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The oral pulse granuloma represents a rare form of oral foreign body granulomas and results from encapsulation of particles of vegetable nutrition. Histologically, the oral pulse granuloma consists of multinucleated foreign body type giant cells, hyaline rings and chronic inflammation tissue. Intraosseous granulomas can be distinguished from extraosseous granulo- mas. Intraosseous granulomas are often asymptomatic, whereas the extraosseous type may be clinically apparent as an indolent swelling of the mucosa. Therapy consists of curettage or surgical excision. We report on the clinical, radiological and histopathological characteristics of an oral pulse granuloma in the mandible associated with an erupting tooth 46 of a seven-year-old boy, and the surgical management and follow-up.

Introduction: Osteopetrosis is a metabolic bone disease that leads to bone malformation and bone healing disorders. We report the case of a patient who underwent orthognathic surgery to treat a class III skeletal malocclusion., Observation: A 21-year-old patient had presented with osteopetrosis in his childhood, which had been treated by bone marrow transplantation. He presented with esthetic and functional sequels, a class III skeletal malocclusion, lateral mandibular deviation, and dental agenesis. This dysmorphism was corrected by bimaxillar osteotomy. The postoperative outcome was uneventful, with satisfactory and stable healing., Discussion: The patient's lesions where after-effects of his disease, but the bone structure is normal, because osteopetrosis regressed after bone marrow transplantation. There is no risk for the consolidation. Osteopetrosis, even when treated by bone marrow transplantation, is not a contraindication for maxillomandibular osteotomy., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: The odontogenic keratocyst is a benign tumor with a high recurrence rate and aggressive behavior. We analyzed the risk factors for recurrence of odontogenic keratocysts and compared our results to published ones., Patients and Methods: Thirty-two patients (36 odontogenic keratocysts) were treated in our department between 1996 and 2006. We retrospectively analyzed recurrence according to anatomoclinic, histopathological, and prognostic parameters., Results: The patients' mean age was 41 years. The sex ratio was 1.28 with male predominance. The mandible was the most common site (30 cases). The most common radiological finding was a unilocular cyst in 75 % of cases. The primary treatment was conservative surgery for all patients. Twelve recurrences were observed in eight patients between 2 and 10 years of follow-up. All recurrences occurred in the mandible with 41 % in the angle and ramus. Multilocular cysts recurred in 55 % of cases, unilocular in 11 %. The recurrence rate of orthokeratocysts was 40 %. The presence of satellite cysts and extension to soft tissues were associated with a high rate of recurrence (60 %). Sixty-six percent of infected cysts recurred and among these, eight were enucleated in several fragments., Discussion: The recurrence rate of odontogenic keratocysts is higher in case of mandibular posterior region localization and multilocular keratocysts. This might be explained by the difficult surgical accessibility. Some histological findings including the presence of satellite cysts and orthokeratocysts are associated with a higher recurrence rate. Cyst infection and treatment modalities influence the recurrence rate., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

The aneurysmal bone cyst is a rare, expansive, osteolytic, pseudocystic lesion with an unknown etiology. It usually affects long bones and the spine. Two to 5 % of cases have mandibular localization (between 75 and 100 % present on the mandible) accounting for 1 % of all mandibular cysts. Less than 200 cases have been reported in English and French literature.

Introduction: Solitary maxillary or mandibular bone cysts are rare benign lesions. They are usually localized in the mandible of young men. In some cases, a traumatic risk factor can be documented., Observation: A young 13-year-old female patient consulted in the orthodontics unit. An orthopantomogram showed a large cystic lesion in the ramus and posterior part of the left mandible corpus. No reossification of the cavity was observed one year after curettage. A second curettage was performed combined with PRF filling. Six months later, the cavity was completely reossified., Discussion: Curettage is the first line treatment of isolated cystic lesions and generally followed by complete reossification of the cavity. Incomplete healing is observed in 20% of the cases. PRF may induce the healing of non-reossified cystic cavity by supplying local growth factors.

