Search

There is a subgroup of patients with mandibular fractures who could safely and effectively be managed in an outpatient day-care unit. Suitability depends on medical, social, and operative factors, and identification of the correct criteria will govern management after that in the emergency department. Reduced use of beds would lead to less money being spent on emergency treatment, and increased capacity for elective surgery. The aims of this study were to identify a group of patients with mandibular fractures whose duration of operation and period of recovery would be suitable for treatment in the day-care unit, and to evaluate the potential financial benefits. Inpatients were assessed for day surgery using medical, social, and surgical criteria. Each patient’s suitability for discharge was assessed two, three, and five hours postoperatively. A financial feasibility study was made retrospectively on a larger sample of patients with mandibular fractures. The discharge criteria from the day-care unit were fully met by 26/40 patients at five hours postoperatively, mean (range) duration of operation was 145 (40–285) minutes, and mean (SD) Mandibular Injury Severity Score was 13 (3), range 7–20. When all the criteria were combined (n = 100), 12 of the patients were suitable for day care. With 24 bed-day savings/100 patients, potential earnings would increase to around £80 000/year at this hospital. In conclusion, we have identified a group of patients who were suitable for management of mandibular fractures in the day-care unit. Considerable cost savings are anticipated.

The purpose of this study was to clarify the frequency of missed mandibular fractures and to identify possible predictive factors for missed diagnosis. This was a retrospective study that included patients

Rationale and Objectives Surgeons aim to restore occlusion and jaw function to baseline status for patients with mandibular fractures using either closed treatment or reduction and fixation. Materials and Methods Occlusion is defined as the relationship between the maxillary and mandibular teeth as they approach each other. Results Radiologists should be familiar with the goals of repair to help identify which treatment is adequate as well as to diagnose potential complications. Some of the more common complications encountered are infection, nonunion or malunion, and malocclusion. Conclusion We provide a comprehensive review of both the desired and untoward CT findings after surgical repair of traumatic mandibular injuries.

Mandibulo-maxillary fixation (MMF) is indispensable for mandibular fracture treatment. Various means for MMF have been proposed, of which arch bars are widely considered to be the mainstay. However, disadvantages to this method have initiated a quest for an alternative, leading to the introduction of MMF screws. MMF screws have frequently been criticized for poor stability of fracture sites, root damage, hardware failure, and nerve damage. We retrospectively evaluate the FAMI (Fixation and Adaptation in Mandibular Injuries) screw in mandibular fracture treatment by scanning for clinically and radiologically visible complications. In total, 534 FAMI screws were used in the successful treatment of 96 males and 34 females. Condylar fractures were most commonly encountered, representing 120 of 241 fracture sites. 15 general fracture-related complications occurred, with the most common being nerve function impairment (3.8%) and postoperative malocclusion (4.6%). In nine cases (7%), clinically visible FAMI-screw-related complications occurred, with the most prevalent being screw loosening (2.3%) and mucosal signs of inflammation (3.1%). Duration of FAMI screws was associated with the occurrence of clinically visible complications (p = 0.042). Radiologically, clinically invisible dental hard tissue damage was noted in 21 individuals (16%). Therefore, FAMI screws seem to be a reliable and safe method for mandibulo-maxillary fixation.

Facial fractures can be potentially fatal in polytraumatized patients due to retropositioning tissues to upper airway obstruction. In the first aids, this situation can be reversed using a tracheostomy procedure to break out the airways. However, fractures leading to airway obstruction are rare and according to Richards Classification can be classified into 5 types. The purpose of this article is to report a clinical patient with a bilateral condylar and mandibular symphysis fractures that resulted in airway obstruction and severe mandibular rear projection.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the difference in mandibular trauma caused by two mechanisms for the delivery of missile injuries: firearms and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The data investigated included sex, age, mechanism of injury, and other clinical and radiographic manifestations. Seventy consecutive patients, predominantly male, with a mean age of 28.6±14 years (range 2-60 years) were enrolled: 38 patients (54.3%) sustained mandibular fractures caused by bullet injuries and 32 patients (45.7%) had mandibular fractures caused by IED explosion injuries. The study revealed that the differences in most of the investigated variables were not statistically significant; the only significant differences were the incidence of trauma to other body regions and the presence of retained foreign bodies. The effect on the mandible of IED explosion resembles that of bullets. Bullet injuries are associated with a relatively higher number of mandibular sites involved and more bilateral fractures, in addition to more extensive bone loss. IEDs, on the other hand, cause more multisystem injuries and result in more retained foreign bodies.

