The karapandzic flap in lower lip reconstruction.

Human bite injuries are both deceptive and challenging in their presentation and management. They are particularly notorious due to the polymicrobial nature of human saliva inoculated in the wound and the risk they pose for transmission of infectious diseases. Early treatment, appropriate prophylaxis and surgical evaluation are the key to achieving desired treatment outcomes. Here we present a case report of human lip bite with significant tissue loss that required reconstruction. The reconstructive techniques are usually varied but the ultimate objectives of treatment are to achieve healing, function, and aesthetics. Through this article, we have tried to focus on the diagnostic features, reconstructive procedure as well as other recommended treatment options for human lip bites based on the current available evidence.

Reconstruction of Post-traumatic Internal Orbital Wall Defects with Titanium Mesh.

INTRODUCTION: The management of orbital injuries is one of the most interesting and difficult areas in facial trauma. The improper reconstruction of the orbit frequently results in ophthalmic complications. Though a number of materials are available for use in orbital wall reconstruction, at present titanium mesh could be considered to be the ideal orbital floor repair material. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved patients with symptomatic zygomatico-orbital fractures requiring orbital wall reconstruction. Under general anaesthesia the floor of orbit was explored and reconstructed with contoured titanium mesh after repositioning of the entrapped orbital contents. The patients were on periodic follow-up for 6 weeks where clinical and radiographic data were recorded. RESULT: Ten male patients age ranging from 22 to 53 years (mean 29.88 years) received titanium implants for impure orbital fractures (eight patients) and pure orbital floor fractures (two patients). The main cause of fractures was road traffic accidents. They also complained of enophthalmos (n = 7), diplopia (n = 4), infraorbital nerve paresthesia (n = 6), dystopia (n = 1) and epiphora (n = 2). No implant extrusion or infection was seen. The symptoms were corrected in six patients with enophthalmos, three with diplopia, four with infraorbital nerve paresthesia and all patients with epiphora. Dystopia persisted post-surgically in one patient. CONCLUSION: Titanium orbital implants were used to confirm titanium as a useful repair material for orbital floor fractures. Their use leads to less morbidity as no donor site operation is needed. Also it provides favourable healing as it is biocompatible.

A comparative evaluation of rhytidectomy versus retromandibular approach for Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) of mandibular condylar fractures.

OBJECTIVE: This clinical study was carried out on thirty patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation for condylar fractures via rhytidectomy/retromandibular approach were evaluated. METHODS: Group I (rhytidectomy approach) were compared and evaluated clinically and radiologically with Group II (retromandibular approach) for the following parameters like surgical access, duration of surgery, anatomic reduction assessment with relevant radiographs, occlusal discrepancies, need for post operative IMF, facial nerve morbidity, other post operative complications and scarring. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in the duration of surgery which was found to be significantly lesser for group II than group I. Access was better in group I. Scar was well camouflaged in patients of Group I when compared to group II. CONCLUSION: The rhytidectomy (Face-lift) incision which we have used in our study has all the advantages of the retromandibular approach with an added advantage of a less conspicuous scar and a wider exposure of the fracture site. The only disadvantage is the added time required for the closure which is not a concern as the aesthetic outcome of this technique is superior to the other approaches.

A study on coronal incision for treating zygomatic complex fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To study the value of coronal incisions for treating zygomatic complex fractures and evaluate the advantages, indications and complications associated with it. METHOD: In this prospective study, 12 patients were randomly selected regardless of age, sex requiring open reduction and internal fixation of communited zygomatic complex fractures with or without other associated fractures of the midface. Patients were all treated by coronal approach for open reduction and internal fixation of fracture of the zygomatic complex. Other local incisions were used if required. RESULTS: In all cases postoperative complications were relatively minor except in one case were the temporal branch of facial nerve weakness persisted at 3 months. Whereas 5 cases reported with slight weakness of the temporal branch of the facial nerve which resolved at the end of 3 months. The time taken for exposure of the fracture site via the coronal incision had a mean of 28.7 minutes. There were no cases of flap infection and just 1 case of stitch abscess reported. The same case later reported with a hypertrophic scar formation of greater than 0.5cm at 3months. In all other cases scar formation was negligible and well hidden within the hairline. There were no reported cases of paraesthesia at the operated site or hollowing of the temporal fossa. CONCLUSION: The coronal incision provides excellent access to the zygomatic arch and zygomatic complex, aiding in good anatomical reduction and also has the added advantage of the scar hidden in the hairline. It also has disadvantages like long operating time, risk of facial nerve injury, scarring in patients with male pattern baldness, paraesthesia of operated site etc. Therefore the incision should be judiciously used and not overused and indications strictly applied.