Risk Of Facial Palsy Research Articles

Transmalar Kirshner Wire Fixation Under Ultrasound Scanning is Useful for Unstable Zygomatic Arch Fracture Combined With Zygomatic Body Fracture.

Plate fixation to zygomatic arch fractures carries the risk of facial nerve palsy and scarring of the cheek; however, without plate fixation, bone deviation or displacement may reoccur after surgery. Furthermore, zygomatic arch fractures combined with zygomatic body fractures are more postoperatively unstable than single zygomatic arch fractures. Few reports have focused on this combined fracture type, and no consensus has been reached regarding treatment. Because plate fixation for slight deviation of the zygomatic body has little advantage for stabilization, the authors, usually opt for transmalar pinning alone instead of plate fixation at the hospital. This study is a retrospective case series of 7 patients, among 100 zygomatic fractures excluding isolated zygomatic arch fractures, treated using transmalar pinning under ultrasound scanning. The reduction was performed through the oral and temporal incision as a surgical procedure. Under ultrasound observation, a Kirshner wire was inserted into the zygomatic body from the unaffected side while maintaining the reduced position. The wire was removed at an outpatient visit 2 to 3 months following surgery. In all cases, the zygomatic body was of the laterally rotated type, and postoperative morphologic evaluation showed improvement without postoperative complications. Scores were higher in middle-aged and older than in young people. Correction of zygomatic rotation also scored higher than zygomatic arch morphology. Transmalar Kirshner wire fixation under ultrasound observation is a simple and minimally invasive method for zygomatic arch fractures, which avoids the possible complications related to plate fixation.

Logistic regression analysis of risk factors for post-operative morbidities in parotidectomy: a retrospective cohort study.

In this study, we reviewed the post-operative complications in parotidectomy and its association with various patient, tumour and surgical factors. All parotidectomies performed in our regional unit between 2013 to 2020 were identified. Electronic medical record and clinic letters were reviewed for any post-operative complications. A logistical regression model was applied on data collected on twelve patient factors, three tumour factors and four surgical factors. 379 cases of parotidectomy were identified in the eight-year study period. 55% (n = 210) were documented with nine types of post-operative complications. This study identified age >80 (odds ratio = 1.89, p = 0.018), active smoker (odds ratio = 0.94, p = 0.018), total parotidectomy approach (odds ratio = 1.77, p = 0.012), longer operation time (odds ratio = 0.006, p = 0.015) and hypertension (odds ratio = 1.23, p = 0.019) were associated with a higher risk of facial nerve palsy. Predictive factors were also identified for auricular nerve numbness and Frey syndrome. This study revealed the incidences and potential predictors of post-operative complications in parotidectomy. Notably, the grade of operator (consultants/ registrars) had no effect on the possibility of adverse outcome, reflecting patient safety was not compromised for training. These findings can be used in patient counselling and guide treatment options to minimise post-operative complications.

The risk of facial nerve palsy after benign parotidectomy. A quality project

Background Facial nerve palsy is a potential complication of parotidectomy for benign salivary gland tumours, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of its incidence and associated risk factors for improved patient counselling and preoperative planning. Aim/objectives This single-centre retrospective study aimed to assess the rate of facial nerve palsy following benign parotidectomy at a University Teaching Hospital. Material and methods Over a 3-year period, 160 patients undergoing parotid surgery for benign tumours were included. Data, encompassing sex, age, operation technique, tumour pathology, facial nerve function, and follow-up duration, were collected from medical records. Exclusion criteria comprised patients with prior parotid gland surgery or preoperative facial nerve palsy. Results The study revealed a 3.75% incidence of facial nerve palsy with no total paralysis post-parotidectomy for benign disease. Pleomorphic adenoma (50.6%) and Warthin’s tumour (44.4%) were the predominant tumour types. No significant differences were noted between groups with and without postoperative facial palsy based on obtained covariates. Conclusion and significance Our findings endorse partial superficial parotidectomy and extracapsular dissection as low-risk treatments for benign parotid tumours. However, prospective studies are warranted to elucidate recovery rates and long-term consequences of facial nerve palsy, contributing to refined surgical approaches and patient care in parotid surgery.

