Pediatric Craniofacial Surgery Research Articles

Resorbable Patient-Specific Implants of Molybdenum for Pediatric Craniofacial Surgery-Proof of Concept in an In Vivo Pilot Study.

Titanium continues to be the gold standard in the field of osteosynthesis materials. This also applies to pediatric craniofacial surgery. Various resorbable materials have already been developed in order to avoid costly and risky second operations to remove metal in children. However, none of these resorbable materials have been able to completely replace the previous gold standard, titanium, in a satisfactory manner. This has led to the need for a new resorbable osteosynthesis material that fulfills the requirements for biocompatibility, stability, and uniform resorption. In our previous in vitro and in vivo work, we were able to show that molybdenum fulfills these requirements. To further confirm these results, we conducted a proof of concept in four domestic pigs, each of which was implanted with a resorbable molybdenum implant. The animals were then examined daily for local inflammatory parameters. After 54 days, the animals were euthanized with subsequent computer tomography imaging. We also removed the implants together with the surrounding tissue and parts of the spleen, liver, and kidney for histopathological evaluation. The molybdenum implants were also analyzed metallographically and using scanning electron microscopy. A blood sample was taken pre- and post-operatively. None of the animals showed clinical signs of inflammation over the entire test period. Histopathologically, good tissue compatibility was found. Early signs of degradation were observed after 54 days, which were not sufficient for major resorption. Resorption is expected with longer in situ residence times based on results of similar earlier investigations.

The Use and Outcomes of 3D Printing in Pediatric Craniofacial Surgery: A Systematic Review.

Three-dimensional (3D) printing has demonstrated efficacy in multiple surgical specialties. As accessibility improves, its use in specific fields deserves further attention. We conducted a systematic review of the implementation and outcomes of 3D printing in pediatric craniofacial surgery, as none has been performed. A systematic review was conducted according to Cochrane and PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, and Clinicaltrials.gov were queried with combinations of the terms: "3D printing," "craniofacial," "surgery," and "pediatric." Original human studies containing patients <18 years old implementing 3D printing to aid in craniofacial surgery were included. Study selection, grading, and data extraction were performed independently by multiple authors. After screening 120 articles, 7 (3 case series and 4 case reports) were included, published from 2017 to 2022. All studies addressed patients with different disease processes including craniosynostosis, cleft lip/palate, and mandibular hypoplasia. 3D printing was used to create mock surgical models in 2 studies, intraoperative cutting guides/molds (CGs) in 6 studies, and cranioplasty implants in 2 studies. Two case series determined the accuracy of the CGs was acceptable within historical comparison, while 4 articles included subjective statements on improved accuracy. Five studies noted reduced operating time, 2 noted reduced intraoperative blood loss, and 1 felt the use of 3D printed materials was responsible for shorter hospitalization duration. No adverse events were reported. Despite the limitations of the current literature, all studies concluded that the use of 3D printing in pediatric craniofacial surgery was beneficial. Definitive conclusions cannot be made until further controlled research is performed.

Measuring coagulopathy in pediatric craniofacial surgery.

The goal of this study was to describe hematologic and coagulation laboratory parameters and identify if these laboratory studies could predict blood loss in a cohort of pediatric patients undergoing complex cranial vault reconstruction (CCVR) for repair of craniosynostosis. We reviewed records from 95 pediatric CCVR patients between 2015 and 2019. Primary outcome measures were hematologic and coagulation laboratory parameters. Secondary outcome measures were intraoperative and postoperative calculated blood loss (CBL). Preoperative laboratory values were within normal limits and did not predict outcomes. Intraoperative platelet count and fibrinogen predicted CBL but without clinically relevant thrombocytopenia or hypofibrinogenemia. Intraoperative prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT) predicted perioperative CBL, possibly reflecting surgically induced coagulopathy. Postoperative laboratory values did not predict postoperative blood loss. We found that standard hematologic and coagulation laboratory parameters predicted intraoperative and postoperative blood loss but provided limited mechanistic information to improve our understanding of coagulopathy in craniofacial surgery.

Smartphone Integration of Artificial Intelligence for Automated Plagiocephaly Diagnosis.

