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ObjectivesInfection involving the orbit, zygomatic space, lateral pharyngeal space, or hemifacial and oral floor phlegmon is referred to as cervicofacialvinfection (CFI). When diagnosis and/or adequate treatment are delayed, these infections can be life-threatening. Most cases are the result of odontogenic infections. We highlight our experiences in the management of this life-threatening condition.Materials and MethodsThis was a retrospective study of patients who presented with CFI from December 2005 to June 2012 at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic or the Accident and Emergency Unit of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (Zaria, Nigeria). The medical records of all patients who presented with either localized or diffuse infection of the maxillofacial soft tissue spaces were retrospectively collected. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 13.0 and are expressed as descriptive and inferential statistics.ResultsOf the 77 patients, 49 patients (63.6%) were males, a male to female ratio of 1:7.5. The ages ranged from two years to 75 years with a mean of 35.0±19.3 years, although most patients were older than 40 years. The duration of symptoms prior to presentation ranged from 6 to 60 days, with a mean of 11.0±9.4 days. More than 90% of the patients presented to the clinic within the first 10 days. The most commonly involved anatomical space was the submandibular space (n=29, 37.7%), followed by hemifacial space (n=22, 28.6%) and buccal space (n=7, 9.1%). Ludwig angina accounted for about 7.8% of the cases.ConclusionCFI most commonly involves the submandibular space, typically affects individuals with a low level of education, and is influenced by traditional medical practices. Despite improved health care delivery, CFI remains a significant problem in developing countries.

ObjectivesNon-vascularized iliac crest bone graft (NVIBG) is a known treatment option in mandibular reconstruction following jaw resection, but no documented review of patients treated with NVIBG exists for northern Nigeria. The experience and technique from a Nigerian tertiary hospital may serve as baseline data for comparison and improvement of practice for other institutions.Materials and MethodsA retrospective review of medical records and patient case files from January 2012 to December 2013 was undertaken. All case files and other medical records of patients who had reconstruction with NVIBG for benign or malignant lesions with immediate or delayed reconstruction were selected for review.ResultsTwenty patients had mandibular reconstruction with NVIBG during the study period. Two patients were excluded because of incomplete medical records. Eighteen patients' (male=14, female=4) records were reviewed. Their ages ranged from 13 to 62 years (mean 26.0±10.6 years). Indications for NVIBG included jaw tumors (n=16; 88.3%), jaw cyst (n=1; 5.6%) and gunshot injury (n=1; 5.6%). Jaw tumors seen were ameloblastoma (n=15; 83.3%) and osteosarcoma (n=1; 5.6%). Treatments done were mandibular resection with condylar resection (n=7; 38.9%), mandibular segmental resection (n=10; 55.6%) and subtotal mandibulectomy (n=1; 5.6%). Patients' postoperative reviews and radiographs revealed good facial profile and continued bone stability up to 1 year following NVIBG.ConclusionNVIBGs provide an acceptable alternative to vascularized bone grafts, genetically engineered bone, and distraction osteogenesis for mandibular reconstruction in resource-limited centers.

IntroductionQuality of life (QoL) studies provide information about the impact of disease, the treatment of symptoms, and outcomes following treatment. The present study aims to evaluate the postoperative QoL of patients treated for oral cancer in a Nigerian government tertiary hospital.Materials and MethodsA prospective study on consenting patients with oral cancer was undertaken at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria. The subjects completed the University of Washington QoL (UW-QoL) questionnaire one day prior to surgery and postoperatively after 7 days, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months.ResultsSixty-eight patients with oral cancer were recruited. Of these, 38 were males, and 30 were females (male : female, 1.3 : 1). Twenty-four patients (12 males and 12 females) underwent surgery and completed postoperative QoL assessment using the UW-QoL questionnaire. Preoperative QoL mean score was 2.21, while postoperative mean scores after 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months were 3.67, 3.46, 2.82, and 2.61, respectively.ConclusionAn improvement in QoL following surgical treatment for patients with oral cancer was observed. 'Appearance,' 'recreation,' and 'chewing' were identified as the most important determinants of postoperative QoL in patients with oral cancer in our study.

Introduction primary maxillofacial tumors are uncommon in pediatric patients. When they do occur, the tissue damage caused directly alters facial growth, development as well as psycho-social evolution. This study was carried out to determine the pattern, sociodemographic characteristics and histologic peculiarities of paediatric jaw tumors in our environment. Methods a retrospective hospital-based study where the case notes of children below the age of 14 years who presented with jaw tumors and tumor-like lesions from January 2014 to December 2018 were studied. Results eighty-two patients were studied; patients aged 10-14 years had the highest representation. Mean time of presentation was 8 months with jaw swelling being the commonest presentation (84.1%). Majority of the fathers were in their 4 th decade of life while most of the mothers were in their third decade of life and both parents possessed primary school certificate as their highest level of educational attainment. Fathers were mostly traders, while mothers were mostly full-time housewives. The maxilla and mandible were most commonly affected with the left side showing higher preponderance. Burkitt lymphoma (19 (23.2%)) and adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (14 (17.1%)) were the commonest lesions. When the tumor involved both the maxilla and the mandible, the tumor was most likely malignant. Conclusion in our center, paediatric jaw tumors are commonest in male children with the 10-14 years´ age group most commonly affected. Burkitt lymphoma and adenomatoid odontogenic tumors were the commonest tumors. Early presentation must be encouraged since these tumors if presented early can be successfully treated.