Skeletal Changes of an Osteomyocutaneous Facial Allograft Five Years Following Transplantation

Long-term skeletal, cephalometric, and volumetric changes in two Helsinki bimaxillary face transplant patients

Analysis of skeletal, cephalometric, and volumetric changes and occlusion during long-term follow-up was performed for two patients who underwent bimaxillary facial transplantation (FT). The study material consisted of the follow-up data of two bimaxillary composite FT performed in Helsinki University Hospital, one in 2016 and the other in 2018. Serial three-dimensional computed tomography scans obtained during follow-up (6 years for patient 1, 4 years for patient 2) were analyzed. The position of the maxilla remained stable in both patients. At 4 and 6 years, the changes in the anterior maxilla were ≤1 mm, while the anterior mandible had moved 2.6-4 mm anteriorly and the mandibular midline 0.4-3.7 mm to the left side. Patient 1 underwent re-osteosynthesis 4 months after transplantation due to mandibular non-union. Patient 2 had a sagittal mandibular osteotomy at 15 months after FT due to lateral crossbite and tension created by temporomandibular joint rotation. Thereafter both patients had a stable occlusion. A continuous bone volume reduction in the mandible was noticed in both patients (6% and 9% reduction of the transplanted volume). The volume of the transplanted maxilla decreased during the early postoperative period but increased back to the original transplanted volume during the follow-up.

Long-term outcomes and future challenges in face transplantation

Face transplant (FT) has emerged as a groundbreaking option for patients with severe facial deformities, resulting from congenital disorders, trauma, or tumor ablation. Although reconstructive surgery has made significant strides, the challenges of restoring both form and function remain, particularly in centrally located defects. This review explored the long-term outcomes of FT, addressing its challenges and potential pitfalls. A systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines was conducted, encompassing articles published in English from November 2005 to January 2023, which were searched across PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases. Keywords included "face transplant," "face transplant outcomes," and "face transplant long-term." Data on surgical teams, patient demographics, transplant specifics, rejection episodes, additional surgeries, and patient-reported outcomes were extracted and analyzed. In total, 34 articles met the inclusion criteria. Over the 2 decades, 48 FT procedures were performed, with 23 patients followed for at least 3 years. Predominantly, patients were men (80%), averaging 31 years in age. Ballistic trauma (44.6%) and burns (25.5%) were common causes of injury. Chronic rejection emerged as a significant concern, leading to graft loss and necessitating retransplantation in 2 patients. Additional surgical procedures were often required. FT offers a remarkable solution for individuals with extensive facial disfigurement. Successful outcomes depend on factors, such as patient selection, multidisciplinary collaboration, psychiatric evaluation, and post-operative care. Nevertheless, challenges persist, including the need for lifelong immunosuppression and risk of chronic rejection. Although FT has transformed lives, continued success in this evolving field hinges on the ongoing research and vigilant patient management.

Virtual 3D planning and prediction accuracy in two bimaxillary face transplantations in Helsinki

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to describe the 3D planning process used in our two composite face transplantations and to analyze the accuracy of a virtual transplantation in predicting the end-result of face transplantation.

METHODS

The study material consists of two bimaxillary composite face transplantations performed in the Helsinki University Hospital in 2016 and 2018. Computed tomography (CT) scans of the recipient and donor were used to define the osteotomy lines and perform the virtual face transplantation and to 3D print customized osteotomy guides for recipient and donor. Differences between cephalometric linear and angular measurements of the virtually simulated and the actual postoperative face transplantation were calculated.

RESULTS

No changes to the planned osteotomy lines were needed during surgery. The differences in skeletal linear and angular measurements of the virtually simulated predictions and the actual postoperative face transplantations of the two patients varied between 0.1-5.6 mm and 0.7°-4°. The postoperative skeletal relationship between maxilla and mandible in both patients were almost identical in comparison to the predictions.

CONCLUSIONS

3D planning is feasible and provides close to accurate bone reconstruction in face transplantation. Preoperative virtual transplantation assists planning and improves the outcome in bimaxillary face transplantation.

Long-term Outcomes After Facial Allotransplantation: Systematic Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Facial vascularized composite allotransplantation (fVCA) represents a reconstructive approach that enables superior improvements in functional and esthetic restoration compared with conventional craniomaxillofacial reconstruction. Outcome reports of fVCA are usually limited to short-term follow-up or single-center experiences. We merge scientific literature on reported long-term outcome data to better define the risks and benefits of fVCA.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review of PubMed/MEDLINE databases in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. English full-text articles providing data on at least 1 unique fVCA patient, with ≥3 years follow-up, were included.

RESULTS

The search yielded 1812 articles, of which 28 were ultimately included. We retrieved data on 23 fVCA patients with mean follow-up of 5.3 years. More than half of the patients showed improved quality of life, eating, speech, and motor and sensory function following fVCA. On average, the patients had 1 acute cell-mediated rejection and infectious episode per year. The incidence rates of acute rejection and infectious complications were high within first-year posttransplant but declined thereafter. Sixty-five percent of the patients developed at least 1 neoplastic or metabolic complication after transplantation. Chronic vascular rejection was confirmed in 2 patients, leading to allograft loss after 8 and 9 years. Two patient deaths occurred 3.5 and 10.5 years after transplant due to suicide and lung cancer, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Allograft functionality and improvements in quality of life suggest a positive risk-benefit ratio for fVCA. Recurrent acute rejection episodes, chronic rejection, immunosuppression-related complications, and heterogeneity in outcome reporting present ongoing challenges in this field.

The past the present and the future of face transplantation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Face transplantation represents vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) organ and became one of the most rewarding reconstructive options for severely disfigured patients. This review summarizes the past, current and future challenges of face transplantation, based on our experience and literature reports.

RECENT FINDINGS

In 2005, first partial face transplantation was reported by French team. In 2008, we have performed the US first near-total face transplantation. Currently, more than 40 face transplant cases were reported worldwide. Based on the outcomes of our three patients and the literature reports, face transplantation improved aesthetics, function and the quality of life of face transplant patients. However, there are still many challenges encountered including the side effects of immunosuppressive protocols, the psychological and social problems as well as the financial challenges which need to be address in the near future to maintain face transplantation in the armamentarium of reconstructive surgery.

SUMMARY

Currently, feasibility of face transplantation was confirmed; however, the life-long immunosuppressive protocols bearing serious side effects are still required to prevent face rejection. Thus, for the future of face and other VCA, novel approaches of cell-based therapies or engineered scaffolds should be developed to make face transplantation safer.