Versatility of Pleuripotent Undifferentiated Stem Cells Aspirated from Bone Marrow and its Applications in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Bone marrow (BM) derived pleuripotent undifferentiated stem cells represent a promising population for supporting new concepts in cellular therapy. AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the versatility of pleuripotent undifferentiated stem cells derived from BM aspiration and its applications in oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 patients out of which 15 were with hard tissue defects (cystic lesions n = 6, post surgical alveolar defects n = 4, peri implant defects n = 3, alveolar clefts n = 2) and 15 soft tissue lesions (leukoplakia and lichen planus n = 6, oral submucous fibrosis n = 7, post traumatic soft tissue loss n = 2) were included in the study on randomized clinical basis. The patients received autologous BM derived mononuclear cells which were being locally delivered into the lesion and followed up. The parameters used were (1) To compare and evaluate the bone regeneration by radiographic assessment at the end of 3rd and 6th month postoperatively. (2) Duration of the procedure. (3) Clinical improvement in the management of soft tissue lesions. (4) Assessment of wound healing by Vancouver burn scar assessment of wound. (5) Safety, postoperative infections and complications. RESULTS: For hard tissue lesions CT scans and OPG revealed adequate regenerated bone, bridging the defect after 3 months. Hounsfield units of regenerated bone after 6 months were more or less similar to native bone which was statistically significant (unpaired t test = p < 0.05). For soft tissue lesions (1) 7 cases of OSMF showed adequate clinical mouth opening (one way anova test = p < 0.05), reduction in burning sensation and blanching of mucosa, (2) 6 cases of leukoplakia and lichen planus and 2 cases of post traumatic soft tissue defects showed good clinical improvement by Vancouver burn scar assessment of wound index. CONCLUSION: The study shows that there is a definite beneficial effect in bone regeneration and soft tissue wound healing with the use of BM-derived mononuclear cells.

Comparison of preauricular approach versus retromandibular approach in management of condylar fractures.

AIM: The aim of the study is to compare the two extra oral approaches to the TMJ viz preauricular and retromandibular approach in management of condylar fractures of mandible. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Patients with fractured dislocation and displacement of mandible condyle in medial direction were managed by preauricular approach. Patients with lateral displacement of mandibular condyle were managed by retromandibular approach. OPG, Reverse towne's, and C.T. scan were taken in all the cases prior to surgery to assess the pattern of displacement. RESULTS: In our study both approaches have given excellent access and visibility to the condylar fractures but with limitations in each technique. Minimal intraoperative and postoperative complications were encountered in both approaches. The duration of the procedure for preauricular approach was much longer when compared with retromandibular approach. Facial nerve weakness was common in patients treated with preauricular approach, which they improved over a period of time and had complete recovery. Postoperative scar was imperceptible in all cases and good cosmetic results were seen with both approaches. Mouth opening, mandibular movements and occlusion were more or less same in both the approaches while pain and clicking was common in preauricular approach. CONCLUSION: Both approaches have good results in managing condylar fractures with retromandibular approach having ease of access and ease of fixation. So one can always give preference to retromandibular approach over preauricular approach in managing the condylar fracture except in some cases where preauricular approach is the only option like anteromedial dislocation or complete medial dislocation of condylar segment. Situations, where patients who reported very late for the surgery with resultant scarring of the tissue, in those cases preauricular approach is the only option.

Glandular odontogenic cyst involving the posterior part of maxillary sinus, a rare entity.

The Glandular Odontogenic Cyst (GOC) was first coined by Gardner et al. [2], in 1988 as an odontogenic origin, is a rare developmental lesion considered a distinct entity because of its uncommon clinical and histopathological characteristics. This lesion can involve either jaws, but the anterior region of the mandible is the most affected area. It strikes distinct age groups, with an average patient age of 50 years. Radiographically, GOC does not display specific or pathognomonic features. It may present as a multilocular or unilocular radiolucencies. The cyst has an aggressive nature and high tendency of recurrence, so long-term follow-up should be carried out. The treatment is controversial, varying from conservative methods to block excision. It is believed that the low prevalence of GOC in the literature is because of not only its rarity, but principally to the fact that its main characteristics are also found in other pathological entities, thereby generating controversial diagnoses. The aim of this paper is to present a rare case of Glandular Odontogenic Cyst (GOC), which is uncommon in the posterior maxilla, that mimicks the lateral odontogenic cyst/botroid odontogenic cyst/Central Muco-epidermoid carcinoma. Owing to its tendency to recur, the lesion needs careful and meticulous planning for its surgical removal.