Covid-19 update: Omicron variant - a new emerging threat.

A new health threat in the form of a new variant of Covid-19 called Omicron has emerged globally in this holiday season. This new variant has been declared a variant of concern (VOC) by the World Health Organization and experts are expecting another wave of the pandemic. A lot still unknown about this variant and researchers worldwide are conducting studies to find the nature and characteristics of this mutated strain. Cases have begun to rise dramatically around the world and many countries have already imposed travel restrictions again to prevent disease transmission. It is being speculated that this particular variant has got tendency of immune escape and therefore can even infect fully vaccinated individuals. Vaccination and adhering to Covid-19 guidelines and protocols can curtail the spread of the virus. The present paper focuses on what is currently known about this variant, antigen diagnostic tests, importance of getting fully vaccinated and having booster dose etc. If we want to emerge from this pandemic, countries should practice vaccine equality and solidarity for the good of mankind.

Efficacy of bioresorbable plating system in the treatment of pediatric maxillary fractures: A short clinical study.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, stability, and clinical outcomes of a bioresorbable plating system in the treatment of pediatric maxillary fractures. Materials and Methods: Twenty pediatric patients with maxillary fractures (13 males and 7 females) were included in this study. The 1.5- and 2.0-mm resorbable plates were used and secured with monocortical resorbable screws 6 mm and 7 mm in length. All patients were followed up for 6 months. Clinical parameters, such as pain, swelling, soft-tissue infection, malocclusion, nerve injury, and bite force for stability, were prospectively assessed. Results: Fall from height (50%) was the most common cause of etiology, followed by road traffic accidents (35%). Maxillary alveolar # (40) was the most common fracture site, followed by nasal complex # (25%) and zygomatic complex # (25%). Appropriate fixation and adequate primary bone healing was achieved in 100% of the cases. Few minor complications were observed: (1) soft-tissue infection (5%) and (2) paresthesia (10%). There was a significant increase in bite force in the incisor and molar regions. Observation in clinical parameters shows that there was a significant reduction in postoperative pain and swelling at different follow-up periods. Conclusion: Bioresorbable plating system is used as a load-sharing plate in a semirigid fixation technique after anatomic fracture reduction. Although its high costs limit its feasibility for use low infection rates, minimized second surgery for implant removal attracts its use. 1.5- and 2-mm resorbable plating system along is a good treatment modality for moderately displaced maxillary fractures in pediatric patients. Larger sample size and longer follow-up studies are required for conclusive results.