"Does the Exploration of the Temporomandibular Joint Using a Deep Subfascial Technique Result in a Superior Operative Outcome?"

PURPOSE: The literature is replete with various approaches for the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), each with its own distinct advantages and disadvantages. None of these approaches, however, have been associated with superior operative outcomes. The purpose of this study was to measure the efficacy of three operative approaches to TMJ, namely superficial, subfascial, and deep subfascial approaches. The aim was to contrast selected intraoperative and postoperative outcomes among these surgical approaches. METHODS: This was a prospective randomized clinical trial of subjects presenting to outpatient department. The primary predictor variables were three dissection planes of TMJ: Group-I (superficial), Group-II (subfascial), and Group-III (deep subfascial). The primary outcome variables were quality of surgical field employing fromme scale, dissection time in minutes, amount of blood loss in milliliters, and facial nerve function (FNF) using House-Brackmann scale. The secondary outcome variables were postoperative pain using visual-analog scale and swelling in millimeters measured on 1st, 3rd, and 7th postoperative days and quality of life using facial clinimetric evaluation questionnaire at 6-month follow-up. Age, gender, side, diagnosis, and type of surgery were the covariates. The data were analyzed using descriptive, comparative, and regression analysis. A P value of less than .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULT: The study included thirty subjects (8 males and 22 females) with various TMJ disorders ranging in age from 8 years to 65 years (mean 27.83 ± 10.52). On evaluation of intraoperative parameters, subfascial approach had statistically significant superior quality of surgical field (Group-I: 1.90 ± 0.57; Group-II: 1.10 ± 0.32; Group-III: 1.40 ± 0.52; P value = .006), statistically significant shortest dissection time (Group-I: 18.30 ± 3.74 min; Group-II: 13.240 ± 1.96 min; Group-III: 16.20 ± 1.99 min; with P value = .03), and statistically significant lower amount of blood loss compared with other groups (Group-I: 92.40 ± 4.74 ml: Group-II: 82.30 ± 3.77 ml; Group-III: 84.60 ± 3.06 ml; P value<.001). On assessment of postoperative parameters, only FNF of temporal branch showed statistically significant difference from 24 hours till 3 months with better outcome in deep subfascial approach. Mean scores of FNF at 24 hours and 1-week (Group-I: 4.20 ± 2.39; Group-II: 2.40 ± 2.27; Group-III: 1.50 ± 1.58 P = .02) and 1-month and 3-month (Group-I: 2.70 ± 1.82; Group-II: 1.20 ± 0.63; Group-III: 1.00 ± 0.00 P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: The subfascial approach significantly improved intraoperative outcomes and deep subfascial approach was comparatively safe with fewer incidence of facial nerve injury.

Effect Of Age, Gender And Type Of Varicosity On The Post-Operative Pain Score After Seven-Day Compression Dressing After Varicose Vein Surgery.

Great saphenous vein insufficiency is linked to 80% of all remarkable lower limb varicosities. A total of 30 patients were enrolled from OPD fulfilling the inclusion criteria after the approval of the hospital's ethical committee. Patients had compression dressing for seven days after surgery. The patients were divided into two groups-Group-A (Compression dressing for two days) and Group-B (Compression dressing for seven days). Stratification of pain score was done against age, gender, and grades of varicose veins, and after dividing into groups t- test was put into use. A p 20 value ≤0.05 was contemplated to be remarkable. Thirty patients with primary varicose vein were enrolled in this study. The mean age of patients was 35.4±9.9 years. Mean pain score in these patients was 2.9±0.8 years. Pain score after seven days of compression dressing after the surgery for varicose veins depend upon the gender, age, and grades of the varicosity of the veins. It is lesser in the females, younger age groups, and in those who had initially lesser severity of the varicose veins.

Does Mandibular Condylar Morphology After Fracture Healing Predict Functional Outcomes in Patients Treated With Closed Reduction?

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to assess the healing temporomandibular joint morphology and function after closed treatment of unilateral mandibular condylar fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective interventional cohort study was designed in patients recruited from the outpatient department who underwent closed reduction for unilateral condylar fractures, and mean mouth opening, mean maximum protrusion, laterotrusion, and radiological pattern of healing were noted. RESULTS: Forty patients in the age group of 18-50 years (mean 24.5 years) were included. The difference between the pretreatment mean mouth opening (26.94 mm), mean maximum protrusion (1.22 mm), and laterotrusion (3.82 mm and 1.45 mm) values and the 6-month post-treatment values (46.3 mm, 4.45 mm, and 11.82 mm and 9.82 mm, respectively) was found to be statistically significant (P < .001). Deranged pretreatment occlusion seen in 20 cases was improved in 18 patients (85%) at the 6-month post-treatment visit, with persisting malocclusion in 2 patients (5%). Clinically, cases that had healed with the anatomical pattern (M1) were found to have significantly better clinical outcomes (P value < .05) than that achieved with cases healed with spherical pattern (M2), L-shaped pattern (M3), or detached pattern (M4). On radiographs, the greatest improvement (21.16 mm) in mean mouth opening values was seen in the M1 group (anatomical pattern), followed by similar improvement in groups M2 and M3 (18.39 and 18.66 mm, respectively). Least improvement (7.06 mm) was seen in the single case of the M4 group (detached pattern), although the 6-month post-treatment value was still an acceptable one (34 mm). CONCLUSIONS: Favorable functional outcomes can be achieved after closed treatment, including adequate mouth opening, pain-free jaw excursions, and stable occlusion, with the anatomical healing pattern showing the most superior results and the detached pattern being associated with relatively poorer outcomes compared with other healing patterns.

Is Modified Condylotomy a Better Surgical Option Compared With High-Condylar Shave With Eminectomy in Improving Symptoms of Internal Derangement of Temporomandibular Joint?

PURPOSE: A proper anatomical disc-condyle position is a prerequisite to prevent progressive deteriorating changes within the temporomandibular joint. Surgery becomes the primary treatment option for patients who do not recover with nonoperative management. The present study aimed to compare the clinical outcome of 2 different surgical procedures in patients with internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint. METHODS: A prospective clinical cohort study was conducted among patients presenting to outpatient department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences. The study sample was alternatively allocated into 2 treatment groups; Group I: modified condylotomy (MC) and Group II: high-condylar shave with eminectomy (HCSE). The primary outcome variables included pain on function, tenderness on palpation, and maximum mouth opening. The secondary outcome variables included joint sounds, jaw deviation on opening, maximum protrusive jaw movement, maximum ipsilateral jaw movement, and maximum contralateral jaw movement. The covariates were age, sex of the patient, duration of illness, the diagnosis based on Wilkes's staging, and the laterality (whether unilateral or bilateral). Descriptive, comparative, and regression analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients with Wilkes Stage II, III, and IV were included in the study (MC: 10 patients and HCSE: 11 patients). The mean age of the study sample was 32.67 (±11.66) years. Among 21 patients recruited in our study, 18 were females. It was observed that after 1-year follow-up, patients in Group I had significantly lower pain on function (0.30 ± 0.48) compared with Group II (3.00 ± 1.18). (P < .001). Similarly, tenderness on palpation was significantly decreased in Group I (0.80 ± 0.48) compared with Group II (2.45 ± 0.93; P < .001). Joint sounds were significantly lower in Group I (1.20 ± 0.63) compared with Group II (2.27 ± 0.90) after 1 year (P < .001). Maximum protrusive jaw movement and maximum ipsilateral jaw movement were significantly higher in Group I compared with Group II after 1 year. CONCLUSION: MC is a comparatively better surgical procedure than HCSE in patients with internal derangement of the TMJ.

Effect of Preoperative Intramuscular Injection of Botulinum Toxin A on Pain and Mouth Opening After Surgical Intervention in Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis Cases: A Controlled Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) into the masticatory muscles on the physiotherapy pain and mouth opening outcomes after surgical intervention of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis and to verify the effects using electromyographic studies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 20 patients with TMJ ankylosis. The patients were further subdivided into control and interventional groups. The interventional group was given intramuscular injections of BTX-A in the masticator muscles before surgery. Only saline injections were given to the control group. All 20 patients were evaluated for pain and ease of active physiotherapy at the 1-week and 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up visits using a questionnaire. Intergroup comparisons were performed for both groups. Electromyographic (EMG) studies were also performed in the intervention group for each patient. EMG recordings were performed of the individual masticator muscle in each patient before injection and at 1 and 3 months after injection. RESULTS: The intervention group showed better results with respect to pain during the mouth opening exercises and improvements in mouth opening. All the interventional group patients showed a transient decrease in the microvolt value on the EMG studies of their masticator muscles on injection of BTX-A. CONCLUSIONS: BTX-A injection can be a straightforward and useful adjunct to surgical treatment of TMJ ankylosis for the reduction of pain during postoperative physiotherapy.

