Obturators versus flaps after maxillary oncological ablation: A systematic review and best evidence synthesis

Associations between Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Exposures and Bone Mineral: A Systematic Review and Best Evidence Synthesis

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental pollutants known for their bioaccumulative nature. Reduced bone mineral density (BMD) is associated with an increased risk of developing osteoporosis. This pioneering study aims to assess the effects of different PFAS compounds on bone mineral. We conducted searches on online databases. Inclusion criteria included the presence of associations between perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) and BMD, BMD z-score, and bone mineral content (BMC). Meta-analyses were performed. Best evidence synthesis (BES) was performed to summarize the results. The results of BES showed that the evidence of PFOS, PFOA and PFNA with reduced bone mineral were moderate. The variability in methods for assessing bone mineral and sex differences are potential sources of heterogeneity in the results. Meta analysis showed that PFOA was associated with BMD (β -0.01, 95% CI -0.01 to -0.00; I 2 = 0%). Subgroup analysis by sex showed that PFOS (β -0.01, 95% CI -0.01 to -0.00; I 2 = 50%), PFOA (β -0.01, 95% CI -0.01 to +0.00; I 2 = 29%) were negatively correlated with BMD. This systematic review and BES revealed negative correlations between exposure to PFOS, PFOA, PFNA and bone mineral. Sex emerged as a potential factor affecting the negative effects of PFAS on bone mineral. The damage of PFAS to bone mineral still requires further exploration.

Rehabilitation of patients with maxillary defects: A network meta-analysis

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Different treatments for maxillary defects have been described, but a meta-analysis of these treatments to provide clinical guidance is lacking.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this systematic review and network meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of tissue-supported obturator prostheses and other rehabilitation treatments for patients with maxillary defects on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) assessed through quality of life (QoL) questionnaires.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Inclusion criteria were parallel-arm randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and nonrandomized studies of intervention (NRSIs) with a tissue-supported obturator as one of the treatments. Nine databases and nonpeer-reviewed literature were searched. Independent reviewers selected studies, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. Seven outcomes were analyzed separately for RCTs and NRSIs: appearance, mastication, pain, social contact, speech, swallowing, and QoL. A Bayesian random-effect network meta-analysis (NMA) calculated mean differences (MD) and 95% credible interval (Crl) for each treatment comparison. Data interpretation followed the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach and the magnitude of the effect was calculated as the minimal important difference (MID) - the minimal clinical benefit for the patient - for each outcome.

RESULTS

The review included 4 RCTs and 9 NRSIs. Most studies had a high and critical risk of bias. There were 7 treatments: no reconstructive or rehabilitative treatment, surgical obturator, interim obturator, tissue-supported obturator, implant-supported obturator, magnet obturator, and flap, totaling 120 treatment comparisons (56 among RCTs and 64 among NRSIs). Some treatments reached the minimum clinical benefit (MID). However, the 95%Crl crossed the null effect line for all treatment comparisons, indicating that any treatment can be efficient. The certainty of the evidence was very low for all comparisons, mainly because of the risk of bias, indirectness, intransitivity, and imprecision.

CONCLUSIONS

No treatment was better than another for any outcome. More RCTs comparing treatments for the rehabilitation of maxillary defects are encouraged to improve the evidence.

Advances in Midface Reconstruction

The complexity of the midface structure and its importance to a multitude of functions present the reconstructive surgeon with unique challenges. The midface is an area that is crucial both functionally and esthetically. Midface reconstructions can make profound differences in form and function. This review focuses on complex midface and maxillary reconstructions requiring free tissue transfer.

Comparative analysis of surgical and prosthetic rehabilitation in maxillectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis on quality-of-life scores and objective speech and masticatory measurements

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Patients with oro-antral communication, whether from trauma, disease, or congenital anomalies, have options for surgical reconstruction or prosthetic obturation, but guiding interdisciplinary protocols are lacking.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare surgical reconstruction and prosthetic obturation, identifying correlations with baseline characteristics to determine the most effective approach for specific patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A systematic search was conducted in 4 databases. Searching, screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment were performed by 2 reviewers. Eligible studies focused on patients with palatomaxillary defects from cancer-related maxilla surgeries. Traumatic or congenital defects were excluded. The study compared prosthetic restoration (either with surgical or definitive obturators) to surgical reconstruction using flaps or grafts. Patients with surgical restoration after tooth extraction were excluded. Both subjective and objective outcomes were used for comparison.

