Aldo Bruno Giannì

Oral lichen planus and malignant transformation: a longitudinal cohort study.

OBJECTIVE Oral lichen planus (OLP) is associated with risk for developing oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). We performed a 7-year prospective study to assess the incidence of malignant transformation of OLP among adults. STUDY DESIGN Three hundred twenty-seven OLP patients, 229 women (70.0%) and 98 men (30.0%), were observed during the follow-up period. RESULTS During a mean follow-up of 81.7 months, 8 of 327 patients developed an OSCC in OLP areas (0.36%/y), yielding the high overall standardized incidence ratio of 17.7 (95% confidence interval [CI] 8.8-35.3). The standardized incidence ratio for OSCC was significantly higher in women [27.0 (95% CI 11.2-64.8)] than in men [11.2 (95% CI 3.6-34.9)]. Six OSCCs were well differentiated (75%) and 2 moderately differentiated (25%). Three subjects (37.5%) developed recurrences within 2 years (mean 16.1 ± 3.5 months). Disease-free survival rate after 69.8 months was 97.3%. CONCLUSIONS OLP was associated with a significant increase in the risk for OSCC. Close surveillance may help to reduce the morbidity of OSCC arising from OLP at 24 months.

Cheek mucosa: A versatile donor site of myomucosal flaps. Technical and functional considerations

Reconstruction of moderate‐sized mucosal defects of the oral cavity/oropharynx represents a surgical challenge. The most widely used reconstructive techniques are skin grafts, local or regional pedicled flaps, and free flaps, but they do not provide mucosal sensitivity, mobility, volume, or texture similar to that of native tissue. The cheek myomucosal flaps seem to provide “ideal reconstruction” because they carry a thin, mobile, well‐vascularized, and sensitive tissue, like those excised or lost. The purpose of this retrospective analysis was to evaluate the indications for the advantages and disadvantages of 6 types of buccinator myomucosal flaps which are possible to raise from the cheek mucosa.

Is neck dissection needed in squamous-cell carcinoma of the maxillary gingiva, alveolus, and hard palate? A multicentre Italian study of 65 cases and literature review

The occurrence of occult cervical metastases due to squamous-cell carcinoma of the hard palate and maxillary alveolar ridge has not been studied systematically. We have observed that many patients return with a delayed cervical metastasis following resection of a primary cancer at these sites. Some of these patients have died as a result of a regional or distant metastasis, despite control of the primary cancer. The literature contains few recommendations to guide the treatment of maxillary squamous-cell carcinoma; prospective studies are difficult due to the rarity of such tumours. The aim of this study is to define the incidence of cervical metastasis and to investigate whether elective neck dissection is justified. We present a retrospective multicentre study of 65 patients with squamous-cell carcinomas of the maxillary alveolar ridge and hard palate and review of the existing literature. The overall incidence of cervical metastases was 21%. We evaluated the significance of primary-site tumours as indicator of regional disease. The maxillary squamous-cell carcinoma cases in our multicentre study and in the literature review exhibited aggressive regional metastatic behaviour, comparable with that of carcinomas of the tongue, mouth floor, and mandibular gingiva. Based on our findings, we recommend selective neck dissection in clinically negative necks as a primary management strategy for patients with maxillary squamous-cell carcinomas involving the palate, maxillary gingiva, or maxillary alveolus.

Prevention and treatment of postoperative infections after sinus elevation surgery: clinical consensus and recommendations.

Introduction. Maxillary sinus surgery is a reliable and predictable treatment option for the prosthetic rehabilitation of the atrophic maxilla. Nevertheless, these interventions are not riskless of postoperative complications with respect to implant positioning in pristine bone. Aim. The aim of this paper is to report the results of a clinical consensus of experts (periodontists, implantologists, maxillofacial surgeons, ENT, and microbiology specialists) on several clinical questions and to give clinical recommendations on how to prevent, diagnose, and treat postoperative infections. Materials and Methods. A panel of experts in different fields of dentistry and medicine, after having reviewed the available literature on the topic and taking into account their long-standing clinical experience, gave their response to a series of clinical questions and reached a consensus. Results and Conclusion. The incidence of postop infections is relatively low (2%–5.6%). A multidisciplinary approach is advisable. A list of clinical recommendation are given.

FAMM flap reconstruction of the inferior lip vermilion: Surgery during early infancy

The lips are complex, laminated structures consisting of skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscle, submucosa and mucosa. Clearly when the lip is lost through injury or disease, it presents a complex reconstructive challenge. The facial artery muscular mucosal flap (FAMM), harvested from lateral cheek, is a composite flap with many features which make it an excellent option for lip and vermilion reconstruction. The authors present a review of literature and a case of a 2-year-old girl with medial lower-lip vermilion avulsion, reconstructed with a FAMM flap.

3D-Printed Scaffolds and Biomaterials: Review of Alveolar Bone Augmentation and Periodontal Regeneration Applications

To ensure a successful dental implant therapy, the presence of adequate vertical and horizontal alveolar bone is fundamental. However, an insufficient amount of alveolar ridge in both dimensions is often encountered in dental practice due to the consequences of oral diseases and tooth loss. Although postextraction socket preservation has been adopted to lessen the need for such invasive approaches, it utilizes bone grafting materials, which have limitations that could negatively affect the quality of bone formation. To overcome the drawbacks of routinely employed grafting materials, bone graft substitutes such as 3D scaffolds have been recently investigated in the dental field. In this review, we highlight different biomaterials suitable for 3D scaffold fabrication, with a focus on “3D-printed” ones as bone graft substitutes that might be convenient for various applications related to implant therapy. We also briefly discuss their possible adoption for periodontal regeneration.

Mandibular movements at maximum mouth opening and EMG activity of masticatory and neck muscles in patients rehabilitated after a mandibular condyle fracture

OBJECTIVE To assess rotation and translation movements of the mandible at maximum mouth opening in a group of patients successfully rehabilitated after condylar fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using a three-dimensional motion analyser, free movements of mouth opening were recorded in nine patients, and divided into their rotation and gliding components. Surface electromyography (EMG) of the masticatory and sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscles was performed during maximum voluntary teeth clenching (MVC). Data were compared with those collected in healthy adults. RESULTS At maximum mouth opening, the total displacement of the mandibular interincisor point was 86% of reference value (p>0.05, Students t test), with a reduced vertical displacement (84% of reference value, p=0.012). Percentage mandibular rotation was significantly larger in patients (82%) than in reference subjects (77%, p=0.005). During MVC, patients had more asymmetric EMG potentials (p=0.018), with greater mandibular torque (p<0.001), and reduced co-contraction of SCM (p=0.003). EMG indices were used to formulate an overall performance score that was related to the characteristics of mouth opening (r=0.557). CONCLUSION Notwithstanding a good recovery in the total mandibular movement, the rotation/translation components of mouth opening were modified. The overall EMG performance score could be used to predict the characteristics of mandibular motion.

Mandibular kinematics after orthognathic surgical treatment. A pilot study

We recorded three-dimensional mandibular movements, while the mouth was being opened and closed, using an optoelectronic motion analyser in 14 patients (5 skeletal Class II, 9 skeletal Class III) who were being assessed 7-49 months after orthognathic operations, and in 44 healthy subjects. All 14 patients had satisfactory healing on clinical examination, and function had been restored. Mandibular movement was divided into its rotational and translational components. On maximum mouth opening, the patients had significantly less total displacement of the mandibular interincisor point (p=0.05), and more mandibular movement that was explained by pure condylar rotation (p=0.006), than control subjects. There was no significant relation between maximum mouth opening and percentage rotation. While mandibular motion was well restored clinically by orthognathic surgery, the kinematics of the joint were modified. Larger studies and longitudinal investigations are necessary to appreciate the clinical relevance of the variations in condylar rotational and translational components.

RECOVERY OF INFRAORBITAL NERVE FUNCTION AFTER ZYGOMATICOMAXILLARY CHEEK PEDICLED FLAP

The zygomaticomaxillary cheek pedicled flap (ZMCF) involves the intentional section of the infraorbital nerve to reflect the flap laterally in order to give access to the rhinopharynx, clivus and upper cervical spine. The aim of this trial was to examine the recovery of sensation of the infraorbital nerve, both quantitatively (touch sensation, localisation test, two-point discrimination) and qualitatively (sharp/blunt test, temperature sensation, pain sensitivity, dental sensitivity) in 7 patients, at least 12 months after surgery. In each patient, four cutaneous areas (lower eyelid, nose ala, upper lip, cheek) and the upper vestibulum were tested. Results of each test in all the examined areas were evaluated and compared with the data obtained on the nonoperated side (control side). Results of neurosensory tests indicated good recovery of sensation with little difference in comparison with the control side, showing that the functional consequence of ZMCF should actually be considered only as a transitory event.

Congenital teratoma of the cheek: report of a case

An atypical teratoma resembling a breast-like malformation of the cheek is described.