Evolution and Genetic Diversity of the k13 Gene Associated with Artemisinin Delayed Parasite Clearance in Plasmodium falciparum.

Mutations in the Plasmodium falciparumk13 (Pfk13) gene are linked to delayed parasite clearance in response to artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) in Southeast Asia. To explore the evolutionary rate and constraints acting on this gene, k13 orthologs from species sharing a recent common ancestor with P. falciparum and Plasmodium vivax were analyzed. These comparative studies were followed by genetic polymorphism analyses within P. falciparum using 982 complete Pfk13 sequences from public databases and new data obtained by next-generation sequencing from African and Haitian isolates. Although k13 orthologs evolve at heterogeneous rates, the gene was conserved across the genus, with only synonymous substitutions being found at residues where mutations linked to the delayed parasite clearance phenotype have been reported. This suggests that those residues were under constraint from undergoing nonsynonymous changes during evolution of the genus. No fixed nonsynonymous differences were found between Pfk13 and its orthologs in closely related species found in African apes. This indicates that all nonsynonymous substitutions currently found in Pfk13 are younger than the time of divergence between P. falciparum and its closely related species. At the population level, no mutations linked to delayed parasite clearance were found in our samples from Africa and Haiti. However, there is a high number of single Pfk13 mutations segregating in P. falciparum populations, and two predominant alleles are distributed worldwide. This pattern is discussed in terms of how changes in the efficacy of natural selection, affected by population expansion, may have allowed for the emergence of mutations tolerant to ACTs.

Odontogenic keratocysts: A retrospective histopathological study.

Introduction: Odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) is an aggressive recurrent cyst with intriguing features. Various factors such as the surgical procedure are involved, and certain histological features contribute to its recurrence. We assessed the clinical, radiographic, and histopathological data of OKCs to better comprehend the true nature of this cyst. Material and Methods: A total of 58 lesions including four cases in association with nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS) were assessed. Radiographic features and histopathological features within the epithelium and capsule were assessed. Results: 72% of cases were seen in males and 28% in females. 43% of cases were seen in the mandibular ramus, and 65% exhibited unilocular radiolucency. 95% showed true parakeratinization. Cuboidal basal cell morphology was seen in 41.3% of cases and reversal of polarity in 60%. Basal budding, rete pegs, and mitosis were also observed within the epithelium. The epithelium showed separation at the subbasal level and suprabasal levels in 55 (94.9%) cases. Conclusion: Features such as basal cell budding, suprabasal mitotic activity, suprabasal split, localized inflammation, subepithelial hyalinization, and satellite cysts were commonly associated with recurrent cysts. Many newer genetic and molecular hypotheses have generated path-breaking contributions to the understanding of the biology of OKC. With the guidance and help of such factors, improved post-surgery results can be anticipated.

A case report of temporomandibular joint tuberculosis in a neonate with eleven years follow-up.

Background: Tuberculosis of the Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in a neonate is a rare entity. Undiagnosed/mismanaged tuberculosis can disseminate and be life-threatening to the patient. The purpose is to present a case of tubercular osteomyelitis of TMJ in a neonate with eleven years of follow-up. Case presentation: A one-and-a-half-month-old male neonate presented with a firm swelling in front of the left ear for the past 20 days. Ultrasound presented an avascular, hypoechoic lesion of 34*25*25mm. Irregular margins of underlying bone could suggest erosion. Aspiration revealed pus. ZN staining of pus revealed Mycobacterium tuberculosis. After draining the pus, the patient underwent antitubercular therapy. He revisited at ten years of age with a complaint of asymmetry. Although the patient got cured of his tuberculosis, investigations rose to a diagnosis of condylar hypoplasia with ipsilateral coronoid enlargement. A distraction of the mandible improved facial symmetry. Conclusion: Although pus revealed the presence of Acid-fast bacilli, it is not evident until there is a significant bacterial load. Escalation of tests with higher sensitivity is needed to diagnose tubercular osteomyelitis of TMJ. Patients must be made aware of possible sequelae of tubercular osteomyelitis of TMJ and need appropriate management. Oblique osteotomy at the angle and distraction improves both horizontal and vertical components of the mandible and thus improves symmetry. To the best of the author's knowledge, the following is the first case of primary tuberculosis of TMJ in a neonate and with such an extended follow-up.

Single Institute Audit of Maxillofacial Trauma Cases Before and During COVID-19 Pandemic.

Study Design: In the year 2020, we saw the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 causing COVID-19 into a full blown pandemic. This resulted in constraints on healthcare resources, and the attention was shifted to reduce cross contamination and prevent spreader events. Maxillofacial trauma care was also affected similarly, and most of the cases were managed by closed reduction whenever possible. A retrospective study was conducted to document our experience in treating maxillofacial trauma cases before and after nationwide lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic in India. Objective: The objective of the study was to compare the effect of pandemic in reported pattern of mandibular trauma and the result of closed reduction procedures in the management of single or multiple fractures in mandible during this time period. Methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Maulana Azad institute of Dental Sciences, Delhi, for a period of 20 months, that is, 10 months before and after nationwide lock down which was effective from 23rd March 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic. The cases were grouped into Group A (those reporting from 1st June 2019 to 31st March 2020) and Group B (those reporting from 1st April 2020 to 31st January 2021). Primary objectives were assessed and compared according to etiology, gender, location of the mandibular fractures, and treatment provided. Quality of life (QoL) associated with the treatment outcome by closed reduction was assessed after 2 months as a secondary objective using General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) in Group B. Results: A total of 798 patients sought treatment for mandibular fractures and included 476 patients in Group A and 322 in Group B. The groups showed similar age and male: female ratio. Cases showed a steep fall during first wave of pandemic, and most of the cases occurred as result of RTA followed by fall and assault. The fractures due to fall and assault showed an obvious rise during the lockdown period. There were 718 (89.97%) patients having exclusive mandibular fractures and 80 (10.03%) patients having involvement of both mandible and maxilla. Single fractures of mandible constituted 110 (23.11%) and 58 (18.01%) in Group A and B, respectively. 324 patients (68.07%) and 226 patients (70.19%) had multiple fractures involving mandible in respective groups. Parasymphysis of mandible was most commonly involved (24.31%) followed closely by unilateral condyle (23.48%) then Angle and Ramus of mandible (20.71%) with coronoid being the least fractured. During the initial 6 months after lockdown, all the cases were treated successfully using closed reduction. GOHAI QoL assessment conducted in cases having exclusive mandibular fracture (210 Multiple, 48 Single) showed favorable results with significant (P < .05) difference between the single and multiple fractures. Conclusions: After one and half years and recovering from the second wave of pandemic that hit the country, we have come to understand COVID-19 better and embraced better management protocol. The study reveals that IMF remains the gold standard for the management of most of the facial fractures in pandemic situations. It was evident from the QoL data that most of the patients were able to carry out their day-to-day functions adequately. As the country prepares for a third wave of pandemic, management of maxillofacial trauma by closed reduction will remain the norm for most unless indicated otherwise.

Surgical management of a rare variant of submucous cleft palate.

A submucous cleft is a palatal defect that is bridged over by mucosa; such a defect has been recognized for many years. A small portion of all cleft palate defects shows this phenomenon, but the cryptic nature of the lesion and the frequent failure to include it in the differential diagnosis of speech problems may make the defect's discovery a belated one. This report is a case of incomplete submucous cleft palate and its management.

Effect of botulinum toxin-A on pain and mouth opening following surgical intervention in oral submucous fibrosis - A controlled clinical trial.

The purpose of this trial was to study the effect on pain and mouth opening of intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin-A into masticatory muscles following surgical intervention in oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) cases. Injections of either botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) (study group) or normal saline (control group) were given 2 weeks prior to surgical intervention in OSMF patients, into the bilateral masseter and temporalis muscles. All patients were evaluated for pain and ease of active physiotherapy at 1 week and 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery using a numerical rating scale and appropriate questionnaires, with comparisons made between the study and control group patients. Electromyographic studies of the masticator muscles were also carried out in all patients before injection, and at 1 month and 6 months after injection. 20 OSMF patients were equally divided into study and control groups (n = 10 each). At 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery, the study group patients showed significantly greater decreases in pain (p-values of 0.007, 0.001, and 0.005, respectively) and greater ease in physiotherapy compared with the control group. EMG recordings of masticator muscles showed a transient drop in microvolt value in the study group 1 month after injection, unlike the control group recordings. It was concluded that preoperative BTX-A injection was a good addition to surgical therapy in the patient group.

Comparative evaluation of Low Level Laser Therapy and cryotherapy in pain control and wound healing following orthodontic tooth extraction: A double blind study.

