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Abstract Purpose The latissimus dorsi muscle has long been used in breast cancer (BC) patients for reconstruction. This study aimed to compare early stage BC patients who had partial mastectomy (PM) with mini latissimus dorsi flap (MLDF) and subcutaneous mastectomy with implant (MI) with respect to quality of life (QoL), cosmetic outcome (CO), and survival rates. Patients and methods The data of patients who underwent PM + MLDF (Group 1) and M + I (Group 2) between January 2010 and January 2018 were evaluated. Both groups were compared in terms of demographics, clinical and pathological characteristics, surgical morbidity, survival, quality of life, and cosmetic results. The EORTC-QLQ C30 and EORTC-QLO BR23 questionnaires and the Japanese Breast Cancer Society (JBCS) Cosmetic Evaluation Scale were used to assess the quality of life and the cosmetic outcome, respectively. Results A total of 317 patients were included in the study, 242 (76.3%) of them in group 1 and 75 (23.6%) of them in group 2. Median follow-up time was 56 (14–116) months. There were no differences identified between the groups in terms of tumor histology, hormonal receptors and HER-2 positivity, surgical morbidity, and 5-year overall and disease-free survival. Group 2 patients were significantly younger than group 1 (p = 0.003). The multifocality/multicentricity rate was higher in group 2 (p ≤ 0.001), whereas tumor size (p = 0.009), body mass index (BMI, p = 0.006), histological grade (p ≤ 0.001), lymph node positivity (p = 0.002), axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) rate (p = 0.005), and presence of lympho-vascular invasion (LVI, p = 0.013) were significantly higher in group 1. When the quality of life was assessed by using the EORTC QLQ C30 and BR23 questionnaires, it was seen that the body image perception (p < 0.001) and nausea/vomiting score (p = 0.024) were significantly better in PM + MLDF group whereas physical function score was significantly better in M + I group (p = 0.012). When both groups were examined in terms of cosmesis with JBCS Cosmetic Evaluation Scale, good cosmetic evaluation score was significantly higher in patients in MLDF group (p = 0.01). Discussion The results of this study indicate that in comparison to M + I procedure, the PM + MLDF procedure provides significantly superior results in terms of body image and cosmetic result with similar morbidity and oncologic outcomes. In selected patients with small breasts and a high tumor/breast ratio, PM + MLDF may be an alternative to subcutaneous mastectomy and implant.

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Abstract Background Medicinal leech, Hirudo medicinalis, has been used in plastic and reconstructive surgery, to relieve venous congestion and to improve the microrevascularization of flaps. In many countries, wild leeches are still provided from local markets and utilised with antibiotic prophylaxies. In this research, results of identification of bacteria in the transport fluid is reported, oral and intestinal floras and the antibiograms of the identified microorganisms are investigated. Also, to avoid possible infections, the ability of hypochloric acid, a disinfectant, to suppress the relevant microorganisms without changing the life style and behavior of leeches in terms of sucking function, is investigated. Methods Bacterial identifications and antibiograms of oral and intestinal flora and transport medium were performed for 10 leeches. The optimum concentration of hypochloric acid which eliminated microorganisms without affecting the viability and sucking function of the leeches were determined by dilution of hypochloric acid to 100, 50, 25, 12.5, 6.25 ppm concentrations in different groups of 25 leeches. Finally, 20 leeches were applied atraumatically to the bleeding areas of rats, the duration of suction was determined and compared statistically between the leeches treated and not treated with hypochloric acid solution. Results Aeromonas hydrophilia was the most commonly identified microorganism and found to be resistant to first generation cephalosporins, frequently used in prophylaxis at surgical wards. In the next stages of the study, the leeches were subjected to a series of diluted hypochloric acid solutions. Although disinfection of the transport material and suppression of the oral flora of hirudo medicinalis were successful in 100, 50, 25, 12.5, 6.25 ppm concentrations; 12.5 ppm solution was the greatest concentration in which hirudo medicinalis could survive and sucking function was not affected significantly. Conclusions External decontamination of wild leeches with 12.5 ppm hypochloric acid enables bacterial suppression without causing negative effects on leech sucking function and life.

