Dentoalveolar Fractures: New Orthodontic Protocol Proposal and Pilot Study.

The goal of fracture treatment that includes the dentoalveolar process is to obtain the anatomic bone healing and the pre-injury occlusion restoration with functional and aesthetic recovery, avoiding dental or periodontal lesions. Fractures activates, in the damaged tissue, the Regional Acceleratory Phenomenon, a physiological healing process that can also be activated during orthodontic overloads. Orthodontic treatment in the traumatized area could exploit this phenomenon in order to sustain the cellular activity.The aim of this study is to propose a treatment protocol for dentoalveolar fractures based on the use of orthodontics in order to sustain the physiological healing process known as Regional Acceleratory Phenomenon.The authors present 2 cases of an 18 year old woman and 23 year old man affected by dentoalveolar fracture. The operative protocol the authors applied foresaw three steps of treatment: orthodontic brackets application, surgery, orthodontic treatment.The patients showed complete healing at the 3 months follow-up and were treated up to 18 months for further orthodontic treatment.The operative protocol proposed by the Authors appears to be a rational choice since it allows a single orthodontic device to be an "active splinting system", with fast application time, good acceptance by the patient, low complications rate; moreover, it produces any planned dental movements for further orthodontic treatments.

Open reduction and internal fixation of palatal fractures using three-dimensional plates.

The maxilla is arguably the most anatomically intricate structure of the craniofacial skeleton, and the hard palate is an important bone that regulates the width and architecture of the face. The management of palatal fractures has long been a matter of debate, and varies with anatomical pattern and other injuries to the craniofacial skeleton. We have studied 18 palatal fractures during a five-year period that were treated using 3-dimensional rectangular plates placed across the palatal vault together with fixation of other fractures of the facial bones. Healing was satisfactory in all patients by 12weeks, with no complications. We think that open reduction and internal fixation of palatal fractures with 3-dimensional plates offers adequate stability with minimal complications.

Analysis of dental injuries with clinical implications: A forensic case report.

Dental injuries, especially of the incisors, caused by punches in violent criminal attacks could be seen in daily forensic casework involving the identification of injuries to a living body. Sometimes, when there is neither circumstantial evidence nor information about the surrounding circumstances, it is difficult to discern the cause of these injuries and the manner in which they were inflicted. As an example of clinical forensic medicine, we present the case of a 58-year-old woman whose teeth were injured when fighting with her son-in-law over household affairs with no witnesses present. The two parties had conflicting stories about the cause of the woman's injury. The woman claimed that her teeth were lost while she was being beaten by her son-in-law, and the man argued that the damage to his mother-in-law's teeth was self-inflicted when she bit his fingers. The police attending the crime called for a forensic examination. Forensic practitioners analysed the mechanism of the tooth loss using multi-slice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) and imaging reconstruction technology. Local alveolar bone (medial alveolar) fracture and a small area of alveolar bone loss were found on MSCT. Thus, forensic medical experts speculated that the woman's lower central and lateral incisors were lost as a result of a violent attack and were not self-inflicted. Finally, forensic practitioners helped police in avoiding a miscarriage of justice and wrongful conviction.

Digital Diagnosis and Treatment Program for Maxillofacial Fractures: A Retrospective Analysis of 626 Cases.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the digital diagnosis and treatment program for maxillofacial fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of 626 patients with maxillofacial fractures were analyzed retrospectively from January 2010 to August 2016. These patients were divided into 2 groups. In the experimental group, preoperative planning was conducted and transferred to patients with guiding templates and navigation according to the digital diagnosis and treatment program for maxillofacial fractures. In the control group, postsurgical planning was performed instead of preoperative planning. To assess the accuracy of the digital diagnosis and treatment program for maxillofacial fractures, preoperative planning and postoperative computed tomographic models were superimposed and imported to dedicated software (Geomagic Studio 13.0, Geomagic, Inc, Research Triangle Park, NC) to calculate the difference between the 2 models in the 2 groups. RESULTS: Results of the experimental set showed that the mean error between the preoperative planning model and the postoperative model ranged from 0.65 to 0.97 mm (average, 0.89 mm). For the control group, the mean error was 0.78 to 1.45 mm (average, 1.01 mm). Thus, the mean error of the experimental group was statistically lower than that of the control group (P < .0001). Postoperative analysis of the subjective evaluation of occlusion recovery showed that 92.13% of patients achieved good occlusion recovery in the experimental group compared with only 84.91% in the control group. The digital diagnosis and treatment program for maxillofacial fractures was more accurate. CONCLUSION: Aided by the digital diagnosis and treatment program, the accuracy for maxillofacial fractures was notably improved. To facilitate the application and promotion of digital technology, further modification of the complete digital diagnosis and treatment pathway for maxillofacial fractures is highly desired.