A prospective validation study was conducted at a large tertiary care center with two recruitment sites: (1) newborn nursery, (2) pediatric craniofacial surgery clinic. Eligible children were aged 0-12 months with no history of hydrocephalus, intracranial tumors, intracranial hemorrhage, intracranial hardware, or prior craniofacial surgery. Successful artificial intelligence diagnosis required identification of the presence and severity of positional plagiocephaly. A total of 89 infants were prospectively enrolled from the craniofacial surgery clinic (n = 25, 17 male infants [68%], eight female infants [32%], mean age 8.44 months) and newborn nursery (n = 64, 29 male infants [45%], 25 female infants [39%], mean age 0 months). The model obtained a diagnostic accuracy of 85.39% compared with a standard clinical examination with a disease prevalence of 48%. Sensitivity was 87.50% [95% CI, 75.94-98.42] with a specificity of 83.67% [95% CI, 72.35-94.99]. Precision was 81.40%, while likelihood ratios (positive and negative) were 5.36 and 0.15, respectively. The F1-score was 84.34%. The smartphone-based artificial intelligence algorithm accurately diagnosed positional plagiocephaly in a clinical environment. This technology may provide value by helping guide specialist consultation and enabling longitudinal quantitative monitoring of cranial shape.

Preclinical Application of Augmented Reality in Pediatric Craniofacial Surgery: An Accuracy Study

Augmented reality (AR) allows the overlapping and integration of virtual information with the real environment. The camera of the AR device reads the object and integrates the virtual data. It has been widely applied to medical and surgical sciences in recent years and has the potential to enhance intraoperative navigation. In this study, the authors aim to assess the accuracy of AR guidance when using the commercial HoloLens 2 head-mounted display (HMD) in pediatric craniofacial surgery. The Authors selected fronto-orbital remodeling (FOR) as the procedure to test (specifically, frontal osteotomy and nasal osteotomy were considered). Six people (three surgeons and three engineers) were recruited to perform the osteotomies on a 3D printed stereolithographic model under the guidance of AR. By means of calibrated CAD/CAM cutting guides with different grooves, the authors measured the accuracy of the osteotomies that were performed. We tested accuracy levels of ±1.5 mm, ±1 mm, and ±0.5 mm. With the HoloLens 2, the majority of the individuals involved were able to successfully trace the trajectories of the frontal and nasal osteotomies with an accuracy level of ±1.5 mm. Additionally, 80% were able to achieve an accuracy level of ±1 mm when performing a nasal osteotomy, and 52% were able to achieve an accuracy level of ±1 mm when performing a frontal osteotomy, while 61% were able to achieve an accuracy level of ±0.5 mm when performing a nasal osteotomy, and 33% were able to achieve an accuracy level of ±0.5 mm when performing a frontal osteotomy. despite this being an in vitro study, the authors reported encouraging results for the prospective use of AR on actual patients.

Maximum Dose of Plain Epinephrine in Plastic Surgery: Room to Explore.