Facial palsy induced by immune checkpoint blockade: A systematic analysis of clinical trials and a pharmacovigilance study of postmarketing data

BackgroundTo estimate the risk of facial nerve palsy (FP) associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), and to describe its clinical features. MethodsData from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database were included. The primary outcome was the risk of FP events associated with ICIs. For data from RCTs, pooled analysis was performed by using risk ratios (RRs) with 95%CIs. In a separate retrospective pharmacovigilance study of FAERS, disproportionality was analyzed using the proportional reports reporting odds ratio (ROR) and information components (IC). ResultsA total of 21 RCTs (193,05 patients) were included, ICIs were associated with increased risk of FP (OR = 3.07, 95%CI:1.43–6.58). Results of subgroup analysis indicated that OR of ICI-related FP did not vary significantly by tumor type, ICIs treatment schedule, case of events, study design, median PFS and publication status. FAERS pharmacovigilance data identified 274 cases of FP related to ICIs therapy. ICIs were significantly associated with over-reporting frequencies of FP (ROR = 3.03, 95%CI:2.69–3.42; IC = 1.56, 95%CI:1.38–1.76). The median onset time of FP was 5.5 weeks, drug interruption was recorded in 78.0% of cases, with a positive dechallenge in 82.8 % of cases, and 71.7% of cases were recovered or recovering. ConclusionsThese data suggest that ICIs were significantly associated with increased risk of FP in both trial settings and in clinical practice.

COVID-19 and the peripheral nervous system. A 2-year review from the pandemic to the vaccine era.

Increasing literature has linked COVID‐19 to peripheral nervous system (PNS) diseases. In addition, as we move from the pandemic to the vaccination era, literature interest is shifting towards the potential association between COVID‐19 vaccines and PNS manifestations. We reviewed published literature on COVID‐19, COVID‐19 vaccines and PNS manifestations between 1 January 2020 and 1 December 2021. For Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS), isolated cranial neuropathy (ICN) and myositis associated with COVID‐19, the demographic, clinical, laboratory, electrophysiological and imaging features were included in a narrative synthesis. We identified 169 studies on COVID‐19‐associated complications, including 63 papers (92 patients) on GBS, 29 papers (37 patients) on ICN and 11 papers (18 patients) on myositis. Additional clinical phenotypes included chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, vasculitic neuropathies, neuralgic amyotrophy, critical care‐related complications, and myasthenia gravis. PNS complications secondary to COVID‐19 vaccines have been reported during randomized clinical trials, in real‐world case reports, and during large‐scale surveillance programs. These mainly include cases of GBS, Bell's palsy, and cases of neuralgic amyotrophy. Based on our extensive review of the literature, any conclusion about a pathophysiological correlation between COVID‐19 and PNS disorders remains premature, and solely supported by their temporal association, while epidemiological and pathological data are insufficient. The occurrence of PNS complications after COVID‐19 vaccines seems limited to a possible higher risk of facial nerve palsy and GBS, to a degree that widespread access to the ongoing vaccination campaign should not be discouraged, while awaiting for more definitive data from large‐scale surveillance studies.

Risk of complications with retromandibular transparotid vs. anteroparotid approach for condylar fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Retromandibular approaches have been known to reduce the risk of facial nerve palsy and improve the management of condylar fractures. As such, it is necessary to identify the best approach with the least complications. This review was conducted to obtain a comprehensive estimate for the risk of complications following both the transparotid and the anteroparotid approach for patients with mandibular condylar fractures. A comprehensive search was conducted using PubMed Central, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Cochrane library, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar from January 1964 until October 2021. The Newcastle Ottawa scale and Cochrane risk of bias tool were used to assess the quality of the included studies. A meta-analysis was carried out using a random-effects model and reported pooled incidence with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A funnel plot was used to assess possible publication biases. In total, 40 studies with 2,096 participants were assessed and the majority of the included studies (29 out of 40 studies) had a high risk of bias. The pooled incidence of facial nerve palsy following the transparotid approach was 13% (95% CI: 10%-17%; I2=66.8%), and 2% (95% CI: 1%-5%; I2=57.8%) following the anteroparotid approach. The pooled incidence of sialocele following the transparotid approach was 2% (95% CI: 0%-4%; I2=45.8%), and 2% (95% CI: 1%-5%; I2=67.2%) following the anteroparotid approach. The pooled incidence of postoperative infection following the transparotid approach was 1% (95% CI: 0%-4%; I2=63.1%), and 1% (95% CI: 0%-3%; I2=0%) following the anteroparotid approach. The incidence of facial nerve palsy was higher among patients undergoing the transparotid approach when compared to patients undergoing the anteroparotid approach. Further trials comparing both of these approaches are required to identify the best methodology with the lowest complication rate.

