As the year draws to a close, it is time to reflect on the challenges and successes that have marked our journey in craniomaxillofacial trauma and reconstruction. Surgery is changing more than ever, and oral and maxillofacial surgery is a prime example of how medical and technological innovations can be implemented in everyday clinical practice. Hightech procedures such as virtual surgical planning, virtual, augmented, and mixed reality, medical 3D printing, patientspecific implants, point-of-care manufacturing, intraoperative navigation and 3D imaging, robotics and laser osteotomy, artificial intelligence, as well as breakthroughs in oncology and regenerative medicine are just some examples of the innovations that have found their way into modern oral and maxillofacial surgery. They will transform the entire field of surgery in the future: Look at the innovations in oral and maxillofacial surgery today, and you will see the technological future of other surgical disciplines in 10 years.
Despite all the technological developments, we should never forget the benefits for our society, especially our patients, who should always be at the center of everything we do. Furthermore, we must keep an eye on the training of our young surgeons, who should be able to perform solid and safe surgery, even without the support of high-tech in the future. New studies and clinical registries will help us to substantiate innovative procedures or to identify them as trends or “nice-to-haves” but not as “must-haves.”
The constant evolution of medicine and surgery also reminds us of the importance of resilience, especially in the face of adversity, and we need to relearn how to achieve excellence through simple means. As our world struggles with crises, old and new, craniomaxillofacial surgery should remain a testament to human innovation, dedication, interdisciplinary work, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. Surgery is international, and it knows no borders, it unites doctors from all over the world who have one goal with one language: to help their patients. It should remain impartial, open-minded, critical, apolitical, compassionate, and always striving for excellence.
One of the reminders of the dangers lurking in our society is the study by Stanbouly et al, which identifies motorcycle accidents as the leading risk factor for panfacial fractures in pediatric patients. This alarming revelation underscores the need for preventive measures and public awareness campaigns, especially for the vulnerable pediatric population.
On the surgical front, the study by Mirza et al offers an enlightening comparison between the supraorbital eyebrow and upper blepharoplasty approaches in treating zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures. As surgeons, we continually strive for techniques that optimize functional and aesthetic outcomes, and such comparative studies can pave the way for informed surgical decision-making.
The pursuit of enhanced training tools is evident in the work of Rojas et al, who introduce a novel simulation for subcondylar mandibular fractures. Such surgical training and education innovations are crucial in equipping the next generation of surgeons with the skills and confidence they need to tackle even complex surgical challenges.
In the realm of medical interventions, the study by Sen et al delves into the potential benefits of NGF and photobiomodulation therapy on nerve injury and fracture healing, showcasing the interdisciplinary nature of our field and the convergence of technology and biology.
Lein et al from Norway provide valuable insights from a retrospective study on orbital and orbitozygomaticomaxillary complex fractures, while Brown et al shed light on the perioperative management of patients with syndromic craniosynostosis. Such studies emphasize the intricate nature of our specialty and the importance of a holistic approach to patient care.
Lastly, the comprehensive reviews by Pandey et al and Bera et al exemplify the importance of evidence-based practice in managing traumatic optic neuropathy and edentulous atrophic mandible fractures, respectively. These reviews are essential resources, guiding clinicians in their quest for optimal patient outcomes.
As we look back on the past year, we are reminded of the resilience of the craniomaxillofacial community. The research presented in this journal embodies the spirit of innovation and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Let us carry this momentum into the coming year and continue our collective endeavor to push the boundaries of what is possible for the future of our patients and our field.
Stay Humble, Healthy, and Strong!
Editors-in-Chief, Journal of Craniomaxillofacial Trauma and Reconstruction