Epinephrine mixed with local anesthetics such as lidocaine or bupivacaine is routinely used in plastic surgery to increase the maximum safe dosage of local anesthesia and reduce blood loss through vasoconstriction. The pharmacokinetics of these epinephrine-local anesthetic combinations has been well studied, leading to well-established guidelines for maximum local anesthetic doses.1 However, local anesthetics have an associated toxicity risk and prevent impulse transmission/stimulation of motor nerves, which is particularly relevant in peripheral nerve surgery. As an alternative, plain epinephrine may be used to decrease blood loss and minimize blood within the surgical site. For this reason, it is commonly used in a wide range of plastic surgery procedures, including peripheral nerve surgery, body contouring procedures, cosmetic procedures performed under local anesthesia, and pediatric craniofacial surgery. In this Viewpoint, we examine the existing literature on the maximum dose of subcutaneous plain epinephrine and advocate for further research to guide the establishment of a maximum epinephrine dose. Within the literature, there have been reports of excessive epinephrine use causing systematic changes to patients’ physiology. These include increases in heart rate, cardiac index, and decreases in both mean arterial pressure and systemic vascular resistance index,2,3 which may be significant for patients with high-risk cardiovascular conditions. For this reason, plastic surgeons may act conservatively regarding maximum epinephrine dosing despite potential benefits with increased dosing. Additionally, studies of the vasoconstrictive effect of different epinephrine concentrations are almost exclusively conducted using epinephrine combined with local anesthetics.4 Kinsella et al have also identified this gap in the literature and studied the use of local epinephrine infiltration without local anesthetic in 102 palatoplasties, concluding that doses up to 10 μg/kg every 30 minutes did not lead to any cases of unstable tachycardia or hypertension.3 Similarly, Swan et al demonstrated no significant difference in heart rate, systolic blood pressure, or diastolic blood pressure in their high volume palatoplasty center when using 8 μm/kg of epinephrine mixed with 2 mg/kg of levobupivacaine.5 A recent review of the literature demonstrated that concentrations of epinephrine between 1:50,000 and 1:400,000 provide superior vasoconstrictive effects compared with dilute epinephrine concentrations.1 Given the frequency of use and potential benefit of plain epinephrine in a variety of surgical procedures, the lack of literature in this area warrants further investigation. The first step in addressing this gap is to establish a reference range by conducting a comprehensive review of clinical series in which epinephrine was used without hemodynamic complications. Next, small and large animal models should be used to establish preliminary dosing guidelines before human trials. Although basic science and clinical trials of this caliber would be logistically challenging and have significant associated costs, the authors believe that this gap in knowledge is worth highlighting for plastic surgeons, researchers, and trainees. DISCLOSURE The authors have no financial interest to declare in relation to the content of this article.

Molecular Scalpels: The Future of Pediatric Craniofacial Surgery?

CRISPR-Cas genome editing tools are among the most substantial advances in the life sciences in modern history. Single-dose gene therapies to correct pathogenic mutations have moved quickly from bench to bedside, with several therapeutics designed by CRISPR pioneers entering various stages of clinical investigation. Applications of these genetic technologies are poised to reshape the practice of both medicine and surgery. Many of the most morbid conditions treated by craniofacial surgeons are syndromic craniosynostoses caused by mutations in fibroblast growth factor receptor genes, including Apert, Pfeiffer, Crouzon, and Muenke syndromes. The fact that pathogenic mutations in these genes are recurrent in the majority of affected families presents a unique opportunity to develop "off-the-shelf" gene editing therapies to correct these mutations in affected children. The therapeutic potential of these interventions could reshape pediatric craniofacial surgery, potentially first eliminating the need for midface advancement procedures in affected children.

Catastrophic and Critical Intraoperative Events during Pediatric Craniofacial Surgery.

The data reviewed included the operative procedures of two senior craniofacial surgeons over an 18-year period at a tertiary care pediatric craniofacial center. Catastrophic or critical intraoperative events were defined as events requiring the activation of an emergency code during surgery. The operative details and acute outcomes were reviewed and analyzed. This study reviewed 7214 procedures performed between January 2002 and January 2019. There were 2072 (29%) cases classified as major craniofacial procedures (transcranial, mixed trans-and-extracranial, or major extracranial facial osteotomies), and code events occurred in 14 cases (0.67%; one in 148 patients): venous air embolism (n = 4), cardiac complications (n = 3), major hemorrhage (n = 3), trigeminocardiac reflex (n = 2), acute intracranial hypertension (n = 1), and acute airway obstruction (n = 1). Two cases (14%) experienced a critical event that was anesthesia-related. Cardiac arrest requiring compressions and/or defibrillation was necessary for eight patients. There were no mortalities. Surgery was curtailed in seven cases and successfully completed in seven patients. Catastrophic life-threatening events during pediatric craniofacial surgery are, fortunately, rare. In our institution, experienced teams in the management of catastrophic and critical intraoperative events during major pediatric craniofacial procedures resulted in no mortalities.

