The Impact of Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis on Cephalometric Measurements in Infants with Pierre Robin Sequence

BACKGROUND

The obstruction of the upper airway (UAO) in infants diagnosed with Robin Sequence (RS) is caused by micrognathia, and in severe cases, it can result in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) is a secure and efficient remedy for significant UAO. However, there is insufficient data on the related cephalometric changes. Therefore, this study meticulously analyzes the mandibular cephalometric changes in infants with RS who have undergone MDO using internal devices. The aim is to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the short- and long-term impacts of distraction on the mandible.

METHODS

The study examined 73 consecutive cases of mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) performed by a single surgeon. Preoperative and postoperative lateral cephalograms, as well as CT scans of the mandible, were utilized to assess population averages for both time points. A two-sample T-Test with equal variance was used for this analysis.

RESULTS

After the MDO procedure, 19 out of 21 cephalometric parameters exhibited significant morphological changes. On average, there were notable improvements of 20.3 mm (60.7%) in length, 9.8 mm (49.7%) in height, 12.6 mm (36.1%) in width, and 211% in airway parameters. However, most parameters showed only mild regression at the time of device removal and 6 to 12 months post-MDO. Nonetheless, the cephalometric parameters remained significantly improved compared to the preoperative measurements.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of cephalometric measurement is a potent approach that provides a clear and measurable understanding of how MDO influences both immediate and long-term growth of the mandible. This quantitative assessment of the effects of mandibular distraction allows for the refinement of surgical techniques and the optimization of outcomes. Therefore, incorporating cephalometric measurements in the evaluation of patients undergoing MDO can lead to better surgical planning and more favorable results.

Applying Tumescent solution for preserving the facial nerve in parotidectomy

BACKGROUND

Facial nerve palsy is one of the most common complications in parotid gland surgery. This report evaluates the effectiveness of applying Tumescent solution for preserving the facial nerve in parotidectomy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Prospective and descriptive clinical study on 34 patients undergoing parotidectomy with facial nerve preservation. Before skin incision, 5-10 min, we injected 100-200 ml of the Tumescent solution into the surgical area. We recorded the surgical method, tumor size, length of surgery, pathological results and facial nerve dysfunction. All patients were followed for a period ranging from 6 to 24 months.

RESULTS

There were 14 patients with malignant tumors and 20 patients with benign tumors. The length of surgery lasted from 90 to 180 min, with an average of 126.8 min. The number of patients having temporary facial paralysis was 22 cases (64.7%), recovery time ranged from 1 week to 6 months, and no permanent facial paralysis cases were recorded. The clinical occurrence of Frey's syndrome was five cases (14.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

The application of Tumescent solution for preserving facial nerves in parotidectomy could minimize nerve injury and shorten the length of surgery.

A giant adenomatoid odontogenic tumor of the mandible: A case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

An adenomatoid odontogenic tumor is a rare medical condition. Large tumor (or several) often appears in the maxillae. In a minority of cases, the tumor(s) appear in the mandible.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report on a case of a 24-year-old female diagnosed with a mandibular adenomatoid odontogenic tumor, a giant tumor measuring approximately 22 × 25 × 17 cm. The tumor was located on the side of the mandible, causing facial deformity, malnutrition, and hemorrhaging. We assessed the patient's overall condition, carried out a resection of the tumor and mandible from the right condyle to the left mandibular angle, and reconstructed the mandibular defect with a fibula free flap. After the treatment, the patient was followed up for 1 year, with no recurrence detected over this period.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Because adenomatoid odontogenic tumors are benign odontogenic lesions, which are painless and slow-growing, most are surgically removed or treated conservatively. However, the above treatment measures cannot be applied in the case of a giant tumor that causes facial deformity, destroys the entire jawbone, and has complications such as hemorrhaging and malnutrition. After the tumor resection, the defect is still significant. Accordingly, reconstruction using a microsurgical bone flap is an effective method instead.

CONCLUSION

Large adenomatoid odontogenic tumors in the mandible are rare, and treatment cannot follow conventional methods. Accordingly, defect reconstruction after tumor resection is essential.

An anatomic study of the perforators from the peroneal artery. A new method to locate the cutaneous perforator

Background

The goal of this study was to investigate the anatomy of the perforators from the peroneal artery in Vietnamese patients.

Methods

30 cadaver's legs were dissected and investigated for the distribution, course, origin, number and types of perforators of the peroneal artery. The locations of the exit points on the skin of perforators were marked in relation to reference points and segments.

Results

The total number of cutaneous perforating branches of the peroneal artery from 30 specimens was 149, which included 63 (42.2%) musculocutaneous perforators and 86 (57.8%) septocutaneous perforators. In most cases, the perforator branches were located in the range from 4 to 7 of the total fibula length (69.8%). The average number of perforating vessels in a leg was 4.9, ranging from 1 to 8 vessels. All the perforators were positioned behind the posterior border of the peroneal bone. In all the dissected samples presented, there was always one cutaneous perforator within a distance of 18 mm from the F point, which is the junction between the 6/10 and 7/10 segments at the posterior border of the fibular bone.

Conclusion

The abundance of cutaneous perforators in Vietnamese patients can be used to plan various combined skin and bone flaps. A cutaneous perforator was consistently found near the F point, and this factor can be used in the planning of a bone flap with accompanying skin for monitoring survival of the underlying fibular bone flap.

Multiple Symmetric Lipomatosis: Lipectomy for Madelung Collar

Multiple symmetric lipomatosis (MSL) is a rare disease associated with metabolic disorders and alcoholism. In this report, we describe the clinical outcome and surgical protocol for eight men with Madelung collar who underwent treatment in a craniofacial and plastic surgery facility in Hanoi, Vietnam, between May 2018 and December 2020. We discuss the patients' clinical symptoms, subclinical signs, epidemiology, magnetic resonance imaging, computerized tomography, surgical protocol, complications, and postoperative indicators that we collected and evaluated. Each patient underwent surgery in two stages (i.e., in supine and prone positions). We injected a tumescent solution 10 min before the incision. Two surgeons performed each operation simultaneously. After surgery, we followed the patients for 6-27 months. All of the patients had a history of long-time alcohol abuse and had associated comorbidities that included liver disease, blood disorders, restricted neck movement, and orthopnea. We did not have to open the trachea or transfuse blood during any of the surgical procedures. Postoperatively, all patients were satisfied with their functional results and aesthetic appearance. One patient experienced a recurrence of his MSL. We believe our surgical protocol provides optimal results for patients with MSL and Madelung collar.