Interpositional arthroplasty using cartilage allografts for treating temporomandibular joint arthrosis: a 3- and 5-year retrospective clinical follow-up study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of arthroplasty using interpositional cartilage allografts in patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthrosis. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective study included patients treated consecutively between 2007 and 2013 using discectomy and interpositional grafting with lyophilized costal cartilage allograft (Tutoplast) sheets. TMJ pain based on the visual analogue scale (VAS), maximal interincisal opening (MIO), joint tenderness to palpation, crepitus from the affected joint, and postoperative complications were assessed. RESULTS: Arthroplasty was performed on 37 joints among 34 patients (28 women; mean age: 54 years); 24 joints underwent simultaneous condyle shaving. At final follow-up (3 [n = 37] or 5 [n = 21] years), we observed reduced mean VAS (from 7.6 to 0.9; P < .001) increased mean MIO (from 32.5 to 41.1 mm; P < .001), number of joints with capsule tenderness (from 30 to 3; P < .001), and percentage of joints with crepitus (from 97% to 75%; P = .008). One joint required reoperation because of interposed cartilage fragmentation. No permanent facial nerve injury or malocclusion occurred after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Interpositional arthroplasty is a relatively simple, moderately invasive, and effective surgical treatment for TMJ arthrosis with few complications. However, long-term outcomes of this treatment, specifically beyond 3-5 years postoperatively, remain unknown.

Surgical and conservative treatment outcomes of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw located at tori: a retrospective study.

PURPOSE: Tori and exostoses are considered risk factors for the development of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). The aims of this study were to present the prevalence of MRONJ located at tori in the Copenhagen ONJ Cohort, evaluate the surgical treatment of MRONJ located at tori and explore trauma to tori as an additional risk factor in patients on antiresorptive medication. METHODS: Data from a consecutive series of 506 patients with MRONJ (Copenhagen ONJ Cohort) were reviewed for the presence of tori and MRONJ located at tori. Demographic and medical data were analyzed, and healing outcomes and pain after the prophylactic removal of tori, surgical treatment of MRONJ located at tori, and conservative treatment of MRONJ located at tori were evaluated and compared using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: MRONJ located at tori was frequent and could be identified in 53% of the patients with tori, which accounts for a prevalence of 5.1% in the entire cohort. Of the 28 surgically treated patients, 27 (96.4%) healed uneventfully with no exposed bone after their first or second revision surgery. Fourteen (41.2%) patients with tori underwent therapeutic removal, eight (23.5%) underwent prophylactic removal, and six (17.6%) underwent both therapeutic and prophylactic removals. Two (33.3%) of the six conservatively treated patients healed spontaneously. Both treatment types resulted in a significant decrease in pain. CONCLUSION: Prophylactic and therapeutic surgical removal of tori are reliable treatments and should be considered if a patient's general health allows surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was approved by the Regional Scientific Ethical Committee (H-6-2013-010) on November 20, 2013, and was retrospectively registered.

Treatment Effect of Zoledronic Acid in Chronic Non-bacterial Osteomyelitis of the Jaw: A Case Series.

Chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) is an autoinflammatory, osteolytic bone disorder sometimes localized to a unifocal site in the jaw, causing long-term pain and reduced function. The aim of this study was to describe the patients with CNO of the jaw, focusing on treatment with zoledronic acid for pain relief. An analysis of medical records of 24 patients with CNO of the jaw, including treatment with zoledronic acid and effects on pain relief. Descriptive statistics and nonparametric tests were used to describe the population and compare treatment effects, respectively. The average treatment period was 33.4 months (median 23; Q1 11.5; Q3 42.0) with an average of 4.1 infusions (median 3; Q1 2; Q3 5) of zoledronic acid. The average pain VAS score (visual analogue scale) was significantly reduced from 7.7 (median 8; Q1 6.5; Q3 8.5) to 2.5 points (median 2; Q1 0.5; Q3 4.5) (p < 0.001). At final visit, 46% of patients reported no pain and 38% reported a reduction of pain. At least 67% of patients had at least one episode of pain recurrence, and most patients experienced the first recurrence within a year of initial treatment. Four patients (16%) had no pain relief from the treatment. In this group of patients with CNO of the jaw, there was a positive response to treatment with zoledronic acid on pain relief, averaging 5.2 points on a pain VAS score, with 84% of patients treated experiencing either a partial or a total reduction in pain after about 2.5 years.