Prevalencia de hallazgos compatibles con material de osteosíntesis en radiografías panorámicas / Prevalence of fidings compatible with osteosynthesis material in panoramic radiographs

Resumen: Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de hallazgos compatibles con material de osteosíntesis en radiografías panorámicas, en el centro radiológico de la Universidad Católica de Cuenca en el periodo 2015 - 2016. Materiales y métodos: la metodología utilizada fue con un enfoque cuantitativo, descriptivo, observacional y retrospectivo. La población de este estudio se conformó por todo el universo de las radiografías panorámicas depositadas en la base de datos del centro radiológico de la Universidad Católica de Cuenca, Facultad de Odontología en el periodo 2015 - 2016 que suman un total de 3.243 radiografías, de las cuales fueron excluidas las radiografías panorámicas digitales que se han tomadas fuera del corte focal, radiografías tomadas con una técnica inadecuada, radiografías cefálicas, radiografías oclusales y radiografías digitales que se encontraron repetidas en la base de datos o con datos incompletos del paciente que no se pueda definir la edad o el sexo al que corresponden, siendo un total de 117 radiografías digitales excluidas. Resultados: se evidencio que existe una mínima prevalencia de hallazgos radiográficos compatibles con materiales de osteosíntesis en el centro radiológico de la Universidad Católica de Cuenca, representado con un 0,2% correspondiente a 7 pacientes, siendo más prevalente en la mandíbula y maxilar superior en igual proporción y siendo menos frecuente en el cóndilo mandibular representado por un 0,03%. Todos estos estudios arrojaron que se presentaba en paciente de 34 años de edad promedio, con una desviación estándar de 15 años; sin embargo, no se encontró diferencia significativa entre los dos sexos antes mencionados.

Abstract: Objective: To determine the prevalence of fidings compatible with osteosynthesis material in panoramic radiographs, at the radiological center of the Catholic University of Cuenca, in the period 2015-2016. Materials and methods: the methodology used was with a quantitative, descriptive, observational and retrospective approach. The population for this study consisted of the whole collection of panoramic radiographs deposited in the database of the Catholic University of Cuenca, Faculty of Dentistry, radiological center in the period 2015 - 2016, totaling 3.243 radiographs, from which were excluded digital panoramic radiographs that were taken outside the focal section, radiographs taken with an inadequate technique, cephalic radiographs, occlusal radiographs and digital radiographs that were found repeated in the database or with incomplete patient data that could not defie the age or sex to which they corresponded, giving a total of 117 excluded digital radiographs. Results: it was shown that there is a minimal prevalence of radiographic fidings compatible with osteosynthesis materials in the radiological center of the Catholic University of Cuenca, represented by 0.2% corresponding to 7 patients, being more prevalent in the mandible and upper maxilla in equal proportion and being less frequent in the mandibular condyle, represented by 0.03%. All these studies showed that it presented in patients of average age 34 years, with a standard deviation of 15 years; however, no signifiant difference was found between males and females.

