BackgroundIn Literature fractures of the mandible that involve the condyle ranges from 20% to 35% and various possible surgical options are described according to the varying pathological situations. Up to the present, numerous techniques have been used for the surgical treatment of condylar fractures. In this article we are proposing the combination of two surgical techniques as therapy for extra-capsular condylar fractures with dislocation.MethodsFrom June 2003 to July 2007 30 patients were treated for condylar fractures with the application of a Rigid External Fixator under endoscopic assistance. This method includes a surgical reduction of the fracture with the aid of an endoscope, performing a transcutaneous insertion of a Rigid External Fixator to stabilize the fracture.ResultsOut of the total number of patients, 28 reached an optimal result without the need for temporary immobilization of the temporal mandibular joint and pre-auricular cutaneous access, thanks to the decisive aid of the video-endoscope.ConclusionsThe endoscope allows perfect control over both the positioning of the external fixator and the surgical reduction, restoring the normal movement of the mandible with a return to full anatomical functioning of the temporo-mandibular joint. This approach avoids possible damages to the facial nerve branches. The rigid external fixation system is better than an internal one, because it is less restrictive in precise anatomical reduction, since with an REF the condylar fragment is kept in the correct anatomical position but is not obliged to maintain that exact position, and therefore it is possible to carry out all the repair mechanisms listed above. Endoscopic assistance allows a good positioning control of the REF although the endoscopy permits an optimal control of the condylemeniscal complex mobility after REF application.

Nowadays the development of diagnostic imaging, surgical techniques, alloplastic materials, and surgical instruments has made possible a more accurate management of orbital fractures. The aim of the present study was the management of orbital fractures and the solution of particular cases. The use of high-resolution computed tomography makes possible to gain a better understanding of the complex orbit anatomical structure. Also endoscopy is a valid alternative for medial orbital wall fractures treatment. It gives high control of the fracture site and its reduction. When this technology is combined with 3-dimensional (3D) reformatted images, it allows us to reconstruct more accurately the orbital defects. The authors present their experience in complex orbital fractures treated with the aim of the 3D navigation using a preformed orbital titanium plate. Endosopical approach was used to control plate positioning.

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Rationale:Jaw metastasis is a very rare condition associated with lung cancer evolution. In this paper we present two cases of patients who underwent different approach.Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer related death worldwide. Survival depends on the staging and biology of tumor. Smoking may affect the prognosis.Patient concerns:There are herein reported the cases of two patients affected by squamous cell lung cancer with spread to mandibular bone.Diagnoses:In the first case a computed tomography (CT scan) showed a large mass located in upper right lung , then bronchoscopy was performed with biopsies and the histology revealed a squamous cell carcinoma P63+ and TTF-. In the second case upper right lung mass with metastases to mediastinal bilateral lymph nodes was found at CT scan. A bronchial biopsy revealed a squamous cell carcinoma p63 positive and TTF-1 negative.Interventions:The first, a 65-years old man, current heavy smoker who quit and relapsed, at initial stage of IIa (T2aN1M0), after initial neo-adjuvant chemotherapy underwent lung lobectomy and lymph nodes resection. Three months later a metastasis located on mandibular bone was found out. The second case, a 68-years old female heavy smoker, at initial stage IIIb not available for surgery because of involvement of bilateral lymph nodes, underwent first line course chemotherapy with cisplatin and vinorelbine and second line with erlotinib.Outcomes:The first patient underwent hyperthermia and radiotherapy but a sepsis developed and patients died. In the second case, after two months from the beginning of II line the patient developed a jaw metastasis and underwent surgery with resection of hemi-mandible, but soon after she died because of pulmonary embolism.Lessons:These cases highlight the poor prognosis of patients current smokers affected by squamous cell lung cancer. The jaw bone localization is very rare and different approach could be applied.

Traumatic, neoplastic, inflammatory, or infective dental removal promotes a gradual resorption process of bone which leads to a “nonuse” atrophy of the alveolar ridges. Many techniques allows restoring an appropriate bone thickness, but nowadays the attention is focused on the use of natural or synthetic grafts. Numerous studies have been conducted to develop and test new synthetic materials. In this article, the authors report their experience using a synthetic bone substitute in combination with Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF). This technique was applied in different zones of the maxillomandibular district. The procedure showed a very satisfying bone regeneration without important complications.

As part of the trauma of the upper third of the massive face, the fronto-orbito-zygomatic arch is the most frequent and is often associated with eyelid involvement. From 2001 to 2008, 135 patients with fronto-orbital eyelid complex alterations occurred at our center; the patients were included in clinical follow-ups until 2010. Most patients (80%) came to our observation in a state of emergency due to automobile accidents, sports injuries, or assaults, whereas a smaller proportion (20%) was because of previous trauma or surgery. Among the urgent patients, 28 patients present bone lesions without soft-tissue involvement, 62 present bone lesions with soft-tissue involvement, and 16 present only soft-tissue lesions. Among the patients who came as outcomes, in 16 patients, a bone review was necessary; in 15 patients, only soft-tissue review was necessary; and 8 patients needed only scar outcome review. Soft-tissue treatment was more difficult, especially the eyelid. The eyelid must be treated as soon as possible to avoid corneal lesions and major complications like total vision lost. The surgical design must satisfy even the aesthetic profile to guarantee functional success and aesthetic too.

Background: To date, there are no studies reported in the literature on the possible use of bovine collagen, oxidized regenerated cellulose, or synthetic hyaluronic acid medications in the oral cavity. The aim of this paper is to report the use of bovine collagen, oxidized regenerated cellulose, and synthetic hyaluronic acid medications to improve wound healing in the oral cavity by stimulating granulomatous tissue. Methods: From 2007 to 2011, 80 patients (median age 67 years) suffering from oral mucosal lesions participated in this double-blind study. The patients were divided into two groups, each consisting of 40 patients. One group received conventional medications, while the other group of patients were treated with the advanced medications. Results: Advanced medications allowed re-epithelialization of the wound margin in 2-20 days, whereas patients receiving conventional medication showed a median healing duration of 45 days. Conclusion:The results of this study demonstrate that treating oral mucosal wounds with advanced medication has an advantage with regard to wound healing time, allowing patients to have a rapid, functional, and esthetic recovery.

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