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The aim of the study was to evaluate prophylactic removal of titanium osteosynthesis miniplates in patients after midface fractures. Complaints after fracture treatment and complications after plate removal were analyzed, retrospectively. A total of 205 patients were included. Plate removal was performed in 99 cases. Complaints related to the osteosynthesis material resulted in more frequent plate removal (p < 0.001). Complications were noted in 22 patients after plate removal. Duration of plate removal did not correlate with postoperative complications. In 69 patients, plates were removed without previous symptoms. Of these patients, postoperative complications were recorded in 15 cases. In patients with complaints after osteosynthesis, complications after plate removal occurred in seven (23.3%) patients. Ectropia developed significantly more often with increasing age (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of the study it seems that prophylactic plate removal is a treatment option that is not associated with an increased complication rate., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

This study was conducted to reveal the relevant risk factors for surgical site infections (SSI) of the tracheostomy in ICU tracheostomy patients with oncologic history. Retrospectively, medical and ICU records of patients who received open tracheostomy in a uniform manner were investigated. Of 187 consecutive patients in total, patients with a peri/post-operative antibiotic prophylaxis (POABP) experienced significantly more Organ-Space SSI, whereas patients with a POABP developed less Superficial Incisional SSI and Deep Incisional SSI. Neck Dissection (p = 0.025), especially the more levels are included, and POABP (p = 0.005) have a significant impact on the occurrence of an SSI of the tracheostomy. Deep incisional SSI significantly prolonged a patient's dependency on a ventilator (p = 0.045, M = 3.92, SD = 4.718). The difference between Superficial Incisional, Deep Incisional and Organ-Space SSI should be taken in consideration regarding risk evaluation and treatment. Furthermore, a gram-negative facultative anaerobic biofilm should be taken into consideration in treatment options and thus an escalation regarding antibiotic treatment as a POABP. For fulminant SSI of the tracheostomy the use of piperacillin/tazobactam or 3rd generation cephalosporines or carbapenems is recommendable., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Our study aimed to provide volumetric data relating to fibro-osseous lesions of the craniofacial skeleton, in order to highlight risk factors due to the different entities, and to guide clinical decisions for jeopardized patients., Methods: Volumetric measurements of osteomas and ossifying fibromas were performed by applying the open-source software ITK-Snap to cone-beam computed tomography images. DICOM datasets were imported, identified, and delineated using semiautomatic segmentation; this was then verified using manual segmentation. The volumes of the lesions were computed automatically in cubic millimeters using the program. For statistical investigations, descriptive statistics and independent Student t-tests were performed. Additionally, Pearson's correlation was applied as a bivariate analysis. Values of p < 0.05 were considered significant., Results: 45 patients (11 male and 34 female) were included in this study. The mean volumes were 10.02 ± 18.79 cm 3 for osteomas and 4.80 ± 5.71 cm 3 for ossifying fibromas (p = 0.016). Males (12.81 ± 20.38 cm 3 ) presented significantly larger volumes than females (5.43 ± 10.32 cm 3 ) (p = 0.042). With regard to shape, morphology, and affection of surrounding anatomical structures, irregular shape (p = 0.001; p = 0.037), multilocular morphology (p = 0.001; p = 0.037), nerve affection (p = 0.001; p = 0.002), tooth affection (p = 0.001; p = 0.594), cortical bone exceedance (p = 0.033; p = 0.001), and clinically visible symptoms (p = 0.004; p = 0.001) were statistically significantly associated with a larger volume of both entities., Conclusion: Volumetric analysis revealed that osteomas significantly exceeded the mean size of ossifying fibromas, supporting the argument that special attention should be paid to this entity. In cases of difficult histopathological examination, lesions with irregular shape, multilocular morphology, nerve and tooth affection, cortical bone exceedance, and clinically visible symptoms should be considered for close clinico-radiological follow-up, irrespective of the entity., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2021 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The purpose of this investigation was to analyze the volume of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) lesions by semi-automatic segmentation of cone-beam computed tomography images, and correlate the results with the underlying diseases and applied medication. MRONJ lesions detected in cone-beam computed tomography images were assessed. The open-source software ITK-Snap enabled volumetric measurements of MRONJ lesions based on semi-automatic segmentation. Results were analyzed according to necrosis volume, localization, and gender. In addition, the underlying disease and the type of application of antiresorptive medication were investigated. Cone-beam computed tomography images of 66 patients were studied. 34 male and 32 female patients were included, with ages ranging from 50 to 93 years at the time of diagnosis. The mean volume was 993.24 ± 620.94 mm 3 : 484.73 ± 230.97 mm 3 for the upper jaw and 1084.04 ± 625.74 mm 3 for the lower jaw. The results indicated statistically significant differences between lesions of the upper and lower jaw, regardless of gender (p = 0.003). The analysis of differences between males and females did not show any significant results (p = 0.464), although males presented slightly larger lesions than females. With regard to the underlying disease, patients with osteoporosis presented larger volumes, whereas patients with malignant tumors presented smaller volumes. Nevertheless, no statistically significant differences according to the underlying disease (p = 0.313) were detected. However, patients with intravenous (iv) application showed statistically significantly larger lesions than patients who underwent oral or subcutaneous (s.c.) applications (p = 0.004). It seems that the osteonecrosis volume correlates with the applied antiresorptive agents. Larger MRONJ lesions should be expected in patients who receive intravenous antiresorptive therapy., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2021 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Open surgical tracheotomy performed beside (STB) is a standardized procedure in critical ill patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate perioperative complications and the safety of STB in a tertiary care university hospital setting., Materials and Methods: Intra- and postoperative complications were retrospectively recorded and associations based on the evaluation of clinical and laboratory parameters were studied using regression analyses., Results: A total of 562 patients were included. Early tracheotomy shortened ventilation time after tracheotomy (ventilation before STB ≤ 5 days: mean 9.2 ± 9.1 days; ventilation before STB ≥ 6 days: mean 11.5 ± 10.5 days, p = 0.0001). Overall complications were found in 30/562 cases (5.3%), major complications in 12/562 cases (2.1%). Significant risk factors for overall tracheotomy related complications were higher body mass index (odds ratio [OR] 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.07, p = 0.02), lower CRP (OR 0.99, CI 0.99-1.00, p = 0.03), higher INR (OR 5.67, CI 1.27-25.34, p = 0.02), longer duration of operation (OR 1.03, CI 1.00-1.06, p = 0.04) and tracheotomy during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support (OR 6.26, CI 1.21-32.44, p = 0.03)., Conclusion: STB represents a safe surgical procedure, also suitable for patients with an increased risk profile. Careful evaluation of individual risk factors should be favored to reduce procedure related complications., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of extubation time on postoperative complications in patients undergoing bimaxillary orthognathic surgery. We therefore retrospectively compared the effect of early extubating (EE) in the operating room versus delayed extubating (LE) on the intensive care unit (ICU) regarding postoperative complications and length of ICU/hospital stay (LOICUS/LOHS). Furthermore, we analyzed the influence of the PAS change on postoperative complications., Methods: The clinical data of 117 patients were retrospective analyzed regarding postoperative complications using Clavian-Dindo Classification. Volumetric calculations of the pre- and postoperative PAS were conducted using ITK-SNAP software. The Fisher's exact test was performed to evaluate the significance of differences between categorical variables. Continuous variables were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U-Test or the Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance. Regression analysis was used estimating predictors for postoperative complications., Results: EE led to significant shortening of LOICUS (p < 0.001) and LOHS (p = 0.023). In total, we recorded 38 complications (minor n = 30; major n = 8) within the hospital stay. Complication rates were without significant differences with respect to the postoperative ventilation strategy. Large changes in PAS volume led to an increase in the major complication rates (p = 0.031). Increase or decrease of PAS was independent from postoperative complication rates (p = 1.000). Higher body mass index (p = 0.04) and a