RESULTS

Thirteen articles were included in the qualitative synthesis and 9 in the meta-analysis. Patient scores on quality-of-life questionnaires, objective speech, and masticatory ability evaluations were compared. The number of patients who underwent surgical reconstruction was 206, whereas 260 patients received prosthetic obturators. Results showed no significant differences. In the "activity" domain of the University of Washington QoL questionnaire, however, the 1.92 (0.45, 3.40) score difference was not clinically relevant. However, the heterogeneity of trials, the transient nature of subjective evaluations, the low number of participants, and major confounding biases did not allow a solid conclusion to be drawn.

CONCLUSIONS

The growing number of maxillectomy patients demands firm evidence on which rehabilitation to choose and when it should be done. The result suggests that obturator devices and surgical reconstruction have similar effects on quality of life and health outcomes. A multicentric registry in which patient strata could be analyzed separately by age, adjuvant therapies, defect sizes, and remaining dentition is advocated.

The Submental Artery Island Flap for Reconstruction of Acquired Maxillary and Palatal Defects After Tumor Ablation: Reversed Flow Versus the Extended Antegrade Design

BACKGROUND

The submental artery island flap (SIF) is a valid option for palatal reconstruction. However, the main limitation for its application for palatal defects is the arc of rotation. A novel modification for tunneling of the antegrade design of SIF that allows a compliant easy reach to the defect is described.

METHODS

Eighteen patients with Brown class II maxillectomy defects were included. Reconstruction started using reversed flow SIF in five patients then shifted to the modified antegrade technique in the remaining patients. Speech, swallowing, chewing, other parameters, and oncological outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS

The reversed flow group has high complications. In the antegrade SIF group, all flaps survived. One developed marginal flap necrosis that healed spontaneously. The follow-up period ranged from 1 to 4.2 years with favorable functional outcome and with no evidence of recurrence.

CONCLUSION

The modified SIF antegrade design is a reliable option for palate reconstruction that allows favorable functional and oncological outcome.

Factors affecting the risk of trismus following maxillary ablative surgery comparing free flap reconstruction to prosthetic obturation: a retrospective observational study

The reconstruction of post-ablative maxillary defects is controversial. It is accepted that quality of life indicators are poorer for maxillary reconstruction compared with mandibular reconstruction. One factor highlighted is that of post-treatment trismus. Rates of trismus are reviewed comparing free tissue transfer to that of prosthetic obturation. A retrospective review was undertaken comparing rates of trismus at twelve months post-surgery between free tissue transfer and prosthetic obturation. A total of 85 patients were identified who met the inclusion criteria. Both reconstruction techniques were significant for developing trismus, with a higher rate in the free flap reconstruction cohort than the prosthetic obturation cohort by a factor of 2.51. Modern reconstructive head and neck surgery has moved away from 'filling a hole' to a more bespoke, patient-specific reconstruction. The evidence presented here should allow the reconstructive surgeon to better discuss outcomes with patients when considering surgical options for Class II maxillary defects.

Personalized subperiosteal implant‑supported obturator for the rehabilitation of rhino‑orbit‑cerebral mucormycosis sequela: A case report

Severe atrophy of the maxilla occasionally renders it impossible to place standard endosseous implants to replace absent teeth. For such cases, personalized subperiosteal implants (PSI) are presented as a treatment alternative. Due to novel design and manufacturing technologies, PSIs are fitted closely to the bone structure of the patient, after defining the anchorage areas where the bone is of higher quality and allowing a passive dental prosthesis to be attached to restore function and aesthetics to the patient. The present case report documents a patient with severe bone defects as a sequela of rhino-orbit-cerebral mucormycosis. After a failed microvascular fibula flap reconstruction, the patient was treated with a removable implant-supported prosthesis attached to a PSI, which provided occlusion with the mandible of the patient and closed the oronasal-antral communication defect. At 18 months after treatment, the patient felt well, with no biological complications and the prosthesis was well adjusted and with good function. Consequently, we consider that in some cases such as this, a customized solution of this type can avoid complex reconstruction treatments.

Comprehensive perioperative and minimally invasive post-operative defect approach of massive palatal pleomorphic adenoma: Case series

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Extensive Palatal post-operative defect management following excision of neoplasm is one of the most difficult challenges for oral and maxillofacial surgeons regarding its limited surgical access and visibility on narrow area, airway management difficulty during intubation, richness of maxillary vascular network resulting in enormous bleeding risk. Decision making regarding its surgical approach and impact on speech and mastication is important. This case series aim to describe comprehensive step by step perioperative and palatal defect management approach based on tumor pathological characteristic and anatomical perspective to achieve good surgical outcome.

