Novel technique for harvesting the sternoclavicular graft.

PURPOSE: Originally introduced for mandibular reconstruction more than 40 years ago, the sternoclavicular graft (SCG) has gained widespread popularity for the reconstruction of the ramus-condyle unit (RCU) owing to its anatomic and histological likeness to the normal mandibular condyle. Conventional longitudinal osteotomy design for its harvest has been fraught with considerable complications at the donor site including fracture clavicle and major neurovascular injury. In an attempt to alleviate these ill effects, a new technique for procuring the sternoclavicular graft is presented. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A split-thickness cortico-cancellous graft was harvested form the sternal end of the clavicle along with the articular disk with the osteotomy cut oriented parallel to the coronal plane, with limited soft tissue dissection. Donor site complications were assessed in terms of incidence of clavicle fracture, neurovascular injury, pleural tear and radiographic healing as seen in the six-month postoperative chest radiograph. RESULTS: 17 patients suffering from unilateral temporomandibular joint ankylosis underwent SCG harvesting for RCU reconstruction following osteoarthrectomy. No adverse events were seen in the intra- and post-operative period in any patient and satisfactory radiographic osseous healing was observed after six months. CONCLUSION: The proposed harvest technique for SCG results in reduced donor site morbidity and favourable healing and greater patient comfort.

Diagnosis and clinico-radiological presentation in an aggressive maxillary brown tumour.

Brown's tumour is an uncommon focal giant cell lesion which arises as a result of the effect of increased parathyroid hormone on bone tissues in hyperparathyroidism. The mandible is the predominantly affected site in the maxillofacial area and a maxillary involvement is rare. The severity of the lesion, caused by a Brown's tumour, may lead to evident osteolysis and gross deformity in the maxillofacial region, which suggests the need for making an early diagnosis and giving prompt treatment. We are reporting a male patient who presented with a massive painful swelling in the right maxilla as the first manifestation of primary hyperparathyroidism, caused by a parathyroid adenoma.

Internal derangement of temporomandibular joint: an evaluation of effect of corticosteroid injection compared with injection of sodium hyaluronate after arthrocentesis.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Internal derangements are the commonest disorders of temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Different treatment modalities including conservative and surgical methods have been proposed to treat the same. Arthrocentesis is gaining popularity in the treatment of internal derangement of TMJ. Being minimally invasive it does not have the demerits of surgical approaches and at the same time is producing better results than conservative approaches. This study evaluates and compares corticosteroid and sodium hyaluronate after arthrocentesis in the treatment of internal derangement of TMJ. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen patients with internal derangement were randomly selected and divided into 2 groups (8 in each group). Arthrocentesis of the upper joint space was then performed using Ringer lactate under local anaesthesia followed by injection of either betamethasone or sodium hyaluronate into the joint. Clinical data was collected in the form of pain (visual analog scale), maximum mouth opening, joint sound and deviation before and after treatment up to 6 months. RESULTS: Both groups of patients were benefited from the treatment at the 6 month follow up and there was slightly less intensity of pain in sodium hyaluronate group compared with corticosteroid group. Maximum mouth opening was also increased in both groups. A decrease in clicking and deviation were seen in both groups. There was no statistically significant difference between betamethasone and sodium hyaluronate. CONCLUSION: Intra articular injection of corticosteroid or sodium hyaluronate after arthrocentesis had considerable effect on the TMJ. Both betamethasone and sodium hyaluronate can be used after arthrocentesis with similar results.