Introduction: The vascularized periosteal free flap transposes a non-irradiated soft tissue with neo-angiogenesis, bone induction, and osteogenesis qualities. Its technique and interest are studied for early osteoradionecrosis., Material and Method: A retrospective study was made between 1992 and 2002. Thirty-four patients were selected among the 59 cases operated for osteoradionecrosis; all patients were classified stage II and I on the Epstein scale. Twenty-six patients were reconstructed using a non-periosteum free flap (bone, muscular or cutaneous flap), and eight patients were reconstructed using a "periosteum free flap". The study was clinical, radiological, and histological., Results: Osteoradionecrosis evolved for two of the eight patients having undergone periosteum free flap surgery. Operative morbidity and the number of reoperation were less important than for the rest of the series. The reconstruction was satisfactory on a functional and esthetic level. A bone production was noted for two patients of the "periosteum" group., Discussion: Periosteum free flap surgery is an alternative for early osteoradionecrosis. The periosteum brings osteo-induction and osteogenesis, and revascularization recorded clinically, radiologically, and histologically, even on an irradiated area.

Background: Langerhans cell histiocytosis is characterized by a clonal proliferation of Langerhans cells. The clinical manifestation varies from a localized lesion (eosinophilic granuloma) to a systemic disease. The diagnosis can only be confirmed histopathologically. A comprehensive staging is necessary to determine the extent of the disease and to establish an adequate therapy., Case Report: We report on a 27 years old patient who was referred to our clinic with the diagnosis of an osteomyelitis of the mandibular angle and a pathological fracture after extraction of tooth 38 one month before. Curettage and primary bone grafting were performed. In the histological examination of the specimen infiltrates of a Langerhans cell histiocytosis were found. The clinical and radiological staging demonstrated a solitary mandibular lesion (eosinophilic granuloma). After wound healing a low-dose radiotherapy with 6 Gray was performed. Two years after completion of the therapy the patient is asymptomatic and does not show any evidence of recurrence., Conclusion: Langerhans cell histiocytosis has to be included in the differential diagnosis of osteolytic lesions of the mandible. A low-dose radiotherapy is a reasonable and well-tolerated treatment option.

Reports of cases of ONJ are significantly increased during the last five years as a iatrogenic complication of therapy with bisphosphonates (BPT). The aim of this work is to present the advantages of surgery using Er:YAG laser for treatment of ONJ. Er:YAG laser can gradually reach the healthy bone without causing any heating damage of tissues. This device results very versatile and gives the possibility of choose among different surgical techniques depending by the case (e.g.: vaporization or ostectomy). Moreover, different studies have demonstrated the presence of both bactericidal and biomodulating effect on bone and surrounding tissues, with biostimulation of microcirculation and neoangiogenesis. Seventeen sites of ONJ, classified according to the staging system developed by Ruggiero and observed in 12 patients with multiple myeloma (9 patients), bone metastases (2 patients) and osteoporosis (1 patient), were treated with Er:YAG laser (Fidelis Plus, Fotona-Slovenia). Laser device was used in non-contact or near-contact way (VSP, 300 m3 30 Hz, Fluence 60 J/cm2) on 17 sites (4 Stage I and 13 Stage II) on 3 different types of surgery: sequestrectomy + debridement, sequestrectomy + corticotomy and vaporization. For an average follow-up of 9 months (SD +/- 6 months), complete healing of ONJ (Stage 0) was obtained for 13 sites (76.5%) and resolution of symptoms was obtained (Stage 1) for 3 sites (17.5%). For one site at Stage II (6%), recovery was obtained but this result was not maintained over 3 months. Positive results were independent by the anatomical area (mandible or maxilla), primary disease (osteoporosis, multiple myelomas or metastasis) and discontinuation of BPT before surgery. Er:YAG laser (2940 nm), in our experience, represents a valid therapeutic option for ONJ-BP related, especially in early stages of the disease.