CASES PRESENTATION

Two cases of massive palatal pleomorphic adenoma were presented. Both of cases occurs in female patients. Lesions was crossing the midline, impair speech and causing discomfort. Preoperative diagnostic from CT scan and FNAB result was pleomorphic adenoma.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Surgery for both cases done with wide periosteal sacrificing excision, ostectomy and surgical obturator placement from intraoral approach under general anesthesia with nasal intubation. Eventually the wounds healed without wound dehiscence and fistula, no speech impairment and no sign of reccurency.

CONCLUSION

Understanding pathological characteristic of pleomorphic adenoma and basic anatomy of surrounding structure are important to formulate minimal invasive surgical and post-operative defect management planning and improve patient's quality of life.

Prefabricated Fibula Flap vs Bone-Driven and Delayed Implant Installation for Jaw Reconstruction

Importance

Restoration of dental occlusion and oral rehabilitation is the ultimate goal of functional jaw reconstruction.

Objective

To evaluate the prefabricated fibula flap (PFF) technique in occlusion-driven jaw reconstruction for benign or previously treated malignant disease.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study was conducted from January 2000 to December 2019 at the University of Alberta Hospital and Institute of Reconstructive Sciences in Medicine in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, among patients who underwent PFF or bone-driven and delayed osseointegrated implant installation (BDD). Patients were followed up for a minimum of 1 year after occlusal rehabilitation. Data were analyzed from July 2021 to June 2022.

Exposures

Patients underwent BDD or PFF, which consists of osseointegrated dental implant installation and skin grafting of the fibular bone 3 to 6 months before jaw tumor resection or defect reconstruction. The implant osseointegration is completed at the time of jaw reconstruction, allowing for full reconstruction, loading, and restoration of the dental occlusion in the immediate postoperative period.

Main outcomes and Measure

Safety, effectiveness, accuracy, timeliness of occlusal reconstruction, and aesthetic appeal were compared between PFF and BDD. Groups were compared for the following variables: postoperative complications, number of bony segments used, number of procedures needed, total operative time, time to occlusal rehabilitation, and number of implants installed, exposed, lost, and used (ie, exposed implants - lost implants). Aesthetic appeal was assessed using standardized full-face and profile digital photographs taken before and 6 to 12 months after the operation and analyzed by 3 naive raters.

Results

Among 9 patients receiving PFF (mean [SD] age, 43.3 [13.0] years; 7 men [77.8%]) and 12 patients receiving BDD (mean [SD] age, 41.9 [18.0] years; 8 men [66.7%]), the overall complication rate was similar (4 patients [44.4%] vs 3 patients [25.0%], respectively; relative risk, 1.78 [95% CI, 0.52 to 6.04]). The number of patients with implant loss was similar between PFF and BDD groups (0 patients vs 3 patients [25.0%], respectively; difference, -25.0 percentage points [95% CI, -48.4 to 9.7 percentage points]). PFF had a clinically meaningful faster mean (SD) occlusal rehabilitation compared with BDD (12.1 [1.9] months vs 60.4 [23.1] months; difference, -48.3 months [95% CI, -64.5 to -32.0 months]). The mean (SD) difference in preoperative to postoperative aesthetic score was similar between PFF and BDD groups (-0.8 [1.5] vs -0.2 [0.8]; difference, -0.6 [95% CI, -1.6 to 0.4]).

Conclusions and Relevance

This study found that PFF compared with BDD was a safe, effective, and aesthetic reconstructive option for patients with benign or previously treated jaw malignant tumors. This technique may provide rapid occlusal reconstruction and oral rehabilitation.

Comprehensive Analyses of Masticatory Function in Maxillectomy Patients with Functioning Removable Prostheses: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

The aim of this retrospective cross-sectional study was to comprehensively assess masticatory function in maxillectomy patients with functioning removable prostheses. Their general and oral profiles, the measurement values of their oral functions, including masticatory function, and the history of tumor therapy were extracted from medical charts. The correlations of masticatory function with numerical data and the effects of tumor therapy-related factors on masticatory function were evaluated. In addition, a stepwise conditional logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the potential predictive factors comprehensively. The data from 55 maxillectomy patients revealed that the median value of masticatory function (138.0 mg/dL) was higher than the threshold (100.0 mg/dL) based on the concept of oral hypofunction. Moderate correlations of masticatory function with the number of remaining teeth, the number of functioning occlusal supports, and maximum occlusal force were found, as well as a weak correlation with maximum tongue pressure. These variables also showed statistically significant coefficients (p < 0.01). No significant effect of each tumor therapy-related factor on masticatory function was detected. A logistic regression analysis identified the number of functioning occlusal supports as a significant predictive factor. These results implied the crucial interactions of masticatory function with various factors and the specificities of maxillectomy patients.

