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Giorgio Iannetti

Publications and source records attributed to Giorgio Iannetti.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Solitary fibrous tumours of the infratemporal fossa. Two case reports.

INTRODUCTION: The solitary fibrous tumour is a rare neoplasm originally described as a pleural tumour. An increasing number of different locations are described in the literature. Among the extrapulmonary sites, head and neck can be involved and particularly the nose, the paranasal sinuses, the submandibular region, the parapharyngeal space and the infratemporal fossa. MATERIAL: Two cases, one of a young woman and another of an elderly gentleman are reported, each presenting with a solitary fibrous tumour of the infratemporal fossa. In one case an antero-lateral, transcranio-facial and in the other, a transmandibular approach (without labiotomy) were utilized. In both cases complete excision of the lesion and good cosmetic results were achieved. RESULTS: Both patients were free from the disease for 5 postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: To date, very few cases of solitary fibrous tumour of the craniofacial complex have been observed to enable an accurate prognosis. Thus, treatment and follow-up should be identical to fibrous tumours located in other areas.

Adult↗

Pindborg tumor in children.

Pindborg tumor or calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor is a rare benign neoplasm. The average age at diagnosis is 40 years without a significant prevalence for one sex. The most frequent localization is the mandibular premolar and molar area; less frequently the lesion is found in the maxilla, while other localizations like the maxillary sinus are extremely rare. Ethiology of this lesion is not clear. The complete surgical removal of the lesion is usually considered the most common type of treatment. The authors report a peculiar case of Pindborg tumor characterized by a rare localization of the lesion (maxillary incisal area) and by the young age of the patient (nine years old). The correct treatment in the case of a small mass is the surgical enucleation of the lesion. The purpose of the surgical treatment is the radical resection of the neoplasm with clean margins in order to reduce the risk of recurrence of disease. Recurrence of disease many years after surgical therapy has been reported that is why a clinical and instrumental long-term follow-up of the patient are suggested.

Child↗

LeFort III advancement with and without osteogenesis distraction.

The LeFort III osteotomy is the surgical treatment performed in patients with mid-facial retrusions in craniofacial dysostoses such as Crouzon, Apert, Pfeiffer syndromes, etc. The first authors to report the accomplishment of this osteotomy were Gillies and Harrison in 1951, this technique was then resumed and improved by Tessier in 1967, who made five different variants mainly regarding the typology of the osteotomy concerning the lateral wall of the orbit. Recently, distraction techniques have been applied to the upper mid-face which foresees a gradual advancement of the mid-face through the osteogenetic distraction procedure. The purpose of this retrospective clinical outcome study is to evaluate and compare the two different surgical techniques through the experience acquired during the treatment of 15 cases of craniofacial dysostoses from 1990-2005, and through international literature. The standard surgery technique was performed in 5 of these patients, whereas the osteogenetic distraction technique was performed in the remaining 10. All patients were studied preoperatively through the acquisition of photographic images, cephalometric analysis of the skull, and the study on plaster models of the occlusion of the dental arches. The instrumental exams required before surgery are the following: telecranium X-rays in two projections, orthopanoramic X-rays, CT. The results of this study indicate that the osteodistraction technique represents the choice treatment in severe retrusions of the mid-face while the traditional surgical technique remains indicated in adult patients that are in need of moderate advancements.

Adolescent↗

Use of microvascular free flaps in the reconstruction of the anterior and middle skull base.

