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Aim: This study examines the prevalence and severity of orofacial disorders in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). The research assesses the correlation with the Fibromyalgia Assessment Status (FAS) index. The goal is to improve the clinical approaches to these patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire focused on the correlation between FMS and orofacial problems. The research involved 107 rheumatology patients diagnosed with FMS. Statistical analyses, including Spearman’s correlation, were utilized to investigate the relationships between the FAS index scores and various orofacial symptoms. Results: Of the participants, 11.2% responded that they were aware of the correlation between fibromyalgia and oral health. The statistical analysis showed statistically significant correlations between the FAS index and symptoms such as gum bleeding, teeth grinding during the day, and neck pain (p < 0.05). The correlation between the FAS index and joint noise upon opening the mouth, as well as dissatisfaction with one’s smile, also proved to be highly significant (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The outcomes demonstrate that, as the FAS index increases, the likelihood of developing orofacial disorders also increases among FMS patients. This highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary treatment approach.

Pseudoaneurysm rarely develops after orthognathic surgery, and can cause symptoms such as facial swelling, delayed bleeding, and development of a pulsatile soft mass. The aim of this report is to highlight a case of a masseteric artery pseudoaneurysm following orthognatic surgery, describing the possible while rare occurrence and its treatment. At the ninth postoperative day, persistent facial swelling and bleeding from the intraoral surgical wounds and nose occurred, followed by a syncope. Support therapy was administered, and an Angio-CT was requested. The results of the scans raised suspicion of the presence of a pseudoaneurysm. After the stabilization of the clinical picture a therapeutic angiography was performed. A pseudoaneurysmatic dilatation was documented in the distal portion of the left masseteric artery and was promptly excluded from the main circle. This artery derived, as an anatomical variant, from a common branch originating from the internal maxillary artery. While this complication is more commonly reported in traumatology, in cases of suspicious intraoperative bleeding, persistent facial swelling, and late-onset nasal-oral hemorrhage, pseudoaneurysms of the maxillofacial district should be considered as a possible complication of orthognatic surgery.

Introduction: Non-surgical aesthetic treatments of the lower face are increasingly in demand, particularly aimed to restore facial youth following the changes secondary to a progressive resorption of facial skeleton and atrophy of facial fat compartments, which give the perception of a descent face. Objective: The aim of this research is to describe non-surgical reshaping of aged lower jaw by means of hyaluronic acid fillers. Methods: A retrospective analysis of data from adult female patients undergoing treatment of the lower third of the face with hyaluronic acid injections was performed. Injection techniques, relevant anatomy of the anatomical area and rheological properties of the fillers to be used are highlighted. Results: Thirty-six consecutive patients were enrolled (100% female; mean age, 45.7 years). A minimum of 4 vials, up to 7, of hyaluronic acid filler, were injected in order to achieve the desired results. Visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess patient satisfaction. Thirty-two patients (88.8%) rated their appearance post-treatment with a satisfaction score ranging between 85 and 100%. Total absence of ecchymosis and/or swelling in the early post-operative days has been highlighted. There were no cases of infection, paresthesia, hematoma or necrosis. Conclusions: Jaw line remodeling with hyaluronic acid fillers, in patients not willing to undergo surgery, seems to be a viable option for ameliorating the definition of the lower third of the face, although it is mandatory to perform multi-layer injections using fillers with different rheological properties.

Abstract Background To evaluate the viability and efficacy of sialendoscopy for the management of parotidomegaly related to eating disorders, 6 patients suffering from eating disorders and recurring symptoms of glandular swelling were followed up at the Multidisciplinary Department of Medical-Surgical and Dental Specialties, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit, AOU University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”. After the detection of the impaired gland through clinical and radiographical analysis, the diagnostic unit was introduced into the duct and was advanced in, reaching the ductal system. Plaques were washed out, any strictures were dilated both by hydrostatic pressure application and steroid solution injection directly in the fibrotic area. Results Both glands resulted affected in 83% of patients. 11 parotid glands were explored and treated. Strictures were found in 2 glands (33%), sialectasis in 3 glands (50%), strictures and sialectasis together in 1 glands (17%). In 3 parotid glands (50%) Stenon’s duct was affected, in two (33%) only secondary ducts, in 1 (17%) both. We reached symptomatic improvement in 5 patients (83%), reporting the spherical volume of the parotid region and pain reduction. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that sialendoscopy is a safe and effective therapeutic method to treat EDs salivary symptoms. Treating the underlining psychiatric pathology should be the primary goal in patient care to lower the possible recurrence rate and increase the successful outcome of this technique.

