Is Diclofenac Transbuccal Mucoadhesive Patch Superior to Oral Diclofenac for the Management of Postoperative Sequelae After Third Molar Surgery?

BACKGROUND: Pain, swelling, and trismus are the most common sequalae following the surgical removal of mandibular third molars. They pose significant challenges for clinicians, prompting the exploration of efficacious management approaches. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of transbuccal mucoadhesive patch of diclofenac sodium versus an oral tablet in controlling the aforesaid sequelae. STUDY DESIGN, SETTING, SAMPLE: A prospective split-mouth, single-blinded study was conducted in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at AMC Dental College and Hospital, Ahmedabad. The study sample included patients of either sex, aged 18 to 45 years, requiring surgical removal of bilaterally symmetrical mandibular third molars under local anesthesia. Patients who had consumed analgesics within 24 hours prior to the procedure were excluded. PREDICTOR VARIABLE: The primary predictor variable was the route of administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. The study group received transbuccal mucoadhesive patches containing 20 mg diclofenac sodium, whereas the control group received oral tablets of 50 mg. MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLE: Postoperative pain, measured with visual analog scale, was the primary outcome variable, whereas swelling, mouth opening, onset of analgesic effect, and adverse events were assessed as secondary outcome variables. COVARIATES: Two categories of covariates were considered. First, demographic: age and gender. Second, perioperative: pattern of impaction. ANALYSES: Intergroup comparison was made using a paired sample t-test and an independent sample t-test, while intragroup differences were assessed with a one-way ANOVA and a paired t-test. P value ≤ .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Out of 146 patients screened initially, the final study sample included 37 subjects with a mean age of 26.08 ± 5.09 years (21 (56.75%) males and 16 (43.25%) females). The study group exhibited a significantly lower postoperative pain score compared to the control group on days 0, 1, 2, and 3 postoperatively (P ≤ .05). No statistically significant difference was observed in reduction of facial swelling and improvement in mouth opening on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd days postoperatively between both the groups (P ≥ .05). The mean onset of analgesia was statistically significant in the study group (19.96 ± 5.40 minutes) compared to the control group (52.56 ± 6.33 minutes) (P < .001). CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: Transbuccal mucoadhesive patch of diclofenac sodium offers effective pain control with quicker analgesia and fewer side effects compared to an oral tablet.

Effective strategies in the management of anterior mandibular fractures: a comprehensive systematic review.

This review examines the prevailing modalities for fractures of the anterior mandible, which represent a significant proportion of the maxillofacial injuries commonly treated by oral and maxillofacial surgeons. The article traces the historical shift from conservative techniques to the dominant management strategies of open reduction and fixation. Encompassing a range of studies, the review, in accordance with PRISMA 2020 recommendations, meticulously examines various fixation methods, assessing their efficacy in achieving stability of fracture, early healing, and mobilisation. The comparison of these methods highlights their unique advantages and limitations, and demonstrates the need for more nuanced and precise approaches. The review emphasises evidence-based methodology in the management of anterior mandibular fractures (AMF), highlighting the benefits offered by innovative techniques such as 3D miniplates. It also acknowledges the advantages provided by older fixation devices such as lag screws. The importance of postoperative outcomes and the need for tailored treatment strategies are recognised, considering the complex nature of these fractures.

Evaluation of Efficacy of Ultrasonography as an Additional Diagnostic Tool for Deciding Management Protocol of Odontogenic Superficial Fascial Space Infections: A Prospective Clinical Study.

Objective: To explore the efficacy of ultrasonography as an additional diagnostic tool in superficial odontogenic fascial space infections of maxillofacial region and modifying the treatment plan when needed. Materials and Methods: Forty patients with superficial fascial space infections underwent a detailed clinical, plain radiological and ultrasonographic examination. Based on the ultrasonographic findings, final diagnosis was made and compared with clinical findings. Patients diagnosed with cellulitis were given medical line of treatment, and those with abscess were subjected to incision and drainage along with standard general supportive care and removal of etiologic agent. Results: In this study, out of 40 patients (male = 22, female = 18), clinical diagnosis of cellulitis was made in 26 cases (65%) and abscess in 14 (35.0%). On USG examination, cellulitis was present in 21 cases (52.5%), while abscess in 19 (47.5%). Final diagnosis of cellulitis was made in 13 (59.1%) males and 12(66.7%) females, while abscess was confirmed in 9 (40.9%) male and 6 (33.3%) female patients. The results showed that sensitivity of the clinical examination alone was 64% with 33% specificity, and for USG, sensitivity was 84% with specificity of 100%. Conclusion: The adjuvant role of ultrasonography in the diagnosis and timely management of superficial fascial space infections is promising owing to its accessibility, relative safety, repeatability and cost-effectiveness.

Maxillofacial Osteomyelitis in Immunocompromised Patients: A Demographic Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively study the cases diagnosed with osteomyelitis of jaw in AMC Dental Hospital. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 27 cases of osteomyelitis of jaw were analysed retrospectively from 2014 to 2018 at Department of oral and maxillofacial surgery, AMC Dental Hospital, Ahmedabad, India. RESULT: Totally 27 cases of osteomyelitis were noted; 12 (44.44%) patients had involvement of maxilla, and 15 (55.55%) patients had involvement of the mandible. Twenty-one patients had underlying systemic disease, and 13 patients had history of substance abuse. The underlying aetiology in 20 patients was found due to odontogenic cause. There were only 3 patients having osteomyelitis without any underlying disease or any other predisposing factors. CONCLUSION: Incidence of osteomyelitis and its outcome in the present study led to a better understanding of the aetiologic factors and its treatment. The results hypothesized a substantial correlation for onset of osteomyelitis with the underlying medical conditions and substance abuse. There was a higher correlation found between comorbid conditions and osteomyelitis of maxilla. Thorough study of the treatment revealed that conventional treatment plan is adequate for treating cases of osteomyelitis if the associated medical problem is also simultaneously treated and given due importance.

