Journal Description

Craniomaxillofacial Trauma & Reconstruction

Craniomaxillofacial Trauma & Reconstruction (CMTR) is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal that covers all types of research in surgery of the head, face and jaw. The journal is owned by AO CMF and is published quarterly online by MDPI (since Volume 18, Issue 1, March 2025). Craniomaxillofacial Trauma and Reconstruction is a member of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
High Visibility: indexed within ESCI (Web of Science), PubMed, PMC, Embase, and other databases.
Rapid Publication: first decisions in 18 days; acceptance to publication in 4 days (median values for MDPI journals in the second half of 2024).
Recognition of Reviewers: APC discount vouchers, optional signed peer review, and reviewer names published annually in the journal.

Impact Factor: 0.8 (2023); 5-Year Impact Factor: 1.3 (2023)

Imprint Information Open Access ISSN: 1943-3883

Latest Articles

9 pages, 445 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Analysis of Open and Closed Nasal Fractures in Trauma Settings: Mechanisms, Intent, Surgical Interventions, and Outcomes

by Ahmad K. Alnemare

Craniomaxillofac. Trauma Reconstr. 2025, 18(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/cmtr18010009 - 22 Jan 2025

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to explore nasal fracture patterns, trauma mechanism and intent, treatment approaches, and mortality rates, offering insights for clinical practice and prevention in trauma settings. Design: This retrospective analysis was carried out using trauma data from the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) for the years 2013 to 2016. Main outcome measures: Trauma mechanism and mortality rates between closed and open fractures were conducted. Results: This study involved 122,574 closed and 9704 open nasal fractures to elucidate demographic, hospital, and clinical characteristics. Significant risk factors for open nasal fractures included a higher injury severity score, self-inflicted intent, unintentional causes, and firearm mechanism compared to assault injuries. Conclusions: Significant factors associated with open nasal fractures include injury severity, self-inflicted intent, trauma type, and firearm mechanisms, which notably increase the likelihood of open fractures. Findings highlight the need for targeted prevention, efficient resource allocation, and risk screening to enhance the management of complex facial traumas in the national trauma system. Full article

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12 pages, 849 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Oncological Outcomes Following Computer-Aided Reconstructive Jaw Surgery

by John M. Le, John Hofheins, Myra Rana, Jay Ponto, Anthony B. Morlandt and Yedeh P. Ying

Craniomaxillofac. Trauma Reconstr. 2025, 18(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/cmtr18010008 - 5 Jan 2025

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze computer-aided surgical planning (CAS) and margin status following oncological reconstructive surgery of the jaws. A retrospective study was conducted on patients who underwent microvascular reconstructive surgery from 2014 to 2021. The predictor variable was the use of CAS. The primary and secondary outcomes were histopathological bone margin status, local recurrence, and disease-free survival (DFS). Covariates included demographic, operative, pathological, and clinical outcomes. Thirty-five CAS and fifty-two non-CAS subjects were included for analysis. Demographic characteristics such as age, sex, and comorbidities were comparable between the study groups, with all p-values > 0.05. For operative variables, the osteocutaneous radial forearm flap was more commonly used in the non-CAS group (34.6%) compared to the CAS group (2.9%) (p < 0.01). The mean follow-up period was shorter in the CAS group (31.9 months) than in the non-CAS group (42.6 months) (p < 0.01). CAS was not associated with margin status (p = 0.65) or local recurrence (p = 0.08). DFS was comparable between the study groups (p = 0.74). Bone margin involvement was not associated with any covariates. The use of CAS in oncological reconstructive jaw surgery was not associated with increased bone margin involvement. Full article

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11 pages, 5555 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Proportional Condylectomy Using a Titanium 3D-Printed Cutting Guide in Patients with Condylar Hyperplasia

by Wenko Smolka, Carl-Peter Cornelius, Katharina Theresa Obermeier, Sven Otto and Paris Liokatis

Craniomaxillofac. Trauma Reconstr. 2025, 18(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/cmtr18010007 - 3 Jan 2025

Abstract

Background: The purpose of the study was to describe proportional condylectomy in patients with condylar hyperplasia using a titanium 3D-printed ultrathin wire mesh cutting guide placed below the planned bone resection. Methods: Eight patients with condylar hyperplasia underwent proportional condylectomy using an ultrathin titanium 3D-printed cutting guide placed below the planned bone resection. The placement of the guide was facilitated by the incorporation of anatomical landmarks. The accuracy of bone resections guided by such devices was evaluated on postoperative radiographs. The mean postoperative follow-up was 30 months. Results: Surgery could be performed in all patients in the same manner as virtually planned. The fitting accuracy of the cutting guides was judged as good. Postoperative radiographs revealed that the virtually planned shape of the newly formed condylar head after condylectomy could be achieved. Conclusions: In conclusion, the use of virtual computer-assisted planning and CAD/CAM-based cutting guides for proportional condylectomy in unilateral condylar hyperplasia of the mandible offers high accuracy and guarantees very predictable results. Full article

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15 pages, 1664 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Following Secondary Velopharyngeal Insufficiency in Children with Non-Syndromic Cleft Palate: A Systematic Review

by Milton Chin, Mona Haj, Sarah L. Versnel, Henriette H. W. de Gier and Eppo B. Wolvius

Craniomaxillofac. Trauma Reconstr. 2025, 18(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/cmtr18010006 - 3 Jan 2025

