Correlation of MRI and arthroscopic findings with clinical outcome in temporomandibular joint disorders: a retrospective cohort study

Background Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic tool and treatment strategy in patients suffering from temporomandibular disorders (TMD) when conservative treatment fails. This study aimed to find specific variables on pre-operative MRI or during arthroscopy that could predict success of arthroscopic lysis and lavage. Methods This retrospective analysis compared pre-operative maximum interincisal opening (MIO), pain and main complaint (pain, limited MIO or joint sounds) with results at short-term and medium-term follow-up (ST and MT respectively). Different variables scored on MRI or arthroscopy were used to make a stepwise regression model, subsequently a combined analysis was conducted using variables from both MRI and arthroscopy. Results A total of 47 patients (50 joints) met the inclusion criteria. The main complaint improved by 62 and 53% at ST and MT respectively. The absolute or probable absence of a crumpled disc scored on MRI predicted success at ST and MT (p = 0.0112 and p = 0.0054), and remained significant at MT in the combined analysis (p = 0.0078). Arthroscopic findings of degenerative joint disease predicted success at ST (p = 0.0178), absolute or probable absence of discal reduction scored during arthroscopy significantly predicted success in the combined analysis at ST (p = 0.0474). Conclusion To improve selection criteria for patients undergoing an arthroscopic lysis and lavage of the TMJ, future research might focus on variables visualized on MRI. Although more research is needed, disc shape and in particular the absolute or probable absence of a crumpled disc might be used as predictive variable for success.

Comparison of the efficacy of intranasal ketamine versus intravenous ketorolac on acute non-traumatic headaches: a randomized double-blind clinical trial

Introduction Non - traumatic headaches are one of the most common causes of referral to hospital emergency. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of intranasal ketamine and intravenous ketorolac on acute non-traumatic headaches. Methods This randomized and double-blind clinical trial was conducted in 2019. One hundred and forty samples were randomly divided into intranasal ketamine (A) and intravenous ketorolac (B). Group (A) received ketamine intranasal (0.75 mg/kg, max 75 mg), and group B received intravenous ketorolac (30 mg). Headache severity was measured on arrival, 30, 60, and 120 min after intervention with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The side effects were recorded an hour after the intervention. Result The mean difference of pain intensity 30, 60, and 120 min after the intervention between the two groups was statistically significant (p < 0.001). In the first 30 min, significant changes were observed in the VAS levels of the two groups. These changes were significantly greater in the intranasal ketamine group (p < 0.001). Side effects such as fatigue, dizziness, general discomfort, nausea, increased heart rate, and hypertension were significantly higher in the ketamine group (p < 0.05). Conclusion Intranasal ketamine and intravenous ketorolac both effectively reduced headaches. However, more analgesic effects of intranasal ketamine in a short time can be considered as a selective approach to reducing headaches. Trial registration IRCT20180108038276N3, Registered 29 September 2019. Ethics committee reference number IR.KUMS.REC.1398.068.

One year of COVID-19 pandemic: a cross sectional study on teaching oral and maxillofacial surgery

Background The pandemic has challenged educational institutions to catalyze digitalization and rapidly develop online teaching formats. The aim of the study was to evaluate the teaching offered for oral and maxillofacial surgery at our university during the pandemic and to investigate the students’ perceptions of the current situation. Methods A 38-item questionnaire with five sections (demographic information, lectures, internships, e-learning, and pandemic-related solutions/effects) was created online. Most questions were answered on a 10-point Likert scale, with 1 indicating “fully agree/positive” and 10 indicating “totally disagree/negative.” The remaining questions were either answered with yes/no, percent value, or open-ended text responses. All 3rd-5th year dental students were invited to voluntarily participate and were sent a link by email in a general mail shot. Results A total of 63.7% of the participants had no prior experience with online courses before the pandemic. The students stated that the change from face-to-face to online teaching worked very well in the last two semesters (mean = 2.73, standard deviation = 2.05). Overall, the pandemic had a rather positive influence on the acquisition of theoretical skills and a negative influence on the acquisition of practical skills (p < 0.0001). The evaluation showed that, compared to other dental clinics at our university, the department for oral and maxillofacial surgery was well prepared for the pandemic. Conclusion Digitalization of oral and maxillofacial surgery teaching in dental education is possible but depends on the institution’s preparatory work and technological possibilities. The students declared a high acceptance of digital learning formats and indicated an increased motivation to learn due to e-learning. The pandemic’s influence on the students’ education was rated ambivalent.

