to 5 November 2019), Proquest Dissertations and Theses International (1861 to 5 November 2019) and Web of Science Conference Proceedings (1990 to 5 November 2019). The US National Institutes of Health Ongoing Trials Register (ClinicalTrials.gov) and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were searched for ongoing trials. No restrictions were placed on the language or date of publication when searching the electronic databases.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We selected randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs of adult patients 18 years or older with head and neck cancer who had undergone curative or adjuvant radiotherapy to the head and neck, who had received an intervention to prevent the onset of ORN. Eligible patients were those subjected to pre- or post-irradiation dental evaluation. Management of these patients was to be with interventions independent of their cancer therapy, including but not limited to local, systemic, or behavioural interventions.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently selected trials from search results, assessed risk of bias, and extracted relevant data for inclusion in the review. Authors of included studies were contacted to request missing data. We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane.

MAIN RESULTS

Four studies were identified that met pre-determined eligibility criteria, evaluating a total of 342 adults. From the four studies, all assessed as at high risk of bias, three broad interventions were identified that may potentially reduce the risk of ORN development: one study showed no reduction in ORN when using platelet-rich plasma placed in the extraction sockets of prophylactically removed healthy mandibular molar teeth prior to radiotherapy (odds ratio (OR) 3.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58 to 19.09; one trial, 44 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Another study involved comparing fluoride gel and high-content fluoride toothpaste (1350 parts per million (ppm)) in prevention of post-radiation caries, and found no difference between their use as no cases of ORN were reported (one trial, 220 participants; very low-certainty evidence). The other two studies involved the use of perioperative hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy and antibiotics. One study showed that treatment with HBO caused a reduction in the development of ORN in comparison to patients treated with antibiotics following dental extractions (risk ratio (RR) 0.18, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.76; one trial, 74 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Another study found no difference between combined HBO and antibiotics compared to antibiotics alone prior to dental implant placement (RR 3.00, 95% CI 0.14 to 65.16; one trial, 26 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Adverse effects of the different interventions were not reported clearly or were not important.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Given the suboptimal reporting and inadequate sample sizes of the included studies, evidence regarding the interventions evaluated by the trials included in this review is uncertain. More well-designed RCTs with larger samples are required to make conclusive statements regarding the efficacy of these interventions.

Primary vs Secondary Endosseous Implantation After Fibular Free Tissue Reconstruction of the Mandible for Osteoradionecrosis

Importance

The clinical and financial implications of the timing of dental rehabilitation after a fibula free tissue transfer (FFTT) for osteoradionecrosis (ORN) and osteonecrosis (ON) of the mandible have yet to be established.

Objective

To compare the outcomes of primary implantation vs secondary implantation after FFTT for ORN and ON of the mandible.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A retrospective review was conducted of 23 patients at a single tertiary academic referral center undergoing primary implantation or secondary implantation after FFTT for ORN and ON from January 1, 2006, to November 10, 2015.

Interventions

All patients underwent FFTT with primary implantation (n = 12) or secondary implantation (n = 11).

Main Outcomes and Measures

Outcomes of FFTT, dental implantation, implant use, diet, speech, and disease-free survival were reviewed. Fixed unit costs were estimated based on the mean cost analysis.

Results

Twenty-three patients (7 women and 16 men; mean [SD] age, 62.4 [8.2] years [range, 24-81 years]) met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 18 had ORN and 5 had ON. Dental implantation was performed at the time of FFTT for 12 patients and was performed secondarily for 11 patients. There were a mean of 5.2 implants per patient performed, for a total of 121 implants. There was 1 complete flap failure in the primary implantation group. Neither flap nor implant complications were affected by the timing of the implantation. Overall, the implant survival rate was 95% (55 of 58) in the primary implantation group and 98% (62 of 63) in the secondary implantation group. Time from FFTT to abutment placement (primary implantation, 19.6 weeks; secondary implantation, 61.0 weeks) was significantly shorter after primary implantation (P < .001). There was no clinical difference in postoperative complications and implant outcomes for ORN vs ON. Improvement in speech and oral competence in the primary implantation group vs the secondary implantation group was not statistically significant, given an experiment-adjusted P = .001 set as significant (normal speech, 9 vs 3; P = .02; and normal oral competence, 9 vs 3; P = .02). Disease-free survival was 91% (20 of 22 patients) overall. Fixed unit (U) costs were 1.0 U for primary implantation and 1.24 U for secondary implantation.

