Maxillectomies cause malocclusion, masticatory disorders, swallowing disorders and poor nasolabial projection, with consequent esthetic and functional sequelae. Reconstruction can be achieved with conventional approaches, such as closure of the maxillary defect by microvascular free flap surgery or prosthetic obturation. Four patients with segmental maxillary defects that had been reconstructed with customized subperiosteal titanium maxillary implants (CSTMI) through virtual surgical planning (VSP), STL models and CAD/CAM titanium mesh were included. The smallest maxillary defect was 4.1 cm and the largest defect was 9.6 cm, with an average of 7.1 cm. The reconstructed maxillary vertical dimension ranged from 9.3 mm to 17.4 mm, with a mean of 13.17 mm. The transverse dimension of the maxilla at the crestal level was attempted to be reconstructed based on the pre-excision CT scan, and these measurements ranged from 6.5 mm in the premaxilla area to 14.6 mm at the posterior level. All patients were rehabilitated with a fixed prosthesis on subperiosteal implants with good esthetic and functional results. In conclusion, we believe that customized subperiosteal titanium maxillary implants (CSTMI) are a safe alternative for maxillary defects reconstruction, allowing for simultaneous dental rehabilitation while restoring midface projection. Nonetheless, prospective and randomized trials are required with long-term follow-up, to assess its long-term performance and safety.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most complex joints in the human anatomy. In advanced degenerative stages, conservative or minimally invasive surgical therapies have failed to restore joint function, and joint replacement with prostheses has been required. Stock prostheses, compared to custom-made prostheses, are much less expensive and require less pre-operative preparation time. Four patients followed for years for temporomandibular dysfunction and previously operated on by arthroscopy or open joint surgery that have been reconstructed with stock TMJ prostheses (STMJP) through virtual surgical planning (VSP) and an STL model with surgical and positioning guides were included. The median follow-up was 15 months; the median number of previous TMJ surgeries was 2. The mean preoperative MIO was 24.6 mm and at longest follow-up was 36.4 mm. The median preoperative TMJ pain score was 8, and the median postoperative TMJ pain was 3. All patients have improved their mandibular function with a clear improvement of their initial situation. In conclusion, we believe that stock TMJ prostheses with virtual surgical planning and surgical guides are a good alternative for TMJ reconstruction at the present time. Nonetheless, prospective and randomized trials are required with long-term follow up to assess their performance and safety.
1 January 2023 in Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dentistry
Oral cancer is the 11th most common type of cancer in the world, with established major risk factors as tobacco and alcohol, and recently included high-risk human papillomavirus types 16 and 18. HPV types 16 and 18 are the etiologic agents of cervical cancers and a proportion of oropharyngeal cancers. However, the picture of HPV and the clinical implications of oral cancers are not clear with most reports combining oral cancer data with head and neck cancers. It has been confirmed as a favorable prognostic factor in oropharyngeal cancer. However, the prognostic value of HPV in oral squamous cell carcinoma is still unclear. The main objective of this article is to present the evidence encountered following a bibliographical review of recent publications specifically related to oral cancer and its differences from oropharyngeal cancer. The secondary goals are to present the findings of a five-year retrospective observational study of the prevalence of HPV infection in oral cancer patients treated by the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department at La Paz University Hospital (Madrid, Spain), and finally, we to evaluate and compare our country's HPV prevention program in comparison to other European countries. According to the review of the literature, HPV positive oral squamous cell carcinoma is associated with significantly decreased overall survival and distant control. Bibliographic review suggest HPV infection can be used as a negative prognostic factor in oral squamous cell carcinoma. As regards diagnostic testing for HPV, it should be extended to as many cases of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma as possible, especially in those with risk factors. The current vaccination program in Spain does not have adequate coverage and is significantly under the level of other European Union countries; it should be expanded and catch-up strategies should be included. Key words:HPV, OSSC, Papillomavirus, oral carcinoma, prevention.
Virtual surgical planning allows orthognathic surgeons to design a surgical plan preoperatively and establish a personalized surgical protocol. This study aims to validate the predictability and accuracy of orthognathic surgery through a comparison of the three-dimensional (3D) models of the virtual planning and postoperative CBCT using free software (3D Slicer) on 40 patients who underwent bimaxillary orthognathic surgery. The distances of point A, point B, pogonion (Pog), and the first upper and lower molars, both in each axis (x, y, and z) and in the 3D space, were analyzed. The median of the distances in the mediolateral direction was the lowest, while the highest differences were found at point A and Pog in the anteroposterior direction (0.83 mm and 0.78 mm, respectively). Vertical differences were higher in the maxilla than in the mandible. In conclusion, we found that orthognathic bimaxillary surgery using virtual surgical planning was more accurate when positioning the bone segments in the mediolateral direction, using the information provided by the splint, as well as when positioning the mandible compared to the maxilla.
24 June 2024 in British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
According to the European Union (EU) Directive 2005/36, the medical specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) exists with two possible formats: dual degree OMFS called Dental, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (DOMFS) - basic medical and basic dental training and single medical degree Maxillofacial Surgery (MFS). Within the EU and across all of Europe, differences in the nature and quality of OMFS training coexist. By implementing the highest possible standards of training, patient care can be improved. To establish quality metrics for an ideal OMFS training programme, the European OMFS Trainee Forum of the Union Européenne des Médecins Spécialistes (UEMS) conducted a Delphi consensus protocol from November 2023 to January 2024. Facilitated by the OMFS Section of UEMS, 57 trainees from 32 countries participated. The process involved the definition of three quality levels using the red, amber, and green (RAG) rating system. Following the Delphi process, 46 domains were identified, including features within training programmes/rotations, teaching and education programmes, training placements, recording of training progression and activity, and external assessment of training programmes. The results were aligned with the UEMS OMFS European Training Requirement (ETR). With the introduction of a RAG rating, trainees and trainers can review their training programmes with the aim of improving them by moving domains from Red to Green. Raising the standard of training will benefit our patients. This initiative could mark a significant step towards the harmonisation of OMFS training, improving quality and ensuring consistent, high-level care throughout Europe.
18 March 2022 in British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery