Mandibular Branch Research Articles

Correlation between Delayed Relief after Microvascular Decompression and Morphology of the Lateral Spread Response in Patients with Hemifacial Spasm-Further Examination with Compound Motor Action Potentials.

Although microvascular decompression (MVD) is a reliable treatment for hemifacial spasm (HFS), postoperative delayed relief is one of its main issues. We previously evaluated the morphology of the lateral spread response (LSR) and reported correlation between delayed relief after MVD and polyphasic morphology of the LSR. This study aimed to investigate the morphology of LSR and the course of recovery of the compound motor action potential (CMAP), to better understand the pathophysiology of delayed healing of HFS. Based on the pattern of the initial LSR morphology on temporal and marginal mandibular branches stimulation, patients were divided into two groups: the monophasic and polyphasic groups. The results of MVD surgery and sequential changes in the CMAP were evaluated 1 week, 1 month, 1 year, and final follow-up after the surgery. Significantly higher rates of persistent postoperative HFS were observed in patients with the polyphasic type of initial LSR at 1 week and 1 month after the surgery (P < 0.05, respectively). In the polyphasic group, the amplitude of the CMAP tended to gradually improve with time, while in the monophasic group, the amplitude of the CMAP decreased on the seventh postoperative day, followed by its gradual improvement. There is a significant correlation between delayed relief after MVD and polyphasic morphology of the initial LSR in patients with HFS. In the polyphasic group, CMAP recovered earlier and showed less reduction in amplitude, suggesting segmental demyelination, with less damage to peripheral nerves.

Facial Nerve Injury after Extracapsular Dissection for Benign Parotid Tumors with and without Intraoperative Monitoring: A Retrospective Study of a Single Center.

Facial nerve injury (FNI) is the most common complication of parotid surgery and manifests as FN paralysis. The use of intraoperative facial nerve monitoring (IFNM) is becoming an established intraoperative aid for surgeons, assisting in the identification of the location and dissection of the facial nerve trunk or branches. The postoperative outcomes of parotid surgery with and without monitoring have been addressed in only a limited number of studies. The objective of this study is to evaluate the incidence of postoperative paralysis in patients undergoing extracapsular dissection (ED) for benign parotid tumors concerning the use or non-use of IFNM. The retrospective study was conducted at the Maxillo-Facial Department of the Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro. The patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 consisted of patients who underwent surgery without IFNM (1 January 2015 to 31 December 2018); Group 2, on the other hand, consisted of patients who underwent surgery with IFNM (1 January 2019 to 31 December 2022). Group 2 employed the Nerve Integrity Monitor (Medtronic's NIM®). To classify the FN function, we employed the modified House-Brackmann classification system. To evaluate the dependence between the "use of IFNM" and "postoperative paralysis", a descriptive analysis was conducted, including applying the Chi-squared test and calculating the Pearson correlation. Subsequently, a binary logistic regression model was applied to further evaluate the correlation between the latter. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. A total of 276 patients were included in the study: 120 subjects were assigned to Group 1 (43.5%, comprising 60 men and 60 women) and 156 subjects were assigned to Group 2 (56.5%, comprising 93 men and 63 women). In 91.7% of the cases (n. 253, precisely 105 in Group 1 and 148 in Group 2), no FNI occurred. In 8.33% of the cases (n. 23, specifically 15 in Group 1 and 8 in Group 2), postoperative paralysis was observed. Of these subjects, only two in Group 1 had permanent paralysis (8.69%); therefore, 91.31% had transient paralysis. As a result, 91.31% of the subjects exhibited transient paralysis. In the case of FNI, 78% of the cases involved the marginal mandibular branch (n. 18), 13% involved the temporo-zygomatic branch (n. 3), and 7% involved more than one branch (n = 2). The results of the multivariable binary logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the use of IFNM was a statistically significant influencing factor, with an estimated reduction in postoperative paralysis of approximately 62% (OR 0.378; 95% CI: 0.155-0.92). In Group 2, the occurrence of transient complications was significantly reduced (OR 0.387; 95% CI: 0.149-1.002 with p < 0.05). The use of IFNM in the ED for benign parotid tumors significantly reduces the rate of FNI and, consequently, postoperative FN paralysis. On the other hand, the use of monitoring systems must not replace the experience and anatomical knowledge of the surgeon.