higher ASA PS score (p = 0.016) were associated with increased major complication rates., Conclusion: Early extubation after surgery is a safe procedure and is associated with a reduced LOICUS and LOHS. Complications seem to occur more frequently in marked changes of the PAS and should be considered in perioperative risk stratification., (Copyright © 2019 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows excellent image quality for the depiction of soft tissues and is therefore an important imaging technique in medical diagnostics. However, the practical simultaneous presentation of hard and soft tissue structures of the mouth, jaw and facial area is not fully satisfactory at this time. We investigated the image quality of 1.5 T MRI using a dedicated signal amplifying coil for the application in the oral and maxillofacial field of and compared it with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). We hypothesized that imaging quality for growth disorders of the facial skull does not differ significantly between the two imaging techniques., Materials and Methods: 12 patients were consecutively enrolled into this study between 01/2016 and 12/2017. Patients received diagnostic imaging for clinical indications using 1,5 T MRI using a dedicated head and neck coil for signal amplification as well as an CBCT. For each patient 5 different MRI sequences and one CBCT protocol were assessed. Images were evaluated by a radiologist and a dentist in consensus. On the basis of 51 anatomical structures and orthodontic, cephalometric reference points, the five datasets were subjectively rated and compared to the CBCT dataset., Results: Patient age was in the range of 19-78 years. 2614 (69.8%) out of 3744 possible valuations were assessable. Compared to CBCT, MRI images were rated to have a superior image quality of presentation for 42 out of 51 anatomic structures (p < 0.05). Notably, 5 out of 51 structures were not assessable due to missing values. T1-weighted MRI images were rated superiorly to T2-weighted images in displaying anatomically relevant landmarks in the oral and maxillofacial field. MRI datasets were inferior in imaging cephalometric and orthodontic reference points in comparison to CBCT images., Conclusion: In conclusion, this pilot study demonstrates that radiation-free dental MRI enables a reliable detection of important anatomical structures. Thus, the signal amplified MRI presents a radiation-free imaging alternative to established CBCT in craniofacial growth disorders protocols. However, imaging quality in MRI datasets remains inferior to CBCT images for cephalometric and orthodontic reference points., (Copyright © 2019 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

For horizontal bone deficiency alveolar ridge osteotomy is considered an option for augmentation. Major advantages are the option for a one-stage approach and the absence of donor site morbidity. However, the conventional technique is associated with complications such as perforations and fractures of the cortical bone. A case using a 3D based modified, full-guided alveolar ridge expansion is described to explain the technique step by step. Main features of modified technique: successive application of surgical guides for ridge osteotomy and expansion - implementation of virtually determined splitting vector, which allows guided bone splitting along a guide surface of template in an ideal direction - osteotomy as deep as implant length. The example shows that the 3D based modified alveolar ridge osteotomy is a suitable alternative to the conventional technique as it has several advantages such as fewer fractures and perforations of the cortical vestibular bone. The individualized preoperative planning helps to minimize complications. However, long-term outcomes and a study, conducted on a study group, is needed to evaluate the benefits of our presented treatment protocol., (Copyright © 2019 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Tumour relapse remains one of the major problems in managing oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) with mortality rates of up to 92%. Early recurrences have a worse prognosis than late relapses. However, few has been written about the influence of clinicopathological parameters on the timing of recurrence and the patient survival., Materials and Methods: Retrospective chart review of 159 patients with an OSCC recurrent disease. Exclusion criteria were neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, follow-up <6 weeks, perioperative death, second primaries and inadequate information on clinicopathological parameters. Statistical analysis was performed using univariate and multivariate analysis., Results: A significant correlation was found in the χ2-analysis between the timing of recurrence and the margin status (p = 0.020), lymph node ratio (p = 0.030) and grading (p = 0.003) of the primary tumour. In the multivariate survival analysis, the timing of recurrence (p < 0.001), margin status of the primary tumour (p = 0.023), presence of extracapsular spread in the primary tumour (p = 0.003) and performance of a salvage treatment (p < 0.001) were shown to be independent risk factors for overall survival., Conclusion: For patients with a recurrent OSCC, the time to recurrence, margin status, extracapsular spread and the performance of a salvage treatment are independent prognostic factors for overall survival. Furthermore, a significant association exists between the moment of recurrence and the lymph node ratio, the margin status and grading of the primary tumour. This knowledge can allow for the development of individualised surveillance programs and like this, an earlier diagnosis and better second treatment chance in the case of a recurrence., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Purpose of this study was to evaluate a probable risk of frontal sinus size for traumatic depressed anterior table fractures in patients with similar forehead trauma., Methods: We conducted a retrospective case-control study with a case group of consecutive treated patients with displaced frontal sinus anterior table fractures. The control group was randomly sampled from patients who presented with a blunt forehead trauma in our institution's emergency unit. In computed tomography data sets, all patients' frontal sinus size was categorized by Guerram's classification that is defined as aplasia, hypoplasia, medium-size and hyperplasia. Odds for prevalence of the sinus types as well as sinus total width and height were compared between both groups., Results: In total, 47 cases and 93 controls were identified. Hyperplasia in the case group had an odds ratio of 46:1 (p < 0.001) compared to the controls. Mean sinus width (73 mm vs. 46 mm; p < 0.001) and sinus height (30 mm vs. 15 mm; p < 0.001) were larger in the case group., Conclusion: Depressed traumatic fractures of the anterior table are an injury with a high risk specific for enlarged frontal sinus sizes. Anatomy is the predictive factor for this mode of craniofacial trauma., (Copyright © 2019 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: The aim of this prospective work was to examine oral leukoplakia for their podoplanin expression to determine whether podoplanin expression is associated with the degree of dysplasia., Materials and Methods: We took biopsy samples from 50 patients with oral leukoplakia in 2013. The preparations studied by immunohistochemistry were analyzed in correlation with the degree of dysplasia and other clinicopathological variables., Results: The Chi-square test showed a significant correlation between podoplanin expression and the degree of dysplasia according to the squamous intraepithelial neoplasia (SIN) classification (p = 0.033). Also, a significant association between age grouping and podoplanin expression was found. We were able to show that the distribution is the same for both age groups in relation to the score of podoplanin expression (p = 0.003)., Conclusion: In a comparable retrospective work of our working group, it could be shown that podoplanin is a reliable predictive marker for the assessment of the risk of malignant transformation. The present work was able to substantiate the assumption that podoplanin not only plays an important role in the context of malignant degeneration but also exerts a major influence in advance., (Copyright © 2018 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: This study aims at investigating the prognostic significance of lymph node ratio (LNR) in a cohort of patients with oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC), treated with neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy followed by radical surgery., Methods: The study included 171 treatment-naive patients with biopsy-proven primary OSCC, being reviewed retrospectively. All patients received a concomitant neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy (RCT) followed by radical surgery of the primary tumor and neck dissection based on the pretreatment staging results. