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Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive and malignant among brain tumors. In addition to uncontrolled proliferation and genetic instability, GBM is characterized by a diffuse infiltration, developing long protrusions that penetrate deeply along the fibers of the white matter. These features, combined with the underestimation of the invading GBM area by available imaging techniques, make a definitive treatment of GBM particularly difficult. A multidisciplinary approach combining mathematical, clinical and radiological data has the potential to foster our understanding of GBM evolution in every single patient throughout his/her oncological history, in order to target therapeutic weapons in a patient-specific manner. In this work, we propose a continuous mechanical model and we perform numerical simulations of GBM invasion combining the main mechano-biological characteristics of GBM with the micro-structural information extracted from radiological images, i.e. by elaborating patient-specific Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) data. The numerical simulations highlight the influence of the different biological parameters on tumor progression and they demonstrate the fundamental importance of including anisotropic and heterogeneous patient-specific DTI data in order to obtain a more accurate prediction of GBM evolution. The results of the proposed mathematical model have the potential to provide a relevant benefit for clinicians involved in the treatment of this particularly aggressive disease and, more importantly, they might drive progress towards improving tumor control and patient's prognosis.

Objectives: In several epidemiological studies of maxillofacial trauma, falls were one of the most frequent causes of facial injury. The aim of this study is to analyse the patterns of fall-related maxillofacial injuries based on the height of the fall. Material and Methods: Using a systematic computer-assisted database of patients hospitalised with maxillofacial fractures, only those with fall-related injuries were considered. The falls were divided into four groups: falls from slipping, tripping or stumbling (STSF), loss of consciousness (LOCF), stairs (SAF), and height (HF). Data on the age, gender, fracture site, Facial Injury Severity Scale (FISS), facial lacerations, associated lesions, type of treatment, and length of hospital stay were also analysed. Results: This study included 557 patients (338 males, 219 females; average age 51.5 years [range 4 - 99 years]). In the over 60 age group, females were more prevalent in STSF than males. According to aetiology, STSF was the most frequent cause of maxillofacial fractures (315 patients; 56.5%) followed by LOCF (157; 28.2%), HF (55; 9.9%), and SAF (30; 5.4%). The middle third of the face was affected most frequently. After LOCF, however, the inferior third was prevalently involved. The majority of associated fractures, as well as the most severe injuries and greatest rate of facial lacerations, occurred secondary to HF. Conclusions: This study showed that fracture severity and site are influenced not only by patient age, but also by the nature of the fall.

Primary synovial chondromatosis (SC) is a rare proliferative disorder that causes pain, swelling, and restriction of movement to the joints it affects. The disease frequently runs a protracted course, often requiring multiple surgical procedures to obtain some control. Few reports exist detailing the natural history of SC, although malignant transformation to synovial chondrosarcoma (CHS) is recognized to be a rare event. The aim of our study was to review a large orthopaedic oncology database in order to evaluate the incidence of CHS arising from SC. We identified 78 patients who have presented to our centre with primary synovial chondromatosis (SC). Of those patients, 5 went on to develop malignant change. This represents a 6.4% incidence of developing synovial chondrosarcoma (CHS) within preexisting primary synovial chondromatosis. The patients had a mean age of 28 years at first diagnosis with synovial chondromatosis with the median time from original diagnosis to malignant transformation being 20 years (range 2.7–39 yrs).