THE USE OF NERVE MONITORIZATION IN PAROTID, SUBMANDIBULAR GLAND AND FACIAL SURGERY AND ITS EFFECT ON PROGNOSIS

Objective: The facial nerve and its branches are at risk during facial surgery. The surgery with the highest risk is parotid and submandibular gland surgery. An attempt was made to determine threshold values in terms of paralysis in nerve monitoring parameters. These determined values could not be used to predict facial nerve function after surgery. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between the parameters detected by nerve stimulation during surgery and postoperative facial nerve dysfunction in patients who underwent parotid and submandibular gland surgery. Material and Methods: A total of 29 facial nerve branches of 13 patients who underwent superficial parotidectomy or submandibular gland resection were examined. Patients were examined in two groups: those who did not develop paralysis after surgery and those who developed paralysis or sequelae. The relationship between the patient's pre- and postoperative House-Brackmann staging and potential changes detected during surgery was investigated. Results: Paralysis was detected in 8 of 29 nerves that were stimulated, and the affected branches were the cervicofacial branch and the marginal mandibular branch. No difference was observed in the mean threshold stimulation values and responses determined before, during and at the end of dissection between patients who developed paralysis and those who did not. Conclusion: Unlike the literature, it is determined that no electrophysiological measurement result can predict the postoperative phase as a result of ROC-curve analysis and logistic regression analysis. It is thought that these results are caused by the fact that the developing paralysis is at low stages and heal within one month.

New anatomical findings in the mandibular body region: Two parts that make up bucco-mandibular space.

Soft tissue spaces not only enable gliding by contraction of the facial muscles, but they also cause drooping of the superficial fat due to gravity in the upright position. This study was performed to clarify the structures around the bucco-mandibular space (BMS) and to apply this anatomical knowledge to clinical practice. Four sides of the face were dissected using a conventional gross anatomical dissection technique, and 10 sides (5 horizontal and 5 frontal sections) of the removed semi-facial soft tissue were dissected using the stretched tissue dissection (STD) method. Histological examination of the mandible was performed on two sides to confirm the findings of conventional gross anatomical dissection and STD. In all cases, both gross dissection and STD revealed that the BMS was composed of two parts. The superficial part was filled with adipose tissue containing nerves and vessels, including the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve, facial artery, facial vein, and mental nerve. We named this part the adipo-neuromandibular part. By contrast, the deep part was separated from the adipo-neurovascular part by facial deep fascia and composed of loose connective tissue. We named this deep part the loose connective tissue part. The STD method enabled us to obtain detailed anatomical findings of the mandibular region and elucidate two parts of the BMS in which the neurovasculature is distributed. We believe that these findings provide new insights into facial anatomy by resolving existing anatomical uncertainties and will contribute to safer surgical treatment in the facial region.

A Prediction Rule for the Dystonic Spread of Blepharospasm: A 4-Year Prospective Cohort Study.

