ABSTRACT
The passing of the years of life physiologically leads to the accumulation of changes in tissues in the oral cavity, influencing dentition, chewing and swallowing mechanisms, and the oral microbiota. Some diseases and medications can aggravate oral symptoms and negatively influence eating behaviours, increasing the likelihood of becoming malnourished. This could make older individuals more vulnerable to complications when undergoing major orthopaedic surgery. Hidden infection foci in the oral cavity are a recognised cause of post-operative periprosthetic joint infections. Dysfunctional oral problems might also compromise feeding after surgery when good nutrition represents a fundamental aspect of a proper recovery. To manage these shortcomings, in this article, the authors hypothesise a multidisciplinary path of care named the Integrated Oral Health Network applied to major Orthopaedic Surgery (IOHN-OS). This peri-operative initiative would include pre-operative oral health screening and risk management by a dental team, patient education programmes before and after surgery, and bedside gerodontology actions like oral care and meal and eating support for fragile individuals. The IOHN-OS has the potential to reshape the concept of suitability for major orthopaedic surgery and generate momentum for designing community-based surveillance programmes that can keep the mouths of older subjects healthy for a long time.
ABSTRACT
The omphalomesenteric duct is an embryologic structure that connects the yolk sac with the primitive midgut of the developing fetus. Omphalomesenteric duct anomalies include a group of entities that result from failed resorption of the omphalomesenteric duct. These anomalies include Meckel diverticulum, omphalomesenteric fistula, fibrous bands, cysts, and umbilical polyps. Meckel diverticulum is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract and is usually asymptomatic. Symptoms develop when Meckel diverticulum involves complications such as hemorrhage, inflammation, and perforation, or when it causes intussusception or bowel obstruction. Hemorrhage is the most common complication of Meckel diverticulum, and technetium 99m-pertechnetate scintigraphy is the imaging modality of choice for detecting acute bleeding. US and CT are commonly used for the evaluation of patients with other complications such as obstruction and inflammation. Nevertheless, the diagnosis of these complications can be challenging, as their clinical manifestations are usually nonspecific and can masquerade as other acute intraabdominal entities such as appendicitis, inflammatory bowel disease, or other causes of bowel obstruction. There are other umbilical disorders, such as urachal remnants and umbilical granuloma, that may present with symptoms and imaging findings similar to those of omphalomesenteric duct anomalies. An accurate preoperative diagnosis of omphalomesenteric duct anomaly is crucial for appropriate management and a better outcome, particularly when these anomalies manifest as a life-threatening condition. The authors review the anatomy, clinical features, and complications of omphalomesenteric duct anomalies in children, describing the relevant differential diagnoses and associated imaging findings seen with different imaging modalities. ©RSNA, 2021.