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The objective of the present study was to assess the epidemiology including demographic variables, diagnostic features, and the management of odontogenic keratocyst (OKCs) at several European departments of maxillofacial and oral surgery. This study is based on a systematic computer-assisted database that allowed the recording of data from treated OKCs. The following data were recorded for each patient: gender, age, voluptuary habits, comorbidities, site, size, radiographic features, treatment of OKCs, length of hospital stay, complications, recurrence, management and complications of eventual recurrence. A total of 405 patients, 249 male and 156 female, with 415 OKCs (407 sporadic and 8 syndromic lesions) were included in the study: 320 lesions were found in the mandible, whereas 95 were found in the maxilla. In the mandible, the most frequently involved subsite was the angle, whereas in the maxilla it was the molar region. The most frequently performed treatment option was enucleation plus curettage/peripheral ostectomy in 204 OKCs (recurrence rate, 9%). Decompression without residual cystectomy (recurrence rate, 66%), marsupialization with residual enucleation with the use of Carnoy's solution (recurrence rate, 50%), decompression with residual cystectomy (recurrence rate, 43%), and simple enucleation (recurrence rate, 24%) were the treatment options with the highest recurrence rates. An appropriate management of odontogenic keratocysts should be individualized, taking into consideration clinical and radiological findings, as well as patients' age and comorbidities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed at assessing the epidemiology including demographic variables, diagnostic features, and management of ameloblastomas at several European departments of maxillofacial and oral surgery. The following data were recorded for each patient: gender, age, voluptuary habits, comorbidities, site, size, radiographic features, type, histopathological features, kind of treatment, length of hospital stay, complications, recurrence, management and complications of the recurrence. A total of 244 patients, 134 males and 110 females with ameloblastomas were included in the study. Mean age was 47.4 years. In all, 81% of lesions were found in the mandible, whereas 19% were found in the maxilla. Mean size of included ameloblastomas was 38.9 mm. The most frequently performed treatment option was enucleation plus curettage/peripheral ostectomy in 94 ameloblastomas, followed by segmental resection (60 patients), simple enucleation (46 patients), and marginal resection (40 patients). A recurrence (with a mean follow up of 5 years) was observed in 47 cases out of 244 ameloblastomas (19.3%). Segmental resection was associated with a low risk of recurrence (p = 0003), whereas enucleation plus curettage/peripheral ostectomy was associated with a high risk of recurrence (p = 0002). A multilocular radiographic appearance was associated with a high risk of recurrence (p <.05), as well as the benign solid/multicystic histologic type (p <.05). Within the limitations of the study it seems that the management of ameloblastomas will probably remain controversial even in the future. Balancing low surgical morbidity with a low recurrence rate is a difficult aim to reach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone metastases are frequent in patients with cancer. Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a minimally invasive treatment. Preclinical and clinical studies supported the use of ECT in patients with metastatic bone disease (MBD). The purposes of this multicentre study are to confirm the safety and efficacy of ECT, and to identify appropriate operating procedures in different MBD conditions. 102 patients were treated in 11 Centres and recorded in the REINBONE registry (a shared database protected by security passwords): clinical and radiological information, ECT session, adverse events, response, quality of life indicators and duration of follow-up were registered. 105 ECT sessions were performed (one ECT session in 99 patients, two ECT sessions in 3 patients). 24 patients (23.5%) received a programmed intramedullary nail after ECT, during the same surgical procedure. Mean follow-up was 5.9 ± 5.1 months (range 1.5–52). The response to treatment by RECIST criteria was 40.4% objective responses, 50.6% stable disease and 9% progressive disease. According to PERCIST criteria the response was: 31.4% OR; 51.7% SD, 16.9% PD with no significant differences between the 2 criteria. Diagnosis of breast cancer and ECOG values 0–1 were significantly associated to objective response. A significant decrease in pain intensity and significant better quality of life was observed after ECT session at follow-up. The results are encouraging on pain and tumour local control. ECT proved to be an effective and safe treatment for MBD and it should be considered as an alternative treatment as well as in combination with radiation therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Congenital nonvascular neck masses are a challenge in head and neck diagnosis and management. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical and epidemiologic findings in patients who were diagnosed with congenital nonvascular neck masses.Study Design: All cases of patients with congenital nonvascular neck masses who were treated between 1996 and 2018 were reviewed. The following data were recorded: age, gender, final pathologic diagnosis (thyroglossal duct cysts, branchial cleft cysts, dermoid cysts), side of the lesion, subtype according to branchial arch (for branchial cleft cysts), and need for second surgery.Results: In total, 226 patients were included: 100 with thyroglossal duct cysts, 97 with branchial cysts, and 29 with dermoid cysts. Excision surgery was performed in all cases. Recurrence and subsequent second surgery was necessary in 5 cases.Conclusions: Appropriate knowledge of clinical and epidemiologic data regarding congenital nonvascular neck masses is crucial. Surgical resection is the optimal choice of therapy. Early referral of these patients to a head and neck surgeon is crucial for timely treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present