Objective In an attempt to explore new tools for constructing a model of blast injuries to the human mandible, a finite element method was used. This model allowed us to perform dynamic simulations and analyse the injury processes and severity of trauma to the human mandible from an explosion striking at the middle mandibular angle. Methods A 3D finite element model of the human mandible was created using digitally visualised CT scanning data of the human mandible. It was used to dynamically simulate the complete injury process of a blast event to a human mandible (at the middle mandibular angle) under the injury conditions of a 600 mg TNT explosion. The model was also used to elucidate the subsequent mandibular damage and the dynamic distribution of several biomechanical indices (e.g., stress, and strain). The resulting data were subjected to a comparative analysis. Results Simulation was successfully conducted for injury events in which 600 mg of TNT exploded at 3 cm, 5 cm and 10 cm from the middle mandibular angle of a human mandible; specifically, the simulation included the dynamic injury processes and the distribution of stress and strain in various parts of the damaged mandible. A comparison of the simulation data revealed that different blast distances resulted in considerable variation in the severity and biological indices of the mandibular injury. Conclusion The finite element model was able to dynamically simulate the blast-initiated trauma processes to a human mandible, which allowed for investigation of the severity of damage to the mandible under different injury conditions. This model and the simulation method are conducive for applications in basic studies and clinical investigations of blast-initiated injury mechanisms of bone tissues.

Treatment of bilateral parasymphysis fracture often requires special attention due to airway considerations and difficulty in achieving precise anatomic reduction. The central fracture fragment is often displaced posteriorly and inferiorly due to muscle pull, and this adds to difficulty in reduction and stabilization of the central fracture fragment during plate fixation. With this article, we advocate a technique using stainless steel screw and self-holding screwdriver to manipulate the central fragment and achieve an anatomic reduction. We have used this technique in 12 patients with bilateral parasymphysis fracture without any complications and have found it very effective.

Background. Vascularized osteoseptocutaneous radial flap is commonly used in the reconstruction of composite bony and soft tissue defects of the lower third of the face due to the outstanding quality of its cutaneous component. The aim was to evaluate the primary and overall success in the reconstruction of mandibular defects, following war injuries, with vascularized osteoseptocutaneous radial flap. Methods. At the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery of the Military Medical Academy Belgrade, there were eight patients with this kind of defect following war injury, and the mandible was reconstructed with a vascularized osteoseptocutaneous radial flap. Bony compartment of the graft was harvested as up to 11 cm long segment of radial circumference. Results. The localization and structure of the defect, features of a harvested compound graft, the procedure of the reestablishment of the mandibular continuity was presented as well as immediate and late complications during the consolidation period, and the primary successful reconstruction in 87.5% of the patients. Conclusion. The primary and overall success in the mandibular defects reconstruction with a vascularized osteoseptocutaneous radial flap was equal or even better than those presented in the literature on the reconstruction of the similar defects after tumor resections.

A 19-year-old mentally retarded male's cachexia, of five months duration, was attributed to a previously undetected anterior dislocation of the mandible. After reduction of the mandible he improved markedly, with better appetite and rapid weight-gain.