Association of COVID-19 Vaccination and Facial Nerve Palsy

Peripheral facial nerve (Bell) palsy has been reported and widely suggested as a possible adverse effect of the BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) COVID-19 vaccine. Israel is currently the leading country in vaccination rates per capita, exclusively using the BNT162b2 vaccine, and all residents of Israel are obligatory members of a national digital health registry system. These factors enable early analysis of adverse events. To examine whether the BNT162b2 vaccine is associated with an increased risk of acute-onset peripheral facial nerve palsy. This case-control study was performed from January 1 to February 28, 2021, at the emergency department of a tertiary referral center in central Israel. Patients admitted for facial nerve palsy were matched by age, sex, and date of admission with control patients admitted for other reasons. Recent vaccination with the BNT162b2 vaccine. Adjusted odds ratio for recent exposure to the BNT162b2 vaccine among patients with acute-onset peripheral facial nerve palsy. The proportion of patients with Bell palsy exposed to the BNT162b2 vaccine was compared between groups, and raw and adjusted odds ratios for exposure to the vaccine were calculated. A secondary comparison with the overall number of patients with facial nerve palsy in preceding years was performed. Thirty-seven patients were admitted for facial nerve palsy during the study period, 22 (59.5%) of whom were male, and their mean (SD) age was 50.9 (20.2) years. Among recently vaccinated patients (21 [56.7%]), the mean (SD) time from vaccination to occurrence of palsy was 9.3 (4.2 [range, 3-14]) days from the first dose and 14.0 (12.6 [range, 1-23]) days from the second dose. Among 74 matched controls (2:1 ratio) with identical age, sex, and admittance date, a similar proportion were vaccinated recently (44 [59.5%]). The adjusted odds ratio for exposure was 0.84 (95% CI, 0.37-1.90; P = .67). Furthermore, analysis of the number of admissions for facial nerve palsy during the same period in preceding years (2015-2020) revealed a relatively stable trend (mean [SD], 26.8 [5.8]; median, 27.5 [range, 17-35]). In this case-control analysis, no association was found between recent vaccination with the BNT162b2 vaccine and risk of facial nerve palsy.

Transoral Parotidectomy.

Transoral parotidectomy allows for the management of parapharyngeal space tumors and accessory parotid gland tumors without the need for a transfacial/transparotid or mandible splitting procedure. It is a minimally invasive approach that permits a faster recovery and with a lesser risk of facial palsy.

Factors affecting complications and comorbidities in children with cholesteatoma

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of age, race, payer status, and socioeconomic status on complications and comorbidities in children with cholesteatoma. MethodsAn analysis of the Kids’ Inpatient Database was performed on cases of cholesteatoma between 2006 and 2016, along with associated complications or co-morbidities and surgical interventions. Results1552 cases of pediatric cholesteatoma represented 5.6 cases per 100,000 total discharges over the study period. The mean age was 9.9 (±5.4) years. Compared to children in the 4th age quartile, those in the 1st age quartile had decreased risk of conductive hearing loss (OR 0.64 [0.42–0.99]), venous thrombosis (OR 0.24 [0.06–0.88]), intracranial abscess (OR 0.35 [0.13–0.96]), and facial nerve palsy (0.44 [0.20–0.97]), but increased risk of chronic otitis media (OR 2.24 [1.23–4.10]). Compared to children identified as Other race, children identified as Black had increased risk of acute otitis media (OR 9.20 [1.35–62.78]). Both children identified as Black (OR 9.90 [1.48–66.35]) or Hispanic (OR 6.24 [1.01–38.51]) had increased risk of facial nerve palsy. Relative to children in the 4th income quartile, children in the 1st income quartile had increased risk of acute mastoiditis (OR 1.87 [1.15–3.03]) and subperiosteal abscess (OR 6.75 [2.22–20.56]). Children in the 2nd income quartile were less likely to receive ossicular chain surgery (OR 0.31 [0.13–0.72]). ConclusionDifferences pertaining to age, race, payer status, and socioeconomic status exist in the presentation and surgical management of children hospitalized with cholesteatoma. Older children are at increased risk of intracranial complications. Patients of Black and Hispanic race might have a higher risk of facial nerve palsy. Compared to children of higher income families, those from lower income families more frequently develop acute mastoiditis and subperiosteal abscess. Providers should be mindful of these risk factors when caring for children with cholesteatoma.

