Adenitis cervical unilateral por Staphylococcus aereus en un paciente adulto. Presentación de un caso / Unilateral cervical adenitis due to staphylococcus aereus in an adult patient. Case report

Debido a que en más del 50 % de los casos la aparición de adenopatías en mayores de 40 años es de probable etiología tumoral, el manejo de masas cervicales del paciente adulto debe incluir las pruebas necesarias para descartar un proceso maligno.El diagnóstico diferencial es fundamental en este tipo de lesiones, identificando los factores de riesgo, síntomas y signos que orienten hacia la etiología (congénita, neoplásica, inflamatoria o infecciosa).Por lo que se refiere a las adenopatías cervicales de causa infecciosa son más frecuentes en los niños. Sin embargo, habitualmente los adultos también las desarrollan como consecuencia de patología oral o faringoamigdalar. En estos casos, se observa una rápida respuesta ante el tratamiento empírico. No obstante, si no se produce la resolución del cuadro con dicho tratamiento en 2-3 semanas, es necesaria la ampliación del estudio mediante pruebas complementarias. Se presenta un caso clínico infrecuente en la literatura de lindadenitis supurada por Staphylococcus aereus en región cervical, en una mujer de 45 años que acudió al servicio de urgencias con clínica de masa cervical a estudio. (AU)

Due to the fact that in more than 50 % of cases the appearance of adenopathy in patients over 40 years of age is of probable tumor etiology, the management of cervical masses in adult patients should include the necessary tests to rule out a malignant process.The differential diagnosis is fundamental in this type of lesions, identifying the risk factors, symptoms and signs that orient towards the etiology (congenital, neoplastic, inflammatory or infectious).As concerns cervical adenopathies of infectious cause, they are more frequent in children. However, adults also usually develop them as a consequence of oral or pharyngotonsillar pathology. In these cases, a rapid response to empirical treatment is observed. However, if there is no resolution of the picture with such treatment within 2-3 weeks, it is necessary to extend the study by means of complementary tests. We present a rare case of suppurative lymphadenitis due to Staphylococcus aereus in the cervical region in a 45-year-old woman who presented to the emergency department with a cervical mass. (AU)

Manejo de la osteonecrosis maxilar asociada al uso de medicamentos en virtud de su estadio clínico: análisis de 19 casos / Management of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw according to the clinical grade: An analysis of 19 cases

Introducción: Los bifosfonatos constituyen una familia de medicamentos cuya acción principal es la inhibición de la reabsorción ósea, uno de cuyos efectos secundarios es la osteonecrosis maxilar (OMAB). En 2010 comenzaron a publicarse casos de osteonecrosis asociados a un nuevo fármaco, el denosumab. En 2014 se recomendó cambiar el nombre de OMAB por osteonecrosis maxilar asociada a medicamentos (OMAM). El objetivo de este trabajo es revisar una serie de casos de OMAM tratados en nuestro servicio y reflejar la experiencia adquirida con las distintas opciones terapéuticas según la clasificación clínica definida por la American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS). Materiales y métodos: Se recogió retrospectivamente un grupo de 19 pacientes con diagnóstico de OMAM, manejados desde 2005 hasta 2015. Su estadio fue determinado según la clasificación de la AAOMS y Ruggiero. Las lesiones fueron tratadas según sus características clínicas y radiológicas. Resultados: Su edad media fue de 75 años. La enfermedad de base era osteoporosis en 11 pacientes (58%), cáncer de próstata en 2 (11%), cáncer de mama en otrod 2 (11%) y mieloma múltiple en 4 pacientes (20%). En 9 pacientes el bifosfonato utilizado era intravenoso (47%); en los 4 restantes se usó la vía oral (alendronato e ibandronato, 21%) y el denosumab se administra por vía subcutánea. Los pacientes en estadio 3 fueron tratados en todos los casos con mandibulectomía segmentaria. Tres de ellos fueron reconstruidos con colgajo microquirúrgico de peroné y uno con barra mandibular más cierre directo. Fueron tratados mediante secuestrectomía 7 pacientes, de los cuales 5 tenían estadio 2 y 2 tenían estadio 1. Con desbridamiento local solo fue tratado un paciente, que presentaba estadio 1. El tratamiento conservador se aplicó al resto de los pacientes estadio 1 (4 pacientes) y a 3 pacientes del estadio 2. Conclusiones: El tratamiento de la OMAM depende del estadio de la enfermedad; la mandibulectomía es un tratamiento efectivo en el estadio 3 y la secuestrectomía en el estadio 2; el estadio 1 suele controlarse con tratamiento conservador

