Craniofacial Surgery

Is Craniosynostosis Repair Keeping Up With the Times? Results From the Largest National Survey on Craniosynostosis. Background: Given the great variability in perioperative management of craniosynostosis, a large-scale national survey of current practice patterns was conducted. Methods: Using scaphocephaly as a test diagnosis, 115 craniofacial surgeons at all levels of career experience across the United States were invited to participate in an anonymous survey. Results: Fifty-three surgeons (46%) completed the survey. All respondents complete repair before 1 year of age with a majority operating between 4 and 8 months. Surgeons with greater than 10 years of experience were significantly more likely to perform open repair at extremes of age (<4 months and 8-12 months) (P = 0.03) and reported shorter operative times (P = 0.01) compared with their less experienced colleagues. More than two-thirds of surgeons (68.8%) obtain preoperative imaging for every case; 83% of these prefer computed tomography scans. More than one-fourth of respondents (28%) routinely prescribe an extended course (>24 hours) of antibiotics. Overall transfusion rates remain high, with nearly 2 (65.2%) in 3 transfusing in 76% to 100% of operations. The overwhelming majority of respondents (93.6%) routinely send patients to an intensive care unit postoperatively. Conclusions: We present the largest US survey of craniosynostosis surgical practice patterns to date. General consensus exists regarding safety and emergency preparedness standards. In addition, we identified several patterns that deviate from published evidence-based guidelines. Specifically, these practices relate to the routine use of high-dose radiation imaging, long-term antibiotics, blood transfusions, and intensive postoperative surveillance. For the first time, stratifying by surgeon experience revealed significant differences in clinical practice. (C) 2015 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.

A Crossover Reconstruction Between the Forehead Expansion and Upper Eyelid Skin. Background: In cosmetic surgery, the authors have successfully used forehead expansion for reconstruction of the upper eyelid, and have found it to be indispensable for reconstruction of the upper eyelid. In such an operation, preserving the eyebrow is often a problem, and they suggest an approach in 2 stages, which allows us to both save the eyebrow and use the expander flap at the same time. In the last 6 years, they have performed 5 forehead expansions for total upper eyelid skin reconstruction, achieving very good aesthetic outcomes. Methods: Firstly, the authors measure the defect and choose an appropriate expander implant for the forehead. Secondly, they cut out the pathologically changed-turned red or scarred-skin to protect the eyebrow. Next they get out the tissue expander and use the tissue flap to repair the upper eyelid defect, while the eyebrow is under the expander flap, covered by skin, which they originally cut from the upper eyelid. Three weeks later they can cut down the pedicel and the flap becomes the new upper eyelid skin. Results: The authors find that the new upper eyelid skin may be vascularized by dermatological vessels from the expander flap. The forehead expander flap is reliable and particularly well suited for an upper eyelid, with numerous advantages. In this way, they make maximal use of the expander flap and no additional incision is needed. Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study. (C) 2015 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.

Individualized Surgical Templates and Titanium Microplates for Le Fort I Osteotomy by Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing. The authors report the use of novel individualized surgical templates and titanium miniplates for Le Fort I osteotomy and evaluate the accuracy of this technique in vitro. Nine three-dimensional stereolithographic skull models were used to design the templates and titanium microplates and to simulate the operation. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of the skulls were acquired preoperatively and were used to generate virtual models. The surgical plans were made based on three-dimensional cephalometric analyses, and osteotomies were then performed virtually. Cylinder-shaped markers were placed to permit the correct location of titanium screws, and individualized surgical templates were designed. The bony segments were then repositioned virtually according to the surgical plans to correct the skeletal deformities. Resin surgical templates were produced by stereolithography rapid prototyping and the titanium miniplates by three-dimensional cutting. Le Fort I osteotomy was performed under the guide of the surgical templates and fixed with the titanium miniplates. Postoperatively, CBCT scans of each skull model were taken, and the differences between the actual and planned surgical outcomes were measured by superimposing the planned and postoperative virtual models generated from CBCT images. The authors demonstrated that the average linear difference between the planned and actual outcomes was <1 mm and the average orientation difference was <1[degrees]. The individualized surgical templates and titanium microplates designed in this experimental study permitted the repositioning of the maxillary segment to the correct planned positions during Le Fort I osteotomy, making this technique a promising alternative to the conventional split method. (C) 2015 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.

