Isolated Infratemporal Fossa Desmoid Fibromatosis: A Rare Case Report and Review of Literature.

Desmoid fibromatosis (DF) arising from musculoaponeurotic structures rarely affects the head and neck region with the abdomen being the most common site of origin. These are benign tumors with locally infiltrative nature usually presenting as painless swellings that are rapidly growing. The infratemporal fossa DF is an extremely rare location with few clinical reports. This article discusses the management of a 2-year-old child with DF of the infratemporal fossa (ITF) along with literature review.

Associated Injuries in Maxillofacial Trauma: A Study in a Tertiary Hospital in South India.

AIM: Maxillofacial trauma when associated with concomitant injuries has a significant potential for increased morbidity. This study aims to identify the causes of trauma, evaluate the types of associated injuries and to highlight the significance of multi professional collaboration in sequencing of treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 300 patients who reported to the casualty of a tertiary Hospital in Karnataka with facial fractures were enrolled. RESULTS: Associated injuries were sustained by 162 patients. The predominant aetiology was the Road Traffic Accident with maximum number of patients in the age group of 20-29 and a male to female ratio of 10.1:1. The mandible was the most frequently fractured bone. Head injury was the most common associated injury. The mortality rate was 0.66%. The mean ISS and GCS values among the patients who sustained associated injuries along with maxillofacial trauma were higher and lower respectively, as compared to those without associated injuries with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Implementation of strict road safety measures in the rural and interior regions of South India, to prevent morbidity and mortality due to road traffic accidents is essential. Injuries to the facial skeleton must be approached with the knowledge of probable associated injuries that could have been incurred.

An Assessment of Factors Influencing the Difficulty in Third Molar Surgery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Surgical removal of a mandibular impacted third molar is one among the most common oral surgical procedures. The objective of this study was to assess and identify risk indicators influencing extended operation time in relation to the surgical removal of mesioangular impacted mandibular third molar, position A, Class I and to evaluate the incidence of postoperative swelling, trismus, and pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective cohort was implemented and the patients who presented for mandibular third molar removal which were impacted in position A, Class I were enlisted for the study. During 1 year between July 2014 and June 2015, a total of 40 patients were enrolled in the study. The evaluation of patient variables and radiographic variables was done preoperatively. Depending on the duration of time taken for an operation, patients were divided into three groups: Group I, Group II, and Group III. Postoperative complications such as swelling, trismus, and pain were assessed in each of the patients. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The statistical analysis was done among the groups using Chi-square test, and ANOVA. RESULTS: Among the six variables studied in this study including patient variables and radiographic variables, maximum interincisal opening, external oblique ridge, and root morphology were found to be dependent factors which influence the operating time. Moreover, other variables such as the crown root width ratio and the number of roots were independent factors. Swelling, trismus, and pain were statistically significant among groups and were directly related to operating time. CONCLUSION: We consider that the outcome of surgical removal of mandibular impacted third molar, position A, Class I depends significantly on relevant patients characteristics and radiographic variables which should be evaluated preoperatively as they are predetermined factors to avoid postoperative morbidity.

Trigemino-Cardiac Reflex: A Phenomenon Neglected in Maxillofacial Surgery?

BACKGROUND: Trigemino-cardiac reflex is a physiologic response of the body to pressure effects in the region of distribution of the trigeminal nerve. Oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures can induce the development of this reflex, which leads to significant changes in the heart rate and sinus rhythms. This study intends to evaluate the effects of this reflex in patients with facial fractures and its subsequent management. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of thirty-seven patients with facial fractures who reported to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Basaveswar Teaching and General Hospital, Gulbarga during a period from July 2015-March 2016 were considered for the study. RESULTS: A male preponderance is observed with the most susceptible age group being 21-30 years. Twenty-three patients sustained mid-facial fractures alone, nine patients had isolated mandible fractures and five patients had fractures of both the mid-face and mandible. A relative bradycardia was observed in the patients with mid-facial trauma, both at the time of presentation and also during the surgical reduction of midfacial fractures which improved after completion of procedure in most of the patients. However, in two patients, the bradycardia progressed to a cardiac asystole during midface manipulation which required immediate halt of the procedure and intravenous administration of atropine. CONCLUSION: Trigeminocardiac reflex though physiologic, which usually tends to subside without complications is not to be neglected in the surgeries of the maxillofacial skeleton. A propensity for unforeseen complications due to this reflex has to be avoided by meticulous monitoring of the ECG.

The facial skeleton: Armor to the brain?

BACKGROUND: With the development of urban setting worldwide, the major issue of concern is the increase in the mortality rate in the population due to road traffic accidents. The face, being the most exposed region is susceptible to injuries and maybe associated with injuries to the adjacent neuro-cranium. The literature has conflicting views on the relationship between facial fractures and head injuries with some authors opining that the facial skeleton cushions the brain while some other authors claim that the facial fractures act as indicators for head injuries. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the correlation between the facial fractures and head injuries and to assess if the facial skeleton acts to protect the brain from injury. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective study that included patients who reported to the emergency department of Basaveswar Teaching and General Hospital, Gulbarga, during 2 years, between August 2013 and July 2015 was conducted. A total of 100 patients with facial fractures were enrolled in the study. RESULTS: Head injuries were sustained by 51 patients in the study. Maximum number of patients was in the age group of 20-29 with a male to female ratio of 10.1:1. The mandible was the most frequently fractured bone in the facial skeleton followed by the zygomatico-maxillary complex. A majority (96%) of patients with head injuries had fractures of either the upper third or the middle third of the face. Contusions and pneumocephalus were the most common head injury encountered. The Glasgow Coma Scale score was significantly lower in patients with associated head injuries as compared to those patients with facial trauma alone. The mortality rate in the study was 2% with both the victims having sustained middle third and upper third fractures respectively with associated head injuries. CONCLUSION: The facial skeleton does not act to cushion the brain from injury but, in fact, the facial trauma victims should be considered potential head injury patients.