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Here, we trace the history of oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) education from the mid-19th century to the present. We consider the effects of separation of dentistry and medicine, discovery of anesthesia, antisepsis, antibiotics, and wars on surgical progress and training. In the 19th century, apprenticeships with well-known surgeons were the norm. In the 20th century, training evolved from nonintegrated dental school and hospital experiences to 3- and then 4-year integrated hospital programs. After World War II individual oral surgeons pursued the MD degree after residency. The formal dual degree OMS paradigm began in the 1970s., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

In the present report, we trace the history of education and training of oral and maxillofacial surgeons as it has evolved from the mid-19th century to the present. We consider the effects of the discovery of ether anesthesia, the separation of medicine and dentistry, and other milestones such as antisepsis (Lister), antibiotics (Fleming) and surgical progress during wartime. The main emphasis, however, is on the background, development, and implementation of current dual-degree oral and maxillofacial surgery training programs, the first 5 programs, the pioneer advocates for this training, and progress and challenges for the future., (Copyright © 2019 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: The purposes of this investigation were 1) to estimate the duration of disability after third molar removal and 2) to identify factors associated with prolonged recovery., Materials and Methods: This was a prospective cohort study composed of subjects enrolled in the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Age-Related Third Molar Study. The predictor variables were grouped as follows: demographic, health status, anatomic, pathologic, medications, and complications. The outcome variable was the duration of postoperative disability measured as the number of days the subject reported inability to perform normal daily activities after third molar removal. Bivariate and multiple linear regression analyses were used. The level of statistical significance was P < .05., Results: The study sample included 4,004 subjects who had 8,748 third molars removed. The mean duration of postoperative disability was 1.4 ± 1.8 days (range, 0-26; median, 1 day). In the multiple linear regression model, age, female gender, number of third molars removed, mandibular third molar removal, full-bony impaction, sum of antibiotics or pain medications, and complications were associated with prolonged recovery (P < .05). Erupted third molars, periodontal disease or other preoperative pathology, and use of chlorhexidine were associated with earlier return to normal daily activities (P < .05)., Conclusion: The study results suggest that third molar removal is associated with a mean delay in returning to normal activities of less than 2 days. Several factors were statistically associated with time to return to normal activities., (Copyright © 2011 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The publisher regrets that this article is an accidental duplication of an article that has already been published, doi:10.1006/ijom.2003.0514. The duplicate article has therefore been withdrawn., (Copyright © 2003. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Purpose: To estimate the frequency of inflammatory complications (surgical site infection and alveolar osteitis) following third molar (M3) extraction and identify risk factors for such complications., Materials and Methods: This study was designed as a prospective cohort study and enrolled a sample composed of subjects having >or=1 M3 extracted as part of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons' Age-Related Third Molar Study. Predictor variables were categorized as demographic, health status, anatomic, and pathologic factors. The outcome variable was the presence of a postoperative inflammatory complication (ie, surgical site infection or alveolar osteitis). Descriptive and bivariate statistics were computed. Variables with P values less than .15 in bivariate analyses were included in a multiple logistic regression model, used to identify factors associated with inflammatory complications., Results: The study sample consisted of 4,004 subjects with a mean age of 39.8 +/- 13.6 years having 8,748 M3s extracted. In bivariate analyses, impaction level, periodontal disease in or around M3, pre-existing infection around M3, and M3 pathology were associated with postoperative inflammatory complications. In the multiple regression model, level of impaction (soft tissue: odds ratio [OR] = 2.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.7, 3.7), partial bony OR = 4.7 (95% CI, 3.6, 6.1), full bony, 6.0 (95% CI, 4.7, 7.7); P < .0001), and pre-existing infection (OR = 1.3 [95% CI, 1.0, 1.6; P = .05) or pathology (OR = 3.1; 95% CI, 2.2, 4.3; P < .0001) were associated with an increased risk of inflammatory complications following M3 surgery., Conclusions: Level of impaction, pre-existing infection, and pathology were associated with increased risk for postoperative inflammatory complications following M3 surgery.