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis method was used to estimate the events of interest for overall survival (OS). Prognostic factors were identified through univariate and multivariate analysis., Results: The 5-year overall survival rate for all patients was 48 %. In univariate analysis, patient's age and data compiled from the histopathological examination as margin status, extracapsular spread, ypT, ypN, ypUICC, number of positive lymph nodes and lymph node ratio (LNR) had a statistically significant impact on overall survival. Multivariate analysis revealed an independent significant impact of patient age, ypT, margin status and LNR on OS. ypN showed no statistical significant impact on OS., Conclusion: Our results show that LNR is an important predictor for OS in patients with OSCC that were treated with neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy and radical surgery., (Copyright © 2018 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: In the field of reconstructive head and neck surgery, surgical site infections (SSI) are commonly investigated for the recipient site of various reconstructive procedures. Data about SSI of the donor site of different flaps raised for reconstruction are rare., Material and Methods: With regard to the bacterial donor site infections, we retrospectively investigated the medical data, surgical reports and wound management protocols of 267 patients who received reconstruction of the head and neck after ablative surgery. All patients underwent reconstruction with one of the following flaps: free fasciocutaneous radial forearm flap (RFFF), free fasciocutaneous anterolateral thigh flap (ALTFF), pedicled myocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap (PLDF), pedicled myocutaneous pectoralis major flap (PPMF), free osteocutaneous fibula flap (FFF). Follow-up was conducted for 12 months., Results: The lowest detection ratio (DR: number of infected sites/flaps raised from the respective donor site) was calculated for the radial forearm, 0.087. Pedicled flaps presented a moderate DR (PLDF: 0.27, PMMF:0.35). Donor sites of the leg possessed the highest DR (ALTFF:0.61, FFF: 045). Mainly gram-positive facultative anaerobic bacteria (n = 41) were detected and gram-negative bacteria (aerobe/anaerobe) were present in 27 cases. The most frequently detected bacteria were Staphylococcus spp., Viridans Streptococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escheria coli. Continuous wound management for in-hospital patients was able to prevent any local spreading or a prolonged length of in-hospital stay., Conclusion: Overall, gram-positive facultative anaerobic bacteria, mainly Staphylococcus spp., are the predominant bacteria detected in donor site wounds. For wound care management, an infection with gram-negative pathogens should not be neglected., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Customized implants have simplified surgical procedures and have improved patient outcome in craniomaxillofacial surgery. Traditionally, patient-specific data is gathered by conventional computed tomography (CT). However, cone-beam CT (CBCT) can generate a 3D reconstruction of the area of interest with a lower dose of radiation at reduced cost. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of using CBCT data to design and generate customized implants for patients requiring craniomaxillofacial reconstruction. We used CBCT to generate 62 implants for 51 consecutive patients admitted to our department between January 2015 and December 2017. The indications for reconstruction and types of reconstruction were very variable. In all cases, the implants were well fitted and no implant-related complications were detected. Pre-surgical planning was faster and more efficient as we did not have to consult a radiologist. Although CBCT data is more difficult to process than conventional CT data for the implant provider, the clinical advantages are pronounced and we now use CBCT as standard in our department. In conclusion, we have shown that using CBCT to design and manufacture customized implants for reconstruction of the craniomaxillofacial area is feasible and recommend this approach to other departments., (Copyright © 2018 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Although different proposals have been made to categorize isolated zygomatic arch fractures (ZAF), an investigation about fracture type and clinical outcome has not been published. In this study, we analyzed the geometric fracture morphology in isolated ZAF and provide a survey of reduction outcomes in accordance with 4 independent classifications., Materials and Methods: Geometric measurements were performed in radiologic images of 94 patients with isolated ZAF, which were consecutively treated by closed reduction over transbuccal approach. Fracture types were allocated to the classifications of Rowe and Williams, Honig and Merten, Yamamoto et al., and Ozyazgan et al. The odds of achieving a satisfactory outcome were calculated for all categories., Results: Wide preoperative dislocation angles of more than 22° presented in M-type fractures (77.1%) more frequently compared to 2 fragments without the M-shape (33.3%) and one fragment (14.8%, p < 0.001). Favorable reduction outcome was significantly higher for M-shaped fractures than for differently configured fractures (83.3% vs. 30.4%, odds ratio 11.43, confidence interval 4.27-30.61). The rate of reduction in 100%-75% was most frequent for the Honig and Merten type I as well as Ozyazgan type IBV (both 85.4%, p < 0.001) and Yamamoto type II (84.2%, p < 0.001)., Conclusion: The classifications of Honig and Merten, Yamamoto et al., and Ozyazgan were quite applicable, and subgroups showed significant increments in reduction outcome. Our analysis emphasizes that the differentiation of two clinical relevant groups, M-shaped and variable arch fractures, is feasible to manage and efficient to determine the odds of reduction outcome., (Copyright © 2018 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Fractures of the orbital floor and orbital rim are frequently treated in maxillofacial departments. Various approaches to the orbital floor are described in the literature. We present an investigation of a modified subciliary approach (laterocaudal approach) with respect to its feasibility and clinical outcome., Materials and Methods: Our retrospective study investigated 130 well-documented cases of patients with orbital floor fractures who received surgical reconstruction using a laterocaudal approach, and compared the results with the current literature, with a focus on subciliary and transconjunctival approaches., Results: 111 patients (85.4%) presented a Vancouver scar scale (VSS) of 0.14 patients (10.8%) had a VSS score of 1. No patients had a VSS of 2. Just five patients (3.8%) had a slight ectropium and therefore a VSS score of 3., Conclusion: The laterocaudal approach can be safely performed and presents advantages over comparable techniques such as the subciliary and transconjunctival approaches if performed correctly., (Copyright © 2018 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Tranexamic acid (TXA) is widely used in the prevention of postsurgical oral bleeding. Tranexamic acid in addition to further surgical measures is widely utilized in prevention of post-surgical oral bleeding. The aim of the present study was to investigate: Can oral hemostasis be achieved by merely compression and topical application of tranexamic acid in different anticoagulant regimes among patients attending a general emergency department? Where are the limits to this procedure? Which has the greater impact on surgeons' choice for an invasive hemostatic approach-bleeding quality or oral anticoagulant therapy?, Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 542 patients who consecutively received treatment for oral bleeding was performed. We surveyed the values of the diverse hemostatic approaches. Special attention was granted to patient anticoagulant regimen and quality of the oral bleeding event., Results: A total of 199 of 542 (36.7%) oral bleeding events were stopped by compression with a gauze or gauze soaked with TXA (4.8%). Stopping an oral bleeding event with wound compression can be improved by factor 1.6 if the gauze is soaked with tranexamic acid (4.8%), p ≤ 0.05. LMWH presented significantly more moderate bleeding than bloody oozing of the wound, p < 0.05. The quality of bleeding had a strong influence on oral surgeons' decisions to apply further surgical means. Sutures and native collagen fleeces were the favored methods to stop moderate and severe bleeding (p < 0.05)., Conclusion: Topical application of TXA aids as a useful supportive tool to stop mild bleeding events such as the bloody oozing of an oral wound. The quality of an oral bleeding episode should be considered in the choice of hemostatic measure. Hemostatic approaches should begin with the least invasive procedure. TXA is a helpful tool., (Copyright © 2018 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The current surgical techniques used in cleft repair are well established, but different centers use different approaches. To determine the best treatment for patients, a multi-center comparative study is required. In this study, we surveyed all craniofacial departments registered with the German Society of Maxillofacial Surgery to determine which cleft repair techniques are currently in use. Our findings revealed much variation in cleft repair between different centers. Although most centers did use a two-stage approach, the operative techniques and timing of lip and palate closure were different in every center. This shows that a retrospective comparative analysis of patient outcome between the participating centers is not possible and illustrates the need for prospective comparative studies to establish the optimal technique for reconstructive cleft surgery., (Copyright © 2018 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Recently, lymph node ratio (LNR) has been recognized as an important prognosticator for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, its relevance for the specific subsite floor of mouth (FOM) has not been investigated. This study was conducted to elucidate the prognostic significance of LNR for the subsite FOM among other prognostic factors., Methods: A retrospective study of 155 patients with FOM SCC who received primary curative resection and neck dissection was conducted. We analyzed the