Blepharospasm (BSP), focal dystonia with the highest risk of spread, lacks clear understanding of early spreading risk factors and objective prognostic indicators. We aimed to identify these risk factors through clinical and electrophysiological assessments, and to establish a predictive model for dystonic spread in BSP. We prospectively followed BSP patients for 4 years, collecting data on dystonic spread, and conducting electrophysiological evaluations. The blink reflex, masseter inhibitory reflex, and trigeminal somatosensory evoked potential were assessed. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to assess clinical characteristics associated with BSP dystonic spread. A predictive model was constructed using a nomogram, and performance of the model was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. A total of 136 enrolled participants (mean age 56.34 years) completed a 4-year follow-up. Among them, 62 patients (45.6%) showed spread to other body regions. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that a high Hamilton Anxiety Scale score (hazard ratio 1.19, 95% confidence interval 1.13-1.25, p < 0.001), prolonged trigeminal somatosensory evoked potential mandibular branch P1-N2 peak interval (hazard ratio 1.11, 95% confidence interval 1.02-1.21, p = 0.017), and elevated trigeminal somatosensory evoked potential mandibular branch P1-N2 peak amplitude (hazard ratio 1.26, 95% confidence interval 1.12-1.41, p < 0.001) were independent risk factors for BSP dystonic spread within 4 years. Combining these factors, the predictive models demonstrated excellent discriminative ability, with the receiver operating characteristic curve score being 0.797, 0.790, 0.847, and 0.820 at 1, 2, 3 and 4 years after enrollment, respectively. We established a predictive model with significant value for anticipating dystonic spread in BSP, offering crucial evidence. These findings contribute essential insights into the early clinical identification of the development and evolution of BSP diseases. ANN NEUROL 2024.

Morphology and systematics of a new fossil snake from the early Rupelian (Oligocene) White River Formation, Wyoming

Abstract Extinct snake taxa are recognized primarily from isolated vertebrae. A new specimen from the early Oligocene of Wyoming provides a rare opportunity to examine four nearly complete and articulated fossil snakes. Informally assigned previously to the ‘erycine’ vertebral form taxa Ogmophis and Calamagras, a detailed comparison reveals that this fossil snake exhibits vertebral differences from both taxa and is, furthermore, a new taxon, Hibernophis breithaupti gen. et sp. nov., based on a combination of apomorphies such as absence of basal tubera, low subrectangular prootic, low parasphenoid wings obscuring the anterior opening of the Vidian canal, and foramen for the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve posteriorly displaced inside the adductor fossa of the compound. Parsimony and Bayesian phylogenetic analysis of combined morphological and molecular data from a broad selection of snakes places Hibernophis breithaupti as sister taxon to all other booids, distant from both Old and New World ‘erycines’. However, an alternative position close to New World ‘erycines’ and ungaliophiines cannot be rejected.

Establishment of a selective puncture method of the temporomandibular joint targeting the superior and inferior joint spaces using a human cadaver under the guidance of an ultrasound device

To investigate an ultrasound-guided selective puncture method for the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), targeting superior (SJS) and inferior joint spaces (IJS), using a human cadaver. The study utilized five cadavers donated by members of our university. The cadaver's left side was aimed at the SJS, while the right side was at the IJS. Nonionic contrast was injected into each joint using a crossing technique, with the linear ultrasound probe placed parallel to the long axis of the mandibular branch and punctured perpendicularly into the joint cavity. Cone-beam computed tomography scans assessed both the TMJs examining discs and other components for damage using a gross anatomical technique. Computed tomography images confirmed successful contrast agent injection into all joint spaces without damaging the articular discs or cartilage of the mandibular head. Our findings suggest that the ultrasound device can selectively puncture the TMJ in the SJS and IJS. In the future, the success rate is expected to improve with additional cadaver punctures. We aim to establish this technique as a viable treatment method that can be performed by oral surgeons with limited clinical experience in cadaver surgery training and a surgical technique training program using human cadavers.

CT-guided radiofrequency ablation of facial and mandibular nerves in the treatment of compound Meige’s syndrome

This retrospective study examined the clinical outcomes and complications in 6 cases of compound Meige’s syndrome, presenting with blepharospasm and masticatory muscle spasm, following treatment with CT-guided radiofrequency ablation targeting bilateral facial nerves and mandibular branches of the trigeminal nerve. After the operation, the symptoms of eyelid spasm and masticatory muscle spasm resolved, but mild facial paralysis and numbness of mandibular nerve innervation persisted. Follow-up for 4–28 months showed that the symptoms of facial paralysis resolved within 2–5 (3.17 ± 0.94) months after the operation, whereas the numbness in the mandibular region persisted, accompanied by a decrease in masticatory function. During the follow-up period, none of the 6 patients experienced a recurrence of Meige’s syndrome. These findings suggest that CT-guided radiofrequency ablation of the bilateral facial nerve and mandibular branches of the trigeminal nerve may offer a promising approach to treating compound Meige’s syndrome.

