An Anatomical Study of Dry Mandibles to Determine the Important Surgical Reference Points in Ramus Osteotomy - An Evaluative Study.

Introduction: The variable relation and clinical significance of mandibular foramen (MF) and Lingula with inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle (IANB) is important for dental surgeons. Knowing the landmarks on the ramus of the mandible is of paramount importance to perform the surgery without causing damage to the neurovascular bundle. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 85 dry adult mandibles of unknown sex and age. The distances were measured from the anatomical reference points (anti-Lingula, Lingula and MF) using digital callipers. Results: The distance from the anti-Lingula to the anterior border of the ramus (A) was significantly longer on the right side (14.91 mm) than on the left side (14.5 mm). There was a significant difference in mean distances between the anti-Lingula and MF of both the sides (P ≤ 0.005). No significant difference was noted in the distances between the Lingula and the Anti-Lingula, observed for the posterior (B, P = 0.75) and the inferior margin of the mandible (D, P = 0.54). However we found correlation of vertical distances of anti-Lingula with Lingula and MF exhibited moderate positive correlation. Discussion: The IANB is prone to damage during mandibular surgery. Using anti-Lingula alone as a reference point is not guaranteed, but it is still an important anatomical landmark for the surgeon to operate.

Wound Healing Potential of Intermittent Negative Pressure under Limited Access Dressing in Burn Patients: Biochemical and Histopathological Study.

BACKGROUND: Malondialdehyde (MDA) is an oxidant that causes damage to membranes, DNA, proteins, and lipids at the cellular level. Antioxidants minimize the effects of oxidants and thus help in formation of healthy granulation tissues with higher level of hydroxyproline and total protein. This study compared the effect of limited access dressing (LAD) with conventional closed dressing biochemically and histopathologically. METHODS: Seventy-two 12-65 years old burn patients with mean wound size of 14 cm2 were divided to two groups of LAD (n=37), and conventional dressing groups (n=35). Various biochemical parameters were measured in granulation tissue. Histopathological analysis of the granulation tissue was studied too. RESULTS: LAD group showed significant increase in hydroxyproline, total protein, GSH, and GPx and decrease in MDA levels compared to conventional dressing group. A significant negative correlation between GSH and MDA was noted in LAD group, but in conventional dressing group there was no significant correlation. A significant negative correlation between GPx and MDA was noticed in LAD group, but in conventional dressing group was not significant. There was a histologically fewer inflammatory cells, increased and well organized extracellular matrix deposit, more angiogenesis in LAD group after 10 days while the difference was significant between the groups. CONCLUSION: Our study showed a significant reduction in oxidative stress biomarker of MDA, increase in hydroxyproline, total protein, antioxidants and amount of ECM deposition, number of blood vessels and a decrease in the amount of inflammatory cells and necrotic tissues in LAD group indicating the better healing effect of burn wounds.