Background: Nowadays, the incidence of skin cancer has increased, especially in the elderly population, probably due to increasing longevity and lifestyle changes. Sun exposure plays a pivotal role in the development of the skin tumors, among these basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most frequent with an incidence 4 times higher than that of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and it is 20 times more common than melanoma. On the other hand, skin adnexal tumors are extremely rare and hydroadenocarcinoma (HC) is generally considered a malignancy of eccrine cutaneous sweat glands. It occurs in 0.01% of skin cancers and often it can mimic other skin cancers, particulary BCC. Case presentation: An 84-year-old woman come to our attention for a neoformation on the upper lip. Seeing as she had previously undergone operations for removal of basaliomas on the face, the lesion was believed to be a recurrence. Facial and neck MRI and CT-scan analysis revealed that the lesion appeared in correspondence of the midline and paramedian site of the upper lip with extension into the left nasal cavity, not dissociable from the surrounding tissues. For this reason, the patient underwent an “en bloc” resection instead of Mohs' surgery. The definitive histological diagnosis concluded that the lesion was a hydroadenocarcinoma. Conclusion: In front of a nodular lesion of the skin it is always advisable to perform a biopsy to type the neoformation and also exclude rare tumors such us hydroadenocarcinoma.

Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) includes papillary and follicular carcinomas and is the most common type of thyroid cancer. The incidence of this cancer has increased in the last few years, and even if its prognosis is generally good for a subset of patients that does not respond to radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy, the prognosis is much worse: the median overall survival (OS) from discovery of metastasis is 3–5 years and the 10-year survival rate is only 10%. Several mutations, including RAS or RET, as well as BRAF signaling, are associated with thyroid cancer. Liquid biopsy may be useful in selected patient to identify genomic alterations and thus allowing for a precision medicine approach with target therapy. Sorafenib, an oral multi-kinase inhibitor, can be used in the treatment of DTC. Case presentation: A 77 years old. man with diagnosis of metastatic DTC and evidence of presence of mutation of BRAF K601E on liquid biopsy was treated with sorafenib, showing a good response to the treatment and an improvement in the quality of life (QoL). Currently, this patient is still on treatment with sorafenib, gaining control of a multi-metastatic disease, generally characterized by a very poor prognosis. In conclusion, sorafenib has an active role in the treatment of DTC. It also has been considered the standard of care for patients with advanced unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and renal cell carcinoma (RCC). In our case we observe the efficacy of using sorafenib in Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) such as confirming both stable disease (SD) in the CT scan as clinical benefit with an increase in QoL. Therefore, use of sorafenib remains an important treatment option, even in case of BRAF mutation, despite a rapidly evolving treatment landscape. It also seems important to perform liquid biopsies, especially in patients in whom it is not possible to repeat a new tissue biopsy. Ongoing clinical trials continue to evaluate sorafenib in different settings, and in combination with other therapies in DTC and HCC.

Salivary gland disorders are uncommon in children; they show a lower prevalence when compared to adults. The literature has a relative lack of information about the management and the different treatment protocols regarding these diseases. The aim of this research is to investigate the prevalence of both benign and malignant salivary gland disorders, focusing on diagnostic and therapy. An audit of patients diagnosed with salivary gland disorders was conducted from 2000 to 2020. 99 patients’ records were selected and analyzed: 51 males’ and 48 females’, age 10 ± 4 SD. Obstructive pathologies were the most frequently diagnosed (49 patients) followed by oncologic (21 patients), inflammatory (20 patients), rheumatologic (4 patients), malformative (3 patients) and infective disorders (2 patients). The parotid was the most affected major gland in 47 cases with a prevalence of diagnosis of juvenile recurrent parotitis (JRP) (40.4%), followed by the sublingual gland in 14 cases of ranula (100%) and the submandibular gland in 11 patients suffering from sialolithiasis (84.6%). Swelling was the most common symptom (75.7% of patients). Seven different neoplasms were documented. A greater prevalence of low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma among the malignant group (38.1% of oncologic cases) was noted. In regards to benign tumors, pleomorphic adenoma was the most common diagnosis (47.6% of cases). The symptoms and outcomes showed statistical significance concerning gender. Although salivary gland diseases in children and adolescents are rare, it is essential to observe and monitor all of the symptoms to intervene if necessary, as painless swelling is a symptom common from both benign and malignant diseases.

