Supplemental systemic oxygen support using an intestinal intraluminal membrane oxygenator.

An intraluminal membrane oxygenator (IMO) prototype was surgically inserted in the ileum and evaluated as a method of supporting systemic oxygenation in an acutely hypoxemic porcine model. Animals were assigned randomly to the test (n = 12) or the control (n = 8) groups, which underwent identical protocols with the exception of the O2 flow in the IMO device, which was shut off in the control group. In each case, hypoxia was induced by a reduction in the inspired oxygen fraction (FiO2) to 0.14. A highly significant improvement (p < 0.005) in arterial and venous O2 content and lower arteriovenous O2 difference (p < 0.05), cardiac output, and hemoglobin (p < 0.005) were found in the test group during hypoxia. The results show that it is possible to meet a physiologically significant portion of the body's O2 demands via the intestine during respiratory hypoxia and suggests that similar devices may be of significant potential value as a supplemental oxygenation device in cases of respiratory distress.

Piezoelectricity in cementum, dentine and bone.

Unlike the dental hard tissues, bone remodels when subjected to orthodontic forces. Bone is also piezoelectric (generates a surface electrical charge upon application of force). In dentine and cementum from sperm whale teeth (which gave samples of sufficient size), the existence and magnitude of piezoelectricity were examined and compared with human bone. Both dental tissues were found to be piezoelectric with coefficients of 0.027 and 0.028 pC/N, respectively; the coefficient of human bone was eight times greater (0.22 pC/N). Thus the strength of the piezoelectric effect was correlated with the known capacities of the tissues to undergo adaptive remodelling. This result is consistent with the theory that piezoelectricity mediates orthodontically induced alveolar remodelling.

Gout and pseudogout of the temporomandibular joint.

The temporomandibular joint is rarely affected by gout or pseudogout. The following article presents two case reports that demonstrate gout and pseudogout of the temporomandibular joint. The surgical treatment and diagnostic criteria for these entities are presented and discussed.

Electrical stimulation of mandibular osteotomies in rabbits.

The use of electrical stimulation to accelerate mandibular healing was studied in rabbits that had undergone bilateral mandibular slot osteotomies. Stimulation on the day of surgery and for 3 successive days thereafter (2 hours per day) produced accelerated healing as evaluated histologically 8 days after surgery. Stimulation during the entire postoperative period did not result in accelerated healing. Intermittent stimulation in the early postoperative period may be clinically useful for accelerating the healing of mandibular fractures.

Isolated fracture of the first rib associated with facial trauma.

Isolated fractures of the first rib are rare and often, though not always, indicative of severe trauma. The causes of first rib fracture are various, as are the sometimes serious complications of such a fracture. Since the oral and maxillofacial surgeon is involved many times in the primary care of the trauma patient, he must consider the possibility of first rib fracture and be alerted to the possible sequelae.

Giant cell tumor of the mandible.

A case of giant cell tumor of the mandible is presented, with treatment and follow-up for two and a half years. Although the lesion had characteristics of giant cell granuloma described by Jaffe, its aggressive clinical behavior influenced the diagnosis and treatment. Prosthetic rehabilitation was accomplished with a mandibular staple bone plate placed through a bone graft.

The dynamic Morris biphase appliance for stabilization of flail facial bones.

This report presents our experience with a modification of the Morris biphase appliance. We have modified the device to let the patient open his or her mouth immediately after surgery to allow for intraoral suture line care. The device prevents deviation of the remaining mandible toward the operated side of the face. We believe this has lessened the esthetic, masticatory, and speech difficulties of the two patients in whom we used the device. We conclude the device deserves further testing.

Unicystic ameloblastoma.

The unicystic ameloblastoma should be considered a distinct entity and treated conservatively. The following case report emphasizes the use of computerized axial tomography in the diagnosis of this lesion. The detailed histology and conservative surgical therapy is discussed.

Adynamic ileus as a complication of iliac bone removal: report of two cases.

This report described two cases of postoperative adynamic ileus after iliac bone autografts. The etiology, treatment, and differentiation of this problem from mechanical obstruction are discussed.

Use of intradiploic cranial screws with a biphase appliance as a modified headframe.

An alternative method to using a standard headframe has been presented. A case has been presented demonstrating the application of the extracranial fixation using the biphase appliance. The basic acrylic headframe can be modified for traction wires as needed to produce maxillomandibular fixation.

Use of pocket inlay grafts and tuberoplasty in maxillary prosthetic construction.

A method of surgical and prosthetic rehabilitation of the severely atrophic maxillae using pocket inlay grafts and tuberoplasty is presented. At 2 1/2 years postoperatively, the denture in a patient treated in this manner remains stable with good retention and function. The principles presented may be applied in a variety of situations to achieve greater retention and stability of the maxillary denture.

Solitary subcutaneous lipoma: report of case.

A submental lipoma in a 66-year-old black man is presented. The etiology of the lesion is discussed and related to our case. The solitary subcutaneous lipoma is treated by excision. Recurrence is rare, and sarcomatous degeneration seldom occurs. Most other lesions of similar presentation and location occur in a younger age group than that of our patient.