Background Thyroid cancer is one of the five most common cancers causing bone metastasis. If there is an increase in serum thyroglobulin-antithyroglobulin levels in differentiated thyroid cancer or calcitonin levels in medullary thyroid cancer, patients should be evaluated for recurrence and distant metastasis. The skeleton is the second most common site of distant metastasis in thyroid cancer after the lung. Bone metastases cause pain, fractures, and spinal cord compression, severely reducing the quality of life. They are associated with poor prognosis. Bone metastases severely reduce the quality of life. This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with thyroid cancer with bone metastases diagnosed at our center. Methodology A total of 1,390 patients diagnosed with thyroid malignancy at our center between 2010 and 2023 were reviewed retrospectively. The study included 27 patients with differentiated and medullary thyroid cancer who had bone metastases. Results Of 27 patients, 19 (70.4%) had differentiated and eight (29.6%) had medullary thyroid cancer. Papillary thyroid cancer constituted 22.2% ( n = 6) and follicular thyroid cancer constituted 14.8% ( n = 4) of the cases. Papillary carcinoma follicular variant, oncocytic, and poorly differentiated thyroid cancer were diagnosed with similar frequency, each accounting for 11.1% ( n = 3). It was found that vertebrae were most commonly involved, followed by the pelvis, sternum, costae, femur and patella, shoulder and humerus, cranium, and scapula. The five-year survival rate was 72%, and the 10-year survival rate was 53%. Conclusions The number of patients with papillary cancer was the highest, but the rate of bone metastases was the lowest in this group. The highest rate of bone metastases was found in patients with poorly differentiated, oncocytic, medullary, follicular, and papillary cancer, respectively. The results obtained in this study reveal the necessity and importance of bone metastasis evaluation in patients with thyroid cancer., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2024, Yaşar et al.)

Purpose: The patient-reported outcome becomes important to evaluate the situation perceived by the patients and to develop new strategies. This study aims to adapt the Acromegaly Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (Acro-TSQ), which was specially developed for patients with acromegaly, into Turkish by conducting a validity and reliability study., Methods: After the translation and back-translation process, Acro-TSQ was filled in by face-to-face interviews with 136 patients diagnosed with acromegaly and currently receiving somatostatin analogue injection therapy. Internal consistency, content validity, construct validity, and reliability of the scale were determined., Results: Acro-TSQ had a six-factor structure and explained 77.2% of the total variance in the variable. The Cronbach alpha value calculated for internal reliability showed high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.870). Factor loads of all items were found to be between 0.567 and 0.958. As a result of EFA analysis, one item fell into a different factor in the Turkish version of the Acro-TSQ, different from its original form. CFA analysis shows that acceptable fit values are obtained for fit indices., Conclusion: The Acro-TSQ, a patient-reported outcome tool, shows good internal consistency, and good reliability, suggesting it is an appropriate assessment tool for patients with acromegaly in the Turkish population., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Objective: To evaluate the association of body composition parameters with outcomes in Covid-19., Methods: 173 patients hospitalized for Covid-19 infection in 6 European centers were included in this retrospective study. Measurements were performed at L3-level and comprised skeletal muscle index (SMI), muscle density (MD), and adipose tissue measurements [visceral adipose tissue (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT), visceral-to-subcutaneous-adipose-tissue-area-ratio (VSR)]. The association with mortality, the need for intubation (MV), and the need for admission to ICU within 30 days were evaluated., Results: Higher SAT density was associated with a greater risk of MV (OR = 1.071, 95%CI=(1.034;1.110), p < 0.001). Higher VAT density was associated with admission to ICU (OR = 1.068, 95%CI=(1.029;1.109), p < 0.001). Higher MD was a protective factor for MV and ICU admission (OR = 0.914, 95%CI=(0.870;0.960), p < 0.001; OR = 0.882, 95%CI=(0.832;0.934), p = 0.028). Higher VSR was associated with mortality (OR = 2.147, 95%CI=(1.022;4.512), p = 0.044). Male sex showed the strongest influence on the risk of ICU admission and MV. SMI was not associated with either parameter., Conclusion: In patients hospitalized for Covid-19 infection, higher VSR seems to be a strong prognostic factor of short-term mortality. Weak associations with clinical course were found for MD and adipose tissue measurements. Male sex was the strongest prognostic factor of adverse clinical course., Advances in Knowledge: VSR is a prognostic biomarker for 30-day mortality in patients hospitalized for Covid-19 disease.

