The diagnosis of odontogenic tumors of the maxillary sinus is difficult and challenging. Surgeons need to work in conjunction with an oral and maxillofacial pathologist to ensure accurate diagnosis for proper surgical planning.
Study Design: Cross-sectional study design. Objective: There are multiple accepted treatment options for internal fixation of mandibular angle fractures. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a safe zone for lateral border fixation of mandibular angle fractures. Methods: One hundred coronal images of facial computed tomography (CT) scans were reviewed on patients between the ages of 18 to 48. Measurements were taken in the area of the second and third molar region related to the inferior border to the superior extent of the inferior alveolar canal and apex of the second molar root, along with buccal cortical measurements to the inferior alveolar canal and apical third of the second molar root. Results: The average measurement of the inferior border in the second molar area to the inferior alveolar canal and apex of the root was 1.12 cm (0.70-1.77) and 1.39 cm (0.91-2.30), respectively. The average measurement of the inferior border of the third molar to the inferior alveolar canal was 1.26 cm (0.78-1.83). The average measurement of the buccal cortex of the second molar to the inferior alveolar canal and apical one-third of the root was 0.64 cm (0.34-1.25) and 0.59 cm (0.33-0.98), respectively. The average measurement of the third molar buccal cortex to the inferior alveolar canal was 0.45 cm (0.18-0.98). Conclusion: In the area of the second molar region, there is no ubiquitous safe zone for screw placement, cortical bone thickness is more critical than vertical placement of the fixation plate and screws. In the third molar region, cortical bone thickness and vertical orientation may provide a safe zone for screw placement.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.