Comparative evaluation of use of reciprocating saw and bur in Le fort I osteotomy for superior repositioning of maxilla: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Traditionally bur has been used to carry out osteotomy. In a developing country like India, the cost of surgical treatment is the important factor in determining treatment plan. Although the use of bur is cost-effective and efficient, with the advent of newer technology, it is getting replaced with a saw. Aim: To evaluate and compare the use of reciprocating saw and bur in Le Fort I Osteotomy for superior repositioning of the maxilla. Materials and Methods: Patients referred from the Department of Orthodontics for the surgical correction of vertical maxillary excess (VME). They were divided into two groups. In group I, osteotomy was performed with Synthes Reciprocating Saw and in group II, bur was used. The parameters recorded in both the groups were time required for the completion of down-fracture, precision of the osteotomy cut (margins of the cut), and ease of superior repositioning. Data was collected from both the groups for comparison. Results: A total of 14 patients with VME were included in the study. They were divided into two groups. Seven study participants were allotted to each group. In group I, Synthes Reciprocating Saw was used while in group II, a bur was used to carry out the osteotomy cut. In group I, the average time required to complete the down-fracture of the maxilla was 3.5-4 min while in group II it was more than 8 min. The margins of the osteotomy cut were smooth and regular and there was bone-to-bone contact during superior repositioning in Group I. Conclusion: The combination of the use of a saw for inferior osteotomy and a bur for the superior cut would be more beneficial in the superior repositioning of the maxilla.

Effect of Formalin Fixation on Surgical Margins in Patients With Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Formalin fixation causes shrinkage of surgical margins, which can result in the underestimation of tumor-free margins. The purpose of this study was to show the effect of formalin fixation on surgical margins. Another aim of this study was to evaluate surgical margin shrinkage after fixation of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) specimens of the gingivobuccal sulcus (GBS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. The study sample consisted of OSCC specimens of the GBS after composite resection. The primary predictor variable was the length of the linear margin at various locations (anterior, posterior, medial, and lateral). The primary outcome variable was the percentage of change in each respective margin (anterior, posterior, medial, and lateral) after fixation in 10% formalin for 24 hours. Other variables were age, gender, use of smokeless tobacco, smoking status, and tumor staging. The difference between pre-fixation and post-fixation data was calculated using paired t test. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 15 patients (7 men and 8 women; age range, 55 to 65 yr) diagnosed with OSCC of the GBS. Shrinkage of surgical margins (decrease) occurred after fixation compared with margins before fixation. The average surgical margin shrinkages were 18.7% anteriorly, 14.9% posteriorly, 23.6% medially, and 23.9% laterally. This shrinkage was statistically significant (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Formalin fixation causes considerable shrinkage of surgical margins. This phenomenon should be considered by the pathologist before providing the final histopathology report.

Hard and Soft Tissue Changes Following Maxillary Distraction Osteogenesis and Mandibular Setback with Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy.

AIMS OF THIS STUDY: (1) To highlight the role of intraoral submerged device in distraction osteogenesis (DO) of patients requiring two jaw surgeries for the correction of severe developmental maxillary hypoplasia (MH) and mandibular prognathism (MP) (2) To analyse the hard and soft tissue changes following maxillary DO and mandibular setback with bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) in patients with severe MH and MP requiring two jaw surgeries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During the period Jan 2004 to Dec 2006, five patients with severe developmental MH along with MP were treated. In 1st stage maxillary distraction was done. Distraction started on 6th postoperative day, 1 mm distraction was carried out for 10-15 days on either side. Serial radiographs were taken immediate postoperative period for baseline comparison, post-distraction and at the end of distraction. After a period of 3-4 months of distraction 2nd stage was done. In 2nd stage, mandibular setback was done with BSSO and distractors were removed under general anesthesia. Radiographs were taken immediately and at 4 months post-operatively. Cephalometric tracings were carried out preoperatively, post DO and finally after mandibular setback with BSSO. RESULTS: The mean horizontal movement of maxilla was 11.4 mm at ANS and 9.6 mm at A point. Upper incisor edge was advanced by 8.8 mms. SNA increased by 8.4° and SNB decreased by 4.6°. Nasal projection advanced by 4°. Nasolabial angle normalized in all patients, mean change achieved was 10.8°. Upper lip moved forward by 5.4 mm. Lower lip moved backward by 5.4 mm. Mandible positioned backward by 4 mm at B point. No vertical change occurred in the position of A, ANS and upper incisor edges. Mean increase in skeletal angle of convexity was 26.4°. Concave profile was significantly changed to convex in all patients. CONCLUSION: Maxillary DO and mandibular setback with BSSO was associated with improved facial balance and esthetics.