Different reconstruction techniques of the anterior and middle skull base as consequence of a defect after surgical treatment of neoplastic pathologies are described in the literature. The aim of the present study is to present our experience regarding the use of microvascular free flaps for reconstruction of the anterior or middle skull base after large defects caused by removal of malignant neoplasms. From 2000 to 2004, in the Department of Maxillo-Facial Surgery of the University of Rome "La Sapienza" and "Tor Vergata," 13 surgical procedures for reconstruction of anterior and middle skull base defects by free flaps were performed in 11 patients. Data on patient demographics, histopathology, location and size of defect, type of reconstruction, and postoperative complications were obtained from medical record charts. A safe soft tissue closure of the intracranial space was achieved in all patients. Defect repair was accomplished by revascularized transfer of rectus abdominis flaps in seven cases, latissimus dorsi muscle flaps in two patients, radial forearm flap in one case, and fibula flap in one case. There were two total flap losses; the secondary defect repair was accomplished in both cases by revascularized transfer of latissimus dorsi muscle flap. No donor site complications were observed in all the flaps. The mean operation time was 85 hours; patients were hospitalized for a mean period of 14 days. The method of choice for the reconstruction of anterior or middle skull base defect should be based upon careful evaluation of the single case and, particularly, the localization and entity of the residual defect. For defects that require large amounts of soft tissue, the latissimus dorsi free flap and the rectus abdominis free flap are the best appropriate choices for reconstructive procedures for anterior and middle skull base tumors.

Adolescent↗

Orbitofacial cleft number 5: radiographic, anatomical, and histologic study of a 24-week-old fetus.

BACKGROUND: Orbitofacial clefts are caused by a congenital absence of midfacial tissues between the eye and the upper lip just medial to the corner of the mouth. As a whole, facial clefts occur with an incidence of 1.43 to 4.85 per 100,000 births. The exact incidence of these unusual orbital facial clefts is unknown. Only a few clinical cases and their treatment have been reported in the world literature, and no anatomical or histologic study has been presented. METHODS: The authors present a detailed anatomical and histologic study in a 24-week-old fetus with a right-side no. 5 orbitofacial cleft (according to Tessier's classification). RESULTS: During the anatomical dissection, it was observed that in the trigeminal Gasser ganglion on the right side there was no infraorbital branch of this nerve. Both the foramen rotundum and the infraorbital groove, where the nerve exits, were hypotrophic. CONCLUSION: After embryologic analysis of their observation, the authors propose that the orbitofacial no. 5 cleft should be considered as a tissular disruption of the face secondary to damage of the terminal branches of the maxillary nerve.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

New therapeutic protocol in the treatment of avascular necrosis of the jaws.

Osteonecrosis of the jaws is being increasingly reported in patients with bone metastasis from a variety of solid tumors and disseminated multiple myeloma receiving intravenous bisphosphonates. Agreement exists that these drugs can initiate vascular endothelial cell damage and accelerate disturbances in the microcirculation of the jaws, possibly resulting in thrombosis of nutrient-end arteries. The role of bisphosphonates in cancer patients with previously treated jaws has yet to be elucidated. The signs and symptoms that may occur before the appearance of evident osteonecrosis include changes in the health of periodontal tissues, nonhealing mucosal ulcers, loose teeth and unexplained soft tissue infection. A series of 30 periodontally involved patients showing osteonecrosis of the jaws that appeared following the intravenous use of bisphosphonates is reported. Clinical management of the avascular necrosis of the jaws in patients treated with bisphosphonates presents several problems. An analysis of the international medical literature shows that surgical treatment of the necrotic jaws in patients treated with bisphosphonates has proven to be ineffective in stopping the pathological process. The use of hyperbaric oxygen and antibiotics are not effective, either. The authors have developed a new protocol for the management of these lesions. Compared with other therapeutic choices, this protocol has introduced the use of ozone therapy as therapeutic support.

Aged↗

Ethmoido-orbital tumors: our experience.

No data in the literature report the specific invasion of the orbit from ethmoidal tumors, although such a pattern of involvement of the orbit frequently occurs because of the thin lamina papyracea separating the two structures. From January 1986 to January 2003, 38 patients with untreated primary ethmoidal malignancies were observed at the Unit of Maxillo-Facial Surgery of the University "La Sapienza" in Rome. Personal data were obtained from review of the personal clinical file of each. Orbital invasion was present in 24 patients with ethmoidal malignancy. Three stages of orbital invasion were identified. The average overall survival, with the Kaplan-Meyer method, was 61.4% after 1 year and 51.1% at 5 and 10 years. Intracranial involvement is the main element for short-term negative prognosis. Orbital exenteration is fundamental if grade III orbital invasion occurs because it ensures an improvement of the disease-free survival.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Scoliosis of the cranial base: radiological and mathematical analysis using finite elements system analysis (FESA) of a case.