Open reduction and internal fixation: Screw injury - Retrospective study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is a standard surgical procedure in jaw trauma and in orthognathic surgery. Insertion of screws is a significant risk for accidental tooth root injury with varying outcomes. Contrary evidences are found in literature due to a variety of study designs. This study was undertaken to address the lacunae and possibly estimate the difference in occurrence of tooth damage during or after ORIF between trauma and planned osteotomies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, the data of ORIF in either trauma or orthognathic surgery fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: There were 1632 patients fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria and formed the study group, of which 663 were in orthognathic surgery, of whom 210 had bimaxillary orthognathic surgery. In the trauma group, 358 patients had fractures involving both jaws whereas 272 had maxilla alone and 339 had mandibular fractures alone. On comparing the outcome, of the 9073 screws studied, 93.40% were not involved in any contact with the teeth, 6.3% were in category of potential hits (near apices or the root surfaces), and only 0.28% had evidence of root damage with the screws. It is observed that molar and premolar had a significant difference in terms of the type of surgery (P ≤ 0.05) whereas canine (P = 0.75) and incisor (P = 0.67) showed no statistical difference. CONCLUSION: ORIF when used as mentioned is a safe way for the management of fractures. The incidence of root injury is not uncommon but can be avoided with careful planning and execution.

Prognosis of teeth in the line of jaw fractures.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The decision as to whether teeth in the line of jaw fractures should be extracted or retained remains a controversial issue. The aim of this study was to assess the prognosis of teeth directly in the line of, and adjacent to, jaw fracture sites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study consisted of 50 patients with facial fractures in the dentate region, the diagnosis of which was made on the basis of clinical and radiographic examinations. A total of 124 teeth were present in 69 fracture sites (50 patients), of which 89 teeth were evaluated both, clinically (tooth mobility, pocket depth, pulp sensibility) and with periapical radiographs (degree of fracture displacement, marginal bone loss, root resorption). RESULTS: The results revealed that 61.9% of teeth in directly in the line of fractures showed no response to electric pulp testing compared with 48.9% teeth adjacent to fractures. The maximum frequency of non-responsive teeth was observed in Type I fractures followed by Type II fractures. Response to pulp tests was highly significant at postoperative 3- and 6-month periods (Wilcoxon's test). There was continuous reduction in the measurement for mean pocket depth at both test and control sites of teeth. The measurement of marginal bone levels of teeth in the line of fractures revealed a significant reduction (P < 0.01) from preoperative to postoperative 7-day period only. In teeth adjacent to fracture sites, the mean marginal bone levels of control site and test sites were not significant at any time interval. There was no difference in postoperative complications pertaining to whether the tooth at the fracture site was extracted or retained. CONCLUSIONS: Teeth in line of jaw fractures should not be removed on a prophylactic basis and should be followed up clinically and radiographically to determine any treatment needs.

Intraoperative cone beam computed tomography in the management of facial fractures.

Computed tomography is currently the standard in preoperative evaluation of facial fractures, but cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) or digital volume tomography (DVT) offers potential advantages. Intraoperative imaging may facilitate adequate fracture reduction, optimising fracture repair. The aim of this article is to demonstrate the potential benefits of a new mobile CBCT system in a series of patients with complex facial fractures. Intraoperative imaging was performed with the xCAT ENT portable CBCT system. Images were provided in three planes and in a three-dimensional reconstruction. This system was used for intraoperative imaging of 46 consecutive facial trauma patients. The impact of intraoperative CBCT on the management of these cases is described and two select cases are presented to illustrate the potential benefits of this technique. Intraoperative CBCT was successfully performed in all patients and has led to immediate consequences in 12 (26%) cases. In 5 cases, fracture reduction turned out to be insufficient and was further optimized and in 5 other cases the titanium implant (orbital mesh) was not placed in the optimal position and the position was corrected. Bony fragments were detected and removed in 2 cases. Intraoperative imaging provides a number of advantages over post-therapeutic imaging in the management of facial fractures.

Clinical strategies in the management of complex maxillofacial injuries sustained by British military personnel.

The maxillofacial injuries sustained by British troops requiring aeromedical evacuation to the United Kingdom are almost exclusively treated at The Royal Centre for Defence Medicine in Birmingham. As a result the Maxillofacial Department has collectively gained extensive experience in the management of ballistic injuries. In many cases the most successful outcomes have been achieved by using traditional strategies combined with contemporary techniques. This paper will highlight the types of injuries sustained and discuss some cases that typify those the department has managed.

Cone beam CT for diagnosis and treatment planning in trauma cases.