Conclusions and Relevance

Patients undergoing primary implantation after FFTT for ORN and ON had a similar rate of complications compared with those undergoing secondary implantation. However, primary implantation allowed a faster return than secondary implantation to oral nutrition and prosthesis use. The fixed unit cost was reduced for those undergoing primary implantation. Although dental implantation was safe and effective in both groups, the decreased time to use and the decreased overall cost should prompt surgeons to consider primary implantation after FFTT for ORN and ON.

Level of Evidence

3.

Surgical Management of Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw Is Associated With Improved Disease Resolution: A Retrospective Cohort Study

PURPOSE

Optimal management approaches for medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) using either surgical or nonsurgical approaches remain inconclusive. Our objective was to compare the effects of surgical versus nonsurgical therapy on the resolution of MRONJ.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of eligible patients with a diagnosis of MRONJ at Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, who either were seen in the outpatient clinic from January 2014 to December 2016 or received major surgical intervention from January 2011 to December 2016. A multivariate logistic regression was conducted to evaluate the effects of surgical therapy on disease resolution.

RESULTS

A total of 78 patients were included in this study. Of these, 56 (72%) received surgical therapy. Antiresorptive agents were being taken for the treatment of osteoporosis by 46 patients (82%) in the surgical group compared with 20 nonsurgical patients (91%) (P = .28). The median follow-up period was 15.5 months (interquartile range, 8.0 to 34.3 months) in the surgical group compared with 11.0 months (interquartile range, 8.0 to 20.5 months) in the nonsurgical group (P = .75). Disease resolution occurred in 39 surgical patients (70%) compared with 8 nonsurgical patients (36%). Surgical therapy was associated with disease resolution compared with nonsurgical therapy alone, after adjustment for age, duration of antiresorptive or antiangiogenic therapy, whether the antiresorptive or antiangiogenic agents were used for oncologic purposes, and the stage of MRONJ at initial presentation (adjusted odds ratio, 4.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.28 to 14.60).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical therapy compared with nonsurgical therapy was associated with disease resolution in patients with MRONJ. High-quality evidence of the superiority of any specific surgical approach in the treatment of MRONJ is needed.

A systematic review of validated tools assessing functional and aesthetic outcomes following fibula free flap reconstruction of the mandible

BACKGROUND

Segmental mandibulectomy impairs health-related quality of life (QoL), by altering speech, mastication, swallowing, and facial aesthetics. Fibula free flap (FFF) used for mandible reconstruction is known to improve outcomes; however, minimal information exists in the literature regarding patient-reported outcomes. We aim to assess how current studies evaluate patient perception following segmental mandibulectomy and FFF mandible reconstruction.

METHODS

Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a search was conducted for publications involving FFF mandible reconstruction from 2005 to 2017 using PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, Web of Science, and PsychInfo.

RESULTS

Of 2212 articles identified initially, only 7 studies were deemed suitable. Six studies used the University of Washington Quality of Life questionnaire, 3 Oral Health Impact Profile, and 1 used European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Head and Neck (EORTC-H&N35).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a paucity of information in published reports on QoL outcomes following mandible reconstruction with FFF. In the era of patient-centered health care, observations warrant attention from researchers for physician-assessed patient-reported measures to factor in QoL expectation during surgical decision-making about the choice of reconstruction.

Intensity-modulated proton therapy and osteoradionecrosis in oropharyngeal cancer

PURPOSE

We compared mandibular doses and osteoradionecrosis in patients with oropharyngeal cancer after intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) or intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We identified 584 patients who received definitive radiotherapy for oropharyngeal cancer from January 2011 through June 2014 at MD Anderson Cancer Center (534 IMRT and 50 IMPT). The dosimetric variables and osteoradionecrosis were compared with Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

Median follow-up time for all patients (534 IMRT and IMPT) was 33.8months (33.8months IMRT vs. 34.6months IMPT, P=0.854), and median time to osteoradionecrosis was 11.4months (range 6.74-16.1months). Mandibular doses were lower for patients treated with IMPT (minimum 0.8 vs. 7.3Gy; mean 25.6 vs. 41.2Gy; P<0.001), and osteoradionecrosis rates were lower as well: 2% IMPT (1 grade 1), 7.7% IMRT (12 grade 4, 5 grade 3, 1 grade 2 and 23 grade 1). Osteoradionecrosis location depended on the primary tumor site and high-dose field in the mandible.