INTRODUCTION AND PROPOSED STUDY: Numerous deforming syndromes of the craniofacial complex involve also the symmetry of the cranial base. This study considers a particular alteration, that of 'scoliosis', in which the line Nasion-Sella-Basion-Inion is not rectilinear but curved, due to a torsion of the cranial base in the horizontal plane. MATERIALS: Plagiocephaly was studied in one patient, which was probably caused by altered timing or mechanism of closure of the cranial sutures. METHODS: This study was carried out using CT images of the patient's craniofacial complex, using standard neuroradiological points. In order to study the forces that operated in the various complexes, a mathematical analysis was applied namely, a finite element system analysis (FESA). RESULTS: From this mathematical study, which has enabled us to evaluate the forces that operate in determining the deformity, it has been possible to locate two sites of force concentration. They were located at different levels and on opposite sides. CONCLUSION: This finding could explain why the middle and lower thirds of the face were also involved.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

Posttraumatic obstruction of lacrimal pathways: a retrospective analysis of 58 consecutive naso-orbitoethmoid fractures.

Posttraumatic dacryostenosis represent a troublesome sequela for patients who have sustained centrofacial trauma and can determine complexity in diagnosis and treatment. This article, based on a retrospective analysis of 58 patients with naso-orbitoethmoidal (NOE) trauma, reports the incidence of posttraumatic dacryostenosis and the evolution of such impairments in consideration of fracture type. Experience in diagnosis and treatment is illustrated, and surgical outcomes 6 months after external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) are reported. Posttraumatic epiphora was observed in 27 patients with NOE fractures (46.5%). In 10 cases, temporary epiphora was encountered and spontaneous recovery of lacrimal drainage within 5 months was observed. In the remaining 17 cases, permanent epiphora was registered and a frequent association with delayed treatment of facial fracture repair or bone loss in the lacrimal district was found. Surgical reconstruction of lacrimal pathways was performed 6 months after primary surgery, with external DCRs in all 17 patients with epiphora and the presence of nasolacrimal duct obstruction observed with dacryocystorhinography. External DCR with a large rhinostomy achieved a success rate of 94% in the reconstruction of lacrimal drainage. Such a technique proved to be effective in the treatment of posttraumatic dacryostenosis, although patients considered the temporary presence of external scars and stenting material to be a major problem.

Adult↗

Surgical timing in orbital fracture treatment: experience with 108 consecutive cases.

Orbital fractures can lead to esthetic deformities and functional impairments, and adequate surgical timing is considered important in obtaining good results from surgery. By means of chart review, a retrospective analysis was carried out in 108 consecutive cases of pure orbital fractures to investigate the differences in surgical timing and the correlations with patient age and clinical and radiographic findings. In this analysis, surgical timing of pure orbital fractures was strongly related to the combination of parameters such as anatomical location of the fracture, eventual exposure of the fracture, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage or penetrating wounds, age of patients, eventual functional impairments or muscle entrapment, and serious conditions of compression or ischemia. As the data confirmed, an urgent approach was considered indispensable in severe orbital apex fractures and in orbital fractures with CSF leakage, penetrating objects, or exposure. Early surgery was necessary within 3 days in children with diplopia (type IIIb) and mainly within 7 days in adults with double vision (type IIIa). Delayed surgery, within 12 days in all cases, was performed orbital wall fractures with no impairments (type II) or in orbital rim fractures (type I). Data from this retrospective analysis confirm the need for an aggressive approach to all orbital fractures. In our experience, surgery was performed within 12 days and most orbital fractures were treated during the first week after trauma, which is earlier than previously reported.

Adolescent↗

Le Fort I in cleft patients: 20 years' experience.

