Open reduction and internal fixation of paediatric maxillozygomatic complex fractures: An 11-year multicentric retrospective study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Paediatric maxillozygomatic complex (MZC) fractures are uncommon, and there is a scarcity of data regarding their surgical treatment. The aim of this study was to analyse choices and outcomes of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for MZC fractures among 14 maxillofacial centers around the world. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This multicentric retrospective observational study included patients ≤16 years of age with quadripod MZC fractures treated with ORIF from January 2011 and December 2022. The following data were collected: age, gender, dentition stage (deciduous, mixed, and permanent), cause of injury, type of fracture, surgical approach, site of osteosynthesis (infraorbital rim, zygomaticomaxillary buttress, frontozygomatic, and zygomaticotemporal sutures), material (titanium or resorbable) and number of plates used, and outcome. The minimum follow-up was 6 months. Statistical analyses were performed with Fisher's exact test or chi-squared test, as appropriate. RESULTS: Sixty-four patients (mean age, 12.3 years) with quadripod MZC fractures were included. Seventy-two percent of patients received a single-point fixation. The zygomaticomaxillary buttress was the most common site for fixation, both in single-point and two-point fixation schemes, especially in combination with the frontozygomatic suture. Increasing age was associated with a higher rate of plate removal (p < .001). Postoperative complications included 5 (7.8%) cases of wound infections, 2 (3.1%) infraorbital paraesthesia, 1 (1.6%) ectropion. Residual facial asymmetry was found in 5 (7.8%) patients and was not associated with the type of fixation (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the possibility of using ORIF, even with a single point of fixation, for the treatment of displaced quadripod MZC fractures in the paediatric population. The zygomaticomaxillary buttress was the preferred site of fixation and allowed for adequate stabilization with no external scars and a low risk of tooth damage. Future prospective studies with long-term follow-up are needed to establish definitive surgical protocols and clarify the surgical decision-making.

Potential Alternative Therapeutic Modalities for Management Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Review.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) includes malignancies of the lip and oral cavity, oropharynx, nasopharynx, larynx, and hypopharynx. It is among the most common malignancy worldwide, affecting nearly 1 million people annually. The traditional treatment options for HNSCC include surgery, radiotherapy, and conventional chemotherapy. However, these treatment options have their specific sequelae, which produce high rates of recurrence and severe treatment-related disabilities. Recent technological advancements have led to tremendous progress in understanding tumor biology, and hence the emergence of several alternative therapeutic modalities for managing cancers (including HNSCC). These treatment options are stem cell targeted therapy, gene therapy, and immunotherapy. Therefore, this review article aims to provide an overview of these alternative treatments of HNSCC.

Craniofacial fibrous dysplasia associated with McCune-Albright syndrome: challenges in diagnosis and treatment: case reports.

BACKGROUND: McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS) is a rare multisystem disorder that classically was defined by the triad of polyostotic fibrous dysplasia of bone, café-au-lait skin pigmentation, and precocious puberty. It is a condition that has a gradual onset, slow growth rate and remain painless throughout. The clinical phenotype of MAS is highly variable and no definite treatment is available. CASE PRESENTATION: This article describes two cases, a 10-year-old girl and an 11-year-old boy, both with MAS comprising deforming craniofacial FD. Challenges related to diagnosis and management included late reporting with big lesions, involvement of multiple craniofacial bones, mutilating surgeries and ultimately high degree of morbidity. CONCLUSION: Delayed diagnosis and management of MAS results in devastating physical disabilities and severe morbidity after treatment.

Oral Health-Related Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Diabetic Patients in Tanzania.

AIM: To assess oral health-related knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) attending public diabetic clinics in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. METHODOLOGY: This study involved adult patients diagnosed with DM. A questionnaire with questions related to oral health KAP was used. Data analysis was done using SPSS software v26. Multivariate regression analysis was utilized for response analysis. An alpha of less than 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. RESULTS: Participants with good levels of KAP related to oral health comprised 51.0%, 82.3%, and 20.6%, respectively. The odds of good oral health knowledge among participants were almost 2 folds higher in participants with high education levels and 7 folds higher in those who had been referred to a dentist by a physician. Participants with good oral health knowledge had 5.5 times higher odds of having a good attitude. The participants with high education levels were almost 3 times more likely to have good practice. CONCLUSION: About half of the patients with DM have good oral health-related knowledge. A majority have good compliance towards oral health, but only a limited number have good oral health-related practices. The level of education and previous referrals to dental professionals were found to be predictors of good knowledge regarding dental health.

