• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.167-173
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• 2023

Background: Mandibular split fractures, in which the fracture occurs exclusively in the posterior wall, are uncommon. This study aimed to enhance clinicians' understanding of mandibular split fractures and offer insights for future research. Methods: This study included six patients who visited our hospital between January 2020 and June 2023 and were diagnosed with mandibular split fractures. We retrospectively collected data from patients' medical records on their age, sex, symptoms, mechanism, impact site, associated injuries, and treatment method, as well as the location, pattern, and number of fractures observed on computed tomography (CT) and panoramic images. The frequency of split fractures among all mandibular fractures was calculated. Results: The six patients included three men (50%) and three women (50%), ranging in age from 20 to 71 years (mean age, 49.8 years). The split fractures were located in the symphysis in one patient (16.7%), symphysis to parasymphysis in two patients (33.3%), parasymphysis in one patient (16.7%), and parasymphysis to the body in two patients (33.3%). Four patients (66.7%) had condylar head fractures, while two patients (33.3%) had single split fractures. The mechanism of trauma was a slip-down incident in four cases (66.7%), while two cases (33.3%) were caused by motorcycle traffic accidents. Four patients (67%) underwent intermaxillary fixation, while two patients (33%) improved with conservative treatment. Split fractures were diagnosed in all six patients on CT, whereas the fracture line was not clearly visible on panoramic images. Mandibular split fractures accounted for 5.6% of all mandibular fractures. Conclusion: This study provides insights into the clinical characteristics of rare mandibular split fractures and the diagnostic imaging findings. Furthermore, CT scans and three-dimensional image synthesis-instead of panoramic images-may be essential for accurately diagnosing mandibular fractures, including mandibular split fractures, in the future.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.218-222
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• 2023

Background: Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxic substance with a wide range of uses, from the treatment of musculoskeletal spasms to anti-aging regimens by improving wrinkles. Split-face studies in which drugs are injected in the right and left sides of the faces have been actively conducted in botulinum toxin studies. In this study, we aimed to investigate the reliability of a split-face study for determining the effectiveness of botulinum toxin based on eyebrow height and movement, and electromyography results. Methods: Thirty-one women aged 35 to 55 years were included in the study. Eyebrow height was measured as the distance from the eyebrows to the upper eyelid margin on the primary gaze, and eyebrow movement was measured as the distance when the forehead was wrinkled for 5 seconds. A noninvasive method was used for electromyography of the frontalis muscles. Results: No statistically significant differences in right and left eyebrow heights and movements, and electromyography findings (p= 0.256, p= 1.000, and p= 0.978, respectively) were found. Pearson correlation analysis showed that electromyography muscle activity is positively associated with eyebrow movement, respectively (p< 0.001). Conclusion: We advocate the reliability of split-face study and the usefulness of electromyography of frontalis muscle in forehead rejuvenation research.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.22-26
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• 2024

Background: This study analyzed the demographic characteristics of patients with facial palsy who were treated using either dynamic or static procedures. This study aimed to compare the frequency of procedure implementation and age distribution between the two groups. Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients treated for facial palsy at a single institution from 2014 to 2022. Among cases included in our study, dynamic procedures involved cross-facial nerve graft and latissimus dorsi or gracilis muscle flap transfer. Static procedures included gold weight insertion, canthopexy, browlift, and thread lift/static slings. Results: Among the 31 patients included in our study, eight (25.8%) incorporated dynamic techniques, and the average age of patients was 44.75 years (range, 24-68 years) with a male to female ratio of 1:4. The remaining 23 patients (74.2%) underwent a static procedure, of which the average age was 59.17 years (range, 23-81 years) which was statistically significantly higher than the average age of 44.75 of dynamic patients (p= 0.013). Regarding the timing of treatment after diagnosis, no patient underwent dynamic procedures more than 20 years after initial diagnosis. A greater diversity in the timing of treatment was observed in the static group. All patients who underwent dynamic procedures were treated using static procedures during the study period. Conclusion: Because aesthetics-based static techniques are typically quick outpatient procedures that can be performed under local anesthesia, our study shows that these are often preferred treatments for all age groups, especially for debilitated or older patients. Further research is required to investigate the long-term functional outcomes of these surgical techniques in a wider population of patients.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.133-140
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• 2024