Thirty three patients with 0.5 to 4.5 cm gunshot defects of the mandible were treated. The ends of the fragments of the bone were initially compressed, then distracted with the help of a compression-distraction device. The immature callus was distracted at a rate of 0.25 mm four times a day. During the process of distraction the defects of bone and soft tissues are replaced. Lack of soft tissue, which make insertion of a free bone graft impossible, is the main indication for an osteoplasty by local tissues.

South Africa has a high level of violence, as more people are killed by gunfire each year than in motor vehicle accidents, and the numbers are increasing. Regrettably, children are affected most by this epidemic. During 1997, a total of 142 children aged less than 14 years died from gunshot injuries while many more were injured. Here we present the case of an 11-year-old male street child who sustained a gunshot to the face, and illustrate the magnitude of the problem. The escalating epidemic of firearm-related injuries and deaths among children and adolescents in Cape Town, like in many other parts of the world, calls for concern. Further research is needed to understand firearm-related injuries among children and adolescents in South Africa, and to develop policies and programmes for effective prevention of situations such as this.

The replacement of missing anatomic structures may become more demanding when the etiology is trauma. Patients with traumatic injuries will likely have increased forces placed upon their prostheses because of the altered support from the loss of normal anatomy. Successful treatment for these patients may include preprosthetic surgery using osseointegrated implants to augment prosthesis support and stability.

Facial injuries are common and must be radiologically evaluated to detect fractures, to determine their morphology and topography, and to assess adjacent soft-tissue damage. Spiral multislice computed tomography is progressively replacing conventional films for mandible traumatic lesions because it reveals the multiplicity of fragments, the degree of dislocation and rotation, and the extent of skull base involvement. Computed tomography is also very useful in the evaluation of condylar fractures, to determine the best choice for surgical treatment, open or close. 3-dimensional (3D) computed tomography images can display condylar fractures, but also all mandibular fractures, accurately and directly, and are very useful for surgeons to select treating methods of condylar fractures. The demonstration by imaging of the involvement of key anatomic structures is essential to classify correctly the trauma and to select the best management.

[No abstract available]

Case Description—A 6-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer was evaluated for possible reconstruction of a mandibular defect resulting from gunshot trauma. Clinical Findings—A 5-cm defect of the right mandibular body was evident. A segment of the mandibular body was removed 9 weeks earlier because of severe contamination and comminution associated with gunshot trauma. Subsequent right-sided mandibular drift resulted in malocclusion in which the left mandibular canine tooth caused trauma to mucosa of the hard palate medial to the left maxillary canine tooth. The right maxillary canine tooth caused trauma to gingiva lingual to the right mandibular canine tooth. Treatment and Outcome—The right mandible was stabilized with a 2.0-mm maxillofacial miniplate positioned along the lateral alveolar margin and a 2.4-mm locking mandibular reconstruction plate placed along the ventrolateral mandible. An absorbable compressionresistant matrix containing collagen, hydroxyapatite, and tricalcium phosphate was soaked in recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2; 7.2 mL of a 0.5 mg/mL solution for a dose of 3.6 mg) and placed in the defect. By 4 weeks after surgery, an exuberant callus was evident at the site of the defect. By 7 months after surgery, the callus had remodeled, resulting in normal appearance, normal occlusion, and excellent function of the jaw. Clinical Relevance—Mandibular defects resulting from gunshot trauma can be treated by removal of contaminated tissue and comminuted bone fragments, followed by staged reconstruction. The combination of rhBMP-2 and compression-resistant matrix was effective in a staged mandibular reconstruction in a dog with a severe traumatic mandibular defect.

A retrospective 4-year study of 225 patients who collectively suffered 356 midfacial fractures is presented. Distribution of fractures, cause of injury, associated injuries, monthly patterns, and age, race, and sex of the patients are reported.

Sporting injuries are increasing in frequency with the increase in leisure time. This report describes a case of degloving of the mental protuberance. Ideally this injury should be treated as soon as possible by repositioning the displaced tissue and closure. Immediate assistance was not sought until superimposed infection caused pain and swelling. Because the wound was infected, treatment was aimed at obtaining healing by secondary intention.

