Background: The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC), in its 8th edition, introduces modifications to the previous TNM classification, incorporating tumour depth of invasion (DOI). The aim of this research is to analyse the prognosis (in terms of disease-free survival and overall survival) of clinical early stage (I and II) squamous cell carcinomas of the oral tongue according to the DOI levels established by the AJCC in its latest TNM classification to assess changes to the T category and global staging system and to evaluate the association between DOI and other histological risk factors. Methods: A retrospective longitudinal observational study of a series of cases was designed. All patients were treated with upfront surgery at our institution between 2010 and 2019. The variables of interest were defined and classified into four groups: demographic, clinical, histological and evolutive control. Univariate and multivariate analyses were carried out and survival functions were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Statistical significance was established for p values below 0.05. Results: Sixty-one patients were included. The average follow-up time was 47.42 months. Fifteen patients presented a loco-regional relapse (24.59%) and five developed distant disease (8.19%). Twelve patients died (19.67%). Statistically significant differences were observed, with respect to disease-free survival (p = 0.043), but not with respect to overall survival (p = 0.139). A total of 49.1% of the sample upstaged their T category and 29.5% underwent modifications of their global stage. The analysis of the relationship between DOI with other histological variables showed a significant association with the presence of pathological cervical nodes (p = 0.012), perineural invasion (p = 0.004) and tumour differentiation grade (p = 0.034). Multivariate analysis showed association between depth of invasion and perineural invasion. Conclusions: Depth of invasion is a histological risk factor in early clinical stages of oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma. Depth of invasion impacts negatively on patient prognosis, is capable per se of modifying the T category and the global tumour staging, and is associated with the presence of cervical metastatic disease, perineural invasion and tumoural differentiation grade.
Mandibular reconstruction with fibula flap shows a 3D discrepancy between the fibula and the remnant mandible. Eight patients underwent three-dimensional reconstruction of the fibula flap with iliac crest graft and dental implants through virtual surgical planning (VSP), stereolitographic models (STL) and CAD/CAM titanium mesh. Vertical ridge augmentation and horizontal dimensions of the fibula, peri-implant bone resorption of the iliac crest graft, implant success rate and functional and aesthetic results were evaluated. Vertical reconstruction ranged from 13.4 mm to 10.1 mm, with an average of 12.22 mm. Iliac crest graft and titanium mesh were able to preserve the width of the fibula, which ranged from 8.9 mm to 11.7 mm, with an average of 10.1 mm. A total of 38 implants were placed in the new mandible, with an average of 4.75 ± 0.4 implants per patient and an osseointegration success rate of 94.7%. Two implants were lost during the osseointegration period (5.3%). Bone resorption was measured as peri-implant bone resorption at the mesial and distal level of each implant, with a variation between 0.5 mm and 2.4 mm, and with a mean of 1.43 mm. All patients were rehabilitated with a fixed implant prosthesis with good aesthetic and functional results.
Optimal functional outcomes in oncologic patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA) of the tongue and floor of the mouth require good lingual mobility, adequate facial competence, the cheek suction effect and dental rehabilitation with osseointegrated implants. In this study, twenty-two oncologic patients who had been diagnosed with intraoral SCCA affecting the tongue and the floor of the mouth and who had undergone wide resection of the tumor and immediate reconstruction with an inferiorly pedicled FAMM flap and immediate osseointegrated implants were assessed. Lingual mobility, speech articulation, deglutition, implant success rate, mouth opening, and aesthetic results were evaluated. All patients were staged as T2 and the defect size ranged from 3.7 × 2.1 cm to 6.3 × 4.2 cm. A selective neck dissection was performed in all patients as part of their oncologic treatment, either electively or for node positive disease. Thirteen patients (59%) were diagnosed with node positive disease and underwent adjuvant radiotherapy. A total of 101 osseointegrated implants were placed for prosthetic rehabilitation and 8 implants were lost (7.9%), of which 7 received radiotherapy (87.5%). The implant success rate was 92.1%. Mouth opening was reported as normal in 19 patients (86.3%). Tongue tip elevation was reported as excellent in 19 patients (86.3%) and good in 3 patients (13.6%). Lingual protrusion was referred to as excellent in 15 patients (68.2%) and good in 6 patients (27.2%). Lateral excursion was reported as excellent in 14 patients (63.6%) and good in 7 patients (31.8%). In terms of speech articulation, 20 patients reported normal speech (90.9%). Regarding deglutition, 19 patients (86.3%) reported a regular diet while a soft diet was reported by 3 patients (13.7%). Aesthetic results were referred to as excellent in 17 patients (77.3%). FAMM flaps, immediate implants and fixed prostheses enable the functional rehabilitation of oncologic patients, optimizing aesthetics and functional outcomes even in patients undergoing irradiation, thus returning oncologic patients to an excellent quality of life.