Temporary facial nerve palsy after parotid tumor surgery ranges from 14 to 65%, depending on surgery, tumor type, and subsite. The study aimed to evaluate the role of Kabat physical rehabilitation in the outcomes of patients affected by severe facial nerve palsy following parotid gland surgery. The results and clinical data of two groups, Kabat and non-Kabat (control), were statistically compared. Descriptive statistics, the multiple linear regression model, difference in difference approach, and the generalized linear model were used. F-Test, Chi-square test, McFadden R-squared, and adjusted R-squared were used to assess the significance. The results showed that the House–Brackmann (HB) stage of patients who had physiotherapy performed were lower than the control group. The decrease of HB staging in the Kabat group at 3 months was −0.71 on average, thus the probability of having a high HB stage decreased by about 13% using Kabat therapy. The results are statistically significant, and indicated that when the Kabat rehabilitation protocol is performed, mainly in the cases of a high-grade HB score, the patients showed a better and faster improvement in postoperative facial nerve palsy.

Among the various therapeutic options for the treatment of tear trough deformities, the use of hyaluronic acid-based fillers has constantly been increasing. The aim of this research is to conduct a systematic review of the published literature related to the use of hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers for the treatment of tear trough deformities and possible related complications. A search of the published literature was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Ovid databases. Text words and Medical Search Headings (MeSH terms) were used to identify nine articles included in our analysis. The most used filler was Restylane (Galderma). The injection technique was performed through the use of a cannula or, more frequently, with a needle, through the execution of boluses or retrograde release. The injection plane was predominantly the supra-periosteal layer. The most observed side effects were mild and included redness, edema, contour irregularities, bruising, and blue-gray dyschromia. The degree of patient satisfaction was high, with an optimal aesthetic result that was maintained for 6 to 12 months. Although the duration of treatment of tear trough deformities with HA fillers is not comparable to surgical treatment, this is a minimally invasive, safe procedure, quick to perform, and with a high degree of patient satisfaction.

The “Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee 17 December 2020 Meeting Briefing Document”, formulated by the FDA, reported three cases of swelling in areas previously injected with HA filler, introducing the possible relationship between a COVID-19 vaccine and adverse events in areas previously injected with HA fillers. The aim of this research is to report a case of an adverse event following a COVID-19 vaccine in a patient previously injected with facial filler. Furthermore, a scoping review on the same topic was performed. The research was carried out on the electronic databases PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Google Scholar and Scopus. The selection process identified four articles as eligible for inclusion in the review. Nineteen patients, including the described case report, who experienced an adverse event following a COVID-19 vaccine in areas previously injected with facial filler were identified. Adverse events following a COVID-19 vaccine in patients previously injected with facial filler appear to be rare. A high BDDE cross-linking rate and/or a low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid filler may have a higher tardive adverse event rate when triggered.

Lipodystrophy is an alteration of fat metabolism that commonly affects HIV-1 positive patients treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART). The facial area is most commonly affected by peripheral lipoatrophy, thus becoming a social stigma related to chronic HIV. Several treatments have been proposed, such as modification of diet, lifestyle and both surgical and nonsurgical procedures. The goal of our systematic review is to examine published clinical studies involving the use of polyacrylamide filler for the treatment of HIV FLA, and to provide evidence-based recommendations based on published efficacy and safety data. Our research was performed on published literature until April 2021. Polyacrylamide gel is a volumetric gel that has been proven stable, nontoxic, nonallergenic, nonembryotoxic and nonabsorbable. Poly-l-lactic acid (PLA) is a biocompatible, biodegradable, synthetic polymer derived from lactic acid. We believe it is essential to draft a pre- and post-injection and operative protocol to define an even setting for the clinical condition. It is desirable that such specifications are included in a large randomized controlled trial and the follow up is longer than the studies that we found, because as we have seen in the literature there are reported adverse events even 3 or 5 years after the injections.