Efficacy of Sticky Bone as a Novel Autologous Graft for Mandibular Third Molar Extraction Socket Healing - An Evaluative Study.

INTRODUCTION: Recently, initiation and enhancement of extraction socket healing has been amplified by platelet concentrates, whereas the positive role of Sticky bone has been focused on maintaining alveolar bone dimensions. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of Sticky Bone for socket grafting of mandibular third molars (M3Ms) in terms of soft- and hard-tissue healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This split-mouth prospective trial constituted prophylactic removal of M3Ms with Sticky bone grafted in the study site as a primary predictor variable. Patients underwent 3 months of mandatory follow-up where pain, swelling, interincisal mouth opening, and gingival healing were measured on the 3rd, 7th, and 14th day using the Numeric Rating Scale, anatomic landmarks, steel metric ruler, and criteria given by Landry et al. respectively. Radiological healing was calculated based on the height of the socket, Kelly's Index, and histogram values immediately after the procedure at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months, respectively. Statistical comparison was made using Paired t-test. P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients (mean 26.83 ± 6.58 years) demonstrated significantly lesser pain, swelling, and better gingival healing at the study site on multiple periods of follow-up. Rapid bone formation with superior density, lesser alveolar resorption, earlier bone blending, and trabecular formation were noticed on the study site with a significant difference at all time intervals. DISCUSSION: Sticky bone was chosen as the graft owing to advantages such as simple preparation, convenient handling characteristics, safety, evident postoperative patient comfort, better retention of the clot, enhanced soft-tissue healing, absence of infection, and decreased osseous deformation as compared to the control site. This study validated the role of Sticky bone as an indispensable component of regenerative therapy in the orofacial osseous tissues as it was an ideal biologic graft with fibrin rich structure. CONCLUSION: This study validated the role of Sticky bone as an indispensable component of regenerative therapy in the orofacial osseous tissues as it was an ideal biologic graft with fibrin rich structure.

Analysis of Mandibular Fractures: A 7-year Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Mandibular fractures contribute to a substantial proportion worldwide. Various variables related to mandibular fractures such as demographics, etiology, pattern of fracture, and treatment have been studied, but fewer reports on their correlations are published. Hence, this study attempts to understand these factors which can be useful for setting up clinical and research priorities. AIM: The purpose of this retrospective study is to establish a correlation between different factors associated with mandibular fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A database of 277 patients between July 2011 and October 2018 with mandibular fractures was retrospectively retrieved. Information on age, gender, etiology, pattern of fracture, and treatment done was obtained, tabulated, and analyzed statistically. Entities such as age and gender, age and cause, gender and cause, site of fracture and cause, site of fracture and side, site of fracture and treatment done, and site of fracture and gender were correlated. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Descriptive and analytical statistics were calculated using the SPSS version 20 using Chi-square tests which include Pearson's Chi-square and likelihood ratio. RESULTS: In a total of 277 patients, a statistically significant correlation was found between age and the etiologic agent, site and side of fracture, and site of fracture and the treatment done with value of P < 0.05. CONCLUSION: A definite correlation between multitude of overlooked relevant co-factors has been studied which can provide an operating surgeon, a valuable impetus to be more vigilant in terms of medicolegal record maintenance, diagnosis, and possible clinical strategy for the treatment of mandibular fractures.

Perceptions of the ankle brachial index amongst podiatrists registered in Western Australia.

BACKGROUND: The ankle brachial index (ABI) is an objective diagnostic tool that is widely used for the diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease. Despite its usefulness, it is evident within the literature that many practitioners forgo using this screening tool due to limiting factors such as time. There is also no recommended technique for ABI measurement. The purpose of this study is to investigate the perceptions of the use of ABI clinically among Western Australian podiatrists. METHODS: This study was a cross sectional survey which evaluated the perceptions of the ABI amongst registered podiatrists in Western Australia. The study sample was obtained from the register of podiatrists listed with the Podiatrists Registration Board of Western Australia. Podiatrists were contacted by telephone and invited to participate in a telephone questionnaire. Chi-square tests were performed to determine if there was a statistically significant relationship between use of the ABI and podiatrists' profile which included: sector of employment; geographical location; and length of time in practice. RESULTS: There is a statistically significant relationship (p=0.004) between podiatrists' profile and the use of ABI, with higher usage in the tertiary hospital setting than in private practice. Length of time spent in practice had no significant impact on ABI usage (p=0.098). Time constraints and lack of equipment were key limiting factors to performing the ABI, and no preferred technique was indicated. CONCLUSION: Western Australian podiatrists agree that the ABI is a useful tool for lower limb vascular assessment, however, various factors influence uptake in the clinical setting. This study suggests that a podiatrists' profile has a significant influence on the use of the ABI, which may be attributed to different patient types across the various settings. The influence of time spent in practice on ABI usage may be attributed to differences in clinical training and awareness of lower limb pathology over time. The authors recommend publication of 'best practice' guidelines to ABI performance, as well as further education and financial rebates from health organizations to facilitate increased utility of the ABI based on the findings of this study.