Prosthetic rehabilitation

Patients with head and neck defects may undergo reconstruction surgically, prosthetically, or with a combined approach. In some situations, prosthetic rehabilitation may be the preferred treatment option. Presurgical treatment planning and evaluation of the patient is paramount to successful reconstruction and rehabilitation. Patient education and assessment of the patient's expectations are essential in the acceptance of a proposed treatment plan. Communication and joint treatment planning early in the process between the surgeon and maxillofacial prosthodontist will optimize results.

Reconstruction of the orbital floor after its removal for malignancy

Reconstruction of the orbital floor for malignant disease can be difficult. The tissue used should replace the floor itself and the orbital rim to ensure appropriate positioning of the globe and to avoid ectropion. The authors present a simple technique using temporalis muscle with attached coronoid process of the mandible that covers both these areas, and which is suitable for most defects in this area.

Computer-generated patient models for reconstruction of cranial and facial deformities

The use of three-dimensional, computer-generated anatomic models can be used in the diagnosis and reconstruction of a variety of craniofacial problems. They are readily manufactured from computed tomography scans at a reasonable cost with only several weeks of preparation and delivery time. Their contemporary value is in the preoperative treatment planning, intraoperative implant fashioning, and preoperative implant fabrication in appropriately selected patients.

A CAD/CAM technique for fabricating facial prostheses: a preliminary report

A computer-aided designing and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technique for clinical fabrication of facial prostheses was developed. Laser surface scanning was applied to acquire three-dimensional imaging data of the patient's facial defect. The three-dimensional imaging data was then transferred to a CAD/CAM interactive program for image processing, which then mathematically designed and produced a model for fabrication of the facial prosthesis. This CAD/CAM technique has the potential to simplify the procedure and decrease the laboratory work required compared to that required for the conventional plaster-cast method. This new technique also provides a novel approach to the fabrication of prostheses for the reconstruction of facial defects. Two alternative three-dimensional modeling processes, laser lithographic modeling and numerically controlled milling modeling, were integrated in this study. The possibilities and current limitations of the techniques are also discussed.

Modified bar superstructure for an implant-retained orbital prosthesis

The success of a bar superstructure for an orbital prosthesis may be compromised by the placement and angulation of implants. The following technique describes a modification to a bar superstructure that provided the advantages of convenience, security, and consistent positioning even though one implant was lost and the angulation of implants limited accuracy.

The temporalis muscle flap: an evaluation and review of 38 cases

This article analyzes the authors' experience with the temporal myofascial flap in orbital, maxillary, floor of the mouth, tongue, retromolar trigone, and buccal mucosa reconstruction after oncologic surgery. Thirty-eight patients were treated and evaluated after using this technique. Four of the patients received the flap to restore orbital defects; the other 34 flaps were used in oral reconstruction. The flap remained viable in all instances. Most of the patients experienced no perioperative complications. Ten patients (29.4%) with flaps transposed to the oral cavity showed partial wound dehiscence. Two patients experienced temporomandibular joint dysfunction, two severe reduction in the oral aperture, 22 had mild depression of the temporal fossa, and four had mild to severe alteration in the facial aesthetics secondary to bone resection. All flaps transposed to the oral cavity showed good epithelialization and adaptation to the recipient site.

Surgical and prosthetic considerations in the management of orbital tumors

Since tumors of the globe and ocular adnexa, other than skin cancers of the eyelid, are uncommon, most oncologic specialists have little opportunity to become experienced in the management of eye tumors. In general, a malignancy that does not penetrate a bony orbital wall can be resected with an adequate margin by inclusion of the adjacent wall and periorbita. The decision to save or sacrifice a globe when a malignancy penetrates the bone but not the periorbita should be based on such factors as the tumor histology, contralateral vision, the probability of permanent diplopia, and the need for irradiation in doses that would destroy vision. Because of the complications involved with irradiation of orbital tumors, surgical resection has been the treatment of choice. In addition, orbital exenteration presents a unique challenge to the maxillofacial prosthodontist. Prosthetic restoration of the orbit is often complicated by the extent of resection, tissue response, and method of retention.

Indications and surgical techniques for orbital exenteration

Indications for the mutilating operation of exenteration are enumerated. They usually involve a malignant neoplasm of the orbital contents, primary, direct extension, or adnexal tissue that cannot be controlled by simple excision or irradiation. Surgically, subtotal exenteration with partial preservation of lids and even conjunctiva may be achieved occasionally. However, total exenteration may be lifesaving. Techniques and precautions are discussed. Advantages and disadvantages of skin grafting that influence the postoperative care are noted.