Liquid platelet-rich fibrin injections as a treatment adjunct for painful temporomandibular joints: preliminary results.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical benefits of liquid platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) in patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain and dysfunction. METHODS: Forty-eight TMJs in 37 patients with painful internal derangement (ID) (Wilkes' I-V) were included. Patients were injected with 1.5-2cc of PRF within the superior joint space at 2-week intervals. Pain and subjective dysfunction were recorded using a visual analog scale. Statistical analyses were done using the ANOVA test. RESULTS: Thirty-three of 48 TMJs (69%) showed significant reduction in pain at 8 weeks, and at 3, 6, and 12 months (Responders). Fifteen of 48 TMJs (31%) did not improve (Non-responders). The best Responders to liquid PRF injections were ID stages Wilkes' IV (78.5%) and V (100%), compared to Wilkes' I (0%), II (47%), and III (33%). A non-significant, but notable decrease in dysfunction was found. CONCLUSION: Preliminary findings support that liquid PRF exhibits long-term analgesic effects in most patients with painful TMJ ID.

Treatment of Posterior Dislocation of the Mandibular Condyle With the Double Mitek Mini Anchor Technique: A Case Report.

Posterior dislocation of the mandibular condyle is a rare disorder caused by trauma to the chin accompanied by damage to the external auditory canal. Treatment of posterior condylar dislocation (PCD) is directed at repositioning the condyle into the glenoid fossa, preventing recurrent dislocations, and maintaining patency of the ear canal. With early intervention, closed reduction with manual manipulation is successful but could be ineffective for chronic protracted PCD. This case report describes an elderly patient with a chronic protracted PCD resulting from a blow to the chin and in which manual reduction was unsuccessful. An open arthroplasty for condylar reduction and application of a "reverse" double Mitek mini anchor technique was required to prevent recurrence of PCD, with a successful outcome.

Serum levels of BMP-2, 4, 7 and AHSG in patients with degenerative joint disease requiring total arthroplasty of the hip and temporomandibular joints.

To date, there is no objective or reliable means of assessing the severity of degenerative joint disease (DJD) and need for joint replacement surgery. Hence, it is difficult to know when an individual with DJD has reached a point where total arthroplasty is indicated. The purpose of the present study is to determine whether serum levels of Alpha-2 HS-glycoprotein (AHSG) as well as bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP-2, 4, 7) can be used to predict the presence of severe DJD of the hip and/or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) (specifically: joints that require replacement). A total of 30 patients scheduled for arthroplasty (diseased) (15 HIP, 15 TMJ) and 120 age-matched controls (healthy/non-diseased) were included. Blood samples were collected from all patients ≥8 weeks after the last arthroplasty. Concentrations of serum analytes were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and these were compared between the Diseased and Healthy groups, utilizing the Mann-Whitney U-test. Patients with disease had significantly higher levels of BMP-2 and BMP-4 and lower levels of AHSG in serum compared to non-diseased humans (p < 0.01). Higher levels of BMP-2, 4 and reduced levels of AHSG appear to characterize patients who have DJD that is severe enough to require total joint replacement. Perhaps measurements of these proteins can be used to make objective decisions regarding the need for total arthroplasty as opposed to the current subjective approaches.

Chronic osteomyelitis following an uncomplicated dental extraction.

The general dentist is usually the first health care practitioner to evaluate oral disease, initiate treatment and manage complications. Although rare, devastating outcomes of dental surgery can include Ludwig angina, mediastinitis, hemorrhage, necrotizing fasciitis, Lemierre syndrome and osteomyelitis. Osteomyelitis is a well known, but rare complication of dental extractions that can mimic multiple benign and malignant processes. In this case report, we review the diagnosis and management of an advanced postoperative mandibular osteomyelitis that developed following the removal of a mandibular third molar.

Lemierre syndrome from an odontogenic source: a review for dentists.

Lemierre syndrome, which can result from a recent oropharyngeal or odontogenic infection, is characterized by clinical or radiographic signs of thrombosis of the internal jugular vein, distant infected emboli and the presence of anaerobic pathogens, usually Fusobacterium necrophorum. The septic emboli resulting from the infected thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein give the syndrome its constellation of central nervous system, pulmonary and many other manifestations including septic shock. This condition was so rare that, historically, it became known as the "forgotten disease," but an increasing frequency of reports indicates that Lemierre syndrome may not be so uncommon.

Small mouths ... Big problems? A review of scleroderma and its oral health implications.

Scleroderma, or progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS), an autoimmune rheumatic condition affecting the connective tissues, has a profound impact on oral health. Common orofacial findings include xerostomia, gastroesophageal reflux disease and limited mouth opening. This review article describes scleroderma, or PSS, and its various manifestations. The features of CREST syndrome and morphea are reviewed. Concerns relevant to the prevention of dental disease and the safe delivery of dental care in this group of challenging patients are emphasized.

Systemic lupus erythematosus: a review for dentists.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic disease with far-reaching systemic implications. The hallmark feature in SLE is chronic inflammation. It can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, lungs, nervous system, serous membranes such as the pleura and pericardium, mucous membranes and other organs of the body. It is imperative that the dental practitioner be familiar with the broad range of systemic and oral implications, including the clinical and biochemical features of SLE. This review article offers an overview of the multiple organ systems affected by this complex heterogeneous disease process that are most relevant to both the general practitioner and the dental specialist. In particular, ways to recognize and manage the oral and dental manifestations of this systemic illness are presented.