Migrainous facial palsy (MFP): the introduction of a new concept of neurovascular conflict and its preliminary clinical evidence.

Facial palsy and migraine have frequently been reported to occur in conjunction. We report a case series and propound a theory to explain the same. To postulate an anatomico-pathophysiological association in the causative factor of lower motor neuron type of facial palsy in cases with migraine without aura. Preliminary experiences and observations in 12 cases suffering from facial palsy following an attack of migraine without aura, mainly in the occipital and posterior auricular region, are elaborated. Facial palsy occurred on the ipsilateral side as the headaches in a majority of the cases (83.33%) and in rare cases of bilateral headaches (16.67%), it lateralised to the side the headaches were more severe. In most of these cases (75%), a complete clinical recovery was noted within 6months. We concluded that neurogenic inflammation of the facial nerve trunk caused by its proximity to the dilated posterior auricular/stylomastoid/occipital and superficial temporal arteries during a migraine attack leads to a temporary lower motor neuron type of paresis of the muscles supplied by the facial nerve. This pathophysiological understanding of the disease mechanism could open new avenues as to the treatment of this condition. This proposition indicates in clearer light than before, a possible mechanism to explain the higher incidence and risk of facial palsy in migraineurs.

Characterizing the size of the target region for atraumatic opening of the cochlea through the facial recess

Surgical treatment with a cochlear implant (CI) for hearing rehabilitation requires a highly accurate and personalized opening of the inner ear (cochlea) to protect the delicate intra-cochlear fine structures, whose functional integrity needs to be maintained to preserve residual hearing. Spatial orientation within the complex anatomy of the lateral skull base during the procedure is a highly demanding task for the surgeon. In order to reduce risk of facial nerve palsy and loss of residual hearing as well as to establish minimally invasive CI surgery (minCIS), image-guided procedures incorporating surgical assistance systems are under development. However, there is a lack of an accuracy threshold value or range that such a system needs to fulfill to be considered sufficiently accurate for atraumatic opening of the inner ear.In this study, high resolution three-dimensional (3D) morphological images of eight human temporal bone specimens were manually segmented to build anatomical models of the human inner ear including all surgically relevant intra-cochlear structures as well as the facial recess. These 3D models were used to plan the surgical access path to the basal turn of the cochlea using the mastoidectomy posterior tympanotomy approach (MPTA). Therefore, custom-made image-processing software was developed to perform both path planning and identification of the valid target region— i.e., the largest possible region for atraumatic opening of the scala tympani.The developed 3D models provide visualization of the complex and variable anatomy of the basal portion of the human cochlear duct (also known as cochlear “hook region”) as well as its spatial relationship to the facial recess. Their spatial arrangement directly impacts the accessibility of the hook region and limits the entry direction into scala tympani. The average diameter of the target region was found to be 1.56 mm ± 0.10 mm (range: 1.43 to 1.72 mm). The anatomic variability and the need for a high safety level of at least 95% for hearing preservation CI surgery lead to a remaining safety margin of approximately 0.3 mm. In the future, this accuracy threshold value can serve as benchmark during the pre-clinical evaluation of image-guidance technologies to allow for highly accurate CI surgery.

Sternocleidomastoid Flap in Parotid Surgery: A Case Series.

