[Prosthetic management of craniofacial defects]

Surgery Training System Supported by Organic Materials

The aim of the study was the qualitative assessment of new materials based on a polycarbonate matrix in terms of its use in 3D printing and its processing and geometric modification (cutting). Filaments made of the new material doped with talc in five different proportions were visually inspected with a microscope. The calibration and test models were made using the FFF (fused filament fabrication) technique. In addition, its susceptibility to the drill and the behavior of the shavings were assessed and the temperature changing during drilling was measured. The implant was inserted to measure its resonance stability in each of the holes made and translated into the value of the implant stability quotient (ISQ) ranging from 1 to 100. The results were compared to those obtained for the training model of the skull bone. The amount of filler has been shown to affect the composite. Moreover, due to the properties of talc, a compatibilizer (polyol) was used. Differences were observed between the model made of the commercial material, the model made of the dried, tested material, and the model made of the undried material. It was confirmed that the presence of water in the material during its processing is important.

[Prosthetic rehabilitation in the head and neck region]

Implant-retained craniofacial prostheses (or epitheses) made of silicone are state of the art for prosthetic rehabilitation of facial defects. With the modern extraoral implant systems, prostheses may be securely anchored to the bone regardless of size and location of the defect. Prerequisite for successful implantation is the classical atraumatic surgical technique with avoidance of any thermal trauma to the bone. The treatment intention may be a temporary measure, a rescue procedure after failed (re)construction, or a definitive treatment option. This article gives an overview of the strategies in various facial regions stratified according to the age of the patient and the etiology of the defect. Moreover, prosthetic rehabilitation offers additional options for septal perforations, distorted and leaky tracheostomies, and treatment-resistant tracheoesophageal fistula.

Complex functional and epithetic rehabilitation after ablation of recurrent retroauricular basal cell carcinoma - a case study

The reconstruction of extended defects of the concha poses a complex challenge for plastic surgeons. In cases of subtotal ablation, an alternative method designed especially for elderly oncological patients consists of epithetic rehabilitation. However, inserting an implant-retained concha epithesis proves challenging in patients with antecedents of deep resections involving the mastoid process. In the present case study, we report on the long-term treatment course (2009-2017) of a 79-year-old male patient suffering from a recurrent basal cell carcinoma of the retroauricular region. Following tumor resection, along with lateral mastoidectomy, reconstruction, and adjuvant radiotherapy, functional and esthetic deficits primarily due to peripheral facial nerve palsy were successfully managed using a multistep procedure. The procedure was completed by inserting an implant-retained concha epithesis, resulting in improved quality of life. Due to prior lateral mastoidectomy, ultra-short implants (4 mm) were inserted, partially at atypical positions. For maintaining healthy periimplant soft tissue, aftercare comprised cold plasma treatment. This oncologic case demonstrates the therapeutic necessity of using a broad spectrum of reconstructive procedures, along with their limitations, in a critical anatomic region. Specific features include the presentation of a workflow using ultra-short implants in a compromised mastoid region. Surgeons should consider alternative implant positions in the event of any compromised mastoid process. A particular emphasis has been put on meticulous aftercare to preserve healthy periimplant soft tissues.

Auricular Prostheses in Microtia

The progress made in the development of the silicones and percutaneous titanium implants allow for rehabilitation of patients with microtia with an inconspicuous auricular prosthesis. The art of making the prosthesis by the dedicated anaplastologist is the key for the success of this approach. Most patients with microtia desire camouflage. The greatest advantage of the auricular prosthesis is that it can be manufactured as a mirrored replica of the opposite side. The outcome is predictable. Computer science with virtual planning and rapid prototyping is about to revolutionize the process of prosthetic auricular rehabilitation.

Implant-retained craniofacial prostheses for facial defects

Craniofacial prostheses, also known as epistheses, are artificial substitutes for facial defects. The breakthrough for rehabilitation of facial defects with implant-retained prostheses came with the development of the modern silicones and bone anchorage. Following the discovery of the osseointegration of titanium in the 1950s, dental implants have been made of titanium in the 1960s. In 1977, the first extraoral titanium implant was inserted in a patient. Later, various solitary extraoral implant systems were developed. Grouped implant systems have also been developed which may be placed more reliably in areas with low bone presentation, as in the nasal and orbital region, or the ideally pneumatised mastoid process. Today, even large facial prostheses may be securely retained. The classical atraumatic surgical technique has remained an unchanged prerequisite for successful implantation of any system. This review outlines the basic principles of osseointegration as well as the main features of extraoral implantology.

[Craniofacial prostheses for facial defects]

Craniofacial prostheses (or epitheses) are artificial substitutes for facial defects. Today, prostheses made of silicone are state-of-the-art. They may be fixed anatomically (to already existing structures), mechanically (to spectacle frames), chemically (using adhesives), or surgically (to osseointegrated titanium implants). With the existing extraoral implant systems, prostheses may be securely anchored to the bone regardless of size and location of the defect. The classic atraumatic surgical technique has remained an unchanged prerequisite for successful implantation by avoidance of any heat trauma to the bone. This review outlines the indications and contra-indications as well as advantages and disadvantages of craniofacial prostheses and their retention methods in various facial regions. It summarizes the basic principles of extraoral implantology in respect to implant positioning and the management of children and radiated patients.