Twenty Year review of a Single Surgeon's Experience for craniosynostosis surgery

Introduction: Nonsyndromic craniosynostosis (NC) is more commonly encountered than syndromic cases in pediatric craniofacial surgery. Affected children display characteristic phenotypes according to the suture or sutures involved. This study aims to report a single surgeon experience with surgery for primary craniosynostosis correction. Methods: A retrospective review was carried out including all cases performed by the same surgeon between 2001 and 2021. The clinical data of 356 patients (371 surgeries) with primary craniosynostosis that have undergone surgery were retrospectively analyzed. Results: There were 232 (65.1%) males and 124 (34.9%) females, with most of the male preponderance occurring due to the trigonocephaly (86%) and scaphocephaly (84.5%) groups. A female predominance was observed only in brachycephaly group (64.8%). There was a statistically significant male predominance between non-syndromic versus syndromic cases (p=0.0001). The most frequent forms in non-syndromic forms were scaphocephaly in 136 (51.5%), trigonocephaly in 48 (18.1%), anterior plagiocephaly in 47 (17.8%), and brachycephaly in 35 (13.2%). A named syndrome was present in 57 (16%). Genetic syndromes presented more commonly than expected with bilateral synostosis, the Kleeblattschadel deformity, and multiple suture synostosis (p=0.001). Complications were observed in 15 (4.2%). Intraoperative hemorrhage and CSF leakage were the most common ones. Morbidity was significantly associated with monobloc fronto-facial advancement. The mean follow-up was 3.7 years (9 months to 22 years). Morphological results in NC were classified in category I in 210 (70.2%), II in 82 (27.9%), and III in 7 (1.9%) cases for NC. Conclusions: Non-syndromic craniosynostosis can be corrected with good outcomes and relatively low morbidity and mortality. For syndromic cases a multidisciplinary team is fundamental to archieve satisfactory results.

Implementation of a Modified Enhanced Recovery Protocol in the Surgical Management of Pediatric Velopharyngeal Insufficiency

Background: We have recently shown that the use of a modified enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol in primary cleft palatoplasty decreases perioperative narcotic utilization and length of stay (LOS) while allowing quicker return to oral intake. In an effort to broaden the application of ERAS protocols within pediatric craniofacial surgery, we have applied our modified ERAS protocol to patients undergoing surgery for velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI). Methods: A modified ERAS program was implemented in a multidisciplinary manner. The primary components of the protocol included: (1) administration of gabapentinoids, (2) minimal perioperative narcotic use, and (3) post-operative pain control using nonnarcotic firstline agents. One hundred twenty-nine patients were collected prospectively, assigned to the modified ERAS protocol, and compared to historic controls. Patients with a diagnosis of VPI undergoing sphincter pharyngoplasty, pharyngeal flap, or furlow palatoplasty were included. We reviewed patient demographics, narcotic use, length of stay (LOS), and complication rates. Results: Between October 2017 and December 2020, 129 patients underwent speech surgery under the modified ERAS protocol and were compared to 57 historic patient controls. The mean age (control: 7.79 ± 5.27 years, ERAS: 8.00 ± 4.69 years), weight (29.28 ± 19.37 kg, 29.71 ± 18.40 kg), and comorbidities did not differ between groups. Total narcotic usage, reported in mg morphine equivalents/kg (MME/kg), across all phases of care was greater in the controls than in ERAS, respectively (Intraop: 0.30 vs 0.079 MME/kg, PACU: 0.071 vs 0.012 MME/kg, Postop: 0.22 vs 0.0026 MME/kg, P &lt; .0001). Implementation of the ERAS protocol also led to a 29.1% decrease in LOS (1.51 days vs 1.07 days) without an increase in return to service or perioperative complications. Conclusion: Implementation of a modified ERAS protocol in patients undergoing reconstruction for VPI provided effective perioperative pain control allowing for narcotic minimization and a shorter LOS without an increased complication rate.

Custom Endoprosthesis: A Versatile Surgical Technique for Optimizing Pediatric Mandibular Reconstruction and Dental Restoration

