Mandibular fracture fixation and reconstruction using the lower-border threaded rod: an eleven-year follow-up study.

Twenty-five cases in which a lower border threaded rod was used for fracture fixation and mandibular reconstruction were reviewed. These cases were performed during the last 11 years and have been followed for periods of up to five years and ten months. The fixation technique, originally reported in 1978, is well tolerated and provides excellent mechanical stability when enhanced security of fixation is indicated. Three unusual cases are reported in detail.

A retrospective analysis of 327 mandibular fractures.

The cases of 372 mandibular fractures are reviewed with respect to treatment, including the indications for extraction of teeth in the line of fracture, complications, and duration of maxillomandibular fixation. It was found that, in general, teeth can be maintained in the line of fracture, although there appeared to be an increased rate of complications associated with fractures when teeth are in the line of injury. In addition, a four-week period of maxillomandibular fixation appears to be an appropriate guideline for treatment.

Correlation of condylar mobility and arthrotomography in patients with internal derangements of the temporomandibular joint.

The objective of this clinical study was to determine the relationship between condylar translation on plain tomographic radiographs and internal derangements assessed by a clinical and arthrographic evaluation. One hundred two joints in sixty-two patients were evaluated by linear tomography in closed versus opened positions and classified according to the type of internal derangement depicted by arthrotomography in sixty-two cases. A decrease in condylar translation was noted in patients diagnosed as having meniscus displacement without reduction. Patients who had meniscus displacement with reduction (painful clicking) were found to have hypermobility of the condyle on the symptomatic side. Meniscus displacement without reduction, which appears to be an advanced stage of internal derangement, is a serious sequela leading to marked restriction of condylar motion.

New observations with routine and CT-assisted arthrography in suspected internal derangements of the temporomandibular joint.

A simplified arthrotomographic technique has been performed successfully in more than 200 patients with symptoms referable to the temporomandibular joint. Soft-tissue abnormalities not detected by plain film radiography were demonstrated. Anterior meniscus displacement was the most significant finding in patients with unilateral pain and limitation of opening. New arthrographic observations and research imaging methods, including CT-assisted arthrography, are described. Leakage of contrast material along the lateral condylar neck in patients with anterior meniscus displacement suggests associated tearing of the lateral capsular attachment. Our results confirm that arthrography is a useful diagnostic procedure for suspected internal derangements of the temporomandibular joint.

Surgical treatment of mandibular hypomobility.

Mandibular hypomobility may be the result of a number of intra- and extra-articular conditions. Its treatment, predicated on an accurate diagnosis, varies from minor manipulative maneuvers to several surgical procedures. The applicability of coronoidectomy, in certain conditions, has become increasingly important.

The application of xeroradiography in diagnosis of maxillofacial problems.

The evaluation of maxillofacial pathology was undertaken using xeroradiography. The edge enhancement and wide image latitude were shown to give additional information, especially in areas of bony overlap, such as the temporomandibular joint, without resorting to tomography. Other areas of possible utilization are also discussed, including sialography.

Portsmouth syndrome: review of the literature and clinicopathological correlation.

Hereditary and acquired abnormalities of platelet function are recognized more frequently. Recent advances in platelet physiology have led to new tests of platelet function. Assessment of platelet adhesiveness and aggregation have allowed more definitive classification of platelet dysfunction. Platelet abnormalities will not be diagnosed before surgery. It would be impractical to perform these tests for platelet function as screening procedures on all patients; however, they should be considered as an important part of the laboratory screening for abnormal postoperative bleeding.