Wenko Smolka

Patient-specific reconstruction plates are the missing link in computer-assisted mandibular reconstruction: A showcase for technical description

INTRODUCTION Preoperative planning of mandibular reconstruction has moved from mechanical simulation by dental model casts or stereolithographic models into an almost completely virtual environment. CAD/CAM applications allow a high level of accuracy by providing a custom template-assisted contouring approach for bone flaps. However, the clinical accuracy of CAD reconstruction is limited by the use of prebent reconstruction plates, an analogue step in an otherwise digital workstream. TECHNICAL REPORT In this paper the integration of computerized, numerically-controlled (CNC) milled, patient-specific mandibular plates (PSMP) within the virtual workflow of computer-assisted mandibular free fibula flap reconstruction is illustrated in a clinical case. Intraoperatively, the bone segments as well as the plate arms showed a very good fit. Postoperative CT imaging demonstrated close approximation of the PSMP and fibular segments, and good alignment of native mandible and fibular segments and intersegmentally. Over a follow-up period of 12 months, there was an uneventful course of healing with good bony consolidation. CONCLUSION The virtual design and automated fabrication of patient-specific mandibular reconstruction plates provide the missing link in the virtual workflow of computer-assisted mandibular free fibula flap reconstruction.

Ibandronate treatment of diffuse sclerosing osteomyelitis of the mandible: Pain relief and insight into pathogenesis.

PURPOSE Diffuse sclerosing osteomyelitis of the mandible (DSO) is a rare and poorly understood disease. Current treatment protocols, including steroid or analgesic medication and corticotomies, show poor or frustrating outcome results and are accompanied by potentially severe side effects. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a beneficial role of infusions with nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (ibandronate) in acute conditions of DSO. MATERIAL AND METHODS Eleven patients were enrolled in the study. In acute conditions of treatment-resistant DSO, single-shot infusions of ibandronate (6 mg) were administered. Pain levels were documented 10 days before and after the infusion on a visual analogue scale (VAS). Patients were monitored regularly. RESULTS Of the 11 patients, 10 showed a distinct improvement in pain (based on VAS scores) within 48-72 h after infusion. The pain levels of the patients were significantly lower after ibandronate infusions (p < 0.01). The majority of patients were free or almost free of complaints over the following months. Four of the 11 patients returned for repeated infusions. At the time of writing, no severe side effects have been observed, and in particular there has been no case of medication-related jaw osteonecrosis. CONCLUSION We conclude that single-shot bisphosphonate infusions on demand are promising treatment alternatives in acute DSO. Single-shot bisphosphonate infusions of ibandronate were well tolerated and resulted in distinct, long lasting improvement in subjective pain levels based on VAS scores.

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Mandibular Condylar Base and Neck Fractures Using Strut Plates

PURPOSE To evaluate clinical, radiologic, and functional outcomes of patients with condylar neck or base fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation using strut plates. PATIENTS AND METHODS Thirty patients with 34 condylar neck and base fractures were included in the study. Transoral endoscopically assisted, submandibular, or transparotid approaches were performed. Clinical and radiologic outcomes were evaluated. Functional outcomes were assessed with the Helkimo index in a subgroup of 15 patients. RESULTS Strut plates were successfully placed in all surgical approaches used in this study. Fracture healing occurred without complications in 33 condylar processes. One plate fracture occurred. In the subgroup, 7 patients had a good functional outcome, 7 had a slightly impaired functional outcome, and 1 patient had a moderately impaired functional outcome. CONCLUSION Strut plates are appropriate for retromandibular transparotid, endoscopically assisted transoral, or submandibular approaches in the management of condylar neck or base fractures. Intraoperative handling and fitting accuracy of the strut plates are good. Good to slightly impaired functional outcome was observed in a subgroup of patients.

Risk factors for lymph node metastases of facial cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

PURPOSE Determining the risk factors for lymph node metastases of facial cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and identifying their value for predicting nodal spread. MATERIAL AND METHODS Data on 99 patients were examined retrospectively. Conditions such as tumor staging, tumor thickness, location, histological grading, R1-resection, local recurrence, lymph node metastases, and neurovascular and lymphovascular invasion were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using a logistic regression analysis and Fishers test. RESULTS Logistic regression analysis indicates that poor differentiation, R1-resection, and periorbital location are high risk factors for nodal spread in facial cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. CONCLUSION Patients who show poorly differentiated facial cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and/or have had previous R1-resection might benefit from treatment of regional lymph nodes.

Osteochondrosis dissecans of the temporomandibular joint: a case report and a review of literature

A case of a 71-year-old female patient with osteochondrosis dissecans of the right temporomandibular joint is presented. Osteochondrosis dissecans usually occurs at the weight-bearing convex cartilage in all larger joints. It is rarely found in the temporomandibular joint and usually shows one or two loose bodies dislodged from defects which are present on the condylar head. Because of multiple loose bodies and a defect on the temporomandibular fossa, the case presented here is very uncommon.

Computer-aided resection and reconstruction in a case of aneurysmal bone cyst of the mandibular condylar head

A case is presented of a 16-year-old girl with an aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) of the mandibular condyle of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This lesion rarely involves the mandibular condyle, and involvement of condylar head is even rarer. To our knowledge, only 12 cases have been reported in the literature so far. This is the first case of ABC of the mandibular condyle with 3D planning of costochondral graft reconstruction described in the literature.