Background: The medial canthal region features a complex three-dimensional and internal anatomical structure. When reconstructing a defect in this area, it is crucial to consider both functional and aesthetic aspects, which presents significant challenges. Generally, local flaps are preferred for reconstruction; however, skin grafts can be used when local flaps are not feasible. Therefore, we conducted a comparative analysis of surgical outcomes skin grafts when local flaps were not feasible, to determine which surgical method is more effective for medial canthal region reconstruction. Methods: Twenty-five patients who underwent medial canthal region reconstruction using skin grafts or local flaps from 2002 to 2021 were enrolled. Patient information was obtained from medical records. Five plastic surgeons evaluated the surgical outcomes based on general appearance, color, contour, and symmetry. Results: Skin grafts were used in eight patients and local flaps were used in 13. Combined reconstructions were employed in four cases. Minor complications arose in four cases but improved with conservative treatment. No major complications were reported. Recurrence of the skin cancer was noted in two cases. All categories showed higher scores for the local flap compared to both skin graft and combined reconstruction; however, the differences were not statistically significant respectively. Conclusion: The choice of appropriate surgical methods for reconstructing defects in the medial canthal region depends on various factors, including the patient's overall health, the size and depth of the defect, and the degree of involvement of surrounding structures. When a local flap is not feasible, a skin graft may provide favorable surgical outcomes. Therefore, a skin graft can serve as a viable alternative for reconstructing the medial canthal region.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.171-178
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• 2024

Background: We developed a novel interlocking three-dimensional (3D) miniplate design with an adjustable configuration. As this device is new, surgeons must become familiar with its application. This study evaluated the usability and learning curves associated with the novel interlocking 3D miniplate for mandibular fracture fixation. Methods: The study participants, nine plastic surgeons, were asked to apply an interlocking 3D miniplate and a standard miniplate to polyurethane mandible models. The participants had completed the Basic Craniomaxillofacial Osteosynthesis course during residency and had operated on craniomaxillofacial fractures within the past 5 years. They were instructed to place the interlocking 3D miniplate three times and the standard miniplate once. We assessed the time required for implant placement, the comfort level of the surgeons, and the biomechanical stability of the plates. Biomechanical testing was conducted by subjecting the mandible to forces ranging from 10 to 90 N and the displacement was measured. Results: The results indicate increasing comfort with each attempt at placing the interlocking 3D miniplate, with a significant difference between the first and third attempts. Additionally, a reduction in application time was noted with repeated attempts, suggesting improved efficiency. Biomechanical tests showed comparable stability between the tested plates. Conclusion: Multiple attempts at applying the interlocking 3D miniplate resulted in increased comfort and reduced application time. These findings indicate that, despite its novelty, the interlocking 3D miniplate is relatively straightforward to apply and has a short learning curve. However, surgeons must have specific qualifications to ensure proper training and minimize errors during placement.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.41
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• pp.55.1-55.7
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• 2019

Background: Transverse facial clefts are Tessier's number 7 facial cleft among numbers 1-15 in Tessier's classification of craniofacial malformations, which varies from a simple widening oral commissure to a complete fissure extending towards the external ear. Case presentation: In a patient with a transverse facial cleft, to functionally arrange the orbicularis oris muscle and form the oral commissure naturally, we performed a surgical procedure including orbicularis oris muscle reconstruction and cheiloplasty with Z-plasty. Conclusion: We achieved good results functionally and esthetically by orbicularis oris muscle reconstruction and cheiloplasty with Z-plasty. The surgical modality of our anatomical repair and 3 months follow-up results are presented.

