Aim:To compare and evaluate the treatment outcome and postoperative complications in mandibular fractures using 2- and 3-dimensional miniplates.Materials and Methods:This study consisted of a sample of 28 patients (40 fracture sites) divided randomly but equally (single-blind control trial study) into two groups. Each group contains 14 patients (20 similar fracture sites in each group). Group 1 was treated with open reduction and internal fixation using 3-dimensional (3-D) miniplates. Group II was treated using 2-dimensional (2-D) 2-mm miniplates.Results:Out of 14 patients treated by conventional 2-mm miniplates, 2 patients developed occlusal discrepancy, another 2 had postoperative mobility at fracture site, and 1 developed plate failure and subsequent infection, which was treated by removal of the plate under antibiotic coverage. One patient treated by 3-dimensional plates had tooth damage.Statistical Analysis:Chi-square test.Conclusion:The results of this study suggested that the treatment of mandibular fractures (symphysis, parasymphysis, and angle) with 3-dimensional plates provided 3-dimensional stability and carried low morbidity and infection rates. The only probable limitations of 3-dimensional plates were excessive implant material due to the extra vertical bars incorporated for countering the torque forces.

Unicystic ameloblastoma is a benign, locally invasive odontogenic neoplasm of young age which can develop during the stage of tooth formation and hence its early inception and vast proliferation is not uncommon in this age group, due to which it can grow into a huge lesion causing significant morbidity. Conservative surgical management may be a viable option to reduce morbidity and increase the probability of uneventful secondary healing and bone regeneration in the younger population.

Aim The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of buccal fat pad-derived stem cells (BFPSCs) as a source for full thickness bone defect repair secondary to pathology in maxilla or mandible. Methods Fat-derived stem cells were isolated from buccal fat pad, differentiated into osteocytes in osteogenic medium, and seeded onto human bone defects. Autologous buccal fat pad was harvested and BFPSCs cultured within 4-6 weeks. Bone defects secondary to enucleation of pathologic cyst or tumors were reconstructed with osteogenically differentiated fat-derived stem cells. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemical staining for osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase and genotypic and phenotypic marker analysis, and histomorphometric measurements of new bone were performed. Results Maxillofacial bone defects were successfully reconstructed by BFPSCs, which after implantation at an in vivo site yielded faster osseous regeneration. BFPSCs were associated with superior bone density formation, better blending of margins with enhanced bone trabecular formation, well-organized and well-vascularized lamellar bone with Haversian channels and osteocytes resulting in superior functional and cosmetic results with better quality of life and with significant decrease in secondary complications. Conclusion Buccal fat pad is an ideal tool in the hands of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for tissue engineering and clinical use requiring bone tissue growth and repair, secondary to large osseous defects. This study demonstrates the feasibility of reconstructing bony defects with fat-derived stem cells.

Cleft lip and palate (CL and P) represents the second most frequently occurring congenital deformity after clubfoot deformity. CL and P could be associated with many other structural abnormalities of the adjacent vital structures of the face. In this study, an attempt was made to identify the abnormalities of the ocular structures seen in patients with isolated CL and P as well as in those with syndromic CL and P. Of the 322 patients with cleft lip and palate screened, 27 (8.3%) had ocular abnormalities. Totally 47 ocular defects were identified in 27 patients. Abnormalities of the eyelid were the commonest accounting for 22% of the total defects (11/47), which includes symblepharon, ectropion, lid colobomas, euryblepharon and ptosis. Second commonest abnormality was squint 8/47 (17%) followed by orbital defects 8/47 (17%) (Telecanthus and Hypertelorism). Abnormalities of the nasolacrimal apparatus 3/47 (6%), refractive errors 7/47 (15%), dermoids 4/47 (6%), cataract 2/47 (4%) and retinal colobomas 2/47 (4%) constituted the rest. Thus, children with cleft lip and palate should be assessed as soon as possible after birth by a multidisciplinary team involving the Pediatrician, Ophthalmologist and specialists from Maxillofacial, ENT and Plastic surgery. The medical problems in this group of children are global and therefore, should not be looked at in isolation.

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