RESUMO
Bilateral condylar fractures are common but are frequently undertreated. In most of the cases, only one side is surgically addressed and the other side is managed conservatively. Bilateral condylar fractures lead to loss of ramal height bilaterally, accentuated anterior open bite, disruption of articular surfaces, and disc and muscle attachments. In a mandibular bilateral condylar fracture, even though open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is done on one side, a patient still needs Inter Maxillary Fixation (IMF) for 2-4 weeks postoperatively to correct occlusion and deviation. The possibility of doing ORIF on the other is never explored. Here, we present two cases of bilateral condylar fracture treated both sides by ORIF. The article discusses the advantages and new approach to consider treating both sides.
RESUMO
Deaths during dental treatment or as a result of dental treatment are rare, but the unfortunate fact is that such deaths do occur. Unexpected death of a patient can be emotionally draining and even harrowing to his or her relatives. The death of a patient may bring an enormous feeling of anxiety both at the personal and professional level, stress, profound grief, damage to self-esteem, loss of self-confidence, reputation, and specter of litigation on a dental surgeon. No dentist can be guaranteed to be free of such an incident during the course of his or her practice. The dentist should respond in a compassionate and respectful manner in case of such unfortunate tragic events, and also ensure self-protection. This article emphasizes on prevention of such incidents and throws some light on how to respond in case of an unfortunate death in a dental clinic, including the medico-legal aspects.