The aim of this study is to analyze surgical and functional outcomes in order to verify the applicability of surgical treatment guidelines as foreseen by MASCC/ISOO/ASCO 2019. Patients affected by stage 2 MRONJ refractory to conservative management were grouped if underwent surgical resection (Group A) or debridement (Group B). Health-related quality of life was evaluated by using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer questionnaires, QLQ-C30 and H&N35. Statistical analysis was performed using Wilcoxon/Mann–Whitney test, Kaplan–Meier test, Cox regression model and Cox multivariate regression. Group A showed higher complete healing cases vs. group B. Recurrence rate difference in group A vs. group B was statistically significant. Debridement is an unfavorable prognostic factor when compared to surgical resection (p = 0.0032, HR 4.9). Quality of life mean values showed a marked improvement in Group A and a slight improvement in Group B. Debridement has 4.9 times more risk to develop recurrence when compared to surgical resection. A more satisfactory quality of life was shown in patients subject to resective surgery with an improving trend from baseline. Debridement patients showed more variability of results and an overall negative trend at the end of the 6-month follow-up.

Background: health-related quality of life (HRQOL) represents a secondary endpoint of medical interventions in oncological patients. Our aim was to highlight potential sources of bias that could be encountered when evaluating HRQOL in oral cancer patients. Methods: this review followed PRISMA-ScR recommendations. Participants: patients treated for oral cancer. Concept: HRQOL assessed by EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-H&N35/QLQ-H&N43. A critical appraisal of included studies was performed to evaluate the accuracy of data stratification with respect to HRQOL determinants. Results: overall, 30 studies met the inclusion criteria, totaling 1833 patients. In total, 8 sociodemographic (SDG) and 15 disease/treatment-specific (DT) HRQOL determinants (independent variables) were identified. The mean number of the independent variables was 6.1 (SD, 4.3)—5.0 (SD, 4.0) DT-related and 1.1 (SD, 1.8) SDG-related variables per article. None of the included papers considered all the identified determinants simultaneously. Conclusions: a substantial lack of evidence regarding HRQOL determinants was demonstrated. This strongly weakens the reliability of the reported findings due to the challenging presence of baseline confounding, selection, and omitted variable biases. The proposed approach recommends the use of further evaluation tools that gather more variables in a single score together with a selection of more homogeneous, reproducible, and comparable cohorts based on the identified baseline confounding.

Masseter Muscle Hypertrophy (MMH) is a well-known clinical benign condition that is not gender-specific and it can be monolateral or bilateral. Botulinum Toxin type A (BoNTA) injection has been widely described for MMH treatment and non-surgical facial slimming. BoNTA masseter injections have high efficacy and safety profile, but the risks of side effects remain. Muscular bulging during mastication is a complication due to the superficial overcompensation of masseteric fibers in response to neurotoxic weakening of the deep masseter. We present a biphasic-injection technique for BoNTA administration, based following anatomical concept and developed in order to prevent paradoxical bulging. A total of 98 treatments from 2015 to 2020 were performed with this technique. No remarkable complications occurred in our study. No cases of loss of full smile, difficulty in mouth opening, dizziness, headache, neurapraxia, and xerostomia were reported. A case of asymmetric smiling was self-resolved within a week. No patient claimed transient muscle weakness as distressing. No cases of paradoxical bulging were observed. Extensive knowledge of muscular anatomy and appropriate injection technique are key factors in achieving the desired result and avoiding complications. We feel that sharing this tip could be helpful for all the physicians involved in MMH treatment with BoNTA.

The aim of this study was to estimate the overall viability of the islanded facial artery myomucosal flap (iFAMM) compared to the facial artery myomucosal flap (FAMM). A systematic review of English articles was performed on PubMed and Cochrane Library electronic databases. Search terms included every nomenclature variant for FAMM flap and iFAMM flap. A total of 373 articles were identified, and 20 articles were considered eligible for inclusion in the review. A total of 486 flaps were evaluated (350 FAMM and 136 i-FAMM flaps). In all studies, the primary outcome assessed was flap viability, collecting the rate of total and partial flap necrosis and then comparing FAMM to i-FAMM. Overall reported partial/total necrosis rate for FAMM flap was 9.7%, 1.4% as total and 8.3% as partial necrosis. Overall partial/total reported necrosis rate for iFAMM flaps was 2.2%, 1.5% as total and 0.7% as partial necrosis. FAMM flaps, both as classical or islanded variants, are an effective option for intraoral small/medium sized defect reconstruction. Outcomes from the present review show a higher partial/total survival rate when this flap is harvested as islanded flap.

(1) Background: There is an increasing demand for a reversal of the aging process and, nowadays, more patients are seeking minimally invasive methods instead of surgery to meet this goal. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the predictability of the off-label aesthetic use of botulinum toxin type A (BoNTA) reconstituted with lidocaine. (2) Methods: One thousand treatments, between January 2010 and January 2020, with BoNTA reconstituted with lidocaine for the rejuvenation of the upper third of the face, were performed and retrospectively evaluated. (3) Results: A few seconds after the BoNTA injections, the effect of muscle paralysis was seen in all cases; this allowed providing an optimal symmetric result with no need for a touch-up procedure at the control after three weeks. A burning sensation during the injections was claimed by almost all patients. Major complications were not registered. No touch-up procedures were required. (4) Conclusions: The results of this study show how the reconstitution of BoNTA with lidocaine may avoid imperfect results after the injections; the immediate feedback on the extent of paralysis to be expected from the chemodenervation action of BoNTA allows the physician to have immediate control of the final result.

Since the advent of HIV antiretroviral therapies at the end of the 20th century, the morbidity and mortality rates associated with HIV infection have decreased dramatically. Unfortunately, these benefits are associated with substantial morphologic changes in the body, such as abnormal fat distribution with peripheral lipohypertrophy and facial lipoatrophy. Facial wasting is considered the major stigma for HIV–infected people and may result in reduced antiretroviral adherence. Patients suffering from the stigmata of HIV infection can benefit from non-surgical aesthetic treatments performed with fillers or lipolytic agents that provide a quick and reliable service for facial rejuvenation, with high patient satisfaction and a low risk of complications. In the present paper, a retrospective analysis of complications following non-surgical aesthetic treatments (calcium hydroxyapatite-based filler, hyaluronic acid filler, polyacrylamide hydrogel filler and dehoxycholic acid injections), in a cohort of 116 consecutive HIV+ patients, treated over a period of 12 years, was performed. With the exception of the tardive swelling reported after calcium hydroxyapatite injections, complications were recorded just after polyacrylamide hydrogel treatment as small, palpable, nonvisible nodules or aseptic abscess. Our experience is consistent with those already published in the literature and the complication rate seems to be comparable to non-infected patients.

Background. In this article, we describe a nonsurgical approach based on hyaluronic acid filler injection to restore the facial features of a delayed diagnosis of malar fracture. We analyze the differences between surgical and nonsurgical solution: in case of early detection, the surgical approach is the gold standard of treatment. However, in cases of delayed facial fracture diagnosis without functional impairment, nonsurgical procedures could be considered an alternative tool as we show in the present case report. Aims. The aim of this study is to underline the importance of a complete aesthetic restoration in patients treated for noncosmetic purposes. Patients/Methods. We present a case of a 26-year-old male patient with a delayed diagnosis of malar fracture without functional impairment that was treated with hyaluronic acid (HA) filler injections. Results. The patient was followed up for 1 year showing stable results for the first 8 months; at the 12-month follow-up, a touch-up was suggested due to partial resorption of the filler. Conclusion. This is the first case describing a facial fracture treated with HA injections for only recontouring purposes. We assess that nonsurgical cosmetic procedures could be considered a “new” tool in the process of facial rehabilitation but only when functional problems are not associated with facial trauma.

The aim of this retrospective case series was to discuss indications, surgical outcomes, and donor site morbidity in the use of superficial temporal artery perforator (STAP) flaps in intra-oral or extra-oral facial reconstruction. This study involved 9 patients treated with a STAP flap at the Maxillo-Facial Surgery Unit of the University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples. A STAP flap was used alone or in combination with other local flaps, for the coverage of facial soft tissue defects, after the resection of craniofacial malignant tumors (n = 7) or as a salvage flap, in partial or total microvascular flap loss (n = 2). The STAP flap was proven to be a valuable surgical option despite it not being frequently used in facial soft tissue reconstruction nor was it chosen as the first surgical option in patients under 70 year’s old. Donor site morbidity is one of the major reasons why this flap is uncommon. Appropriate patient selection, surgical plan, and post-surgical touch-ups should be performed in order to reduce donor site scar morbidity.