[Evaluation of quality of life following prosthetic replacement of the auricle]

INTRODUCTION

The assessment of quality of life (QOL) of patients is becoming increasingly important in the evaluation of the quality of care. Therefore, we examined the quality of life of patients treated with prostheses following loss of an auricle using a questionnaire.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Of 18 patients (14 male, 4 female), 10 had lost an auricle due to a neoplasm, 2 traumatically, while 6 patients showed a congenital lack of an auricle. In order to measure the subjective quality of life we used a questionnaire compiled by the WHO (WHOQOL-BREF); we used a self-designed questionnaire for questions relating to the prostheses.

RESULTS

Analysis of the data of all patients with prostheses in comparison with the age-based general population showed a lower score value for quality of life, indicating a poorer quality of life. However, none of the differences were statistically significant. Patients with neoplasms achieved higher values compared with the age-based standard value; in contrast, the other patients showed lower values in nearly every respect. The gender-related analysis of the results showed a poorer quality of life for females than for males.

CONCLUSION

The reason for an auricle defect as well as patient gender influenced the subjective quality of life following prosthetic surgery. The overall acceptance of auricular prostheses can be considered good, especially among patients suffering from neoplasms. In order to be able to evaluate the results and compare the different working groups more sufficiently it would be desirable to use standardized test procedures and a larger patient collective.

[Skin tumors in facial plastic surgery]

As the incidence of facial skin tumors is rising, otorhinolaryngologists are becoming more and more involved in the field of facial plastic surgery. The most common tumor locations on the head are the sun-exposed areas such as the nose, forehead, cheek, and auricle. The most common histologic findings are actinic keratosis and basal cell carcinoma. In planning tumor resection and defect repair, many factors, including histology, size, and localization of the tumor as well as conditions of the adjacent skin, must be considered. The key to defect repair after tumor resection is to choose the most appropriate technique from a range of possibilities. Because of skin laxity, most small and midsize facial defects can be closed directly or with high-tension sutures under skin expansion. More extensive defects and those located in critical areas require pedicled flaps or free grafts transferring skin from adjacent or distant areas. In patients with recurrent or deeply infiltrative tumors, reconstructive procedures of the facial nerve, parotid duct, and lacrimal duct might be needed. This is also true for reconstruction of the anatomic framework of the eyelids, the nose, and the pinna.

[Correction of ear malformations with autologous rib cartilage]

INTRODUCTION

Ear malformations are mainly isolated deformations but exist also in combination with various syndromes. A visible malformation in cases of microtia is a problem for the entire family. Auricular reconstruction with autologous cartilage has been well established in the last decade. Optimization of the technique has led to improved and reliable results.

OPERATION AND RESULTS

Based on the experience of 120 cases we developed a concept that allows total ear reconstruction in two operative steps. In the first operation autologous rib cartilage is harvested and a natural framework is created following the template from the opposite ear. The ear remnant is transposed and the framework placed in a subcutaneous pocket on the mastoid plane. After a healing period of around 6 weeks the second operation reconstructs the auricular projection and the retroauricular fold.

CONCLUSION

Based on an individualized surgical treatment, auricular reconstruction with autologous rib cartilage are possible from the age of around 8 to the advanced period of life with reproducibly good results.

Rhabdomyosarcomas of the nose and paranasal sinuses: treatment results in 15 cases

OBJECTIVE

Primary rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS) of the nose and the paranasal sinuses occur very rarely. Treatment of these tumors usually is conducted according to standardized therapy protocols like the German Cooperative Soft Tissue Sarcoma Study (CWS) or the Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study (IRS). The role of surgery still remains controversial.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

A retrospective analysis of 15 patients with an RMS of the nose or paranasal sinuses treated between 1979 and 2000 is presented. Patients' age ranged from 2 to 60 years, with an average of 22 years. Histologic subtypes encompassed 9 embryonal (e) and 6 alveolar (a) RMS. Resection of the tumor with subsequent radiochemotherapy (RCT) was performed in 6 cases, and primary RCT, in 9 cases. The average duration of follow-up was 4 years and 10 months.

RESULTS

Overall 5-year survival was 40%. In the patient group subjected to tumor resection with subsequent RCT, 5-year survival was 66%, compared with 33% after exclusive primary RCT. With respect to histologic subtype, 5-year survival was 55% for eRMS, as compared with 33% for aRMS. Moreover, infiltration of the skull base and the presence of a residual tumor after primary therapy constituted factors associated with an unfavorable clinical course.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical removal of tumor with subsequent radiochemotherapy can be recommended if a complete resection and functionally and cosmetically satisfactory results appear possible. Patients with eRMS showed an overall more favorable clinical course than patients with aRMS.