Surgical Repair of Trigeminal Nerve Injuries

This chapter reviews the relevant surgical anatomy, clinical indications, and timing for surgical repair of the inferior alveolar and lingual nerve injuries. It will also present state-of- the-art reconstructive surgery and examine the factors influencing success as well as the scientific literature for outcome studies after surgical repair

Recurrent Giant Pilomatrixoma of the Face: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Pilomatrixoma, also known as pilomatricoma, is a benign tumor that originates from the matrix of the hair root. It usually presents as a single, slow-growing subcutaneous or intradermal firm nodule with a general size of less than 3 centimeters (cm) in diameter. However, giant pilomatrixomas (more than 5 cm) have been reported infrequently. It is more common in females and usually presents during the first two decades of life (60%) as an asymptomatic, mobile, hard, elastic mass. Most of the cases are benign and affect the face. The authors report a rare case of a giant pilomatricoma of the cheek and discuss the surgical management of these lesions, histopathological findings, and review of the literature

Therapeutic applications of botulinum neurotoxins in head and neck disorders

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this article is to review the mechanism of action, physiological effects, and therapeutic applications of botulinum neurotoxins in the head and neck area.Study designAn extensive literature search was performed using keywords. The resulting articles were analyzed for relevance in four areas: overview on botulinum neurotoxins, the role of botulinum neurotoxins in the management of salivary secretory disorders, the role of botulinum neurotoxins in the management of facial pain, and the role of botulinum neurotoxins in head and neck movement disorders. Institutional review board approval was not needed due the nature of the study.ResultsBotulinum neurotoxin therapy was demonstrated to be a valuable alternative to conventional medical therapy for many conditions affecting the head and neck area in terms of morbidly, mortality, and patient satisfaction with treatment outcomes.ConclusionBotulinum neurotoxin therapy provides viable alternatives to traditional treatment modalities for some conditions affecting the head and neck region that have neurological components. This therapy can overcome some of the morbidities associated with conventional therapy. More research is needed to determine the ideal doses of botulinum neurotoxin to treat different diseases affecting the head and neck regions

Use of 3-D Stereolithographic Models in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of the use of 3-dimensional (3-D) stereolithographic (SLA) technology in complex maxillofacial reconstructive surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 3-D SLA technology was used in the treatment planning of complex maxillofacial procedures performed by the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Boston University. Specialized 3-D models were ordered and utilized for surgical treatment of a variety of indications including trauma surgery, temporomandibular joint surgery, orthognathic surgery, secondary correction of facial and skull deformities, and extensive jaw pathology. This technology was also used in one patient for jaw reconstruction using novel bone and tissue engineering techniques. RESULTS: The use of 3-D models in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery significantly improved predictability of clinical outcomes when compared to similar treatments without its use. Total operating time was reduced which had the benefit of decreasing the duration of general anesthesia and reducing wound exposure time. They allowed for assessment of extensive traumatic and pathologic defects in three-dimensions prior to surgical reconstruction. The models were also useful in the design and fabrication of custom prostheses, sizing of bone grafts and allowed for manufacturing of scaffolds for bone regeneration. CONCLUSIONS: 3-D SLA models can be very effectively used in oral and maxillofacial surgery for multiple indications and diverse clinical scenarios. Successful incorporation of this technology for jaw bone regeneration using tissue engineering techniques offers exciting new prospects for the future