In this paper, we present a simple way to place the implant into a harvested pocket and to subsequently fix it percutaneously. Eighteen patients (1 male, 13 females, 4 transgender), underwent facial implant placement; a total of 31 implants were placed (1 pair of angles of the mandible implants, 12 pairs of malar/sub-malar implants, and 5 chin implants). The intraoral approach was performed on 15 patients, and on the remaining three patients, the sub-ciliary lower lid approach was preferred. Patients were followed up for at least one year with a maximum follow-up of seven years (mean 1.8 years). In all the cases, except one, patients healed without complications. One case of implant displacement and infection was recorded. No other complication was documented. The technique described is similar to the one suggested by Peled, although some useful tips were added, namely the use of sutures, not only to fix the implant but also to drive it into the harvested pocket. In addition, larger absorbable “left in place” sutures were used, avoiding accidental implant dislocation during their removal. Further studies are required to gain a more complete understanding of the effectiveness and reproducibility of this surgical technique.

The aim of this case report was to evaluate the use of Partsch I cystotomy in order to preserve a dental implant located in an odontogenic cyst extended from 3.2 to 4.4. A 50 year-old woman showed a circular, well-defined unilocular radiolucent area, Ø2.5 cm, in the right mandibular region with an oral implant intruding inside it. The overdenture in the mandibular right site showed no clinical mobility. The authors decided to perform a surgical treatment aimed to preserve the implant. The patient underwent Partsch I surgery followed by iodoform gauze insertion replaced weekly for one month, revision of the previous orthograde endodontic treatments, and an acrylic resin obturator prosthesis application for the following two months. The twelve month follow-up showed no clinical mobility of the right lateral mandibular implant prostheses. Radiographical analysis revealed cystic lesion healing and perimplant bone regeneration. This report highlights the opportunity to apply cystotomy when the cyst involves a dental implant and undermines its stability. This possibility is offered by the peculiar clinical scenario where the implant was stabilized by the presence of a previous prosthetic fixation. Our study led to the application of an operative protocol that allowed for the preservation of the implant.

Arthrocentesis in temporomandibular joint disorders can be associated with the intra-articular infiltration of various drugs with the objective of increase treatment efficacy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical indexes variation in patients affected by temporomandibular joint disorders treated with arthrocentesis and sodium hyaluronate (SH) injections. A total of 28 patients suffering from temporomandibular joint disorders underwent one cycle of five arthrocentesis and infiltrations of sodium hyaluronate. Spontaneous mouth opening improved from 36.3 ± 7.5 mm to 45.1 ± 1.9 mm at six months follow-up. A significant reduction in the pain at rest and during mastication mean values emerged at follow-up (P < 0.0001). The mean masticatory efficiency, evaluated through a visual analogic scale, showed improvement at the follow-up period, highlighted by the increase of mean value from a baseline of 3.1 ± 1.2 to a mean value of 8.5 ± 1.2 (P < 0.0001). The mean severity of the joint damage at baseline time was 2.4 ± 0.9 and decreased to 0.4 ± 0.3 at the end of the follow-up period. The decrease in values is confirmed by statistical test (P < 0.05). Our data show how arthrocentesis integrated with sodium hyaluronate infiltrations performed under local anesthesia is a valid method of treating temporomandibular joint disorders.

Background: Bone regeneration is a reliable technique when the bone volume is insufficient to provide a functional and aesthetic outcome in surgery and implantoprosthesis procedures. When bone blocks are used but do not match the shape of the defect, the block must be adapted. The aim of our research was to evaluate, by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) morphological observation, how different cutting devices modify the bone surface. Method: Four equine bone blocks were divided into 15 cubic shape samples with ultrasonic and sonic tips, as well as diamond, tungsten carbide, and Lindemann burs. The uncut surface of the obtained bone block was used as a control. Two observers independently analyzed the SEM observation recording, including cut precision, depth of incision, thermal damages, and presence of bone debris. For each group, sharpness, depth, carbonization, and bone debris were expressed as mean values. Results: The osteotomy performed with an ultrasonic tip shows the best results, preserving the bone morphology in both quantitative and qualitative analyses. The bone surface appeared sufficiently clean from debris and showed a reduced presence of carbonization. Conclusion: The shaping of the bone block as in vivo osteotomy respects the bone morphology and allows it to achieve the relevant biological and clinical outcome.