To observe the effect of percutaneous electrical stimulation on peripheral nerve regeneration, a model was created on the sciatic nerves of 56 rats from either sectioned and followed by direct anastomosis or clamping of the nerve. The indices, such as conducting velocity of nerve, maximal induced action potential of muscle, growth speed of nerve, rateof axon crossing anastomosis site, number of muscular fiber on transverse area and weight of muscle by autocontrol were compared. In this study, 36 rats were divided into two groups, 24 rats in Group 1 and 12 rats in Group 2. In Gourp 1, both sciatic nerves were sectioned and was anastomozed 4 weeks later. One side of the nerve was stimulated with percutaneous electric current, the other side was served as control. In Group 2, both sides of nerves were clamped and the electical stimulationwas carried out on one side. The parameters of the electric current were 2～5HZ, 0.4m/s, 24～48V. The electrophysiological and histomorphological features were observed 1 to 6 weeks after operation. The results showed that in the stimulatedside, the indices were all superior to that of the control side. This suggestedthat electrical stimulation could promote peripheral nerve regeneration.
To evaluate an improved treatment of an autologous fat injection for hemifacial atrophy to increase the survival rate of the fat graft and decrease complications including colliquation, necrosis, and absorption of the graft fat. Methods From March 1999 to October 2004, 31 patients with hemifacial atrophy underwent an improved treatment by an autologous fat injection for their diseases. There were 12 males and 19 females aged 1928 years (average, 23.5 years). The patients were divided into the following 3 groups according to the atrophy extent: the mild group (n=9), the moderate group (n=19), and the severe group (n=3). Based on the previous researches on the fat transplantation techniques, the improved treatment combined the following strategies that were simply called “3L3M”: low position for the fat donation, low pressure for the fat harvesting, and lowspeed centrifugation for purification of the fat; multipoint, multitunnel, and multiplane for injections of the fat graft. The preoperative and the postoperative photos were taken and the findings were compared to make clear whether the hard and firm masses and cysts existed; then, the decision was made about whether the patients needed another operation according to whether the patients had a natural facial expression and whether the patients had comfortable feelings as well as the ray findings. Results All the patients had a satisfactory symmetrical face after 1 injection of the fat in 15 patients, 2 injections in 13 patients, and 3 injections in 3 patients. The effect of the 3rd injection was better than that of the 2nd injection; the effect of the 2nd injection was better than that of the 1st injection; the fat volume for the injection could be gradually decreased. The fat volumes for injections were as follows: 814 ml (average, 11 ml) in the submaxillary region, 1525 ml (average, 20 ml) in the buccal region, 510 ml (average, 75 ml) in the zygomatic region, and 1820 ml (average, 19 ml) in the forehead region. The followup for 35 years revealed that there wasno infection, hard and firm mass, cyst or other complications. The pigmentationin the affected face was significantly improved. Conclusion Compared with the traditional treatments, the improved treatment of an autologousfat injection for hemifacial atrophy can achieve a satisfactory symmetry of theface with no injury to the donor site or complications in the recipient site. This improved method is an ideal treatment for hemifacial atrophy.
Objective To review the current progress of human facial allotransplantation in China and the other countries. Methods The recent literature concerned with human facial allotransplantation was extensively reviewed and briefly summarized. Results According to the literature reviewed, the main issues could be divided into four categories: technical aspects,immunological aspects,psychological and social issues ethicaland legal problems related to facial allotransplantation. However, because of the complexity of the human facial allotransplantation, which involved many problems related to immunity, psychology, society, ethics, etc., there was much controversy in this field. Conclusion In spite of the existent problems, facial allotransplantation in humans has still benefited the patient whose face is severely disfigured.
ObjectiveTo establish a method to prefabricate titanium plate with three-dimensional (3-D) printing technique for correction of mandibular prognathism in sagittal splint ramous osteotomy (SSRO). MethodsBetween January 2012 and May 2013, 12 patients with mandibular prognathism (Angle III malocclusion) were treated. Among them, 9 cases were male and 3 cases were female. Their ages ranged from 19 to 35 years (mean, 25.6 years). With the 3-D facial CT data of these patients, 3-D printer was used to print the models for preoperational simulation. SSRO was performed on 3-D models, and the titanium plates were prefabricated on the models after the distal segments were moved backward and rotated according to occlusal splint. During operations, the proximal segments were fixed to distal segments by the prefabricated titanium plates. 3-D CT scans were taken to examine the temporomandibular joint position changes before operation and at 6 months after operation. ResultsThe skull models were manufactured by 3-D printing technique, and the titanium plates were reshaped on the basis of them. Twenty-four prefabricated titanium plates were placed during operations, and they all matched with the bone segments well. Evaluation of 3-D CT scans showed that the temporomandibular joint position had no change. All patients were followed up 7-12 months (mean, 10.6 months). The face type and dental articulation were improved greatly. All cases obtained satisfactory opening function and occlusion. ConclusionWith the titanium plate fabricated based on 3-D models, surgeons are able to improve or refine surgical planning so that the operation can be performed according to preoperative simulation precisely and the complications, such as dislocation of temporomandibular joint, can be prevented.