Use of Integra® on avascular tissue.

Integra® (Integra LifeSciences) is a well-known dermal regeneration template used in partial and full-thickness wound reconstruction. It can be applied directly on to vascular tissue to create a bed for a skin graft, which is often placed in a second surgery. We present our experience of its novel use in oral and maxillofacial surgery patients, using it directly on bone and cartilage (avascular tissue) without further skin grafting. Patients who required full-thickness excision of lesions down to bone or cartilage and who were treated using Integra® were included. After scalp or ear lesion resection, the collagenous dermal layer of Integra® was placed directly on to bone or cartilage and, along with its outer silicone epidermal layer, secured to the defect with absorbable sutures and a bolster dressing. The wounds were kept dry for 14 days, at which point the dressing and silicone were removed and patients continued regular wound care. Seventeen patients were included, 15 of whom had squamous cell carcinoma. One was lost to follow up. The rest achieved complete healing of the defect. Histology showed epidermis developing on the Integra® surface and at one year, the appearance of normal scarred skin. This novel approach could redefine the uses of Integra®, avoiding the need for free-flap surgery or skin grafting when reconstructing large defects. Further resection of close margins or recurrence is easier after reconstruction using dermal regeneration material than after reconstruction with a local or free flap.

Management of progressive facial asymmetry owing to a rare temporomandibular joint tumour: A case report.

Osteochondroma of the condyle is a rare, slow-growing, benign tumour of the temporomandibular joint that can result in facial asymmetry, limited mouth opening, temporomandibular joint dysfunction and malocclusion. The large majority of osteochondromas occur at the distal metaphysis of the femur and the proximal metaphysis of the tibia, whereas only 0.6% of osteochondromas have been reported as occurring in the craniofacial region. We discuss the diagnosis and treatment of a 56-year-old fit and well male patient who presented to the Orthodontic Department at Wexham Park Hospital with a four-year history of progressive facial asymmetry and functional concerns, owing to a rare osteochondroma of the condyle.

Challenges in the management of late developing malocclusions in adulthood: A case report of acromegaly.

The development of a malocclusion in adulthood can present as a diagnostic and management challenge to an orthodontist. It is prudent to identify the aetiology of changes to the occlusion which will influence the management plan. Uncommon causes include acromegaly. Orthodontists are in a good position to identify certain underlying disorders based on a patient's presenting malocclusion that may otherwise go unnoticed and undiagnosed until other systemic signs and symptoms present themselves at the latter stages of the condition. This case report highlights possible aetiological factors of a developing malocclusion in adulthood and presents the clinical manifestations and joint orthodontic-surgical management of a patient with a developing skeletal III base attributed to acromegaly.