Dental Implants in Patients with Osteogenesis Imperfecta - Clinical and Radiographic Outcome in Six Patients.

PURPOSE: To investigate the survival rate of dental implants in patients diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study is a retrospective analysis of six individuals (2 males, 4 females) with OI (type I, III and IV) with a total of 25 dental implants. Clinical examination included plaque index, gingival index, periodontal pocket depth for each implant, presence of pus, and loosening of the implant(s). Marginal bone loss was measured on radiographs. The observation period ranged from 2-17 years (mean:7.5 years, median: 5 years). RESULTS: The overall implant survival rate was 80%. One patient with OI type III lost five implants. However, four out of five lost implants functioned for 11 years. CONCLUSION: Dental implant treatment seems to be a valid option for replacing missing teeth in OI patients. It is recommended that patients diagnosed with OI undergo the same preoperative evaluation as regular dental implant patients with special emphasis on a healthy periodontal status and ideal oral hygiene.

Surgical treatment of 61 consecutive patients with maxillary stage 3 medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws using a pedicled buccal fat pad.

PURPOSE: Buccal fat pad (BFP) is used for the closure of large oroantral defects caused by surgical removal of the necrotic bone in patients with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). This study aimed to evaluate the use of BFP for the closure of maxillary sinus defects in stage 3 MRONJ patients. METHODS: This study recruited 61patients with large oroantral defects caused by MRONJ, including 49 patients with cancer and 12 patients with osteoporosis. Lesions were evaluated clinically and radiographically. RESULTS: Among the 61 patients, 51 (83.6%) healed uneventfully, and 5 patients (8.2%) had local dehiscence and exposed bone; these 56 patients (91.8%) all healed after first or second operation. The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status was associated with being non-cured and might be an indicator for the healing process. All patients experienced a significant increase in body weight postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggest that block resection with removal of the necrotic bone combined with radical sinusotomy and closure of the defect with BFP is a reliable method to cure MRONJ lesions with a high success rate, and successful operation and prosthetic rehabilitation may improve body weight and the quality of life. The study was approved by the appropriate ethical approval for the Copenhagen ONJ Cohort (protocol no. H-6-2013-010) November 20, 2013.

Outcome of healing after dental implant placement in patients with cancer on high-dose antiresorptive medications: a prospective feasibility study.

PURPOSE: Implant placement in patients with cancer receiving high-dose antiresorptive medication (HDAR) is considered contraindicated. This prospective, feasibility study tested the hypothesis that dental implants can be placed in such patients by applying a staged implant placement protocol with submerged healing. METHODS: Three groups of patients on HDAR were included as follows: group 1: patients who underwent tooth extraction, without the development of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ); group 2: patients with surgically treated MRONJ who had demonstrated clinical healing for at least 3 months; group 3: patients with established MRONJ who was planned for surgical resection and simultaneous implant placement. RESULTS: A total of 49 implants were placed in 27 patients (group 1: 12, group 2: 7 and group 3: 8). HDAR included bisphosphonates and denosumab. The mean HDAR time was 25 months (SD: ± 18.4, range 3-68 months). An abutment operation was performed 4 months following the implant placement (SD: ± 1.9, range 3-14 months). All patients healed uneventfully. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that it is feasible to insert dental implants and perform an abutment surgery in patients with cancer on HDAR, without the development of MRONJ. CLINICALTRIALS: gov Identifier: NCT04741906.

A survey of local diagnostic reference levels for the head, thorax, abdomen and pelvis computed tomography in Norway and Canada.