Three-dimensional imaging offers many advantages in making diagnoses and planning treatment. This article focuses on cone beam CT (CBCT) for making diagnoses and planning treatment in trauma-related cases. CBCT equipment is smaller and less expensive than traditional medical CT equipment and is tailored to address challenges specific to the dentoalveolar environment. Like medical CT, CBCT offers a three-dimensional view that conventional two-dimensional dental radiography fails to provide. CBCT combines the strengths of medical CT with those of conventional dental radiography to accommodate unique diagnostic and treatment-planning applications that have particular utility in dentoalveolar trauma cases. CBCT is useful, for example, in identifying tooth fractures relative to surrounding alveolar bone, in determining alveolar fracture location and morphology, in analyzing ridge-defect height and width, and in imaging temporomandibular joints. Treatment-planning applications include those involving extraction of fractured teeth, placement of implants, exposure of impacted teeth, and analyses of airways.

A 162-case review of palatal fracture: management strategy from a 10-year experience.

BACKGROUND: Palatal fractures are frequently associated with Le Fort maxillary fractures in midfacial trauma. They may present diagnostic and therapeutic challenges and result in malunion and occlusion problems if not treated properly. METHODS: In a retrospective study of 349 Le Fort maxillary fractures over 10 years, 162 patients were diagnosed with palatal fractures. The classification of fractures was based on the patterns observed on computed tomographic scans and treatment plan including type I, sagittal; type II, transverse; and type III, comminuted. Transverse palatal fractures were stabilized by standard Le Fort I buttresses and alveolar ridge fixation. Additional intermolar wiring fixation was applied for sagittal palatal fractures, and prolonged intermaxillary fixation with dental splinting was applied for comminuted palatal fractures. RESULTS: Palatal fractures accounted for 46.4 percent of Le Fort maxillary fractures in this study. Motorcycle accident (69.5 percent) was the most common trauma mechanism. In the type I group, all patients achieved satisfactory results except one patient who needed orthognathic surgery because of malocclusion. Thirteen patients required orthodontic treatment without additional surgical intervention. There were three fistula formations in the type III group that required palatal flaps for closure. CONCLUSIONS: The high incidence of concomitant palatal fractures in midfacial trauma suggests the importance of accurate diagnosis followed by appropriate management. Results of this study show that intermolar wiring fixation is a much less time-consuming and more cost-effective method for satisfactory treatment of sagittal fractures of the palate. Simultaneously, a palatal flap for closure of a palatal defect is the key to avoiding fistula formation.

Traumatic displacement of teeth into maxillary sinus cavity: an unusual dentoalveolar fracture.

We present an unusual dentoalveolar fracture case who had displacement of teeth into maxillary sinus cavity. This patient was 15 years old. He had oral bleeding and lost teeth after falling from the top of a building. Examination of maxillofacial region showed that there were left maxillary teeth lost, alveolar fracture, gingival bleeding and laserations. Maxillofacial bones were found intact. Canine, both premolars and the first molar teeth on left maxilla were lost. Pantomographic evaluation viewed two teeth in the left maxillary sinus. In addition, computerized tomography clearly showed oroantral fistula, alveolar fracture and teeth into maxillary sinus. Extraction of teeth from sinus cavity was performed as well as repair of oroantral fistula and alveolar fracture. This patient is thought that dentoalveolar injury may be more serious than expected according to the oral examination and it requires careful evaluation, even if dentoalveolar trauma does not pose a significant morbid risk.

Common facial fractures: 2. management.

UNLABELLED: This, the second of three articles, highlights the management of facial fractures and the GDP's role in this. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: For patients who present to dental practice with facial fractures, it is important that the dentist is able to inform the patient of his/her likely management in hospital.

Surgical root restoration after external inflammatory root resorption: A case report.

External inflammatory root resorption after a jaw fracture is rare. This report describes a case of extensive external root resorption in the middle third of the root of a mandibular right canine after a mandibular fracture involving the tooth socket. Because of delayed treatment and damage to the root caused by a surgical screw, root canal treatment was performed followed by surgical intervention. The resorptive defect was debrided and part of the root was rebuilt with conventionally setting restorative glass ionomer cement. Postoperative follow-up revealed complete healing.

Orthognathic surgery for occlusal reconstruction of old malunited jaw fracture.

