Odontogenic maxillofacial space infections at a tertiary care center in North India: a five-year retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: Odontogenic infections contribute to a significant proportion of maxillofacial space infections (MSI) across the world. MSI can cause several life-threatening complications despite skillful management. The objective of this study was to review the clinical characteristics, management, and outcome of odontogenic MSI treated at a tertiary care center, and to identify the factors predisposing to life-threatening complications. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all patients treated for MSI from January 2006 to December 2010 at the Christian Medical College Hospital in Ludhiana, North India, was conducted. RESULTS: Out of 137 patients identified, 66.4% were men. Mean patient age was 40 years, and 24.1% of the patients were diabetic. The most common origin was pulpal (70.8%), the most common space involved was the submandibular space, and the most common teeth responsible were the lower third molars. Twenty patients (14.6%) developed complications. Diabetes, multiple space involvement, and a total leukocyte count of ≥15×10(9)/l were associated with complications. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with MSI who present with multiple space involvement, a high leukocyte count, and those with diabetes are at higher risk of developing life-threatening complications and need to be closely monitored.

Pattern of maxillofacial fractures at a tertiary hospital in northern India: a 4-year retrospective study of 718 patients.

PURPOSE: Pattern and aetiology of maxillofacial injuries varies from one country to another and even within the same country depending on prevailing socio-economic, cultural and environmental factors. Various studies have been carried out in various countries to study the epidemiology and demographics of the maxillofacial injuries but the studies from India are few. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study was undertaken at Christian Medical College Ludhiana (India) from January 2006 to December 2009. Treatment records of the patients was checked and age, gender, aetiology of injury, associated injuries, maxillofacial fractures and treatment offered were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 1075 fractures were recorded in 718 patients, ranging from 11 months to 85 years of age. Male:female ratio was 6.6:1. Maxillofacial injuries were most common in third decade of life. A total of 517 patients suffered injuries because of road traffic accident, 115 because of accidental fall and 67 because of interpersonal violence. A total of 184 patients had 221 associated injuries of which 56.1% head injuries, 29.0% orthopaedic injuries and 14.9% other injuries were present. Of 596 middle third fractures, 29.8% were managed conservatively; for 21.7% and 48.7% of fractures, closed reduction and open reduction were performed respectively. Of 479 mandibular fractures, 1.8% was managed conservatively; for 16.7% and 81.5% fractures, closed reduction and open reduction were performed respectively. CONCLUSION: Better socio-economic status of people, increased vehicular movements and non-implementation of road safety norms have increased road traffic accidents. Proper education of the people who are most commonly involved in the RTA can be one of the possible ways to reduce the maxillofacial injuries.

Primary oral tuberculosis: report of two cases.

Oral lesions of tuberculosis though uncommon, are seen in both the primary and secondary stages of the disease. In secondary tuberculosis, the oral manifestations may be accompanied by lesions in the lungs, lymph nodes, or in any other part of the body and can be detected by a systemic examination. Primary oral tuberculosis may present as a diagnostic challenge for the clinician. Here we report two patients with primary tuberculosis in the oral cavity who presented to the dental department, were diagnosed and referred for medical management.