Background: Computed tomography (CT) contributes to 60% of the collective dose in medical imaging. Literature has demonstrated that patient dose varies across regions and countries. Establishing diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) contributes to the optimization of clinical practices and radiation protection. Purpose: To survey the dose indices (CTDIvol and dose-length product) for frequently performed CT examinations from the chosen hospitals in Norway and Canada and to determine local DRLs (LDRLs) based on the collected data. Material and Methods: The survey included eight scanners from two Norwegian hospitals and four scanners from four Canadian hospitals. Dosimetry data were collected for the following routine CT examinations: head, contrast-enhanced thorax, and abdomen and pelvis. Overall 480 adult average-sized patients from Norway and 360 from Canada were included in the survey. The LDRLs were determined as the 75th percentile of distributions of median values of dose indicators from different CT scanners. The differences in dose between scanners were determined using single-factor ANOVA. Results: The LDRLs determined in Norway were higher overall than in Canada. The obtained values were compared to the national DRLs. The dose from several scanners in Norway exceeded national Norwegian DRLs, while Canadian LDRLs were below the Canadian reference levels. The differences between the means of the dose distributions from each scanner were statistically significant (p < 0.05) for all examinations with exception of identical scanners located in the same hospital and using the same protocols. Conclusion: Observed dose variations even in the same hospital, or from the same scanner model confirmed the need for CT protocol optimization.

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw and successful implant treatment in a patient on high-dose antiresorptive medication: A case report.

OBJECTIVES: Oral rehabilitation can be a challenge in patients on high-dose antiresorptive medication (HDAR), especially if the alveolar anatomy has changed due to previous medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) resection. In healthy patients, dental implant treatment has found wide acceptance in prosthetic rehabilitation as it increases the patient's oral health-related quality of life. However, it is considered contraindicated in patients on HDAR due to the risk of MRONJ, although a recent feasibility study indicates that implant treatment may indeed be an option in these patients. The aim of the present case report is to illustrate the risk of MRONJ in a patient with cancer on HDAR and to discuss the reasons behind the outcomes of the implant treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A patient with prostate cancer with bone metastases on high-dose denosumab therapy with previous MRONJ had four implants inserted bilaterally in the maxilla (14, 13, 23, 24). Two identical implant-supported screw-retained cantilever bridges were fabricated. The patient was followed for more than 1 year. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Peri-implantitis, and/or MRONJ, was diagnosed around two of the implants (23, 24), probably induced by crestal bone trauma from a healing abutment and/or a misfitting prosthetic reconstruction. A peri-implantitis operation was performed, but without the desired response, and the two implants (23, 24) were later removed in an MRONJ resection. The implants on the other side of the maxilla (14, 13) remained without complications. Dental implant treatment is feasible in patients on HDAR, but comorbidities (e.g., diabetes mellitus) and polypharmacy (e.g., chemotherapy and steroids) may add to the risk of implant failure. Minimal trauma surgery and prosthodontics are crucial to increase the chance of successful healing in an HDAR patient.

Tooth extractions in patients with cancer receiving high-dose antiresorptive medication: a randomized clinical feasibility trial of drug holiday versus drug continuation.

OBJECTIVE: Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a serious adverse reaction to high-dose antiresorptive medication (AR) in patients with cancer. A temporary discontinuation of AR (drug holiday) has been suggested to potentially reduce the risk of MRONJ after oral surgery. However, no consensus exists. The aim of the present feasibility trial was to evaluate the impact of a high-dose AR drug holiday in connection with surgical tooth extraction on the development of MRONJ and patient-reported health state. STUDY DESIGN: Patients with cancer receiving high-dose AR were randomized to a drug holiday from 1 month before to 3 months after surgical tooth extraction or drug continuation. Follow-up was scheduled at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Patient health state was evaluated using the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. RESULTS: The study included 23 patients (11 men, 12 women). AR included denosumab (n = 13) and bisphosphonate (n = 10) with median AR durations of 9 and 17.5 months, respectively. Four denosumab patients from the drug holiday group developed MRONJ. Differences in EQ-5D-5L between the treatment groups were found in favor of drug continuation. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that a high-dose AR drug holiday does not prevent development of MRONJ after surgical tooth extraction and that patient-reported health state declines during a drug holiday compared with drug continuation.