Policy of fourteen maxillofacial divisions towards titanium plates removal after internal fixation of paediatric maxillofacial fractures: A World Oral Maxillofacial Trauma (WORMAT) project.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this 11-year retrospective multicentric study is to evaluate the policy of 14 maxillofacial surgery divisions in terms of titanium plate removal from paediatric patients who had undergone open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) to treat maxillofacial fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients ≤ 16 years undergoing surgical treatment for fractures of middle and lower third of the face between January 2011 and December 2022, with a minimum follow-up of 6 months, were included. Age (group A: ≤ 6 years, B: 7-12 years, C: 13-16 years), sex, fracture location and type, surgical approach, number, and location of positioned and removed plates, timing and indications for removal were recorded. RESULTS: 191/383 (50 %) patients (median age, 10 years; M:F ratio 2.1:1) underwent removal of 319/708 (45 %) plates. Maxillary dentoalveolar process (91 %), angle/ramus (63 %) and mandibular body (61 %) had a significantly higher removal rate than other fracture sites (p < 0.001). A significant decreasing trend in removal with increasing age was observed, from 83 % in Group A to 24 % in Group C (p < 0.001). On the total of positioned plates, 11 % were removed for symptomatic reasons (5 % infections, 6 % discomfort/pain) and 34 % for other reasons (28 % scheduled removal). DISCUSSION: This multicentric study showed that plate removal was not performed routinely in the paediatric population. The incidence and causes of symptomatic plates removal were consistent with the literature, while the plate removal rate from asymptomatic patients was lower. A correlation was found between increasing age and a reduction in the frequency of plate removal procedures.

Health-related quality of life in patients with noma (cancrum oris): Case series.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Cancrum oris (noma) is a destructive disease of orofacial tissues and adjacent structures that progress rapidly, causing functional and cosmetic problems to the patient and ultimately affecting their health-related quality of life. This case series focuses on the impact of the cancrum oris on the health-related quality of life of patients which has been underreported in literature. CASE PRESENTATION: Herein, we present 3 cases (1 pediatric and 2 adult patients) of cancrum oris. One adult male succumbed to the disease while the remaining two are undergoing treatment. We used the modified versions of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) and the University of Washington-Quality of Life (UWQoL) questionnaire for pediatric and adult patients respectively. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The sequela of cancrum oris affects negatively the quality of life of the patients even after definitive management. Despite this, there is no validated questionnaire to assess the quality of life. The modified versions of the ECOHIS and the UWQoL questionnaires that were used in this case report can be used effectively to assess the HRQoL of the patients. CONCLUSION: Cancrum oris is a neglected disease that affects negatively the health-related quality of life of patients who suffer from it, despite medical intervention.

Reasons for Delay in Seeking Treatment for Dental Caries in Tanzania.

INTRODUCTION: The delay in seeking dental treatment is a universal health problem, with a reported prevalence as high as 98%. It is a critical feature not only in planning management but also in the final treatment outcome. AIM: This study aimed to determine the reasons for the delay in seeking treatment for dental caries amongst patients attending public dental clinics in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. METHODOLOGY: This was a cross-sectional study carried out in 5 public hospitals in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. It included 315 adult patients who had dental caries. Data were collected using a questionnaire that included questions regarding reasons for the delay in seeking care for dental caries. Data were analysed using the SPSS computer software version 26. A one-way analysis of variance was used to assess the association between variables, and the significance level was set at P < .05. RESULTS: A majority (n = 244, 77.5%) of the participants delayed seeking dental care upon noting a problem in their teeth. However, the association between the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants and delay in seeking dental care was statistically insignificant (P > .05). The most common reason given by the participants who delayed seeking dental care for their decayed teeth included self-negligence (n = 184, 75.4%), the practice of self-medication (n = 164, 67.2%), and ignorance (n = 110, 45.1%). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients experiencing dental caries seek dental care very late. Delay in seeking dental care is not dependent on sociodemographic characteristics of individuals. Self-negligence, the practice of self­medication, and ignorance are the major reasons for the delay.

Establishment of an intravenous conscious sedation service at a University Dental Clinic in Tanzania.

