title: Does ultrasonic resorbable pin fixation offer predictable results for augmentation eminoplasty in recurrent dislocations?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the outcome of interpositional calvarial block grafting fixed with an ultrasonic resorbable system (SonicWeld, KLS Martin, Mühlheim, Germany) for augmentation eminoplasty in chronic recurrent condylar dislocations.
  
  
  METHODS
  We designed and implemented a retrospective cohort study. Eight female patients (mean age 48 years) were treated. The primary predictor variable was time (preoperative vs postoperative). The primary outcome variable was cessation of dislocation. The secondary outcome variables were the height of the articular eminences (HAE), maximum interincisal opening, pain score (visual analog scale [VAS]), postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, and facial nerve paralysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All 8 patients had been experiencing recurrent dislocations a mean of 10 times each month preoperatively. None of the patients had experienced a dislocation at 2 years postoperatively. The preoperative mean HAE was 5.75 and the VAS score for pain was 72.5. The mean vertical HAE was 15.75 mm, and the mean VAS score for pain was 11.2 at 12 months postoperatively. Complete resorption of the SonicWeld pins was observed on the first year follow-up computed tomography scans. Of the 8 patients, 3 presented with disc displacement without reduction and 2 with disc displacement with reduction on the postoperative MRI scan, and none of the patients had a facial nerve deficit at 24 months of follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Fixation of cortical calvarial grafts using the ultrasonic resorbable system for augmentation eminoplasty provided sufficient stabilization and favorable outcomes. Degradation of the osteosynthesis material and the absence of intermaxillary fixation were the most advantageous parts of the technique.
authors.affiliation: Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Marmara University Faculty of Dentistry, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: Selçuk
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Basa
authors.affiliation: Resident, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Marmara University Faculty of Dentistry, Istanbul, Turkey. Electronic address: gocmengokhan@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Gökhan
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Göçmen
authors.affiliation: Associated Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Marmara University Faculty of Dentistry, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: Altan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Varol
authors.affiliation: Resident, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Marmara University Faculty of Dentistry, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: Berfin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Karataş
authors.affiliation: Resident, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Marmara University Faculty of Dentistry, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: Ayşegül
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sipahi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001858:Bone Nails; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D019647:Oral Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014084:Tooth Avulsion; D014465:Ultrasonics