study was to assess the demographic variables, causes, and patterns of edentulous atrophic fractures of the mandible managed at several European departments of oral and maxillofacial surgery. The results of this multicenter collaboration over a 10-year period are presented. The data of all patients with fractures of the atrophic edentulous mandible from the involved maxillofacial surgical units across Europe between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2017 were recorded: gender; age; voluptuary habits; comorbidities; etiology; fracture sites; synchronous body injuries; atrophy of the mandible according to Luhr classification; eventual type of treatment; timing of the eventual surgery; length of hospital stay. A total of 197 patients (86 male and 111 female patients) with 285 mandibular fractures were included in the study. Mean age of the study population was 75 years. Statistically significant associations were found between Luhr classes I – II and condylar fractures on one hand (p <.0005), and between Luhr class III and body and parasymphyseal fractures on the other hand (p <.05). Finally, 135 patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation, 56 patients did not undergo any intervention, and 6 patients underwent closed reduction. No statistically significant association was observed between treatment, timing of treatment, comorbidities, and concomitant injuries. The management of edentulous atrophic mandibular fractures remains challenging. Treatment decisions should continue to be based on the clinician's previous experience and on the degree of bone resorption in edentulous mandible in relation to fracture subsites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A variety of surgical techniques of septoplasty have been described. The aim of the present study was to assess the feasibility of endoscopic septoplasty as a routine approach both alone and during other sinonasal – skull base endoscopic procedures. A retrospective study of all patients admitted for endoscopic septoplasty that were performed between January 2011 and December 2017 was conducted. Patients that performed septoplasty either alone or in combination with sinus surgery or skull base surgery were included. Data regarding postoperative major complications such post-operative hemorrhage, synechiae, and septal tears or perforation were collected. 647 patients were included. Postoperative hemorrhage was observed in 0,3% of patients, synechiae in 5,2% of cases, and septal tears and/or perforations in 6,2% of the whole study population. An incomplete septal correction was observed in 27 patients (4,2%). The endoscopic technique provides a better visualization allowing to observe fewer complications. It can also be considered as an excellent and effective teaching tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess and discuss our experience with a teleradiology technique applied to facial trauma patients referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgery hub center. All trauma patients with maxillofacial fractures from the hospitals of Vercelli, Biella, Borgosesia, Borgomanero, Verbania, and Domodossola who were referred between July 2014 and September 2018 to the hub maxillofacial center of Novara were reviewed. The following data were recorded for each patient: sex, age, referral hospital, etiology, etiology mechanisms, site of facial fractures, date of injury, indications for surgery according to teleradiology consultation, indications for surgery following clinical maxillofacial assessment, date of eventual surgery, timing of surgery from trauma, type of surgical intervention. A total of 467 patients with a total of 605 fractures were triaged and managed by the Tempore telemedicine system. The most frequent cause of maxillofacial injury was fall. The most frequently observed fracture involved the zygoma. Following remote computed tomography assessment, surgical indications were suggested in 68 patients; 223 patients were not considered suitable candidates for surgery; and 176 patients needed a clinical assessment for the establishment of definitive eventual indications for surgery. Following clinical assessment, the absence and presence of surgical indications was confirmed in all 223 and 68 patients, respectively. Within the 176 patients with "possible" surgical indications, only 27 patients were referred for surgery. Teleradiology may be helpful for an appropriate triaging of trauma patients from peripheral hospitals for the correct referral to a maxillofacial trauma hub center. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purpose of this European multicenter prospective study was to obtain more precise information about the demographic characteristics and etiologic/epidemiologic patterns of motor vehicle accidents (MVA)-related maxillofacial fractures.Study Design: Of the 3260 patients with maxillofacial fractures admitted within the study period, 326 traumas were caused by MVAs with a male/female ratio of 2.2:1.Results: The maximum incidence was found in Zagreb (Croatia) (18%) and the minimum in Bergen (Norway) (0%). The most frequent mechanisms were car accidents, with 177 cases, followed by motorcycle accidents. The most frequently observed fracture involved the mandible, with 199 fractures, followed by maxillo-zygomatic-orbital (MZO) fractures.Conclusions: In all the 3 groups (car, motorcycle, and pedestrian), mandibular and MZO fractures were the 2 most frequently observed fractures, with some variations. The importance of analyzing MVA-related facial injuries and their features and characteristics should be stressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the complications and outcomes of surgical treatment of angle fractures managed at departments of maxillofacial surgery in several European countries.Study Design: Patients hospitalized with unilateral isolated angle fractures between 2013 and 2017 were included. The following data were recorded: gender and age of patients, fracture etiology, presence of the third molar, maxillomandibular fixation, osteosynthesis technique, and complications.Results: In total, 489 patients were included in the study. The Champy technique was found to be the most frequently chosen