Marcus Vinicius Martins Collares

Comparison of inorganic bovine bone mineral particles with porous hydroxyapatite granules and cranial bone dust in the reconstruction of full-thickness skull defect.

Twenty adult rabbits were used to evaluate the biocompatibility and osteoconductivity of Bio-Oss, an inorganic bovine bone mineral, in the reconstruction of full-thickness skull defects. Skull defects were treated with either autogenous bone dust, porous hydroxyapatite granules, Bio-Oss particles, or were left untreated as controls. Histological examination of decalcified sections showed incorporation of Bio-Oss into the host tissue without a significant inflammatory reaction. Measurement of the profile area occupied by the bone revealed that Bio-Oss, hydroxyapatite, and the control had the same amount of bone ingrowth, whereas autogenous bone dust produced a greater amount of bone (p < 0.01). We conclude that Bio-Oss, like porous hydroxyapatite, has sufficient osteoconductive properties and can also be used as a bone substitute material.

The volume limitation of the galeal temporalis flap in facial augmentation

Galeal temporalis flaps based on the superficial temporal vessels have been used for facial augmentation and can be extended to the contralateral side beyond the midline in order to achieve maximum volume. In five patients, the volumes of extended galeal flaps were measured intraoperatively using a water displacement method. The calculated volume varied between 28 and 38 cm3. Experience with this flap showed satisfactory results with no complications; therefore, it is concluded that the extended galeal temporalis flap may be a first choice in the correction of facial soft tissue deficits less than 40 cm3. Clinical cases are presented.

The viability of revascularized calvarial bone graft in a pig model

This study compared the vascularity and resorption of calvarial bone flaps based on an undisturbed pedicle and on a previously (4 weeks) detached pedicle of the superficial fascia (galea) and periosteum and free calvarial bone grafts. Nine adult pigs were used, in three of which a silicone rubber compound was injected intravascularly immediately after the transfer confirmed the vascularity of both pedicled bone flaps. In six pigs, volume changes were assessed intraoperatively by a water displacement method and also 12 weeks postoperatively. Both pedicled bone flaps preserved their original volume, whereas free skull grafts showed approximately 50% of volume loss (p < 0.001). Decalcified hematoxylin and eosin sections of the specimens obtained 12 weeks postoperatively showed a normal calvarial appearance in both pedicled bone flaps and extensive fibrous tissue infiltration into free grafts. It is suggested that a previous detachment of galea and periosteum does not interfere with the use of vascularized calvarial bone graft, which may provide a more predictable result than a free bone graft.

Polymethylmethacrylate imbedded with antibiotics cranioplasty: An infection solution for moderate and large defects reconstruction

Background: In cases where autologous bone graft reconstruction is not possible (such as comminuted fractures, bone graft reabsorption, or infection) and the use of synthetic material is required, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) use is a safe and efficient solution. Studies comparing the incidence of postoperative complications between autologous and synthetic cranioplasty are heterogeneous, not allowing a conclusion of which is the best material for skull defects reconstruction. Current medical literature lacks prospective well-delineated studies with long-term follow-up that analyze the impact of antibiotic use in PMMA cranial reconstruction of moderate and large defects. Methods: A prospective series of patients, who underwent cranioplasty reconstruction with PMMA impregnated with antibiotic, were followed for 2 years. Authors collected data regarding demographic status, clinical conditions, surgical information, and its complications. Results: A total of 58 patients completed full follow-up with a mean group age of 40 years and a male predominance (77%). Major complications that required surgical management were identified in 5 patients, and 10 patients evolved with minor complications. Postoperative surgical site infection incidence was 3.2%. Conclusion: The infection rate in patients submitted to PMMA flap cranioplasty impregnated with antibiotic is significantly inferior comparing to the data described in medical literature. A lower infection incidence impacts secondary endpoints such as minimizing surgical morbidity, mortality, hospitalization period, and, consequently, costs.

Neonatal Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis Reduces Cleft Palate Width and Lengthens Soft Palate, Influencing Palatoplasty in Patients With Pierre Robin Sequence.

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of neonatal mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) on cleft dimensions and on early palatoplasty outcomes in patients with Pierre Robin Sequence (PRS). In a prospective cohort study that enrolled 24 nonsyndromic patients with PRS, 12 submitted to the MDO group and 12 patients not treated (non-MDO group), the authors compared patients for cleft palate dimensions through 7 morphometric measurements at the moment of palatoplasty and for early palatoplasty outcomes. At palatoplasty, the MDO group presented a significant shorter distance between the posterior nasal spines (PNS–PNS, Pu200a<u200a0.001) and between uvular bases (UB–UB, Pu200a<u200a0.001), representing a reduction in cleft palate width. They also had significant soft palate lengthening represented by a larger distance between UB and retromolar space (UB–RM, Pu200a<u200a0.001) and UB and PNS (UB–PNS, Pu200a=u200a0.014). Their UB moved away from the posterior wall of the nasopharynx (UB–NPH, Pu200a<u200a0.001). The MDO group had a length of operative time significantly shorter (Pu200a<u200a0.001) and no early palatoplasty complications compared with the non-MDO group. In conclusion, MDO acted as an orthopedic procedure that reduced cleft palate width and elongated the soft palate in patients with PRS. These modifications enabled a reduction of around 11% in the length of operative time of palatoplasty (Pu200a<u200a0.001).