Clinical Experience With Acute Phase Repair of Facial Nerve Dissections.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the facial nerve recovery of patients with traumatic facial nerve transections after tension-free end-to-end nerve epineural anastomosis during the acute phase. A total of 11 patients with traumatic facial nerve transections during the acute phase were surgically treated in the authors' department from November 2016 to August 2022. The case data and imaging data were collected from the patients, and the House-Brackman evaluation system of the facial nerve was applied to assess the recovery of facial nerve function, and the higher the grade, the worse the facial nerve function. Of the patients, 90.9% recovered to H-B grade II or below, and there were differences in the degree of recovery of the facial nerve function among the branches, and the ones that recovered to H-B grade II or below after surgery were 100% of the zygomatic branch, of which 80% were H-B grade I, 100% of the buccal branch, of which 44.4% were H-B grade I, 88.9% of the marginal mandibular branch, and 66.7% of the temporal branch. The study showed that the recovery rate of young patients was better than that of middle-aged and old people, and the best recovery of each branch of the facial nerve was the zygomatic branch, followed by the buccal branch, the marginal mandibular branch, and the worse was the temporal branch.

Injury to the mandibular branch of the facial nerve after thyroid surgery. a not so uncommon case

Injury to the mandibular branch of the facial nerve after thyroid surgery. a not so uncommon case

The Relationship Between the Retromandibular Vein and the Extratemporal Segment of the Facial Nerve: A Prospective Cadaveric Study of 24 Hemifaces.

Anatomical preservation and functional integrity of the facial nerve (FN) are the main concerns of parotid surgery. Even though a variety of anatomical landmarks have been proposed and widely utilized, temporal or permanent postoperative FN palsy is stilla significant comorbidity of parotid surgery. Therefore, the literature must fully elucidate the consistency of the anatomical relationship between the FN and the retromandibular vein (RMV). We conducted a cadaveric study of 24 hemifaces to map the relationship between the FN and the RMV. Threedistinct patterns were identified.Fourteen of the hemifaces were males, and 10 were females. Thirteen cadaveric dissections were performed on the right side and 11 on the left side. Our study found three distinct patterns and proposed a classification system. Type I (66.7%) is when the nerve lies exclusively lateral to the RMV. Type II (29.2%) is when the FN lies superficial to the RMV, but its mandibular branch lies deep to the anterior branch of the RMV, and type III (4.1%) is when the FN lies exclusively medial to the RMV. The FN and RMV relationship is not constant, and surgeons should be aware of every anatomical variation. Especially in cases where the FN is estimated to lie more in-depth to the level of the RMV, a retrograde approach may be required to avoid a FN injury.

M-Point: A Landmark for Locating the Marginal Mandibular Branch of the Facial Nerve.

M-Point: A Landmark for Locating the Marginal Mandibular Branch of the Facial Nerve.

Poor condyle position after mandibular reconstruction and a classification system for patients with "VSCU" based on computed tomography: a cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection.

