Faculty Bibliography

Background/Purpose: Early LeFort III (LFIII) surgery or LFIII distraction involve osteotomies and disjunction in the region of the maxillary tuberosity in proximity to the maxillary posterior tooth buds. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of early LFIII advancement and/or distraction on survival of the maxillary posterior permanent dentition. Methods/Description: A retrospective review of patients with syndromic craniosynostosis treated by early LFIII surgery and distraction was conducted. Of 225 syndromic craniosynostosis patients enrolled between 1973 and 2006, a total of 50 patients satisfied the inclusion criteria: 1) surgical intervention prior to age 8 years; 2) two panoramic radiographs, one prior to surgery and one in adolescence; 3) no apparent abnormalities in the position of permanent tooth buds. Of the 50 patients, 25 underwent LFIII surgery and 25 underwent midface distraction (M = 21, F = 29, average age at time of surgery = 5 +/- 1.1 years with diagnoses of Crouzon (20), Apert (17) and Pfeiffer (13), syndromes). Panoramic radiographs presurgically (T1) and postsurgically (T2) were inspected by a trained observer. The tooth buds were classified as being present (P), displaced (D), impacted (I), ankylosed (ANK), extracted (E), or absent (A). SPSS software was used to carry out chi-squared analysis and Fisher exact test.
Result(s): In the LFIII surgery group, 94% of maxillary second molars (D = 16%, I = 8%, E = 6%, A = 64%) and 28% of maxillary first molars (D = 18%, I = 4%, ANK = 2%, E = 2%, A = 2%) experienced a disturbance in eruption. Of the displaced second molars, 75% were located in the maxillary sinus and 25% in the maxillary tuberosity. Of the displaced first molars, 78% were located in the maxillary sinus and 22% in the maxillary tuberosity. In the distraction group, 80% of maxillary second molars (D = 38%, ANK = 4%, E = 14%, A = 24%) and 18% of maxillary first molars (D = 10%, I = 2%, E = 2%, A = 4%) experienced a disturbance in eruption. Of the displaced second molars, 37% were located in the maxillary sinus and 63% in the maxillary tuberosity. Of the displaced first molars, 100% were located in the maxillary tuberosity. Traditional LFIII osteotomy was significantly more likely to result in an adverse event for maxillary second molars compared to distraction (chi² = 4.33, P = .037).
Conclusion(s): The eruption of maxillary second molars had a high incidence of disruption following early LFIII intervention, with traditional LFIII surgery having greater negative consequences for the maxillary second molars compared to distraction. The maxillary first molars show significantly less disruption during early LFIII intervention with no significant differences noted between surgical procedures. Furthermore, a common disruption seen postsurgically is the displacement of the maxillary second molar tooth buds into the maxillary sinus, leading to the question if presurgical planning should include extraction/enucleation of the second molar tooth buds to avoid this sequela

Vascular malformations (VMs) of the head and neck can lead to aesthetic problems as well as cranial nerve damage, airway compromise, and vision loss. Large VMs are typically managed surgically, with sclerotherapy or embolization performed in the perioperative period to decrease the risk of excessive blood loss and minimize the size of the VM. However, this initial treatment is frequently insufficient leading to excessive blood loss intraoperatively, poorer margin visualization for the surgeon, and decreased likelihood of complete resection. As a result, resections of large VMs are often performed in a multistage approach. This article introduces a new hybrid approach for the management of head and neck VMs entailing the use of an endovascular operating room where a neuroendovascular surgeon performs embolization or sclerotherapy intraoperatively as needed in conjunction with surgical excision. Three patients with large VMs in the facial region underwent successful use of the hybrid approach. The hybrid approach improved visualization, leading to complete resection in 1 patient and nearly complete resections (70% and 90%) in the other patients. The technique also helped minimize blood loss because only the youngest patient (23 months old) required a blood transfusion. Implications of these findings include the transition from a multistaged approach for large VMs to a single-stage approach. In addition, decreases in blood loss may allow for the development and use of minimal access techniques, leading to a decrease in visible scarring for patients. We suggest the consideration of the hybrid approach for large head and neck VMs.