Surgical management of a projectile within the temporomandibular joint.

AbstractFacial gunshot wounds pose a challenge for head and neck surgeons as it is usually accompanied by significant soft and bone tissue loss and impairment of the stomatognathic system. This article reports the case of a patient who had sustained facial gunshot wound and had the projectile lodged at the upper disk space of the right-side temporomandibular joint, which caused mandible function impairment and pain. The projectile was surgically removed via endaural access, and the patient was later submitted to physiotherapy. After treatment, the function of the joint was reestablished, the pain disappeared, and the aesthetics results were considered excellent, with no sequels. The surgical removal of the projectile of the temporomandibular joint combined with the postsurgical physiotherapy showed to be an efficient treatment to the present case.

A well developed alveolabial sulcus of the intermaxilla in a complete bilateral cleft lip and palate.

An uncommon well developed alveolabial sulcus in a baby born with a complete bilateral cleft lip and palate is presented. The possible embryonic explanation for this extremely rare finding is discussed.

Respiratory Polysomnographic Findings in Patients Treated Primarily for Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate

Cleft lip and palate (CLP) is the most common congenital craniofacial abnormality. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a highly prevalent but underdiagnosed disease and is frequently associated with craniofacial anomalies. There are few studies describing the sleep breathing pattern of children with CLP. This study sought to characterize the respiratory profile of 23 children with unilateral cleft lip and palate, aged 7-12 years, who had undergone cleft lip and nasal repair at age 3-4 months and palatoplasty at 12-15 months, with a particular focus on evaluating the presence of OSAS in children with CLP. Polysomnography was performed and findings were analyzed descriptively. We found a mean and median for apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) of 1.11/h (SD = 0.78) and 0.9/h, respectively. The mean obstructive apnea index (OAI) was 0.27/h (SD = 0.38) and the median, 0.1/h. Nearly 30% of patients had an AHI above 1.4 events/h. There was no significant oxyhemoglobin desaturation in the study group. In this group, the prevalence of OSAS was higher than in noncleft populations when compared to the normality values adopted. This sample of patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate exhibited an increased prevalence of OSAS during the mixed dentition stage. Although the results showed that OSAS was mild, we advise closer observation of these patients. Polysomnography is recommended for the assessment of children with airway abnormalities, to individualize the extent of treatment.

Cleft lip and palate: evaluation of the psychological impact using the Rosenberg self-esteem scale

Introduction: Cleft lip and palate is the most frequent malformation of the head region and affects more than 10 million people worldwide. This study aims at evaluating the selfesteem in patients with cleft lip and palate and comparing that with the self-esteem of non-affected individuals during followup at the Department of Craniomaxillofacial Plastic Surgery of the Hospital de Clínicas of Porto Alegre. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, contemporary study with 160 participants, comprising 80 patients with cleft lip and palate who have already undergone surgical procedures for correcting the condition and 80 non-affected students and employees of the publicschool system as a control group. We used a questionnaire to characterize the group and the Rosenberg self-esteem scale for data collection. Results: There was a significant difference between groups in terms of marital status, schooling, and school retention. Patients with a cleft lip and palate had lower levels of self-esteem than non-affected individuals. Among them, the individuals with bilateral clefts or complete clefts; female gender; economic strata of D/E; low level of schooling; families reconstituted during childhood; and with unsatisfactory results concerning communication, dentition, and lip scar also showed lower levels of self-esteem. Conclusion: There was a significant relationship between cleft lip and palate and low self-esteem. ■ ABSTRACT

Evaluation of Max Pereira alar reconstruction technique modification in the total nasal reconstruction protocol of the Hospital of Clinics of Porto Alegre

1 Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. 2 Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. Conflicts of interest: none. Introduction: Nasal reconstruction is the oldest plastic surgery technique. The nasal anatomy is complex and requires an association of techniques for the restoration of function and adequate nasal esthetics. Pereira et al. described a technique that allows total nasal reconstruction of the alar cartilage through the use of an auricular cartilage graft, with minimal deformity secondary to the donor site. The objective of the present study is to present a modification, by Collares et al., of the technique described above, which allows the reconstruction of another anatomical region of the nose without increasing morbidity, and its insertion into the total nasal reconstruction protocol of Hospital de Clínicas of Porto Alegre. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted. We evaluated technique modification in 10 patients who underwent total nasal reconstructions. Results: After examining the 10 patients who were treated with the modified total nasal reconstruction protocol at the Hospital de Clínicas of Porto Alegre, we observed an improvement in the nose shape and internal nasal valve with preservation of function, without sequelae secondary to auricular graft removal. Conclusion: In this case series, the modification of the Max Pereira technique resulted in adequate aestheticfunctional treatment when implemented in the total nasal reconstruction protocol of the Hospital de Clínicas of Porto Alegre, without increasing the morbidity in the donor area. ■ ABSTRACT