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This study was conducted to reveal the relevant risk factors for surgical site infections (SSI) of the tracheostomy in ICU tracheostomy patients with oncologic history. Retrospectively, medical and ICU records of patients who received open tracheostomy in a uniform manner were investigated. Of 187 consecutive patients in total, patients with a peri/post-operative antibiotic prophylaxis (POABP) experienced significantly more Organ-Space SSI, whereas patients with a POABP developed less Superficial Incisional SSI and Deep Incisional SSI. Neck Dissection (p = 0.025), especially the more levels are included, and POABP (p = 0.005) have a significant impact on the occurrence of an SSI of the tracheostomy. Deep incisional SSI significantly prolonged a patient's dependency on a ventilator (p = 0.045, M = 3.92, SD = 4.718). The difference between Superficial Incisional, Deep Incisional and Organ-Space SSI should be taken in consideration regarding risk evaluation and treatment. Furthermore, a gram-negative facultative anaerobic biofilm should be taken into consideration in treatment options and thus an escalation regarding antibiotic treatment as a POABP. For fulminant SSI of the tracheostomy the use of piperacillin/tazobactam or 3rd generation cephalosporines or carbapenems is recommendable.

Objectives The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to determine risk factors for osteosynthesis-associated infections (OAI) with subsequent necessity of implant removal in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Materials and methods A total of 3937 records of patients who received either orthognathic, trauma, or reconstructive jaw surgery from 2009 to 2021 were screened for osteosynthetic material removal due to infection. Treatment-intervals, volume of applied osteosynthetic material, and respective surgical procedures were also assessed. Moreover, intraoperatively harvested microbial flora was cultured and subsequently identified by MALDI TOF. Bacteria were then screened for antibiotic resistance via VITEK system or, if necessary, via agar diffusion or epsilometer test. Data was analyzed utilizing SPSS statistical software. For statistical analysis of categorical variables, chi-square tests or Fisher exact tests were used. Continuous variables were compared via non-parametric tests. The level of significance for p-values was set at Results The lower jaw was more prone to OAI than the mid face region. Larger volumes of osteosynthetic material led to significantly more OAI, resulting in reconstruction plates bearing the highest risk for OAI especially when compared to small-volume mini-plates frequently applied in trauma surgery. Among OAI associated with implant volumes smaller than 1500 mm3, the detection of Streptococcus spp., Prevotella spp., Staphylococcus spp., and Veillonella spp. was significantly elevated, whereas implant volumes larger than 1500 mm3 showed a significant increase of Enterococcus faecalis, Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. High susceptibility rates (87.7–95.7%) were documented for 2nd- and 3rd-generation cephalosporines and piperacillin/tazobactam. Conclusion High material load and lower jaw reconstruction bear the greatest risks for OAI. When working with large volume osteosynthetic implants, gram-negative pathogens must be considered when choosing an appropriate antibiotic regime. Suitable antibiotics include, e.g., piperacillin/tazobactam and 3rd-generation cephalosporines. Clinical relevance Osteosynthetic material utilized in reconstructive procedures of the lower jaw may be colonized with drug-resistant biofilms.