Introduction: Bisphosphonates are a family of drugs used to inhibit bone resorption. One of their secondary effects is osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ). In 2010, scientists began to publish cases of osteonecrosis of the jaws associated with a new drug, denosumab. In 2014 it was recommended to change the name of ONJ to medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MONJ). The aim of this article is to review a case series of MONJ treated in our Department, and present our experience in the different treatment options according to the clinical classification defined by the American Association of Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS). Materials and methods: A retrospective review was performed on 19 patients with MONJ, who were managed between 2005 and 2015. The clinical staging was according to the classification of the AAOMS and Ruggiero. The lesions were treated according to their clinical and radiological presentation. Results: The mean age was 75 years. The underlying disease was osteoporosis in 11 patients (58%), prostate cancer in 2 patients (11%), breast cancer in 2 patients (11%), and multiple myeloma in 4 patients (20%). Intravenous bisphosphonates were used in 9 (47%) patients, and oral in the remaining 4 (alendronate and ibandronate, 21%), with denosumab being administered subcutaneously. Stage 3 patients were treated in all cases with segmental mandibulectomy. Three of them were re-constructed with a microsurgical fibula flap, and onw with bar and direct closure. Sequestrectomy was used to treat 7 patients, of which 5 had stage 2, and 2 stage 1. One patient with stage 1 was treated with local debridement. Conservative treatment was applied to the rest (4) of the stage 1 patients, and 3 stage 2 patients. Discussion: Mandibulectomy is an effective treatment for stage 3, sequestrectomy for stage 2, and conservative measures for stage 1. This pathology is also associated with other drugs, such as denosumab, which is why the term had changed to medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. Conclusions: MONJ treatment depends on the stage of the disease, with mandibulectomy being an effective treatment in stage 3, sequestrectomy in stage 2 and stage 1 is usually controlled with conservative treatment

Zygomatic distraction osteogenesis for correction of midfacial support after hemimaxillectomy: experience and technical considerations.

PURPOSE: The maxilla is the functional and esthetic keystone of the midface, and large maxillary defects remain a challenge for reconstructive surgery. Different regional and microvascularized flaps have been used to restore the hemimaxilla. Distraction osteogenesis offers an alternative to complex flaps, with less donor-site morbidity. This method is also preferable as a secondary reconstruction in cases of serious bone defects where other flaps have failed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Four patients with maxillary defects after oncologic ablation presented at a mean follow-up period of 36 months (standard deviation, 18 mo). In these patients, transport distraction osteogenesis of the zygoma was used to restore the bony support of the low maxilla. RESULTS: After a latency period of 15 days, distraction began at a rate of 0.5 mm/day. A 2-step distraction, by changing the direction of the zygomatic device, was carried out in 3 cases. After a consolidation period of 4 to 6 months for each distraction, the devices were removed and the bone edges were joined together with an autogenous bone graft (anterior iliac crest and calvaria). A good quality of bone was observed in the distracted gap, which allowed for postoperative dental implant placement and prosthetic rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: In patients with large maxillary defects in which the remaining bone is insufficient and in patients in whom other reconstructive methods have failed, zygomatic distraction is an excellent option to restore the low projection of the maxilla. Bone transport was found to be a stable reconstructive method that allowed for the restoration of function and esthetics in oncologic patients.

The posterior double pass suture in repositioning of the temporomandibular disc during arthroscopic surgery: a report of 16 cases.

AIM: Several procedures have been described to reposition and secure the disc during arthroscopic surgery of the temporomandibular joint. The usefulness of these procedures remains controversial since simple lysis and lavage shows a high percentage of clinical success and it is difficult to obtain radiological imaging of the surgically acquired new disc position. This report describes a new arthroscopic discopexy method, and the clinical as well as radiological results obtained with this new technique. METHODS: Sixteen patients with a clinical and radiological diagnosis of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) dysfunction (TMD) were treated using our discopexy method. Each patient was evaluated with a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, radiological and functional parameters. The evaluation also included a clinical examination. Each patient was recorded at baseline before surgery and at a one-year follow-up. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the differences in VAS, maximum opening and lateral movements before and after treatment and were considered statistically significant when p < 0.05. RESULTS: Patient evaluation showed an improvement in the clinical parameters. There were statistically significant reductions in the amount of pain according to the VAS (p < 0.01). Maximal interincisal opening (MIO) and contralateral translation movement (CTM) (p < 0.05) were substantially improved one-year after operation. In the post-surgical MRI study at the one-year follow-up, a significant improvement in the disc position was observed in 13 out of the 16 joints operated on. CONCLUSION: This method of arthroscopic disc repositioning is an effective surgical method for treating symptomatic patients with a diagnosis of TMJ disc displacement. Because of the minimally invasive character of the procedure, it should be considered in the surgical treatment of TMJ dysfunction.

Trombosis de la vena yugular interna y mediastinitis aguda necrosante descendente debido a una faringoamigdalitis aguda / Thrombosis of the internal jugular vein and descending necrotizing mediastinitis due to acute pharyngotonsilitis

El síndrome de Lemierre es una patología muy infrecuente en la época actual, pero muy grave, y siempre debe considerarse ante un cuadro de fiebre con antecedente de infección orofaríngea, tumefacción laterocervical a lo largo del músculo esternocleidomastoideo y signos de sepsis. El diagnóstico de este síndrome es fundamentalmente clínico, y las pruebas complementarias tan sólo ayudan a confirmar el cuadro. Presentamos el caso de un varón de 31 años que acudió a urgencias con clínica de faringoamigdalitis junto con tumefacción en la región submandibular izquierda e importante dolor cervical ipsilateral, que mostró un deterioro rápido y progresivo del estado general pese al tratamiento antibiótico intravenoso. Finalmente tuvo que ser intervenido debido al desarrollo de mediastinitis aguda necrosante descendente desde la región pretiroidea hasta el diafragma, con trombosis de la vena yugular interna izquierda. Se le realizó toracotomía urgente y cervicotomía izquierda con drenaje de abundante material purulento y ligadura de la vena yugular interna(AU)

Lemierre syndrome is a potentially fatal condition after an oropharyngeal infection. It is characterized by thrombophlebitis of head and neck veins with systemic dissemination of septic emboli. The diagnosis of this syndrome is mainly clinical and complementary test only serve as aid to confirm it. We report an unusual case of Lemierre syndrome in a 31-year-old man caused by Gemella spp. and Streptococcus pyogenes. It developed following a pharyngotonsillitis infection, which deteriorated rapidly and progressively despite intravenous antibiotic treatment. He finally had to be intervened due to developing acute descending necrotizing mediastinitis from the pre-thyroid region to the diaphragm, with thrombosis of the internal jugular vein. An urgent thoracotomy and left cervicotomy was performed, with drainage of abundant purulent material and ligature of the internal jugular vein. We also discuss its atypical clinical presentation, the crucial role of imaging in the early diagnosis, and the different treatment options of this life-threatening syndrome(AU)

Prognostic factors influencing contralateral neck lymph node metastases in oral and oropharyngeal carcinoma.