Abstract

Study design: Systematic review. Objective: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a possible complication following secondary velopharyngeal insufficiency surgery in patients with repaired cleft palate. Various surgical techniques are used to treat secondary velopharyngeal insufficiency after cleft palate repair, but the optimal procedure remains debatable. This review provides an overview of the incidence of airway obstructive outcomes related to different surgical modalities. Methods: A systematic search was performed on the 1st of February following the PRISMA guidelines and registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022299715). The following databases were reviewed: Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library databases. Studies that included data on the occurrence of OSA following velopharyngeal surgery in children with a repaired non-syndromic cleft palate were included. Non-English articles and studies that included syndromic cleft palate patients were excluded. Results: Twenty-eight articles met the inclusion criteria. The surgical procedures are classified into three groups: pharyngeal flap procedure (PF), sphincter pharyngoplasty (SP), and palatal muscle repositioning (PMR). Incidence of post-operative OSA and symptoms of OSA were lowest after PMR compared to SP and PF (3%; 34%; 29%, respectively). Pharyngeal flap procedures resulted in the best speech outcomes. Conclusions: PMR results in fewer postoperative complications in terms of OSA and achieves a satisfactory reduction in hypernasal speech. PF procedure carries a higher risk of developing OSA postoperatively but seems to be superior in the reduction in hypernasality. Full article

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17 pages, 2919 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Evaluating Genioplasty Procedures: A Systematic Review and Roadmap for Future Investigations

by Sebastiaan W. R. Dalmeijer, Tom C. T. van Riet, Jean-Pierre T. F. Ho and Eddy (A. G.) Becking

Craniomaxillofac. Trauma Reconstr. 2025, 18(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/cmtr18010005 - 3 Jan 2025

Abstract

Study design: Systematic review. Objective: This systematic review examines the existing literature concerning the objective and subjective evaluations of osseous genioplasty outcomes. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in databases including PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science, yielding 2563 references, which were screened by two independent reviewers. We included 105 articles originating from 25 different countries. Data were systematically extracted, categorized, and documented. Results: Genioplasty was performed in 5218 patients, either independently (3560 cases) or in combination with other orthognathic procedures (1696 cases), with a predominant focus on female patients (64%). Objective evaluation primarily focused on surgical accuracy, relapse, and neurosensory disturbance, while subjective assessments were largely related to aesthetics and patient satisfaction. Despite significant advancements in three-dimensional surgical planning and assessment, the review highlights a lack of standardized methods for evaluating isolated genioplasty outcomes. Conclusions: The findings emphasize the need for improved and validated instruments that specifically assess the functional and aesthetic results of genioplastic surgery. Future research should prioritize patient-centered prospective studies and the development of assessment tools to ensure more comprehensive and reliable outcome evaluations. Full article

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15 pages, 731 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Social Media Depiction of Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate: Instagram Versus YouTube Shorts Analysis: Instagram Post Versus Instagram Reel Analysis

by Joshua Lewis, Manav Patel, Nangah Tabukumm and Wei-Chen Lee

Craniomaxillofac. Trauma Reconstr. 2025, 18(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/cmtr18010004 - 3 Jan 2025

Abstract

Study Design: Qualitative analysis study. Introduction: Social media has been pivotal in the dissemination of medical knowledge to the public. The aim was to identify the demographics of individuals posting about cleft lip and palate on YouTube Shorts and Instagram, to characterize the content of these posts, and to highlight factors that could aid surgeons in better educating patients with cleft lip and palate. Methods: Instagram posts and YouTube Shorts with “#cleftlip”, “#cleftawareness”, “#cleftpalate”, “#cleftplipandpalate”, and “#cleftproud” were searched on 8 June 2024. Postings were subclassified and analyzed for content, including topics of posts, authors, media type, tone of the post, and year of post. Results: A total of 3321 posts were analyzed, with 2698 coming from Instagram and 623 from YouTube Shorts. The majority of content creators were patients and their family members (n = 2054, 61.8%), cleft lip and palate foundations (n = 384, 11.6%), and companies (n = 381, 11.5%). Only 167 posts were authored by physicians (5.1%). Among the educational and informational posts, patients and family members accounted for the majority of the posts (409 posts, 57.7%). Physicians contributed to a small fraction of the educational content (37 posts, 5.2%). Conclusions: Physician participation in the cleft lip and palate social media realm on Instagram and YouTube Shorts was found to be limited. Moreover, there was a scarcity of educational content on both platforms, indicating a significant opportunity for physicians to engage more actively in cleft lip and palate social media discussions. Full article

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9 pages, 3699 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Shift in Conceptual Thinking of Panfacial Fracture Sequencing: The Major Fragment Theory

by Patrick Wong, Antonio Atte, David Powers and Paul Tiwana

Craniomaxillofac. Trauma Reconstr. 2025, 18(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/cmtr18010003 - 3 Jan 2025

Abstract

Study Design: A literature review of relevant publications regarding panfacial fracture sequencing. Objective: To review the current landscape of sequencing of panfacial trauma and propose the utilization of the Major Fragment Theory when conventional sequencing techniques are inadequate. Methods: We conducted a review of existing literature on panfacial fracture management, focusing on sequencing techniques. Additionally, we analyzed unique fracture patterns to identify instances where conventional sequencing may be insufficient. Results: Existing literature emphasizes directional-based sequencing techniques for panfacial fracture reduction. However, unique fracture patterns often necessitate deviation from these sequences. The Major Fragment Theory suggests prioritizing the reduction of larger fragments over conventional sequencing, particularly when dealing with complex fractures. Conclusions: While directional-based sequencing techniques provide a valuable framework for panfacial fracture management and almost any approach can be utilized successfully, the Major Fragment Theory offers a complementary approach for cases where conventional sequencing falls short. Incorporating this theory into practice may enhance outcomes in the treatment of panfacial fractures. Full article

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