Superficial and deep parotidectomies are known treatments for benign and malignant neoplasms of parotid glands. Due to the gland's proximity to facial nerve and other vital structures, this surgery carries the highest risk of facial nerve palsy. Another frequently overlooked complication, which can be detrimental to patient's life style is Frey's syndrome, or gustatory sweating. Other complications include flap necrosis and various contour deformities. We conducted this study on a group of 40 patients of parotid swellings to assess usage of sternocleidomastoid flap in prevention of Frey's syndrome, contour deformities, flap necrosis, salivary fistula and drain related injuries. We divided the patients in two groups based on the usage of sternomastoid flap. In Group A, the patients underwent superficial or total parotidectomies with a partial thickness, superiorly based sternomastoid flap. In Group B, no sternomastoid flap was placed. The incidence of Frey's syndrome was seen to be 3 times in Group B, while a visible contour deformity was seen in a third of patients in Group B, with Group A reporting no incidence. Also Group A, did not see any cases of flap necrosis or salivary fistula, while Group B saw 3 and 2 cases respectively. Also, among the two revision cases done in Group A, the one with previously placed sternomastoid flap (done by us 3years back) had an excellent plane preserved, while another revision case without sternomastoid flap saw a complete adherence of facial nerve to overlying skin, resulting in Grade II permanent facial palsy. Parotidectomy is a technically challenging surgery in regards to important structures in the vicinity. Even with ostensibly perfect technique, facial nerve injury can occur for unknown reasons. All in all, sternomastoid flap is an acceptable modality to fill the parotidectomy defect, improve the facial contour and reduce the incidences of Frey's syndrome and skin necrosis.

578: Right instrument, right patient, right time: vacuum and forceps vs. forceps alone

Forceps delivery has decreased in frequency due to concerns regarding morbidity and this has lead to clinicians citing a lack of experience and confidence with the instrument. Similarly caution has been urged in the use of sequential instruments (most often vacuum followed by forceps) at the time of operative vaginal delivery due to excessive traction on the fetal head and related poor outcomes. We sought to examine outcomes of deliveries using vacuum followed by forceps with those where forceps was the only instrument applied. This is a secondary analysis of the Genesis Study, a prospective multi-center study, consisting of 2,336 nulliparous patients with a vertex presentation. Morbidity outcomes at operative vaginal delivery were examined and cases of forceps alone were compared with cases where there was sequential use of vacuum followed by a forceps to complete the delivery. Markers of birth injury such as Erbs palsy, cephalohematoma, fetal laceration, facial nerve palsy, fracture of the clavicle, skull or humerus were also examined. There were 864 operative vaginal deliveries carried out in the study cohort. Almost 60% (511/864) were vacuum assisted, while 29% (248/864) were forceps alone, 12% (105/864) of deliveries involved sequential vacuum and forceps. There was an increased risk of anal sphincter injury in those delivered with sequential instruments compared with those needing forceps alone (14% [15/105] vs. 7.7% [19/248]; p=0.05). The rates of shoulder dystocia and PPH were similar in both groups. Infants requiring sequential instruments were more likely to have a cephalohematoma (8.6% [9/105] vs. 0% [0/248]; p<0.001), and laceration to the fetal head (6.7% [7/105] vs. 2.0% [5/248]; p=0.02). There was no difference in the risk of facial nerve palsy, fracture of the clavicle, skull or humerus regardless of whether a forceps or both vacuum and forceps were used. Rates of Apgar <7 at 1 and 5 minutes, arterial cord pH <7.20 and NICU admission were similar among both groups. Deliveries carried out using a vacuum followed by a forceps carry significant morbidity in excess of those requiring forceps alone. In embarking on an operative vaginal birth, the operator should prioritize the appropriate use of a single intervention, including consideration for primary forceps selection or recourse to cesarean delivery.

The management of non-tuberculous cervicofacial lymphadenitis in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Cervicofacial lymphadenitis is the most common manifestation of infection with non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in immunocompetent children. Although complete excision is considered standard management, the optimal treatment remains controversial. This study reviews the evidence for different management options for NTM lymphadenitis. A systematic literature review and meta-analysis were performed including 1951 children from sixty publications. Generalised linear mixed model regressions were used to compare treatment modalities. The adjusted mean cure rate was 98% (95% CI 97.0-99.5%) for complete excision, 73.1% (95% CI 49.6-88.3%) for anti-mycobacterial antibiotics, and 70.4% (95% CI 49.6-88.3%) for 'no intervention'. Compared to 'no intervention', only complete excision was significantly associated with cure (OR 33.1; 95% CI 10.8-102.9; p<0.001). Complete excision was associated with a 10% risk of facial nerve palsy (2% permanent). 'No intervention' was associated with delayed resolution. Complete excision is associated with the highest cure rate in NTM cervicofacial lymphadenitis, but also had the highest risk of facial nerve palsy. In the absence of large, well-designed RCTs, the choice between surgical excision, anti-mycobacterial antibiotics and 'no intervention' should be based on the location and extent of the disease, and acceptability of prolonged time to resolution.

