The accuracy of soft tissue movement using virtual planning for non-syndromic facial asymmetry cases-a systematic review.

The 3D prediction of post-operative changes is an inevitable tool for the surgical correction of facial asymmetry. The objective is to execute an evidence-based review answering the following question. Does the 3D virtual prediction planning draw reliable and accurate results in the surgical outcome related to the soft tissues of the face in facial asymmetry? This systematic review of the literature is based on the 3D soft tissue prediction planning of facial asymmetry correction to draw conclusions on the reliability and accuracy of these methods in the surgical outcome related to the soft tissues of the face. PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Ovid databases were adopted for the literature search. Studies published between years 2000 and 2020, aimed at the assessment of soft tissue predictions using software prediction packages for facial asymmetry, were selected. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) was applied. Quadas-2 tool was used for the qualitative evaluation of selected studies. Initial search yielded 248 articles. Twenty articles fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria and selected for qualitative analysis. Finally, 12 articles were selected for quantitative analysis. The results indicate 3D imaging prediction methods provided more accurate information with less distortion for soft tissue prediction regardless of various softwares currently available. The prediction of soft tissue accuracy in facial asymmetry was less accurate in lower face regardless of the type of surgery for facial asymmetry. The mean prediction error was less than 2 mm.

Osteogenic differentiation potential and quantification of fresh and cryopreserved dental follicular stem cells-an in vitro analysis.

Purpose: To isolate and characterize mesenchymal stem cells of dental follicle from fresh and cryopreserved samples and to test any significant difference in their osteogenic differentiation potential by using digital imaging software. We also investigated whether the cryoprotectant used and its concentration is able to maintain cell count and viability. Methods: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were isolated from dental follicle of impacted third molars. The osteogenic differentiation potential of dental follicle stem cells was assessed using alizarin red and alkaline phosphatase staining followed by digital imaging quantification of the stains. Results: Dental follicle cells have shown typical characterisation by exhibiting the stem cell stromal markers and hematopoietic markers, but there was variance in the percentage of expression in fresh and cryopreserved samples. There was considerable osteogenic differentiation potential in the fresh sample compared to cryopreserved sample. The cell count and viability were preserved in both samples. Conclusions: The results in the study have shown wide variation of osteogenic differentiation potential in fresh and cryopreserved samples. Also, the cryoprotectant was found to be effective in its purpose at the specified concentration.

Prevalence of Neurologic Deficits in Combined Facial and Cervical Spine Injuries: A Retrospective Analysis.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective data analysis of maxillofacial trauma patients with combined cervical spine injuries. OBJECTIVE: This study is based on investigating the importance of timely diagnosis of patients who suffer with cervical spine injuries along with maxillofacial trauma by estimating the prevalence of neurologic deficits and its relation with etiology. METHODS: A database of 4460 patients suffering from maxillofacial injuries and admitted in specialized environment surgery of Government Medical College, Trivandrum, Kerala was taken under consideration. The prevalence and types of neurologic deficits and its relation with etiology were assessed in patients with combined facial and cervical spine injuries. RESULTS: Of 4460 patients, 48 were having cervical spine injury along with facial damage with the prevalence of 0.01%. Neurologic deficits were seen highest with etiology of road traffic accidents followed by falls from height. Most of the accidents occurred in bike riders and helmets were absent. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that most of the accidents engage bike riders and drivers, due to unethical and unsafe driving. There was no significant correlation found between facial and cervical spine injuries.

Assessment of the referral system for surgical removal of third molars at the Dental Faculty, King Saud University.

INTRODUCTION: There is compelling evidence that prophylactic extraction of third molars is a health problem that needs to be addressed. In particular, the vast amount of evidence demonstrating complications after removal of third molars, rather than supporting the necessity of removal or the negative effects of retention, raise this concern. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the referral system for third molar extraction at our institution by assessing patient opinions and the experience of the oral surgeons and the referring dentists. The main outcome measures of concern were the reasons for third molar extraction, patient awareness about the surgery and the comorbidities that may accompany the surgery. METHODS: Pilot cross-sectional survey questionnaires were distributed at the Dental Faculty Clinic at King Saud University, from 15 March 2015 to 30 June 2016 by the staff in charge of the patient waiting area, oral surgery clinic, primary care clinic and specialist clinic. RESULTS: Of 400 potential respondents, 226 completed the survey (response rate: 54%). Of these patients, 91% knew why they had been referred to the oral surgery department, but 73.5% did not understand the surgical extraction procedure or its complications. In total, 45.2% of the patients referred had no signs or symptoms, and 36% were referred for prophylactic reasons. In conclusion, our system needs reassessment. To combat the subjective health practice of routinely referring patients for prophylactic extraction, the role of primary care should be emphasised by implementing a system for regular patient check-ups, and public awareness should be increased.