Goals of pediatric mandibular reconstruction are restoring form, function, and esthetics while providing platforms for dental restoration. Though many techniques recreate the inferior mandibular border, most fail to address form and function in a manner that optimizes dental rehabilitation. We describe a surgical technique using a novel custom endoprosthesis that recapitulates the native mandibular contour while supporting the bone construct in a cephalad direction with a medial ledge facilitating implant placement and oral rehabilitation. This multi-institutional retrospective review at high-volume pediatric craniofacial surgery departments features patients with large mandibular resections warranting custom constructs. Thirteen patients underwent mandibular resection and endoprosthesis reconstruction with either free fibula osteocutaneous flaps (n = 9), soft tissue free flaps without bone graft (n = 2), rib graft (n = 1), or iliac crest bone graft (n = 1). Five patients required revisions for distal flap necrosis, intraoral granuloma, and orocutaneous fistulas; one endoprosthesis required removal. Excellent esthetic and reconstructive outcomes were achieved; however, only 2 patients completed dental restoration given financial constraints. A custom endoprosthesis represents an untapped avenue toward comprehensive pediatric mandibular reconstruction. It shows compatibility with microvascular flaps while optimizing facial contour and bone height for implant placement. Given these advantages, substantial financial barriers to dental restoration should be addressed.

Epsilon Aminocaproic Acid's Safety and Efficacy in Pediatric Surgeries Including Craniosynostosis Repair: A Review of the Literature.

Craniosynostosis, the premature fusion of skull sutures in children, requires surgical correction. This procedure routinely requires allogeneic blood transfusions, which are associated with multiple risks of their own. Since 2008, antifibrinolytics tranexamic acid (TXA) and epsilon aminocaproic acid (EACA or Amicar) have been widely used. There is literature comparing the two agents in scoliosis and cardiothoracic surgery, but the literature comparing the two agents in pediatric craniofacial surgery (CF) is limited. Tranexamic acid use is more common in pediatric CF surgery and has been thoroughly studied; however, it costs about three times as much as EACA and has been associated with seizures. This study compiles the literature assessing the safety and efficacy of EACA in reducing blood loss and transfusion volumes in children and explores its potential use in pediatric CF surgery.Papers from 2000 to 2021 regarding the effectiveness and safety of EACA in Pediatric scoliosis, cardiothoracic, and craniosynostosis surgery were reviewed and compiled. Papers were found via searching PubMed and Cochrane databases with the key terms: Epsilon aminocaproic acid, EACA, Amicar, Tranexamic acid, TXA, craniosynostosis, scoliosis, cardiothoracic, and pediatric. Prospective studies, retrospective studies, and meta-analyses were included.Twenty-nine papers were identified as pertinent from the literature searched. Four were meta-analyses, 14 were retrospective, and 11 were prospective. Of these papers, seven were of cardiac surgery, 12 were of scoliosis, and nine were of craniosynostosis. During our search, EACA has been shown to consistently reduce blood transfusion volumes compared to control. However, it is not as effective when compared to TXA. EACA has a similar safety profile to TXA but has a reduced risk of seizures. There are not many studies of EACA in craniosynostosis repair, but the existing literature shows promising results for EACA's efficacy and safety, warranting more studies.

Surgical Technique in Pediatric Craniofacial Surgery

The surgical correction of non-syndromic and syndromic craniosynostoses (CS) presents several challenges mainly related to the complexity of skull reconstruction, along with the risk of blood loss. Moreover, the surgical team has the commitment to achieve pleasant cosmetic results while minimizing morbimortality. Additionally, several strategies and instruments have been developed to handle this concern, such as technical surgery with minimal bleeding and piezo surgery and technique to obtain more bone autografts and minimize bone healing disturbances. This study was designed to present such techniques in a comprehensive revision of literature and describe them in a step-by-step fashion according to the current state of the art and the experience of pediatric neurosurgery in a single Brazilian institution.

Efficacy of Tranexamic Acid in Pediatric Craniofacial and Orthognathic Surgery: A Meta-Analysis

Craniofacial and orthognathic surgery are high risk procedures for surgical blood loss. Significant blood loss leads to increased rates of blood product transfusion which may be associated with increased morbidity to the patient. The use of anti-fibrinolytics such as tranexamic acid has become popular in these procedures. However, the evidence to support its use in pediatric craniofacial and orthognathic surgery is sparse. This review analyzes the current randomized control trials assessing the use of tranexamic acid in craniofacial and orthognathic surgery. The study reviewed published literature up until December 20th, 2020. Six trials were included in this analysis. Pooled data showed that patients who received tranexamic acid during craniofacial or orthognathic surgery have less blood loss compared to those in control groups (mean difference—5.47 ml/kg [CI -7.02-3.82], P value &lt;.05). Hence, rate of blood product transfusion in patients who received tranexamic acid is lower than control group by 2.01 ml/kg (CI 95%, 1.27-2.74, P value &lt;.05). In summary, this review showed that craniofacial and orthognathic surgery patients who receive tranexamic acid might have lower estimated blood loss and receive less volume of blood products transfusion.