Background: With advances in safety measures for anesthesia, conscious sedation has gained popularity in the field of dentistry and has become essential in dental practice worldwide. However, in Tanzania, intravenous (IV) sedation is rarely practiced in the dental field. Therefore, we report the establishment of sustainable IV conscious sedation in dental practices and subsequently train local OMS residents in Tanzania. Methods: In 2019, intravenous conscious sedation was initiated at the University Dental Clinic of the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Science (MUHAS), Tanzania. During the preparatory phase of the program, local oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMSs) were given a series of lecture notes that concentrated on different aspects of IV conscious sedation in dentistry. During the on-site training phase, an oral surgeon from the United States joined the OMSs for case selection, IV-conscious sedation procedures, and patient follow-up. Patients were recruited from existing patient records at the MUHAS Dental Clinic. Results: The first conscious IV sedation program in dentistry was successfully launched at the University Dental Clinic in Tanzania. The local team of OMSs was trained on the safe administration of sedative agents (midazolam or ketamine) to perform various minor surgical procedures in a dental office. Nine patients with different ages, body masses, and medical conditions benefited from the training. No complications were associated with IV conscious sedation in the dental office. Conclusion: This was the first successful "hands-on" training on IV conscious sedation provided to OMSs in Tanzania. It laid the foundation for the sustainable care of patients with special needs requiring oral health-related care in the country.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to COVID-19 among patients attending public dental clinics in Tanzania: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: The risk of contracting COVID-19 through dental treatment is potentially high, thus several guidelines have been developed to minimize the spread of COVID-19 in the dental office worldwide. These changes have posed some relevant questions among oral health professionals regarding the understanding and attitudes of dental patients toward COVID-19. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of dental patients in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional study was carried out in 4 public hospitals in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania involving 472 adult patients. Data were collected using a questionnaire that had a set of questions regarding knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) related to COVID-19. Data were analyzed using the SPSS computer software version 26. For descriptive analysis means, standard error of the mean, and proportion were used. Multivariate regression analysis was utilized for the response analysis. Alpha of less than 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. RESULTS: Good levels of knowledge, attitude, and practices related to COVID-19 were found in 76.5%, 74.8%, and 58.1% of participants respectively. On performing multivariate analysis, odds of having good knowledge regarding COVID-19 were almost 2 folds higher in participants who were females, with high education levels, those without partners, and those with stable income. Females were 1.5 folds more likely to have a good attitude toward COVID-19 and odds of good practice against COVID-19 were 3 folds higher in young adults compared to the elderly. CONCLUSION: A majority of dental patients have good knowledge and attitude related to COVID-19. Predictors of good knowledge were sex, education level, marital status, and income of the participants. Sex predicted good attitude and age predicted good practice.

A meta-analysis on the presentation of Unicystic Ameloblastoma in the jaws and the consequences for their treatment.

INTRODUCTION: This meta-analysis provides reliable data on the prevalence of unicystic ameloblastomas (UA's) among solid/multicystic ameloblastomas (SMA's), as well the ratio of their presence in the maxilla and mandible and in the tooth-bearing area versus the posterior regions of the mandible, including the third molar region and ascending ramus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed according to PRISMA guideline using the strategy ((unicystic ameloblastoma) OR (((ameloblastoma) OR (solid ameloblastoma)) OR (multicystic ameloblastoma))) NOT ((((systematic review) OR (literature review)) OR (case report)) OR (Immunohistochemical)). DISCUSSION: The study included 3856 SMA's and 1537 UA's, which amounted to 28.5% UA's. Of the 380 cases of UA from twelve articles that mentioned the involved jaws, 355 were in the mandible and 25 in the maxilla. The preponderance for the mandible is much higher than reports from previous studies of smaller series. Only five articles mentioned the location within the mandible. The vast majority was in the posterior area. CONCLUSION: The consequences for treatment were discussed, with an emphasis on the approach to unicystic lesions in the posterior part of the mandible for which a protocol is suggested.

