Psychosocial aspects of Noma (Cancrum Oris) in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review.

Noma is a neglected tropical disease of an underserved population. Our review describes the volume and scope of existing research evidence on psychosocial aspects of Noma in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Our literature search was conducted on all original peer-reviewed research articles on the psychosocial aspects of Noma in each country in SSA using PubMed, Google Scholar, and a direct search of reference list of pertinent journal articles. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines was used to describe the review. A total of six studies were found in four countries of the region. One in three persons with Noma has a mental health condition, indices of social disadvantage and belief in the supernatural causation of the disease are very common. However, despite evidence of enormous need, a huge gap still exists in the area of psychosocial alleviation.

Influence of positions on the incidence and severity of middle third facial fractures in vehicular and motorcycle crashes seen in a Tertiary Health Facility

Objective: The incidence of middle third facial fractures due to traffic crashes has increased tremendously. In developed countries, there is a gradual decline in traffic crashes as a result of effective compliance with road safety measures unlike in developing countries where the incidence is increasing due to non-compliance and ineffective enforcement of road safety laws, among other factors. The objective was to present the influence of positioning on the incidence and severity of Maxillofacial injuries in vehicles and motor bike crashes in a Nigerian tertiary health facility. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study of the influence of position of the patient on the incidence of middle third facial fractures presenting at a tertiary institution. Data were analysed using SPSS version 17. Results: There were more male than female in the ratio of 2.3:8:1 (M:F) and the mean age was 23.2 ± 3.4. Road traffic crash was the major cause of middle third fracture with 231 cases. Pillion passengers and front passengers on both motorcycles and vehicles were the most vulnerable passengers. Conclusion: There is a strong association between patient positioning and middle third fractures

Cervicofacial infection in a Nigerian tertiary health institution: a retrospective analysis of 77 cases.

OBJECTIVES: Infection involving the orbit, zygomatic space, lateral pharyngeal space, or hemifacial and oral floor phlegmon is referred to as cervicofacialvinfection (CFI). When diagnosis and/or adequate treatment are delayed, these infections can be life-threatening. Most cases are the result of odontogenic infections. We highlight our experiences in the management of this life-threatening condition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of patients who presented with CFI from December 2005 to June 2012 at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic or the Accident and Emergency Unit of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (Zaria, Nigeria). The medical records of all patients who presented with either localized or diffuse infection of the maxillofacial soft tissue spaces were retrospectively collected. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 13.0 and are expressed as descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: Of the 77 patients, 49 patients (63.6%) were males, a male to female ratio of 1:7.5. The ages ranged from two years to 75 years with a mean of 35.0±19.3 years, although most patients were older than 40 years. The duration of symptoms prior to presentation ranged from 6 to 60 days, with a mean of 11.0±9.4 days. More than 90% of the patients presented to the clinic within the first 10 days. The most commonly involved anatomical space was the submandibular space (n=29, 37.7%), followed by hemifacial space (n=22, 28.6%) and buccal space (n=7, 9.1%). Ludwig angina accounted for about 7.8% of the cases. CONCLUSION: CFI most commonly involves the submandibular space, typically affects individuals with a low level of education, and is influenced by traditional medical practices. Despite improved health care delivery, CFI remains a significant problem in developing countries.

Giant neurofibrolipoma of the tip of the tongue: case report and review of the literature.

Neurofibrolipoma is a very rare benign oral tumor with other synonyms such as neural fibrolipoma, perineural lipoma and intraneural lipoma. A 50 years old female presented with a massive swelling of the tongue of 6 years duration. The tumor was attached to the mucosa of the tip of the tongue, disturbing mastication and speech. On excision, histopathology revealed neurofibrolipoma. This case report shows the atypical presentation of neurofibrolipoma and the challenges of its management.