A REVIEW OF 27 PATIENTS TREATED WITH PAROTIDECTOMY AT AL-YARMOUK TEACHING HOSPITAL

Background &#x0D; Parotid gland tumors are the majority of tumors which arise in the salivary glands. Recommended treatment for parotid pathologies is surgical excision. Injury of the facial nerve is the most common complication encountered after parotid surgery.&#x0D; Objective&#x0D; Analyzing the clinical presentations, histopathology and complications following parotid surgery. &#x0D; Methods&#x0D; Patient’s documents were reviewed for those underwent parotidectomy between September 2006 to June 2012. Diagnosis and surgical procedure were standardized in all cases. All patients were monitored thoroughly specially for facial nerve injury and they were followed up for six months.&#x0D; Results&#x0D; 27 patients underwent Parotidectomy with a mean age of 51 years, with male to female ratio 2.8:1. There were two false negative (FN) and one false positive (FP) reported cases by ne needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) with sensitivity of 50% and a speci city of 95.65%. Pleomorphic adenoma was the commonest benign pathology (55.56%). Postoperative facial nerve injury encountered in (37.04 %). 80% of cases were completely recovered in 6 months.&#x0D; Conclusion&#x0D; FNAC should be performed in all patients but regarded only as a helpful investigation for management. And the risk of facial nerve palsy is related to the type, size and extend of the tumour and radicality of the resection done.

Stratifying the risk of facial nerve palsy after benign parotid surgery

Post-operative facial palsy is the most important potential complication of parotid surgery for benign lesions. The published prevalence of facial weakness is up to 57 per cent for temporary weakness and up to 7 per cent for permanent weakness. We aimed to identify potential risk factors for post-operative facial palsy. One hundred and fifty patients who had undergone parotid surgery for benign disease were retrospectively reviewed. Tumour factors (size, location and histopathology), patient factors (age and sex) and operative factors (operation, surgeon grade, surgeon specialty and use of intra-operative facial nerve monitoring) were all analysed for significant associations with post-operative facial palsy. The overall incidence of facial palsy was 26.7 per cent for temporary weakness and 2.6 per cent for permanent weakness. The associations between facial palsy and all the above factors were analysed using Pearson's chi-square test and found to be non-significant. These outcomes compare favourably with the literature. No significant risk factors were identified, suggesting that atraumatic, meticulous surgical technique is still the most important factor affecting post-operative facial palsy.

Cerebellopontine angle meningiomas: postoperative outcomes in a modern cohort

Tumors of the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) have always proven difficult for neurosurgeons to optimally manage. Studies investigating the natural history and treatment of vestibular schwannomas have dominated the literature in this regard. Distinguishing meningiomas from schwannomas in this location carries particular importance as each tumor type has certain prognostic and surgical considerations. In this study, the authors have characterized the outcomes of 34 patients surgically treated for CPA meningiomas and have investigated various factors that may affect postoperative neurological function. The medical records of patients with CPA meningiomas who underwent surgery from 2005 to 2013 at the Duke University Health System were reviewed. Various patient, clinical, and tumor data were gathered from the medical records including patient demographics, pre- and postoperative neurological examinations, duration of symptoms, procedural details, tumor pathology and size, and treatment characteristics. Differences in continuous variables were then analyzed using the Student t-test while categorical variables were evaluated using the chi-square test. A total of 34 patients underwent surgical treatment for CPA meningiomas during the 8-year period. Jugular foramen invasion was seen in 17.6% of tumors, with nearly half (41.2%) extending into the internal acoustic canal. The most common presenting symptom was hearing loss (58.8%), followed by headache (52.9%) and facial numbness/pain (50.0%). The most common cranial nerve (CN) affected was CN X (11.8%), followed by CNs VI and VII (5.9%). Postoperatively, no patients experienced a decrease in hearing, with only 5.9% of patients experiencing facial nerve palsies. Patients with tumors larger than 3 cm had a significantly higher incidence of permanent CN deficits than those with smaller tumors (45.5% vs 5.9%, respectively; p = 0.011). Also, tumor extension into the jugular foramen was associated with the occurrence of lower CN deficits, none of which occurred in tumors without jugular foramen invasion. Internal acoustic canal tumor extension was not seen to be associated with postoperative complications or CN deficits. Meningiomas of the CPA are challenging lesions to treat surgically. However, the risk of facial palsy and hearing loss is significantly lower when compared with vestibular schwannomas. Novel methods for preoperative differentiation are needed to appropriately counsel patients on surgical risks. Also, due to the significant potential for neurological deficits, further studies are needed to investigate the utility of radiotherapy for these lesions.

