Pier Francesco Nocini

Sliding Genioplasty Using Fresh-Frozen Bone Allografts

OBJECTIVE To present our experience in the use of fresh-frozen human bone allograft as an interpositional grafting material for sliding genioplasty to correct chin deformities. METHODS Ten patients underwent sliding genioplasty using morcellized and corticospongious fresh-frozen human bone. Four patients underwent orthognathic surgery associated with genioplasty. Six patient underwent genioplasty associated with rhinoplasty. Panorex, lateral, and frontal cephalogram and computed tomographic scans have been performed for each case preoperatively and 12 months after surgery. One patient subsequently asked for plate removal, and with his consent, a bone biopsy specimen was obtained during the operation. RESULTS Stable aesthetic and functional results were observed in all cases. No infections occurred, and no bone resorption has been clinically or radiologically observed. CONCLUSION The use of fresh-frozen bone allograft reduces patient morbidity and operative time, providing a stable and excellent aesthetic result.

Peripheral ameloblastoma of the upper gingiva: Report of a case and literature review

According to the 2005 histological classification of odontogenic neoplasms by the World Health Organization, ameloblastoma is a benign, locally invasive epithelial odontogenic tumor of putative enamel organ origin. There are four distinct subgroups in which this neoplasm can be gathered: the solid/multicystic type, the unicystic type, the desmoplastic and the peripheral type. Peripheral ameloblastoma is believed to be the rarest subgroup, making up for 2 to 10% of all ameloblastomas. From its first description by Kuru in 1911 to date, less than 200 cases of PA have been described in literature. PAs commonly affect the mandible, in the maxilla the most common location is the soft palatal tissue of the tuberosity area. The present report discusses a rare case of PA aroused in the gingiva of upper jaw in a 64-year-old woman. The treatment of the lesion and its immunohistochemical phenotype are described. A review of the literature is also performed, focusing on the epidemiological and pathological aspects of the lesions and their implications on the therapy. Key words:Peripheral ameloblastoma, upper gingiva, ameloblastoma.

Cystic Schwannoma of the Maxillary Sinus: Clinical and Radiological Findings

Schwannomas are common tumors of the nerve sheath that frequently involve the peripheral nerves of the head and neck. This benign slow-growing neoplasm is composed of nerve-supporting cells, and rarely affects the paranasal sinuses. This lesion usually occurs in the middle-aged patients, with an equal sex distribution. Schwannomas are usually solid tumors, although cystic components are rarely seen in head and neck area. MRI can prompt the diagnosis that however relies on histological examination. The present study reports a case of schwannoma of the maxillary sinus, diagnosed in a 38-year-old woman that presented nasal obstruction, pain in the right facial area and hypoesthesia in the area of right infraorbital nerve for past six months. Clinical presentation, radiologic aspects, histological features and treatment of this tumor were reported.