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND:Parallel to worldwide disparities in patient access to health care, the operative opportunities of surgical trainees are increasingly restricted across the globe. Efforts have been directed toward enhancing surgical education outside the operating room and reducing the wide variability in global trainee operative experience. However, high costs and other logistical concerns may limit the reproducibility and sustainability of nonoperative surgical education resources. METHODS:A partnership between the academic, nonprofit, and industry sectors resulted in the development of an online virtual surgical simulator for cleft repair. First year global access patterns were observed. RESULTS:The simulator is freely accessible online and includes 5 normal and pathologic anatomy modules, 5 modules demonstrating surgical markings, and 7 step-by-step procedural modules. Procedural modules include high-definition intraoperative footage to supplement the virtual animation in addition to include multiple-choice test questions. In its first year, the simulator was accessed by 849 novel users from 78 countries; 70% of users accessed the simulator from a developing nation. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:The Internet shows promise as a platform for surgical education and may help address restrictions and reduce disparities in surgical training. The virtual surgical simulator presented may serve as the foundation for the development of a global curriculum in cleft repair.

Background/Purpose: Skeletal Class III malocclusion with maxillary hypoplasia results in anterior-posterior discrepancy of the upper and lower incisors position and lip incompetence. This affects the ability to achieve appropriate placement of tongue and management of the intraoral air pressure for sound production, resulting in perceived nasal emission and abnormal articulatory gestures. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between occlusal disharmony, velopharyngeal competence, and speech outcomes in patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion undergoing orthognathic surgery. Methods/Description: Seventy-five consecutive patients between 2015 and 2017 who underwent orthognathic surgery secondary to maxillary hypoplasia were evaluated on type of orthognathic procedure (LeFort I only; LeFort I and III; LeFort I and BSSO); amount of anterior and vertical advancement achieved, severity of skeletal Class III malocclusion, and lip incompetence. Patients were divided into 3 groups: cleft lip and palate, syndromic, and those with noncleft/nonsyndromic skeletal deformity. Each group received speech assessments preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively (velopharyngeal competence, resonance and articulatory integrity, and the Pittsburgh Weighted Speech Score [PWSS]).
Result(s): Following exclusionary analysis, 58 patients were included in the study; cleft lip and palate (n = 28), syndromic (n = 15), and noncleft/nonsyndromic skeletal (n =15). Preoperatively, the cleft palate and syndromic groups with increased mean skeletal discrepancy and lip incompetence values presented with higher total mean PWSS scores, and mean nasal emission values than the noncleft/nonsyndromic group (P <= .001). Postoperatively, the cleft group that underwent LFI only presented with insignificantly improved total PWSS (P <= .99) and nasality (P <= .28) scores. The syndromic patients who had the most severe skeletal discrepancy preoperatively and who underwent an LFI and LFIII combined procedure continued to present with significantly higher mean nasal emission values postoperatively than cleft and noncleft/ nonsyndromic patients undergoing LFI only or LFI and BSSO (P < .001). There was no significant difference in the amount of anterior advancement achieved and degree of velopharyngeal competence.
Conclusion(s): Our results show that orthognathic surgery to correct skeletal disharmony does not provide increased compromise to the velopharynx. However, the severity of the skeletal Class III malocclusion and lip position, especially those with a syndromic diagnosis, increases presence of nasal emission pre- and postoperatively. This study suggests that severity of skeletal Class III malocclusion can contribute to the perception of nasality post orthognathic surgery. Severity of skeletal discrepancy should be considered as an additional iatrogenic factor related to perceived velopharyngeal competence in orthognathic surgery

