Palatomaxillary reconstruction with titanium mesh and radial forearm flap

Long-term Effect of Individualized Titanium Mesh in Orbital Floor Reconstruction After Maxillectomy

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the clinical outcomes and long-term stability of individualized titanium mesh combined with free flap for orbital floor reconstruction after maxillectomy and to identify the risk factors for titanium mesh exposure.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The data of 66 patients who underwent maxillectomy and orbital floor defect reconstruction by individualized titanium mesh in Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology between 2011 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Postoperative ophthalmic function and success of aesthetic restoration were assessed. Titanium mesh exposure was recorded and the risk factors were identified.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up was for 24.8 months (range, 6-92 months). Ophthalmic function was successfully restored in 63/66 patients. Aesthetic restoration was not considered satisfactory by 10 patients. Titanium mesh exposure occurred in six patients (exposure rate, 9.1%). Preoperative radiotherapy was identified as an independent risk factor for mesh exposure (OR = 28.8, P = 0.006). Previous surgery, postoperative radiotherapy, pathological type of the primary lesion, the type of tissue flap applied, and the use of intraoperative navigation were not significant risk factors. Six patients with titanium mesh exposure underwent second surgery, but mesh exposure recurred in two patients due to insufficient soft tissue coverage.

CONCLUSION

Individualized titanium mesh with free flap can effectively restore maxilla-orbital defects. Preoperative radiotherapy is an independent predictor of postoperative titanium mesh exposure. Adequate soft tissue coverage of the mesh may reduce the risk of mesh exposure.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 4 (case-control study) Laryngoscope, 2021.

Outcomes of Zygomatic Complex Reconstruction With Patient-Specific Titanium Mesh Using Computer-Assisted Techniques

PURPOSE

Zygomatic complex defects after extensive maxillectomy can cause severe esthetic and functional deformities. Patient-specific titanium mesh fabricated using a computer-assisted technique is a promising method for such midface reconstruction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the application and clinical outcomes of this technique.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective study that included 9 patients with zygomatic complex defects after extensive maxillectomy from 2015 through 2017 at the authors' institution. A 3-dimensional stereo model was obtained based on mirror images of the unaffected side to fabricate a patient-specific titanium mesh using computer-assisted design and manufacturing. Titanium mesh was used to restore the contour of the zygomatic complex with free flap reconstruction after tumor resection. Anterolateral thigh flaps were used in 8 cases and a myocutaneous fibula flap was used in 1 case. Symmetry of the zygomatic complex was evaluated by measuring the zygomatic eminence on the postoperative computed tomogram, and complications were recorded during follow-up visits. Facial symmetry was self-evaluated and scored.

RESULTS

Mean duration for follow-up was 27.3 months (range, 15 to 39 months). Mean deviation of the zygomatic eminence between the reconstructed and unaffected sides was 1.4 ± 0.5 mm. No significant difference was noted in the zygomatic eminence between the reconstructed and unaffected sides (P = .591). Titanium mesh exposure occurred in only 1 patient after radiotherapy. There were no other remarkable complications. All patients were satisfied with their postoperative facial symmetry.

CONCLUSION

Patient-specific titanium mesh fabricated using a computer-assisted technique was an alternative option for extensive zygomatic complex reconstruction, resulting in acceptable clinical outcomes. A study with a larger sample and long-term follow-up is needed for the observation of long-term outcomes and risk of titanium mesh-related complications.

Reconstruction of Midface and Orbital Wall Defects After Maxillectomy and Orbital Content Preservation With Titanium Mesh and Fascia Lata: 3-Year Follow-Up

PURPOSE

To describe the authors' experience in the reconstruction of patients after total maxillectomy with preservation of orbital contents for maxillary tumors using titanium mesh and autogenous fascia lata, where no setting for free flap reconstruction is available.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twelve consecutive patients with paranasal sinus tumors underwent total maxillectomy without orbital exenterations and primary reconstruction. The defects were reconstructed by titanium mesh in combination with autogenous fascia lata in the orbital floor performed by 1 surgical team. Titanium mesh (0.2 mm thick) was contoured and fixed to reconstruct the orbital floor and obtain midface projection. Fascia lata was used to cover the titanium mesh along the orbital floor to prevent fat entrapment in the mesh holes.

RESULTS

The most common pathology was squamous cell carcinoma (50%). Patients' mean age was 45.66 years (33 to 74 yr). The mean follow-up period was 35.2 months (30 to 49 months). During follow-up, no infection or foreign body reaction was encountered. Extrusion of titanium mesh occurred in 4 patients who underwent postoperative radiotherapy. Two cases of mild diplopia at extreme gaze occurred early during the postoperative period that resolved after a few months.

CONCLUSION

Placing fascia lata between the titanium mesh surface of the orbital implant and the orbital contents was successful in preventing long-term diplopia or dystopia. Nevertheless, exposure of the titanium implant through the skin surface represented a complication of this technique in 25% of patients. Further studies are required with head-to-head comparisons of artificial materials and free flaps for reconstruction of maxillectomy defects.

Outcomes of Orbital Floor Reconstruction After Extensive Maxillectomy Using the Computer-Assisted Fabricated Individual Titanium Mesh Technique

PURPOSE

Orbital floor defects after extensive maxillectomy can cause severe esthetic and functional deformities. Orbital floor reconstruction using the computer-assisted fabricated individual titanium mesh technique is a promising method. This study evaluated the application and clinical outcomes of this technique.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included 10 patients with orbital floor defects after maxillectomy performed from 2012 through 2014. A 3-dimensional individual stereo model based on mirror images of the unaffected orbit was obtained to fabricate an anatomically adapted titanium mesh using computer-assisted design and manufacturing. The titanium mesh was inserted into the defect using computer navigation. The postoperative globe projection and orbital volume were measured and the incidence of postoperative complications was evaluated.

RESULTS

The average postoperative globe projection was 15.91 ± 1.80 mm on the affected side and 16.24 ± 2.24 mm on the unaffected side (P = .505), and the average postoperative orbital volume was 26.01 ± 1.28 and 25.57 ± 1.89 mL, respectively (P = .312). The mean mesh depth was 25.11 ± 2.13 mm. The mean follow-up period was 23.4 ± 7.7 months (12 to 34 months). Of the 10 patients, 9 did not develop diplopia or a decrease in visual acuity and ocular motility. Titanium mesh exposure was not observed in any patient. All patients were satisfied with their postoperative facial symmetry.

CONCLUSION

Orbital floor reconstruction after extensive maxillectomy with an individual titanium mesh fabricated using computer-assisted techniques can preserve globe projection and orbital volume, resulting in successful clinical outcomes.

Maxillary reconstruction: Current concepts and controversies

Maxillary reconstruction is still an evolving art when compared to the reconstruction of the mandible. The defects of maxilla apart from affecting the functions of the speech, swallowing and mastication also cause cosmetic disfigurement. Rehabilitation of the form and function in patients with maxillary defects is either by using an obturator prosthesis or by a surgical reconstruction. Literature is abundant with a variety of reconstructive methods. The classification systems are also varied, with no universal acceptance of any one of them. The oncologic safety of these procedures is still debated, and conclusive evidence in this regard has not emerged yet. Management of the orbit is also not yet addressed properly. Tissue engineering, that has been hyped to be one of the possible solutions for this vexing reconstructive problem, has not come out with reliable and reproducible results so far. This review article discusses the rationale and oncological safety of the reconstructing the maxillary defects, critically analyzes the classification systems, offers the different reconstructive methods and touches upon the controversies in this subject. The management of the retained and exenterated orbit associated with maxillectomy is reviewed. The surgical morbidity, complications and the recent advances in this field are also looked into. An algorithm, based on our experience, is presented.

Maxillary reconstruction using vascularized fibular osteomyocutaneous flap and iliac bone through modified lateral lip-submandibular approach

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to demonstrate total maxillary reconstruction using 1 vascularized fibular osteomyocutaneous flap segment alone and nonvascularized iliac crest bone through the modified lateral lip-submandibular approach. At the same time, three-dimensional virtual technology was performed as well.

METHODS

Nine patients suffering from total maxillary defects, who had undergone maxillary reconstruction using 1 vascularized fibular osteomyocutaneous flap segment and nonvascularized iliac bone through the modified lateral lip-submandibular approach, were reviewed for this study. Before the surgery, patients' computed tomography scan data were virtually analyzed using SimPlant Pro software (version 11.04).

RESULTS

Healing courses were uneventful in all patients; acceptable maxillomandibular relationship, mouth opening, and speech were assessed as normal in all. There were no long-term functional limitations of the lower limb, even though all complain of dysfunction of the first toe, which developed the deformity of the claw toe in the end. Other complications did not occur such as diplopia, ectropion, flap necrosis, facial paralysis, and sensory numbness in the lower lip.

CONCLUSIONS

The maxillary reconstruction using 1 vascularized fibular osteomyocutaneous flap segment and nonvascularized iliac crest bone through the modified lateral lip-submandibular approach is a feasible and acceptable technique because of multiple advantages. Combined with the three-dimensional virtual technology, the technique can improve the postoperative outcomes.

Reconstruction of high maxillectomy defects with the fibula osteomyocutaneous flap in combination with titanium mesh or a zygomatic implant

BACKGROUND

This retrospective review examined the authors' patients who underwent reconstruction of high maxillectomy defects with fibula osteomyocutaneous flaps in combination with titanium mesh or a zygomatic implant. Outcome assessments included aesthetic, speech, and masticatory function.

METHODS

Twenty patients who underwent reconstruction of high maxillectomy defects with fibula osteomyocutaneous flaps in combination with titanium mesh (n = 19) or a zygomatic implant (n = 1) were reviewed. The fibula was fashioned to recreate the alveolar ridge and pterygomaxillary buttress, and the skin paddle was applied to restore the palate and nasal airway. The anterior wall of the maxilla and the orbital floor were reconstructed with titanium mesh in 19 patients. In four patients with extensive soft-tissue defects, a radial forearm flap was combined to restore missing soft tissue. Aesthetics, speech, and masticatory function were evaluated postoperatively.

RESULTS

Nine patients underwent immediate maxillary reconstruction and 11 patients underwent secondary reconstruction. The overall success rate of 24 flaps was 95.8 percent. The exposure rate for titanium mesh and the oronasal fistula rate were both 10.5 percent. The average length of follow-up was 34.7 months. Recurrence occurred in only one patient, who died as a result of the disease. Ten patients received implant-borne prostheses or removable partial dentures. Excellent or good cosmesis and intelligible speech were noted in 19 patients. All patients were ultimately able to tolerate a regular or soft diet.

CONCLUSIONS

Reconstruction of high maxillectomy defects with the fibula osteomyocutaneous flap in combination with titanium mesh or a zygomatic implant is a feasible and acceptable option with a high success rate, a low complication rate, excellent postoperative cosmesis, and well-accepted function.