Feasibility of Laterocaudal Approach in Comparison with Subtarsal Approach in the Management of Orbital Rim Fractures in Indian Population: A Prospective Study.

A balance between surgical access and aesthetics, with lesser post-op sequelae, is inevitable in the management of facial fractures. Even though various approaches are widely practised, further modifications and revisions are encouraged for better outcomes. We performed a prospective cross-sectional study on 30 patients with Zygomatico-Maxillary Complex (ZMC) fracture with inferior orbital rim involvement. Surgical management was performed using subtarsal (Group A) or laterocaudal (Group B) approach, during which the time taken to expose fracture and the ease of access was documented. Scar evaluation was performed using SCAR Scale on the 15th day and after one-month and three-month follow-up, and the post-op complications including ectropion, infections, edema, etc., were documented. There was a significant reduction in the time taken (p < 0.001) in group B than in group A. The ease of access did not demonstrate any significant difference. The SCAR scale score was significantly reduced at 3rd-month follow-up in group B compared to the other group (p = 0.009). Laterocaudal approach demonstrated lesser time-taken and better access to the inferolateral rim, with superior aesthetics and fewer complications. This approach can be employed in clinical practice, especially with inferolateral rim involvement in ZMC fractures.

Effectiveness of 0.2% chlorhexidine gel and a eugenol-based paste on postoperative alveolar osteitis in patients having third molars extracted: a randomised controlled clinical trial.

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of application of 0.2% chlorhexidine gel, a eugenol-based paste, together with a control group on the postoperative incidence of alveolar osteitis in patients having third molars extracted. A total of 270 patients who had this procedure at the Dept of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Saveetha Dental College and who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study and divided into 3 groups: the first had a 0.2% chlorhexidine-based gel applied to the alveolar socket once after extraction; the second had a eugenol-based paste applied to the alveolar socket once after extraction; and the third group acted as controls, with no treatment. The incidence of alveolar osteitis was recorded for 7 days. We also recorded postoperative pain, inflammation, infection, and wound healing. Nine of the control group (10%) and 2 (2%) of the chlorhexidine group developed alveolar osteitis on the seventh postoperative day. The overall incidence (11/270) was 4%, which is less than reported elsewhere. The distribution of alveolar osteitis among the 3 groups was significant (p=0.002), with the eugenol group having no cases. The chlorhexidine group showed less incidence of alveolar osteitis than other reported studies and also less pain, inflammation, infection, and better wound healing than the control group. We conclude that eugenol was the better of the 2 interventions.