Primary surgery for cleft lip, alveolus, and palate is only the beginning of management for this condition, because the congenital malformation and the scars of corrective surgery during infancy affect the physiological development of the skeleton and the soft tissue. Once the patient has stopped growing, therefore, secondary maxillomandibular malformation is frequent in these patients. The most frequent skeletal malformations in secondary cleft lip and palate are hypoplasia and malposition in the three planes of the superior maxilla space. In these cases, combined orthodontic and surgical treatment is necessary; of the various techniques available, Le Fort I osteotomy is the one most indicated for repositioning of the maxilla. Although this technique is now standardized to correct the simple maxillo-mandibular malformation, in the case of secondary malformation in the cleft lip and palate, modifications are necessary in the surgical technique to ensure the best esthetic and functional result and to reduce the possibility of relapse. After 20 years' experience in the treatment of secondary skeletal malformation in cleft lip, alveolus, and palate, a critical review is made of the different steps of planning and performing Le Fort I osteotomy in these patients.

Alveolar Process↗

Bone autografting of the calvaria and craniofacial skeleton: historical background, surgical results in a series of 15 patients, and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Although the use of autologous bone for reconstruction of the cranial and facial skeleton underwent a partial reappraisal following the introduction of a vast range of alloplastic materials for this purpose, it has demonstrated definite advantages over the last century and, particularly, during the last decade. METHODS: Fifteen patients underwent cranial and/or cranio-facial reconstruction using autologous bone grafting in the Department of Neurologic Sciences-Neurosurgery and the Division of Maxillo-Facial Surgery of the Rome "La Sapienza" University between 1987 and 1995. This group of patients consisted of 8 females and 7 males whose average age was 29.5 years (range 7.5 to 59 years, mean age 30). In all these patients cranioplasty and/or cranio-facial reconstruction had been performed to repair bone defects secondary to benign tumors or tumor-like lesions (12 cases), trauma (2 cases), or, in the remaining case, to wound infection after craniotomy for a neurosurgical operation. RESULTS: The results obtained in a series of 15 patients treated using this method are described with reference to the abundant data published on this topic. CONCLUSION: The mechanical, immunologic, and technical-grafting properties of autologous bone, together with its superior esthetic and psychological effects, probably make it the best material for cranioplasty.

Adolescent↗

Indications to the use of condylar repositioning devices in the surgical treatment of dental-skeletal class III.

PURPOSE: The aim of this report was to compare the clinical and radiographic findings observed at the 12-month follow-up in 2 groups of 15 patients who underwent Le Fort I and bilateral sagittal split osteotomy for the correction of dental-skeletal Class III. In the first group, the condylar positioning devices were used, whereas in the second group, an alternative method was used for the intraoperative assessment of mandibular repositioning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All of the patients of our study in the immediate presurgical period were without temporomandibular joint disorders and with a normal anatomic relationship between condyle and fossae. The condyle position and morphology were examined at the 12-month follow-up through cephalometric measurements and the postsurgical findings in both groups were compared with those observed in the presurgical period. RESULTS: In all of the 30 patients in our study, no relapse or postsurgical temporomandibular joint disturbance was observed at the 12-month follow-up. Variations in condyle position of more than 2 mm or 2 degrees were not observed in the 15 patients treated with condylar positioning devices. Changes in condyle position between 2 and 4 mm and 2 degrees and 4 degrees were observed in 6 of the 15 patients treated without the devices. CONCLUSIONS: The use of condylar positioning devices can be avoided in patients with dental-skeletal Class III without presurgical temporomandibular dysfunction. The manual positioning of the mandibular condyle is easier, but it requires the utmost care and an experienced operator.

Adult↗

Pleomorphic adenoma of the lachrymal gland: presentation of a clinical case of relapse.

Pleomorphic adenoma affecting the lachrymal gland requires a well-grounded clinical and therapeutic protocol to avoid the risk of malignant transformation or disease recurrence, which is quite dangerous at this site. The authors present a clinical case of pleomorphic adenoma recurrence affecting the right lachrymal gland in a patient who first underwent a biopsy, with subsequent resection of the neoplasm. The authors also review the clinical and radiological features enabling a differential diagnosis and describe the radical "exenteratio orbitae" surgery for pleomorphic adenoma recurrence 7 years after the first operation, which was performed because of total derangement of the orbital cavity. The patient remains disease-free 5 years after this surgical treatment. Therefore, it turns out that an incisional biopsy carries a higher biological cost for the patient.