BACKGROUND:Cranial base sutures are important drivers of both facial and cranial growth. The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence and location of cranial base suture fusion among three groups: nonaffected controls, patients with nonsyndromic craniosynostosis, and patients with syndromic craniosynostosis. METHODS:Patients and computed tomographic scans were accrued from the authors' prospective craniofacial database. Computed tomographic scans were graded on the frequency of cranial vault and cranial base suture/synchondrosis fusion (0, open; 1, partially/completely fused) by an attending craniofacial surgeon and neuroradiologist. Statistical comparisons were conducted on location and rates of fusion, age, and diagnosis. RESULTS:One hundred forty patients met inclusion criteria: 55 syndromic, 64 nonsyndromic, and 21 controls. Average age at computed tomography of syndromic patients (3.6 ± 3.1 months) was younger than that of nonsyndromic patients (5.4 ± 3.1 months; p = 0.001) and control subjects (5.1 ± 3.2 months; p = 0.058). Syndromic craniosynostotic patients had over three times as many cranial base minor sutures fused (2.2 ± 2.5) as nonsyndromic craniosynostosis patients (0.7 ± 1.2; p < 0.001) and controls (0.4 ± 0.8; p = 0.002), whose rates of fusion were statistically equivalent (p = 0.342). Syndromic craniosynostosis patients had a greater frequency of cranial base suture fusion in the coronal branches, squamosal arch, and posterior intraoccipital synchondrosis (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:Patients with syndromic craniosynostosis have higher rates of cranial base suture fusion in infancy, especially in the coronal arches, and this may have significant implications for both cranial and facial growth. In contrast, patients with nonsyndromic craniosynostosis have similar rates and sites of cranial base suture fusion as controls. Interestingly, there is a low, "normal," rate of cranial base suture/synchondrosis closure in infancy, the implications of which are unknown. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE/METHODS:Risk, III.

Background/Purpose: Presurgical infant orthopedics has been employed since 1950 as an adjunctive neonatal therapy for the correction of cleft lip and palate. Most of these therapies did not address deformity of the nasal cartilage in unilateral and bilateral cleft lip and palate as well as the deficiency of the columella tissue in infants with a bilateral cleft. The nasoalveolar molding (NAM) technique is a unique approach to presurgical infant orthopedics to reduce the severity of the initial cleft of the alveolar and the nasal deformity, particularly in patients with bilateral cleft lip and palate. Methods/Description: In infants with bilateral cleft lip and palate, the premaxilla may be protrusive, mobile, and may show varying degree of asymmetrical displacement and rotation. In some instances, the premaxilla may be everted placed on top of the nasal tip with a very short columella length. Protruded premaxilla and the associated nasal deformity present a special challenge for the surgeon in achieving optimal repair during primary reconstructive surgery. This study session will demonstrate the NAM technique to treat patients with severe bilateral cleft lip and palate. The technique of correcting the protruded and asymmetrically displaced premaxilla, molding the alar cartilage and nonsurgical columella elongation will be discussed. Appliance design and weekly adjustment of the NAM appliance to accomplish the desired result will be presented. Special emphasis will be placed on leveling the premaxilla in asymmetric cases; retracting premaxilla in incomplete bilateral clefts and management of complications during the course of the NAM therapy will be discussed. For the successful outcome, the surgeon has to take the advantage of the NAM therapy during the primary repair. Surgical technique of 1-stage lip nose and alveolus surgery utilizing the presurgical preparation of infants with bilateral cleft lip and palate with NAM therapy will be discussed in detail. Long-term outcome of patients treated with NAM and primary reconstruction of nose lip and alveolus will be presented

