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- Tee, Richard, et al.
(author)
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Early Second Free Flap is Required in Osteoradionecrosis-related Nonunion after Primary Mandible Reconstruction
- 2023
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In: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery - Global Open. - : Wolters Kluwer. - 2169-7574. ; 11:6
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) manifested as symptomatic nonunion between primary free flap and native mandible after primary bony reconstruction of the mandible is an entity not included in current conventional ORN staging guidelines. This article reports on and proposes early management of this debilitating condition using a chimeric scapular tip free flap (STFF).Methods: A retrospective review was performed examining cases with bony nonunion at the junction of primary free fibula flap (FFF) and native mandible at a single center over a 10-year duration, which required a second free bone flap. Details of each case (patient demographics, oncological details, primary surgery, presentation, and secondary surgery) were documented and analyzed. Outcomes of the treatment were assessed.Results: Four patients (two men and two women; age range, 42–73 years) out of a total of 46 primary FFF were identified. All patients presented with symptoms of low-grade ORN and radiological signs of nonunion. All cases were reconstructed with chimeric STFF. The duration of follow-up ranged from 5 to 20 months. All patients reported resolution of symptoms and radiological evidence of union. Two of four patients subsequently received osseointegrated dental implants.Conclusions: Institutional rate of nonunion after primary FFF requiring a second free bone flap is 8.7%. All the patients of this cohort presented with a similar clinical entity easily discounted as an infected nonunion postosseous flap reconstruction. There is no ORN grading system that currently guides the management of this cohort. Good outcomes are possible with early surgical intervention with a chimeric STFF.
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- Vejbrink Kildal, Villiam, M.D. 1992-
(author)
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Advances in the Management of Facial Paralysis Sequelae
- 2023
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Background: Despite advances in the management of facial paralysis and its associated sequelae, therapies targeting the lower facial region remain underdeveloped. This thesis aimed to improve both the diagnostic and therapeutic modalities for facial paralysis, with a focus on the lower face.Methods: This thesis employed anatomical and retrospective studies across three key areas. First, high-resolution ultrasound was evaluated for its ability to increase the precision of botulinum toxin injections in the treatment of facial synkinesis and gustatory hyperlacrimation (Paper I), as a preoperative tool to reduce surgical failures in lower lip depressor myectomies (Papers III–IV), and as a method for evaluating the platysma muscle in patients with facial paralysis (Paper V). Second, anatomical exploration was conducted to identify new potential nerve donors for reanimating the lower facial region (Paper II). Third, a novel classification system for facial nerve injuries was applied to a retrospective cohort to stratify patients and to propose a management algorithm for marginal mandibular nerve reconstruction (Paper VI).Results: The use of high-resolution ultrasound significantly increased the accuracy of injections into the facial muscles and lacrimal gland (Paper I). High-resolution ultrasound also provided valuable preoperative information for depressor anguli oris myectomy (Paper IV) and allowed for the assessment of the platysma muscle in both the neck and face (Paper V). A literature review revealed a surgical failure rate of 21% for lower-lip depressor myectomies (Paper III). The ansa cervicalis nerve was established as an anatomically reliable nerve donor for selective marginal mandibular nerve grafting, although awareness of a common anatomical variant and the required modification of the surgical technique are crucial for surgical success (Paper II). A new classification system effectively stratified patients based on the severity of facial nerve injury, allowing for the creation of a management algorithm for marginal mandibular nerve reconstruction (Paper VI).Conclusions: Application of the findings of this thesis may contribute to the improved management of patients with facial paralysis and associated sequelae, particularly with regard to the lower face.
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3. |
- Vejbrink Kildal, Villiam, et al.
(author)
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Selective ansa cervicalis nerve transfer to the marginal mandibular nerve for lower lip reanimation : An anatomical study in cadavers and a case report
- 2023
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In: Microsurgery. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0738-1085 .- 1098-2752. ; 43:2, s. 142-150
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background:Donor nerve options for lower lip reanimation are limited in patients undergoing oncological resection of the facial nerve. The ansa cervicalis nerve (ACN) is an advantageously situated donor with great potential but has not been examined in detail. In the current study, the anatomical technical feasibility of selective ACN to marginal mandibular nerve (MMN) transfer for restoration of lower lip tone and symmetry was explored. A clinical case is presented.Methods:Dissections were conducted in 21 hemifaces in non-embalmed human cadavers. The maximal harvestable length of ACN was measured and transfer to MMN was simulated. A 28-year-old male underwent ACN-MMN transfer after parotidectomy (carcinoma) and was evaluated 12 months post-operatively (modified Terzis' Lower Lip Grading Scale [25 observers] and photogrammetry).Results:The harvestable length of ACN was 100 & PLUSMN; 12 mm. A clinically significant anatomical variant ( "short ansa ") was present in 33% of cases (length: 37 & PLUSMN; 12 mm). Tensionless coaptation was possible in all cases only when using a modification of the surgical technique in "short ansa " cases (using an infrahyoid muscle nerve branch as an extension). The post-operative course of the clinical case was uneventful without complications, with improvement in tone, symmetry, and function at the lower lip at 12-month post-operative follow-up.Conclusions:Selective ACN-MMN nerve transfer is anatomically feasible in facial paralysis following oncological ablative procedures. It allows direct nerve coaptation without significant donor site morbidity. The clinical case showed good outcomes 12 months post-operatively. A strategy when encountering the "short ansa " anatomical variant in clinical cases is proposed.
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