Introduction: Mandibular reconstruction with a microvascular free fibula flap (MFF) is an elegant solution to restore the anatomic arch, oral functions and facial esthetics. But the thin cutaneous tissue, the thickness of subcutaneous tissues, the absence of a pelvilingual and vestibular groove, and the fragility of soft tissues complicated dental prosthetic retention. Implants may restore prosthetic functionality. There is considerable publication on osteo-integration with a microvascular free fibula flap, but few studies were aimed at the prosthetic aspect, finality of any oral reconstruction. The aim of this retrospective study was to present the results of oral reconstruction with implant supported prostheses after mandibular reconstruction with a microvascular free fibula flap., Patients and Method: Twenty-three patients underwent mandibular reconstruction: 17 men and six women with a mean age of 46 years (17-66). Fourteen patients (60.8%) underwent radiotherapy before reconstruction. Mandibular osteoradionecrosis was the indication for reconstruction in seven patients. Each patient was assessed by dentascan. Implants were placed under general anesthesia. Postoperative clinical and radiographic controls were made regularly. Transmucous abutments were placed after six postoperative months and the prosthetic phase was initiated one month later. The criteria for implant and prosthetic success were assessed., Results: Seventy-five implants were placed, on average 3.2 per patient, with an 80% success rate. Three implants (4%) were not used for prosthesis. Ten permanent prostheses and 13 removable prostheses were placed. The mean delay before implant loading was 7.6 months (6-10) and the mean follow-up was 27.5 months (1-71). The occlusion was considered as "satisfactory" for 69.6% of patients. For 57% of patients, the quality of surrounding soft tissues was considered as "satisfactory". For 74% of patients oral reconstruction was "satisfactory"., Discussion: The implant supported prosthesis after MFF mandibular reconstruction, on an irradiated site or not, gives satisfactory results despite the thickness and mobility of soft tissues, and despite scar contracture and the absence of keratinization. Implant placement must be performed after a prosthetic planning. Using radio-surgical guides, despite their cost and difficult adaptation, would certainly bring important improvement to the technique.

Introduction: The physiopathology of osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is linked to vascular and cellular aspects of bone physiology. The authors had for aim to check whether the transposition of non-irradiated tissues could repair vascular and bone lesions., Material and Method: A retrospective study was made from 1992 to 2002 on all patients operated for a mandibular ORN (59 patients). The reconstructions performed with a bone flap (42%), bone composite flap (34%), periosteal free flap (14%), cutaneous flap (4%), or muscular flap (5%) were assessed. The radiological and clinical results and the effect of re-vascularization were analyzed., Results: A skin paddle was required in 47% of cases, impairing dental rehabilitation. The bone flap had to be osteotomized in 25% of iliac flaps, and 75% of fibula flaps. The free flap reconstruction had a 90% success rate. Complications were observed in 60% of cases and were more frequent when the stage was higher. The analysis of the surgical technique allowed determining its interest., Discussion: The analysis of results showed the feasibility of this technique in irradiated tissues. The iliac bone free flap was the best solution taking into consideration the shape, bone volume and vestibular morphology. The osteo-induction by a non-irradiated tissue transplantation was demonstrated clinically and radiologically.

Objective: Anterior mandibular arch reconstruction., Patient and Method: A 55-year-old immuno-depressed female underwent resection of the lower third of the face subsequent to extensive mucormycosis-related necrosis. Reconstruction of the anterior part of the mandible and adjacent soft tissue was carried out with a mandibular prosthesis and a latissimus dorsi flap. The mandibular prosthesis was made of titanium T40 micro-beads, consolidated by two parallel plates of titanium. The porous structure is intended to enhance cellular and bone integration., Results: The tolerance of the prosthesis was still excellent after 36 months. Labial continence was restored in a second procedure. Unrestricted diet was allowed from the third month. Radiological investigations confirm the good stability of the prosthesis., Conclusion: This original prosthesis design offers an alternative to the reconstruction of an anterior mandibular arch by plate or by vascularised free osseous tissue transfer that is sometimes associated with significant morbidity.

