Adenomatoid odontogenic tumour: A rare threat to orthodontic treatment planning.

This case report aims to increase awareness of how an adenomatoid odontogenic tumour (AOT) can present in a similar fashion to a dentigerous cyst and the importance of accurate histopathological diagnosis. In this case, the AOT resulted in loss of the upper left permanent canine in a patient who already had a congenitally absent upper left second premolar, compromising the original orthodontic treatment plan.

Oral purpura as the first manifestation of primary systemic amyloidosis.

Oral blood blisters and purpura are rare features of primary systemic amyloidosis (amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis). We report a case in which these unusual presentations led to a diagnosis of amyloidosis, which enabled effective treatment before organ failure.

Plate removal following orthognathic surgery.

The objectives of this study are to determine the removal rates of orthognathic plates used during orthognathic surgery at James Cook University Hospital and describe the reasons for plate removal. 202 consecutive orthognathic cases were identified between July 2004 and July 2012. Demographics and procedure details were collected for these patients. Patients from this group who returned to theatre for plate removal between July 2004 and November 2012 were identified and their notes were analysed for data including reason for plate removal, age, smoking status, sex and time to plate removal. 3.2% of plates were removed with proportionally more plates removed from the mandible than the maxilla. 10.4% of patients required removal of one or more plate. Most plates were removed within the first post-operative year. The commonest reasons for plate removal were plate exposure and infection. The plate removal rates in our study are comparable to those seen in the literature.

A biomechanical comparison of shape memory compression staples and mechanical compression staples: compression or distraction?

Compression staples are a popular form of fixation for osteotomy and arthrodesis. "Mechanical compression" or "shape memory" designs are commercially available. We performed a biomechanical study comparing these designs. A load cell measured compression across a simulated fusion site. The two designs available were tested and compared. The effect of altering staple limb length was also assessed. The limbs of all mechanical compression staples diverged causing inconsistent compression and distraction. Shape memory staples all achieved consistent compression across the fusion site with significantly greater maximum force when compared to mechanical compression staples (P < 0.001). Staple limb length did not appear to alter compression force generated. Mechanical compression staples cause a distractive force, and we therefore suggest alternate forms of fixation for arthrodesis. Shape memory staples do provide compression and may be suitable for arthrodesis and osteotomy.

Synthesis and biological properties of novel glucocorticoid androstene C-17 furoate esters.

A series of novel corticosteroid derivatives featuring C-17 furoate ester functionality have been synthesised. Profiling in vitro and in vivo has resulted in the identification of a compound with a longer duration of action and a lower oral side effect profile in rodents compared to budesonide.