Abstract Objectives Screw-retained restoration of implants is advantageous for biological and esthetic reasons. Due to buccal concavities, however, this preferred type of restoration can only be used in about half of the anterior indications. Based on case series, an optimized method for the treatment of such indications is to be described; the clinical reliability is to be ascertained by means of measurements (before and after augmentation) and assigned to the current literature. Material and methods A case series of seven cases with buccal concavities of the anterior alveolar ridge were treated with optimized method, which is presented step-by-step until the prosthetic restoration. The depths of the bone concavities were measured and related to the bone gain after augmentation procedure respectively after implantation. Results Linear measurements of the buccal concavities showed an average undercut of 4 mm [SD ± 1.13]. After healing period of six months, the buccal concavities could be compensated bony to such an extent that implants could be inserted in correct position and angulation. On average, there was a horizontal bone gain of 3.7 mm [SD ± 0.59]. Even after implantation and another six months of healing, stable bone dimensions could be assumed with an average of 4.3 [SD ± 0.83] mm of bone gain compared to baseline. In six of the seven cases, the favorite screw-retained, one-piece full-ceramic restoration could be fixed on the implants. Due to the implant axis, one case had to be treated with a cemented two-part full-ceramic system. Conclusions With the described optimized method the most favorable screw-retained restoration can also be used in situations with unfavorable concavities of buccal bone. Especially for this indication, a special form of the horizontal deficit, the customized bone regeneration with titanium meshes is highly reliable in terms of healing and extent of augmentation. However, long-term results and a study/control group are required to evaluate the effectiveness of the presented protocol. Clinical relevance. Since these situations require an augmentation that is up to 5 mm thick and a procedure that is as minimally invasive as possible appears to be necessary in the visible area, an optimized method is described in this publication.

OBJECTIVES With an uprising influence of social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram a multitude of worldwide accessible information is available. Since the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic the exchange of medical information about several topics related to this infectious disease and its vaccination has increased rapidly. The purpose of this investigation was to assess the content associated with COVID-19 vaccination and its side effects and evaluate its educational quality. METHODS We conducted this retrospective study to investigate 600 Twitter and Instagram posts by #covidvaccinesideeffects due to number of 'likes', comments, type of post, language, its purpose and source. In addition, posts were evaluated due to educational quality by three examiners of different educational levels. RESULTS The majority of posts showed 0 to 50 "likes" and 0 to 5 comments in English language. A comparison between Twitter and Instagram by the influence of application showed significant differences in number of posts and "likes" or comments (p

The purpose of this study was to determine whether different types of position-related cranial deformities show changes after completion of head orthosis therapy. We investigated how children's age at the begin of molding helmet therapy affects the duration and long-term stability of treatment. In addition, parental satisfaction with helmet therapy has been investigated.Between 2012 and 2019, 47 patients have been analyzed after undergoing helmet therapy. At the beginning of treatment different disease pattern were classified. Posterior deformational Plagiocephalus defined by a cranial vault index (CVA)1 cm and a cranial index (CI) ≤ 90%. Posterior deformational Brachycephalus defined by CVA ≤ 1 cm and CI90%. Posterior deformational combined Plagio- and Brachycephalus defined by CVA1 cm and CI90%. At the beginning of therapy, the end of therapy and within 5-year-follow-up CI and CVA was measured by three-dimensional photogrammetry for 2 age groups (4-6 and 7-12 months). Additionally, parents completed a standardized questionnaire to evaluate the personal assessment of treatment outcome.During treatment CI and CVA of all children decreased significantly (P 0.001). Furthermore, CI significantly decreased after ending helmet therapy (P 0.001). Cranial vault index decreased not significantly in the same period (P = 0.361). For the 4 to 6 months old group treatment time was significantly shorter than for the older group. Before starting helmet therapy nearly half of the parents graded the scull as moderate and one-third as severe deformed. After ending treatment, the majority of parents report satisfaction and compliance. However, one-third of parents noted a slight scull deformation and personal load during therapy.After completion of therapy an improvement of head shape can be expected for the majority of children. This is particularly evident for improvement of the CI and a shorter treatment time until the age of 6 months at the beginning of therapy. Parents reported satisfaction and child compliance. Almost all parents were convinced that treatment was useful and would repeat it again.