PURPOSE: The prognostic influence of different clinicopathologic factors in contralateral lymph node metastases of oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) has been rarely described in the literature. Prediction of these contralateral metastases may be of relevance because this factor is strongly associated with poor prognosis. This study analyzed the relationship between predictor factors and the development of contralateral metastases in oral and oropharyngeal SCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A series of 402 cases of oral and oropharyngeal SCC were analyzed retrospectively. Unilateral neck dissection was carried out in 190 patients, bilateral neck dissection in 101, and tumor resection without neck dissection in 111. The log-rank test was used for survival analysis of contralateral metastases. Correlation between different clinicopathologic factors and the presence of contralateral metastases was studied with the chi(2) test for univariate analysis and logistic regression for association of these factors and contralateral metastases in the multivariate analysis (P < .05). RESULTS: Of the patients, 20 (5.1%) had primary positive contralateral metastases in neck dissection specimens and 19 (4.8%) had contralateral recurrences at follow-up. When the 2 groups were taken into consideration, the rate of contralateral metastases of the series was 9%. Gender, tumor location, homolateral positive nodes, tumor extension across the midline, histologic grade, margin status, pattern of growth, and perineural spread were correlated with contralateral metastases in the univariate analysis (P < .05). However, homolateral lymph node metastases and extension across the midline were the most important predictors of contralateral metastases (P < .01) on multivariate logistic regression analysis. Positive contralateral metastases showed a strong correlation with a poor prognosis for survival in this study (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Oral and oropharyngeal carcinomas with homolateral positive lymph nodes and tumor extension across the midline are at higher risk of contralateral lymph node involvement. Prediction of contralateral metastases may be useful in planning more aggressive therapies in patients with head and neck SCC with poor prognostic criteria.

Endoscopically-assisted transoral approach for the treatment of subcondylar fractures of the mandible.

INTRODUCTION: Treatment of subcondylar fractures of the mandible is one of the most controversial aspects in the field of maxillofacial traumatology. This controversy centers on the positive and negative aspects of open and closed approaches for the treatment of this kind of fractures. Open techniques lead to good reduction and osteosynthesis, but have a high risk of injury to the facial nerve and produce facial scars. Closed techniques (intermaxillary fixation) reduce all the above-mentioned risks but rarely produce correct anatomic reduction, and complications such as ankylosis, condylar necrosis and inhibition of mandibular growth, causing abnormal occlusion, may occur. Despite all the associated risks, closed techniques are currently the most popular treatment. OBJECTIVES: To introduce the endoscopically-assisted transoral approach for the treatment of subcondylar fractures, presenting three cases treated in our department. A description of the technique has been included as well as the clinical and radiographic results obtained. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study is based in three patients with subcondylar fractures of the mandible who were treated by an endoscopically-assisted transoral approach. A description of the surgical technique is included. The results were assessed by postsurgical radiographic control (orthopantomography), maximum mouth opening, occlusion and pain. RESULTS: Three reductions of subcondylar fractures with transoral endoscopically-assisted approach were undertaken. The follow-up period was 6 months. Postsurgical radiographic control showed good reduction of the fracture in all three cases. None of the patients showed any sign of temporomandibular dysfunction after 6 months. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic treatment by transoral approach combines the positive aspects of both conventional techniques: closed and open reduction; allowing anatomic reduction and a stable fixation leaving no visible facial scars and with a minimum risk of injury to the facial nerve.

Endoscopically-assisted transoral approach for the treatment of subcondylar fractures of the mandible

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Introduction: Treatment of subcondylar fractures of the mandible is one of the most controversial aspects in thefield of maxillofacial traumatology. This controversy centers on the positive and negative aspects of open and closed approaches for the treatment of this kind of fractures. Open techniques lead to good reduction and osteosynthesis, but have a high risk of injury to the facial nerve and produce facial scars. Closed techniques (intermaxillary fixation) reduce all the above-mentioned risks but rarely produce correct anatomic reduction, and complications such as ankylosis, condylar necrosis and inhibition of mandibular growth, causing abnormal occlusion, may occur. Despite all the associated risks, closed techniques are currently the most popular treatment.Objectives: To introduce the endoscopically-assisted transoral approach for the treatment of subcondylar fractures, presenting three cases treated in our department. A description of the technique has been included as well as the clinical and radiographic results obtained.Material and Methods: The study is based in three patients with subcondylar fractures of the mandible who were treated by an endoscopically-assisted transoral approach. A description of the surgical technique is included. The results were assessed by postsurgical radiographic control (orthopantomography), maximum mouth opening, occlusion and pain.Results: Three reductions of subcondylar fractures with transoral endoscopically-assisted approach were undertaken. The follow-up period was 6 months. Postsurgical radiographic control showed good reduction of the fracture in all three cases. None of the patients showed any sign of temporomandibular dysfunction after 6 months.Conclusion: Endoscopic treatment by transoral approach combines the positive aspects of both conventional techniques: closed and open reduction; allowing anatomic reduction and a stable fixation leaving no visible facial scars and with a minimum risk of injury to the facial nerve (AU)

Vascularized free fibular flap for the reconstruction of mandibular defects: clinical experience in 42 cases.

OBJECTIVE: Since the advent of modern microvascular techniques, the fibula has become a reliable method for the reconstruction of partial or total mandibular defects. The purpose of this study is to evaluate our experience with the use of the vascularized free fibular flap for the reconstruction of mandibular defects following surgical resection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During a 5-year period, 102 consecutive patients were treated in our department for reconstruction of oral and maxillofacial defects, using microvascularized free flaps. Forty-two patients were reconstructed by means of the free vascularized fibular flap with or without a skin paddle. Patients underwent resection for benign (n = 15) and malignant (n = 27) entities. Fourteen patients received preoperative radiotherapy and only 1 patient received preoperative chemotherapy. The donor site was closed primarily in 7 cases, whereas an abdominal full-thickness skin graft was used in 35 cases. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients were treated by means of an osteocutaneous flap, whereas only 4 developed an osseous flap. Five patients developed complications related to the vascular anastomosis and needed a second surgical look. One patient died in the immediate postoperative period. The skin island flap was completely viable in 37 cases (88%). Considering bone survival as the main objective, an overall flap survival rate of 92.85% was achieved in the whole series. Endosseous dental implants were placed in 11 patients with adequate outcome. In 5 of these cases the double-barrel technique was performed. CONCLUSION: Our results reveal that the vascularized free fibular flap is a reliable method for reconstructing mandibular defects with an acceptable low morbidity rate. The use of the osteocutaneous flap provides good reconstruction of composite mandibular defects. It constitutes an adequate support for dental implants.

Contralateral lymph neck node metastasis of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity: a retrospective analytic study in 315 patients.

PURPOSE: In relation to primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oral cavity, many clinical and histopathologic factors have been reported to be predictive for lymph neck node relapse. However, few large studies concerning the association between clinical-histopathologic features and the development of contralateral lymph neck node relapse (CLNR) after surgical resection of primary SCC of the oral cavity are available. The purpose of this study was to analyze those factors related to the appearance of contralateral lymph neck node relapse in patients with SCC of the oral cavity primarily treated by means of surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was based on a series of 315 consecutive patients with primary SCC of the oral cavity treated between June 1979 and December 1999. All patients were treated primarily by means of surgery with or without adjuvant radiotherapy. The following data were analyzed for each patient: age, gender, habits, time to diagnosis, performance status, tumor clinical features, histologic grade, TNM staging, type of neck dissection, survival outcome, and functional/esthetic results at the end of the follow-up period. Histologic study included the pTNM classification, tumor size, surgical margins, extracapsular spread of lymph neck node metastasis, perineural infiltration, peritumoral inflammation, and bone involvement. RESULTS: Eighty-three patients eventually died of the disease (26.34%). A total of 177 patients were alive with no evidence of recurrence at the end of the study. The mean disease-specific survival rate was 147 +/- 6 months. Twenty-nine (9.1%) patients developed ipsilateral lymph neck node relapse (ILNR), whereas 18 (5.69%) patients developed CLNR. The mean period of time from surgery to the appearance of CLNR was 12.52 months (range, 3 to 49 months). Eighteen of 29 patients with ILNR finally died of the disease. Seven of 18 patients with CLNR died of the disease. Several clinical-pathologic features were predictive for CLNR in SCC of the oral cavity, such as the time to diagnosis, TNM staging, positive ipsilateral clinical N status, histopathologic differentiation, surgical margins of primary tumor resection, type of neck dissection, and perineural infiltration. CONCLUSION: Delay in diagnosis 12 or more months is associated with increased CLNR. Clinical and pathologic factors predictive for CLNR are TNM tumor staging IV, histopathologic poor-differentiation of the primary tumor, surgical margins less than 1 cm around the primary tumor, performance of isolated ipsilateral modified type III radical neck dissection, and perineural tumor involvement. Presence of ipsilateral neck metastasis at the time of diagnosis is associated with an augmented incidence of CLNR in SCC of the oral cavity.

Internal distraction osteogenesis in mandibular reconstruction: clinical experience in 10 cases.

BACKGROUND: Distraction osteogenesis has been used for reconstruction of bone and soft-tissue defects. The authors present their clinical experience in the reconstruction of mandibular segmental defects by means of internal distraction osteogenesis. METHODS: Ten patients with mandibular defects ranging from 30 to 80 mm in length were treated in the authors' department. Internal distraction devices with transcutaneous activators were placed immediately after complete resection of the affected bone. Distraction was initiated 10 days after surgery at a rate of 0.5 mm/day. The consolidation period ranged from 12 to 22 weeks. Finally, the distractor device was removed. In two patients, an additional iliac crest bone graft was needed to complete bone union. RESULTS: Follow-up ranged from 4 to 47 months after surgery. Partial cutaneous and intraoral exposure was observed in two patients. At the end of the follow-up period, successful distraction osteogenesis was achieved in eight patients. Six patients were alive and free of disease, whereas two patients showed local relapse and required new resective surgery. Complete intraoral exposure with failure of the distraction process was observed in one patient, whereas another patient did not complete distraction because of metastatic disease diagnosed 4 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Good clinical results for reconstruction of mandibular and soft-tissue postablative defects are reported with the use of this technique. The use of semiburied devices provides better aesthetics and acceptable quality of life to the patients. Larger series are required to popularize the use of this procedure.

Migration of aluminum silicate from the oral cavity to the submandibular region, with foreign body granuloma formation: report of a case.

We present the first case of foreign body granuloma in the cervical (submandibular) region as a result of migration of noninjected aluminium silicate particles from the oral mucosa. This migration can be explained by macrophage phagocytosis and transport through the local lymphatic network and surgical disruption of fascial layers. The appearance of foreign body granulomas in distant sites may appear several weeks after the local event in a specific disposition according with the migration route. This entity must be born in mind in differential diagnosis of multiple nodules, pigmentation, or persistent swelling in the cervical-orofacial region.

Elective neck dissection in early-stage oral squamous cell carcinoma--does it influence recurrence and survival?

BACKGROUND: This study investigates the influence on survival and regional control rates of neck dissection therapy at the time of surgery of the primary tumor in early stages of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oral cavity. METHODS: A series of 154 patients with pT1N0M0 and pT2N0M0 intraoral carcinomas was analyzed retrospectively. Neck dissection was associated with tumor ablation in 87 patients (56.5%), although 67 patients (43.5%) were treated with local resection exclusively. Survival and relapse rates were studied with the Kaplan-Meier curves and the log-rank test for univariate analysis and Cox proportional model for multivariate analysis (p < .05). RESULTS: Regional recurrences occurred in 25 cases (16.2%), 7 cases (8%) with primary neck dissection and 18 cases (26.8%) with local excision alone. Neck dissection therapy was a significant prognostic factor for recurrences and survival (p < .05). The 5-year regional control rate was of 92.5% for patients with elective lymph node ablation versus 71.2% for patients without primary neck dissection. Neck dissection was also significant for recurrences in stage I and for survival and recurrences in stage II. Neck dissection therapy also showed independent prognostic value in the Cox analysis. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with intraoral carcinomas, elective neck treatment should be considered even in cases with a small primary tumor and negative clinical examination because of the high incidence of occult nodal metastases and the tendency to regional recurrences.

Primary intraosseous carcinomas of the jaws arising within an odontogenic cyst, ameloblastoma, and de novo: report of new cases with reconstruction considerations.

Primary intraosseous carcinoma (PIOC) of the jaws has been rarely reported. The authors report 3 new cases of PIOC arising within an odontogenic cyst, ameloblastoma, and de novo origin, respectively. Surgeons should appreciate the elevated aggressiveness of this tumor despite adequate surgical treatment. The authors recommend initial aggressive surgical treatment to decrease the local recurrence rate.

Mandibular odontogenic myxoma. Reconstructive considerations by means of the vascularized fibular free flap.

