A Novel Bone Contouring Technique Using Multiple Tangential Shaving for Conservative Management of Craniofacial Fibrous Dysplasia

This study aimed to propose a novel surgical technique, named multiple tangential shaving of bone contour, for the conservative management of craniofacial fibrous dysplasia. We retrospectively reviewed 17 patients who underwent conservative management of craniofacial fibrous dysplasia using multiple tangential shaving technique between July 2005 and December 2020. Demographics, tumor characteristics, and surgery-related factors were investigated. All patients underwent preoperative (T0) and postoperative computed tomography scans taken at least twice within 1 month for immediate assessment (T1) and at least 12 months postoperatively for long-term assessment (T2). Clinical outcomes, including tumor recurrence, perioperative complications, and physician measure of esthetic outcomes (Whitaker score), were investigated. This technique was applied for contouring of the zygomatic-maxillary and calvarial bone for patients aged between 16 and 60 years (mean age: 26 y). The mean +/- SD tumor volume reduction was 15.5 +/- 8.95 cm(3), and the postoperative mean +/- SD tumor growth rate was 5.52 +/- 6.26% per year. Satisfactory outcome was obtained in terms of esthetics with a mean +/- SD Whitaker score of 1.41 +/- 0.62. Patients required a mean operation time of 1.67 +/- 0.43 hours and a mean number of shaving operations of 1.35 +/- 0.61 during the follow-up period. Five of 17 patients required reoperation because of the tumor recurrence (N=4) and to correct new-onset diplopia after surgery (N=1). In conclusion, the multiple tangential shaving technique allows an easy approach for conservative management of craniofacial fibrous dysplasia. An acceptable rate of tumor recurrence and esthetic outcomes can be obtained by selecting the appropriate candidate for a conservative approach.