Conscious sedation in dentistry: knowledge and practice among dental professionals in Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: Conscious sedation is a useful adjunct in the treatment of patients in dentistry; however, a lack of knowledge among the dental profession regarding sedation is a restricting factor in the practice of dental sedation. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the knowledge and practice of sedation in dentistry among dental professionals in Tanzania. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted for five months targeting all practicing dental professionals in Tanzania. A modified questionnaire contained 14 questions regarding knowledge about sedative agents and a section on the practice of sedation. The data obtained from this study were coded and entered into a computer program and analyzed using SPSS software version 23.0. The data are presented as frequencies and percentages in tables and charts. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: The age range of participants was between 24 and 63 years (mean 36.6 ± 7.7 years). There were 107 men (78.1%), and the male-to-female ratio was 3.6:1. The majority (76.6%) of participants only had an undergraduate dental degree. Thirty-one percent of participants only worked in publicly owned health facilities. Slightly more than half (59.9%) of participants had satisfactory knowledge regarding sedation in dentistry. There was no statistically significant association between the level of sedation-related knowledge and the demographic characteristics of the participants. Only 21.9% reported using sedation in their practice, and the most commonly used sedative drug was diazepam. The reasons for not using dental sedation in clinical practice included a perceived lack of knowledge on sedation, lack of equipment, and cost. CONCLUSION: Most dental professionals in Tanzania have basic knowledge of sedation in dentistry, although knowledge regarding sedative agents is generally low. The practice of sedation in dentistry in Tanzania is very low compared to that in middle- and high-income countries. Inadequate knowledge, lack of equipment, and the cost of practicing sedation are the main reasons for not practicing sedation.

Pattern of mandibular fractures and helmet use among motorcycle crash victims in Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: The maxillofacial structures are commonly affected in motorcycle crashes, with the mandible being one of the most frequently fractured bones. Helmets have been shown to have a protective effect in preventing maxillofacial injuries, however, its effect on the occurrence of mandibular fractures is not very well established. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the pattern of mandibular fractures among motorcycle crash victims in Tanzania, and determine the role of helmets in occurrence of mandibular fractures among the motorcyclists. METHODOLOGY: This was a 6-months prospective, cross-sectional study that recruited motorcycle crash victims who reported with mandibular fractures following motorcycle crash at Muhimbili National Hospital. A specially designed questionnaire was used for data collection. For purpose of analysis, the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software version 20 was used. RESULTS: The study included a total of 132 participants of whom majority were male (120, 90.9%). The peak age incidence was 21-40 years in 76.5% of the victims. More than half (89, 67.4%) of the victims were riders during the crash. Helmet use was reported in 42.3% of the victims, and majority (67.3%) were usinghalf-face helmets. The symphysis region was the frequently fractured anatomical location (50, 37.9%). More than half of the victims had multiple site involvement, with higher odds observed in individuals wearing half-face helmets. CONCLUSION: Young males were affected ten times more than females. Most of the victims were riders during the crash. The symphysis region was the frequently fractured anatomical site. There was no difference in occurrence of mandibular fractures between those who wore and those who did not wear helmets during the crashes. However, the severity of mandibular fractures was dependent on the type of helmet used.

Oral and maxillofacial surgical services amid COVID-19 pandemic: perspective from Tanzania.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is a global pandemic that affects individuals from all walks of life. Considering that the virus can be passed on directly from person to person through respiratory droplets, contact, fomites, and saliva, the oral and maxillofacial surgeons are exposed to COVID-19 in their daily clinical duties. This is because of the nature of their work, which entails working within a short distance from patients' oral cavity and upper airway. As such, there is a need for having locally tailored standard guidelines for managing patients with oral and maxillofacial conditions during the COVID 19 pandemic in Tanzania.

Epidemiological analysis of tongue lesions in a tertiary health facility in Tanzania

Background: The tongue is susceptible to a multitude of conditions that can be of developmental, neoplastic, or inflammatory nature, whose occurrence varies globally by age, sex, and ethnicity. The objective of the present study was to determine the incidence of tongue lesions among cases managed in a tertiary hospital in Tanzania. Methods: This study analyzed histological results of patients with tongue lesions diagnosed between 2016 and 2021. Data on the age and sex of the patients and histological diagnosis were collected. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 27. Results: A total of 190 samples of tongue lesions were studied and 18 different histological diagnoses were observed. Generally, a majority (84.2%) of the biopsied tongue lesions were malignant. The most common (74.7%) lesions diagnosed were squamous cell carcinoma followed by hemangioma (5.3%). A significant association was noted between the nature of the lesions and the age group and sex of the patients. Conclusion: This analysis depicts that tongue lesions are frequently encountered in patients managed in tertiary health facilities in Tanzania. A majority of these lesions are malignant tumors. The sex and age of the patients are determining factors for the occurrence of tongue lesions