Introduction: The severe evolution for some patient presenting with osteoradionecrosis, even if classified in the same stages as other patients, suggests that there are aggravating factors., Material and Method: A retrospective study was made between 1992 and 2002 on all patient operated for mandibular osteoradionecrosis. Fifty-nine patients were included and the mandibular defects were reconstructed with a bone or a composite free flap (fibula 21%, iliac crest 49%, scapula 6%, antebrachial 3%), and with a periosteal free flap (13%)., Results: The study included severe cases (87% of stage II or III) operated on several times without success. Free flap reconstruction was successful in 90% of the cases. However, complications were present in 60% of cases (24% minor complications, 48% major complications), and were more frequent with a higher stage. The analysis allowed identifying morbidity factors., Discussion: Studying the morbidity allowed identifying severity factors of osteoradionecrosis; spontaneous onset, important irradiation (important dose, bone proximity of the tumor, bilateral damage), vascular damage (symphyseal localization, lack of sequestrum, facial artery ligature, active tobacco addiction), actinomycosis colonization, non-observance of medical treatment. Understanding aggravating factors should allow us to offer more efficient surgery on an early osteoradionecrosis stage, also decreasing the morbidity linked to reconstructive surgery.

Introduction: Idiopathic condylar resorption, often fortuitously discovered when performing orthodontic-surgical assessment, is a clinical entity in itself. There is a significant risk of postoperative degenerating and worsening. Is this sufficient to contra-indicate orthognathic surgery? The authors suggest an answer after studying a series of patients., Material and Method: A retrospective study of 10 consecutive patients was made from July 1999 to October 2004. The preoperative assessment was triple: clinical, radiological and photographic. At least 6 months of occlusal, radiological and morphological stability was observed before any therapy was initiated. A fixed orthodontic set-up was placed and patients were regularly followed by a speech therapist for parafunctions. Stability of the occlusal correction, acquisition of a more harmonious aesthetic profile, and resolution of joint symptomatology were used to define therapeutic success at one year., Results: All patients were female. Resorption affected the mandibular side of the joint in all cases and the temporal side in 7 cases. Three types of osteotomies were performed: maxillary (N=1), mandibular (N=5), and bibasilar (N=4). Genioplasty was not systematic. Joint symptoms were resolved in all cases. Postoperative occlusion corresponded to the therapeutic project in 9 cases. All patients were aesthetically improved., Discussion: Idiopathic condylar resorption is not a contra-indication for orthognathic surgery. However, this treatment requires meeting and respecting four principles: a minimal delay of 6 months of occlusal, radiological, and morphological stability, an adapted and meticulous surgical technique, early and prolonged parafunction therapy, and a close follow-up of the patients.

Unilateral or bilateral dislocation of the TMJ is frequent. Usually it can be treated by the method described by Hippocrates. If conservative treatment (splint therapy, biofeedback, etc.) does not succeed related to recurrent fixed TMJ-dislocation, surgical therapy strategies become necessary. Above all mentally retarded or patients with neuromuscular disorders may necessitate surgical treatment. The two surgical main procedures are: 1. Removal of mechanical obstacles by reduction of the eminentia. 2. Creation of a mechanical obstacle towards the anterior condylar translation. The here presented case shows the treatment of a reccurent, fixed anterior TMJ-dislocation using a miniplate which enables a absolut heightening of the articular tubercle in a 76 years old lady with Morbus Alzheimer and Parkinson. Due to the high incidence of plate fractures, this well discribed therapy, known as miniplate eminoplasty, can not be considered as the treatment of choice for mandibular dislocation. It can be indicated in non-compliant patients or in patients with neuromuscular disorders or in the combination of both as in our case.

Objective: Treatment of mandibular osteoradionecrosis is always a therapeutic challenge. The aim of this article is to evaluate the interest of fibula free flap for mandible reconstruction after radical excision of osteoradionecrotic lesions., Material and Methods: Six consecutives cases of extensive osteoradionecrosis of the mandible were treated with fibula free flap reconstruction. We report a meticulous analysis of the cosmetic and functional results., Results: All vascularized fibula osteocutaneous flaps transplanted were successful. Median hospital stay was 32 days. At 6 months, functional results (swallowing, mouth opening and speech) were good. All patients had sufficient oral intake and a comprehensible speech with just two patients requiring a soft diet and 1 patient retaining a moderate trismus., Discussion: Extensive mandibular osteoradionecrosis requires a radical surgical treatment. Fibula free flap is the best solution for mandible reconstruction in this situation. This technique allows good functional results., Conclusion: Fibula free flap is the method of choice for mandible reconstruction after radical treatment of osteoradionecrosis.

Recurrence following the surgical treatment of keratocysts of the jaws may present a major problem to the oral surgeon. The surgical treatment of patients with odontogenic keratocysts is concerning the high recurrence rate demanding and difficult. It has been suggested that recurrence is a consequence of technical of microcysts in the mucosa overlying the recurrent lesions. Attemps have been made to reduce this high recurrence rate by improved surgical techniques, such as removal of superadjacent mucosa, smoothing of the osseous wall of the cystic cavity, resection of neighboring parts of the mandible, tanning of the epithelial lining of the cyst with Carnoy's solution and marsupialisation. On the basis of a case report it was the aim of the authors to present the surgical treatment of odontogenic, recurrent keratocysts at the Clinic for Maxillo-Facial Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, from the primary operation following the Brosch-procedure in 1971 up to the latest cystectomy in 2004.

Background: The aim of our study was to assess the long term follow-up in six patients who all presented with solitary cysts and underwent minor surgery. At follow-up treatment (range 16 months to 18 years) efficacy was evaluated and screened for any possible future complications., Material and Methods: Since 1985 all patients who presented in the Department of oral and Maxillo-Facial Surgery with a simple bone cyst were retrospectively included in the study. A total of only 6 patients underwent surgery. One patient with a condylar cyst was seen with a delay of 16 months. The others were examined over 5 years., Results: Surgery allowed us to confirm the diagnosis and achieve the treatment of the cyst. One patient who had a cyst in the ramus and was re-operated for a follicular cyst adjacent to the wisdom tooth. No complication or recurrence was observed.

Introduction: The reconstruction of mandibular continuity destroyed by osteoradionecrosis can be a difficult task. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and contribution of vascular osseous flaps for mandibular reconstruction after osteoradionecrosis., Material and Method: A retrospective study of patients undergoing mandibular reconstruction after osteoradionecrosis between 1989 and 2002 was performed. Twenty-five mandibular reconstructions were performed in 23 patients: 16 fibular free flaps, 5 osteomuscular serrato-costal free flaps, 1 osteocutaneous external brachial free flap, 1 medial femoral condylar free flap and 2 armed pectoralis major pediculed flaps., Results: We observed two major complications (8%): loss of one fibular flap and one medial femoral condylar free flap. We observed 42% minor complications. Overall quality of life was constantly enhanced., Discussion: Fibular flap is definitely a good method for immediate or secondary mandibular reconstruction. A serratocostal flap must be considered as an alternative flap when the fibular flap is unavailable.

The odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) is unique among odontogenic cysts of the jaws, especially because of the high risk of recurrence. Epidemiological studies demonstrate male predominance and the most common location in the mandible. We reviewed our own experience with eight patients and data in the literature, focusing on very large mandibular keratocysts. We reviewed the clinical, radiological, and histological elements required for the positive and differential diagnosis. CT scans should be performed for very large cysts due to their superiority over plain x-rays, both for treatment planning and follow-up. Surgical treatment is indicated. The choice remains controversial between radical and conservative approach. We prefer conservative treatment. Problems concerning bone healing, recurrence and follow-up are also discussed.

In a five and a half year-old child, a voluminous mandibular cyst was discovered by a dental check-up. The originality of this case consisted in the great volume of this asymptomatic lesion and the anterior localization in the mandible. Treatment was surgical, conserving the deciduous teeth and the underlying germs. The histopathological examination of the lesion confirmed the clinical and radiological aspects of follicular cyst. A regular clinical and radiologic surveillance was necessary until bone regeneration was complete, the risk of per and post-operative fracture being major.

An unusual case of double salivary ectopy of parotid gland is described into the masseter muscle and the mandibular ramus in a 45 year-old patient. He first was seen for a slow course tumefaction of the cheek. Imaging demonstrated the intramasseteric localization of the tumefaction and revealed a bone defect in the upper medial part of the mandibular ramus. The intramasseteric salivary ectopy has been confirmed by histologic examination.

Radiotherapy of head and neck cancer is efficient but may have severe late effects. Although unfrequent, mandibular radionecrosis is the most dreadful. A cascade of events leads from hyposialia to bone destruction through extensive caries and trauma linked to tooth removal. Prevention is based on oral hygiene and use of daily topical fluorides. Antibiotics and hyperbaric oxygen can be effective as a conservative management. Progressive osteonecrosis is best treated by mandible resection and reconstruction with microvascular free bone flaps. Patient compliance to prophylaxis is of major importance. The need for periodic follow-up under the supervision of the radiation oncologist is stressed and illustrated by a clinical case having experienced disastrous consequences.

Osteoradionecrosis is a severe radiotherapy (RT) injury by healing failure, late effect and spontaneously irreversible by tissue death. Histologically, it consists in a pagetoid mosaic that combines a defective osteogenesis with an osteoclastic osteolysis and more marginally an osteolytic osteolysis, turned to account to fibroblastic and collagenic fibrosis. Several pathogenic hypotheses favor sometimes a vascular hypoxic hypotheses, sometimes a fibro-atrophic hypothesis. Various events start up or favour ORN as traumatisms (dental extraction, surgery,...) or bacterian infection on fistula. In clinic, adult mature bone concerned is the mandible after head and neck RT by septic ORN, and the hip after pelvic RT by aseptic ORN. For each, epidemiology, clinic and therapeutic aspects are developed. Usual therapeutic attitudes consisted in restriction of defavorable associated events (dental extraction, infection, RT dose, chemotherapy,...) and devitalized tissue removal. Physiopathological therapeutic innovatives aspects are proposed to struggle against radiation-induced fibrosis associated and to limit bone destruction.

Five years after a tooth extraction, a bone necrosis of the mandibular angle happened, without consideration to the antibiotics. Such complication is rare. Living in poor socio-cultural and economic conditions, the patient tried to find help near tradipractionners, prayers groups, without any result. The treatment consisted to an extra oral incision, helping to eliminate bone sequestra, and the liquid around after a dynamic bimaxillary linkage by resin links was settled. About aetiology, only the questioning allowed to say that extraction was traumatic, putting in front of the surgical responsibility and post surgical survey.

In children, mandibular swelling associated with an X-ray bone osteolysis may correspond to tumoral or infection diseases. Circumscribed osteitis of a child's mandibula, with no dental etiology occurs around 7-years of age, adjacent to a healthy first molar. Five cases reports were analyzed. Clinically, it is a bone swelling of the mandibula's lateral cortical associated with a soft tissue swelling. X-ray signs were not specific but all cases showed a bone lacuna with sharp outlines. Such clinical and X-ray signs strongly suggest diagnosis of osteitis which has a higher incidence than malignant tumors. The lack of dental pathology suggests bloodstream dissemination from another localized sepsis. Surgical removal of pathologic bone in addition to antibiotics (6 or 8 weeks) appears to be an effective treatment.

A rare case of spheno-mandibular ankylosis is reported in a 12 year-old child. The patient only complained of a restricted mouth opening; no particular etiologic factors were found to explain what was perhaps a myositis ossificans of the pterygoid muscles. However, neither the anatomic presentation at surgery, nor the histologic findings could confirm this diagnosis. An intra-oral route was chosen for the ankylosis resection, and the reconstruction of the resected upper part of the ramus was performed by a costo-chondral graft. The patient was free of recurrence 3 years after follow up.

Jaw osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is one of the most serious complications of cervico-facial cancer irradiation. Severity is related to major bone lysis and the difficult medical and surgical treatment. We report our experience in seven cases over a ten-year period. Mandibular localization was predominant (85%). The mean age of the patients was 36 years. The average delay to development of ORN was 5.5 years. The treatment was medico-surgical, based on wide surgical exeresis (6/7), frequently via endobuccal surgical approach (4/7). Prevention remains the best treatment of ORN associated with an accurate management of all patients who need radiotherapy.

There are two pitfalls to be avoided in transmandibular buccopharyngectomy: mandibular amputation and inversely a contemplative wait-and-see attitude. Preservative measures require a precise evaluation of bone invasion, surgical approaches respecting the lip and cutaneo-muscular flaps, and an early assessment of the secondary effects of radiotherapy. Reasonable use of bone periosteal free flaps and striving for immediate reconstruction of each defect certainly leads to an interventionist behavior, but which can be conducted under better conditions and more attainable objectives than after mandibular deformation, a pharyngostomia or recent radionecrosis. Microsurgical procedures are nothing more than technical mastery and can lead to arrogant behavior. Fifty cases illustrate this position.

Fibrous dysplasia is a benign bone tumor. The cranio-facial localization concern 20% of fibrous dysplasia. A congenital etiology is evoked by all the authors. Our observations ask for the real etiology of this affection: Congenital? Familial? The diagnosis is done by anatomo-pathology, and surgery is the treatment for severe cases. Relapses are frequent.

The authors report a case of penetration of an odontogenic keratocyst into the skull base. There is significant controversy about what is the optimum surgical treatment for the odontogenic keratocyst. Diagnosis, mode of growth and recurrence of keratocyst are still a great deal of interest. This paper reports the recent advances in the subject.

The paradental cyst is an odontogenic inflammatory cyst (WHO classification, 1992). It has been rarely described in the french literature and includes: The inflammatory paradental cyst which occurs on the buccal or distal aspects of an erupted third mandibular molar or of a canine (first description by Main in 1970); the mandibular infected buccal cyst which occurs on the buccal surface of the mandibular second or first molar in children around 6-8 years of age with an associated history of inflammatory signs (Stoneman and North, 1993). The histological features are the same as those of the radicular cyst. Prognosis is excellent after enucleation. This paper present an additional case report of a paradental cyst located on a second mandibular molar.

In literature, the authors demonstrate that progressive distraction osteogenesis, according to the Ilizarov method, is applicable to the mandible. Mandibular distraction is achievable through external approach or through oral approach. Further experimental and clinical studies will be necessary to define the most stable apparatus and the best indications that are currently hemifacial microsomia and facial asymmetry associated with T.M.J. ankylosis.

The authors report a series of 22 cases of central giant cells Granuloma of the jaws. There were 12 located in the maxilla, and 10 in the mandible. The majority of lesions were observed in patients under the age of 30 years, and occurs more often in females than in males, particularly in mandibular lesions. This lesion, which the pathogenesis still remains obscure, appears as radiolucency, well or ill-defined, uni or multilocular with trabeculations coursing through the lesion. Histologic study shows giant cells, fibroblastic cells, and foci of hemorrhage and osteoid tissue. The authors insist on the problem of differential diagnosis which can make a radiolucency with giant cells. It must be differentiated especially from giant cells tumor, which treatment and course are different. Finally, the authors underline a good prognosis of this lesion, which simple curettage is generally sufficient, and which recurrences remain rare.

Inferior alveolar nerve lateralisation is a new technique. Mostly indicated in implantology, the techniques described are partial and located at the anterior part of the nerve, near the foramen mentalis. The authors describe a technique of total inferior alveolar nerve lateralisation, from the lingulae mandibulae to the foramen mentalis. Total lateralisation technique can be used in dental prosthesis (in mandibular posterior edentulism when the alveolar bone is reduced and when the prosthesis compresses the nerve in the foramen region), in implantology (when terminal implant restitution is needed), or in benign tumors (when the horizontal branch of the mandible is resected).

Aneurysmal bone cyst is a benign lesion, rarely found in the craniofacial region and exceptionally in the mandible. One previously unreported case originally in the mandible is presented with a review of the literature. The authors insist on pathological diagnostic and therapeutic characteristics.

