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Biomedical subjects

Larry M Wolford

Publications and source records attributed to Larry M Wolford.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Postsurgical stability of oropharyngeal airway changes following counter-clockwise maxillo-mandibular advancement surgery.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated oropharyngeal airway changes and stability following surgical counter-clockwise rotation and advancement of the maxillo-mandibular complex. METHODS AND PATIENTS: Fifty-six adults (48 females, 8 males), between 15 and 51 years of age, were treated with Le Fort I osteotomies and bilateral mandibular ramus sagittal split osteotomies to advance the maxillo-mandibular complex with a counter-clockwise rotation. The average postsurgical follow-up was 34 months. Each patient's lateral cephalograms were traced, digitized twice, and averaged to estimate surgical changes (T2-T1) and postsurgical changes (T3-T2). RESULTS: During surgery, the occlusal plane angle decreased significantly (8.6 +/- 5.8 degrees ) and the maxillo-mandibular complex advanced and rotated counter-clockwise. The maxilla moved forward (2.4 +/- 2.7 mm) at ANS and the mandible was advanced 13.1 +/- 5.1 mm at menton, 10 +/- 4.4 mm at point B, and 6.9 +/- 3.7 mm at lower incisor edge. Postsurgical hard tissue changes were not statistically significant. While the upper oropharyngeal airway decreased significantly (4.2 +/- 3.4 mm) immediately after surgery, the narrowest retropalatal, lowest retropalatal airway, and the narrowest retroglossal airway measurements increased 2.9 +/- 2.7, 3.7 +/- 3.2, and 4.4 +/- 4.4 mm, respectively. Over the average 34 months postsurgical period, upper retropalatal airway increased 3.9 +/- 3.7 mm, while narrowest retropalatal, lowest retropalatal airway, and narrowest retroglossal airway remained stable. Head posture showed flexure immediately after surgery (4.8 +/- 5.9 degrees ) and extension postsurgically (1.6 +/- 5.6 degrees ). CONCLUSION: Maxillo-mandibular advancement with counter-clockwise rotation produces immediate increases in middle and lower oropharyngeal airway dimensions, which were constrained by changes in head posture but remain stable over the postsurgical period. The upper oropharyngeal airway space increased only on the longest follow-up.

Adolescent↗

Comparison of 2 temporomandibular joint total joint prosthesis systems.

PURPOSE: The study goal was to evaluate the comparative outcomes of patients treated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) total joint prostheses, using either the Christensen prosthesis (TMJ Inc, Golden, CO) (CP) or the TMJ Concepts prosthesis (TMJ Concepts Inc, Camarillo, CA; formerly Techmedica Inc) (TP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-five consecutive patients treated with either CP or TP total joint prostheses were evaluated. The CP group consisted of 23 patients (40 prostheses; average patient age, 38.8 years). The TP group consisted of 22 patients (38 prostheses; average patient age, 38.5 years). The average number of previous operations for the CP group was 3.9, whereas it was 2.6 for the TP group. The CP and TP groups had an average follow-up of 20.8 and 33.0 months, respectively. Patients were evaluated for incisal opening and occlusal and skeletal stability. A visual analog scale was used for subjective assessment of TMJ pain (0 = no pain, 10 = worst pain), jaw function (0 = normal function, 10 = no function), and diet (0 = no limitations, 10 = liquids only). Statistical analysis was performed using an independent t test, and a value of P <.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The average postsurgical incisal opening for the CP group was 30.1 mm (increase of 6.7 mm), and that for the TP group was 37.3 mm (increase of 9.9 mm), indicating significant increase of the TP group (P =.008). The average postsurgical pain level for the CP group was 6.0, a decrease of 1.8, and that for the TP group was 4.1, a decrease of 3.1, indicating significant improvement for the TP group (P =.042). Postsurgical average jaw function for CP was 5.5, an improvement of 1.2. The postsurgical TP average was 3.9, an improvement of 3.0, showing significant improvement for the TP group (P =.008). Average postsurgical diet rating for the CP group was 5.4, an improvement of 1.8. The TP group average was 3.9, an improvement of 2.0, indicating significant improved eating ability for the TP group (P =.021). Skeletal and occlusal stability were good in both groups. CONCLUSION: The TP group had statistically significant improved outcomes compared with the CP group relative to postsurgical incisal opening, pain, jaw function, and diet. Both groups showed good skeletal and occlusal stability.

Adolescent↗

Changes in temporomandibular joint dysfunction after orthognathic surgery.