Background Many novel approaches to mandibular condyle fracture have been reported, but there is a relative lack of reports on the Risdon approach. In this study, the feasibility of the Risdon approach for condylar neck and subcondylar fractures of the mandible is demonstrated. Methods A review of patients with mandibular condylar neck and subcondylar fractures was performed from March 2008 to June 2012. A total of 25 patients, 19 males and 6 females, had 14 condylar neck fractures and 11 subcondylar fractures. Results All of the cases were reduced using the Risdon approach. For subcondylar fractures, reduction and fixation with plates was done under direct vision. For condylar neck fractures, reduction and fixation was done with the aid of a trochar in adults and a percutaneous threaded Kirschner wire in children. There were no malunions or nonunions revealed in follow-up care. Mild transient neuropraxia of the marginal mandibular nerve was seen in 4 patients, which was resolved within 1–2 months. Conclusions The Risdon approach is a technique for reducing the condylar neck and subcondylar fractures that is easy to perform and easy to learn. Its value in the reduction of mandibular condyle fractures should be emphasized.

Ten new cases of peripheral osteoma of the mandible are described. These lesions are uncommon and only 15 other cases have been reported in the English language literature over the past 30 years. There is evidence to suggest that the peripheral osteoma of the mandible is a traumatically induced reactive lesion and that muscle traction plays a role in its initiation. In view of this possibility, the term "parosteal osseous hyperplasia" may be more appropriate for those lesions in which a positive history of trauma preceded the onset.

The traumatic bone cyst is a lesion whose aetiology and pathogenesis have not been conclusively established. There are several theories and names for this lesion and various forms of management have been reported in the literature. This report outlines the clinical and radiographic findings associated with a case of a traumatic bone cyst. Laboratory investigations were also carried out and their findings are reported. This case was treated jointly by the endodontic and oral surgery departments of an institution and demonstrates the need for close follow-up from both departments. In particular, the endodontic aspects of monitoring the pulp status of teeth in the region of such a bone lesion are emphasised.

A 9-month-old infant was attacked by the family pet dog. The lacerations were obvious but the fractured jaw was not evident until …

Children aged 6-15 years old experience more injuries to their teeth and the injuries sustained are more serious as evidenced by a higher percentage of luxations, avulsions, fractures and dislocations. The mandible is the most frequently fractured facial bone and mandibular alveolar injuries have been reported to range between 8.1-50.6%. Those with mandibular or midface fractures have a higher incidence of associated chest, extremity, abdomen and cervical spine injuries. The growing patient with facial injuries presents the clinician with a series of thought-provoking circumstances. Dentoalveolar and mandibular injuries are especially important to understand because of the potential complications related to tooth eruption, alveolar development, occlusion and facial growth. However, the principles involved in the treatment for children need to be modified by certain anatomical, physiological and psychological factors specifically related to childhood. This case report documents the trauma, management and follow-up care of an 11-year-old boy who sustained undisplaced infraorbital, nasal fractures and mandibular dentoalveolar fracture along with other associated injuries of the extremities.

Cyanoacrylate glue was invented by Ardis in 1949 and was first used in surgery in 1959 by Coover. By further modifications, a nonhistotoxic form, butyl-2-cyanoacrylate, which had strong tissue binding properties even in nondry environments, was developed. Its use in the fixation of fractures and osteotomies is still under investigation and has had promising results in treatment of craniofacial and mandibular injuries. We fixed a talar osteochondral fracture with cyanoacrylate. After 3 months, magnetic resonance imaging showed an anatomically reduced and intact chondral surface. The clinical result was excellent. We believe cyanoacrylate glue may form an alternative means of fixation for osteochondral and, possibly, for chondral fractures.