Efficacy of methylprednisolone on pain, trismus and quality of life following surgical removal of mandibular third molars: a double-blind, split-mouth, randomised controlled trial / Eficacia de la metilprednisolona sobre el dolor, el trismo y la calidad de vida después de la extirpación quirúrgica de los terceros molares mandibulares: un ensayo controlado aleatorio, doble ciego, de boca dividida

Background: The objective of the present study was to compare the efficacy of different doses of methylpredniso-lone on postoperative sequelae and quality of life (QoL) following surgical removal of mandibular third molars(SRM3).Material and Methods: Fifty-two patients (16 men and 36 women, mean age 25.9 years, range: 18-39) with bilateralimpacted mandibular third molars were randomly allocated into intraoperative muscular injection of either 20mg,30mg, 40mg methylprednisolone or saline injection. Baseline measurements were obtained preoperatively andcompared with assessment after one day, three days, seven days and one month. Pain and trismus were estimatedby visual analog scale score and interincisal mouth opening, respectively. Subjective assessment of QoL includedOral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). Descriptive and generalized estimating equation analyses were made andexpressed as mean values with a 95% confidence interval.Results: Methylprednisolone revealed no significant differences in pain, trismus and QoL compared with placebo.Higher prevalence of postoperative pain and worsening in QoL were observed with increased age (P=0.00).Smoking and increased time of surgery decreased mouth opening in the early healing phase (P=0.00).Conclusions: The present study revealed no significant improvement of methylprednisolone on postoperative se-quelae and QoL following SRM3 compared with placebo.(AU)

The Use of Cryotherapy in Conjunction with Surgical Removal of Mandibular Third Molars: a Single-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES: Cryotherapy is frequently used to diminish postoperative sequelae following mandibular third molar surgery. The objective of this single-blinded randomized controlled trial was to assess the therapeutic efficiency of 30 minutes continuous cryotherapy on postoperative sequelae following surgical removal of mandibular third molars compared with no cryotherapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty patients (14 male and 16 female) including 60 mandibular third molars were randomly allocated to 30 minutes of immediately cryotherapy or no cryotherapy. Outcome measures included pain (visual analogue scale score), maximum mouth opening (trismus) and quality of life (oral health impact profile-14). Outcome measures were assessed preoperatively and one day, three days, seven days and one month following surgical removal of mandibular third molars. Descriptive and generalized estimating equation analyses were made. Level of significance was 0.05. RESULTS: No cryotherapy following surgical removal of mandibular third molars revealed a statistically significant lower visual analogue scale score of pain compared to thirty minutes of continuous cryotherapy after one day (P < 0.05). However, no statistically significant difference in trismus or oral health-related quality of life were revealed at any time point compared with no cryotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: The therapeutic effect of 30 minutes continuous cryotherapy following surgical removal of mandibular third molars seem to be negligible. Thus, further randomized controlled trials assessing a prolonged application period of cryotherapy, alternative devices or use of intermittent cryotherapy are needed before definite conclusions and evidence-based clinical recommendations can be provided.

Treatment Strategies for Patients with Regional Odontodysplasia: A Presentation of Seven New Cases and a Review of the Literature.

PURPOSE: Regional odontodysplasia (RO) is a rare dental anomaly affecting primary and/or permanent dentition, and leads to comprehensive treatment need. The purpose of this study was to present a larger consecutive sample with RO, discuss treatment strategies for patients with RO, and review the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A consecutive, retrospective sample of seven children with RO (6 males, 1 female) including all patients diagnosed with RO in the eastern part of Denmark was conducted over a period of 15 years. The evaluation included gender, localisation and treatment outcome. A review of the literature and cases published within the last 15 years was conducted. RESULT: Referral age was 2-12 years (mean: 7.3 years). The gender ratio was 1:6 (female:male), and the right:left ratio was 3:4. 71% of the patients had RO in the mandible and 29% in the maxilla. 43% had RO in the permanent dentition, while both primary and permanent dentition were affected in 57%. Typically, RO affected incisors and canines. In some patients, RO also affected more distal tooth types. Treatment included early multiple extractions and subsequent combined orthodontics, surgery and prosthetics. A search on RO cases published within the last 15 years was conducted and included 44 cases. The review showed a male and maxillary preponderance. The most common treatment of RO is extraction. CONCLUSION: Treatment of RO should take place in interdisciplinary, specialised teams, and individual treatment plans should be designed. Fewer but more extensive treatment sessions under general anesthaesia may minimise the burden of care for the patients.