• The Journal of Korea Assosiation for Disability and Oral Health
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.94-98
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• 2010

Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by various ocular and extraocular malformations. The incidence of Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome has been estimated to be 1 per 200,000. The syndrome is characterized by short body stature, delayed bone age, and deficient or arrested development of neural crest cells involving the anterior chamber of the eyes, facial bones, teeth, periumbilical skin, and cardiovascular system. This is a case of a 6 year-old girl, who came to the department of the pediatric dentistry, Yonsei University Dental Hospital, for evaluation and treatment of multiple congenital missing permanent teeth. The patient presented typical dental, craniofacial, and systemic features of Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome, such as glaucoma, oval pupil, heterochromatic iris, umbilical hernia, and delayed bone age. On the panoramic view, 3 primary teeth were missing and 13 permanent tooth germs were absent. On the lateral cephalograph, underdevelopment of the maxilla and normal growth pattern of the mandible were confirmed. Periodic dental follow-up is planned for evaluation and interceptive treatment of her dental and craniofacial problems. Denture or removable space maintainer with a pontic is considered for esthetic and functional restoration. In addition, orthognathic surgery is also planned in future to prevent further midfacial skeletal deformation. Early diagnosis of Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome is very important to prevent exacerbation of complications, such as glaucoma and skeletal deformities.

• Journal of Korean Dental Science
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.121-131
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• 2022

Ameloblastoma is the most representative epithelial odontogenic tumor in the craniofacial region. Through several studies on Ameloblastoma that have been conducted so far, we have been able to get closer to the reality of Ameloblastoma. However, groundbreaking insight into the pathophysiology of Ameloblastoma has not yet been provided. This review assessed three aspects of five recently published papers on Ameloblastoma: cancer stem cells, calcium signaling, and tumor microenvironment, and compared them with previous studies on tumor physiology, including cancer. In addition, the characteristics of Ameloblastoma revealed by the experimental methods presented in the currently published five papers provide the possibility of Ameloblastoma as a study model in general tumor or cancer studies. Furthermore, the mechanisms of action of the chemicals identified in the studies support their potential as candidates for the second-line treatment of Ameloblastoma.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.37 no.2 s.121
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• pp.125-136
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• 2007

Objective: Soft tissue changes due to orthodontic treatment has large individual variation. Therefore continuous evaluation during treatment is required. Patients with fixed orthodontic appliances often wonder if their lip positions will change after the removal of brackets, but only a few studies exist on this topic. The objective of this study was to evaluate the changes of the lips and perioral soft tissue after bracket removal. Methods: The sample used in this study was 19 males and 33 females. Cephalometric X-rays were taken at 3 stages - T1 (before debonding), T2 (just after debonding), T3 (1.5 months after debonding). Results: The lower lip was retruded immediately after debonding (T2-T1), and 1.5 months after debonding (T3-T2). The mean amounts of retrusion from the vertical reference plane (sG perpendicular line) were about 0.38 mm for the upper lip and 0.88 mm for the lower lip. Immediately after debonding, lip retrusion of females was greater than that of males. During the post-debonding period, lower lip of males was retruded more than that of females. Conclusion: Lips are retruded after bracket removal, and there is no gender difference 1.5 months after debonding.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.27 no.6 s.65
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• pp.963-978
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• 1997

Orthodontic patients are individuals that grow and develop ;therefore selection of the proper time for orthodontic treatment Is considered to be one of the most difficult and yet difficult factor.Since the development of cephalometric X-ray, amount and pattern of craniofacial growth change with aging could be predicted and became useful in the process of orthodontic treatment. The relationship between the mean values of cephalometric measurements and body height and weight was studied among the groups(boys and girls) of Korean children from the ages of 3-years to 12-years. 126 boys and 90 girls with no abnormality in growth and development and no history of orthodontic treatment from the ages of 3 years to 12 years were chosen as subjects: Cephalometric X-ray were taken for 2 years and hard tissue analysis based on Burstone's COGS, which was divided into measurements of 6 parts (Cranial base, Maxillar and Mandible, Vertical measurements, Horizontal measurements, Basal bone relationship, Dental measurements). The relationship between craniofacial growth and body height & weight was studied. The following conclusions were obtained : 1. The maximum growth in the measurements of cranial base, N-Ar(FH), N-Ba(FH) corresponded with the age with the maximum increasein body height & weight in both boys and girls. 2. Genial angle gradually decreased with aging in both boys and girls. 3. N-ANS(L) showed greater amount of growth than ANS-Me(L), and this had greater influence on facial profile. 4. $N-A-Pog^{\circ}$ decreased with aging, and mandibular growth exceeded maxillary growth in amount and rate. 5. Length of Y-axis increased, but Y-axis to FH plane remained constant. This show that mandible grows at a constant angulation to cranial base. 6. As Permanent teeth erupt, interincisal angle deceased.