Computer-Aided Surgical Simulation in Severe Atrophic Mandibular Fractures: A New Method for Guided Reduction and Temporary Stabilization Before Fixation.

In severe atrophic mandibular fractures, the absence of stable occlusion, as well as poor bone volume at the fracture site, constitutes a lack of references during surgery to achieve accurate fracture reduction. Unsuccessful reduction and stabilization can lead to several complications, such as fracture misalignments, malunion, and facial asymmetry. An alternative to avoid the aforementioned issues is fracture reduction based on virtual surgical planning (VSP) technology. However, there is little information regarding VSP protocols for the management of mandible fractures. Herein, a new technique with low cost is reported in which VSP and computer-aided manufacturing of a positioning guide were applied in a 72-year-old female patient with bilateral fractures in her atrophic mandible in the body region. The positioning guide was used during fracture reduction on the inferior surface of the mandible as per the virtual reduction. A 3-dimensional mandible model was also printed, facilitating the prebent 2.4-mm reconstructive plate. The surgical procedure was performed with no complications, resulting in the accurate fit of both the bent plate and the guide. A postoperative computed tomography scan showed good condylar position, fracture reduction, and hardware adaptation. A follow-up approximately 2 years later showed that she was successfully rehabilitated with the dental prosthesis. Therefore, VSP is a valuable tool for attaining a predictable result in the treatment of severe atrophic mandibular fracture, with a reduced operative duration, acceptable precision of fracture reduction, and low cost.

Extensive epidermoid cyst of the submental region.

Epidermoid cysts are malformations that are rarely observed in the submental region. Imaging has an important role in surgical planning according to the size and location of the cyst in relation to geniohyoid and mylohyoid muscles. This article reports the case of a 15-year-old female patient complaining of submental swelling. The differential diagnosis included infection, tumor, ranula, and abnormalities during embryonic development. The lesion was surgically excised using an extra-oral approach. The histopathological examination revealed a cyst wall lined with stratified squamous epithelium with the presence of several horny scales consistent with the diagnosis of an epidermoid cyst. No recurrences were found after 1 year of follow-up.

Osteonecrose bilateral na maxila induzida por zolendronato / Zoledronate-induced maxillary bilateral osteonecrosis

Os bifosfonatos são drogas utilizadas com diversas finalidades, dentre elas, o tratamento da hipercalcemia secundária a neoplasias malignas. Embora sua eficácia médica seja comprovada, o número de pacientes que apresentam osteonecrose nos maxilares vem aumentando devido ao uso desse medicamento. Este relato mostra o tratamento de um paciente que desenvolveu osteonecrose de maxila após fazer uso crônico de bifosfonato, enfatizando o surgimento de lesões maxilares agressivas concomitantes à piora do estado geral do paciente.

Bisphosphonates are drugs used to treat malignat hypercalcemia in certain types of cancer. Although this drug has clear evidence of medical efficacy, there are an increasing number of patients that develop bisphosphonate associated osteonecrosis of the jaws. This report show the treatment of a patient that present osteonecrosis subsequent the cronic use of bisphosphonate showing a strong correlation between the aggressive aspect of the lesion and general health patient.

Comparative analysis of 2 techniques of double-gloving protection during arch bar placement for intermaxillary fixation.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to comparatively evaluate, in a prospective and randomized manner, 2 techniques for providing double-gloving protection during arch bar placement for intermaxillary fixation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 42 consecutive patients in whom application of an Erich bar was indicated for intermaxillary fixation were equally divided into 2 groups. In group 1, 2 sterile surgical gloves were used; in group 2, a nonsterile disposable inner glove was used under a sterile surgical glove. Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, and binomial statistical tests were used to analyze the findings. RESULTS: A total of 103 perforations were found in the outer gloves (47 in group 1 and 56 in group 2), along with 5 perforations in inner gloves in both groups (alpha = .01). No significant statistical difference was found between groups in terms of inner glove perforations (alpha = .05). The nondominant hand presented with 70.9% of the perforations, statistically significant to 1%. CONCLUSIONS: Both double-gloving techniques were found to provide effective clinician protection. The use of a nonsterile disposable glove under the surgical glove is possible for less-invasive procedures, offering the same safety as using 2 sterile surgical gloves while decreasing operational costs. This method does not eliminate the need to change gloves when a perforation is suspected or noted during the surgery, however.