Aim: the purpose of this work is to present an innovative protocol for virtual planning and surgical navigation in post-oncological mandibular reconstruction through fibula free flap. In order to analyze its applicability, an evaluation of accuracy for the surgical protocol has been performed. Methods: 21 patients surgically treated for mandibular neoplasm have been included in the analysis. The Brainlab Vector Vision 3.0® software for surgical navigation has been used for preoperative surgical planning and intra-operative navigation. A post-operative accuracy evaluation has been performed matching the position of mandibular landmarks between pre-operative and post-operative CT scans. Results: the maximal discrepancy observed was included between −3.4 mm and +3.2 mm, assuming negative values for under correction and positive values for overcorrection. An average grade of accuracy included between 0.06 ± 0.58 mm and 0.43 ± 0.68 mm has been observed for every mandibular landmark examined, except for mandibular angles that showed a mean discrepancy value included between 1.36 ± 1.73 mm and 1.46 ± 1.02 mm when compared to preoperative measurements. Conclusion: a satisfying level of accuracy has been observed in the protocol presented, which appears to be more versatile if compared to closed custom-made systems. The technique described may represent a valid option for selected patients, but it cannot be considered for routine activity because of the complexity of the method, the mobility of the jaw, the necessity of surgical navigator and the long surgical learning curve that is required.
Study Design: Retrospective study. Objective: Following SARS-CoV-2 pandemic break-out a lockdown period for the population and a reorganization of the Health System were needed. Hub-function Centers for time-dependent diseases were identified and Niguarda Hospital (Milan) was selected as main Regional Trauma Center. The purpose of our study is to report the experience of Niguarda Maxillofacial Trauma Team during this period, pointing out epidemiological changes in the presentation of trauma in comparison to the previous 3 years. Methods: Two hundred and sixteen patients were admitted to the Emergency Department from 8th March 2020 to 8th May 2020. One hundred and eighty-one had a diagnosis of Major Trauma and 36 had also facial fractures; 35 patients had isolated facial fractures. Data were compared to the activity during the same period in 2017-2019 and statistical analysis was carried out concerning demographic and clinical characteristics, trauma dynamics and positivity to COVID-19. Results: Cumulative curves of patients admitted because of Major Trauma describe a superimposable linear trend in years 2017-2019, while 2020 shows an increase from April 16th. Average age and number of more severe patients were higher than previous years. Epidemiological changes concerned road accidents, accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists, interpersonal violence, suicide attempts and domestic accidents. The incidence of facial fractures was confirmed through years and, according to its measured severity, 75% of patients required management. COVID-19 positivity without systemic symptoms didn’t influence the type of treatment. Conclusion: The COVID-19 lockdown offers a unique opportunity to study the reversal epidemiological effects on trauma.
1 September 2019 in Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery
Acute posttraumatic enophthalmos is a well-known symptom occurring in orbital blowout fractures. Its late onset in the absence of radiologic evidence of displaced fractures is rare and traditionally attributed to ischemic liponecrosis or fibrotic scarring of endo-orbital soft tissues. In this article, we describe a case of facial trauma, diagnosed and treated at the Maxillo-Facial Surgical Department of Hospital Ca’ Granda Niguarda of Milan, in which delayed monolateral enophthalmos is associated with CT evidence of remodeling of orbital walls attributed to atelectasis of the maxillary sinus, as occurs spontaneously in patients suffering from silent sinus syndrome (SSS). Despite that classic criteria exclude traumatic etiology of SSS, recent literature suggests the possibility to include it. Our case is the first reported in literature supported by complete clinical and radiological documentation obtained before and after the condition established itself. The analogy with cases of spontaneous obstacle of aeration allows us to choose “two-step” surgical treatment with endoscopic uncinectomy and antrostomy and a delayed surgical correction of orbital volume to improve aesthetic results. The case described in this article and the review of the literature may focus physicians’ attention on evaluating the possible traumatic changes in the physiologic sinus drainage system.
1 February 2022 in Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery