In vitro evaluation of the resistance of a 2.0-mm titanium fixation system in the sectioned angle without continuity of the inferior border of the mandible.

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the mechanical resistance of a 2.0-mm titanium system applied to the mandibular angle, either with or without continuity of the inferior border of the mandible. Polyurethane mandibles were used as substrates and divided into two groups: unfavourable and favourable to treatment. A single cut was made through the retromolar region, simulating an angle fracture either unfavourable or favourable to treatment. In addition, a small fragment of the inferior border of the mandible was removed in some of the mandibles, creating a discontinuity. The fragments were stabilized in accordance with the technique of Champy et al. The substrates were adapted to a universal mechanical testing machine and submitted to a constant load applied at three different points; load values were obtained at three different moments of displacement: 1mm, 2mm, and fixation failure. The value of the tip dislocation at final displacement was obtained. When the load was applied at the first molars, regardless of the side, no statistically significant difference was observed between the groups. When the load was applied at the central incisors, a statistically significant difference was observed at fixation failure in the unfavourable to treatment group, with better results in the subgroup with continuity of the inferior border of the mandible compared to the subgroup without continuity. Discontinuity of the inferior border of the mandible did not decrease the mechanical resistance of the fixation.

Lower third molar infection with purulent discharge through the external auditory meatus. Case report and review of literature.

This manuscript reports an uncommon case of inferior third molar facial abscess with purulent secretion drainage through the left external acoustic meatus. The patient's left external acoustic meatus was filled with a purulent secretion observed on a CT scan. He underwent surgery to drain the facial abscess. Despite facial abscesses being routine occurrences, the literature does not contain many case reports of odontogenic facial abscesses with drainage via the external acoustic meatus. These situations occur in two possible ways: multiple fissures in the anterior wall of the cartilaginous portion of the external acoustic meatus; and congenital defects that are occasionally present in the anterior-superior aspect of the external acoustic meatus, known as the foramen of Huschke, which allow communication between the external acoustic meatus and mandibular fossa. These defects may also predispose the patient to the spread of the infection or tumour from the external auditory canal to the infratemporal fossa and vice versa. No otological sequelae were observed in this case. The authors conclude that the hypothesis of bone malformation cannot be excluded, and affirm that any facial abscess requires appropriate and immediate treatment for adequate resolution, by removing the causal factor and providing systemic support.