Dental fear and its related factors among patients managed in a paediatric dental clinic of a university hospital in Tanzania

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of dental fear and its related factors among patients managed in a pediatric dental clinic of a university hospital in Tanzania. Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out at the paediatric dental clinic of the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) between November 2018 and April 2019. It included all paediatric dental patients aged between 6 and 12 years. A questionnaire used in this study captured information regarding patient's socio-demographic characteristics and the number of previous visits to the dental clinic. A fifteen-item Children's Fear Survey Schedule - Dental Subscale (CFSS-DS) was used to assess the dental fear status in these pediatric patients. Results: A total of 223 paediatric dental patients aged between 6 years and 12 years were included in the study. The mean age of participants was 9.52 ± 1.74 years with a male to female ratio ofl: 1.04. The means CFSS-DS score was 31.1 ± 8.57. Fear scores were high for Injections (3.37 ± 1.13), a stranger's touch (2.81 ± 1.08) and choking (2.69 ± 0.99). The presence of dental fear was found to be significantly associated with the parents' education level (p=0.001) and previous dental visits (p < 0.001 ). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the prevalence of paediatric dental fear was low among the participants of this study. The education level of parents and previous dental visits were determinants of dental fear in children. Injections, being touched by strangers, and choking were the common fear-provoking factors.

Beliefs about Traditional Uvulectomy and Teething: Awareness and Perception among Adults in Tanzanian Rural Setting

Background: Teething has been associated with varieties of childhood illnesses. Traditional uvulectomy has been an ongoing practice in some societies. Both teething and traditional uvulectomy have strong linkage to beliefs, values and practices. This study aimed at documenting the awareness and perception of society regarding traditional uvulectomy and beliefs about teething in Tanzania. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in central region of Tanzania, encompassing adult population, who were obtained by stratified two stage sampling technique. The oldest person per household was interviewed. A questionnaire consisting of questions regarding traditional uvulectomy and beliefs about teething was used to collect data. Analysis of data was done using computer program SPSS version 19 whereby the level of significance for Chi-square was set at p-value of ≤ 0.05. Results: A total of 371 participants were included and of these, 90.3% believed that long uvula may cause ill health. The notion of prolonged cough indicates unhealthy uvula was found in 86.8% of participants. With regard to teething, 60.6% considered a child born with teeth means a curse in family. Symptoms that are perceived to be caused by teething include diarrhoea (84.6%) and fever (54.4%). Other reported symptoms include drooling of saliva, crying vomiting and irritability. Conclusion: Majority of society members still link illnesses in children with either elongated uvula and/or teething. Awareness on traditional ways of treating diseased uvula may be detrimental as people’s awareness tends to influence their practice. Deliberate efforts should be put forward to educate pregnant women during their visits to antenatal and natal clinics especially in the rural areas regarding oral health of children.

Misconceptions on Causes and Management of Dental Caries: Experience from Central Tanzanian Society

Background: Misconceptions about causation and management of diseases are common in societies, thereby affecting health seeking behavior, including for oral diseases. Thus, this study aimed at determining the misconceptions on causes and management of dental caries in central Tanzanian society. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in central zone of Tanzania, comprising of people aged 18 years and above, who were obtained by stratified two stage sampling technique. The oldest person per household was interviewed. A questionnaire consisting of questions regarding misconception on causes and management of dental caries, use of local remedies and treatment seeking behaviour was used to collect data. Analysis of data was done using computer program SPSS version 19 whereby the level of significance for Chi-square was set at p-value of ≤ 0.05. Results: A total of 371 participants were included. There were more female participants with male to female ratio of 0.8:1. The age range of respondents was 18 to 81 years with mean age of 38.04 ±13.2 years. The overall incidence of misconception was 87%. With regards to age, sex, and marital status; the misconceptions were more prevalent in females, older adults and those who ever married. The most common misconception was “extraction of upper jaw teeth can lead to head swelling and death”. Conclusion: Misconceptions concerning dental caries and its management are very widespread in Tanzanian society. They are more common amongst those who have ever married and older adults. Use of local remedies is very common amongst individuals of all walks of life.