Objective: Shear wave elastography (SWE) is a user-independent ultrasonographic technique that evaluates tissue elasticity. It is used especially in the evaluation of thyroiditis and thyroid nodules when it is capable of distinguishing malignant from benign thyroiditis in adults. To date, no studies have evaluated SWE in pediatric thyroid patients. The aim of this study was to measure the elasticity of normal thyroid tissue in children and adolescents using SWE and to investigate its role in the diagnosis of pediatric autoimmune thyroiditis., Methods: In total, 113 healthy children of whom 66 (58.4%) were girls and 57 children with autoimmune thyroiditis of whom 45 (78.9%) were girls were evaluated by SWE after B-mode ultrasound. The quantitative evaluation of normal thyroid tissue in healthy children and those with autoimmune thyroiditis was performed using shear wave velocity (SWV) values (m/s). Thyroid antibodies were consistent with autoimmune thyroiditis. Data were compared using descriptive and analytical statistics and receiver-operating characteristic curves., Results: The mean ± standard deviation (range) of SWV value in thyroid parenchyma of the healthy children was 1.82±0.3 m/s (1.32-2.37) m/s. There was a significant positive correlation between age and SWV values which increased with age. The average SWV value of thyroid parenchyma in children with autoimmune thyroiditis was 3.7±1.2 (2.59-6.25) m/s which was statistically significantly greater than in healthy children (p=0.00). The cut-off value for elasticity with the highest diagnostic accuracy was 2.39 m/s; sensitivity and specificity were 97.4% and 100% respectively. There was no correlation between elasticity, thyroid function tests and autoantibody concentrations (p>0.05)., Conclusion: SWE is a useful imaging method that can be used with routine ultrasonography in evaluation of the thyroid in children.

Pre-expanded perforator flaps are the most recent technical way to shape tissue for exact needs. Reconstruction with pre-expanded free perforator flaps has proven successful in terms of obtaining more extensive, more pliable, and thinner flaps that have increased vascularity, and also causing less donor site morbidity. In this article the author's experience with the clinical application of such flaps and the relevant published literature are reviewed., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction : The purpose of this study was to quantify anteroposterior facial soft tissue changes with respect to underlying skeletal movements after Le Fort I maxillary advancement surgery by using lateral cephalograms taken before and after the operation. Materials and Methods : The study group consisted of 20 patients (10 women, 10 men; mean age 23.4 ± 1.4 years) having a Class III skeletal deformity caused by a retrognathic maxilla. All patients were treated by Le Fort I maxillary advancement osteotomy. Lateral cephalograms were taken before and 1.6 ± 0.4 years after surgery. Results : The anteroposterior position of A-point and anteroposterior position of maxillary incisor were significantly protracted (-2.69 ± 3.34 and -2.68 ± 3.21, respectively; P < .01). The nasal anteroposterior and superoinferior positions (NASALAP and NASALSI, respectively) were significantly changed (-2.70 ± 6.81, P < .01, and -2.55 ± 5.80, P < .05, respectively) and nasal elevation and protraction were observed after Le Fort I maxillary advancement surgery. Conclusions : The changes in anteroposterior and superoinferior positions of A-point were correlated with the nasal superoinferior position (r = -0.71 , P < .05; r = 0.72, P < .05) after Le Fort I maxillary advancement surgery.

Background: Cervical cancer is the second most common female malignancy worldwide. Although its incidence has decreased in developed countries due to screening with Papanicolaou test, it is still the leading cause of cancer-related female death in developing countries., Aims: The aim of this study was to determine whether the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements calculated from diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) images had any contribution in differentiation of normal cervical tissue from malignant lesions preoperatively, and whether there was a correlation between the mean ADC values and tumor type, grade, or stage in malignant lesions., Study Design: Case-control study., Methods: Mean ADC values in 25 patients who had cervical cancer proved histopathologically, and 20 patients with otherwise normal uterus were compared. Also in the study group, mean ADC values were compared between histopathologic subtypes, tumor grades, and stages., Results: In the study group the mean ADC values (0.96±0.15×10(-3) mm(2)/s) were statistically lower than that of the control group (1.67±0.17×10(-3) mm(2)/s) (p<0.05). According to histopathologic sub-types there was no significant difference between mean ADC values of squamous cell cancer and adenocarcinoma (0.95×10(-3) mm(2)/s and 0.91×10(-3) mm(2)/s, respectively) (p>0.05). There was also no significant difference between the mean ADC values of the tumor grades (p>0.05). The mean ADC values in early stage cervical cancer (0.86±0.05×10(-3) mm(2)/s) were significantly lower than the mean ADC values in late stage disease (0.98±0.06×10(-3) mm(2)/s) (p<0.05)., Conclusion: ADC value measurements may provide useful information in diagnosis of cervical cancer as well as in preoperative assessment of the tumor stage.