Purpose: Short-acting anesthetic agents, such as propofol and methohexital, are commonly used for ambulatory procedures in the practices of oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMS). This study compares the safety and anesthetic outcomes of propofol and methohexital. In addition, the study compares the safety and outcomes of these agents when administered either by an OMS who simultaneously provides anesthesia and performs the procedure (anesthetist/surgeon), or by a non-OMS provider of anesthesia (anesthesiologist or certified registered nurse anesthetist; CRNA) whose sole obligation is to provide anesthesia., Materials and Methods: This is a prospective study of anesthesia techniques used in an office-based ambulatory setting by OMS throughout the United States, in which either propofol or methohexital was used for sedation/anesthesia. The study variables included demographic information, anesthetic agent, adverse outcomes related to anesthesia, operative procedure, and provider of anesthesia. These variables were compared with the patient group that received a benzodiazepine/narcotics regimen for sedation (control group). Bivariate (contingency tables) and multivariate (logistic regression) analyses were conducted. P < or = .05 was considered statistically significant., Results: The study included 47,710 patients who met the inclusion criteria: 26,147 (54.8%) patients were in the propofol group, 15,859 (33.2%) were in the methohexital group, and 5,704 (12.0%) were in the benzodiazepine group. Among all study patients, 333 (0.7%) had an adverse event. The most common complication was nausea and vomiting without aspiration. Of the patients in the propofol group, methohexital group, or benzodiazepine group, 0.4%, 1.1%, and 0.8% had an adverse event, respectively. The higher number of complications among patients in the methohexital group compared with patients in the other 2 groups was statistically significant. Of 26,147 patients in the propofol group, 23,799 (91.0%) received anesthesia from an anesthetist/surgeon (OMS), and 2,368 (9.1%) from an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist (non-OMS). A total of 109 patients (0.4%) had an adverse event. The majority of patients who received anesthesia from a non-OMS were in the propofol group (2,368 of 2,404 patients; 98.5%). There was no statistically significant difference in the occurrence of adverse outcomes when comparing patients in the propofol group who received anesthesia from an OMS with those who received anesthesia from a non-OMS (P = .24, bivariate analysis; P = .33, multivariate analysis)., Conclusions: There is a statistically significant increase in adverse events related to methohexital compared with propofol or benzodiazepine/narcotics for anesthesia. Propofol appears to have the lowest risk for adverse events. There is no statistically significant difference in the number of adverse outcomes between the administration of propofol for ambulatory surgery by OMS as an anesthetist/surgeon and anesthesiologist/nurse anesthetist. It remains critical that our specialty maintains the highest standards, to provide safe anesthesia and to reduce adverse anesthetic events.

Purpose of Review: The majority of anesthesia services provided outside the operating room or ambulatory surgery center is in the office-based setting. This review will focus on three areas that are critical to office-based anesthesia: safety, quality of care and patient satisfaction., Recent Findings: Data obtained from the State of Florida office-based surgery adverse event data repository indicate that, even with The American Society of Anesthesiology I patients, there remains opportunity to improve outcomes. Careful patient selection remains critical, especially the patient with a history of sleep apnea. While general anesthesia remains the gold standard, expanded use of local anesthesia, regional blocks and variation on sedation techniques offer alternatives that may reduce risks but still maintain a high quality of care. While there is limited office-based anesthesia satisfaction data, limiting postoperative nausea and vomiting remains a major patient satisfier of which an occurrence rate of zero may be possible., Summary: There is rapid growth for the need of safe and high quality office-based anesthesia. To meet these needs, a special set of skills is required, which may require expanded exposure and experience during training. An office-based anesthesia central data repository is needed for benchmarking and identifying areas for improvement. Finally, with advances in surgical technology, there is a need for focused research in office-based anesthetic techniques and modalities and patient satisfaction.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to estimate the frequency of complications after third molar (M3) surgery, with age as the primary risk factor., Patients and Methods: This was a prospective cohort study of a sample of subjects having at least 1 M3 extracted as part of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons' Age-Related Third Molar Study. The predictor variables were categorized as demographic, health status, anatomic, and pathological. The outcome variable was overall complications, including both intraoperative and postoperative complications. Appropriate univariate and bivariate statistics were computed. A multiple logistic regression model was used to evaluate the simultaneous effects of multiple covariates., Results: The study sample was comprised of 4,004 subjects having a total of 8,748 M3s removed. The mean age was 39.8 +/- 13.6 years, with 245 subjects (6.1%) age 25 and younger. Approximately half of the subjects were female. The overall complication rate was 19%. In bivariate analyses, age above 25 years, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, number of preoperatively identified risk factors for complication, impaction level of M3, evidence of periodontal disease, preoperative infection, and evidence of any pathology associated with M3 were associated with complications (P 25 years) appears to be associated with a higher complication rate for M3 extractions.

Purpose: The purpose of this investigation was to assess the frequency of complications of third molar surgery, both intraoperatively and postoperatively, specifically for patients 25 years of age or older., Materials and Methods: This prospective study evaluated 3,760 patients, 25 years of age or older, who were to undergo third molar surgery by oral and maxillofacial surgeons practicing in the United States. The predictor variables were categorized as demographic (age, gender), American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, chronic conditions and medical risk factors, and preoperative description of third molars (present or absent, type of impaction, abnormalities or association with pathology). Outcome variables were intraoperative and postoperative complications, as well as quality of life issues (days of work missed or normal activity curtailed). Frequencies for data collected were tabulated., Results: The sample was provided by 63 surgeons, and was composed of 3,760 patients with 9,845 third molars who were 25 years of age or older, of which 8,333 third molars were removed. Alveolar osteitis was the most frequently encountered postoperative problem (0.2% to 12.7%). Postoperative inferior alveolar nerve anesthesia/paresthesia occurred with a frequency of 1.1% to 1.7%, while lingual nerve anesthesia/paresthesia was calculated as 0.3%. All other complications also occurred with a frequency of less than 1%., Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that third molar surgery in patients 25 years of age or older is associated with minimal morbidity, a low incidence of postoperative complications, and minimal impact on the patients quality of life.