Temporomandibular-External Auditory Canal Fistulas Treatment: Patient With Air Into the Synovial Compartment. No abstract available

Use of Pedicled Trapezius Myocutaneous Flap for Posterior Skull Reconstruction. Background: Soft-tissue defects in posterior skull can be challenging for reconstruction. If related to tumor resection, these wound beds are generally irradiated and can be difficult from a recipient-vessel perspective for a free tissue transfer. Locoregional flaps might prove to be important reconstructive option in such patients. There is a very limited data on the usage of pedicled trapezius myocutaneous flaps for such defects. Methods: The authors reviewed existing study for usage of trapezius flap for posterior skull repair and used pedicled trapezius myocutaneous flaps based on the descending branch of superficial cervical artery (SCA) for reconstruction of posterior skull soft-tissue defect in an irradiated and infected wound. Results: Two patients were operated for trapezius myocutaneous flap for posterior skull defects complicated by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage and epidural abscess. There was no recipient or donor-site complication at a mean follow-up of 12.5 months. Neither of the 2 patients had any functional deficits for the entire duration of the follow-up. Although this flap was able to help in controlling the CSF leakage in the first patient, it successfully healed the cavity generated from epidural abscess drainage in the second patient. Conclusion: The large angle of rotation coupled with the ability to complete the procedure without repositioning the patients makes trapezius myocutaneous flap an attractive option for posterior skull reconstruction. In our limited experience, the pedicled trapezius flaps are a reliable alternative as they are well vascularized and able to obliterate the soft-tissue defect completely. The recipient site healed completely in infected as well as irradiated wound beds. In addition, the donor site can be primarily closed with minimal donor-associated complication. (C) 2015 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.

Near-Total Pediatric Parotidectomy for Refractory Chronic Sialadenitis. No abstract available

Concomitant Idiopathic Orbital Inflammatory Pseudotumor and Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy. Purpose: Coexistence of idiopathic orbital inflammatory pseudotumor (IOIP) and thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is extremely rare. The purpose of this article is to analyze the clinical features, image findings, and therapeutic outcomes of concomitant IOIP and TAO in China. Materials and Methods: Detailed clinical records of 3 Chinese patients with concomitant IOIP and TAO were reviewed, including their clinical history, symptoms and signs, ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), and steroid therapy. Results: Among the 3 patients, were 2 men and 1 woman, aged 42, 49, and 48 years, respectively. The right orbit was involved in 1 patient and both orbits in 2 patients. In addition to showing the typical features of TAO, such as hyperthyroidism, upper eyelid retraction, and enlarged extraocular muscles with tendon sparing, all 3 patients showed ambiguous soft tissue masses in one or both orbits. Pathologic examination after biopsy of the mass in 1 patient confirmed the diagnosis of lymphatic IOIP. All the patients responded extremely well to steroid treatment. Conclusions: Although rare, a simultaneous coexistence of IOIP and TAO can occur. Therefore, it is important for clinicians to be aware of the potential for concomitant IOIP and TAO. (C) 2015 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.