Background: This study addresses the "pre-expanded perforator flap concept" by demonstrating a case series of relevant reconstructive procedures and evaluate the perforator vessel diameter changes that happen during the pre-expansion procedure., Methods: Fourteen patients were treated with 15 flaps. One patient was treated with two pre-expanded internal mammary artery perforator flaps. In other cases, thoracodorsal, circumflex scapular, lumbar, intercostal, lateral circumflex femoral, and deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flaps were used. Technical details and rate of complications were noted. Evaluations of the flap pedicles were done both by hand held Doppler and by color Doppler ultrasound (CDU)., Results: Flaps successfully served to resurface and release thick and rigid broad scar tissues and contractures in 11 of relevant 12 patients (in one patient with 50% flap loss, adequate contracture release could only be obtained with addition of a secondary split thickness skin graft to the residual flap) and provided a good source of tissue for anterior neck reconstruction of one patient and penis reconstruction of another patient. In six patients, perforator artery diameters were measured by CDU both before and after the expansion process and a significant increase secondary to the pre-expansion procedure was detected (Pre-expansion mean: 0.48 ± 0.08 mm; post-expansion mean: 0.65 ± 0.10 mm; P < 0.05). Flaps as large as 30 × 20 cm were harvested. Totally three partial flap necroses were experienced in 15 flap procedures., Conclusions: Suprafascial pre-expansion of the perforator flaps seems to provide a solution to achieve broader and thinner perforator flaps with larger perforator arteries., (Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Prefabrication of supraclavicular skin provides a useful source for flaps congruent with the face skin. Among various vascular sources that have been used for this purpose, anterolateral thigh fascia seems to represent a greater value because of having a long and strong vascular pedicle and negligible donor-site morbidity. In this regard, we present a technical report on using the lateral circumflex femoral artery perforator flap harvest technique in preparing an anterolateral thigh fascia flap for the prefabrication of the supraclavicular skin. The technique proved successful in resurfacing the facial skin of a young female patient with a giant congenital melanocytic hairy nevus on the left side of her face.

Resurfacing and reconstruction of extensive scars, severe contractures and deformities of the hand are still challenging cases for plastic surgeons. Treatments usually necessitate thin, pliable and broad flaps. Additionally, minimising the donor-site morbidity is an indisputable requisite. The pre-expanded perforator flap technique has been shown to provide extensive, thin and pliable skin with increased vascularity while reducing the donor-site morbidity. Utilisation of free pre-expanded lateral circumflex femoral artery perforator flap in an aesthetic and functional reconstruction of severe post-burn hand deformity is demonstrated. The successful functional and aesthetic outcome that was achieved in the early postoperative period and which still persists after 23 months of follow-up indicates that our technique could be preferably used in the extensive coverage of the hand., (Copyright © 2013 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Diplopodia is a rare congenital anomaly and has been described as extra digits, metatarsals, and tarsal bones that form an extra foot or foot-like structure. Various skeletal deformities and anomalies involving other organ systems can accompany diplopodia. Treatment consists of surgery, splinting, and physical therapy, planned according to each patient's specific condition. We present a patient who had diplopodia with distinctive anatomic features (with postaxial polydactyly and without any anomaly of the tibia or fibula) compared with the previously reported cases, and concomitant anomalies, including left renal agenesis and anal atresia., (Copyright © 2013 American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Contractures and broad scars of the axilla, anterior chest wall, and neck have detrimental effects on functional, physical, and psychological development of children. Perforator flaps have already been shown to be reliable options for the reconstruction of contractures, but there have been no reports demonstrating the value of preexpanded perforator flaps of the dorsolateral trunk region in the treatment of extensive contractures and scars of pediatric patients. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate these techniques by a case series formed of pediatric patients with broad scars and contractures of the anterior chest wall, axilla, neck, and breasts., Methods: Seven pediatric patients (mean age, 11.6 years) who were treated by preexpanded perforator flaps are presented. By this means, clinical experience regarding the intercostal artery perforator, thoracodorsal artery perforator, circumflex scapular artery perforator, and lumbar artery perforator flaps was shared., Results: Flaps as large as 21 × 11 cm could be successfully transferred in pediatric patients. Broad scar tissues were resurfaced with broad flaps carrying similar characteristics with the uninjured anterior chest wall and neck skin in six of the authors' patients. In one patient with partial necrosis, a full-thickness skin graft was used for the residual defect. The mean duration of postoperative (after flap transfer) follow-up was 17.2 months., Conclusions: The preexpanded thoracodorsal artery perforator, intercostal artery perforator, and circumflex scapular artery perforator flaps are useful and effective reconstructive options for the treatment of scars and contractures of the anterior chest wall, axilla, neck, and breast in pediatric patients., Clinical Question/level of Evidence: : Therapeutic, IV.