PURPOSE: We sought to evaluate the effects of orthognathic surgery on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction in patients with known presurgical TMJ internal derangement who underwent double-jaw surgery for the treatment of dentofacial deformities. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Treatment records of 25 patients with magnetic resonance imaging and clinical verification of preoperative TMJ articular disc displacement who underwent double-jaw surgery only were retrospectively evaluated, with an average follow-up of 2.2 years. Signs and symptoms of TMJ dysfunction, including pain, range of mandibular motion, and presence/absence of TMJ sounds, were subjectively (visual analog scales) and objectively evaluated at presurgery (T1), immediately postsurgery (T2), and at longest follow-up (T3). Surgical change (T2-T1) and long-term stability of results (T3-T2) were calculated using the superimposition of lateral cephalometric and tomographic tracings. RESULTS: Presurgery, 16% of the patients had only TMJ pain, 64% had only TMJ sounds, and 20% had both TMJ pain and sounds. Postsurgery, 24% of the patients had only TMJ pain, 16% had only TMJ sounds, and 60% has both TMJ pain and sounds. Thus, presurgery 36% of the patients had TMJ pain, and postsurgery, 84% had pain. Average visual analog scale pain scores were significantly higher postsurgery and none of the patients with presurgery TMJ pain had relief of pain postsurgery. In addition, 6 patients (24%) developed condylar resorption postsurgically, resulting in the development of Class II open bite malocclusion. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with preexisting TMJ dysfunction undergoing orthognathic surgery, particularly mandibular advancement, are likely to have significant worsening of the TMJ dysfunction postsurgery. TMJ dysfunction must be closely evaluated, treated if necessary, and monitored in the orthognathic surgery patient.

Adolescent↗

Soft tissue healing after parasagittal palatal incisions in segmental maxillary surgery: a review of 311 patients.

PURPOSE: This study retrospectively evaluated the soft tissue healing after using parasagittal soft tissue incisions for surgical segmental maxillary expansion. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The records of 311 patients (224 females, 87 males), with an average age of 28.5 years (range, 12 to 62 years) who had transverse maxillary hypoplasia, were retrospectively evaluated. All patients underwent segmental maxillary osteotomies, surgical maxillary expansion greater than 5 mm, and placement of midpalatal porous block hydroxyapatite (PBHA). Parasagittal palatal soft tissue incisions were used to facilitate expansion, minimize soft tissue damage, and maintain soft tissue coverage over the PBHA implants. At postoperative follow-up visits, any signs or symptoms of complications associated with the use of the parasagittal incisions were recorded. RESULTS: Average patient follow-up was 3.4 years (range, 1.0 to 7.2 years). In 293 patients (94%), the palates healed uneventfully without complications. Eighteen patients (6%) had complications; 9 (2.9%) had infections associated with the midpalatal implants, 8 (2.6%) had oronasal communications, and 1 (0.3%) had problems associated with a palatal wire. Six patients with midpalatal implant problems required removal of the implant, 4 patients required closure of their oronasal communications, and 1 patient required removal of a palatal wire. Therefore, 11 patients (3.5%) required minor secondary surgical procedures. No teeth or alveolar bone were lost in any of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: The use of parasagittal palatal incisions appears to be a safe technique for soft tissue management during large surgical maxillary expansions associated with segmental maxillary osteotomies and midpalatal placement of PBHA implants.

Adolescent↗

Use of conservative condylectomy for treatment of osteochondroma of the mandibular condyle.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to present a conservative condylectomy technique (condylectomy performed below the condylar head but high in the condylar neck) and articular disc repositioning as the surgical treatment approach for management of osteochondroma of the head of the mandibular condyle. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Six patients (4 females and 2 males) with an average age of 22.3 years (range, 13 to 32 years) and with an osteochondroma of the mandibular condyle were treated with conservative condylectomy. The remaining condylar neck stump was recontoured, and the articular disc was repositioned and stabilized over the "new" condyle. Any indicated orthognathic surgical procedures were then performed to optimize occlusion, function, and aesthetics. Clinical and radiographic evaluation was performed before surgery (T1), immediately after surgery (T2), and at the longest follow-up (T3). RESULTS: Average follow-up for the patients was 51 months (range, 22 to 108 months). No recurrence of the tumor was encountered in any of the cases. Subjective and objective evaluations of postsurgical temporomandibular joint function and range of mandibular motion were normal. Associated maxillary and/or mandibular orthognathic procedures were found to be stable in the long term. CONCLUSION: Conservative condylectomy with recontouring of the residual condylar neck to function as a condyle and repositioning of the articular disc is a viable option for treatment of osteochondromas of the mandibular condyle. The use of this method of treatment permits effective removal of the tumor and eliminates the need for autogenous grafts or total joint prostheses for temporomandibular joint reconstruction.

