Incidence of Mortality and Its Relation to Comorbidity in Ludwig's Angina: A Retrospective Study.

Introduction: Ludwig's angina is a serious life-threatening infective condition of maxillofacial region due to odontogenic origin which is clinically diagnosed by its clinical signs and symptoms. Airway management and early surgical decompression is the main stay of management. The mortality rates in Ludwig's angina remains multivariate. There is a paucity in literature regarding the mortality rates of this disease. Aim and Objectives: Aim of this retrospective study is to describes the characteristics, probable cause of death and mortality rates of patients with co-morbidities presenting to the emergency department (ED) who were subsequently admitted with a primary diagnosis of Ludwig's angina. Materials and Method: Study was conducted in the department of maxillofacial surgery in a tertiary care teaching hospital from Jan 2011 to Dec 2022. Data of 17 patients who were clinically diagnosed as Ludwig's angina were included in the study. The comorbidity, source of odontongenic cause, mode of intubation and the outcome of the disease were evaluated. Result: Comparison of categorical variables was done using Fishers exact test. A p-value of <0.7 was considered statistically significant. The results suggested that Out of 17 patients 12 patients (70.5%), 7 male and 5 females had comorbidities and four cases (23.5%) had complication of death, all having co-morbidities. Summary: It concludes that associated comorbidity has a significant role in progress and outcome of the disease and incidence of death is more common in cases having associated comorbidity.

Injury to Anatomic Structures Due to Fixation Device in Management of Mandibular Fracture.

INTRODUCTION: ORIF is the gold standard for the management of mandibular fractures. The chances of postoperative complications are due to infection, damage of the inferior alveolar nerve canal, or tooth root during the fixation of the fracture fragments. Fixation hardware placed in the vicinity of the vital structures may encroach on the anatomic structures, leading to postoperative complications. AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the injury to the anatomic structures in the proximity of the fracture line due to the fixation device. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital from July 2021 to June 2023. The cases of maxillofacial trauma reported and referred from peripheral centers were considered duly, applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients having mandibular fractures from one mandibular foramen to another with or without associated other facial fractures were treated by ORIF under general anesthesia. The patient was followed up at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. The cases of postoperative complications were further investigated by CBCT. RESULT: There were 67 patients (56 males and 11 females) with 86 fracture lines in the age group of 18-55 years with an average age of 35.2 years. Postoperatively 7 patients presented with unilateral paresthesia of the lower lip and chin region. CBCT revealed that the mean distance of the screw from the inferior alveolar nerve canal was 3.02 mm. None of these cases had injury to the nerve canal or roots of teeth. All the patients recovered from paresthesia within 6 months. DISCUSSION: Complications like injury to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) with sensory disturbances to the lower lip and chin, as well as tooth/tooth root fractures, may occur due to mandibular fracture, surgical manipulation, and fixation devices. The anatomic structures in the vicinity of the fracture line can be damaged during the fixation of the fracture fragments by the bone plates and screws. In the present study, it was found that 7 out of 67 patients presented with unilateral paresthesia of the lower lip and chin. CBCT analysis showed a considerable distance of 3.02 mm from the inferior alveolar nerve canal to the screws. There was no evidence of hardware encroachment on the IAN or tooth roots. CONCLUSION: Selection and placement of appropriate fixation devices, particularly the length of the bone screws, are crucial to avoid injury to the anatomic structures.

Relation of Mandibular Canal Discontinuity and IAN Paresthesia in Operated Cases of Mandibular Fracture.

