Protocol for mandibular reconstruction with zygomatic implants (zygomatic mandibular implant).

INTRODUCTION: This study describes a modified protocol using transmandibular zygomatic implants with immediate occlusal loading for the comprehensive dental rehabilitation of previously reconstructed mandibular defects and reports preliminary results of this modified protocol. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients (6 female and 9 male), with a mean of age 40.26 years (range 12 to 68 years), had previously undergone immediate mandibular reconstruction using either autologous bone grafting, bone transport, or microvascular free-flap reconstruction for a variety of diagnoses. Transmandibular zygomatic implants were subsequently placed, depending on the type of defect. Implant stability was evaluated by insertion torque, percussion testing, and the implant stability quotient (ISQ). The patients were rehabilitated with an immediate provisional prosthesis. All patients' records included pre and postoperative clinical examination, radiographs, CT scan, and photographic analysis. All patients were followed for a minimum of 36 months. RESULTS: All patients were dentally rehabilitated immediately with functional and esthetic hybrid dentures based on either acrylic or porcelain on a metal framework. Among all cases of transmandibular zygomatic implants, the ISQ was greater than 75, which allowed immediate prosthetic loading. The zygomatic implants were considered to be successful if they were asymptomatic with no clinical mobility and no sign of infection. We have also added new indications for placement of transmandibular implants in cases of sequelae of gunshot trauma, dentoalveolar defects, and complications of orthognathic surgery, partially edentulous and/or failure of prior mandibular reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: The zygomatic implant is an excellent immediate loading option for mandibular dental rehabilitation among patients with mandibular defects. According to our observation, immediate occlusal loading of transmandibular zygomatic implants has a very good potential for success.

Animal and human bite injuries: a 5-year retrospective study in a large urban public hospital in Venezuela.

INTRODUCTION: Animal bite injuries to the head and neck regions are an important public health problem. Most of these bites are from dogs. A 10-year retrospective study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of animal and human bites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was done from January 2011 to December 2016 and included 387 patients with a mean age of 21.51 years. Data collection included age, sex, days of hospitalization, lesion type, and clinical management. RESULTS: Majority of patients were in age group of 21-29 years, followed by 31-55 years. Out of the total 281 patients, 42 patients (51.60%) were males and 34 patients (48.40%) were females. Mean hospital stay was 7.2 days with a minimum of 5 days and a maximum of 12 days. Surgical management included cleansing and primary closure of the wound. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that the use of empiric antibiotic prophylaxis is essential for management of facial animal bite, and the antibiotic of first choice is amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. The aim of immediate surgical repair (< 6 h) is to avoid infections. The persistence of dog bite is public health problem in Venezuela.