PURPOSE: To compare and evaluate pain and healing following orthodontic tooth extraction using Low Level Laser Therapy [LLLT] and Cryotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 62 patients referred for orthodontic extraction of bilateral bicuspids were included. Subjects were alternatively divided into two groups with 31 patients each. One of the bilateral extraction sites was subjected to either intervention, LLLT or Cryotherapy, while the other site was kept as control. Pain was assessed for 7 consecutive days by Visual Analogue Scale and Wound healing on 4th, 7th and 14th days using a modified wound healing scale. RESULTS: Pain scores were generally better for Group I [LLLT] when compared to Group II [Cryotherapy] on all days. The highest mean score for pain observed on the 1st post-extraction day was 4.00 ± 0.93 and 4.16 ± 0.93 for Group I and Group II respectively [p = 0.42]. It was also observed that LLLT helped in better wound healing as compared to cryotherapy with a significant difference in wound healing on 7th [mean score for Group I and Group II- 1.16 ± 0.52 and 1.6 ± 0.62 respectively: p = 0.01] and 14th [mean score Group I and Group II- 0.23 ± 0.43 and 1.0 ± 0.58 respectively: p = 0.00] post-extraction days. CONCLUSION: LLLT has better analgesic and wound healing properties as compared to Cryotherapy, suggesting that LLLT should be preferred over cryotherapy whenever possible.

Comparing bystander response to a sudden cardiac arrest using a virtual reality CPR training mobile app versus a standard CPR training mobile app.

BACKGROUND: Using a mobile virtual reality (VR) platform to heighten realism for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training has the potential to improve bystander response. OBJECTIVES: We examined whether using a VR mobile application (mApp) for CPR training would improve bystander response compared with a standard mApp CPR training. METHODS: We randomized lay bystanders to either our intervention arm (VR mApp) or our control arm (mApp). During a post-intervention skills test, we collected bystander response data (call 911, perform CPR, ask for an automated external defibrillator (AED)), along with CPR quality (chest compression (CC) rate and depth). Wilcox rank sum was used to analyze CC rate and CC depth as they were not normally distributed; Pearson's Chi-square was used to analyze Chain of Survival variables. RESULTS: Between 3/2018 and 9/2018, 105 subjects were enrolled: 52 VR mApp and 53 mApp. Mean age was 46 ± 16 years, 34% were female, 59% were Black, and 17% were currently CPR trained (≤2 years). Bystander response was significantly higher in the VR mApp arm: called 911 (82% vs 58%, p = 0.007) and asked for an AED (57% vs 28%, p = 0.003). However there was no difference in CPR performed (98% vs 98%, p = NS) and the application of the AED (90% vs 93%, p = NS). When comparing the VR mApp to the mApp, mean CC rate was 104 ± 42 cpm vs 112 ± 30 cpm (p = NS), and mean CC depth was 38 ± 15 mm vs 44 ± 13 mm (p = 0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of the VR mApp significantly increased the likelihood of calling 911 and asking for an AED, however, CC depth was decreased.

Assessment of Mandibular Distraction Regenerate Using Ultrasonography and Cone Beam Computed Tomography: A Clinical Study.

Distraction osteogenesis (DO) is becoming a popular method of reconstruction for maxillofacial bony deformities or defects secondary to trauma or surgical tumor ablation. However, the technique is very sensitive in terms of the rate and rhythm of distraction. Because of this, there is a need for monitoring of the distraction regenerate during the distraction as well as the consolidation period. The present study was conducted to assess the regenerate using two imaging modalities, namely, ultrasonography (USG) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to determine their relative efficacies and to weigh their clinical usefulness in assessment of DO regenerate. The study was conducted on 12 patients (18 sites) who underwent mandibular distraction for correction of facial deformities. The results showed that overall USG correlated better with the condition of regenerate (r = 0.606) as compared with CBCT (r = 0.476). However, USG was less effective as compared with CBCT in assessing the regenerate once corticomedullary differentiation occurred in the bone.

Platelet-rich fibrin: the benefits.

Current published data presents confusing results about the effects of platelet-rich fibrin on bone, and there is a need for studies that throw light on its effect. Our main objective therefore was to evaluate (by fractal analysis) osseous regeneration in extraction sockets with and without platelet-rich fibrin in a study with a substantial sample and a reliable technique to calibrate its effects on bone cells. We also assessed the soft tissue response. Thirty-four patients had their bilaterally impacted third molars (68 surgical sites) extracted in this split-mouth study, following which platelet-rich fibrin was placed in one of the sockets. Patients were followed up clinically and radiographically, and a pain score and fractal analysis were used to evaluate healing of soft tissue and bone, respectively. We conclude that platelet-rich fibrin improves healing of both soft and hard tissues. Although osseous healing did not differ significantly between the groups, healing of soft tissue as judged by the pain score was significantly better in the experimental group.