Success and complication rate of miniscrew assisted non-surgical palatal expansion in adults - a consecutive study using a novel force-controlled polycyclic activation protocol

Introduction Bone-borne miniscrew assisted palatal expansion (MAPE) is a common technique to improve maxillary transverse deficiency in young adolescents. Adult patients usually present a challenge, as they often require additional surgical assisted maxillary expansion (SARPE). There is still no clear statement about non-surgical expansion in adult patients using this technique. The aim of this study was to evaluate the success and complication rate of non-surgical palatal expansion in adults utilizing MAPE with a novel force-controlled polycyclic expansion protocol (FCPC). Methods This consecutive study consisted of 33 adult patients with an average age of 29.1 ± 10.2 years (min. 18 years, max. 58 years), including one dropout patient. First, four miniscrews were inserted and after 12-weeks latency, the expander was placed and the FCPC protocol was applied (MAPE group). In case of missing expansion, a SARPE was performed (SARPE group). After maximum expansion, a cone beam CT was made and widening of the midpalatal suture was measured. The outcome variables were successful non-surgical expansion and, with sample size power above 80%, the odds of failed non-surgical expansion and associated complications were evaluated. The primary predictor variable was age. Statistical analysis was performed using R (Version 3.1) to calculate power, to construct various models for measuring the odds of requiring surgical intervention/complications, and others. Results Successful non-surgical expansion was achieved in 27 patients (84.4%), ranging from 18 to 49 years. Mean age differed significantly between both groups (26.8 ± 8.2 years vs. 41.3 ± 9.9 years; p < 0.001). Mean expansion at the anterior and posterior palate for the MAPE group was 5.4 ± 1.5 mm and 2.5 ± 1.1 mm, respectively. Among these subjects’ complications were observed in 18.5%. Age significantly increased the odds of complications (p = 0.019). Conclusions 1. The success rate of MAPE among individuals aged 18 to 49 years was 84.4%. 2. A V-shaped expansion pattern in the antero-posterior dimension was mostly observed. 3. Complications were significantly associated with age. 4. A careful expansion protocol seems to be beneficial to prevent unfavorable results in adult patients. Trial registration Consecutive cohort study, Review Board No. EK-2-2014/0016.

Rare case of skeletal third class in a subject suffering from Solitary Median Maxillary Central Incisor syndrome (SMMCI) associated to panhypopituitarism

Background The median solitary maxillary central incisor syndrome (SMMCI) is a rare malformative syndrome consisting of multiple defects, mainly found on the body midline. It can be correlated to the etiopathological and phenotypic pattern of panhypopituitarism. This case-report describes the rare case of a patient suffering from SMMCI and panhypopituitarism, showing an unusual craniofacial morphology. Case presentation From the cephalometric analysis, a skeletal class III was identified (despite the other cases described in literature described as skeletal class II), derived from hypomaxillia and mandibular protrusion. A convex lip profile, with tendency to mandibular hyper-divergency, airway patency, anterior and posterior cross-bite were observed. At the clinical examination, a maxillary cant was evident on the frontal plane that appeared asymmetric, with the prevalence of the third lower part of the face. There were some dysmorphic signs such as: small nose, rectilinear eyelid line and reduced interocular distance. Conclusions The present clinical case shows how, despite the literature, SMMCI can be associated with a III skeletal class, with maxillary hypoplasia and mandibular protrusion. The interdisciplinary collaboration between dentist and pediatrician is therefore important for the early interception of the malocclusions associated with these syndromes.

The role of family history of Cancer in Oral Cavity Cancer

Objectives Oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the 10th most common cancer in the United States (8th in males, 13th in females), with an estimated 54,010 new cases expected in 2021, and is primarily associated with smoked tobacco, heavy alcohol consumption, areca nut use and persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). Family history of cancer (FHC) and family history of head and neck cancer (FHHNC) have been reported to play an important role in the development of OSCC. We aimed to investigate the role of FHC, FHHNC and personal history of cancer in first/second degree-relatives as co-risk factors for oral cancer. Methods This was a retrospective study of patients diagnosed with OSCC at the Division of Oral Medicine and Dentistry at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and at the Division of Head and Neck Oncology at Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Conditional logistic regressions were performed to examine whether OSCC was associated with FHC and FHHNC of FDRs and SDRs, personal history of cancer and secondary risk factors. Results Overall, we did not find an association between FHC, FHHNC and OSCC risk, whereas patients with a cancer history in one of their siblings were 1.6-times more likely to present with an OSCC. When secondary risk factors were considered, patients with a history of oral leukoplakia and dysplasia had a 16-times higher risk of having an OSCC. Conclusions Our study confirmed that a previous history of oral leukoplakia or dysplasia was an independent risk factor for OSCC. A positive family history of cancer in one or more siblings may be an additional risk factor for OSCC.

