Evaluating the use of octyl-2-cyanoacrylate in unilateral cleft lip repair.

BACKGROUND: Facial cosmetic results are one of the most concerning issues for the parents who get their children operated for cleft lip. Moreover, the postoperative care of the surgical site, the discomfort associated with the suture removal, and additional visit for suture removal are other reasons which encourages one to use any new technologies that may replace the need for suture placement. In this study, we used octyl-2-cyanoacrylate, a tissue adhesive which offers a viable alternative to traditional techniques without compromising optimal wound closure. OBJECTIVE: To perform a comprehensive comparison of the outcomes from the use of Dermabond in patients undergoing primary repair of congenital cleft lip ± palate anomalies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients, in the age group of 3-18 months were treated surgically for unilateral cleft lip deformity using Millard rotation-advancement flap. Pre- and post-operative photographs of the patients were taken at 1 week, 2 week, 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively and were evaluated using Vancouver scar scale which was given by Sullivan in 1990. Paired t-test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Increased vascularity (hyperemia) was seen in the 1st and 2nd week in 35% and 30% patients, respectively which gradually reduced to normal in subsequent follow-ups. The scar was flat in 85% of patients in 1st week, and the number decreased to 10% at the end of 1 year. No wound dehiscence was found in any patients. Statistical analysis showed that among all the follow-ups, only the difference between the first and second follow-ups. Comparison of the results of 1 week with all other follow-ups yielded no significant results. CONCLUSION: Octyl-2-cyanoacrylate can be used for cleft lip closure effectively. The procedure is relatively painless and quick. Added to this are benefits of protection from wound infection since the material is bacteriostatic.

Penetrating injury of face by a large machine bolt-a rare case report.

Foreign bodies are often encountered by oral and maxillofacial surgeons and may present a diagnostic challenge, due to many factors such as nature of foreign body material, the size of the object, difficult access and a close anatomical relationship of the foreign body to vital structures. There are foreign bodies like glass pieces, plastic materials, wooden pieces are not seen in routine radiographs and often misdiagnosed. To reduce the chances of complications presence of foreign body in the patients head and neck region must be thoroughly investigated by the surgeon. Penetrating injuries by blunt object is rare finding in maxillofacial region. Here we present an unusual case of penetrating injury by a large machine bolt (15.0 cm) in a 7 year old child, embedded on left side of face.

Assessment of facial nerve injury with "House and Brackmann facial nerve grading system" in patients of temporomandibular joint ankylosis operated using deep subfascial approach.

BACKGROUND: Preservation of the functional integrity of the facial nerve (FN) is a critical measure of success in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) surgery. In spite of the development of a myriad of surgical approaches to the TMJ, FN remains at risk. The deep subfascial approach provides an additional layer of protection (the deep layer of the temporalis fascia and the superficial temporal fat pad) to the temporal and zygomatic branches of the FN and thus, is the safest method to avoid FN injury. OBJECTIVES: To assess FN injury following TMJ surgery using deep subfascial approach and measuring it on House and Brackman facial nerve grading system (HBFNGS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty TMJs in 18 patients were operated for TMJ ankylosis, using "the deep subfascial approach." FN function was assessed postoperatively at 24 h, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months using HBFNGS. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 16.0. RESULTS: Of 20 surgical sites 3 sites showed Grade III (moderate) FN injury and 17 sites showed Grade II (mild) FN injury at 24 h. The condition improved with time with full recovery of FN at all surgical sites at 6 months. CONCLUSION: The deep subfascial approach has a distinct advantage over the conventional approaches when dissecting the temporal region and is the safest method to avoid injury to FN.

Secondary alveolar bone grafting: Radiographic and clinical evaluation.

INTRODUCTION: Secondary bone grafting of maxilla and residual alveolar clefts at the stage of transitional dentition was first introduced by Boyne and Sands. The aim of this prospective case control study was to clinically and radiologically evaluate the success rate of anterior iliac crest graft in primary alveolar cleft. METHODS AND MATERIAL: In this study we evaluated 10 patients who underwent secondary alveolar bone grafting for various types of cleft palate with autologous iliac crest graft. Type of septum measured radiologically was taken as the outcome measure. RESULTS: Postoperative radiographic evaluation revealed Type I inter alveolar septum in 7 cases (87.5%), with complete unilateral cleft lip, palate and alveolus. Non-eruption of canine occurred in 5 patients (50%). Periodontal Examination revealed presence of pocket formation (less than 4 mm) and Grade II mobility in 2 cases (20%). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, secondary alveolar bone grafting done during the time of transitional dentition, before the eruption of permanent canine is an excellent treatment modality.

Etiological factors of temporomandibular joint disorders.

The temporomandibular joint receives its name from the two bones that enter into its formation, namely the temporal bone and the mandible. This complex synovial system is composed of two temporomandibular joints together with their articulating ligaments and masticatory muscles. This articulation affects other synovial joints that relate specifically to masticatory function. The causes of temporomandibular disorders are complex and multifactorial. There are numerous factors that can contribute to temporomandibular disorders. In some instances a single factor may serve one or all of these roles. Iatrogenic injuries can act as both initiating as well as predisposing factors. The term craniomandibular disorder is used synonymously with the term temporomandibular disorders and is considered a major cause of nondental pain in the orofacial pain region. The successful management of temporomandibular disorders is dependent on identifying and controlling the contributing factors. The temporomandibular disorders are more common in females, the reason is not clearly known. The following article provides detailed information regarding temporomandibular joint disorders.