Jaw Reconstruction After War Injuries: The Experience of Paul Tessier
F. Simon · S. Ketoff · B. Guichard · S.A. Wolfe · J.-F. Tulasne · C. Bertolus · R.H. Khonsari
J Craniomaxillofac Surg · 2015 · 43(5):606-610
A page in the history of reconstructive surgery. Dr Serge Ketoff took part in this study retracing the work of Paul Tessier, founder of craniofacial surgery, with victims of the Iran–Iraq war.
In brief
- Over 400,000 people needed prolonged care after the Iran–Iraq war.
- An international team led by Paul Tessier reconstructed the most severely injured faces.
- A lesson in rigour: maintaining standard protocols in difficult settings.
A historical context
The Iran–Iraq war left thousands of wounded requiring reconstruction of the lower third of the face. A team of leading reconstructive surgeons, led by Paul Tessier, founder of craniofacial surgery, was invited to Iran during the conflict to care for these patients.
Method and lessons
The records of 43 patients operated on by the Tessier team in the 1980s were analysed. The protocol combined soft-tissue rehabilitation with local flaps, parietal or iliac bone grafts, then implant placement six months later. Tessier's approach illustrates the importance of maintaining high standards of care and rigorous protocols, even in difficult settings.
Key points
- History of craniofacial surgery.
- Reconstruction + implant rehabilitation protocol.
- Rigorous protocols in a wartime setting.
Reference : Simon F, Ketoff S, Guichard B, Wolfe SA, Tulasne JF, Bertolus C, Khonsari RH. Lower jaw reconstruction and dental rehabilitation after war injuries: the experience of Paul Tessier in Iran in the late 1980s. J Craniomaxillofac Surg. 2015;43(5):606-610.
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