Although the application of vascularized free bone muscle flap to reconstruct the mandible has become a standardized approach for mandible reconstruction, the results of its reconstruction are not always satisfactory. The purpose of this study was to identify the types of mandibular and condylar defects by analyzing the unsatisfactory cases of mandibular reconstruction in clinical practice, and to provide some clinical experience of reconstruction. Our study retrospectively analyzed 364 patients who underwent mandibular resection and vascularized free bone flap reconstruction of the mandible and temporomandibular joint (TMJ). We innovatively proposed a "VSCU" classification system (V: vertical position, S: sagittal position, C: coronal position, U: condylar resection is not required) by analyzing computed tomography (CT) scans of mandibular branches and TMJs. In all, 221 cases of free iliac muscle flap and 143 cases of fibula muscle flap were included in this study, of which 23 cases had unsatisfactory results after TMJ reconstruction. We classified 23 patients with unsatisfactory mandibular reconstruction according to the "VSCU" classification system. The most common type was U + V + SfC (n=8), followed by V - SfC + U + (n=4), V - s + C + U + (n=3), V - sbcou - (n=3), V - SBC + U + (n=2), V - s + C + U - (n=1). The most common classification was insufficient mandibular rami length, followed by condylar sagittal anteriorization. There was no significant change in the position of condyle on the healthy side during mandibular reconstruction involving condyle. P1 on the affected side was 52.28±4.17 mm before operation and 58.94±5.65 mm after operation, P<0.01; P2 was 12.83±3.49 mm before operation and 24.90±7.15 mm after operation. S2 was 4.54±2.84 mm before operation and 19.10±8.54 mm after operation. A2 was 11.46±3.35 mm before operation and 24.15±8.29 mm after operation. The P values were all less than 0.01, and the differences were statistically significant. We propose to use the "VSCU" classification system for accurate 3-dimensional (3D) analysis and positioning, and then obtain accurate models through computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM), which can reduce the occurrence of poor reconstruction effect and unreasonable joint position, and is worthy of clinical promotion.

Partial facial paralysis induced by sialolithiasis of the parotid gland: a case report

BackgroundFacial paralysis due to parotid sialolithiasis-induced parotitis is a unusual clinical phenomenon that has not been reported in prior literature. This scenario can present a diagnostic challenge due to its rarity and complex symptomatology, particularly if a patient has other potential contributing factors such as facial trauma or bilateral forehead botox injections as in this patient. This case report elucidates such a complex presentation, aiming to increase awareness and promote timely recognition among clinicians.Case presentationA 56-year-old male, with a medical history significant for hyperlipidemia, recurrent parotitis secondary to parotid sialolithiasis, and recent bilateral forehead cosmetic Botox injections presented to the emergency department with right lower facial drooping. This onset was about an hour after waking up and was of 4 h duration. The patient also had a history of a recent ground level fall four days prior that resulted in facial trauma to his right eyebrow without any evident neurological deficits in the region of the injury. A thorough neurological exam revealed sensory and motor deficits across the entirety of the right face, indicating a potential lesion affecting the buccal and marginal mandibular branches of the facial nerve (CN VII). Several differential diagnoses were considered for the lower motor neuron lesion, including soft tissue trauma or swelling from the recent fall, compression due to the known parotid stone, stroke, and complex migraines. An MRI of the brain was conducted to rule out a stroke, with no significant findings. A subsequent CT scan of the neck revealed an obstructed and dilated right Stensen's duct with a noticeably larger and anteriorly displaced sialolith and evidence of parotid gland inflammation. A final diagnosis of facial palsy due to parotitis secondary to sialolithiasis was made. The patient was discharged and later scheduled for a procedure to remove the sialolith which resolved his facial paralysis.ConclusionsThis case emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to the differential diagnosis in presentations of facial palsy. It underscores the potential involvement of parotid sialolithiasis, particularly in patients with a history of recurrent parotitis or facial trauma. Prompt recognition of such uncommon presentations can prevent undue interventions, aid in timely appropriate management, and significantly contribute to the patient's recovery and prevention of long-term complications.