This study was conducted to provide diametric and volumetric data of mandibular condyles from patients with Angle class 2 and 3 malocclusions by semiautomatic segmentation based upon cone-beam computed tomography.Cone-beam computed tomography images of 79 patients were analyzed. By using the open-source software "ITK-SNAP", diametric and volumetric measurements of 158 mandibular condyles were performed. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all normally distributed variables. Correlations between patients with Angle class 2 and 3 were calculated with the independent Student t test. P values P

Purpose This study was conducted to elucidate volumetric data of mandibular condyles of orthognathic patients by analyzing cone beam computed tomography images based upon semiautomatic segmentation. Methods Cone beam computed tomography images of 87 patients with malocclusions were analyzed in this retrospective study. Patients were between 17 and 53 years old and diagnosed with Angle class I, II, or III malocclusion. By using the validated open-source software “ITK-SNAP,” the volumetric measurements of 174 mandibular condyles were performed. Volumetric analysis was performed according to intra-subject side differences by paired Student t test. In accordance to inter-subject side, gender, age and type of malocclusion differences bivariate analysis and ANOVA were applied. Results The mean volume for the right condyle was 1.378 ± 0.447 cm3, with a maximum of 2.379 cm3 and a minimum of 0.121 cm3. The mean volume for the left side was 1.435 ± 0.474 cm3, with a maximum of 3.264 cm3 and a minimum of 0.109 cm3. Bivariate analysis indicated a highly significant inter-subject difference between the volume of the left and right mandibular condyles (p p p Conclusion The fact that shape and volume of mandibular condyles show a high susceptibility to pathological alterations and particularly malocclusions makes a precise knowledge about volumetric changes indispensable. Our results show that significant inter-subject differences in condyle volume could be found with respect to the side and gender. Larger volumes could be assessed for the left condyle and for male patients.

The purpose of this investigation was to analyze the volume of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) lesions by semi-automatic segmentation of cone-beam computed tomography images, and correlate the results with the underlying diseases and applied medication. MRONJ lesions detected in cone-beam computed tomography images were assessed. The open-source software ITK-Snap enabled volumetric measurements of MRONJ lesions based on semi-automatic segmentation. Results were analyzed according to necrosis volume, localization, and gender. In addition, the underlying disease and the type of application of antiresorptive medication were investigated. Cone-beam computed tomography images of 66 patients were studied. 34 male and 32 female patients were included, with ages ranging from 50 to 93 years at the time of diagnosis. The mean volume was 993.24 ± 620.94 mm3: 484.73 ± 230.97 mm3 for the upper jaw and 1084.04 ± 625.74 mm3 for the lower jaw. The results indicated statistically significant differences between lesions of the upper and lower jaw, regardless of gender (p = 0.003). The analysis of differences between males and females did not show any significant results (p = 0.464), although males presented slightly larger lesions than females. With regard to the underlying disease, patients with osteoporosis presented larger volumes, whereas patients with malignant tumors presented smaller volumes. Nevertheless, no statistically significant differences according to the underlying disease (p = 0.313) were detected. However, patients with intravenous (iv) application showed statistically significantly larger lesions than patients who underwent oral or subcutaneous (s.c.) applications (p = 0.004). It seems that the osteonecrosis volume correlates with the applied antiresorptive agents. Larger MRONJ lesions should be expected in patients who receive intravenous antiresorptive therapy.

With the introduction of an e-scooter-sharing system in Germany, standing electric scooters became popular modes of transportation in many urban areas. But the increase in popularity has resulted in an increase in traumatic injuries associated with e-scooter accidents. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the common fracture pattern of patients with mandible fractures as a result of an electric scooter accident. The authors performed a retrospective investigation of 52 patients who were admitted to the trauma unit of an oral and maxillofacial department from June until November 2019 with a fracture of the mandible. Our study investigated the first 6 months of e-scooter sharing system in a major city with more than 1 million inhabitants. Our cohort consists of 52 patients, 38 males, and 14 females with a mean age of 37 years. E-scooter related mandible fractures were with 21% the third biggest group, after physical assault and falls. 45% of these patients were intoxicated by alcohol. Furthermore, the majority of e-scooter patients presented more than one fracture of the mandible (73%). For our cohort, a typical combination of a symphysis or body fracture and bilateral affected ramus and/or condyle was the prevalent recorded fracture combination (55%) of e-scooter related traumata. Small scooter wheels, a speed of 15 miles or 20 kilometers per hour and the individual clinging to the handlebar falling predestinate these vehicles for accidents with craniofacial trauma. Among all cranio-facial traumas mandible fractures were mostly documented for e-scooter accidents. The severity of e-scooter related mandible fractures and their fracture pattern should be recognized by trauma units.

