Changes in admission laboratory tests in patients with maxillofacial fractures and the influence of dento-alveolar trauma.

BACKGROUND/AIM: There are few studies in the literature evaluating possible alterations in laboratory tests in patients with maxillofacial fractures. The aim of this study was to analyze the changes in admission laboratory tests of patients with maxillofacial fractures with indications for surgical treatment, including the influence of dento-alveolar trauma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from complete blood counts, blood coagulation tests, blood chemistries, and urinalysis results were obtained. The occurrence of concomitant dento-alveolar trauma was noted. The medical records were also re-evaluated later to verify the treatment outcome and the occurrence of complications. Statistical analyses were performed using the likelihood-ratio test to verify significant changes in the evaluated parameters (P ≤ .050). RESULTS: There was a prevalence of males (78%) with a mean age of 35.9 years. Lower erythrocyte counts, hemoglobin levels, and/or hematocrit were observed in males with associated fractures and with simultaneous dento-alveolar fractures. Higher mean neutrophil, segmented neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts were observed in patients with simultaneous dento-alveolar trauma. A higher mean activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) ratio was also observed. Lower potassium levels were observed for patients in the fourth decade of life. Higher leukocyte counts not associated with trauma were observed in the urinalysis results of females and in the group of patients aged 20 or younger. Verification of treatment outcome showed two cases of infections and two cases that needed re-operation after mandible fractures. These four cases showed no significant changes in laboratory tests regarding the predisposition for complications. CONCLUSION: Patients with maxillofacial fractures had neutrophilia, increased aPTT, and non-traumatic leukocyturia. There was an influence of associated fractures and dento-alveolar trauma on the decrease in red blood cell parameters, neutrophilia, and lymphocytosis and of age on hypokalemia.

Cone-beam computed tomography analysis of degenerative changes, condylar excursions and positioning and possible correlations with temporomandibular disorder signs and symptoms

Aim: To describe cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) features in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), in terms of degenerative changes, condylar excursions and positioning as well as their possible correlations with signs and symptoms. Methods: Clinical records of patients diagnosed with TMD who were seen between January 2018 and December 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. These patients were divided into the following groups based on the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD): arthralgia, myalgia, and arthralgia and myalgia groups. The CBCT examination findings of the patients were evaluated in relation to degenerative changes, estimates of condylar excursion, and condylar positioning. The likelihood ratio test was used to verify the possible differences among the three groups, whereas the chi-square test was used to verify the possible differences among the signs and symptoms for the tomographic findings (p ≤ 0.050). Results: In this study, 65 patients with TMD were included. These patients were predominantly female (84.6%) with a mean age of 40.6 years. Tomographic findings of flattening, hyperexcursion and posterior condylar positioning were frequent. A significant correlation was noted between osteophyte and lateral capsule pain (p = 0.027), erosion and posterior capsule pain (p = 0.026), and flattening, pseudocysts (p < 0.050) and condylar excursion (p < 0.001) with mouth opening. Conclusion: Few correlations were noted between degenerative changes and signs of joint pain as well as degenerative changes and condylar hypoexcursion with mouth opening. These correlations were likely associated with division by diagnosis, whereas condylar positioning did not correlate with signs and symptoms