Amalgamation of allogenic bone graft, platelet-rich fibrin gel, and PRF membrane in auto-transplantation of an impacted central incisor.

"Social six" teeth refers to the maxillary incisors and canines that play a vital role in the appearance of an individual and absence of any one of them has a significant psycho-social impact. Hence, early treatment and rehabilitation of the same are extremely important. A multitude of treatment options ranging from orthodontic extrusion, extraction followed by implant placement, fixed partial denture, and auto-transplantation have been advocated. This case report discusses the unique amalgamation of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), demineralized freeze-dried bone graft with use of PRF membrane during auto-transplantation of an impacted central incisor. The authors have focused on maximum usage of autogenous materials in the most economic and least invasive manner. Furthermore, this amalgamation has been used to provide rehabilitation in the least span of time.

Odontogenic myxoma: Report of three cases and retrospective review of literature in Indian population.

PURPOSE: To review the clinical pattern and treatment modalities meted out to patients of odontogenic myxoma (OM) in Indian population in last 30 years and also to report 3 cases of OM. METHOD: A retrospective review of radiograph and histopathology of three cases of odontogenic myxoma treated between 2005 and 2011 was done. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to examine the pattern of vimentin and NSE. Also a computerized literature search using Medline and Google scholar was conducted for published articles on OM in Indian population in last 30 years. RESULT: A total of 32 OM cases reviewed from 25 articles retrieved. Out of them 24 myxomas were present in maxilla, only 8 were in mandible and a single case was present in supraglottic region (larynx). Surgical procedure carried out was excision and curettage in 16 patients and resection with safe margin followed by reconstruction 13 patients. All the three reported cases were successfully treated by tumor enucleation and peripheral ostectomy with no recurrence after 3 to 7 years. CONCLUSION: Odontogenic myxoma is a rare odontogenic tumor with inconclusive clinical and radiographic features, hence histopathological examination is mandatory to confirm its diagnosis. Although the immunohistochemical analysis may help in diagnosis but plays no role in guiding treatment planning or predicting the rate of recurrence. Currently we lack data on number of reported OM cases in Indian population as author feels more patients must have been treated then reported.

Transdermal diclofenac patches for control of post-extraction pain. Pilot randomized controlled double-blind study.

PURPOSE: The scope of transdermal analgesics have been limited to pain control following local trauma, muscle spasm, minor esthetic surgeries, or sports-related injuries. Its scope of application can be extended in the field of dentistry and minor oral surgical procedures. METHODS: A total of 40 healthy patients between the age of 18 and 50 years with deeply carious, nontender mandibular molar tooth deemed unsalvageable which was indicated for extraction were taken into study of which subjects were divided into cases and controls. RESULTS: The data were analyzed with chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U test; the chi-square test showed significant association with expected outcome in visual analog scale pain scores, the two groups at 6th and 12th hour. A Mann-Whitney U test was performed to identify strength of association between two groups where there were significant association between all parameters except for pain interference with routine activities and dental health status(0.022, 0.001); the differences between two groups in these parameters were significant (<0.05). CONCLUSION: Transdermal route seems to be comparable to oral diclofenac in post-extraction pain relief; further studies are required to confirm the results and safety for its use in various other dental situations.

Maxillo Mandibular Fixation in Edentulous Scenarios: Combined MMF Screws and Gunning Splints.

A fracture of the maxillary or mandibular bone requires the afflicted to undergo a maxillo mandibular fixation for the establishment of pre traumatic occlusion. This process is quiet tedious and consumes a considerable period of time before any surgical procedure can commence. Such a situation can be complicated in case the individual with maxillomandibular fracture has sparse or absent dentition; for such cases a splint is fabricated or an erstwhile existing denture is used for maintaining a vertical jaw proportion. Stabilizing such splints to the jaw requires various invasive approaches that can bring into harm's way, adjacent soft tissue vital structures. We describe here an innovative technique combining the time tested method of the "gunning splint" and the advanced minimally invasive MMF screws for obtaining closed reduction in edentulous jaw fractures.