Old malunited jaw fractures of nine patients who underwent orthognathic surgery for occlusal reconstruction were clinically evaluated. Early surgery on fractures of the jaw is the optimal treatment when due attention must be paid to occlusion. Since occlusal revision surgery subsequent to inaccurate diagnosis and inappropriate surgery is certainly very difficult and often unsuccessful, surgeons need to pay special attention to this situation.

Intraoral acrylic splints for maxillofacial fracture repair.

Maxillofacial fractures in dogs and cats occur secondary to vehicular trauma, falls, kicks, gunshots, and fights with other animals. Pathologic mandibular fracture may occur secondary to periodontal disease, neoplasia, and metabolic diseases. The primary objective for repair of maxillofacial fractures in small animals is return to normal function. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain occlusal alignment while providing adequate stability for bony union. Basic principles of maxillofacial fracture repair include anatomic reduction and restoration of occlusion, application of a stable fixation to neutralize negative forces on the fracture, gentle handling of soft tissues, avoidance of iatrogenic dental trauma, extraction of diseased teeth within the fracture line, and minimizing excessive soft tissue elevation. This review article will describe the application of intraoral acrylic splints for maxillofacial fracture repair.

[The value of three-dimensional helical CT imaging in the diagnosis of maxillofacial fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the diagnostic value of three-dimensional (3D) helical CT imaging in the cases of maxillofacial fractures. METHODS: 25 trauma patients were examined with thin-slice CT scan and 3D reconstruction. RESULTS: Three-dimensional images reconstructed from helical CT clearly and stereoscopically demonstrated the location, shape and extension of maxillofacial fractures. CONCLUSION: 3D helical CT imaging can provide valuable information in demonstrating space relationships of maxillofacial fractures.

Complications of internal fixation of maxillofacial fractures with microplates.

PURPOSE: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the complications of open reduction and internal fixation of maxillofacial fractures with microplates. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 44 patients with maxillofacial trauma, fractures of the maxillofacial skeleton were treated by open reduction and internal fixation using a 1.0-mm and 1.5-mm microsystem. Simultaneously occurring fractures of the mandible or frontozygomatic suture were treated with a 2.0-mm miniplate system. Perioperative and postoperative complications were traced using patient charts, operation reports, and radiographs. The average follow-up was 46.8 months (range, 31 to 54 months). RESULTS: A total of 124 1.0-mm microplates and 546 1.0-mm microscrews, and 17 1.5-mm microplates and 75 1.5-mm microscrews, was used. The perioperative complication rate was 1.2% for the 1.0-mm screws (use of four emergency screws, breakage of one screw in the dense frontozygomatic suture area, and an insertion of a screw in a premolar root). The postoperative complication rate was 0.8% for the 1.0-mm screws (screw dislocation without clinical implication). No complications were observed with the 1.5-mm system. Plate-related infection did not occur. All fractures healed well. Three patients asked for plate removal because of a vague, persisting pain in the treated area. After removal, only one patient was free of pain. A loose 1.5-mm screw was found in this patient. CONCLUSION: The overall complication rate for microsystems was 2.0%. Both microsystems proved to be a reliable modality to fix fractures of the maxillofacial skeleton. Complications can be considered incidental and of neglectable clinical significance.

Reasons for taking radiographs in general dental practice in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania.

This study investigated the reasons why dental practitioners at the Muhimbili Dental OPD clinic in Dar-es-Salaam take radiographs. Information was obtained from medical records at the Department of Dental Radiology for an eighteen month period, during which 28,171 patients were seen at the hospital, and of which 2,672 (9.48 per cent) were radiographed. The main reasons for taking radiographs (percentages) was to detect fractures (17.2), tumours (14.1), caries (12.5), impacted teeth (12.2), periodontal disease (11.3), and non-specific dental pain (10.4). Radiographs were also taken for orthodontic (7.0 per cent) and endodontic (6.8 per cent) reasons. Some of the reasons for taking radiographs such as hypersensitive teeth, apicectomy, neuralgia and xerostomia were previously unheard of, indicating an increasing diversity of dental services. In conclusion, there is a need to increase the utilisation of dental radiographs from the present modest level in order to meet the growing need of the increasingly informed dental population in Dar-es-Salaam.