An Oncoplastic Approach to Primary Pediatric Pterygomaxillary Osteosarcoma.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Surgical Innovation
• Pediatric Medicine

Background:

• Osteosarcomas in the pterygomaxillary/infratemporal fossa are exceptionally rare in children.
• Achieving negative margins during tumor resection is critical for survival but challenging due to anatomical complexities.
• Traditional surgical approaches carry risks of nerve damage, vascular injury, and significant scarring.

Observation:

• A 6-year-old boy presented with an osteosarcoma in the left pterygomaxillary/infratemporal fossa.
• The tumor's location presented significant surgical access challenges.
• An "oncoplastic" surgical strategy was employed to address the tumor.

Findings:

• The oncoplastic approach integrated computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) and mixed reality (MR) technologies.
• This innovative technique facilitated improved surgical planning and execution.
• Successful tumor resection with presumed negative margins was achieved, leading to a positive outcome for the patient.

Implications:

• This case demonstrates the potential of advanced technologies like CAD/CAM and MR in managing rare pediatric head and neck cancers.
• The oncoplastic approach offers a promising alternative for improving surgical outcomes and minimizing morbidity in challenging tumor locations.
• Further research into these integrated technologies could refine treatment strategies for similar rare pediatric malignancies.