No abstract

: The first facial transplantation in 2005 ushered in a new era in reconstructive surgery, offering new possibilities for the repair of severe disfigurements previously limited by conventional techniques. Advances in allograft design, computerized preoperative planning, surgical technique, and postoperative revisions have helped push the boundaries in this new frontier of vascularized composite allotransplantation. Over the past 12 years, 40 of these procedures have been performed across the world, offering the field the opportunity to reflect on current outcomes. Successes achieved in the brief history of facial transplantation have resulted in a new set of obstacles the field must now overcome. In this review, we aim to highlight the achievements, major challenges, and future directions of this rapidly evolving field.

3D-printed bioactive ceramic scaffolds can restore critical mandibular segmental defects to levels similar to native bone after 8 weeks in an adult rabbit, critical sized, mandibular defect model.

Background: Cleft deformities of the lip and palate affect nearly one in 500 to 700 births, and lead to increased morbidity and mortality if untreated. Nevertheless, significant global disparities in access to timely and appropriate care still exist. The relatively basic infrastructure required to surgically correct these deformities and large unmet disease burden have resulted in a significant number of foundation-based cleft care initiatives focused on developing countries. In this study, the authors evaluate the peer-reviewed literature generated by these foundations in an attempt to assess their clinical, scientific, educational, and economic impact. Methods: A comprehensive review of the literature was performed using key search terms, and the level of evidence of identified articles was determined. Data were then analyzed to determine the different models of foundation-based cleft care in developing countries, and their clinical, scientific, educational, and economic impact. Results: A total of 244 articles were identified through the authors’ search and reviewed. Foundation-based cleft care initiatives in developing countries have significantly contributed to a better understanding of disease epidemiology, barriers to care, safety considerations, complications and outcomes, and international and local cleft surgery education. The cleft care center model is more cost-effective than the surgical mission model and provides more sustainable care. Conclusions: Foundation-based cleft care prevents significant morbidity in developing countries and has provided valuable resources for capacity building. The surgical mission model should be considered as a transitory conduit for establishing the more effective and sustainable cleft care center model of care.