The retrospective analysis of 56 mandibular defects, 28 of which were reconstructed by free revascularised bone flaps, and the difficulties of their reconstruction led the authors to propose a new anatomosurgical bony classification of mandibular defects. This classification, a theoretical transcription of traumatic and oncological realities, distinguishes more or less extensive anterior defects (Aa and Ab), lateral defects (La), lateroterminal defects (Lb) and defects exceeding the hemimandible (T). These bony imperatives, either alone or associated with skin lesions, depending on the traumatic or neoplastic aetiology, influence the indication for microsurgical reconstruction and the choice of particular bone and integument combined or composite flaps. The authors have deliberately adopted the option of one-stage multiple tissue reconstruction by the same composite flap and propose a justification for this microsurgical choice based on the proposed classification as well as the the theoretical and practical advantages and disadvantages of the various composite free revascularised bone flaps. Two donor sites appear to be particularly suitable: iliac and fibular.

The authors present a case of mandibular aneurysmal bone cyst with emphasis on the radiological aspects. The presence of fluid-fluid levels on CT and MR images is highly suggestive of ABC especially where there is no evidence of solid lesion. These findings help narrow differential diagnoses before making a therapeutic decision.

A retrospective study of mandibular resections performed from 1980 to 1984 was conducted to evaluate age, sex, aetiology, etc. The number of mandibular resections appears to have declined at the Institute of Stomatology and Maxillofacial Surgery of the Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital. Different factors are involved included early diagnosis, improved surgical techniques and better patient follow-up. Partial mandibular resections are increasingly performed (52% of the cases) compared with total resections. Finally, a better understanding of the pathologies involved, especially tumours, has led to an adaptation of the resection techniques to avoid extensive mutilations.

The problems encountered in implant treatment of extensively resorbed mandibles concern poor residual height of the bone and the use of short implants in the least favorable prognosis, excessive corticalization of the bone making drilling difficult, poor vascularity of the implant site, and mechanical constraints sustained by implants bearing high prosthesis. This paper addresses these problems and suggests solutions, using author's own experience and the findings of other clinicians, published in professional literature. To solve poor vascularity of the implant site, the paper suggests preliminary stimulation of the bone prior to implant placement. New drilling steps are described, calling for disposable drills not only in the initial phase but in the subsequent drilling as well. Using a new drill for each surgical procedure provides the optimal sharpness, thereby decreasing the temperature generated at the site, which must not exceed the limit of 47 degrees C. To improve short implant performance, the use of wider diameter implants with tapping insertion is suggested for initial stabilization, along with avoidance of premature utilization of the implant. An unfavorable ratio between the prosthesis and the implant may cause fractures either in the implant or the prosthesis. To avoid these fractures, utilization of wider diameter implants, decrease of the cantilever size, and gradual utilization of the implants are suggested.

The authors report their experience with the free osseous and osteocutaneous fibular flap used in the complex mandibular reconstruction. After a short review of the mandibular reconstruction possibilities and description of the fibular flap characteristics, the clinical cases are reported and the operative technique used by these authors is detailed. The discussion of the advantages and the disadvantages of this flap in the complex mandibular reconstruction ends the paper.

New techniques developed over the last decade use vascularized bone flaps for maxillofacial reconstructive surgery. Indications for use of three recently described flaps (external brachial, fibular, parascapular) are discussed as a function of the regions to be reconstructed. Three clinical cases are presented, each patient having received one type of flap.

The use of biomaterials for bone reconstruction raises the problem of their architectural and structural outcome. CT makes an accurate biometric follow-up possible. The association of HA, collagen and GAG appears to be a reliable substitute for bone, owing to the permanence of the dimensional results and to the structural evolution that seems to finally provide total structural restoration.

The frequency with which difficulties were encountered in the reconstruction of the continuity of the mandible led us to attempt to systematize our indications. Although grafts, composite pedicle flaps and prosthetic guides still have their appropriate applications. Local conditions are more and more frequently amenable to free flaps. The factors guiding our choice are presented in detail: physical conditions, etiology and anatomy of the defect. In addition, the reason for choosing the type of free flap--iliac crest, fibula or external brachial--is discussed.