Periodontal effects of maxillary expansion in adults using non-surgical expanders with skeletal anchorage vs. surgically assisted maxillary expansion: a systematic review

Objectives Describe and compare harmful periodontal effects as a consequence of maxillary expansion in adult patients with different types of anchorage devices in non-surgical expanders with skeletal anchorage and surgically assisted maxillary expansion. Materials and methods An exhaustive search was carried out on the electronic databases PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase, Cochrane and LILACS. Additionally, journal references and grey literature were searched without any restrictions. After the selection and extraction process; risk of bias was assessed by the ROB-1 Cochrane tool and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for randomized trials and cohort studies, respectively. Results Of 621 studies retrieved from the searches, six were finally included in this review. One of them presented a low risk bias, while five were excellent respective to selection, comparability and outcomes. Results showed that maxillary expansion in adults using non-surgical expanders (bone-borne or tooth-bone-borne with bicortical skeletal anchorage) produce less harmful periodontal effects, such as: alveolar bending with an average range from 0.92° to 2.32°, compared to surgically assisted maxillary expansion (tooth-borne) of 6.4°; dental inclination with an average range from 0.07° to 2.4°, compared to surgically assisted maxillary expansion (tooth-borne) with a range from 2.01° to 5.56°. Conclusions Although limited, the current evidence seems to show that the bone-borne or tooth-bone-borne with bicortical skeletal anchorage produces fewer undesirable periodontal effects.

Thirty-eight-year follow-up of the first patient of mandibular reconstruction with free vascularized fibula flap

Background The mandible is responsible for vital functions of the stomatognathic system, and its loss results in functional and aesthetic impairment. Mandibular reconstruction with free fibula flap is considered the gold standard for mandibular reconstruction. Case presentation We describe here the 38-year follow-up of the patient who was the first case of mandibular reconstruction with free fibula flap reported in the literature. The original report describes a 27-year-old woman who had undergone extensive mandibulectomy due to an osteosarcoma. A microvascularized fibula flap was used for mandibular reconstruction in 1983. Two years later, a vestibulo-lingual sulcoplasty with skin graft was performed to allow the construction of a total dental prosthesis. Fifteen years after the initial treatment, an autologous iliac crest graft was placed in the fibula flap, aimed at increasing bone thickness and height for rehabilitation with implant supported prosthesis. In 2015, a rib graft was positioned in the mental region, enhancing the support to the soft tissues of the face and improving the oral function. A recent review of the patient shows well-balanced facial morphology and optimal functional results of the procedure. Conclusions The fibula flap method, described in 1975 and first reported for mandibular reconstruction in 1985, continues to be applied as originally described, especially where soft tissue damage is not extensive. Its use in reconstructive surgery was expanded by advancements in surgery and techniques such as virtual surgical planning. However, there is still a lack of evidence related to the long-term evaluation of outcomes. The present work represents the longest-term follow-up of a patient undergoing mandibular reconstruction with free vascularized fibula flap, presenting results showing that, even after 38 years, the procedure continues to provide excellent results.

Head and neck melanoma: outcome and predictors in a population-based cohort study

Background To evaluate predictive clinico-pathological characteristics on outcome in head and neck melanoma (HNM) in a population-based study with particular emphasis on the prognostic effect of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) and distinct tumor localisations. Methods Here we primarily describe a retrospective multicenter population-based cohort study with 402 patients having undergone resection with curative intent of HNM between 2010 and 2017. SLNB was used in the diagnosis of 79 HNM patients. Outcome was analyzed, focusing on SLNB, CCI as well as tumor localisation. Overall survival (OAS) und recurrence free survival (RFS) was examined by uni- and multivariate analysis. Results Histopathologically verified lymph node metastasis according to SLNB was associated with impaired RFS in HNM patients (p = 0.004). Especially in higher tumor stages, the sole implementation of SLNB improved survival significantly in the present cohort (p = 0.042). With most of the HNM being located in the face, melanoma of the scalp and neck could be linked to deteriorated patient’s outcome in uni- as well as multivariate analysis (p = 0.021, p = 0.004). Conclusions SLNB is a useful tool in predicting development of distant metastasis after HNM resection with curative intent. Especially in higher tumor stages, performing a SLNB ameliorated survival of HNM patients. Additionally, CCI as well as a distinct tumor localisations in HNM were identified as important risk factors in our population-based cohort study.

The statistical shape model as a quality assurance measure in the treatment of complex midface fractures: a case control study

Background Complex bilateral midface fractures necessitate a surgically challenging procedure to preserve or restore the occlusion and the sensitive eye area. In this case control study, we aim to show the potential of a statistical shape model (SSM) for measuring the quality of the midface reconstruction, compared to the estimated preoperative situation. Methods An individualized SSM was postoperatively registered on 19 reconstructed complex bilateral midface fractures. Using this SSM, the distances from the simulated preoperative situation to the postoperative positions of the fracture segments were calculated. The fracture lines for Le Fort II, Le Fort III, and NOE fractures were chosen as reference points for the distance measurements. Results The SSM could be registered on all 19 complex bilateral midface fractures. All analyzed fractures showed a dorsal impaction (negative values) of the midface. Le Fort II fractures showed deviation values of –0.98 ± 4.6 mm, Le Fort III fractures showed values of –3.68 ± 3.6 mm, NOE type 2 fractures showed values of –0.25 ± 4.6 mm, and NOE type 1 fractures showed values of –0.25 ± 4.6 mm. Conclusions The SSM can be used to measure the quality of the achieved reduction of complex bilateral midface fractures based on the estimated preoperative situation. Trial registration DRKS00009719.