impact of LNR among other clinicopathologic variables on overall survival (OS) in univariate and multivariate analysis., Results: In univariate analysis, patients detected with LNR ≤ 0.07 (cutoff-point: 0.07) showed an 85% 5-year OS rate, whereas for patients with LNR > 0.07 the OS rate reached 25% after 5-years (p < 0.001). The 5-year DFS rate was 72% for patients with LNR ≤ 0.07; on the contrary, patients with LNR > 0.07 the 5-year DFS rate was 17% (p < 0.001). LNR was detected as an independent predictor of OS in multivariate analysis (p = 0.032) for the subsite FOM., Conclusion: We concluded that LNR is an important predictor of prognosis in patients with FOM SCC, LNR should be considered in the choice of adjuvant treatment for these patients., (Copyright © 2017 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Recurrence is one of the main reasons for poor prognosis of OSCC. The mortality rate is approximately 90% and the 5-year overall survival rate decreases from 90% to 30% when recurrence is diagnosed. Identification of clinicopathological risk factors predicting recurrence may be helpful for patient individualized management and improvement of therapy. Therefore we investigated in our study the incidence of locoregional recurrences and their association with clinicopathological factors to identify possible significant risk factors., Material and Methods: Our retrospective study consisted of 517 patients, who were diagnosed and treated between 2003-2013 at the Department for Oral and Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery, University of Cologne. Inclusion criteria were patients with treatment naive oral squamous cell carcinoma and primarily curative intended surgery with negative resection margins. Contingency tables and χ 2 -test were performed to analyse associations between clinicopathological features and recurrence. Multivariate analysis was performed using binary logistic regression analysis., Results: We found out a significant correlation in univariate analysis between locoregional recurrence and number of resected cervical lymph nodes (p=0.013), number of positive cervical lymph nodes (p=0.041), postoperative radiatio (p=0.018), extracapsular spread (p=0.028) as well as grading (p=0.016). In multivariate analysis only grading was shown as independent risk factor for recurrence., Conclusions: Histological grading has been demonstrated as an independent risk factor for locoregional recurrence in the multivariate analysis. Furthermore, univariate analysis indicated the number of resected and positive lymph nodes, postoperative radiatio and extracapsular spread as significant risk factors. Taking these results into account, the mentioned parameters, especially histological grading, need to be considered for an individualized therapy management of patients with OSCC., (Copyright © 2017 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Metastatic bone disease and osteoporosis are the main indications for bisphosphonates and anti-resorptive agent therapy. Inhibition of bone turnover and angiogenesis are mainly responsible for the development of Medication Related Osteonecrosis of Jaws (MRONJ) as therapeutic side-effect. Yet, the role of infection for the development and recurrence of MRONJ is not fully elucidated. The aim of this retrospective study is to explore if a difference in antibiotic regimes has an impact on the surgical intervention needed to achieve a painless stable stage of the disease. Furthermore, we investigated concomitant submucosal infections in local relation to the MRONJ site., Methods: A retrospective study (2006-2015) of 143 patients treated with MRONJ stage II and stage III in a single institutional university hospital was performed. All patients experienced at least one surgical intervention and received antibiotics. Their medical records, pathological and microbial findings were reviewed. Data was controlled for the achievement of an event free time period of at least 12 months., Results: We investigated the number and kind of treatments that were performed on patients with MRONJ stage II and III to achieve a painless stable stage of the disease. The first and second healing approach differed significantly from each other (p < 0.05). In 7 (4.9%) cases up to four surgical interventions were needed to achieve oral rehabilitation. In 135 (95.1%) of all cases a segmental resection could be prevented, with extended decortication being the most applied method. Patients under perioperative ampicillin/sulbactam showed a significant reduction for a second or fourth intervention compared to the clindamycin group (p < 0.05). Results for a third intervention presented a similar difference between both groups, but were not significant (p = 0.06). Intraoperatively in 76 out of 241 (31.5%) cases presented putrid submucosal infections. The isolated bacteria were gram-negative facultative anaerobes (39.1%) and strictly anaerobic bacteria (gram-positive/38.2%, gram-negative/19.1%). Susceptibly of the cultured bacteria were significantly (p < 0.05) in favor to ampicillin/sulbactam (79.1%) compared to clindamycin (49.5%)., Conclusion: The perioperative antibiotic regime for patients with MRONJ stage II and III undergoing surgically treatment does have an influence on the recurrence of the disease. Further investigation is needed to elucidate the role of infection in the treatment of MRONJ., (Copyright © 2017 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Locoregional recurrence plays a key role in treatment failure of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue. In a large amount of studies lymph node ratio could be demonstrated as a promising parameter to stratify risk of patients with oral cavity cancer. However data on the influence of lymph node ratio on locoregional recurrence of tongue squamous cell carcinoma is very rare., Material and Methods: Retrospective chart review of 130 patients with treatment naive squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue. Exclusion criteria were neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, perioperative death, N3 disease, unresectable disease, synchronous malignancy, follow up <3 months. Contingency tables and χ 2 -test were performed to analyze associations between clinicopathological features and recurrence. All statistic were 2-sided and a p-value <0.05 was considered as significant. Multivariate analysis was performed using binary logistic regression analysis. A cut off value of 6% for lymph node ratio was applied., Results: Significant correlations were found between locoregional recurrence and pathologic N-Classification (<0.001), UICC stage (<0.001), perineural invasion (p = 0.025), grading (p = 0.001), number of resected lymph nodes (p = 0.007) and lymph node ratio (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis indicated lymph node ratio as solely independent risk factor for locoregional recurrence., Conclusions: Lymph node ratio may be an useful parameter to stratify risk of locoregional recurrence of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue. Thus lymph node ratio might help to improve diagnosis and therapy of affected patients., (Copyright © 2017 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Otolaryngologists, dentists and maxilla-facial surgeons see patients suffering from odontogenic maxillary sinusitis on a daily routine. The study was performed to investigate the different origins of the odontogenic maxillary sinusitis ranging from periodontitis to augmentative implant surgery. Furthermore, the microbial flora of purulent odontogenic maxillary sinusitis was analyzed in order to present a proper antibiotic treatment in addition to a surgical approach., Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was performed, analyzing the clinical trials of 121 patients suffering from odontogenic maxillary sinusitis who undergone surgery. Harvested bacteria were tested for susceptibility on a routine base, surgical reports of removed foreign material or dental focus were reviewed as well as preoperative CBCT., Results: Patients mean age was 56.62 (±16 SD) with a slight female gender dominance. Allergic profile to β-lactam antibiotics had no influence on patients' length of in-hospital stay. 69 out of 121 cases of OMS occurred after dental surgery (extractions, augmentation or implant surgery). Maxillary molars were the teeth mostly hold accountable for an onset without surgery in recent history. 22.3% of the patients possessed a dislocated foreign body in the maxillary sinus. Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection was significantly associated with misplaced foreign bodies (root filling, augmentative dental material e.g. p < 0.05). We protocoled an anaerobic dominance with 45 anaerobes versus 19 aerobes. Ampicillin/Sulbactam (80%) and Piperacillin/Tazobactam (93.3%) present sufficient susceptibly rates to the harvested bacteria. Likewise showed Moxifloxacin (86.3%) equal results, whereas Clindamycin had a poor outcome with merely 50% of the tested bacteria being susceptible to Clindamycin., Conclusion: If OMS is diagnosed dental focus should be treated, misplaced bodies should be removed and purulent exacerbation has to be additionally treated with a calculated antibiotic therapy according to the pathogens resistance patterns., (Copyright © 2017 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: In oral cancer the prognostic significance of clinical staging (cTNM) is regarded inferior to histopathologic staging (pTNM) after surgery. This is mainly due to the point that the quality of the cTNM strongly depends on the clinical and radiological examination techniques applied and the physician's experience. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic quality of cTNM and pTNM in a single center cohort., Methods: This retrospective study included 392 patients with treatment-naive oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). All patients received primary surgery including a neck dissection. According to tumor stage and histopathologic risk factors patients received adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) or radiochemotherapy (RCT). Prognostic factors were identified in univariate analysis by using the log rank test and in multivariate analysis through Cox regression., Results: Clinical and histopathologic staging showed concordance in 62% for the primary tumor and 59% for cN- and pN-classification. In 58% of the cases of discordance the primary tumor was overstaged. In case of discordance of metastatic spread to the cervical lymph nodes, lymph node involvement showed overstaging in 78%. In univariate analysis cT-, cN-, cT- and pT-classification had a significant impact (p<0.05) on overall survival (OS). In multivariate analysis only pT- and pN-classification had a significant impact on OS., Conclusion: Despite advances and modern radiologic techniques, pTNM has a higher prognostic quality than cTNM. Discordance between clinical and histopathologic staging was observed in up to 40%. When discordance was observed overstaging for clinical T-stage and clinical N-stage was more likely than understaging., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Odontogenic infections may lead to severe head and neck infections with potentially great health risk. Age, location of purulent affected sites and beta-lactam allergy are some mentionable factors regarding patients' in-hospital stay and course of disease. Are there new challenges regarding bacteria' antibiotic resistance for empiric treatment and what influences do they have on patients' clinical course?, Methods: We analyzed in a 4-year retrospective study the medical records of 294 in-hospital patients with severe odontogenic infections. On a routine base bacteria were identified and susceptibility testing was performed. Length of stay in-hospital was evaluated regarding patients' age, beta-lactam allergy profile, affected sites and bacteria susceptibility to empiric antibiotics., Results: Length of stay in-hospital was detected to be associated with affected space and penicillin allergy as well (p < 0.05). Isolates presented large amounts of aerobic gram-positive bacteria (64.2%), followed by facultative anaerobic bacteria (gram+/15.8%, gram-/12.7%). Tested ampicillin in combination with sulbactam (or without) and cephalosporins displayed high susceptibility rates, revealing distinguished results regarding clindamycin (p < 0.05). Co-trimoxazol and moxifloxacin showed high overall susceptibility rates (MOX: 94.7%, COTRIM: 92.6%)., Discussion: This study demonstrates ampicillin/sulbactam in addition to surgical intervention is a good standard in treatment of severe odontogenic neck infections. Cephalosporins seem to be a considerable option as well. If beta-lactam allergy is diagnosed co-trimoxazol and moxifloxacin represent relevant alternatives., Conclusion: Age, allergic profile and bacteria' resistance patterns for empiric antibiotics have an influence on patients in-hospital stay. Ampicillin/sulbactam proves itself to be good for empiric antibiosis in severe odontogenic infections. Furthermore cephalosporins could be considered as another option in treatment. However moxifloxacin and co-trimoxazol deserves further investigation as empiric antibiosis in odontogenic infections if beta-lactam allergy is diagnosed., (Copyright © 2016 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Orthognathic surgery has always been a classical focus of maxillofacial surgery. Since more than 100 years, various surgical techniques for mandibular repositioning have been developed and clinically tested. Since the establishment of plate and screw osteosynthesis, orthognathic surgery became more stable and safe. Nowadays, different surgical methods for mobilising the mandible are existing. This international multicenter analysis (n = 51 hospitals) is providing first evidence based data for the current use of different surgical methods. The dominating techniques were Obwegeser/dal Pont (61%) followed by Hunsuck/Epker (37%) and Perthes/Schlössmann (29%). The main osteosynthesis materials were plates (82%), bicortical screws (23.5%), or a combination of both (5.9%). 47% of all centers reported to use several surgical methods at the same time, depending on the anatomical problem and the surgeon's preference. This shows that different surgical methods seem to work as comparable, safe, and reliable procedures in everydays clinical practise. On this basis, further prospective studies could evaluate possible advantages for our patients., (Copyright © 2016 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Even though modern surgical techniques are dominating reconstructive facial procedures, the capability to use facial epitheses for reconstruction is still an important skill for the maxillofacial surgeon. We present an international multicenter analysis to clarify which techniques are used to fixate facial prostheses. We contacted all maxillofacial departments in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Norway which were registered with the German society for oral and maxillofacial surgery (DGMKG). These centers were asked via electronical mail to provide information on the type of epithesis fixation systems currently in use. The return rate from 58 departments was 43.1% (n = 25). Overall, implant fixation was the preferred fixation system (92%). Plates were the second most common fixation technique (32%). No centers reported the standard use of non-invasive fixation techniques for permanent epithesis fixation. The main retention systems in use were magnets (24/25), other retention systems are used much less often. The current preferred fixation technique for facial epitheses consists of implant-based, magnet-fixated epitheses. For nasal prostheses, a plate-based, magnet-fixated system is often used., (Copyright © 2015 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Lingual undercuts are common in the edentulous mandible and pose the risk of perforating the lingual cortical bone during insertion of dental implants, which may lead to hemorrhage or infections of the parapharyngeal space. The aim of our study was to determine the occurrence and extent of lingual undercuts in the molar and premolar/canine region of the mandible., Methods: We analyzed 716 cross-sections of the edentulous molar region and 215 cross-sections of the edentulous first premolar/canine region. Mandibular morphology was classified into a U-configuration (undercut), P-configuration (parallel), and C-configuration (convex), depending on the shape of the alveolar ridge. Depth of the lingual concavity, concavity angle, and further parameters were measured to describe the mandibular morphology., Results: Lingual undercuts had a prevalence of 68% in the molar region. The prevalence was significantly higher in the second molar region (90%) than in the first molar region (56%). A deep position of the inferior alveolar nerve close to the basal cortical bone was significantly associated with the presence of lingual undercuts., Conclusion: Lingual undercuts are a frequent in the edentulous mandible. Cross-sectional analysis of three-dimensional radiographs provides the opportunity to determine a lingual undercut and to prevent complications of perforating the lingual cortical bone., (Copyright © 2014 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The purpose of this prospective and randomized clinical study was to assess differences in patient morbidity between minimally invasive lateral sinus elevation (study group, n = 14) and conventional one-stage lateral sinus elevation (control group, n = 12). It was hypothesized that trauma to soft tissue was reduced in the study group., Materials and Methods: Optical 3-D imaging was assessed blinded on days 1 and 7 after surgery to determine the visible soft tissue swelling of the upper lip and cheeks. Postoperative pain and discomfort were evaluated by a visual analogue scale (VAS; scale 0-10)., Results: Immediately and on day 1 after surgery, the study group patients rated pain and discomfort as 2.4 [SD 1.7] and 3.1 [SD 2.1], respectively, on the VAS; while, the controls rated 4 [SD 1.6] and 5.6 [SD 1.7], respectively. The mean facial soft tissue volume change, assessed on day 1 after surgery, was 5.0 cm(3) [range: 0.2-9.2] for the study group and 15.5 cm(3) (9.3-21.55) for the controls (p = 0.00)., Conclusions: Despite the small number of patients in this prospective study, 3-D based minimally invasive one-stage lateral sinus elevation resulted in favourable patient morbidity with less postoperative visible facial soft tissue volume changes., (Copyright © 2014 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The purpose of this split-mouth study was to compare macro- and microstructure implant surfaces at the marginal bone level over five years of functional loading., Materials and Methods: From January to February 2006, 133 implants (70 rough-surfaced microthreaded implants and 63 machined-neck implants) were inserted in the mandible of 34 patients with Kennedy Class I residual dentitions and followed until December 2011. Marginal bone level was radiographically determined at six time points: implant placement (baseline), after the healing period, after six months, and at two years, three years, and five years follow-up., Results: Median follow-up time was 5.2 years (range: 5.1-5.4). The machined-neck group had a mean crestal bone loss of 0.5 mm (0.0-2.3) after the healing period, 1.1 mm (0.0-3.0) at two years follow-up, and 1.4 mm (0.0-2.9) at five