History, Innovation, Pearls, and Pitfalls in Complex Midface Reconstruction

Midface reconstruction in head and neck cancer or individuals with extensive trauma to the face has evolved significantly over the past few decades with the introduction of free flap reconstruction and virtual surgical planning enabling surgeons to obtain optimal cosmetic and functional outcomes. Traditional methods such as the use of obturators or local flaps still have a role in select situations, but complex defects have been replaced by the advent of microvascular free tissue transfer and virtual planning, which can commonly provide a single-stage reconstruction of the midface with excellent aesthetic and functional results. This article provides an overview of the history and evolution of midface reconstruction, a discussion of how to integrate virtual surgical planning into a surgical practice, an example of a complex midface reconstruction case, and pearls and pitfalls that have been experienced by an experienced reconstructive team.

Quality of life in patients with cancer-related Brown IIb maxillary defect: A comparison between conventional obturation rehabilitation and submental flap reconstruction

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the differences in quality of life (QOL) outcomes between the conventional obturator prostheses (COP) and the pedicled submental artery island flap (SAIF) in the reconstruction of Brown IIb maxillary defects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The QOL of 116 eligible patients who had a lapse ≥ 12 months after the cancer-related maxilla ablation was evaluated by the University of Washington quality of life scale (UW-QOL), Performance Status Scale for Head and Neck (PSS-HN), and Obturator Functioning Scale (OFS).

RESULTS

Patients in the SAIF group reported statistically and clinically significant higher overall QOL scores but lower chewing scores in the UW-QOL scale when compared with those in the COP group (P < 0.05). Clinically significantly higher scores were also observed in the recreation and anxiety domains in the UW-QOL scale for the SAIF group, but there was no statistical significances. The COP group reported more complaints about the nasal leakage when swallowing and the shape of the upper lip, and had a stronger willingness to avoid family or social events in the OFS (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with Brown IIb defects, SAIF reconstruction can achieve reduced nasal leakage when swallowing, improved upper-lip contour, increased social activity, and superior overall QOL than COP. The inferior chewing function in the SAIF group indicated the need for dental rehabilitation with a conventional denture or osseointegrated implants.

Health-related quality of life in maxillectomy patients undergoing dentoalveolar rehabilitation

OBJECTIVES

Surgical resection of the maxilla impairs aesthetics, speech, swallowing, and mastication. Maxillary reconstruction is increasingly performed with virtual surgical planning (VSP) to enhance functional dental rehabilitation with a conventional denture or osseointegrated implants. The aim of this study was to determine whether dental status and VSP is associated with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and function in patients who have undergone maxillectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients who underwent free flap reconstruction or obturation of the maxilla between July 2009 and December 2020. The FACE-Q Head and Neck Cancer (FACE-Q) module, M.D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI), and Speech Handicap Index (SHI) were used to evaluate HRQOL.

RESULTS

Forty-three patients (response rate 59%) completed questionnaires and 48% underwent dental rehabilitation. In Okay Class II and III defects, adjusting for the effect of radiotherapy and time from surgery, there was a positive association between denture status and FACE-Q smiling (p = 0.020), eating (p = 0.012), smiling (p = 0.015), and MDADI global (p = 0.015), emotional (p = 0.027), functional (p = 0.028), and composite (p = 0.029) scores. VSP was associated with FACE-Q swallowing (p = 0.005), drooling (p = 0.030), eating (p = 0.008), smiling (p = 0.021), MDADI global (p = 0.017), emotional (p = 0.041), functional (p = 0.040), composite (p = 0.038), and SHI total scores (p = 0.042).

CONCLUSIONS

Dentoalveolar rehabilitation and VSP were associated with higher HRQOL scores relating to eating and drinking, smiling, and speaking.

A New Strategy for Patient-Specific Implant-Borne Dental Rehabilitation in Patients With Extended Maxillary Defects

Purpose of the Study

Patients undergoing ablative tumor surgery of the midface are faced with functional and esthetic issues. Various reconstructive strategies, such as implant-borne obturator prostheses or microvascular tissue transfer, are currently available for dental rehabilitation. The present study shows the first follow-up of patients treated with patient-specific implants (IPS Implants^® Preprosthetic) for the rehabilitation of extended maxillary defects following ablative surgery.

