aim: To determine the prevalence, aetiological factors and demographic data of patients presenting with injuries sustained from maxillofacial trauma over a six month period at Zithulele Hospital. Materials and Methods: In a retrospective, descriptive study, data collected and analysed included records of all patients who had suffered maxillofacial trauma, their demographics, clinical features and the aetiology. The radiographic records were assessed by a maxillofacial surgeon and a radiologist for a diagnosis as well as gaining opinions regarding the types of fractures observed. results: A total of 239 patients sustained maxillofacial trauma. The most common aetiological factor was interpersonal violence (55%) followed by road traffic accidents (16%), falls (10%), animals (4%) and other causes (2%). The male to female ratio was 2.6:1 and the 18-24 years age group endured the most trauma. A total of 210 (88%) patients sustained soft tissue injuries while 29 (12%) experienced hard tissue injuries, with 39 fractures diagnosed. A total of 165 maxillofacial radiographs were assessed, 37% were diagnostically acceptable, 56% had poor diagnostic value and 7% had no diagnostic value. conclusion: Maxillofacial trauma is prevalent in rural parts of South Africa. Males aged 18-24 years are frequent victims, with interpersonal violence being the major aetiology.

The articular disc of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) cannot be seen on plain x-ray examination but an accurate assessment of the space between the glenoid fossa and the head of the condyle may provide the clinician with a clue to a possible pathological problem. Measurements of the TMJ space seen on panoramic radiographs (PAN) and on cone beam computerised tomographic scans (CBCT) were carried out on films taken of of left and right TMJs of forty-six patients. On each image a vertical line was drawn digitally from the highest point of the condylar head to the glenoid fossa of the temporal bone. The lengths of the lines were recorded on Galileo software and compared using the Bland-Altman statistical test (total sample size 92 joints). Bias was achieved at mean differences of 1.03mm with a p-value of <0.001 which was statistically significant. Left and right TMJ mean values showed a 0.09 mm difference. Age was insignificant at p=0.40. The Levels of Agreement indicated workable concord between the methods although a wide range was evident.

Go to the SADA website www.sada.co.za. 2 Log into the 'member only' section with your unique SADA username and password. 3 Select the CPD navigation tab. 4 Select the questionnaire that you wish to complete.

Histological changes were studied in the rat tongue for varying periods of time up to 14 days following the application of a cryoprobe to the dorsal surface of rat tongue. Within minutes of the application, focal subepithelial vesiculation and hyperemia occurred. At 3 h there was evidence of damage to capillary walls, resulting in hemorrhage. Arterioles and venules were thrombosed and there were degenerative changes in the muscle layer of their walls. At 6 h ventral epithelium showed evidence of damage. At this stage vessel walls were pavemented with neutrophilic polymorphonucleat leukocytes (PMN) and some of the latter were seen in the vessel walls. At 24 h abundant PMN, many of them necrotic, were present in the vessel walls, apparently unable to pass through them. At 48 h numerous PMN were seen adhering to degenerating muscle fibers. By 4 days necrotic changes extended through the full thickness of the tongue, but concurrently it was observed that the larger thrombosed vessels were becoming recanalized. At 5 days repair by granulation tissue was taking place and at 6 days the vasculature was virtually reconstituted. By 14 days healing was complete.