News & Updates
Authors: Probert TC, Wiesenfeld D, Reade PC.
Abstract
The relationship between temporomandibular pain dysfunction disorder (TMPD) and trauma to the head and neck is unclear. A retrospective analysis of the records from the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) of Victoria, Australia, in the year 1987, was done to identify those subjects who received treatment for TMPD resulting from a road traffic accident (RTA). Twenty-eight subjects with TMPD were identified from a total of 20 673 subjects who claimed health care services from the TAC for RTA-related disorders. In this study, TMPD for which subjects sought treatment was uncommonly associated with either direct or indirect trauma to the temporomandibular joints: 0.4% of subjects with mandibular fractures and 0.5% of subjects with whiplash injuries presented for treatment of an associated TMPD. Females were found to present for treatment of TMPD more commonly than males at a ratio of 5:2. It was also noted that 75% of subjects complained of symptoms of TMPD immediately after the accident and approximately 96% within 2 months of the accident. Subjects were not lost to follow-up because all claims for treatment were made to the TAC, regardless of the clinician involved. In this study, 25% of subjects attended more than one dentist for management. It was concluded that TMPD for which subjects sought treatment was an uncommon result of an RTA and was infrequently associated with a mandibular fracture or whiplash injury.
Authors: Nastri AL, Hookey SR.
Abstract
The case of an interesting mandibular cyst is presented. The pathogenesis of this cyst may be related to implantation of epithelial remnants in an autogenous graft to the recipient tissues during previous cosmetic surgery. With the proliferation of methods involving tissue transfer to the maxillofacial region, the possibility of the transfer of potentially pathogenic material needs to be considered.
Authors: Nastri AL, Wiesenfeld D, Radden BG, Eveson J, Scully C.
Abstract
Ameloblastoma is uncommon in the maxilla, comprising about 15% of all reported ameloblastomas. Ameloblastomas are locally aggressive and, when involving the maxilla, potentially lethal. The long term outcome of 13 patients with ameloblastoma in the maxilla for whom surgery was the primary treatment between 1951-1990 was studied. Patient records from both private and public practices in Melbourne, Australia were examined as were those cases reported to the Bone Tumour Registry at the University of Bristol, England. The study showed that control of disease was achieved in all patients where the tumour was limited to the confines of the maxilla (10 cases). The mean follow-up period in this group was 7 years (range 2-20 years). In the three cases that recurred all had preoperative radiological evidence of posterior maxillary sinus wall destruction and/or pterygoid plate erosion. Two patients died of extensive local recurrence and one has persistence of the disease. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of ameloblastoma in each case with a variety of histological patterns being noted. It is concluded that notwithstanding histological type, the extent of the tumour at presentation and the adequacy of the surgical approach and removal were the main factors in successfully managing the disease.
Authors: Nastri AL, Smith AC.
Abstract
The aim of this pilot study was to develop an experimental model for the assessment of bone augmentation, and in doing so compare the use of various synthetic membranes by relating osteogenesis to their microstructural and physical properties. Calvarial sites in nine Sprague Dawley rats were prepared for bone augmentation and three different membranes were used to cover the healing sites. Specimens were retrieved at sequenced intervals and subjected to macroscopic, histologic and histomorphometric analysis. The results obtained suggest that while current membranes are adequate for the regeneration of bone they may not be ideal for bone augmentation.
Authors: Szuster FS, Nastri AL, Goss AN, Spencer AJ.
Abstract
This study examined Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon (OMS) workforce issues in relation to current training in Australia and New Zealand. Earlier findings identified that there was a requirement of approximately 6 additional OMS specialists per year in Australia and one per year in New Zealand to maintain an adequate level of supply in the profession. It was found in this study that through to the early part of the next decade the number of OMS entering the Australian workforce is appropriate (5.9 per annum), but there would appear to be concerns about the sufficiency of the number entering the New Zealand workforce (0.7 per annum). In addition, the study also found possible maldistribution in the location of intended future practices, with possible shortages outside of the metropolitan areas.
Authors: Szuster FS, Nastri AL, Goss AN, Spencer AJ.
Abstract
This study examined the demographic characteristics, educational background and attitudes toward training of all recent OMS specialists and all current trainees in Australia and New Zealand in 1996. The early nineties is a key period as it marks the transition from an essentially dentally based speciality (85% dental degree in 1990); to recent specialists with an increasing number with both medical and dental degrees (33% dual degree 1990-1996); to predominantly dual degree training (84.4% dual in 1996). Current trainees had more extensive experience in pathology, preprosthetic and reconstructive surgery. They were also strongly critical of the length and cost of training.
Author: Magnusson M1, Pyykkö I, van Setten G, Norlander T, Nastri A, