ABSTRACT
Study Design: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Objective: There has been an increasing trend in maxillofacial injuries associated with combat trauma. Within the maxillofacial complex, the mandible is the most likely structure to be damaged during combat. The structural deficits as a result can be reconstructed with many options. These include vascularised bone grafts (VBGs), non-vascularised bone grafts (NVBGs), alloplastic implants, reconstruction bars and distraction osteogenesis. This study aimed to determine the common modality and efficacy of mandibular reconstruction in combat trauma-related defects. Methods: A literature search was conducted on Pubmed, Prospero, Dynamed, DARE, EMBASE, COCHRANE and BMJ databases. Results: A total of six articles met the inclusion criteria identifying 165 patients requiring mandibular reconstruction. Non-vascularised iliac bone graft (n = 137) was the most common method followed by ileac crest bone chips harvest using Dacron urethran osteomesh tray (n = 24) and frontoparietal grafts (n = 4). Meta-analysis of five out of six trials demonstrated an overall success rate of 85% (95% CI 79-90; I2 = 59%). A total of 13% (n = 22) of reconstructions failed either completely or partially and 21% (n = 34) of patients suffered postoperative complications. Conclusions: NVBGs are a practical, cost-effective and favourable method of war zone management of mandibular defects with success rates comparable to those reported in the civilian literature. However, general trauma principles take precedence to rule out life-threatening injuries. Due consideration of patient factors, surgical factors, and available resources are required in the first-line management of combat-related mandibular defects.
ABSTRACT
Eyelid defects can occur secondary to tumours, trauma, burns, and congenital factors. Among the most challenging aspects of eyelid reconstruction is the rebuilding of a tarsal substitute due to its delicate and multi-layered tissue composition. Attempts to use biomaterials for posterior lamellar reconstruction are intended to provide an alternative to traditional autograft reconstructions. In this review, we aimed to assess the types of biomaterials used for the reconstruction of the posterior lamella associated with eyelid defects and the associated clinical outcomes. A literature search was conducted on Pubmed, Prospero, Dynamed, DARE, EMBASE, and COCHRANE databases. A total of 15 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria, and 129 patients with 142 eyelids reconstructed, using artificial grafts, were included in the review. Acellular dermis allograft (AlloDerm®, LifeCell) (n = 49) was the most common artificial graft used. A meta-analysis was performed, which demonstrated a pooled success rate of artificial grafts of 99% (95% CI 96-100, p = 0.05; I2 = 40%, total complications seen 39% (95% CI 96-100, p = 0.05; I2 = 40%) and re-operation rates of 5.6% (n = 8). The biomaterials used demonstrated an overall success rate of 99%, which is similar if not greater than that reported with the use of traditional autograft reconstruction techniques, with similar complications and fewer re-operations than autografts. This suggests that clinicians should consider the clinical use of artificial grafts for posterior lamellar reconstruction.
ABSTRACT
AIM: The aim of this study was to explore general dental practitioners' (GDPs) attitude to periodontal furcation involvement (FI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online survey focused on diagnosis and management of periodontal FI was circulated to GDPs in seven different countries. RESULTS: A total of 400 responses were collected. Nearly a fifth of participants reported rarely or never taking 6-point pocket charts; 65.8% of participants had access to a Nabers probe in their practice. When shown clinical pictures and radiographs of FI-involved molars, the majority of participants correctly diagnosed it. Although 47.1% of participants were very/extremely confident in detecting FI, only 8.9% felt very/extremely confident at treating it. Differences in responses were detected according to country and year of qualification, with a trend towards less interest in periodontal diagnosis and treatment in younger generations. Lack of knowledge of management/referral pathways (reported by 22.8%) and lack of correct equipment were considered the biggest barriers to FI management. Most participants (80.9%) were interested in learning more about FI, ideally face to face followed by online tutorials. CONCLUSIONS: Plans should be put in place to improve general dentists' knowledge and ability to manage FI, as this can have a significant impact on public health.