Background/Purpose: Surgical education is increasingly relying on digital and online resources. However, the educational benefit of learning through digital media has not been rigorously tested in the field of cleft care. We present a prospective, randomized, blinded trial comparing the educational efficacy of a textbook vs digital simulation in teaching cleft lip repair. Methods/Description: Medical student volunteers (N = 35) were asked to draw a cleft lip repair on a standardized patient photograph of a complete unilateral cleft lip deformity (Pretest). They were then randomized to 1 of 2 study groups that demonstrated unilateral cleft lip repair markings: textbook (n = 17) or digital simulation (n = 18). After 20 minutes of study, volunteers were asked to draw a cleft lip repair a second time on the same standardized photograph (Posttest). Volunteers were then shown the educational material provided to the other study group and given a validated survey to compare the educational value of both resources. Cleft lip marking was graded in a blinded manner on 2 separate occasions using a 0-to 10-point scale created by 2 senior cleft surgeons. Paired and independent t tests were used to compare differences between groups. Intrarater reliability was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs).
Result(s): Intrarater reliability was excellent for both pretest (ICC = 0.94; P < .001) and posttest (ICC = 0.95; P < .001) grading. Pretest performances between the textbook and simulator groups were comparable (0.82 +/-1.17 vs 0.64+/-0.95; P = .31). There was significant improvement in posttest performance compared to pretest in both the textbook (3.50 +/- 1.62 vs 0.82 +/- 1.17; P < .001) and simulator (6.44 +/- 2.03 vs 0.64 +/- 0.95; P < .001) groups. However, significantly greater improvement was demonstrated by the simulator group when compared to the textbook group (5.81 +/- 2.01 vs 2.68 +/- 1.49; P < .001). Participants thought the simulator increased interest (3.91 +/- 1.01 vs 2.31+/-1.21; P < .001); allowed learning (3.83+/-0.95 vs 2.17 +/-1.20; P < .001); was stimulating (3.74+/-0.98 vs 1.69+/-0.87; P < .001), clearer (3.66+/-1.08 vs 2.17+/-1.22; P < .001), and effective in teaching (4.14 +/- 0.94 vs 2.31 +/- 1.21; P < .001); and that they were likely to be recommended to others (4.00+/-1.11 vs 2.14+/-1.19; P < .001) more than the textbook.
Conclusion(s): A prospective, randomized, blinded study demonstrates superior cleft lip repair learning through digital simulation compared to textbook. Learners subjectively found digital simulation to be the superior educational medium. The cleft and craniofacial society should strongly consider investment into digital media platforms to teach future cleft surgeons

Background/UNASSIGNED:Amniotic Band Syndrome is a clinical constellation of congenital anomalies characterized by constricting rings, tissue synechiae and amputation of body parts distal to the constriction bands. Involvement of the hand with loss of multiple digits not only leads to devastating deformities but also loss of functionality. Methods/UNASSIGNED:In this series, utilizing microvascular transfer of the second toe from both feet, along with local tissue reconfiguration, a tetra-digital hand with simile of normal cascade was reconstructed. A consecutive series of eight children with Amniotic Band Syndrome, younger than two years in age operated on by single surgeon over a twenty five year interval was reviewed. Results/UNASSIGNED:There was no flap loss. The hands were sensate with effective simple prehensile function. Conclusion/UNASSIGNED:Application of Microvascular toe-to-hand transfer for well selected, albeit severe hand deformity in Amniotic Band Syndrome is a valid surgical concept.

BACKGROUND:Enhanced recovery pathway programs have demonstrated improved perioperative care and shorter length of hospital stay in several surgical disciplines. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of patients undergoing autologous tissue-based breast reconstruction before and after the implementation of an enhanced recovery pathway program. METHODS:The authors retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients who underwent autologous tissue-based breast reconstruction performed by two surgeons before and after the implementation of the enhanced recovery pathway at a university center over a 3-year period. Patient demographics, perioperative data, and 45-day postoperative outcomes were compared between the traditional standard of care (pre-enhanced recovery pathway) and enhanced recovery pathway patients. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors for length of hospital stay. Cost analysis was performed. RESULTS:Between April of 2014 and January of 2017, 100 consecutive women were identified, with 50 women in each group. Both groups had similar demographics, comorbidities, and reconstruction types. Postoperatively, the enhanced recovery pathway cohort used significantly less opiate and more acetaminophen compared with the traditional standard of care cohort. Median length of stay was shorter in the enhanced recovery pathway cohort, which resulted in an extrapolated $279,258 savings from freeing up inpatient beds and increase in overall contribution margins of $189,342. Participation in an enhanced recovery pathway program and lower total morphine-equivalent use were independent predictors for decreased length of hospital stay. Overall 45-day major complication rates, partial flap loss rates, emergency room visits, hospital readmissions, and unplanned reoperations were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:Enhanced recovery pathway program implementation should be considered as the standard approach for perioperative care in autologous tissue-based breast reconstruction because it does not affect morbidity and is associated with accelerated recovery with reduced postoperative opiate use and decreased length of hospital stay, leading to downstream health care cost savings. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE/METHODS:Therapeutic, III.