Dexamethasone injection into the pterygomandibular space in lower third molar surgery.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of 8mg dexamethasone injection into the pterygomandibular space on the postoperative sequelae of lower third molar surgery. A prospective, randomized, controlled, split-mouth study was designed involving 62 lower third molar extractions (31 patients). Prior to surgery, the study group received 2ml of 4mg/ml (8mg) dexamethasone injection through the pterygomandibular space following local anaesthesia; the control group received 2ml normal saline injection. Facial swelling, mouth opening, pain on a visual analogue scale (VAS), and the number of analgesics consumed were assessed. Descriptive statistics and the independent-samples t-test were used to compare the two groups at P<0.05. There was a significant reduction in swelling on day 2 postoperative in the dexamethasone group. Mouth opening was also significantly greater on day 2 in the dexamethasone group. The VAS pain score was significantly lower on the day of the operation and first postoperative day in the dexamethasone group, but did not differ significantly between the groups on the other postoperative days. The injection of 8mg dexamethasone into the pterygomandibular space was effective in reducing postoperative swelling, limited mouth opening, and pain following impacted lower third molar extraction.

Aneurysmal bone cyst of the mandible: a case report.

The case of a 6-year-old boy with a rapid growing mass in the right angle of the mandible that clinically and radiographically resembled a malignant lesion is presented. The biopsy specimen showed an aneurysmal bone cyst. The patient was treated surgically via extraoral approach including immediate mandibular reconstruction with with iliac crest bone. The literature is briefly reviewed.

[Evaluating form and function of the nose after open rhinoplasty in unilateral lip-maxillopalatal clefts]. / Beurteilung von Form und Funktion der Nase nach offener Rhinoplastik bei einseitigen Lippen-Kiefer-Gaumen-Spalten.

Secondary septorhinoplasty in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) is performed to improve nasal form and function. The purpose of this study was to compare the initial findings and the surgical outcome in 30 patients with unilateral CLP. Open rhinoplasty was carried out to correct nasal deformity. Nasal soft tissue analysis was done by measurement of standardized raster photographs of the nose and lateral teleradiography. Deviations from the ideal form regarding nasal symmetry, nasal width, and alar base line were determined. The nasal profile was assessed by measuring the nasofacial and nasolabial angle, the angle between the upper lip and the Frankfurt horizontal plane (FHP), and the angle between the columella and the FHP. Nasal patency was evaluated by rhinomanometry. The overall flow (cm3/s) was determined and the flow of the cleft side and non-cleft side compared. Evaluations were made immediately before and 6 months after surgery. In the frontal plane, nasal symmetry was significantly improved and the alar form adjusted. The deep position of the columella was corrected. The acute nasofacial angle and the drooping ala were not significantly improved. An increase in the overall flow and correction of the quotient cleft/non-cleft side was achieved by the surgical procedure. In this study, aesthetically and functionally relevant findings were objectified and can be used for quality control.