ABSTRACT
CONTEXT: The term giant mandibular ameloblastoma (GMAs) while being in popular usage in the medical literature remains largely equivocal. Although a few authors have in the past attempted to ascribe definite criteria to this entity, these are by and large arbitrary and without any benefit in decision-making or contributing to its management. AIMS: The aim of this study is to propose a set of objective criteria for GMAs that can be clinically correlated and thereby aid in the management of this entity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Of a total of 16 patients with ameloblastoma of the mandible presenting at our institute from August 2012 to September 2016, 11 patients were identified as having GMAs as per the criteria proposed. RESULTS: The defects in the mandible following segmental resection ranged from 7 to 11.5 cm in length (mean: 9.3 cm). No clinical or radiological evidence of tumour recurrence was found during a mean follow-up period of 10.7 months (range: 2-28 months). CONCLUSIONS: Defining GMA based on objective inclusion and exclusion criteria allows segregation of these lesions, thereby helping to remove ambiguity, simplify decision-making and facilitate communication among treating reconstructive surgeons. Inclusion criteria include: (i) The segmental bone defect following resection with a minimum 1 cm margin of healthy bone should exceed 6 cm (ii) The segmental bone defect should involve the central mandibular segment.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: A post-burn flexion contracture of the knee joint is a disabling condition which interferes with an upright posture and a bipedal locomotion. Islanded perforator flaps have been used to resurface the tissue defect which is produced as a result of the contracture release. Despite their various advantages, they are limited by an increased tendency to undergo venous congestion. Perforator-plus flaps can be used to overcome this limitation, while retaining the merits of the islanded perforator flaps. METHODS: Ninteen patients with post flame burn flexion contractures of the knee joints underwent surgical releases and coverages by various local fasciocutaneous perforator-plus flaps. The patients were followed up for 6 months and the various aspects of the functional and the aesthetic rehabilitations were assessed. RESULTS: All the local fasciocutaneous perforator-plus flaps resurfaced the tissue defect over popliteal fossa with good colour and texture match and maintenance of the contour. None of the flaps had any significant early or delayed complications (which included venous congestions) which necessitated reoperations. All the patients were satisfied with the functional and aesthetic outcomes. CONCLUSION: Local fasciocutaneous perforator-plus flaps can be considered as one of the primary treatment modalities for the surgical release and reconstruction of post burn flexion contractures of the knee.
ABSTRACT
Burn injury sustained during pregnancy is a serious clinical complication that requires individualisation of management. We describe the case of a 30-week pregnant woman who presented to the hospital in a state of shock with approximately 90% burn injuries. Resuscitation was carried out, and the patient's family consented to an emergency Caesarean section in view of the grave prognosis of such burn injuries. A live male infant was delivered via emergency Caesarean section. However, the mother succumbed to her injuries two days after the operation, while the baby was successfully resuscitated and discharged after ten days. This case highlights the importance of timely decision-making and coordination, which are required to salvage a near-term foetus. It also underscores that emergent resuscitation and timely operative procedures might be able to salvage a living foetus, particularly in patients with burns covering more than 60% of total body surface area.
