Ramus Condyle Unit Reconstruction Using Vertical Ramus Osteotomy in Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis.

INTRODUCTION: Treatment of bony Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Ankylosis includes release of the ankylosis and creation of a gap with or without insertion of interposing material and complete reconstruction of the joint using e.g. costochondral, autogenous coronoid/ankylosed mass, sternoclavicular, clavicular bone grafts etc. As these are non-pedicled grafts, there is eventual resorption with subsequent decrease in height of the ramus, facial asymmetry, deviated mouth opening and reankylosis. The authors have applied the method of vertical ramus osteotomy (VRO) on the posterior border of the mandibular ramus for reconstruction of the ramus condyle unit (RCU) as a pedicled graft along with Myofascial Temporalis Interposition for the correction of TMJ Ankylosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients of TMJ Ankylosis were included in this study. All ten patients were treated using VRO for the RCU reconstruction with posterior border of mandibular ramus after Gap Arthroplasty. Temporalis myofascial flap was used as an interpositional material in all patients. Patients were followed from 20 to 30 months (mean 24 months). RESULTS: As a result of successful procedure the post-operative maximal mouth opening of 32-45 mm (mean 37 mm) was achieved. No patient experienced pain and infection at surgical site. None of the patients had graft rejection and reankylosis at follow-up. CONCLUSION: The results showed that VRO on the posterior border of the mandibular ramus seems to be an alternative and promising method for RCU reconstruction in patients with TMJ Ankylosis.

Use of a single 2.0-mm locking AO reconstruction titanium plate in linear, non-comminuted, mandible fractures.

PURPOSE: The aim of the following study is to prospectively evaluate the use of a single Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) 2.0-mm locking reconstruction plate for linear non-comminuted mandibular fractures without the use of a second plate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study consisted of a sample of 10 patients who reported to the department with fractures of the mandible and were treated over a period of 24 months from November 2010 to November 2012. Out of these, there were 8 male patients and 2 female patients. There were four cases of isolated parasymphysis fractures, 1 of the case had a parasymphysis fracture associated with subcondylar fracture, 4 had a body fracture and 2 had a symphysis fracture. RESULTS: All patients had satisfactory fracture reduction and a successful treatment outcome without major complications. Only one patient (10%) developed minor complications. CONCLUSION: The study has demonstrated that treating linear non-comminuted mandibular fractures with a single AO 2.0-mm locking reconstruction plate provides excellent stability at the fracture site which in turn leads to sound bone healing and early functional rehabilitation.

Sinus elevation with an alloplastic material and simultaneous implant placement: a 1-stage procedure in severely atrophic maxillae.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to evaluate clinically and radiographically the long term success of one-stage direct (lateral) sinus lift procedure using alloplastic bone graft material and bio-absorbable membrane in conjunction with two stage implant placement in atrophic partially edentulous posterior maxilla. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One stage direct maxillary sinus lift in conjunction with two stage implant placement was carried out in 12 patients at 13 sites. All the patients were partially edentulous with posterior maxillary alveolar ridge height of >5 mm and were in the age group of 20-50 years. Bioactive glass putty, bio-absorbable collagen membrane and 3.75 × 11.5 mm implants were used. Loading of implants was done 6 months after placement of implants. Patients were evaluated clinically and radio-graphically 6, 18, 30 months after placement of implants to assess increase in residual ridge height, peri-implant condition (marginal bone loss, plaque and gingival index) and implant stability. RESULTS: Maxillary first molar was the most common site (69.23 %) for sinus lift and implant placement. Caries was the most common cause (76.92 %) for loss of tooth. Increase in residual ridge height ranged from (71.43 to 133.33 %) as measured by Denta-Scan. Implant survival rate was 100 %. Marginal bone loss ranged from 0.68 to 1.22 mm. Implant stability was measured by periotest (-2.7 to -3.6). Only one patient had perforation of sinus membrane, but it was sealed satisfactorily by bio-absorbable membrane. CONCLUSION: One stage lateral sinus lift procedure with alloplastic bone graft material in combination with 2 stage implant placement has a predictable outcome in patients with severe resorption of posterior maxilla.