INTRODUCTION: Mandibular fractures are common in maxillofacial trauma, often requiring surgical intervention for optimal recovery. One critical concern during such procedures is the potential for nerve damage, specifically involving the mandibular canal. This study aims to investigate whether the presence of postoperative mandibular canal discontinuity is associated with an increased risk of nerve damage. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of 72 postoperative mandibular fracture patients. In total, 58 patients had entire mandibular canal continuity, while 14 showed discontinuity. Clinical records and follow-up data were examined to assess the occurrence of nerve injury. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the significance of any correlation. RESULTS: Of the 14 patients with mandibular canal discontinuity, 9 (64.28%) exhibited paresthesia. In patients where mandibular canal continuity was maintained, 5 (8.62%) patients reported paresthesia. These results suggest a higher incidence of paresthesia in patients with mandibular canal discontinuity, albeit with a small sample size. Notably, only 3 patients in the discontinuity group did not show any sign of improvement, while the remaining patients in both groups demonstrated complete recovery in 6 months of follow-up period. DISCUSSION: The findings suggest a potential link between mandibular canal discontinuity and an increased risk of paresthesia in postoperative mandibular fracture patients. It is hypothesized that discontinuity may lead to nerve compression, irritation, or direct damage during healing. The observed complete recovery in most patients, including those with paresthesia, highlights the potential for the nervous system to repair itself over a period of time. However, further studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to establish a more definitive correlation. CONCLUSION: This study provides preliminary evidence that mandibular canal discontinuity may contribute to a higher incidence of paresthesia in postoperative mandibular fracture patients. Clinicians should be cautious when addressing mandibular fractures to minimize the risk of nerve damage, particularly in cases involving canal discontinuity. The encouraging trend of complete recovery among the majority of patients suggests a positive prognosis for nerve healing.

Histopathological Interpretation of TMJ Osteophyte: Report and Review.

Introduction: Osteophytes are osseocartilaginous structures which are commonly found in common degenerative joint diseases. It can be free or attached to nature. There is a paucity of information in the literature regarding the histopathological interpretation of osteophytes in Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ). Purpose: To report the incidental finding of osteophytes in cases of chronic protracted TMJ dislocation. Material and Method: To present case of an elderly 72-year-old female and a 35-year-old male with chronic protracted TMJ dislocation who were treated surgically for their condition with an incidental finding of an osteophyte in TMJ intraoperatively. Result: The histopathological examination revealed fibrocartilaginous core tissue surrounded by bone formation due to dystrophic calcification. Conclusion: The microscopic examination is mandatory in order to study and understand the pathophysiology of an osteophyte. This study presents rare histopathological evidence of an osteophyte. It reflects the process of its formation and the possibilities of fate of an osteophyte in TMJ.

Incidence and Management of Tooth Root Fracture in Mandibular Fracture Line - A Retrospective Study.

Introduction: In cases of trauma, the most common fractures of the facial region are the nasal bone fractures followed by mandibular fractures. About 60% of mandible fractures are associated with teeth in the fracture line; however conversely, the dentulous mandible has a higher susceptibility of fracture in any impact. Whenever a tooth is involved in the fracture line, it is not unlikely that the tooth root fracture will be associated with it. The prognosis and treatment of such a tooth persistent in a fracture line depends upon the level of tooth root fracture. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in a Meerut hospital. The eligibility criteria were based on the cases involving fracture line passing through the teeth bearing area of mandible. Total of 56 cases of mandibular fracture treated from January 2021 till December 2022 by open reduction and fixation were included in the study. Results: A total of 56 patients (66 fracture lines) with mandibular fractures were selected, out of which 18 (32%) patients had fracture of the root of the tooth in the fracture line. Third molar root fracture were present in 12 cases (66.6%), first premolars in 4 cases (22.2%), and first molars in 2 cases (11.1%). There were 14 multi rooted teeth (77.7%) and 4 single rooted teeth (22.2%) involvement. All the multi rooted teeth fracture were treated by extraction during open reduction and fracture fixation. The single rooted teeth were successfully treated by endodontic treatment postoperatively. Discussion: The fracture line passing through the dentate segment may fracture the tooth crown and/or root or propagate through the socket without any injury to the root. Root fracture at cervical and middle third is constantly exposed to oral fluids. The affected tooth may be mobile and lose vitality. Teeth in the line of fracture must be removed when they preclude the correct reduction of the segments or if they represent a risk for infection. If the tooth or root does not cause any hindrance during reduction or it is not infected, the tooth can be salvaged by endodontic therapy. The incidence of root fracture was seen in 32% of cases. Fracture of the third molar roots was the single largest group (66.6%). No root fracture was observed in the anterior segment.