Spring-mediated cranioplasty versus endoscopic strip craniectomy for sagittal craniosynostosis.

Endoscopic strip craniectomy (ESC) and spring-mediated cranioplasty (SMC) are two minimally invasive techniques for treating sagittal craniosynostosis in early infancy. Data comparing the perioperative outcomes of these two techniques are sparse. Here, the authors hypothesized that outcomes would be similar between patients undergoing SMC and those undergoing ESC and conducted a study using the multicenter Pediatric Craniofacial Surgery Perioperative Registry (PCSPR). The PCSPR was queried for infants under the age of 6 months who had undergone SMC or ESC for sagittal synostosis. SMC patients were propensity score matched 1:2 with ESC patients on age and weight. Primary outcomes were transfusion-free hospital course, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, ICU length of stay (LOS), and hospital length of stay (HLOS). The authors also obtained data points regarding spring removal. Comparisons of outcomes between matched groups were performed with multivariable regression models. The query returned data from 676 infants who had undergone procedures from June 2012 through September 2019, comprising 580 ESC infants from 32 centers and 96 SMC infants from 5 centers. Ninety-six SMC patients were matched to 192 ESC patients. There was no difference in transfusion-free hospital course between the two groups (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.78, 95% CI 0.45-1.35). SMC patients were more likely to be admitted to the ICU (aOR 7.50, 95% CI 3.75-14.99) and had longer ICU LOSs (incident rate ratio [IRR] 1.42, 95% CI 1.37-1.48) and HLOSs (IRR 1.28, 95% CI 1.17-1.39). In this multicenter study of ESC and SMC, the authors found similar transfusion-free hospital courses; however, SMC infants had longer ICU LOSs and HLOSs. A trial comparing longer-term outcomes in SMC versus ESC would further define the roles of these two approaches in the management of sagittal craniosynostosis.

Craniosynostosis With Preoperative Iron Supplementation Exposure: A Retrospective Cohort Study Examining Preoperative Iron Supplementation and Transfusion Practice in a National Paediatric Craniofacial Centre.

Blood loss and subsequent transfusion are key concerns in the surgical management of craniosynostosis, and have been associated with increased morbidity, requirement for intensive care admission and increased length of hospital stay. Patient blood management guidelines advocate treatment of anemia before elective surgical procedures where significant blood loss is anticipated. At present there is little evidence in the literature investigating the clinical value of this practice in pediatric craniofacial surgery. The authors examined the effect of preoperative oral iron supplementation on blood loss and transfusion rates in a national pediatric craniofacial unit. A total of 157 patients were included in a retrospective and prospective observational cohort study conducted between July 2011 and November 2016. Eighty-five (85) patients included in the preoperative iron supplementation group were prescribed oral ferrous fumarate before total cranial vault reconstruction, frontal-orbital advancement or extended strip cranial vault remodeling procedures. This cohort was retrospectively compared to seventy-two (72) consecutive patients who did not receive iron supplementation. Calculated blood loss was 51.3 mL/kg in the intervention group, and 56.65 mL/kg in the control group. Transfusion rate and mean volumes for the intervention group were 85.9% and 25 mL/kg. The control group had transfusion rate of 86.1% with mean transfused volume of 24.7 mL/kg. These differences were not statistically significant. Intraoperative tranexamic acid was associated with significantly reduced transfusion volumes overall. This study did not show a statistically significant benefit to preoperative iron supplementation. Secondary outcomes of this study showed a statistically significant difference in estimated versus calculated intraoperative blood loss. Further research in to specific iron supplementation protocols is indicated.

Combating Constraints of the Functional Matrix: The Importance of Overcorrection in Pediatric Craniofacial Surgery.