FEATURES OF THE TREATMENT OF HYPERMOBILITY OF THE ARTICULAR HEADS AND DISLOCATIONS OF THE LOWER JAW ON THE BACKGROUND OF FRACTURES OF THE CONDYGAL PROCESSES OF THE MANDIBLE, AS A PREVENTION OF ALLOPLASTIC REPLACEMENTS OF THE TEMPOMANDIBULAR JOINT

Acute, chronic, and recurrent dislocations are currently defined as conditions in which the mandibular process becomes dislocated from its joints and requires manipulation by another person to return to its normal position. Such conditions are usually preceded by either iatrogenic factors, including fractures of the mandibular branch, or joint instability and hypermobility of its heads. This pathology requires a personalized treatment algorithm: in each case, the clinical and radiological signs of this pathology should be clearly taken into account and the method of conservative or surgical treatment should be determined. Each of them has its advantages and disadvantages, and their combined use is also possible, which is the key to preventing more significant complications that can lead to allostatic replacements, joint components, or joint replacement as a whole.&#x0D; The purpose of the study is to conduct a comparative analysis of the data of clinical examinations, conservative and surgical treatment, complications and postoperative results, taking into account the prevalence of chronic dislocations of the mandible against the background of condylar fractures.&#x0D; Clinical cases of chronic dislocations of the mandible lasting from one to three months after osteosynthesis were analyzed by the authors. Attempts at manual reduction did not bring a positive result, so it was decided to treat the patients conservatively, using bite blocks made of self-hardening plastic and the use of elastic methods of fixation of the mandible, which gave a positive result already in the third week of treatment. Also, these patients were observed in the clinic for 6 months without visualization of complications of both mechanical and inflammatory nature.&#x0D; The analysis of clinical case data allows us to state that the goal of treatment should be to return the condyles to their original physiological position, and conservative methods should be in the first place when creating an algorithm. Early manual reduction of the joint heads is the best method of treatment, if it is possible to carry it out in a timely manner. As the duration of the dislocation increases, the joint cavity is filled with connective tissue, cartilaginous changes occur, adhesions between the articular surfaces are formed, the masticatory muscles shorten with possible fibrosis of the temporalis muscle. We have confirmed the fact that one of the best conservative treatments is the use of an elastic chin-parietal bandage, which acts as a fulcrum to move the heads back under the anterior slope of the articular tubercle, with the simultaneous use of arches and posterior occlusal rollers. If this treatment does not bring a positive result, we use intraoral splints with a fulcrum in the area of the second molar in combination with extraoral traction to move the heads in the posterior direction with simultaneous stretching of the capsule of the temporomandibular joint and its intracapsular ligaments.&#x0D; It should be noted that in each case, all the features of the pathogenesis of this disease should be taken into account and a personalized treatment algorithm should be developed, consisting of conservative methods, and, if ineffective, surgical treatment.

Multidermatomal Herpes Zoster of the trigeminal nerve in an immunocompetent patient: a case report

Herpes Zoster is a neurocutaneous viral infection caused by the reactivation of the Varicella Zoster Virus in the dorsal root ganglion. It is characterized as vesicular rash along a unilateral dermatome, usually associated with pain or paresthesia of the involved area. Multidermatomal involvement is rare in immunocompetent patients. We report an unusual case of Herpes Zoster involving the maxillary(V2) and mandibular(V3) branches of the trigeminal nerve in a healthy immunocompetent lady. Keywords: herpes zoster, neurocutaneous viral infection, trigeminal nerve

Clinical characteristics and surgical management of facial infiltrating lipomatosis: a single center experience

BackgroundFacial infiltrating lipomatosis (FIL) is a rare condition characterized by congenital facial enlargement. Beyond its impact on physical appearance, FIL can also impair essential facial functions such as swallowing, chewing, vision, and breathing, imposing a substantial physiological and psychological burden. Currently, fewer than 80 cases of FIL have been reported, and the characteristics and management strategies for FIL remain unclear.MethodsWe reviewed the clinical, surgical, and radiological records of 39 FIL patients who were treated at our center. Of these, genetic testing was performed for 21 patients.ResultsAberrant overgrowth involves subcutaneous fat, bones, muscles, glands, tongue, lips, and teeth. Epidermal nevi could be observed in the dermatomes innervated by the three branches of the trigeminal nerve, with the highest frequency seen in the dermatome of the mandibular branch. Four patients exhibited concurrent hemimegalencephaly (HMEG), with one case presenting HMEG on the opposite side of the FIL. Nineteen patients were confirmed to harbor the PIK3CA mutation. Thirty-three patients underwent surgical procedures, with a post resection recurrence rate of approximately 25%.ConclusionsA variety of maxillofacial structures may be involved in FIL. PIK3CA mutations are important pathogenic factors. Emerging targeted therapies could present an additional treatment avenue in the future. However, surgery currently remains the predominant treatment choice for FIL. The timing and modality of surgery should be individually customized, taking into account each patient's unique circumstances. Notably, there is a significant possibility of postoperative recurrence during childhood and adolescence, necessitating early strategic planning of disease management.