The purpose of this study was to document the progression and pattern of endosteal bone formation in a porcine mandibular distraction wound. Bone formation was assessed in a 0-day latency model (n=24 pigs) using distraction rates of 1, 2, or 4 mm/day to create a 12-mm gap. Macro-radiographs and sagittal histologic sections, from the center of the mandible, were evaluated by computer morphometrics (% bone fill) and by a semi-quantitative bone formation score. Mean percent area of new bone was 12.4% (0-25.9%), 7.5% (0-21.3%) and 3.8% (0-10.5%) in mandibles distracted at 1, 2 or 4 mm/day respectively. At all time points, percent area of new bone was highest in mandibles distracted at 1 mm/day. Bone was deposited from the margins of the osteotomy toward the center of the wound and occurred first around the inferior alveolar canal and tooth bud regions. New bone formed by intramembranous ossification alone. The results of this experiment document the contribution of endosteal bone formation in this model of distraction osteogenesis.

Purpose: The purpose of this report was to analyze data collected in an outcomes study in an attempt to identify factors that may be significant predictors of either patient satisfaction or dissatisfaction with deep sedation/general anesthesia (DS/GA) administered in an office-based setting., Materials and Methods: To address the research purpose, we used a prospective cohort study design and sample of patients undergoing procedures in the office-based ambulatory setting of oral and maxillofacial surgeons practicing in the United States who received local anesthesia (LA), conscious sedation (CS), or DS/GA. The predictor variables were categorized as demographic, anesthetic technique, adverse events, and patient-oriented outcomes (satisfaction/dissatisfaction). Appropriate descriptive and exact P values were completed as indicated. Statistical significance was set at P < .05. Multivariate analyses were performed to support the interpretation of univariate findings., Results: The sample was composed of 34,191 patients, of whom 71.9% patients received DS/GA. There were 20,455 patient satisfaction forms completed, of which 14,912 forms were from patients undergoing DS/GA. Of patients who received DS/GA, 95.8% were extremely or moderately satisfied, 3.1% were neutral, and 1.1% moderately or extremely dissatisfied. Increased age and memory of postoperative instructions were identified as factors, which predicted satisfaction. The addition of nitrous oxide to some regimens also appeared to increase satisfaction. Young age, anxiety, pain, vomiting, and being awake during the procedure were predictors of dissatisfaction., Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that patients are overwhelmingly satisfied with DS/GA provided in an office-based ambulatory setting. Items identified as significant predictors of dissatisfaction (anxiety, pain, vomiting, being awake) generally confirm preexistent suppositions. Surprisingly, patient age (<10 years old) and memory of postoperative instructions appear to have relevance to dissatisfaction as well. Lack of specific regimens and controls prevents confirmation that nitrous oxide improves patient satisfaction rates. Although statistically significant, the variations, which resulted in a higher or lower satisfaction rate, are of questionable clinical significance in many cases.

The purpose of this study was to document the progression of bone formation in a porcine mandibular distraction wound, at various distraction rates and fixation times, using three-dimensional computed tomography. Bone formation was assessed in a 0-day latency model (n=24 minipigs) using distraction rates of 1, 2, or 4 mm/day to create a 12 mm distraction gap. Animals were sacrificed at 0, 8, 16, or 24 days fixation. For experimental and control sides, three-dimensional data from computed tomographic scans were used to calculate the percent bone volume in the regions of interest. Standardized plain radiographs were used to evaluate bone formation with a semiquantitative scale: 0, 1, 2, 3. Mean percent bone volume and radiographic bone fill scores (pooled sample) increased with fixation time from 16.8% and 0.17 at 0 days, to 64% and 2.0 at 24 days fixation. Mandibles distracted at 1mm/day had higher CT values and bone fill scores than mandibles distracted at 2 or 4 mm/day. At 24 days fixation, the maximum percent bone volume (64%--1 mm/day; 24 days fixation) remained below control values (81.3%). The results of this study indicate that despite high bone fill scores on plain radiographs, the highest percent CT bone volume achieved in this model was 64%.

The purpose of this study was to develop a mechanical testing system to estimate stiffness of an experimental porcine mandibular distraction osteogenesis (DO) wound. The system was designed to function without changing the morphology of the healing mandible. A customized jig was designed to allow cantilever-bending tests of the Yucatan mini-pig hemi-mandible. Experimental and control hemi-mandibles were placed in the jig and the proximal segment was secured. A material testing unit applied progressively increasing downward force on the pre-molar occlusal surface. The maximum force applied was 0.030 kN. The stiffness value for each hemi-mandible was represented by the slope of the plot of force (kN) vs displacement (mm). Radiographs were taken before and after mechanical testing to demonstrate any gross morphologic changes or identifiable fractures across the distraction wound. A total of 24 mini-pigs underwent DO of the right mandible with 0-day latency and distraction rates of 1, 2, and 4 mm per day resulting in a 12 mm gap. At the completion of 0, 8, 16, and 24 days of neutral fixation, two animals for each of three different distraction rates were sacrificed for mechanical testing. Stiffness of control hemi-mandibles ranged between 0.018 and 0.317 kN/mm (median 0.063; mean 0.099 +/- 0.080). Stiffness of experimental hemi-mandibles ranged between 0 and 0.025 kN/mm (median 0.004; mean 0.005). The subset that was tested at the end of neutral fixation had stiffness between 0.005 and 0.025 (median 0.011; mean 0.012 +/- 0.011). No morphologic changes were evident on the X-rays after testing. The results indicate that the cantilever-bending model is useful for testing stiffness of an experimental mandibular DO wound without destroying its morphology.

Purpose: The delivery of office-based ambulatory anesthesia services is an integral component of the daily practice of oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMSs). The purpose of this report was to provide an overview of current anesthetic practices of OMSs in the office-based ambulatory setting., Materials and Methods: To address the research purpose, we used a prospective cohort study design and a sample composed of patients undergoing procedures in the office-based ambulatory setting of OMSs practicing in the United States who received local anesthesia (LA), conscious sedation (CS), or deep sedation/general anesthesia (DS/GA). The predictor variables were categorized as demographic, anesthetic technique, staffing, adverse events, and patient-oriented outcomes. Appropriate descriptive and bivariate statistics were computed as indicated. Statistical significance was set at < or =.05., Results: The sample was composed of 34,191 patients, of whom 71.9% received DS/GA, 15.5% received CS, and 12.6% received LA. The complication rate was 1.3 per 100 cases, and the complications were minor and self-limiting. Two patients had complications requiring hospitalization. Most patients (80.3%) reported some degree of anxiety before the procedure. After the procedure, 61.2% of patients reported having no anxiety about future operations. Overall, 94.3% of patients reported satisfaction with the anesthetic, and more than 94.7% of all patients would recommend the anesthetic technique to a loved one., Conclusion: The findings of this study show that the office-based administration of LA, CS, or DS/GA delivered via OMS anesthesia teams was safe and associated with a high level of patient satisfaction.

The aim of this study was to determine the stiffness of a porcine mandibular distraction wound at the end of neutral fixation.Twenty-four Yucatan minipigs underwent unilateral mandibular distraction: zero-day latency, rates of 1, 2, and 4 mm per day, distraction gap of 12 mm. Radiographic and ultrasound bone fill scores at 0, 8, 16 and 24 days of neutral fixation were used to evaluate interval healing. At sacrifice, biomechanical stiffness was determined using an Instron machine to produce a downward force of 2 mm/min at the premolar occlusal surface. Force (kilo-Newton, kN) and displacement (mm) were recorded at a rate of 10,000 points/second. Stiffness across the distraction wound, plain radiographic and ultrasound bone fill scores all increased with duration of neutral fixation and were highest for the 1 mm per day group at all time points. At the end of fixation, even in the most clinically stable group, stiffness across the distraction wound was only 25.5% of control.Despite clinical stability and high bone fill scores by X-ray and ultrasound, the distraction wound did not achieve normal stiffness at the end of neutral fixation in this model. This may have implications for the management of patients who undergo large movements by distraction.

The incision, dissection, osteotomy design and fixation are important technical considerations when performing a genioplasty. The purpose of this study was to describe an extended genioplasty technique and to evaluate stability of position, form, surface area of the chin and incidence of postoperative sensory deficit. Records of 15 consecutive adult patients who underwent the extended genioplasty procedure were reviewed. The technique included incision in the labial vestibule from 2nd premolar to 2nd premolar, dissection, mobilization and retraction of the mental nerves, osteotomy parallel to the occlusal plane extending proximally to the antegonial notch and rigid fixation. Lateral cephalograms pre- and postoperatively and at the latest follow-up (> 6 months) were analyzed by linear and computer morphometric measurements to evaluate changes in position, shape and surface area of the chin. Neurosensory data from examination or questionnaire were recorded. Immediately postoperatively (T1), mean advancement in the sagittal plane was +8.7 mm and increase in surface area was +1.1 cm2. At the end of follow-up (T2), there were no significant changes (T2-T1) in chin position or surface area. Inferior border form was rated as smooth in all cases. Neurosensory evaluation revealed that 12/12 patients evaluated had functional sensory return at T2.

Purpose: Long treatment protocols currently limit the application of distraction osteogenesis (DO). The purpose of this study was to develop a porcine model for DO and to define the effects of latency and distraction rate on bone formation., Materials and Methods: Distractors were placed through submandibular incisions. For analysis of latency, mandibular osteotomies were distracted after 0 (n = 3) or 4 (n = 2) days at a rate of 1 mm/d (7 days) with 14 days fixation. For analysis of rate, osteotomies were distracted at 1 mm (n = 4), 2 mm (n = 4), or 4 mm (n = 4) per day to produce a 12-mm gap with 24 days fixation. DO wounds were assessed in vivo with bimanual palpation to detect mobility across the gap. Harvested specimens were evaluated by gross appearance and bimanual palpation. Standardized radiographic techniques were used to estimate bone density., Results: During DO, animals showed normal activity. There were no infections, and no distractors were removed prematurely. Clinical and radiographic evaluation of the groups that underwent distraction after 0- or 4-day latency showed equivalent healing. In the comparison of distraction rates, stability was greatest in the group distracted at 1 mm/d., Conclusions: A porcine model for mandibular DO has been developed in which mandibular lengthening was successfully performed without latency and at a rate of 1 mm/d. The relationships among latency, gap size, rate, and duration of fixation are poorly understood and can be defined with relevant animal models.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of endoscopic placement and activation of a semiburied distraction device in the porcine mandible., Materials and Methods: Sixteen cadaver and two live anesthetized minipigs were used in this study. Access to the mandible was gained through two 1.0-cm submandibular incisions used for a working port and a visualization port. Under endoscopic visualization, dissection was carried sharply to the mandible and completed in the subperiosteal plane. Landmarks were identified through the endoscope, and a mandibular angle osteotomy was created. A semiburied distractor was then implanted, fixed to the mandible, and activated to create a bone gap. Finally, the site was explored through a submandibular incision to verify the accuracy of the endoscopic procedure., Results: Endoscopic exposure; accurate identification of landmarks; creation of an osteotomy; and placement, fixation, and activation of a semiburied distractor were achieved in all 18 specimens. The inferior alveolar nerve was identified as the bone gap was expanded., Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the endoscopic approach described here allows exposure and osteotomy of the mandible, and placement, fixation, and activation of a distractor. In the future, this technique will be used with totally buried, miniature distraction devices.

Purpose: This study is a retrospective chart review designed to evaluate the incidence and reasons for removal of plates and screws after Le Fort I osteotomy., Patients and Methods: The study sample consisted of patients who underwent Le Fort I osteotomy at the University of California, San Francisco, and Northwestern University in Chicago between December 1985 and December 1994. All patients in the study were treated with internal fixation using 2.0-mm plates and screws. All data were obtained from medical records and operative reports. The following intraoperative variables were evaluated: hardware material, plate size and shape, plate location, screw size, graft material, and intraoperative complications. For patients requiring removal of hardware, the number, location and type of plates and screws removed were recorded, as well as the reasons for removal., Results: A total of 738 plates were placed in 190 patients. Twenty-one of the 190 patients (11.1%) had at least a portion of the hardware removed because they either requested removal or required removal secondary to complications related to the plate or screw. This represented 70 of 738 plates (9.5%). The percentage of titanium plates removed was greater than the percentage of Vitallium plates removed. The reasons for removal included pain, palpation by the patient, sinusitis, temperature sensitivity, infection, and patient request., Conclusion: Only a small number of patients (10.6%) develop complications from plates or screws that required their removal. In each case, prompt removal constituted adequate management.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal timing for placement and to evaluate short- and long-term outcomes of endosseous implants in bone-grafted alveolar clefts., Design: Fourteen patients who underwent alveolar cleft bone grafting (ACBG) and closure of an oronasal fistula followed by restoration of the missing lateral incisor tooth using endosseous implants (EI) were studied. The oronasal fistulae were closed using local flaps, and the alveolus was grafted with fresh autogenous iliac marrow. Endosseous implants were placed a minimum of 4 months following ACBG. The average age at ACBG was 20.35 years (range, 12-65 yr), and at implant placement 22.2 years (range, 15-66 yr). It was necessary to regraft the alveolar cleft region in six patients to provide adequate bone volume for implant placement. Those who required alveolar regrafting had an increased mean interval between the initial ACBG and planned implant placement compared to the patients with adequate bone available for implant placement 26.4 months (range, 4-46 mo) versus 15.75 months (range, 4-36 mo)., Results: Twenty-nine implants were placed in 14 patients, 9 outside of the cleft region and 20 in grafted alveolar clefts. Eighteen of 20 (90%) implants in the bone-grafted alveolar clefts have been successfully restored. The mean follow-up after implant placement was 39.1 months (range, 1-54 mo), and after restoration 28.5 months (range, 1-47 mo)., Conclusions: Endosseous implants can be placed in bone-grafted alveolar clefts. Consideration should be given to the adequacy of graft volume and ridge morphology at the time of ACBG. The interval between ACBG and implant placement is important. The greater the interval beyond 4 months, the more likely there will be inadequate bone volume to accept an implant.

