Effect of lower third molars on the incidence of mandibular angle and condylar fractures.

PURPOSE: Numerous previous studies already have proven that mandibles with a third molar are significantly more susceptible to angle fracture by external force. Similarly, other data suggest that the absence of a third molar increases the risk of condylar fracture, while concurrently decreasing the risk of angular fracture. We attempt to characterize the effect of a third molar on the incidence of mandibular angle and condylar fractures. METHODS: This retrospective study reviews data from 385 patients, all of whom were seen in our clinics between February 2006 and November 2009. All data were collected from clinical examination notes and panoramic radiographs, with third-molar state evaluated by the Pell and Gregory classification system. RESULTS: Our results mirror those of previous studies. The incidence of mandibular angle fracture was significantly greater on sides with a third molar, whereas the condylar fracture rate significantly increased in mandibles lacking a third molar or without a fully erupted third molar. The rate of symphysis and mandibular angle fracture was also high in cases of multiple comorbid fractures. CONCLUSIONS: Both the presence and the state of the lower third molar affect the risk of future mandibular angle and condylar fracture.

Segmental groove pancreatitis: report of one case.

Groove pancreatitis is a special form of chronic pancreatitis in which scarring is found mainly in the groove between the pancreatic head, duodenum, and common bile duct. Preoperative differentiation between groove pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer is difficult. Here we report one case of segmental groove pancreatitis diagnosed by clinical and radiological features. The patient was a 46-year old man with severe abdominal pain, weight loss, and a long history of alcohol abuse. Computed tomography revealed swelling of the pancreatic head and a heterogeneously enhanced low-density lesion in the groove. MR images revealed a mass in the groove that had a low signal on T1-weighted images and a low signal relative to the pancreatic head on T2-weighted images. T1-weighted images on dynamic study showed the medial wall thickening of descending duodenum, several small cysts in the groove and thickened duodenal wall. The patient has been under conservative treatment for 2 months and his severe abdominal pain has improved.

[A case of intraluminal gallbladder hematoma after percutaneous liver biopsy].

Percutaneous liver biopsy is valued in the diagnosis of diffuse or localized liver disease. Serious complications after ultrasonography-guided liver biopsy are rare. We report a case of a 69-year-old man who underwent a percutaneous liver biopsy for the evaluation of his underlying liver disease with subsequent late complication of intraluminal gallbladder hematoma.

[A case of primary hepatocellular carcinoma with metastasis to the spinal cord].

Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most common malignancies reported in Korean adult males. Hepatocellular carcinoma usually spreads to regional lymph nodes around porta hepatis via lymphatics and to distant metastasis via hematogenous spread. The lung is most common distant metastatic site, followed by the adrenal glands, local lymph nodes and bones. But metastasis to the spinal cord of hepatocellular carcinoma is very rare. Recently we experienced a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma who had suffered from lower leg weakness for 10 days. The patient was proved to have hepatocellular carcinoma with metastasis to the spinal cord. MRI showed an ovoid intracordal mass between the twelfth thoracic and first lumbar vertebra level. After emergency irradiation, the patient could recover.