Deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis in oral and maxillofacial surgery: A Brazilian survey.

Background : Deep venous thrombosis (DVP) is a frequent disease. Prophylaxis is the best means to reduce its incidence, for lowering morbidity and mortality rates and treatment costs caused by its complications. Objective : To evaluate the knowledge and use of any kind of DVT prophylaxis by Brazilian Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons. Materials and Methods : A questionnaire was sent to all Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons associated to the Brazilian College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons that have a valid e-mail address. The data retrieved was evaluated and tabulated. Results : Of the 1100 questionnaires sent, only 4% were retrieved. The 42 retrieved were included in the study. Twenty six of the surgeons do not use any kind of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis, 11 use mechanical means as elastic compressive stockings or pneumatic compressive devices for prophylaxis, and 5 uses low-molecular weight heparins (LMWH) as the choice for prophylaxis. Conclusion : The data collected, despite the low rate of participation (4%) by the surgeons, shows that this subject still does not receive proper attention. Whereas other medical specialties make routine use of prophylactic means maybe the maxillofacial surgeons lack concern on that matter.

Radiological study of three cases of loose bodies in the temporomandibular joint

According to the literature, loose bodies in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) primarily prompt to synovial chondromatosis (SC). SC is a cartilaginous metaplasia of the mesenchymal remnants of the synovial tissue of the joints. Its main characteristic is the formation of cartilaginous nodules in the synovium and inside the articular space, described as loose bodies. The main symptoms are pain, limitation of jaw movement, crepitation and inflammation. Diagnosis is made by panoramic radiograph, computed tomography scan and mainly magnetic resonance imaging. SC is usually monoarticular. We report two cases of bilateral loose bodies in TMJ and one monoarticular evaluated through plain radiograph and cone beam volumetric tomography (CBVT). Clinical and radiologic findings are reviewed and discussed. References for diagnosis of SC affecting TMJ are supported. Patients presenting preauricular swelling, pain and restriction of TMJ movements should be evaluated with plain radiography, CBVT and if necessary,magnetic resonance imaging. If loose bodies are found, synovial chondromatosis must be the first suspicion. The definitive diagnosis depends on histology. A differential diagnosis of chondrosarcoma should be considered because of the life-threatening features of chondrosarcoma.