Short-term Haematological Parameters Following Surgical Removal of Mandibular Third Molars with Different Doses of Methylprednisolone Compared with Placebo. A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the influence of a single intraoperative injection of methylprednisolone on short-term haematological parameters following surgical removal of mandibular third molars. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-two patients with indications for surgical removal of bilateral impacted mandibular third molars were included in a randomized, split-mouth and double-blinded study design. Each molar were randomly allocated into one of following four groups: 20 mg methylprednisolone, 30 mg methylprednisolone, 40 mg methylprednisolone and placebo. Peripheral blood samples were obtained before and three days after surgery. Haematological parameters involving haemoglobin, white blood cell count and C-reactive protein (CRP) were evaluated and expressed as mean changes. Level of significance was 0.05. Furthermore, outcomes were correlated for age, sex, smoking and time of surgery. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in postoperative haematological parameters with different doses of methylprednisolone compared with placebo. Peripheral blood samples revealed decreased level of haemoglobin and increased level of leucocytes and CRP in each group. Smokers displayed a significant lower level of haemoglobin and CRP compared with non-smokers (P < 0.05) and level of eosinophils decreased significantly with increasing age (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that a single intraoperative injection of methylprednisolone seems not to cause suppression of short-term haematological parameters compared with placebo following surgical removal of mandibular third molars.

Therapeutic efficacy of cryotherapy on facial swelling, pain, trismus and quality of life after surgical removal of mandibular third molars: A systematic review.

The objective was to test the hypothesis of no difference in facial swelling, pain, trismus and immediate quality of life after surgical removal of mandibular third molars, with or without post-operative cryotherapy. A MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE database and Cochrane library search in combination with a hand search of relevant journals were conducted by including human randomised controlled trials published in English until 17 July 2018. The search identified 37 titles. Six studies with low or unclear risk of bias fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Intermittent cryotherapy for 30 minutes during the first post-operative days significantly diminished facial swelling, pain and trismus compared with no cryotherapy. Patient's satisfaction and perception of recovery were significantly increased with cryotherapy. Therapeutic efficacy of intermittent cryotherapy on post-operative facial swelling, pain and trismus seems to be improved compared with continuous cryotherapy. Considerable variations in study design, diversity of used evaluation methods, outcome measures and various methodological confounding factors posed serious restrictions to review the literature in a quantitative systematic manner. Thus, conclusions drawn from the results of this systematic review should be interpreted with caution. Further well-designed randomised controlled trials including standardised protocol, larger patient sample, blinded outcome assessors, patient-reported outcome measures and three-dimensional volumetric analysis of facial swelling are required before evidence-based recommendations can be provided.

Different Dosages of Corticosteroid and Routes of Administration in Mandibular Third Molar Surgery: a Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the present systematic review was to test the hypothesis of no difference in facial swelling, pain and trismus after surgical removal of mandibular third molar with different dosages of corticosteroids and administration routes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase database and Cochrane Library search in combination with a hand-search of relevant journals was conducted by including randomized controlled trials published in English until 1st December 2017. RESULTS: Seven studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Considerable variation in the included studies prevented meta-analysis from being performed. Preoperative submucosal injection of corticosteroids significantly diminishes facial swelling, pain and trismus compared with placebo. However, different dosages of corticosteroid and administration routes reveal contrary results indicating that administration of a higher dosage of corticosteroids do not necessarily cause a further decrease in facial swelling, pain and trismus. CONCLUSIONS: Consequently, the optimal dosage of corticosteroids and administration route for diminishing postsurgical morbidity and improve quality of life after surgical removal of mandibular third molar is presently unknown. Therefore, further well-designed randomized clinical trials including a standardised protocol, patient-reported outcome measures and three-dimensional analysis of facial swelling is needed.

Intermaxillary Fixation Screw Morbidity in Treatment of Mandibular Fractures-A Retrospective Study.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present retrospective study was to investigate the morbidity of screws used for intermaxillary fixation (IMF) in the treatment of mandibular fractures. A review of the published data was also performed for a comparison of outcomes. Our hypothesis was that the use of screws for IMF of mandibular fractures would result in minimal morbidity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients treated for mandibular fractures from 2007 to 2013, using screws for IMF, using the international diagnosis code for mandibular fracture, DS026, were anonymously selected (Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Rigshospitalet, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark). The fracture type, radiographic findings, treatment modality, screw type and number, and root damage were recorded. For the outcome comparison, a review of the published data regarding iatrogenic dental root damage caused by screw fixation was performed in May 2015. RESULTS: A total of 156 patients had undergone IMF with screws. The total number of screws was 793. The incidence of root lesions was 0.25% centrally and 0.88% peripherally. The incidence of screw loss was 0.13% and that of screw loosening was 1.89%. In the review, 737 related reports were identified in a search of PubMed and the Cochrane Library. Of these, 25 were considered suitable for inclusion. A lack of valid evidence resulted in a descriptive analysis, because a meta-analysis of the data was not possible. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present retrospective study have shown that the use of screws is a valid choice for IMF in mandibular fracture treatment with minimal morbidity. The 793 screws used for IMF resulted in a negligible amount of central and peripheral tooth root trauma.

