Facial reconstruction consideration in rheumatic diseases
Mayro, R.F.; DeLozier, J.B.; Whitaker, L.A.
Rheumatic Diseases Clinics of North America 17(4): 943-969
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0889-857X PMID: 1767083 Document Number: 374932
In conclusion, the management of facial involvement in JRA, Romberg disease, and scleroderma is dictated by the degree of severity of the disease, age of onset, and length of activity. Functional occlusal abnormalities are best addressed through a team approach consisting of initial orthodontics followed by orthognathic surgery if needed. In all types of scleroderma, surgical facial reconstruction is best delayed until the disease is quiescent for at least a year. The ideal option for facial skeletal and soft-tissue augmentation has not yet been realized. Careful surgical planning and choice of grafts, flaps, or implants are critical to obtain the desired result.