The odontogenic myxoma is a rare entity located in mandible and upper maxilla. Due to its local aggressiveness, wide surgical excision is mandatory. Several surgical techniques have been described for the reconstruction of segmental mandibular defects. In comparison with other free flaps, the vascularized free fibular flap (VFFF) supports the longest amount of bone and, due to the nature of the vascular supply a complete freedom in location of the osteotomy is present. A precise mandibular arc can be performed following bone resection. We suggest the performance of the in situ VFFF technique in order to recreate mandibular contour by means of several osteotomies, while the pedicle is still attached to the leg. Substantial decrease in surgical time is obtained. With the double-barrel technique and subsequent osseointegrated implants, good results are obtained in the reconstruction of dentate patients without maxillary atrophy. We present two new cases of large odontogenic mandibular myxoma. Wide surgical excision by means of hemimandibulectomies and subsequent reconstruction with VFFF were performed.

Complications of temporomandibular joint arthroscopy: a retrospective analytic study of 670 arthroscopic procedures.

PURPOSE: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthroscopy has been considered a safe surgical procedure in the treatment of TMJ derangement. However, it is not exempt from complications. This study evaluates the complications of arthroscopy in patients with internal derangement of TMJ. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Five hundred consecutive patients (670 joints) with TMJ derangement who underwent arthroscopy between 1995 and 2004 were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients were classified as II to V in the Wilkes classification. Lysis and lavage, electrocautery of the posterior ligament, injection of corticoids, injection of ethanolamine, myotomy of lateral pterygoid muscle attachments, myotomy and electrocautery, motor debridement, injection of sodium hyaluronate, and meniscal suture were performed in different patients. RESULTS: Complications were recognized during or immediately after the surgery. They were observed in 5 of 341 (1.26%) arthroscopies of the right TMJ and 4 of 329 (1.21%) arthroscopies of the left TMJ. A 1.34% complication rate was found in the whole series. No blood clots within the external auditory canal were observed. Bleeding within the superior TMJ space was observed in 57 cases (8.5%), 36 of them in the right TMJ and 21 in the left TMJ, but they were not considered as true complications. Lacerations of the external auditory canal were found in 2 cases (0.3%), with no cases of perforation of the tympanic membrane. Lesion of the auriculotemporal nerve was observed in a case. Paresia of the facial nerve was found in 4 cases (0.6%). Alteration of visual accuracy of the ipsilateral eye was also observed in a patient immediately after the surgery. CONCLUSION: Special care must be taken to reduce complications within the upper joint space by means of an adequate instrumentation and by paying attention to essential points of the arthroscopic technique.

Subperiosteal abscess of the orbit: an unusual complication of the third molar surgery.

Few procedures in oral surgery show severe complications with the potential to result in life-threatening problems. Subperiosteal orbital abscess is an extremely rare but transcendent complication arising spontaneously or after dental surgery. This report describes a case of subperiosteal abscess of the orbit in a 57-year-old man that occurred following the uneventful extraction of the left maxillary third molar. In the emergency department, proptosis and extraocular muscle dysfunction were marked but no decrease in visual acuity was observed. Echography, computed tomography scan, and magnetic resonance imaging allowed distinction from other types of orbital inflammation. Surgical drainage confirmed the diagnosis. In this patient, orbital abscess was probably caused by extension of the infection to the pterygopalatine and infratemporal regions progressing next to the inferior orbital fissure. This report highlights the difficulty in the clinical diagnosis of this complication.

Dentin dysplasia type I treated with onlay bone grafting, sinus augmentation, and osseointegrated implants.

Dentin dysplasia is a defect of dentin development that was classified by Shields as type I and type II. The teeth in dentin dysplasia type I are characterized by normal enamel and abnormal dentin in the crown and root. For that reason, this disorder is characterized by dental caries, early exfoliation of the teeth and, consequently, maxillomandibular bony atrophy. In this report, we present a case of a young girl affected by dentin dysplasia type I, treated with a combination of onlay bone grafting and a sinus lift technique to accomplish implant placement. This case showed that onlay autogenous grafting and a sinus lift technique are well-tested methods of bony augmentation and can be useful in patients with congenital dentin defects, such as dentin dysplasia.