Background: This preliminary case series aimed to evaluate the clinical and morphometric outcomes of maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) surgery in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) using virtual surgical planning (VSP), patient-specific cutting guides, and customized titanium plates. Primary outcomes included changes in the Apnea–Hypopnea Index (AHI), airway dimensions, surgical accuracy, and quality of life. Methods: In this preliminary case series, six patients with severe OSA underwent MMA surgery planned using three-dimensional VSP, and executed with the aid of CAD-/CAM-generated surgical guides and patient-specific osteosynthesis. Clinical variables included AHI, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and computed tomography-based airway morphometry. Surgical accuracy was assessed by comparing planned and achieved skeletal movements. Statistical analysis was performed using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and Spearman’s correlation. Results: The mean preoperative AHI decreased significantly from 48.8 ± 23.6 to 12.4 ± 10.0 (p = 0.035), and ESS scores improved from 14.5 ± 4.6 to 7.8 ± 2.1 (p = 0.029). Mean airway area increased significantly from 51.8 ± 9.0 mm2 to 91.8 ± 26.6 mm2 (p = 0.035). A strong but non-significant correlation was observed between airway gain and ESS improvement (p = 0.754, p = 0.084). No patients required CPAP at 6-month follow-up, and all were asymptomatic. The anteroposterior accuracy of skeletal movements was high: 82.6% for the maxilla and 85.8% for the pogonion, with mean absolute errors of 1.25 mm and 1.95 mm, respectively. Vertical accuracy was lower, particularly in the chin region, where error analysis showed greater variability. No statistically significant differences were found between planned and achieved movements in any vector. Conclusions: MMA surgery performed with VSP, cutting guides, and customized titanium plates offers a highly effective, safe, and precise treatment modality for selected OSA patients. This approach leads to a significant reduction in AHI, expansion of the upper airway, and improvement in patient-reported daytime functioning. High accuracy in skeletal repositioning—particularly in anteroposterior vectors—supports the reliability and reproducibility of digitally guided orthognathic surgery. These findings reinforce the role of technologically assisted MMA as a definitive treatment for severe OSA.
Background/Objectives: Oral cancer resection often leads to maxillofacial defects and dentition loss, compromising patients’ quality of life. Implant-supported prosthetic rehabilitation offers a reliable solution to restore function, though factors such as bone reconstruction, radiotherapy, and timing of implant placement (immediate vs. delayed) may influence outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate long-term implant survival and rehabilitation timelines in oncologic patients, comparing two cohorts (2005–2014 and 2015–2024) to assess the impact of evolving clinical practices. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón (Madrid, Spain), including 304 patients who underwent ablative oral cancer surgery and subsequent implant-based rehabilitation between 2005 and 2024. Data on demographics, oncologic treatment, reconstruction, implant timing, and prosthetic rehabilitation were collected. Outcomes were compared using Kaplan–Meier analysis and appropriate statistical tests between the 2005–2014 (n = 122) and 2015–2024 (n = 182) cohorts. Results: A total of 2341 Ticare Implants® were placed, supporting 281 prostheses. Implant placement during primary surgery increased from 41% to 71% (p < 0.001). The median time from surgery to prosthesis significantly decreased from 24 to 15 months (p < 0.001). Five-year implant survival was 95% in the early cohort versus 97% in the later cohort. Implant survival was comparable between irradiated and non-irradiated patients (~94–96%). Fixed prostheses became more frequent (92% vs. 79%, p = 0.002). Conclusions: Implant-supported rehabilitation in oncologic patients is highly feasible and durable, with improved timelines and functional outcomes associated with early implant placement and modern digital planning strategies.
Condylar hyperplasia (CH) is a complex, usually unilateral pathology affecting the jaw, leading to facial asymmetry and malocclusion. Its etiology is unclear, with potential links to endocrine disorders, trauma, and genetic factors. Unilateral condylar hyperplasia (UCH) typically presents in young patients but can occur at any age. Common symptoms include progressive facial asymmetry, malocclusion, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Diagnostic imaging like single positron emission computed tomography helps assess condylar activity. Treatment aims to halt condylar growth and correct facial asymmetry, commonly through high condylectomy, which involves removing the upper 3 to 5 mm of the condylar head. Recently, proportional condylectomy, using point-of-care manufacturing 3-dimensional-cutting guides and intraoperative computed tomography control, has shown promising results, potentially eliminating the need for orthognathic surgery. This technique was successfully applied in a case involving a 29-year-old woman, resulting in normalized occlusion and aesthetics after subsequent orthodontic treatment, with stable outcomes 1-year post-treatment.