Improved Construction of Auricular Prosthesis by Digital Technologies. Implant-retained auricular prostheses are a successful prosthetic treatment option for patients who are missing their ear(s) due to trauma, oncology, or birth defects. The prosthetic ear is aesthetically pleasing, composed of natural looking anatomical contours, shape, and texture along with good color that blends with surrounding existing skin. These outcomes can be optimized by the integration of digital technologies in the construction process. This report describes a sequential process of reconstructing a missing left ear by digital technologies. Two implants were planned for placement in the left mastoid region utilizing specialist biomedical software (Materialise, Belgium). The implant positions were determined underneath the thickest portion (of anti-helix area) left ear that is virtually simulated by means of mirror imaging of the right ear. A surgical stent recording the implant positions was constructed and used in implant fixtures placement. Implants were left for eight weeks, after which they were loaded with abutments and an irreversible silicone impression was taken to record their positions. The right existing ear was virtually segmented using the patient CT scan and then mirror imaged to produce a left ear, which was then printed using 3D printer (Z Corp, USA). The left ear was then duplicated in wax which was fitted over the defect side. Then, it was conventionally flasked. Skin color was digitalized using spectromatch skin color system (London, UK). The resultant silicone color was mixed as prescribed and then packed into the mold. The silicone was cured conventionally. Ear was trimmed and fitted and there was no need for any extrinsic coloring. The prosthetic ear was an exact match to the existing right ear in shape, skin color, and orientation due to the great advantages of technologies employed. Additionally, these technologies saved time and provided a base for reproducible results regardless of operator. (C) 2015 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.

Morphological Characteristics of the Sphenoid Sinus and Endoscopic Localization of the Cavernous Sinus. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the morphological characteristics of the sphenoid sinus and endoscopic localization of the cavernous sinus (CS) using an extended endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach. Thirty sides of CS in 15 adult cadaver heads were dissected to simulate the extended endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach, and the morphology of the sphenoid sinus and anatomic structures of CS were observed. The opticocarotid recess (OCR), ophthalmomaxillary recess (V1V2R), and maxillomandibular recess (V2V3R) in the lateral wall of the sphenoid sinus were presented in 16 sides (53.3%), 6 sides (20%), and 4 sides (13.3%) of the 30 sides, respectively. OCR is a constant anatomic landmark in endoscopy and coincides with the anterior portion of the clinoidal triangle. The C-shaped internal carotid artery (ICA) in the lateral wall of the sphenoid sinus was presented in 11 sides (36.7%), the upper one-third of which corresponds to the middle portion of the clinoidal triangle, and the lower two-thirds of which correlates to the supratrochlear triangle, infratrochlear triangle, and ophthalmic nerve in CS, around which the medial, lateral, and anteroinferior interspaces are distributed. From a front-to-behind perspective, the C-shaped ICA consists of inferior horizontal segment, anterior vertical segment, clinoidal segment as well as partial subarachnoid segment of the ICA. OCR and C-shaped ICA in the lateral wall of the sphenoid sinus are the 2 reliable anatomic landmarks in the intraoperative location of the parasellar region of CS. (C) 2015 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.

Cytotoxic Effects of Intranasal Midazolam on Nasal Mucosal Tissue. The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the cytotoxic effects of intranasal midazolam on nasal mucosal tissue in rats. Forty healthy rats were randomly divided into 5 groups. Group 1 (n = 8) was the control group, group 2 (n = 8) received intranasal saline, group 3 (n = 8) received intranasal midazolam, group 4 (n = 8) received intraperitoneal saline, and group 5 received intraperitoneal midazolam (n = 8). Midazolam and saline were administered via intraperitoneal and intranasal routes at doses of 200 [mu]g/kg. Nasal septal mucosal stripe tissues were removed at the 6th hour. All materials were evaluated according to Ki67 and p53 staining to evaluate proliferation and apoptosis, respectively, and hemotoxylin and eosin staining was performed for histopathology evaluation. Ki67 values and inflammation in group 3 were statistically higher compared to group 1, group 2, and group 4. P53 values in group 3 were statistically higher compared to group 1. Assessment of subepithelial edema between group 3 and the other groups revealed no statistically significant differences. Assessment of cilia loss between group 3 and group 1, group 2, and group 4 revealed no statistically significant difference. The evaluation of goblet cell loss between group 3 and group 1 revealed a statistically significant difference. Intranasal midazolam had adverse effects on nasal mucosa. However, intranasal midazolam is as safe as systemic midazolam administration with respect to nasal mucosa. (C) 2015 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.