Patients and Methods

All patients treated with patient specific implants due to postablative maxillary defects were included. 20 implants were placed in the 19 patients (bilateral implants were placed in one of the cases). In 65.75% of the cases, resection was performed due to squamous cell carcinoma. In addition to the primary stability, the clinical implant stability, soft tissue management, successful prosthodontic restoration, and complications were evaluated at a mean follow-up period of 26 months.

Results

All patient-specific implants showed primary stability and were clinically stable throughout the observation period. Definitive prosthodontic restorations were performed in all patients. No implant loosening was observed. Major complications occurred only in previously irradiated patients with insufficient soft tissue conditions (p = 0.058). Minor complications such as exposure of the underlying framework or mucositis were observed, but they never led to failure of restorations or implant loss.

Conclusions

Treatment of postablative maxillary defects with patient-specific implants offers a safe alternative with predictable results for full and rapid dental rehabilitation, avoiding time-consuming augmentation procedures and additional donor-site morbidity.

Evaluation and comparison of oral function after resection of cancer of the upper gingiva in patients who underwent reconstruction surgery versus those treated with a prosthesis

BACKGROUND

We retrospectively analyzed the articulation, mastication, and swallowing function of patients who underwent reconstruction or used a prosthesis after resection of the upper gingiva.

METHODS

This study included patients who underwent resection of cancer of the upper gingiva from January 2014 to December 2018. Articulatory function was evaluated with Hirose's conversational function evaluation criteria. Mastication function was evaluated with the Yamamoto's occlusion table. Swallowing function was assessed with the MTF (Method of intake, Time, Food) score.

RESULTS

The mean articulatory function score was 8 points in the Reconstruction Surgery Group (RSG) and 8.8 points in the Prosthesis Group (PG). The mean mastication function score was 2.8 points in the RSG and 3.3 points in the PG. The mean swallowing function score was M3T4F4 in the RSG and M4T4F4.3 in the PG.

CONCLUSIONS

The prosthesis depends on the remaining occlusal support area. Our study suggest that prosthesis is better indication when there is more than one occlusal support area.

Mucosal resurfacing of the suprastructure maxillectomy cavity using nasal cavity mucosa flaps

OBJECTIVE

We analyzed clinical data of patients in which the suprastructure maxillectomy site was covered with nasal cavity mucosa flaps with or without free mucosa graft from the nasal septum, to determine the usefulness of this procedure.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of four edentulous patients who had the suprastructure maxillectomy site covered using nasal cavity mucosa flaps with or without free mucosa graft from the nasal septum between 2014 and 2020, were analyzed.

RESULTS

All patients underwent suprastructure maxillectomy using the external approach. There were no major complications resulting from surgical intervention. Radiotherapy (RT) was performed in all patients after surgery. All nasal cavity mucosa flaps survived after RT. There was mild cheek retraction, but to a degree that was cosmetically tolerable in all patients. Local recurrence and distant metastasis to the orbit occurred in one patient. Among four patients, two patients died during follow-up, including one tumor related death and one death from old age.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated that the use of nasal cavity mucosal flap to cover the suprastructure maxillectomy cavity was effective in improving the patient's quality of life by minimizing wound problems and facial contour changes such as cheek retraction despite postoperative RT.

Partial and Total Flap Failure after Fibula Free Flap in Head and Neck Reconstructive Surgery: Retrospective Analysis of 180 Flaps over 19 Years

Fibula free flap (FFF) is widely used in head and neck reconstructive surgery and is considered as a standard and therapy of choice after ablative cancer surgery. The aim of this retrospective monocenter study was to determine the success rates of fibula free flaps for jaw reconstruction after ablative tumor surgery. The disease course of patients who underwent jaw reconstructive surgery with FFF from January 2002 to June 2020 was evaluated regarding the flap success rate. Flap failure was analyzed in detail and categorized into two groups: partial flap failure (PFF) and total flap failure (TFF). A total of 180 free fibular flaps were performed over the last 19 years and a total of 36 flap failures were recorded. TFF occurred in n = 20 (56.6%) and PFF in n = 16 cases (44.4%) cases. No statistically significant differences were found concerning patients' age at flap transfer, sex, BMI, ASA-Score, preoperative non-virtual or virtual surgical planning (non-VSP vs. VSP), and time of reconstruction (immediately vs. delayed). Duration of hospitalization shows statistically significant differences between both groups (p = 0.038), but no differences concerning operating time and duration on Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Partial flap failure appears to be underreported in literature. Sub- and complete failure of the skin paddle leads to clinical complaints like uncovered bone segments and plate exposure. Partial or complete FFF failure lead to infections on the recipient site and prolonged wound healing and therefore may cause a delay of the beginning of adjuvant radiation therapy (RT). PFF of hard tissue can be induced by RT.