CONCLUSIONS

Osteoradionecrosis events were significantly associated with higher dose irradiation to mandibular. Use of IMPT minimized excess irradiation of the mandible and consequently reduced the risk of osteoradionecrosis for oropharyngeal cancer.

Quality of life of patients surgically treated for ameloblastoma

Background:

The surgical management of ameloblastoma can have a profound functional and psychological effect on a patient's quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to compare the pre- and post-operative QoL outcomes of patients requiring surgical treatment for ameloblastoma.

Patients and Methods:

A total number of 30 patients were identified as fulfilling the criteria for this study. They included 18 males and 12 females, aged between 14 and 47 years with a mean of 27.3 years (standard deviation 10.2). Each patient completed a modified version of the University of Washington QoL questionnaire version 4, a day to surgery and postoperatively on the 7^th day, 3 months, and 6 months.

Results:

Following surgical treatment of patients for ameloblastoma, the QoL decreased immediately after surgery. It then gradually improved over time and exceeded the preoperative value at 6 months postoperatively. When analyzed with respect to location, posteriorly placed tumors had the best postoperative QoL outcome. Patients expressed concern more about their appearance preoperatively while postoperative concerns were mostly focused on their ability to chew.

Conclusion:

Significant improvement occurred in QoL scores following surgical management of ameloblastoma. The small sample size utilized in this study limits a definitive conclusion. A larger multicenter study is therefore recommended.

Synchronous reconstruction of bilateral osteoradionecrosis of the mandible using a single fibular osteocutaneous flap in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The reconstruction of bilateral osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of mandibular defects using a single free bone flap is rarely performed because extensively radiated neck tissue with severe fibrosis is usually unsuitable for vascularized reconstruction.

METHODS

Thirty-one patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) underwent bilateral reconstruction of advanced ORN in the mandible using a single fibular osteocutaneous flap. Clinical factors associated with the operation were assessed, including classification of mandible defects, types of recipient vessels, perioperative complications, and postoperative outcomes.

RESULTS

All of the fibular osteocutaneous flaps survived completely, with the exception of 1 inner skin paddle that presented partial necrosis in a reconstruction of through-and-through defects. All patients experienced an improvement in cosmetic results 6 months after the reconstruction, whereas 23 patients experienced improved mouth opening compared to the preoperative condition.

CONCLUSION

Advanced bilateral ORN in patients with NPC could be synchronously reconstructed with a single fibular osteocutaneous flap. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E-E, 2016.

Reconstruction with fibular osteocutaneous free flap in patients with mandibular osteoradionecrosis

Background

Osteoradionecrosis is a delayed complication from radiation therapy which causes chronic pain, infection and constant deformity after necrosis. Most of the osteoradionecrosis occurs spontaneously or after the primary oncologic surgery, dental extraction or by trauma of prosthesis. The treatment of osteoradionecrosis relies on both conservative measures and surgical measures. The fibular osteocutaneous free flap has become more popular choice for reconstruction of maxillofacial defects as a treatment of osteoradionecrosis.

Methods

We presented our experiences from 7 patients with osteoradionecrosis who have had reconstruction surgery with fibular osteocutaneous free flap at National Cancer Center during the recent 5 years. We performed segmental mandibular resection with fibular osteocutaneous free flap for all 7 patients of advanced osteoradionecrosis who were not controlled by conservative treatment such as wound irrigation, debridement, and antibiotics.

Results

A wide range of techniques were available for the reconstruction of composite defects resulted from the treatment of advanced mandibular osteoradionecrosis. Significant improvement was noted in relieving pain and treating trismus after the surgery however difficulty in swallowing and xerostomia showed less improvement.

Conclusions

We concluded that fibular osteocutaneous free flap can be performed safely in patients with osteoradionecrosis and yields positive outcomes with significantly increased success rate. The fibular osteocutaneous free flap was our preferred choice for the mandibular reconstruction due to its versatility and predictability.

Assessment of quality of life in giant ameloblastoma adolescent patients who have had mandible defects reconstructed with a free fibula flap

Background

The reconstruction of mandibular defects after giant ameloblastoma resection is one of the most challenging problems facing reconstructive surgeons. Mandibular resection has been associated with a poor quality of life (QOL), particularly in adolescent patients reconstructed with a free fibula flap. This study aims to evaluate QOL outcomes in adolescent patients who have had mandibular resections of giant ameloblastoma and reconstruction with a free fibula flap and to collect information about their socio-cultural situation.

