Management of Ear Trauma.

Facial trauma remains a common reason for visits to the emergency department or urgent care facility. The ear remains susceptible to trauma given its delicate anatomy and position in the maxillofacial region. Understanding the anatomy and recognizing the circumstances regarding the mechanism of injury help dictate treatment. The goals of treatment should remain to restore the physiologic form and function of the ear. Middle ear injuries should also be addressed during the process. Although primary repair remains feasible in most cases, there are instances when delayed and staged reconstruction is necessary to achieve successful results.

Unusual Case of Transdural Extension of Glioblastoma Multiforme in the Maxillofacial Region and a Review of the Literature.

Glioblastoma multiforme is the most common primary brain tumor. It is locally aggressive but rarely spreads outside the central nervous system. We present an unusual case of a 57-year-old woman who had presented 1 year after surgical resection and adjuvant therapy, with evidence of recurrent tumor invading through the skull base into the orbital apex, masticator, and pterygoid space. We have also reviewed all available case reports on local invasion of glioblastoma that occurred in absence of treatment and recurrence that developed away from the initial surgical location.

Fibular free flaps in the management of osteomyelitis of the mandible.

BACKGROUND: Fibular free flaps are an alternative method in the management of chronic osteomyelitis of the mandible without osteoradionecrosis. METHODS: A prospective review of 2 cases of chronic osteomyelitis of the mandible managed with a fibular free flap was conducted. Patient satisfaction and aesthetic results were examined. Follow-up to 9 months was achieved and radiographic studies conducted. The current literature on the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis of the mandible and the use of free flaps in its management was reviewed. RESULTS: The 2 patients with chronic osteomyelitis of the mandible whose conservative management failed were effectively treated with the use of a fibular free flap reconstruction. CONCLUSION: Microvascular reconstruction with a fibular free flap should be considered as a treatment option in the management of chronic osteomyelitis of the mandible.