Adolescent↗

Concomitant temporomandibular joint and orthognathic surgery: a preliminary report.

PURPOSE: In the present study, we evaluated the outcome of concomitant temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and orthognathic surgery in patients with TMJ articular disc dislocation and coexisting dentofacial deformities. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The records of 70 patients treated with TMJ articular disc-repositioning surgery and concomitant orthognathic surgery (double jaw or only mandibular surgery) were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were divided into the following 3 groups: group 1 patients had mandibular advancement, group 2 patients had mandibular setback, and group 3 patients had a mandible that remained in the original position. Lateral cephalometric radiographs and lateral cephalometric tomograms were assessed at the following intervals: before surgery (T1), immediately after surgery (T2), 6 to 12 months after surgery (T3), and at the longest follow-up (T4). Lateral cephalometric tracings were superimposed to calculate surgical change (T2 - T1), short-term stability (T3 - T2), and long-term stability (T4 - T3) of the orthognathic surgery procedures. Maximum interincisal opening (MIO) and subjective TMJ pain (visual analog scales) were comparatively evaluated at T1 and T4. RESULTS: Subjective TMJ pain levels and MIO improved in all 3 groups after surgery. Before surgery, 56 of 70 patients (80%) had pain and 14 of 70 patients (20%) had no pain. At the longest follow-up, 42 of 70 patients (60%) reported complete relief of TMJ pain. Only 5 of 70 patients (7%) had severe pain after surgery compared with 37 of 70 patients (53%) before surgery. At the longest follow-up, 6 of 70 patients (9%) showed less than 35 mm MIO, residual severe pain, or both. One patient had significant condylar resorption after surgery. The orthognathic procedures were found to be stable in the long term. Concomitant TMJ and orthognathic surgery had an overall success rate of 91.4% based on a greater than 35 mm MIO and a decrease in pain. CONCLUSIONS: When indicated, TMJ and orthognathic surgery can be concomitantly performed with predictable results and a good success rate. Strong consideration should be given to early surgical intervention because the success rate decreases significantly with pre-existing TMJ dysfunction of greater than 48 months' duration.

Adolescent↗

Analysis of human leukocyte antigens in patients with internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint.

PURPOSE: Spondyloarthropathy includes the subcategory of reactive arthritis (ReA). Spondyloarthropathies are commonly associated with certain human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles. Because we identified bacteria associated with ReA within the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), we now evaluate the frequency of HLA alleles in patients with TMJ pathology. PATIENTS AND METHODS: HLA typing of 129 patients (121 females and 8 males) performed by standard microcytotoxicity technique. Thirty patients had only class I (HLA-A and -B loci) evaluated. Ninety-nine patients had both class I and class II (HLA-DR loci) evaluated. Identification of alleles at the C locus was not performed. The antigenic frequency in the study group was compared to US white control subjects using a 2-tailed Fisher's exact test with a Bonferroni multiple comparison adjustment. RESULTS: The following class I HLA alleles, -A1 (32%), -A2 (50%), -A3 (33%), -B7 (23%), -B14 (14%), -B35 (20%), and -B44 (36%), including the B7 cross-reactive group (CREG) (49%) and class II alleles -DR1 (25%) and -DR4 (34%), were found to have an increased frequency in our patient group. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows an increased frequency of several alleles that have been previously associated with arthropathy, and the alleles of the B7 CREG, in patients with TMJ pathology. Patients with these alleles may have an increased risk for the development of internal derangement of the TMJ as a consequence of the bacterial/infectious agents and host interactions with the subsequent cytokine/inflammatory response being influenced by their HLA phenotype.

