Randomised controlled trial of resorbable versus non-resorbable sutures for lacerations of the face (TORN Face).

Facial lacerations are commonly encountered in emergency departments and require effective management to optimise aesthetic outcomes. Non-resorbable sutures are traditionally favoured for their tensile strength and minimal inflammatory response, despite the inconvenience of the required follow up for removal. This single-centre, single-blinded randomised controlled trial aimed to compare the clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness of resorbable (Vicryl Rapide) versus non-resorbable (Ethilon) sutures for the closure of facial lacerations in adults. Between November 2021 and February 2023, 200 adult patients presenting with facial lacerations were randomly allocated to either resorbable or non-resorbable sutures. Outcomes assessed included aesthetic results via the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Hamilton Scar Scale, patient-reported satisfaction using the Patient Scar Assessment Questionnaire (PSAQ), complication rates, and cost analysis. No significant differences were found in mean VAS scores between the two groups in both modified intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses. The majority of patients reported high satisfaction levels. Early complication rates were significantly higher in the non-resorbable group at the one-week follow up, with no long-term differences noted. Preliminary cost analysis indicated a more than five-fold cost saving with resorbable sutures. Resorbable sutures provide a viable and cost-effective alternative to non-resorbable sutures for adult facial lacerations, with comparable aesthetic outcomes and patient satisfaction. Their use could reduce healthcare burdens by eliminating the need for follow-up suture removal, supporting broader adoption in clinical practice.

Virtual learning in maxillofacial surgery in the post-COVID world: where are we now?

During the COVID-19 pandemic we developed a post-graduate virtual learning environment (PGVLE) in the West Midlands region for higher trainees in oral and maxillofacial surgery. We continued to develop this following the pandemic and sought to examine the trainee experience with this resource as restrictions eased. The PGVLE comprises a total of nine semesters mapping General Medical Council (GMC) learning objectives in the specialty across a total of 63 events using BigBlueButton™. Webinars are delivered on a weekly basis by subspecialty experts. Trainee feedback was sought using SurveyMonkey™ examining self-assessed confidence levels using visual analogue scores (VAS) and Likert items regarding trainers and content. A focus group was convened and the transcript analysed using grounded theory analysis (GTA). Likert items revealed overwhelmingly positive responses, with 96.2% (n = 281) of responses being positive regarding content and 97.5% (n = 475) agreeing with positive comments regarding faculty. VAS scores improved by an average of 39.0% and improvements were statistically significant for most sessions. The focus group highlighted the relevance of teaching to GMC learning objectives, the achievement of consistently high standards, the potential for conflict with clinical commitments and issues surrounding peer interaction. Satisfaction scores remain high with the PGVLE programme, which is very much here to stay in the post-graduate education of our trainees. With the easing of restrictions, we have moved to a hybrid method of learning with the potential for 'flipped classroom' methodology moving forwards.

Management of Mandibular Condyle Fractures in Paediatric Patients: a Systematic Review.

Objectives: This systematic review searched three of the most used databases to assess if current evidence suggested a difference between surgical and non-surgical management of mandibular condyle fractures in paediatric patients. Material and Methods: An electronic literature search was conducted of three well known databases - Ovid, PubMed and Web of Science. Studies included were conducted paediatric patients, in humans, written in English and published from January 1st 1996 until April 1st 2022. Data collection was carried out by two independent reviewers. Data collated from studies without high risk of bias was pooled for surgical vs non-surgical management and total tallies of all outcomes presented. Presence or absence of complications was recorded in 4 x 4 tables for each outcome and compared using a Chi-Square test. Results: After duplicate records were removed, 182 records were screened. After exclusion of unsuitable reports, 20 were included in the review. Further analysis showed the included studies had high risk of bias. Given this, comparison of this pooled data showed no significant difference between management methods. Conclusions: Presently it appears conservative management is functionally adequate without risks associated with surgical management, even though incidence of these risks was shown to be low in the studies included in this review.

Arteriovenous malformations of the head and neck: current concepts in management.

The field of vascular anomalies and their clinical management is expanding and developments in the last few years have improved the understanding of haemangiomas and vascular malformations. In this paper, the first in the series of 3 educational reviews, we review the current trends and evidence-based management of arteriovenous malformations.

Infantile haemangiomas of the head and neck: current concepts in management.

Recent developments have improved our understanding of the clinical behaviour of haemangiomas and vascular malformations. In this paper, the second in a series of three educational reviews on vascular anomalies, we review the current trends and evidence-based management of infantile haemangiomas and their associated conditions.

Return-to-play guidelines following facial fractures.

Despite bone healing and the management options of facial fractures being reported at length, there is a lack of evidence-based return-to-play criteria for sportspeople who have sustained these fractures. This shortage of evidence has resulted in a lack of consensus among health professionals. A prospective study of 20 cases of sportsmen who have returned to competitive play 3 weeks after injury or treatment for facial fractures is reported. The risks and benefits of early return-to-play are discussed and return-to-play guidelines for these patients are proposed.

Impetigo presenting as an acute necrotizing swelling of the lower lip in an adult patient.

The authors present an unusual case of an acute swelling of the lower lip and septicemia in a 35-year-old, recent immigrant male arriving from India. The patient presented in our emergency department with a 48-hour history of a worsening, painful swelling of the lower lip. On presentation, he was pyrexial and the lip was found to be acutely inflamed with honey-colored crusting, pustular lesions, and induration . A diagnosis of impetigo leading to necrosis of the lip was established, a rare phenomenon potentially resulting in significant tissue destruction. Appropriate medical management achieved a good outcome and prevented disabling tissue loss of the orofacial region.