Tumors of the smooth muscles are rarely seen, as the number of smooth muscles is low within the intraoral region. Leiomyosarcoma is a type of malign tumor originating from smooth muscles. The most common regions of leiomyosarcoma of the oral cavity are the maxilla and mandible. In this article, we present a leiomyosarcoma detected in a 20-year-old male patient who was admitted to the clinic with the complaint of a mass for about three months. The mass was located in the left half of the soft palate and it was resected en bloc with the mucosa. No recurrence was observed during the two-year follow-up period of the patient.

Background: Despite significant practical knowledge and experience on foreign body penetration injuries to the hand and/or wrist, deficient management and complications can still be encountered, and ignorance of its causative and eventual social aspects unfortunately is a substantial fact. This study aims to cover the clinical and social properties and the management of these kinds of injuries., Methods: A retrospective analysis of 86 patients requiring evaluation and treatment in a Hand Surgery Division of a university hospital was performed., Results: The median age was 32 (min: 4, max: 63). Industrial workers constituted the largest occupational group (n=22, 25.6%). Twenty-three (26.7%) of the cases were elective admissions. Thirteen (15.1%) patients had various comorbidities, and five (5.8%) had psychiatric diagnoses at the time of the injury. The index finger was the most frequent site of injury (n=29, 33.7%). General anesthesia was not necessary for the management of 94.2% of the cases. In 26 (30%) of the patients, neural, tendinous or osseous damage was observed. Twenty-four (30%) patients were included in a postoperative hand physiotherapy program., Conclusion: The practically well-known general features of the issue and those aspects that may still be overlooked currently are reevaluated herein, in light of our observational data.

There are many different lower eyelid reconstruction techniques defined in the literature. Almost all of the published techniques have been described on elderly patients and use upper eyelid, periorbital or facial tissues as donor sites. However, in case of a paediatric patient or a young adult who has a crease-free and scarless face, camouflage of the facial donor-site scar is usually impossible. In order to avoid possible facial donor-site scars and upper eyelid deformities, a technique which uses the temporoparietal fascia (TPF) flap as the framework of a new eyelid was used for the reconstruction of an adolescent patient's postoncologic defect. The inner side of the flap was covered with nasal septal chondromucosal graft and the external side was covered with a retroauricular full-thickness skin graft. Eighteen months of unproblematic follow-up of this overlooked usage of the versatile TPF flap indicates that our technique has proved successful in terms of good functional and cosmetic outcome that is obtained at one stage., (Copyright © 2012 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Flap combinations including free fibula have been commonly used to reconstruct composite maxillomandibular defects. On the other hand, a single free osteoseptocutaneous may be rarely used to reconstruct the bimaxilla. In this article, we report a bimaxillary reconstruction in a 63-year-old man with a single fibular osteoseptocutaneous free flap.

Background: Post-burn contractures severely deteriorate life quality. We aimed to present our treatment protocols for post-burn sequelae and the contractures that cause functional limitations., Methods: Seventy-seven cases with post-burn contracture were treated in our clinic. Post-burn contractures occurring after a burn injury affected the upper extremity, face and neck in 60, 17 and 6 cases, respectively. Skin grafts, local flaps such as advancement flaps, Z-plasties, K-plasties, regional flaps such as posterior interosseous flap, tissue expanded flaps, and free flaps were used according to the severity of the contractures., Results: In one patient with type II axillary contraction, recurrence was seen. Full range of motion was achieved in the 3.6-year follow-up period in elbow contractures. Eight of 71 phalangeal joint contractures recurred. Two patients underwent reoperation for neck contracture recurrences., Conclusion: Excellent results were seen with prefabricated flaps, which were used for the facial reconstruction.