Alleles↗

Long-term follow-up of the CAD/CAM patient fitted total temporomandibular joint reconstruction system.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was the assessment of the long-term safety and effectiveness of the Techmedica (Camarillo, CA) CAD/CAM Total Temporomandibular Joint Reconstruction System (now called the TMJ Concepts Patient Fitted Total Temporomandibular Joint Reconstruction System, Ventura, CA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A survey was mailed to the available addresses of 170 (79%) of the 215 patients who had been implanted with the Techmedica System devices between 1990 and 1994. Seventy-nine (46%) surveys were returned by the US Postal Service as undeliverable. Three patients (1.4%) were reported as deceased in returns from relatives. Therefore, of the remaining 91 possible responses, 60 (65.9%) were returned. Fifty-eight (58) surveys, considered complete and valid (96.7%), representing 97 (39 bilateral, 19 unilateral) devices with a mean follow-up of 107.4 +/- 15.5 months (range, 60 to 120 months) were analyzed. Subjective data related to pain, mandibular function, diet consistency, and present quality of life were collected using visual analog scales. Objective measures of mandibular interincisal opening and lateral excursions were obtained from direct measurements using the Therabite (Therabite, Philadelphia, PA) measuring scale provided in the survey with instructions as to its use. RESULTS: Analysis of the subjective data at 10 years revealed a 76% reduction in mean pain scores and a 68% increase in mean mandibular function and diet consistency scores (P <.0001). Analysis of objective data revealed a 30% improvement in mandibular range of motion after 10 years (P =.0009). Long-term quality of life improvement scores were statistically related to the number of prior temporomandibular joint operations the patients had undergone. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that the CAD/CAM Patient Fitted Total Temporomandibular Joint Reconstruction System has proved to be a safe and effective long-term management modality in the patient population surveyed for this study.

Adolescent↗

Efficacy of high condylectomy for management of condylar hyperplasia.

The purpose of this study was to compare the treatment outcome and long-term stability of 2 groups of young adult patients diagnosed with active condylar hyperplasia and treated with 2 different surgical methods. Thirty-seven patients (19 females and 18 males) met the criteria for inclusion in the study. Group 1 (n = 12; average age at surgery, 17.5 years) was treated with orthognathic surgery only, while group 2 (n = 25; average age at surgery, 16.7 years) had high condylectomy, articular disc repositioning, and orthognathic surgery. All patients underwent standardized clinical and radiographic examination at initial consultation, immediately before surgery, immediately after surgery, and at longest follow-up. Objective evaluation of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) function included maximum incisal opening and lateral excursions. Subjective evaluations were performed in group 2 for TMJ pain, jaw function, and diet. Lateral cephalometric radiographs were evaluated for presurgical and postsurgical mandibular growth. There were no statistically significant differences (P >.05) between the 2 groups for maximal incisal opening, lateral excursions, or subjective jaw function before surgery. Presurgical growth differed significantly (P <.05), with group 2 showing more active growth. At the long-term follow-up, no differences were found in lateral excursions or subjective jaw function. There was a statistically significant difference in maximum incisal opening (P <.01), with a greater increase in group 2, as well as a statistically significant difference (P <.05) in cephalometric stability, with group 2 being much more stable at long-term follow-up. All patients in group 1 grew back into skeletal and occlusal Class III relationships and required secondary intervention. Only 1 patient in group 2 required secondary surgery, involving maxillary surgery to correct postsurgical transverse maxillary relapse; the mandible was stable at long-term follow-up. The results of this study showed that patients with active condylar hyperplasia treated with high condylectomy, articular disc repositioning, and orthognathic surgery have stable, predictable outcomes compared with those treated with orthognathic surgery alone.

Adolescent↗

Stability of the Le Fort I osteotomy for maxillary advancement using rigid fixation and porous block hydroxyapatite grafting.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the stability of maxillary advancement using bone plates for skeletal stabilization and porous block hydroxyapatite (PBHA) as a bone graft substitute for interpositional grafting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The records of 78 patients (55 female, 23 male) with a diagnosis of anteroposterior maxillary hypoplasia were retrospectively evaluated. All patients underwent greater than 5 mm Le Fort I maxillary advancement with rigid fixation and PBHA interpositional grafting. The study sample was divided into 3 groups on the basis of the concurrent superior or inferior positioning of the maxillary incisors. Presurgery (T1), immediately postsurgery (T2), and longest follow-up (T3) lateral cephalometric tracings were superimposed to analyze for horizontal and vertical changes at the following landmarks: (1) point A, (2) incisal edge of the maxillary incisor, and (3) mesial cusp tip of maxillary first molar. RESULTS: The maxilla was inferiorly repositioned in 27 patients, superiorly repositioned in 21 patients, and advanced horizontally without a significant vertical change in 30 patients. All groups showed 0.5 mm or less horizontal and vertical relapse. There was no statistically significant difference between the 3 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Maxillary advancement with Le Fort 1 osteotomies by using rigid fixation and interpositional PBHA grafting is a stable and predictable procedure regardless of the direction of vertical maxillary movement.

Adolescent↗