Management of inferior alveolar nerve and lingual nerve injuries in the UK - a cross-sectional study.

Post operative nerve injury following mandibular third molar (M3M) potentially impacts a significant number of patients. A lack of consensus for the management of trigeminal nerve injuries exists. It is important to know how clinicians manage these injuries, and how confidently. A 16-question online survey using SurveyMonkey was developed and sent to all current UK members of three oral srelated societies (ABAOMS, BAOS and BAOMS) from January 2021 to March 2021. The survey consisted of open free text, binomial and variable scale responses related to the management of inferior alveolar nerve and lingual nerve injuries. A total of 158 clinicians responded to the survey. The average number of M3M removed monthly over the last three years by a clinician was 25. The average number of nerve injuries seen in a clinician's practice, within the last three years, was three. Over two-thirds of respondents were only somewhat confident, not so confident, or not at all confident in the management of patients with inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) and lingual nerve (LN) injury. In occurrence of an injury, only 45% stated they would make an onward referral and a minority of clinicians had access to surgical repair within their own unit. Free text responses highlighted themes of a lack of UK awareness of management interventions and pathways for these patients. Clear national guidance on managing trigeminal nerve injuries was a commonly desired theme from responding clinicians. Joint speciality partnerships and a national nerve repair registry is now required.

Management of the clinically N0 neck in early-stage oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). An EACMFS position paper.

Metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) to the cervical lymph nodes has a significant impact on prognosis. Accurate staging of the neck is important in order to deliver appropriate treatment for locoregional control of the disease and for prognosis. The management of the neck in early, low volume disease (clinically T1/T2 oral cavity tumours) has long been debated. The risk of occult nodal involvement in cT1/T2 OSCC is estimated around 20-30%. We describe the natural evolutionary history of OSCC and its patterns of spread and metastasis to the local lymphatic basins. We discuss most published literature and studies on management of the clinically negative neck (cN0). Particular focus is given to prospective randomized trials comparing the outcomes of upfront elective neck dissection against the observational stance, and we summarize the results of the sentinel node biopsy studies. The paper discusses the significance of the primary tumour histological characteristics and specifically the tumour's depth of invasion (DOI) and its impact on predicting nodal metastasis. The DOI has been incorporated in the TNM staging highlighting its significance in aiding the treatment decision making and this is reflected in world-wide oncological guidelines. The critical analysis of all available literature amalgamates the existing evidence in early OSCC and provides recommendations in the management of the clinically N0 neck.

Bilateral Traumatic Caroticocavernous Fistulas: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

A traumatic caroticocavernous fistula (CCF) is an acquired, abnormal communication between the internal carotid artery and the cavernous sinus, secondary to trauma. This rare condition can initially be misdiagnosed, because its presentation shares features common to those of facial trauma, which can result in serious complications. We describe a case of bilateral CCF in an adult patient after a road traffic accident.