years follow-up. The rough-surfaced microthreaded implant group had a mean bone loss of 0.1 mm (-0.4 to 2.0) after the healing period, 0.5 mm (0.0-2.1) at two years follow-up, and 0.7 mm (0.0-2.3) at five years follow-up. The two implant types showed significant differences in marginal bone levels., Conclusions: Rough-surfaced microthreaded design caused significantly less loss of crestal bone levels under long-term functional loading in the mandible when compared to machined-neck implants., (Copyright © 2012 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Although the UICC/AJCC's TNM staging of the 7th edition was improved in 2002, there are still shortcomings concerning the prognostic quality. Alternative TNM-based stage-groupings such as the T and N Integer Score (TANIS) where shown to have a better prognostic quality for various kinds of head and neck tumors in the past. The aim of the study was to compare the prognostic value of the 7th edition of the UICC/AJCC TNM-classification for carcinoma of the parotid gland with different TNM-based stage groupings., Methods: The retrospective analysis included 180 patients with carcinoma of the parotid gland diagnosed between 1986 and 2007. The stage grouping system of the 7th edition of the UICC/AJCC and TNM-based stage-groupings (TANIS-3, TANIS-8, Snyderman, Berg and Hart) were tested for their prognostic significance. Overall survival (OS) was plotted by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Prognostic factors were identified through univariate and multivariate analysis., Results: In univariate analysis all stage-groupings had a highly significant impact on overall survival (p<0.05), however in multivariate analysis, only the TANIS-8 scheme (p=0.008) and Snyderman scheme (p=0.047) predicted OS, while the UICC/AJCC-classification did not predict OS significantly (p=0.381)., Conclusion: In comparison to other TNM-based stage groupings the UICC/AJCC-classification did not provide significant prediction of OS, while alternative stage-groupings such as the TANIS-8 had a higher prognostic value., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To assess the predictors of implant failure after grafted maxillary sinus (GMS)., Material and Methods: A total of 1045 implants were inserted in 224 patients/347 GMS during a period of 14 years. Kaplan-Meyer and multivariate log-regression analysis were used to assess the following variates: patient's age, gender, smoker/nonsmoker, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class, one/two-stage surgery, merged/submerged healing, membrane, antibiotics, auto/allo/xenogenic bone grafts, implant's lengths/surface/diameter, crestal bone atrophy/quality, implant region, prosthetics, opposing dentition, and implant proximity to evaluate the predictors and relative risk (hazard ratio [HR]) of implant failure., Results: Significant implant failure predictors were the graft material (HR = 4.7), with superior results for autogenic bone, residual crestal bone height (HR = 3.51), ASA class (HR = 2.73), surgical technique (HR = 2.56), implant proximity (HR = 2.07), smoker (HR = 1.98), and age (>60/HR=1.39). All other factors were insignificant. Overall survival rate was 93.3%., Conclusions: GMS is effective when the predictors are considered. Patient selection, including the ASA status, smoking, residual bone height, and the graft material are the predominant predictors. In highly atrophic situations, autogenic bone grafts showed superiority; however, in less atrophic cases, nonautogenic bone-grafts are equivalent., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Several studies have questioned the prognostic accuracy of the TNM system for oral cancer since neither patient's comorbidity, specific tumor related factors nor multimodal treatment regimens such as preoperative radiochemotherapy (RCT) are incorporated. The present study was performed in order to evaluate the prognostic impact of cTNM and ypTNM in oral cancer patients treated with preoperative RCT and resection., Methods: In this retrospective analysis a total of 139 patients (103 male, 36 female, average age 56.8 years) with oral squamous cell carcinoma (UICC II-IVb) were included. Treatment consisted of concomitant RCT with 39.6 Gy radiations and Carboplatin (cumulative dose 300 mg/m(2)) during the first week of radiation, as well as surgical tumor resection and neck dissection., Results: During the mean follow up of 88.9 months 86 patients (61.9%) died. Locoregional recurrences occurred in 41 patients (29.5%). The 5 years overall survival rate was 45.5%. In univariate analysis margin status, ypT, ypN and ypUICC as well as complete pathological response revealed statistical significance on overall survival. In multivariate analysis ypT, ypN and margin status showed independent prognostic impact in our cohort. Neither cT nor cN provided statistical association with overall survival., Conclusion: Results indicate that the clinical staging status of advanced oral cancer prior to preoperative RCT and resection should be interpreted with caution in terms of prognosis., (Copyright © 2012 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: The aim of our study was to evaluate retrospectively whether neoadjuvant or adjuvant radiochemotherapy yields better survival for patients with N2-oral squamous cell carcinoma and to identify subgroups, which may benefit from one of the therapeutic settings. No studies have been carried out to investigate whether radiochemotherapy should be applied before or after surgery., Methods: In total, 151 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma with N2-nodal-status were reviewed. Eighty five patients received neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy, 66 patients were treated with surgery and adjuvant radiochemotherapy. Overall survival was plotted by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Prognostic factors were identified through univariate and multivariate analysis., Results: Patients treated with neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy had a significantly improved 5-year survival in comparison to patients, who received adjuvant radiochemotherapy (46.3% vs. 27.4%, p=0.035). A subgroup analysis by T-stage revealed that neoadjuvant and adjuvant radiochemotherapy yielded similar 5-year survival rates for patients with T2N2-tumors (42.3% vs. 41.2%, p=0.871), whereas patients with T4bN2-tumors significantly benefitted from neoadjuvant treatment (37.3% vs. 9.7%, p=0.019)., Conclusions: Neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy is an effective treatment for patients with nodal status N2-oral squamous cell carcinoma, however prospective randomized trials are needed to confirm, which patients should be treated with neoadjuvant or adjuvant radiochemotherapy., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: We present a virtual planning protocol incorporating a patented 3-surgical splint technique for orthognathic surgery. The purpose of this investigation was to demonstrate the feasibility and validity of the method in vivo., Materials and Methods: The protocol consisted of (1) computed tomography (CT) or cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) maxillofacial imaging, optical scan of articulated dental study models, segmentation, and fusion; (2) diagnosis and virtual treatment planning; (3) computed-assisted design and manufacture (CAD/CAM) of the surgical splints; and (4) intraoperative surgical transfer. Validation of the accuracy of the technique was investigated by applying the protocol to 8 adult class III patients treated with bimaxillary osteotomies. The virtual plan was compared with the postoperative surgical result using image fusion of CT/CBCT dataset by analysis of measurements between hard and soft tissue landmarks relative to reference planes., Results: The virtual planning approach showed clinically acceptable precision for the position of the maxilla (<0.23 mm) and condyle (<0.19 mm), marginal precision for the mandible (<0.33 mm), and low precision for the soft tissue (<2.52 mm)., Conclusions: Virtual diagnosis, planning, and use of a patented CAD/CAM surgical splint technique provides a reliable method that may offer an alternate approach to the use of arbitrary splints and 2-dimensional planning., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Despite new therapeutic approaches patients with advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma still have a dismal prognosis. The main factor contributing to this problem is locoregional failure due to a lack of response to treatment. Several trials have proven the effect of neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy followed by radical surgery in comparison to primary surgery followed by adjuvant radiochemotherapy. No reliable parameters have been identified so far to predict response to radiochemotherapy. The aim of our study was to assess whether podoplanin expression in pretreatment biopsies could serve as a biomarker to predict the host response to neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy. In this retrospective study, podoplanin expression was examined in a set of 63 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma by immunohistochemistry. We analyzed associations between the level of podoplanin expression and various clinicopathologic parameters, including response to radiochemotherapy, clinical and histological N-status. Furthermore we evaluated the effects of these parameters on overall survival and on locoregional control in univariate and multivariate analysis. The χ(2)-test revealed that high expression of podoplanin in pretreatment biopsy material was associated with non-regression of the tumor (p=0.013) and poor overall survival (p<0.001). Five-year survival rates of 92.9% for patients with weak expression and 15.0% for high expression were revealed. Podoplanin expression was also significantly associated with ypN status (p=0.004) and ypUICC status (p<0.001). We concluded that podoplanin might serve as a factor to predict treatment response in oral squamous cell carcinoma treated with neoadjuvant platin-based radiochemotherapy as well as a prognostic factor for overall survival and locoregional control., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the performance of cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) with multislice CT (MSCT) and single photon emission CT (SPECT) in the detection of bone invasion from oral malignancies., Study Design: In this prospective investigation, 77 patients with histologically proven malignancy of the oral cavity received MSCT, CBCT, and SPECT imaging of the head presurgically. Radiologic evaluations were compared with histopathologic examinations of the resected tumor specimens. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis as well as the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated., Results: The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for MSCT were 0.8, 1.0, 1.0, and 0.75, respectively; for CBCT 0.92, 0.965, 0.98, and 0.875; and for SPECT 0.91, 0.4, 0.7, and 0.75. ROC analysis showed area under the curve values of 0.894 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.806-0.982) for MSCT; 0.931 (95% CI 0.835-1.000) for CBCT, and 0.716 (95% CI 0.566-0.866) for SPECT., Conclusion: CBCT is accurate in predicting malignancies' bone involvement and can compete with MSCT and SPECT in detecting bone invasion in patients with oral malignancies., (Copyright © 2011 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: This in vitro study assessed the visualization quality of the periodontal ligament space in cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) compared with intraoral radiographs (CR)., Study Design: A phantom mimicking variable periodontal ligament spaces (0-0.42 mm) was radiographed using CBCT and CR. Fifteen datasets of each modality were randomly mixed and presented twice to 19 experienced examiners and once to 19 inexperienced examiners., Results: Zero-millimeter gaps were recognized in 84.4% of CBCT and in 81.6% of CR images. On CBCT scans, gaps of 0.19 mm were identified with an accuracy of 93%-100% compared with 70.2%-81.7% using CR. Experienced examiners recognized gaps of >or=0.19 mm on CBCT repeatedly with nearly 100% accuracy., Conclusion: Compared with CR, CBCT provides better visualization of simulated periodontal ligament space in this phantom., (Copyright (c) 2010 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The aim was to determine the influence of patient age, gender, body mass index (BMI), amount of dental restorations, and implants on image quality of cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT)., Methods: Fifty CBCT scans of a preretail version of Galileos (Sirona, Germany) were investigated retrospectively by 4 observers regarding image quality of 6 anatomic structures, pathologic findings detection, subjective exposure quality, and artifacts. Patient age, BMI, gender, amount of dental restorations, and implants were recorded and statistically tested for correlations to image quality., Results: A negative effect on image quality was found statistically significantly correlated with age and the amount of dental restorations. None of the investigated image features were garbled by any of the investigated influence factors., Conclusions: Age and the amount of dental restorations appear to have a negative impact on CBCT image quality, whereas gender and BMI do not. Image quality of mental foramen, mandibular canal, and nasal floor are affected negatively by age but not by the amount of dental restorations. Further studies are required to elucidate influence factors on CBCT image quality.

Objective: The removal of third molars requires information about the relative position of the root tips and the mandibular nerve. The diagnostic value of conventional radiologic procedures using a panoramic radiograph and symmetrical PA cephalometric radiograph (PAN&PA) was compared with that of a cone-beam volumetric imaging (CBVI) device (Galileos; Sirona, Bensheim, Germany)., Study Design: Six observers evaluated 30 PAN&PA and 30 CBVI for the position of root tips. Diagnostic information was rated from 1 to 5 (excellent to poor)., Results: With PAN&PA, 3 times more scans showed nondetectable information for horizontal position compared with CBVI. The diagnostic information in the vertical dimension received a median rating of 2 (good) for CBVI and for PAN & PA; for the horizontal dimension, CBVI received a median rating of 2 (good), compared with a significantly worse median rating of 3 (sufficient) for PAN & PA (P = .000). The variance was highest for the horizontal dimension with PAN & PA (1.27)., Conclusion: These findings indicate that cone-beam technology improves the localization of third molar for presurgical planning.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the geometric accuracy of scans obtained with a newly developed cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) device in comparison with a multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) scanner., Study Design: Cone-beam scans were obtained with the preretail version of a newly developed compact size device with a scan volume of 15 x 15 x 15 cm. Conventional CT scans for comparison were performed with a 6-detector row CT scanner. To determine distance accuracy, 100 measurements were performed on radiopaque markers on a dry human skull. To determine volume accuracy, 25 measurements were carried out on a geometric phantom. Commercially available software was used for three-dimensional visualization and measurements on imaging data., Results: Mean absolute measurement error (AME) for linear distances was 0.26 mm (+/-0.18 mm) for the CBCT device and 0.18 mm (+/-0.17 mm) for the MDCT device (P = .196 in paired t test). The average absolute percentage error (APE) was 0.98% (+/-0.73%) and 1.26% (+/-1.50%), respectively (P = .485 in paired t test). Linear regression analysis showed a positive correlation between AME and distance length (R = 0.628; P = .004) for CBCT-based measurements. Average AME in volume measurements was 1.78 mL (+/-0.99 mL) for the CBCT device and 1.23 mL (+/-0.93 mL) for the MDCT device. The average APE was 6.01% (+/-1.49%) and 4.42% (+/-1.99%), respectively., Conclusions: The results indicate that the evaluated cone-beam device provides satisfactory information about linear distances and volumes. Multidetector row computed tomography scans proved slightly more accurate in both measurement categories. The difference may be considered as not relevant for the majority of clinical applications.

Background: An augmented reality tool for computer assisted surgery named X-Scope allows visual tracking of real anatomical structures in superposition with volume rendered CT or MRI scans and thus can be used for navigated translocation of bony segments., Methods: In a feasibility study X-Scope was used in orthognathic surgery to control the translocation of the maxilla after Le Fort I osteotomy within a bimaxillary procedure. The situation achieved was compared with the pre-operative situation by means of cephalometric analysis on lateral and frontal cephalograms., Results: The technique was successfully utilized in 5 patients. Maxillary positioning using X-Scope was accomplished accurately within a range of 1mm. The tool was used in all cases in addition to the usual intra-operative splints. A stand-alone application without conventional control does not yet seem reasonable., Conclusion: Augmented reality tools like X-Scope may be helpful for controlling maxillary translocation in orthognathic surgery. The application to other interventions in cranio-maxillofacial surgery such as Le Fort III osteotomy, fronto-orbital advancement, and cranial vault reshaping or repair may also be considered.

The purpose of this paper is to present a case of an intraosseous mucocele that was detected 5 years after chin augmentation using a nasal osteocartilaginous graft. Although complications of this technique have been described as negligible, the surgeon must be aware of possible long-term side effects and should remove all nasal mucosa from the graft prior to implantation.

Introduction: Lambdoid synostosis can be found unilaterally, bilaterally or in combination with other forms of craniosynostosis. Based on the concept of frontoorbital advancement, we used the occipital advancement in order to correct unilateral or bilateral lambdoid synostosis., Methods: The standardized technique consists of transverse osteotomies, removal, remodelling and advancement of the occipital region., Results: Standardized occipital advancement was performed in 21 patients at a multidisciplinary craniofacial centre. The surgery was carried out for patients between 5 and 28 months of age. Aesthetically satisfactory skull shape and normalization of the intracranial pressure could be achieved. A major complication in the form of a life-threatening intraoperative haemorrhage occurred in one case. Other complications like infections have not been experienced., Conclusion: Standardized occipital advancement allows precise, reproducible and predictable positioning of the segments. Artificial 'sutures' are created as a result of the osteotomy. Remodelling leads to a well-proportioned skull shape and posterior advancement leads to an increase in intracranial volume., (Copyright 2002 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. On behalf of European Association for Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery.)