Persistent stapedial arteries in human: from phylogeny to surgical consequences

The stapedial artery is an embryonic artery which disappears during the tenth week in utero, in human species. During its short life, this artery shapes the stapes and transforms the middle meningeal artery from the internal carotid artery to a branch of the external carotid system. Nevertheless, a persistent stapedial artery is seen in 0.2-4.8 per thousand of human adults. This persistence is usually asymptomatic but can sometimes cause pulsatile tinnitus or conductive hearing loss. Despite the risk of facial palsy, hearing loss and even hemiplegia argued by several authors, some surgeons have succeeded in coagulation without side effects. Reviewing the literature, we seek to enlighten the actual knowledge about the persistent stapedial artery to evaluate the risk to coagulate it. Embryologic studies explain the four types of persistent stapedial arteries: the hyoido-stapedial artery, the pharyngo-stapedial artery, the pharyngo-hyo-stapedial artery and aberrant internal carotid with persistent stapedial artery. Phylogenetic studies show that the stapedial artery persists in adulthood in many vertebrates. Its disappearance is therefore either a random effect or an adaptative convergence. This adaptation could be partially linked to the negative allometry of the stapes. Practically, the risk to coagulate a stapedial artery seems limited thanks to anastomoses, for example with the stylomastoid artery. The risk of hemiplegia reported is in fact an extrapolation of variation in rats' embryos. A persistent stapedial artery can therefore reasonably be coagulated, with special attention to the facial nerve, because the facial canal is always dehiscent where the artery penetrates.

A case of pilomatrixoma in the cheek in a 7-year-old girl

Pilomatrixoma, also known as a calcifying epithelioma, is a benign tumor originating from a hair follicle. We present a case of pilomatrixoma in a 7-year-old girl complaining of swelling in the cheek. Clinical examination disclosed a mass 10mm in diameter and it was totally removed. The microscopic examination showed encapsulated tumors mainly composed of eosinophilic ghost cells and partly with basophilic portions in hyalinized fibrous stroma with calcification. Preoperative ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging gave us useful information for complete tumor excision that the tumor existed just under the skin and the risk of facial palsy would be relatively low.

Transmasseteric anterior parotid approach for condylar fractures: experience of 129 cases

We have evaluated the transmasseteric anterior parotid (TMAP) approach in the treatment of 163 condylar fractures in 129 patients. Ninety-five patients presented with unilateral, and 34 with bilateral, fractures. The inclusion criteria were patient's choice for open reduction and internal fixation, displaced unilateral condylar fractures with occlusal derangement, and displaced bilateral condylar fractures with anterior open bite. Mean (SD) maximum interincisal opening after 3 months was 44(5)mm. There were no differences in lateral movements during the reviews 6 weeks and 3 months postoperatively. Protrusive movement at the end of 3 months was 7(2)mm. All patients achieved functional occlusion identical to the pretraumatic occlusion and good reduction of the condyles. No patient developed temporary or permanent facial palsy, sialocele, salivary fistula, or Frey syndrome. The mean (SD) operating time was 46(11)min. The TMAP approach avoids the complications of incision of the parotid gland, minimises the risk of facial nerve palsy, and offers excellent access to the fractured condyle.