Facial rehabilitation with implant-retained nasal prosthesis of acrylic resin: a case report

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to report a clinical case of facial rehabilitation with an acrylic implant-retained nasal prosthesis after partial rhinectomy resulting from the resection of a basal cell carcinoma in the patient, a 53-year-old Caucasian, normosystemic, professional cowboy. After clinical examination and in possession of computed tomography images, surgery was performed for the placement of conventional dental implants in the premaxillary region (left side). After the surgery, a three-month period of waiting was observed to allow osseointegration of the implants. Later, the nasal prosthesis was prepared, and at the end of treatment, this presented satisfactory peripheral adaptation, retention and esthetics. The patient has returned for follow-up every 6 months, regarding analysis of the prosthesis color, peri-implant health, hygiene, and exchange of the magnets and relays when necessary. The authors concluded that this therapy may be well indicated in patients with partial and total nasal defects, provided that there is correct planning and execution of the surgical, clinical and laboratory phases.

Strategies in Surgical Decompression for Thyroid Eye Disease

Surgical management of thyroid eye disease- (TED-) associated morbidity has been plagued by the complex interplay of different operative techniques. Orbital decompression is the well-recognized procedure for disfiguring exophthalmos and dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON). There are numerous published techniques described for the removal of the orbital bone, fat, or a combination. The diverse studies are noncomparative as they include different indications, stages of disease, and methods of evaluation. Thus, it is difficult to conclude the most efficient decompression technique. To obtain effective and predictable results, it is therefore important to propose a logical and acceptable clinical guideline to customize patient treatment. Herein, we developed an algorithm based on the presence of DON, preoperative existing diplopia, and severity of proptosis which were defined by patient’s disabling symptoms together with a set of ocular signs reflecting visual function or cosmesis. More specifically, we aimed to assess the minimal but effective surgical technique with acceptable potential complications to achieve therapeutic efficacy. Transcaruncular or inferomedial decompressions are indicated in restoring optic nerve function in patients with DON associated with mild or moderate to severe proptosis, respectively. Inferomedial or fatty decompressions are effective to treat patients with existing diplopia associated with mild or moderate to severe proptosis, respectively. Fatty or balanced decompressions can improve disfiguring exophthalmos in patients without existing diplopia associated with mild to moderate or severe proptosis, respectively. Inferomedial or 3-wall decompressions are preferred to address facial rehabilitation in patients associated with very severe proptosis but without preoperative diplopia.

Mirror Book Therapy for the treatment of Idiopathic Facial Palsy

Objective: To determine the utility of treating facial palsy with mirror book therapy in conjunction with facial physical rehabilitation. Methods: We randomly selected and reviewed the charts of 25 patients with idiopathic facial palsy. 10 of these patients received facial physical rehabilitation including manual therapy and postural exercises. 15 of these patients received mirror book therapy in conjunction with standard facial rehabilitation. Before and after treatment, patients in both groups were rated using the Facial Grading System (FGS) score, the Facial Disability Index--Physical (FDIP) score, and the Facial Disability Index--Social (FDIS) score. Differences in response to therapy were analyzed. Results: Patients in the facial physical rehabilitation group without mirror book therapy group showed on average a 20.8% increase in the FGS score, a 19% increase in the FDIP score, and a 14.6% increase in the FDIS score. Patients in the mirror book therapy group showed an average of 24.9% increase in the Facial Grading System (FGS) score, a 21.6% increase in the Facial Disability Index--Physical (FDIP) score, and a 24.5% increase in the Facial Disability Index--Social (FDIS) score. Conclusion: The addition of mirror book therapy to standard facial rehabilitation treatments does significantly improve outcomes in the treatment of idiopathic facial palsy.