Introduction: When reconstructing the mandible after tumour resection with a fibular graft, the mandible is often vertically deficient, making placement of dental implants impossible., Patients: Segmental vertical distraction of the reconstructed mandible was performed in nine patients following tumour surgery between February 1998 and 2001. Their age was 14-65 years (average 46.3); all underwent radiotherapy with a dose of up to 55.6 Gy prior to tumour resection. Mandibular discontinuity was repaired with a microvascular fibular bone graft. All grafts had a vertical bone deficit ranging from 9 to 12 mm when compared with the non-resected part of the mandibles., Methods: All patients underwent segmental vertical distraction of the transplants. The distraction devices were applied intraorally. Distraction of 1.0 mm/day was performed using a Martin distractor (TRACK 1.5) followed by 12 weeks retention time., Results: The increase of vertical bone height was stable and enabled placement of dental implants without any complications., Conclusion: Vertical distraction osteogenesis may become a common procedure in the treatment of alveolar ridge deficiency resulting from transplanting fibulae for mandibular reconstruction following tumour surgery.

The aim of this study was to develop a new cryopreservation technique to maintain the osteoblast viability in frozen iliac bone and to prove cell viability using cell culture techniques. Human iliac cancellous bones were frozen with and without 10% Me(2)SO at -80 degrees C. The tubes were kept in a -80 degrees C freezer for at least 2 days. After the storage period, the frozen bone was thawed by placing the tube in a 37 degrees C water bath. A serial enzymatic digestion technique using 0.2% collagenase was employed to isolate osteoblast-like cells from the bone. The cells that were released were inoculated into tissue culture flasks containing DMEM supplemented with 10% FCS. They were incubated at 37 degrees C in a humidified atmosphere of 95% air and 5% CO(2). Cells of the second passage were plated at a density of 5 x 10(3)cells/cm(2) in a 24-well plate and used for characterization. For characterization, WST-1 assay, determination of alkaline phosphatase, Type I collagen assay, osteocalcin assay, and von Kossa staining were used. The assays were performed at 3, 6, 9, and 12 days after plating the cells. Based on the results of this study, we conclude that the osteoblast-like cells in the frozen bone can survive, only when the bone is frozen with cryoprotectants to prevent injury during freezing and thawing.

Introduction: The removal of foreign bodies in the head and neck area is often a surgical challenge due to a combination of difficult access and a close anatomical relationship of the foreign body to vital structures. Recent developments in computer-assisted surgery (CAS) have brought major improvements to the operating rooms for maxillofacial surgeons. The purpose of this paper is to report our experience in computer assisted removal of foreign bodies from the head and neck area, based on various clinical cases., Patients: Computer assisted removal of foreign bodies from the head and neck area was performed in 11 patients. Three patients sustained gun shot wounds with remaining projectiles or fragments in the soft tissue. In six cases, objects related to a preceding surgical intervention were removed. Two patients presented with dislocated teeth in the facial or cervical soft tissues after 3rd molar surgery., Method: For surgical planning and intra-operative navigation, a computer based image guided surgery system (VectorVision(2), BrainLab) was used., Results: In 10 of 11 cases the foreign bodies could be removed without major complications by a minimal invasive manner. More than 40 % of surgery time could be saved compared to similar interventions operated upon using conventional methods., Conclusion: In our opinion, the use of a computer based image guided surgical system is of great benefit when removing foreign bodies from the head and neck area. The minimally invasive access helps to prevent major complications such as injury to vital structures and allows a quicker operation., (Copyright 2001 European Association for Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery.)

Introduction: Recent developments in computer assisted surgery have brought major improvements to maxillofacial surgery. Computer systems for intra-operative navigation have been introduced enabling the surgeon to locate the continually updated position of the instruments and the operation site on the patient's three-dimensional reconstructed image data set displayed on a monitor in the operating room. Complex surgical procedures can be performed according to the preoperative plan based on CT and/or MRI data minimizing surgical risks and optimizing clinical results. Nowadays computer-assisted-surgery has also proved effective in dental implantology., Aim: The objective of this study was to compare the accuracy of conventional and computer-assisted dental implantation planning and surgery. Analyzing our early experiences, we aimed to evaluate the benefit from utilising computer assisted surgery (CAS)., Patients: Five patients were treated with the aid of CAS, a total of 18 dental implants being placed. Only difficult operation sites, e.g. following bone augmentation or anatomically malformed jaws were included in this study., Method: An infra-red light based navigation system (Vector Vision 2, BrainLAB, Munich, Germany) including a three-dimensional planning approach for maxillofacial surgery was used. Placement of dental implants in the maxilla included direct visualization when drilling the implant socket according to the axis previously planned on radiographs and CT scans., Results: In two cases the conventionally planned implant location had to be changed due to insufficient bone being available. With four implants, it proved possible to insert longer fixtures after the CAS system had evaluated all parameters of the surgical region. In one case a shorter implant was installed due to insufficient bone at the designated location., Conclusion: The use of an image-guided navigation system provides a valuable tool in implant dentistry and proved superior to conventional implant surgery especially in difficult anatomical regions., (Copyright 2001 European Association for Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery.)

Introduction: A combined extra-intracranial access for the operative exploration of tumours of the anterior and middle skull base is indicated when the tumour extends intracranially and simultaneously into the nasal cavity, the paranasal sinuses or the orbit., Methods: Two standardized modifications of the fronto-orbital osteotomy, the fronto-orbito-nasal and the fronto-orbito-zygomatic osteotomy, allow safe removal of skull base tumours in these locations. In extensive skull base tumours, a modified bilateral fronto-orbital-zygomatic osteotomy can be used., Results: Between February 1993 and July 2000 skull base tumours in 111 patients were resected using the presented methods. The most frequent tumour type was meningioma in 29 cases. Complications were encountered in 13 cases (11.7%)., Conclusion: The advantages over other approaches are good extra- and intracranial overview and minimal cerebral trauma. Additional transfacial incisions are not usually necessary. Exact repositioning of the fronto-orbital segments leads to optimal aesthetic results.

Biopsies routinely performed for the histopathological diagnosis of oral epithelial lesions before treatment were screened for chromosomal imbalances by comparative genomic hybridization. Comparative genomic hybridization was performed on 12 oral premalignant lesions (OPLs; dysplasias and carcinomas in situ) and 14 oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs). Eight biopsies displayed areas of different histopathological appearance, so that OPLs and OSCCs from the same patient were analyzed. To avoid contamination with nonneoplastic cells, defined cell populations were isolated by micromanipulation with a glass needle. Before comparative genomic hybridization analysis, universal DNA amplification was performed using the DOP-polymerase chain reaction protocol. In the 14 OSCCs examined, the average number of chromosomal imbalances was significantly higher than in the 12 OPLs (mean +/- SEM: 11.9 +/- 1.9 versus 3.2 +/- 1.2; P = 0.003). The DNA copy number changes identified in more than one OPL were gains on 8q (3 of 12) and 16p (2 of 12), as well as losses on 3p (5 of 12); 5q (4 of 12); 13q (3 of 12); and 4q, 8p, and 9p (2 of 12 each). In more than 30% of OSCCs, gains of chromosomal material were identified on 20q (8 of 14); 8q, 11q, 22q (7 of 14 each); 3q, 15q, and 17p (6 of 14 each); and 14q, 17q, and 20p (5 of 14 each), and losses were identified on 3p and 4q (9 of 14 each), 5q (7 of 14), 13q (6 of 14), and 2q and 9p (5 of 14 each). These results were validated by positive and negative control comparative genomic hybridization experiments and microsatellite analysis for the detection of allelic loss. The vast majority of genomic alterations found in OPLs were again identified in OSCCs from the same biopsy, supporting the hypothesis that multiple lesions in the same patient are clonally related. In summary, we show that comprehensive information on the genomic alterations in oral epithelial lesions can be obtained from small biopsies. Such data may identify prognostic indicators that could eventually assist in designing therapeutic strategies.