Background:To effectively manipulate the bone, particularly in the growing patient, the craniofacial surgeon must understand the principles related to bone-based reconstruction. A theory of craniofacial growth that is both biologically accurate and clinically relevant is thus needed.Methods:A historical review of major findings across various disciplines (including orthopedic surgery, anatomy, embryology, orthodontics, and cell biology) will be covered, as it pertains to the concept of the functional matrix of the craniofacial skeleton.Results:The functional matrix dictates the interplay between the soft tissue envelope and bone grafts, thus guiding donor site choice and inset methods. The soft tissue may also warrant the use of bony hypercorrection especially in cranial vault remodeling. Control of both bone and boundaries of the soft tissue functional matrix can be achieved via distraction osteogenesis.Conclusion:The soft tissue functional matrix must be accounted for during craniofacial bone grafting, mobilizing osteotomies, and distraction osteogenesis if optimal aesthetic results are to be obtained using the least amount of procedures.

One-Year Craniofacial Surgery Fellowship at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital.

Residency trainings in oral and maxillofacial surgery, plastic surgery, or otolaryngology do not sufficiently cover all aspects of craniofacial surgery to enable fresh graduates to independently practice as craniofacial surgeons. Fellowship trainings are almost mandatory to gain added skills and knowledge in the subspecialty. There are limited number of fellowship centers around the globe that accept international fellows, provide an excellent hands-on experience, arrange free accommodation and pay stipend to the selected candidates. The author presents his critical review of 1-year craniofacial surgery fellowship at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan, sponsored by Noordhoff Craniofacial Foundation (NCF), during which he rotated in pediatric craniofacial surgery unit for five and half months, orthognathic surgery unit for 4 months and craniofacial trauma and reconstruction unit for two and half months. The surgical log is presented along with critical review of individual postings, pearls of the overall fellowship along with suggestions for interested candidates to join the fellowship.

Efficacy of Staged Oronasal Fistula Reconstruction and Improved Bone Graft Survival in Cleft Patients Undergoing Secondary Reconstruction.

To evaluate the efficacy of the senior author's technique of staged reconstruction in patients with recalcitrant oronasal fistulas. A retrospective review of the Pediatric Plastic Surgery Cleft & Craniofacial Surgery Database of cases from September 2013 to December 2018 was conducted. A total of 31 patients who had previously undergone >1 surgical attempt to repair a fistula or patients who have failed >1 attempt at bone graft were included in this study. All patients were referrals from outside facilities. Primary outcomes examined included fistula recurrence, infection rates, ability to proceed with second stage bone grafting after first stage fistula takedown and reconstruction, and bone graft loss. Charts of 1053 patients were reviewed and 31 (2.94%) cases met inclusion criteria for this study. Nineteen (61.3%) of these patients proceeded with the second stage of reconstruction and 100% did not experience any graft loss. Seven patients who completed the first stage are undergoing orthodontic optimization prior to bone grafting. The remaining 5 are adult patients not interested in pursuing bone grafting. All 31 patients with recurrent and recalcitrant fistulas had successful fistula reconstruction with our approach, despite multiple previous failed reconstructions. The 2-staged reconstructive approach described herein effectively resulted in resolution of prior recurrent recalcitrant fistulas and resulted in eventual bone grafting. By employing this technique, we report successful fistula repair and bone grafting in patients who had previously undergone multiple surgical reconstructions.

The Pediatric Craniofacial Collaborative Group (PCCG) Consensus Conference Methodology.

This article describes the methodology used for the Pediatric Craniofacial Collaborative Group (PCCG) Consensus Conference. This is a novel Consensus Conference of national experts in Pediatric Craniofacial Surgery and Anesthesia, who will follow standards set by the Institute of Medicine and using the Research and Development/University of California, Los Angeles appropriateness method, modeled after the Pediatric Critical Care Transfusion and Anemia Expertise Initiative. Topics related to pediatric craniofacial anesthesia for open cranial vault surgery were divided into twelve subgroups with a systematic review of the literature. A group of 20 content experts met virtually between 2019 and 2020 and will collaborate in their selected topics related to perioperative management for pediatric open cranial vault surgery for craniosynostosis. These groups will also identify where future research is needed. Experts in pediatric craniofacial surgery and anesthesiology are developing recommendations on behalf of the Pediatric Craniofacial Collaborative Group for perioperative management of patients undergoing open cranial vault surgery for craniosynostosis and identifying future research priorities.