osteosynthesis technique. Sixty complications were observed, at a rate of 12.3%. Complications were associated with the absence of third molars (P < .05). Instead, the Champy technique was associated with fewer complications (P < .05), in comparison with the other adopted techniques.Conclusions: The management of angle fractures still represents a challenging task with a significant complication rate. The Champy technique still seems to be a valid option for the treatment of such injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Purpose Fractures of the zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) are common injuries that may lead to loss of an aesthetically pleasing appearance and functional impairment. The aim of this study was to analyze the demographics, causes, characteristics, and outcomes of zygomatic fractures managed at several European departments of oral and maxillofacial surgery. Materials and methods This study is based on a multicenter systematic database that allowed the recording of all patients with ZMC fractures between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2017. The following data were recorded: gender, age, personal medical history, etiology, side of zygomatic fracture, classification of ZMC fracture, associated maxillofacial fractures, symptoms at diagnosis, type of performed treatment, and sequelae/complications. Results A total of 1406 patients (1172 males, 234 females) were included in the study. Statistically significant correlations were found between assault-related ZMC fractures and the A3 class (p <.0000005) and between Infraorbital Nerve (ION) anesthesia and B class (p <.00000005). Conclusion The most frequent cause of ZMC fractures was assault, followed by falls. The most frequently involved decade of age was between 20 and 29 years. The decision and type of surgical treatment of ZMC fractures depends on several issues that need to be considered on a case by case basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) is common but accurate diagnosis and its clinical consequences have been a problem. Maxillofacial trauma does have an association with TBI. Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) has been developed to evaluate neuronal damage. The objective of this study was to investigate the accuracy of NSE serum levels to detect mild brain injury of patients with sustained maxillofacial fractures during motor vehicle accidents.Methods: Blood samples were drawn from 40 healthy people (control group) and 48 trauma patients who had sustained isolated maxillofacial fractures and mild brain injury in motor vehicle accidents. Brain injuries were graded by Glasgow Coma Scale. In the trauma group, correlations between the NSE serum value and different facial fracture sites were also assessed.Results: The NSE serum level (mean ± SD, ng/ml) in the 48 patients with maxillofacial fractures and mild TBI was 13.12 ± 9.68, significantly higher than that measured in the healthy control group (7.72 ± 1.82, p < 0.001). The mean NSE serum level (ng/ml) in the lower part of the facial skeleton (15.44 with SD 15.34) was higher than that in the upper facial part (12.42 with SD 7.68); and the mean NSE level (ng/ml) in the middle-and lower part (11.97 with SD 5.63) was higher than in the middle part (7.88 with SD 2.64).Conclusion: An increase in NSE serum levels can be observed in patients sustained maxillofacial fractures and mild brain injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aims of this study were to assess the personality traits of orthognathic patients and to investigate and compare the changes related to psychosocial well-being, self-esteem, anxiety, and quality of life between presurgical and postsurgical phases in patients undergoing traditional and surgery-first orthognathic treatments.Patients and Methods: This prospective study recruited patients referred for traditional 3-stage orthognathic treatment and surgery-first orthognathic treatment. Patients were administered psychological and quality-of-life tests 3 times: during the last visit before surgery, about 4 weeks after surgery, and 6 months after surgery.Results: Of the 33 patients included, 14 presented parameters that were suggestive of personality (borderline, compulsive, antisocial, passive-aggressive) disorders. The results of the 36-item Short Form Health Survey showed significant differences with better scores for the "surgery-first" group for bodily pain, vitality, social functioning, and mental health (P < .05). As for the Beck Depression Inventory second edition results, at final check, surgery-first patients reported fewer depressive symptoms too.Conclusions: A surgery-first orthognathic approach allows a precocious re-establishment of harmonic esthetics of the face, thus positively influencing the compliance and psychological status of the patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The anatomy of the head and neck region is complex as are its implications for maxillofacial pathologic conditions and their surgical treatments. We hypothesize that the assessment of the surgical management of orbital floor fractures by using titanium mesh could represent an appropriate first experimental field for the use of the Anatomage Table in maxillofacial surgery.Study Design: Patients with unilateral orbital floor fractures were searched for in the hospital database of Novara University Hospital, Novara, Italy. The Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine data of preoperative and postoperative computed tomography examinations were retrieved and were uploaded in the Anatomage Table device. Then, a workstation was used to create anatomic dissection coronal and sagittal images together with the corresponding computed tomography scans. Finally, 10 maxillofacial surgery residents and young surgeons were involved in the assessment of the images.Results: The young surgeons reported a higher clarity of anatomic dissection images in comparison with computed tomography scans both in preoperative and postoperative images.Conclusions: The fields of application of this new technology are wide and promising, ranging from the education, to the follow-up, to patient informed consent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]