With an uprising influence of social media platforms like Instagram during the last decade, medical and healthcare related posts have accumulated majorly. In particular the head and face characterizes and signifies each individual's human character, which may be the reason why numerous posts are shared on social media platforms. The purpose of this investigation was to assess the content associated with facial trauma surgery and evaluate its educational quality.The authors performed a retrospective investigation on 550 Instagram posts by #facialtraumasurgery due to number of "likes," comments, type of post, language, its purpose, and source. Furthermore, posts were evaluated due to their educational quality by 3 examiners of different educational levels.The majority of posts showed 0 to 50 "likes" and 0 to 5 comments in English language. The major post type were single photographs (289; 52.5%), multiple photographs (188; 34.2%), videos (73; 13.3%) and predominantly case reports (233; 42.4%). The source was 322 (58.5%) posts by surgeons, followed by 185 (33.6%) clinic posts. Only 10% to 18% of the posts were rated "excellent." Interrater reliability between all 3 examiners presented a high concordance with 89% (P = 0.000).Our study presents an analysis of quantity and quality of social media content according to facial trauma surgery. It supports the deduction that most of the content on Instagram is shared by patients and unclear sources and thus is limited informative. Nevertheless, influence of social media on medical information is increasing and practitioners have to face its effect on their patients.

The pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) is a complex and paired anatomical structure located at the skull base. A clinically and surgically relevant structure located in the pterygopalatine fossa is the sphenopalatine ganglion. Electrical stimulation of the sphenopalatine ganglion is one possible method of treating cluster headache. The pterygomaxillary fissure (PMF) defines the pterygopalatine fossa laterally and determines the surgical approach. As part of preoperative surgical planning, each patient undergoes a preoperative head computed tomography or a cone beam computed tomography. In our study cone beam computed tomography images of 90 male and 110 female PMF were analyzed. Generally, males have a wider fissure than females. Moreover, a significant inter-subject difference could be shown between males and females. The analysis of the right and left PMF according to gender and age does not show any significant intra-subject differences. Following an established protocol for high-resolution CT images the measurements were classified into four fissure types and also analyzed according to gender and age. Fissure type I is significantly more often present in males, whereas the smaller fissure types (II, III, and IV) are significantly more often found in females. Older patients presented statistically significant more often with type I, whereas the younger patients showed more often the narrower types II and IV. Due to the fact that narrow fissures smaller than 2 mm could limit the insertion of neurostimulator implants in the PPF, special attention should be paid to females and younger patients during preoperative planning.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate potential differences in volumes of areas of osteolysis caused by medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) between the upper and lower jaw. We aim to analyze the clinical relevance of volumetric measurement of osteolytic lesions for surgical planning of MRONJ patients. Sixty-seven patients who were clinically and histopathologically diagnosed with MRONJ were retrospectively included in this study. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were evaluated according to localization, affected anatomical structures, and volumetric measurement of osteolytic lesions caused by MRONJ in appliance of CBCT datasets by using ITK-SNAP. The most frequently affected localization is the mandible, whereas female patients show significantly more often lesions of the maxilla. The cortical bone was predominantly affected. Furthermore, the affection of teeth, sinus floor, inferior alveolar nerve canal, or even a pathological fracture of the mandible are infrequently existing. The volumetric measurements revealed a statistically significant greater absolute osteolysis volume in males. Image analysis and volumetric measurements of osteolytic lesions of MRONJ patients is a helpful tool to further understand the clinical appearance and identify compromised anatomic landmarks. Volumetric analysis aids in pre-surgical planning and visualizes the individual extent of the disease for each patient.