Methods

The present study assessed 45 adolescent patients who had undergone immediate mandible reconstruction with a free fibula flap for faint ameloblastoma using University of Washington Quality of Life (UW-QOL) and 14-item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaires.

Results

Thirty-five of the 54 questionnaires were returned (64.81%). In the UW-QOL, of the twelve disease-specific domains, the best three scores from the patients related to pain, shoulder and appearance and the worst three scores related to chewing, anxiety and saliva. In the OHIP-14, the lowest-scoring domain was handicap, followed by physical pain and social disability.

Conclusions

Mandibular reconstruction with a free fibular flap significantly influenced the adolescent patients’ QOL. Adolescent patients pay more attention to postoperative facial appearance; this should be considered in surgical planning.

Reconstruction of irradiated mandible after segmental resection of osteoradionecrosis-a technique employing a microvascular latissimus dorsi flap and subsequent particulate iliac bone grafting

The fibula osteocutaneous flap has revolutionized the options of mandibular segmental defect bridging in osteoradionecrosis (ORN). In selected cases, however, the fibula flap is not an option because of atherosclerosis or other features that compromise the vascularity of the lower leg and foot. The aim of this study is to present an alternative method of mandibular segmental reconstruction employing a latissimus dorsi (LD) flap and subsequent particulate iliac free bone graft reconstruction. In 15 patients with ORN, a mandibular segmental defect was bridged with a reconstruction plate, and the defect site was primed with a LD musculocutaneous flap wrapped around the reconstruction plate to bring in vascularized tissue and optimize healing conditions for a subsequent particulate iliac free bone graft reconstruction. The management of defect closure was successful in all 15 patients. Twelve patients had a subsequent bone grafting from the posterior ileum for repair of defects up to 14 cm length. Three patients had no bone graft for various reasons. In three patients dental rehabilitation was achieved with implant supported prosthodontic appliances. Ten patients met the success criteria of uneventful graft healing with restitution of osseous continuity, mandibular height, symmetry and function, and avoidance of reconstruction plate fracture.

Use of recombinant bone morphogenetic protein 2 in free flap reconstruction for osteonecrosis of the mandible

PURPOSE

Osteoradionecrosis of the mandible is a debilitating consequence of radiation therapy for head-and-neck malignancy. It can result in pain, bone exposure, fistula formation, and pathologic fracture. Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP-2) has shown promise in reconstruction of bone defects. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the addition of rhBMP-2 at the union of vascularized bone and native bone improves surgical outcomes in patients with osteonecrosis of the mandible.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was a retrospective analysis of patients who were treated between 2006 and 2010 for osteonecrosis of the mandible. Patients requiring definitive reconstruction after failure of a course of conservative management were included. Patients were divided into 2 cohorts depending on whether rhBMP-2 was used during the reconstruction. The primary outcome measure was defined as stable mandibular union.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients were included. The development of malunion was similar in both groups (13% for rhBMP-2 group vs 11% for non-rhBMP-2 group). Infectious complications were similar between the groups (25% in rhBMP-2 group vs 56% in non-rhBMP-2 group, P = .33). The rates of hardware removal were similar for the 2 groups (33% in non-rhBMP-2 group vs 25% in rhBMP-2 group, P = .10). No cancer recurrences were observed in patients receiving rhBMP-2.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of rhBMP-2 is safe in free flap reconstruction of the mandible, but its ability to significantly improve patient outcomes, as measured by rates of malunion, reoperation, or infection, is still unknown.

A structured review of journal articles reporting outcomes using the University of Washington Quality of Life Scale

The University of Washington Quality of Life Scale (UW-QoL) is one of the most frequently reported health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) questionnaires in head and neck cancer, and since its first publication in 1993 has been used in many different cohorts. There is a considerable amount of information to assimilate and, to date, we know of no attempt that has been made to summarise publications specific to its use in a peer review journal. The aim of this review was to systematically search published papers that report its use, identify common themes, and present a tabulated summary. Several search engines were used (PubMed, Medline, Medical-Journals.com, eMedicine), and 222 abstracts were found and hand searched. A total of 66 papers were eligible for inclusion, 21 on functional outcome, 25 on predictors of HR-QoL, 19 on development or validation of the questionnaire, and one clinical trial. The review includes a diversity of studies and a range of HR-QoL outcomes following head and neck cancer. It provides clinicians and their colleagues in multidisciplinary teams with a source of quick reference to relevant papers reporting the UW-QoL, and gives a short summary of the pertinent conclusions drawn from each paper.