Adenoma, Pleomorphic↗

Surgical treatment of TMJ ankylosis: our experience (60 cases).

Limitation of mouth opening can be caused by bony or fibrous ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint as sequela to trauma, infection, autoimmune disease, or failed surgery. Various procedures have been reported for treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis; this article aims to describe the diagnostic protocol and the surgical procedures adopted at the department of Maxillo-Facial Surgery of Rome University "La Sapienza". Between 1980 and 2000, 123 patients affected by TMJ ankylosis came under our observation; 60 of them (25 females and 35 males of 30 years average age) underwent surgery; bilateral TMJ ankylosis was observed in 21 cases, right-sided in 20 cases, left-sided in 19 cases. In 12 cases coronoid processes were involved. Etiopathogenesis was traumatic in 48 cases, septic in 5 cases, auto-immune (RA and seronegative spondyloarthropathies) in 5 cases; after block removing, arthroplasty was performed with pedunculated flap of temporal muscle (10 cases), Silastic material (11 cases), or lyophilized dura mater (2 cases). Simple condylar shaving was used in the remaining 36 cases. All patients under treatment showed a distinctive improvement both in articular functionality and symptoms; secondary surgery was necessary in seven cases due to the onset of articular complications from previous surgery. Silastic removal was necessary in five cases due to its inducement of foreign body granuloma. Follow-up was performed at 12, 24, and 48 months and 5 years postoperatively. In our opinion the gold standard surgery of TMJ ankylosis today is represented by shaving of articular surfaces and subsequent arthroplasty with or without temporal muscle myofascial flap interposition, whereas the use of Silastic as alloplastic material could be associated to an increased persistence of the local symptoms and a higher risk of foreign body granuloma and it may favor ankylosis relapse and hinder rehabilitation.

Adolescent↗

Combined surgical therapy of temporomandibular joint ankylosis and secondary deformity using intraoral distraction.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is a pathological process caused by damage of the mandibular condyle. When this event takes place in subjects during the developmental age, it results in an alteration of the entire maxillofacial complex. Therefore, surgical methods able to remove the temporomandibular ankylosis also include necessary operations to correct the secondary maxillofacial deformity. The distraction osteogenesis has induced our center to modify the surgical protocol for the therapy of patients who have developed TMJ ankylosis and secondary maxillomandibular deformity. We have treated four patients with monolateral ankylosis of the TMJ and serious deformities of the maxillomandibular complex secondary to functional limitation. During the same operation, arthroplasty was performed with the removal of the ankylotic block and the interposition of a temporal muscle flap in the new articular space; an intraoral osteodistractor was also positioned to lengthen the mandible. All patients showed recovery of the eurhythmy of the face and good re-establishment of the symmetry. An average 12-month follow-up showed the average opening of the mouth to be at least 35 mm. The combination of TMJ arthroplasty and intraoral osteodistraction provides good functional and aesthetic results in patients affected by ankylosis who have developed secondary maxillofacial deformities.

Adolescent↗

Endo-orbital osteoma: two case reports.

Osteoma is a benign, slow-growing tumor, which mainly occurs in the bones and cavities of the middle third of the face, representing the most frequent benign tumor of the paranasal sinuses. Osteoma of the paranasal sinuses is generally asymptomatic and it is discovered only as a coincidental radiological finding; when it becomes symptomatic, the most common presenting symptoms are headaches and facial pain. Rarely the sinusal osteoma may entail secondary orbital extension, with ocular signs and symptoms. Primary intraorbital involvement is extremely rare. The authors present a review of the literature and report two cases of primary orbital osteoma. In both cases surgical treatment led to the complete remission of symptoms. Diagnosis and surgical therapy are discussed.

Adult↗