ABSTRACT Introduction: Many authors consider the Bernard technique modified by Webster the first choice for total lower lip reconstruction. This technique preserves skin folds and anatomical landmarks on the face, and interferes minimally with the tactile sensibility of the reconstructed lip, resulting in satisfying cosmetic and functional outcomes. Despite agreeing with the principles of the Webster technique, a modification is proposed to improve reconstruction of vermilion, by using bilateral nasolabial flaps associated with the original advancement flaps. Methods: We report five surgical cases carried out between 2003 and 2008, and discussion of results. Results: Dissection need to advance flaps in Bernard-Webster technique does not make nasolabial flaps unviable, and they can be rotated properly to add volume and skin to the reconstructed vermilion. Conclusion: Proposed modification of Bernard-Webster technique does not increase risk or damage compared with classic technique, and it maintains the same reconstructive capabilities or even enhances it.

RESUMO Introdução: A técnica de Bernard modificada por Webster é considerada por diversos autores a primeira escolha para reconstrução total de lábio inferior. Ela preserva as linhas e pontos de referência estética da face, e proporciona boa sensibilidade no lábio reconstruído, permitindo alcançar resultados estéticos e funcionais satisfatórios. Apesar de concordar com os princípios da técnica de Webster, uma modificação é proposta visando aperfeiçoar a reconstrução do vermelhão, usando retalhos nasogenianos bilaterais associados aos retalhos de avançamento originais. Métodos: São apresentados cinco casos operados pelo autor no período de 2003 a 2008, e os resultados são discutidos. Resultados: Demonstrou-se que a dissecção necessária para avançar os retalhos da bochecha na técnica de Bernard-Webster não inviabiliza os retalhos nasogenianos, e estes podem ser rotados adequadamente para acrescentar pele e volume ao vermelhão reconstruído. Conclusão: A modificação proposta não impõe risco aumentado ou prejuízo sobre a técnica original, e mantém ou aumenta a sua capacidade reconstrutiva.

Introduction Velopharyngeal sphincter is a portion of the muscle of the palatopharyngeal arch that is capable of separating the oral cavity from the nasal cavity. It has not been determined yet whether voice intensity has an influence on this capacity. Velopharyngeal sphincter closure is accomplished by elevating and retracting the soft palate at the same time as the nasopharyngeal walls are constricted. Objective This study aims to correlate voice intensity with velopharyngeal sphincter closure in individuals without velopharyngeal dysfunction and patients with cleft lip and palate. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional, comparative, and contemporary study. The sample consisted of 16 individuals in the control group and 16 individuals in the study group. Patients underwent instrumental assessment, which we subsequently analyzed using a computer program, and a brief medical history review. The mean age of the control group was 27.6 years, whereas the mean age of the case group was 15.6 years. Results Cases showed higher voice intensity in regular and weak fricative sentences when compared with controls. There was no agreement on the analysis of the instrumental assessment between the assessors and the computer program. Regardless of voice intensity, the computer program demonstrated a similar closure pattern. Conclusion The computer program showed similar closure pattern for the three levels of intensity. There was no agreement between the three assessors and the closure pattern determined by the computer program. There was no statistically significant correlation between voice intensity and degree of velopharyngeal sphincter closure.

Current treatments of craniosynostosis rely on the application of metal springs for cranial bone deviation. However, those metal springs demand a second surgical procedure for their removal. An attractive alternative would be the substitution of metal for bioresorbable polymers in the composition of the springs. The addition of poly(isoprene), PI, to poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), PLGA, produces a polymeric blend with partial miscibility and distinct mechanical behavior that may benefit the patient recover. It is necessary to compare the histotoxicity of PLGA/PI to that presented by PLGA. In order to verify the histological behavior of the blend, 46 male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus, albino strain) underwent implantation of PLGA or PLGA/PI in the skull and were allocated into subgroups by timing of euthanasia (15, 30, 60, or 90 days). After euthanasia, the skull was removed and the histotoxicity was assessed histopathologically. The PLGA/PI blend showed greater histotoxicity in animals euthanized at 60 days, although in this period the histotoxicity of the PLGA/PI blend was similar to that of the PLGA copolymer at 15 days. Despite the instability of histological response, presented in different periods of observation, the results obtained in long-term show that the material has high potential for studies in craniosynostosis treatment.

<sec><title>PURPOSE:</title><p> To evaluate experimental cranial vault reconstructions, by combining bone morphogenetic protein type 2 (BMP-2) and different matrices.</p></sec><sec><title>METHODS:</title><p>Fourty-nine animals were initially included (seven per group). We designed an experimental, open, prospective and comparative study, divided in seven groups: 1 - BMP-2+calcium phosphate (BT); 2 - BMP-2+acellular dermal matrix (BM); 3 - BMP-2+calcium alginate (BA); 4 - TCP; 5 - MDM; 6 - ALG; 7 - Bone autograft (BAG). A bone failure was created in left parietal bone of adult male mice. At the same procedure reconstruction was performed. After five weeks, animals were sacrificed, and reconstruction area was removed to histological analysis. After exclusion due to death or infection, thirty-eight animals were evaluated (BT=5; BM=6; BA=6; TCP=7; MDM=3; ALG=6; BAG=5).</p></sec><sec><title>RESULTS:</title><p> A higher incidence of infection has occurred in MDM group (57%, P=0.037). In cortical fusion, groups BAG, TCP, and BMP-2+TCP (BT) obtained the best scores, comparing to the others (P=0.00846). In new bone formation, groups BT, BAG, and TCP have presented the best scores (P=0.00835). When neovascularization was considered, best groups were BMP-2+MDM (BM), BMP-2+ALG (BA), TCP, and MDM (P=0.001695). BAG group was the best in bone marrow formation, followed by groups BT and TCP (P=0.008317).</p></sec><sec><title>CONCLUSIONS:</title><p> Bone morphogenetic protein type 2 increased bone regeneration in experimental skull reconstruction, especially when combined to calcium phosphate. Such association was even comparable to bone autograft, the gold-standard treatment, in some histological criteria.</p></sec>