Spasmodic torticollis after orthognathic surgery

The treatment of malocclusions can involve orthognathic surgery. Although orthognathic surgery is a safe surgical procedure, low incidences of many complications have been reported such as infections, hemorrhage, nerve injuries, temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), and psychological problems. There are no reports in the literature of orthognathic surgery being associated with postural disorders although the link between dental occlusion and postural disorders is highlighted in numerous recent publications. This report describes the case of a young, healthy patient who presented with sustained spasmodic torticollis following orthognathic surgery. In addition, the physiopathological aspects of this atypical condition are discussed.

Nasal basal cell carcinomas. Can we reduce surgical margins to 3mm with complete excision?

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incomplete excision rate of nasal basal cell carcinomas (BCC) resected with different margins to demonstrate that 3-mm surgical margins could be used as safety margins to reduce esthetic consequences with a low risk of incomplete excision.

METHODS

All patients with BCC of the nose excised from January 1st 2008 to December 31st 2011 were included. Data were analyzed and reviewed retrospectively. Tumors were treated with different surgical margins of excision: 3mm, 4mm, and 5mm. The primary outcome variable was the rate of incomplete excision. Other study variables were the histologic subtype, size, and recurrent lesions.

RESULTS

Of the 132 patients, 115 were included corresponding on with 127 BCC. Median age was 75.5 (64-83) and sex ratio M:F=1.05. Of the 127 BCC, 80 were aggressive histologic subtype (63%), and 11 were recurrent (8.7%). The overall rate of incomplete excision was 17.3% (n=22). Of these 22, 17 (77.3%) were of an aggressive subtype. The incomplete excision rates within the groups were 12.5% (n=4), 22.2% (n=10), and 16% (n=8), respectively within the group with 3-, 4- and 5-mm surgical margins. No significant difference was observed between the groups (P=.519). The incomplete excision rate was not independently associated with the surgical margins, histologic subtype and recurrent type (P>.05).

CONCLUSION

Three-millimeters margins could possibly be used to treat nasal BCC in chosen cases. Regarding the high rate of incomplete excision, reconstruction should be performed after receiving the pathologic report.

[Pneumoparotid: a rare cause of recurrent parotid swelling]

INTRODUCTION

Pneumoparotid is a rare cause of recurrent parotid swelling. It is often fortuitous, caused by an action inducing intraoral pressure, increased or self-induced.

OBSERVATION

An 8-year-old boy presented with recurrent right unilateral parotid swelling for 2 years. A CT-scan was performed, outside of the acute phase, which revealed the presence of intraparotid air bubbles.

DISCUSSION

Pneumoparotitis results from air flowing back into Stensen's duct, due to an anatomical abnormality and a significant increase of intraoral pressure. The diagnosis is made on clinical examination, often completed by a morphological examination (cervicofacial CT-scan or parotid ultrasound investigation). The outcome is most often favorable, with symptomatic treatment, and sometimes antibiotic prophylaxis. Patient education is the best means to prevent recurrence.

[Naso-ethmoido-maxillary protrusion (NEMP): a specific dysmorphosis]

Naso-ethmoido-maxillary protrusion (NEMP) is a rare dental and facial dysmorphosis, with excessive growth of basicranium, ethmoid, maxillary, and nasal bones. The clinical presentation includes nasal and upper lip protrusion, telecanthus, a class 2 malocclusion with maxillary protrusion and exoclusion. The craniofacial field is increased in Delaire's analysis. Contrary to isolated maxillary protrusion secondary to membranous ossification dysfunction, NEMP is a constitutional anomaly resulting from an excessive primary growth of the chondrocranium. The therapeutic management of NEMP should take into account these specificities.