PURPOSE The authors conducted this study to provide morphological and volumetric data of recurrent odontogenic keratocysts of the upper and lower jaw to emphasize risk factors in accordance with their radiological appearance and guide clinical decisions for jeopardized patients. METHODS By applying the open-source software "ITK-Snap" on cone-beam computed tomography images, volumetric measurements of histopathologically diagnosed recurrent odontogenic keratocysts could be performed. For statistical investigations, descriptive statistics and independent Student t test were performed. The intraclass correlation coefficient was used to assess intra- and inter-rater reliabilities. P values P

Purpose Our study aimed to provide volumetric data relating to fibro-osseous lesions of the craniofacial skeleton, in order to highlight risk factors due to the different entities, and to guide clinical decisions for jeopardized patients. Methods Volumetric measurements of osteomas and ossifying fibromas were performed by applying the open-source software ITK-Snap to cone-beam computed tomography images. DICOM datasets were imported, identified, and delineated using semiautomatic segmentation; this was then verified using manual segmentation. The volumes of the lesions were computed automatically in cubic millimeters using the program. For statistical investigations, descriptive statistics and independent Student t-tests were performed. Additionally, Pearson's correlation was applied as a bivariate analysis. Values of p Results 45 patients (11 male and 34 female) were included in this study. The mean volumes were 10.02 ± 18.79 cm3 for osteomas and 4.80 ± 5.71 cm3 for ossifying fibromas (p = 0.016). Males (12.81 ± 20.38 cm3) presented significantly larger volumes than females (5.43 ± 10.32 cm3) (p = 0.042). With regard to shape, morphology, and affection of surrounding anatomical structures, irregular shape (p = 0.001; p = 0.037), multilocular morphology (p = 0.001; p = 0.037), nerve affection (p = 0.001; p = 0.002), tooth affection (p = 0.001; p = 0.594), cortical bone exceedance (p = 0.033; p = 0.001), and clinically visible symptoms (p = 0.004; p = 0.001) were statistically significantly associated with a larger volume of both entities. Conclusion Volumetric analysis revealed that osteomas significantly exceeded the mean size of ossifying fibromas, supporting the argument that special attention should be paid to this entity. In cases of difficult histopathological examination, lesions with irregular shape, multilocular morphology, nerve and tooth affection, cortical bone exceedance, and clinically visible symptoms should be considered for close clinico-radiological follow-up, irrespective of the entity.

For medicolegal purposes, orthodontic or orthognathic treatment various stomatological staging technique for age estimation with appliance of conventional radiographic images have been published. It remains uninvestigated if cone beam computer-tomography delivers comparable staging results to the conventional radiographic stages of third molar analysis.We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study of 312 patients aged 13 to 21 years. Dental age estimation staging technique, introduced by Nolla and Demirjian, were applied on the left lower third molar imaged by conventional panoramic radiographs and cone beam computer-tomography. It was investigated if 2D and 3D imaging presented different staging results for dental age estimation.In 21% the Demirjian’s staging differed by a single stage between 2D and 3D images. The greatest congruence (87%) between 2D and 3D images was revealed for stage 7 (G). In contrary, stage 5 (E) presented the lowest level of congruence with 47.4%. The categorization of Nolla revealed divergences in staging for than 2 categorical variables in Nolla’s stages 3,4,5 and 6. In general, the analysis of the data displayed the divergence for Nolla’s stages 4 to 8. The staging results for 2D and 3D imaging in accordance to the rules of Nolla and Demirjian showed significant differences. Individuals of 18 years may present immature third molars, thus merely an immature third molar cannot reject legal majority.Nolla’s and Demirjian’s 2D and 3D imaging present significantly different staging results.

