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Commissure stabilization appliance in facial reanimation surgery
B L Eppley1, D K Hennon, A M Sadove
1Plastic Surgery Section, James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children, Indianapolis, Ind.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|June 1, 1992
Summary
A modified maxillary appliance offers a low-cost intraoral solution for stabilizing the mouth commissure after surgery. This device protects delicate tissues, preventing stretching forces and ensuring flap security without causing harm.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
- Plastic Surgery
Background:
- Postoperative management of oral and maxillofacial surgery requires stabilization of delicate surgical sites.
- Stretching forces on the commissure and upper lip can compromise healing of anastomoses and muscle insertions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a modified maxillary appliance for intraoral commissure stabilization.
- To evaluate the efficacy and patient tolerance of the appliance in preventing postoperative stretching forces.
Main Methods:
- Development of a modified intraoral maxillary appliance.
- Application of the appliance in the immediate and early postoperative period.
- Assessment of appliance's ability to prevent force transmission and patient tolerability.
Main Results:
- The appliance provides an inexpensive intraoral method for commissure stabilization.
- It effectively prevents stretching forces on the commissure and upper lip.
- The device is well tolerated, does not impede eating, and allows for cleaning.
Conclusions:
- The modified maxillary appliance offers a simple, safe, and effective technique for enhancing flap security.
- It minimizes the risk of morbidity associated with early postoperative healing.
- This method provides increased protection for delicate surgical repairs.