Comparison of nonexposed and exposed bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis of the jaws: a retrospective analysis from the Copenhagen cohort and a proposal for an updated classification system.

OBJECTIVE: Nonexposed osteonecrosis of the jaws (NE-ONJ) does not fit into the current definition of osteonecrosis, which requires exposed bone. A modification of the classification of bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ) is proposed. This study aimed to test proposed criteria for NE-ONJ and compare NE-ONJ with exposed ONJ (E-ONJ) in a retrospective analysis. STUDY DESIGN: In 102 patients with E-ONJ diagnosed according to Ruggiero et al. (2006, 2009), criteria for NE-ONJ were developed. Subgroups of NE-ONJ and E-ONJ were tested against each other using nonparametric and parametric statistics. RESULTS: Among 102 patients with ONJ, 14 had NE-ONJ and 88 had E-ONJ. NE-ONJ and E-ONJ were similar in all important data (P > .05) except bone exposure. CONCLUSIONS: NE-ONJ belongs to the same disease condition as E-ONJ. NE-ONJ may be otherwise classified as ONJ stage 1, 2, or 3 and is different from ONJ stage 0. We propose to include the criteria for NE-ONJ into the classification.

Open or closed repositioning of mandibular fractures: is there a difference in healing outcome? A systematic review.

The clinical outcome of closed vs open reduction and rigid fixation was compared based on a systematic review of the literature. Ten non-randomized retrospective studies were found. In six of these ten studies, the complication rate was significantly increased when open reduction and plating was performed. In the remaining studies, a slightly elevated (but not significant) infection rate was found when compared with closed reduction. Altogether, an infection rate of 5.0% was found in the closed reduction group whereas 10.6% and 14.6% were found when open reduction was performed using either plates or wires. Nerve injuries were slightly increased when open reduction was found (although not significant). With regard to occlusal disturbances, no difference was found in the open and closed reduction group. Concerning overall complication problems, six of seven studies showed more problems after open than closed reduction. In conclusion, this literature review using retrospective studies has raised doubts regarding the superiority of open reduction and rigid splinting, compared to closed reduction and intermaxillary splinting. However, a bias concerning the preferential use of open reduction in case of more complicated fractures cannot be excluded, which might explain the differences found between the two procedures. Prospective, randomized clinical trials are needed to illuminate this problem.

Effect of early or delayed treatment upon healing of mandibular fractures: a systematic literature review.

The possible relation between treatment delay and healing complications in mandibular fracture treatment (excluding condylar fractures) was reviewed systematically. Twenty-two studies were identified. No randomized studies focused on the effect of immediate or delayed treatment. The main focus of most studies was surgical repositioning and internal skeletal fixation. The healing complications analyzed in this study were infection in the fracture line and malocclusion. Statistical analysis of the influence of treatment delay upon healing complications was possible in six studies. Four studies showed no significant difference between immediate and delayed treatment. One study showed a preference for healing for cases treated within 3 days, whereas another study indicated that treatment time between 3 and 5 days were optimal with the lowest rate of complications. Finally, a few studies identified confounding factors such as alcohol, drug abuse and/or non-compliance, factors which have been shown strongly to influence the likelihood of complications. A significant problem in this analysis was that rather few patients were actually treated on an acute basis (i.e. within 12 or 24 hours after injury), a fact which together with the lack of control of confounding factors made this analysis problematic. In conclusion, there is presently no strong evidence for either acute or delayed treatment of mandibular fractures in order to minimize healing complications; new studies including a substantial number of cases treated on an acute basis are very much needed.