Purpose: This is a retrospective evaluation of a protocol for management of failed alloplastic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc implants., Patients and Methods: The criteria for implant failure were defined as any one or combination of the following symptoms and signs: TMJ pain, jaw hypomobility, occlusal changes, and radiographic evidence of bone pathology related to the implant. The protocol consisted of removal of the implant, aggressive joint debridement, recontouring of the articulating surfaces, and placement of a pedicled temporalis muscle/fascia flap (TF) for joint lining. Arch bars and maxillomandibular guiding elastics were used if extensive condylar recontouring was necessary. No attempt was made to reconstruct the condyle or correct occlusal abnormalities at the time of implant removal. All 27 patients (42 joints) treated by this protocol during the study period were included for evaluation. There were 24 Proplast/Teflon (PTI) (Vitek, Inc, Houston, TX), 11 Silastic (SI) (Dow Corning, Midland, MI), and 7 Christensen Fossa implants (CFI) (TMJ Implants, Golden, CO) implants removed., Results: The mean follow-up period was 38.3 months (range, 3 to 65 months). Pain was well controlled in 24 of 27 patients (88.9%). Preoperative and postoperative mean maximal incisal opening (MIO) was 32.1 mm and 39.8 mm, respectively. Two patients (7.4%) required a second TMJ operation for persistent pain and limitation of opening. To date, 7 patients (25.9%) have required a secondary procedure (unilateral vertical ramus osteotomy, n = 1; Le Fort I osteotomy, n = 6) to correct occlusal prematurity on the operated side or bilateral open bite. The remaining patients have required no additional surgical treatment., Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that a proposed protocol is an effective means of controlling pain and improving jaw motion in patients with failed alloplastic TMJ disc implants.

We present two cases of massive gingival enlargement and osteolysis of alveolar bone in a 30-year-old female and a 36-year-old male. The etiology could not be established in either case. Histologically, both lesions contained hyperplastic fibrous connective tissue and intense plasma cell infiltrates. Both patients responded well to extensive gingivectomy, extraction of all teeth, and alveoplasty.

There have been many expanded applications for the use of endosseous implants in the reconstruction of partially and totally edentulous patients. The posterior maxilla, which frequently has inadequate quality and quantity of bone, and the contiguous maxillary sinus often provide poor recipient sites for endosseous implants. However, innovative procedures using autogenous, allogeneic, and alloplastic graft materials have enabled clinicians to place implants in the reconstructed resorbed maxilla. These techniques often violate the anatomic integrity and interfere with the physiologic mechanisms of the maxillary sinus, creating potential complications. Eight patients with complications following maxillary sinus augmentation and reconstruction with endosseous implants are reported.

The aim of this study was to develop a reproducible model in nongrowing animals to document morphological and histological changes after costochondral reconstruction of the mandibular condyle. Seven adult monkeys underwent a unilateral condylectomy followed by costochondral reconstruction. Dimensional changes of the thorax and reconstructed ramus-condyle unit were documented by in situ and radiographic analysis. Morphological and histological analysis were completed after removal at 4 (n = 2), 8 (n = 2), and 12 months (n = 3). In situ measurements demonstrated no dimensional changes of the thorax, but the reconstructed ramus-condyle unit decreased in height an average of 3.2 +/- 1.4 mm. The original graft remained unchanged morphologically, but new bone and cartilage progressively encompassed it, creating a form similar to the native condyle. Histologically, the transplanted cartilage remained unchanged. However, the articulating surface progressively took the appearance of the native condyle. Results of this study indicated that, in nongrowing animals, the reconstructed ramus-condyle unit decreases in height slightly but remodels to a size and shape morphologically and histologically similar to the native condyle.

The term fibro-osseous lesion is a generic designation of a group of jaw disorders (ranging from inflammatory to neoplastic) that microscopically exhibit, a connective-tissue matrix and islands/trabeculae of bone. Although the histologic appearance, and frequently the clinical and radiographic features, may be similar for many of these lesions, they demonstrate a wide range of biologic behavior. Treatment therefore is varied, and there are few well-established guidelines to help the surgeon. Five fibro-osseous lesions with atypical features are presented to demonstrate the diagnostic difficulties associated with these lesions and to show the need for accurate classification in order to help direct treatment and predict outcome. Final diagnoses for "atypical" fibro-osseous lesions included: multiple ossifying fibromas, unclassifiable fibro-osseous lesion, osteosarcoma with concomitant multiple ossifying fibromas, juvenile or psammomatoid ossifying fibroma, and central low-grade osteosarcoma. "Fibro-osseous lesion" should be viewed as a working diagnosis, and a definitive diagnosis should be actively sought; the addition of "atypical" to this designation suggests the likelihood of an aggressive lesion. Treatment of lesions having atypical and nonclassical microscopic features must be based on the biologic behavior of the tumor.

This is a retrospective study of 26 patients (seven growing and 19 non-growing) who received costochondral grafts (n = 33) for construction or reconstruction of the ramus/condyle unit (RCU). Facial appearance, jaw motion, occlusion, contour, and linear growth changes were documented preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and long-term (> 1 year). Average follow-up was 48.6 months for growing and 46.4 months for nongrowing patients. Facial asymmetry and malocclusion were successfully corrected in all patients except for those with hemifacial microsomia, where partial correction was most common. For the growing patients mean change in RCU length (n = 8) during the observation period was +3.1 mm on the constructed/reconstructed side and +3.2 mm on the unoperated side. For nongrowing patients, mean change in the RCU length (n = 25) was -5.7 mm for the reconstructed side. Three patients developed lateral contour overgrowth of the articulating surface; no patients developed clinically significant linear overgrowth with malocclusion. The results of this study indicate that a costochondral graft may be used successfully to construct/reconstruct the RCU and that linear overgrowth of the graft does not appear to be a clinical problem with the method described in this paper.

The objective of this study was to retrospectively evaluate stability of mandibular advancement after bilateral sagittal split osteotomies were performed. Three different fixation and immobilization protocols were examined. Thirty-three patients were evaluated with preoperative, immediate postoperative, and long-term (mean, 13 months) lateral cephalometric radiographs. The patients were divided into three groups: group 1 (n = 10) had nonrigid internal fixation and 6 weeks of maxillomandibular fixation, group 2 (n = 12) had rigid internal fixation and immediate postoperative function, and group 3 (n = 11) had rigid internal fixation with maxillomandibular fixation for a mean of 14 days. Group 3 had the least amount of sagittal and vertical relapse. Differences in sagittal relapse were statistically significant between groups 1 and 3. Group 2 demonstrated greater sagittal relapse than did group 3, although the result was not statistically significant. This study suggests that the use of rigid internal fixation with a period of maxillomandibular fixation appears to be more stable than nonrigid internal fixation with maxillomandibular fixation or rigid internal fixation without maxillomandibular fixation.

Purpose: Reports on treatment of "infected" mandibular fractures with open reduction and rigid internal fixation (RIF) consist of either isolated cases or mixed series of patients with soft tissue infections or inadequately documented osteomyelitis. The definition of "infected fracture" is often vague and may include both soft tissue or bone sepsis., Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, seven patients with mandibular fractures and documented osteomyelitis were treated by a protocol that included open reduction and RIF. Technetium-99m methylene diphosphonate (99mTc) and Indium 111 (111In) radionuclide scans, bone cultures, and microscopic examination were used to document the diagnosis of osteomyelitis. The infections were treated with antibiotics, incision and drainage, and surgical debridement. Reconstruction plates that were large enough to provide four holes in each bone segment were used for RIF of the fractures and simultaneous reconstruction of the osseous defects., Results: After an average follow-up of 26 months, all patients remained infection free, and the fracture sites were stable. Five of the seven patients had inferior alveolar nerve dysfunction after treatment; no other significant complications were noted., Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the protocol of simultaneous debridement, reduction, and RIF is a satisfactory method for treatment of mandibular fractures complicated by osteomyelitis. Prospective studies and longitudinal follow-up of larger numbers of patients would be desirable to confirm these findings.

The structure of the submental platysma muscle was evaluated in 20 preserved cadavers. Four distinct patterns were identified, depending on the pattern of merging of the right and left platysma bundles. Fifteen percent of cases showed a complete platysma diaphragm submentally, while in the other 85% there was some degree of midline dehiscence. In the 85% of cases where right and left fibers merged or crossed to form a V or U shape, the apex of the V or U was measured relative to the chin point. The distance between right and left fibers was measured at two locations posterior to the chin point. The width of the midline dehiscence (when present) was 6-24 mm (mean 11.8 mm) 1 cm posterior to its apex and 10-44 mm (mean 20.00 mm) 2 cm posterior to the apex. The wider and more divergent the dehiscence and the more U-shaped the dehiscence between left and right platysma bundles, the greater may be the tendency to a "turkey gobbler" deformity with inadequate medial support for the skin and subcutaneous tissues.

Despite the increasing prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease in the population and the increasing likelihood that HIV-positive (HIV+) patients may have an extraction, little is known about the risk of postoperative complications in this group. The goal of this investigation was to assess the risk of postoperative complications in HIV+ patients after tooth extraction. The study was designed as a retrospective cohort study with a sample consisting of 145 males who underwent tooth extraction. The patients' medical and dental records were reviewed to identify HIV serostatus, to document the frequency and type of postoperative complications, and to collect data on potential confounding variables. Forty-four patients were identified as HIV+. The postoperative complication rate in HIV+ patients was 20.9% and for HIV-negative (HIV-) patients 2.9% (relative risk = 7.0, 95% confidence interval = 2.0-25.0, P = 0.001). Furthermore, as the manifestations of the symptoms of HIV infection became more severe, the postextraction complication rate also increased (P = 0.008). The results of this study suggest that HIV+ patients have an increased risk of postextraction complications and as the level of HIV disease increases, the risk of complications also increases. While the findings of this study are consistent with studies based on case series, prospective cohort studies are required to confirm the findings.