Probable malignant hyperpyrexia (MH) developed and was successfully treated in a 20-yr-old man during anaesthesia for reduction of a fractured mandible. The sister of this patient had died after an anaesthetic at the age of 14 yr, but malignant hyperpyrexia was not suspected. Subsequent enquiries revealed that the patient and his sister both had osteogenesis imperfecta. This case illustrates the infrequently reported association of malignant hyperpyrexia with osteogenesis imperfecta, and the difficulties in obtaining an adequate personal and family history of previous anaesthetics.

An unusual case of gustatory vasodilatation following a closed mandibular fracture is presented. The existing aetiological theories are discussed and methods of treatment are reviewed.

A brief review of the pathogenesis and treatment of chronic or prolonged dislocations and a case of bilateral mandibular dislocation of 13 months duration have been presented. The reduction was accomplished via bilateral eminectomy, lateral pterygoid myotomy, condylectomy, and placement of Silastic blocks to maintain ramus height. The structural changes that occurred in the condyles and articular eminences were demonstrated by tomography.

Summary The value of cancellous chip graft as an osteoblastic material is well established. This paper describes a method of obtaining cancellous bone from the iliac crest which involves very little discomfort to the patient and removes the possibility of serious post-operative complications. The method has been employed in the grafting of more than thirty-five mandibular defects and has considerably lessened the immediate and late post-operative morbidity. Union has been established rapidly in all cases.

A case of fracture of the neck of the mandibular condyle has been presented. Details of the surgical procedure are given, and the advantages of the submandibular approach are discussed.

Eight typical cases of nonodontogenic bone cyst of the mandible, treated surgically, have been described. Various theories on the etiology of these cysts are discussed (trauma, cystic degeneration of a tumor, a disturbance in calcium metabolism, infection, and circulatory disturbances). Although six of the eight patients had a history of a hard blow on the mandible, the time interval varied greatly. No other pathologic conditions were demonstrable. Final proof that trauma is the cause of these cysts is still lacking. It is suggested that they are most suitably denoted as bone cysts, in analogy with the nomenclature in the orthopedic literature. According to the literature, cysts of this type are relatively rare. Such a cyst should be suspected, however, when there is a cavity in the mandible of a child or young adult. Roentgenograms showing the typical picture, with scalloping between the teeth, are good supportive evidence, and the diagnosis is verified by the absence of a cyst capsule when the cavity is curetted.

• Four consecutive patients were initially seen with witnessed, low-velocity gunshot wounds to the mandible with deflection of the bullet into the neck, causing a life-threatening situation. The mechanics of injury were similar in all four patients who were shot at close range with a moderately heavy caliber handgun and sustained comminuted fractures from the parasymphyseal area to the ascending ramus of the jaw. Severe vascular injuries were seen in three cases and lacerations of the pharynx and cervical esophagus in one. Aggressive management of these injuries is recommended, with neck exploration after endoscopy playing a major role. Management of the mandibular fracture at the time of the initial surgery is favored. However, if roentgenograms are unavailable, reduction and fixation may need to be deferred. ( Arch Otolaryngol 1981;107:565-567)

The development of neurological symptoms incriminating one cerebral hemisphere following facial and/or mandibular injuries may be due to traumatic occlusion of the internal carotid artery, which may occur without apparent bruises in the neck.

A 45-year-old Nigerian housewife with chronic osteomyelitis associated with osteopetrosis is described and discussed. Haematological and radiographical investigations on routine admission led to the secondary diagnosis of osteopetrosis. To our knowledge, this is the first case of osteomyelitis of jaws associated with osteopetrosis reported in an African.

Summary Pneumomediastinum in patients with war injuries to the maxillofacial region can be a life-threatening condition. A case is presented of a flare-pistol-shot wound to the mandible which subsequently resulted in cervical emphysema, mediastinal emphysema, and pneumomediastinum, causing a critical condition. Maxillofacial surgeons should be alert to this problem when treating blast or multiple-shell injuries to the maxillofacial region.