This investigation was performed to analyze and evaluate anatomical and volumetric data of the sphenoid sinus by semiautomatic segmentation of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) datasets.This analysis was carried out on cone beam computed tomography images of 100 patients. By using the discretionary software "ITK-Snap", the volumetric investigation of 197 sphenoid sinuses was conducted. The statistical analyses were carried out by using the paired and independent Student t-test. In addition, the Pearsons chi-square test was performed. P values P 0.05 were considered significant.The volumetric mean was 4.438 ± 2.434 cm3 for the right and 4.809 ± 3.000 for the left side. Results did not indicate statistically significant differences according to the side, irrespective of gender (P 0.05). The further investigation of differences between male and female patients did assess significant results (P 0.05), males (10.477 ± 3.851 cm3) present a larger total sinus volume than females (8.219 ± 3.574 cm3). In accordance to patients' age (median 54 years), smaller volumes were related to younger patients and larger volumes to older ones. But, no statistically significant results in accordance to age could be detected (χ2 = 1.258; P 0.05).Endoscopic sinus surgery of the vulnerable and intricate anatomy of the sphenoid sinus requires an explicit knowledge and orientation about the anatomical variations such as septums and volumetric capacity. Concerning this matter, semiautomatic segmentation of CBCT images can aid the surgeon in preoperative planning. Our investigation shows that a small sinus volume, that is, affecting female patients and a complex sinus anatomy by the occurrence of a septum, especially located close to neurovascular structures could essentially aggravate endoscopic sphenoid sinus surgery. In this regard, volumetric analysis of the sphenoid sinus by CBCT images can provide presurgical information and facilitates an individualized treatment.

The aim of this study was to provide volumetric data of the pterygopalatine fossa by semiautomatic segmentation based upon cone beam computed tomography.Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 100 patients were analyzed. By using the open source software "ITK-Snap," the volumetric measurements of 200 pterygopalatine fossae were performed. For statistical investigations paired t test, and independent Student t test were performed. Also, the Pearsons chi-square test was applied. P values P 0.05 were considered significant.The mean volume was 578.376 mm for the right and 560.979 mm for the left side. The results indicated statistically significant differences according to the right and the left pterygopalatine fossa, regardless of gender (P 0.05). The analysis of differences between males and females did not show any significant results (P 0.05), although males present a slightly larger volume than females. According to the median age (59 years), younger patients presented smaller volumes, whereas older patients presented larger volumes. Nevertheless, no statistically significant differences according to age (χ = 3.520; P 0.05) could be found.Clinical intervention with the application of local anesthetics into the complex and vulnerable anatomy of the pterygopalatine fossa makes a thorough knowledge about the volumetric capacity indispensable. Therefore, the semiautomatic segmentation of CBCT images provides a useful, available and validated tool. Our results show that a final injected anesthetic volume larger than 1 ml exceeds the pterygopalatine fossa capacity considerably and could cause complications. To prevent this, volumetric analysis of this region can provide further information and enables an individualized patients' treatment.

Purpose Little is known about the three-dimensional (3D) transfer accuracy in maxillary repositioning procedures based on conventionally manufactured dental-mounted wafers. The purpose of the present study was a systematic 3D analysis for wafer-based maxillary positioning in orthognathic surgery. Materials and methods A total of 92 patients underwent Le Fort I in addition to mandibular bilateral sagittal split osteotomies (BSSO). Alignment of the pre- and postsurgical CBCT data sets allowed measuring maxillary position changes in axial, sagittal and transversal directions. Results The highest achieved absolute transfer inaccuracies were 1.37 mm, ±0.84 in the sagittal direction, followed by 1.15 mm, ±0.69 in the axial, as well as 1.05 mm, ±0.79 in the transversal direction. The largest relative deviations could be found for repositions in the transversal plane (109.4%, ±4.5), followed by the axial (66.2%, ±51.5) and sagittal plane (49.3%, ±2.2). Significant transfer accuracy differences of repositioning procedures in the sagittal direction, mainly advancement procedures, could be detected if performed with (1.75 mm, ±0.90) or without (1.18 mm, ±0.78) additional rotational correction component. No significant differences were found between unidirectional and multidirectional maxillary correction procedures. Conclusion The present study for the first time delivers systematic 3D accuracy data of wafer-based maxillary positioning procedures, attesting to its feasibility but also further encouraging the search for improvement strategies.