Nutritional problems might be observed after surgical procedures. In this study, body weight and fat composition changes have been investigated in dentofacial deformity patients after the double-jaw osteotomy procedure. Thirty Angle class 3 patients operated on with double-jaw osteotomies during the period of March 2006 to July 2008 were included in the study. Interocclusal splints were applied continuously in the first 2 weeks after surgery, whereas intermittent splint was used for the next 2 weeks. Patients were analyzed before surgery and on the first month after surgery with the help of Tanita Composition Analyzer 310 bioimpedance method for weight, fat mass, and fat-free mass values. Results were evaluated statistically with the paired-sample test using SPSS version 13.0. Although significant results were obtained in female patients before surgery (weight [P = 0.011], body mass index [BMI; P = 0.012], fat mass [P = 0.010], and fat-free mass [P = 0.051, not significant]), none of the values were significant for male patients (P = 0.747, P = 0.747, P = 0.645, and P = 0.803, respectively). Weight gain was observed in 9 patients (30%). In contrast, weight gain was not seen in underweight patients. No sex differences in terms of weight gain/loss and fat composition have been observed. Interocclusal splint in female patients operated on with double-jaw osteotomies might cause nutritional deficiency in the first month after surgery. This eventually causes fat and weight loss, which may lead to poor wound healing and recovery later.

Purpose: LeFort I osteotomy is a part of the standard surgical regimen in the treatment of patients with Class III dentofacial deformity. Inadequate osteosynthesis between the segments is a problem in patients with profound (> or =5mm) maxillary advancement. In this study an ideal ossification is aimed for by applying a combination of osteoinductive and osteoconductive materials., Patients and Methods: Ten patients with Class III deformity were included in this study. At least 5mm of advancement was performed on each patient, while mean maxillary advancement was 5.7 mm. Human demineralised bone matrix (DBM, 1 cc) and 20 mg bovine bone collagen-protein extracts (Colloss) were applied in between the segments following rigid fixation. Recurrence rates were calculated via cephalometric analyses. Multislice tomography images were collected after the 3 and 12 months in an effort to document ectopic or abnormal bone growth patterns, if any present. Four patients underwent a second operation for plate removal 12 months postoperatively. Bone biopsies were collected from the anterior maxillary wall., Results: The cephalometric analyses performed after 3 and 12 months were identical to the analyses calculated 1 week postoperatively for each patient, ruling out recurrences. No abnormal or ectopic bone growth was observed. Peroperative examination of four patients revealed a complete or near to complete osteosynthesis line at the anterior maxillary wall. The microscopic examinations of the bony samples retrieved from these borders revealed abundant osteoblasts, osteocytes, osteoclasts and a bony regeneration mimicking intramembranous ossification with its trabecular organisation., Conclusions: It is possible to achieve an acceptable line of osteosynthesis in cases in need of profound maxillary advancement by applying DBM and Colloss inbetween the bony segments.

The Class III malocclusion with mandibular prognathism and open bite can be a result of excessive mandibular growth, underdevelopment of the maxilla, environmental factors, and trauma to the jaws. Correction of this malocclusion can involve an orthodontic or a combined orthodontic-orthognathic approach. Skeletal asymmetries can complicate this situation, making treatment more difficult. This skeletal Class III deformity with skeletal open bite case presentation involves treatment with a combined orthodontic-bimaxillary orthognathic approach following rhinoplasty. In addition, the patient's postoperative skeletal and dental stability was well-maintained after 1 year postoperation.

Objectives: We evaluated complications of free flap reconstruction following oncological head and neck surgery in elderly patients who smoked heavily., Patients and Methods: The study included eight patients (2 females, 6 males; mean age 68.5 years; range 65 to 74 years) over 65 years of age, who smoked heavily (at least 1 pack/day). All cases but one with mandibular ameloblastoma had intraoral squamous cell carcinoma. Two patients underwent reconstruction with free radial forearm osteoseptocutaneous flap following bilateral maxillary resection, and six patients with free fibular osteoseptocutaneous flap following mandibular resection. Postoperative complications, in particular those associated with the donor and recipient sites were evaluated., Results: No partial or total flap loss was observed. Wound healing problems were seen in three patients (37%), which were at the donor site in two patients, and at the recipient site in one patient. Psychogenic disorders were observed in two patients (25%). No other complications were encountered., Conclusion: Aside from some recipient- and donor-site-related healing problems, heavy smoking and advanced age cannot be regarded as contraindications for free flap reconstruction.