Rigid internal fixation (RIF) is a frequently used method of reduction and immobilization of mandibular fractures. It has been postulated that the unexpectedly high complication rates reported in early studies of RIF were related to operator inexperience. The objective of this study was to determine if increased operator experience with RIF would result in a lower complication rate. Two 24-month patient care periods, separated by an intervening 12 months to avoid overlap, were evaluated retrospectively. Group 1 (n = 69 patients) represented the early experience and group 2 (n = 76 patients) the more recent data. The results of the study demonstrate a downward trend in the complication rate as surgeon experience increased. This improvement, however, was not statistically significant, and other factors may play a more important role in reducing complications.

Bony and soft tissue deficiencies can deter esthetic, functional and prosthetic rehabilitation. Modern surgical techniques using bone or composite grafts to reconstruct or augment implant sites are reviewed.

The use of fresh frozen bone (FFB) alone, or in combination with autogenous bone (AB), for bony augmentation of the maxilla and mandible in preparation for dental reconstruction with endosseous implants has been studied. Ten patients received FFB +/- AB for augmentation of a severely atrophic mandible (n = 6) or for reconstruction of a jaw defect secondary to trauma or tumor resection (n = 4). Average follow-up was 26.3 +/- 5.4 months. At the time of implant placement, the bone grafts were found to be firm in consistency, well incorporated, and well vascularized in all 10 patients. Twenty-nine endosseous implants were placed an average of 8.3 +/- 3.1 months following bone grafting. One implant failed and was replaced, and one implant remains buried as a nonfunctional unit. All patients have been restored prosthetically by means of 28 of the 29 implants. This preliminary study indicates that FFB may be used alone or in combination with autogenous bone for augmentation or reconstruction of the atrophic maxilla and mandible. The resultant ridge is adequate to support loaded endosseous implants. A potential disadvantage is the minimal risk of disease transmission.

The bicoronal scalp flap provides an excellent approach to the temporomandibular joint, particularly in cases where bilateral operation is required. It is also indicated when wide exposure is required and when previous surgery may make more conventional techniques difficult. In this report, the anatomy and indications for this approach are reviewed, the operative technique is described and complications are discussed.

There have been significant advances in the diagnosis and treatment of maxillofacial injuries. A thorough discussion addresses these advances and their impact on treatment results.

A management protocol for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis consisting of 1) aggressive resection, 2) ipsilateral coronoidectomy, 3) contralateral coronoidectomy when necessary, 4) lining of the TMJ with temporalis fascia or cartilage, 5) reconstruction of the ramus with a costochondral graft, 6) rigid fixation, and 7) early mobilization and aggressive physiotherapy is presented. The protocol was retrospectively evaluated in the first 14 patients (18 involved TMJs) treated and followed postoperatively for at least 1 year. The facial asymmetries present in all unilateral cases remained corrected. The mean maximum postoperative interincisal opening at 1 year was 37.5 mm (292.36% mean increase), lateral excursions were present in 16 of 18 joints (vs 0 of 18 joints preoperatively), and pain was present in 2 of 18 joints (vs 13 of 18 preoperatively). The results of this study indicate that this protocol is effective for treatment of TMJ ankylosis.

This is a prospective study to evaluate therapeutic arthroscopy for internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Fifty-nine patients with 76 abnormal joints were evaluated preoperatively for pain, noise, maximal incisal opening (MIO), and deviation on opening. Preoperative and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were obtained for 29 joints. Patients were treated by superior joint arthroscopy, lysis of adhesions, lavage, and steroid injection, along with preoperative and postoperative splint and physiotherapy. Pain, noise, and motion were evaluated at three time periods: 1) early (10 to 30 days); 2) intermediate (1 to 6 months); and 3) late (greater than 6 months). At early, intermediate, and late follow-up, increase in MIO was statistically significant (P less than .05). Noise did not return in the majority of patients. Disc position, evaluated by MRI, did not appear to change in 25 of 29 joints and did not correlate with clinical outcome. The results of this study indicate that TMJ arthroscopy is effective in reducing pain and increasing motion in patients with TMJ internal derangement.

This study used a prospective design to compare standard therapy (closed or open reduction with 4 weeks of maxillomandibular fixation) to rigid internal fixation (RIF) for the treatment of mandibular fractures. Ninety-two patients with 143 fractures were evaluated and treated. There was no statistically significant difference in the treatment results between the two groups, despite a bias in the distribution of study variables that favored the standard therapy.

This is a retrospective review of 113 hospitalized children with maxillofacial infections. The upper face (orbits, paranasal sinuses, maxillary teeth, and cheeks) was affected most frequently in younger children (mean age = 4.03 years), and the source of infection was often unknown. The patients were treated empirically with a second-generation cephalosporin. Lower-face infections (mandibular teeth, submental, sublingual, and submandibular structures) occurred more frequently in older children (mean age = 5.56 years) and were likely to be of odontogenic origin. Empiric therapy in lower face infections usually consisted of penicillin.