Reanimation of the Lower Lip with the Anterior Belly of Digastric Transfer: A Systematic Review.

Background: Dynamic reanimation of the lower lip is a challenging issue for patients, with depressor asymmetry commonly addressed with chemodenervation, selective neurectomy, or myectomy. Objective: To determine whether the anterior belly of digastric transfer is an effective method of lower-lip reanimation for patients with either isolated marginal mandibular branch weakness or inadequate depressor function after hemifacial reanimation, as measured by patient satisfaction and objective symmetry evaluation. Method: Systematic review of the literature was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). Abstracts and full texts were reviewed. A Risk of Bias assessment was performed. Results: Nine studies with 164 patients were included. Anterior belly of digastric transfer was successfully performed in 162 patients. Most patients (52%) underwent one-staged reanimation innervated by the native nerve to the mylohyoid. A two-staged approach after placement of a cross face nerve graft was performed in 46%. Patient satisfaction was excellent (90.6%), with minimal complications including revision (4/162), infection (4/162), and lipofilling (8/162). Conclusion: In patients seeking a permanent outcome, use of an anterior belly of digastric transfer in either a one-stage or two-stage approach appears to be a safe and effective method to restore symmetry and dynamic function.

Mandibular Gorham-Stout Disease With Implanted Fibular Resorption.

Gorham-Stout disease is an extremely rare disease characterized by progressive massive osteolysis with different clinical manifestations. The pathology is characterized by vascular proliferation, leading to destruction and resorption of the bone matrix, but the exact etiology is unknown. It can occur in any part of the body, with few reports of cases involving the maxillofacial region. Herein, the authors report a case of Gorham-Stout disease of the mandible, which started by affecting the alveolar bone and progressed to the mandibular marginal branches and even to the implanted vascularized free fibula.

The condition of the mandibular bone regenerate in the remote period after compression-distraction osteosynthesis

Was to assess the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the bone regenerate in the distant period following compression-distraction osteosynthesis. Results from the treatment of 30 patients with mandibular micrognathia, were analyzed. Compression-distraction osteosynthesis (CDO) was performed in the area of the mandibular angle. The patients were divided into two groups: group 1 consisted of 16 patients with congenital micrognathia, and group 2 comprised 14 patients with acquired (post-traumatic) micrognathia. For the assessment of qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the bone regenerate, three-dimensional modeling, morphometric measurements of the regenerate, and evaluation of bone density using the Hounsfield scale through multislice computed tomography were used. The study of the bone regenerate parameters in group 1 yielded the following results: the length of the bone regenerate decreased by 2.14%; the thickness of the bone regenerate increased by 8.75%; the height of the bone regenerate increased by 1.75%. In group 2, the values were 3.14; 3 and 3.76%, correspondingly. In patients of group 1, the length of the mandibular branch increased by 4%; the length of the mandibular body increased by 5.35%. In group 2, the length of the mandibular branch increased by 1.94%; the length of the mandibular body increased by 2.2%. The density of the cortical bone of the regenerate corresponds to the density of the intact bone, while the density of the cancellous bone is slightly reduced. Qualitative and quantitative characteristics of bone regenerate in the long-term period after CDO correspond to the parameters of intact bone. CDO can be considered not only as a preparatory stage for reconstructive operations after the growth of the skull bones has completed, but also as an independent stage of treatment.