Etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of oral submucous fibrosis / 口腔疾病防治

@#Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a chronic disease that produces scars, tissue fibrosis, and precancerous lesions. Epidemiological studies have shown that chewing betel nut is the most significant risk factor for OSF. Many studies have also indicated that habits such as chewing and smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol increase the risk of OSF, which is widely recognized as an oral precancerous lesion or a potentially malignant oral disorder. Pathological characteristics include chronic inflammation, excessive collagen deposition in the connective tissues below the oral mucous epithelium and local inflammation in the lamina propria or deep connective tissues. OSF patients have a 7%~30% chance of developing oral cancer. Submucosal local injection of triamcinolone and tanshinone was mainly used for the treatment of oral submucosal fibrosis. This treatment improves mouth opening and alleviates the burning sensation in OSF, and the treatment efficacy was as high as 93%. The article will discuss the occurrence, development, diagnosis and treatment of oral submucous fibrosis for clinical management by the medical community.

Masticatory muscle tendon-aponeurosis hyperplasia accompanied by limited mouth opening

Patients with masticatory muscle tendon-aponeurosis hyperplasia (MMTAH) experience limited mouth opening due to restricted muscle extension. Hyperplastic aponeurosis and tendons lead to the restriction of muscle extension. The criteria for the diagnosis of MMTAH are limited mouth opening that progresses very slowly from adolescence, intraoral palpation reveals a hard cord-like structure along the overhang of the anterior border of the masseter muscle on maximum mouth opening, and a square mandible. Conservative treatment, including pharmacotherapy, occlusal splint and physical therapy are ineffective. The standard therapy is surgical treatment, such as anterior partial aponeurectomy of the masseter muscle and coronoidectomy. The long-term results are very satisfying.

A technique utilising cobalt-chromium framework as a key in master cast preparation for removable prosthesis in microstomia patients: A case report

Prosthodontic rehabilitation and management of microstomia patient presents challenges at all stages during prosthesis fabrication; from making primary impressions to the prostheses insertion. These patients have reduced mouth opening, and hence it can be extremely challenging to make impressions and to fabricate dentures using the conventional methods. The present case report describes prosthodontic management of a partially dentate patient with microstomia that developed secondary to surgical resection and radiation therapy of head and neck cancer. A simplified novel approach has been advocated using the patient’s existing metal removable partial denture as a key in master cast preparation.

Anesthetic management of an adult patient with Rett syndrome and limited mouth opening: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

Rett syndrome is a neurological disease that occurs only in females and it manifests with mental retardation, seizures, movement disorders, autistic behavior and abnormal breathing. A 19-year-old female with Rett syndrome underwent ophthalmologic surgery under general anesthesia at our institution. Airway control was difficult due to her limited mouth opening. We recommend that anesthesiologists should have proper knowledge about this disease and the patients to avoid the complications and problems that can be encountered during the perioperative period.