Strategic use of obturator prostheses for the rehabilitation of oral cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic

During the current pandemic scenario, maxillofacial rehabilitation specialists involved with supportive care in cancer must transform its practice to cope with COVID-19 and improve protocols that could quickly return the oral function of complex cancer patients who cannot wait for surgical complex rehabilitation. This includes the role of the maxillofacial prosthodontist for the rehabilitation of surgically treated patients with maxillary cancers by the means of filling obturator prostheses that are considered an optimal scientific-based strategy to reduce hospital stay with excellent pain control, oral function (speech, swallowing, mastication, and facial esthetics), psychologic and quality of life outcomes for the patients following intraoral cancer resection. Therefore, the aim of this commentary was to bring new lights to the strategic use of obturator prostheses for the rehabilitation of oral cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as to present a protocol for managing such cases.

Mastication in maxillectomy patients: A comparison between reconstructed maxillae and implant supported obturators: A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare masticatory performance and patient reported eating ability of maxillectomy patients with implant-supported obturators and patients with surgically reconstructed maxillae.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada and at Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands. Eleven surgically reconstructed maxillectomy patients have been included at University of Alberta and nine implant-supported obturator patients at MUMC+. The mixing ability test (MAT) was used to measure masticatory performance. In addition, the oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) was measured with shortened versions of the oral health impact profile (OHIP) questionnaire. Values of the implant-supported obturator group versus the surgical reconstruction group were compared with independent t-tests in case of normal distribution, otherwise the Mann-Whitney U test was applied.

RESULTS

Patients with reconstructed maxillae and patients with implant-supported obturator prostheses had similar mean mixing ability indices (18.20 ± 2.38 resp. 18.66 ± 1.37; P = .614). The seven OHRQoL questions also showed no differences in masticatory ability between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

With caution, the results of this study seem to confirm earlier results that implant-supported obturation is a good alternative to surgical reconstruction for all Class II maxillary defects. With both techniques, the masticatory performance is sufficiently restored, with careful planning being highly desirable.

Palatomaxillary Reconstruction: Fibula or Scapula

Palatomaxillary reconstruction presents a unique challenge for the reconstructive surgeon. The maxillofacial skeleton preserves critical aerodigestive functions-it provides a stable hard palate to support mastication and separate the nasal and oral cavities, and buttress support to provide adequate midface contour. Free tissue transfer has become a routine part of the reconstructive ladder in managing palatomaxillary defects. While there is a wide variety of options for bony reconstruction within the head and neck, the fibula and the scapula, and their variations, have become two of the most commonly used options for midface reconstruction. This review will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both in specific regard to reconstruction of the palatomaxillary area.

Oral health-related quality of life and oral hygiene condition in patients with maxillofacial defects: A retrospective analysis

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of oral rehabilitation (maxillofacial prosthetic intervention and oral hygiene instruction) on oral health-related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) and oral hygiene condition in patients with maxillofacial defects and to explore the correlation between them in these patients.

METHODS

Twenty-five patients with maxillofacial defects who had been treated since April 2016 to March 2018 were included in this study. The scores of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) and O'Leary's Plaque Control Record (PCR) were also identified as the scores of OHRQoL and oral hygiene condition, respectively. Statistical analyses were performed to compare between the scores of "pre" and "post" prosthetic treatment and to evaluate patient-related factors influencing these variables (age, the number of residual teeth and occlusal supports, and occlusal units (OUs)). The effect of combined chemo-radiotherapy (CRT) on each score was also assessed statistically. Furthermore, the correlation of OHIP and PCR scores was explored statistically.

RESULTS

Both oral rehabilitations could significantly improve OHIP and PCR scores. Significant correlations of the change of OHIP scores with age and OUs were detected. CRT had no significant effect on OHIP and PCR scores. No correlations between OHIP and PCR were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Although oral rehabilitation such as maxillofacial prosthetic treatment and oral hygiene instruction would be highly effective for improvement of OHRQoL and oral hygiene condition in patients with maxillofacial defects, there was no correlation between them.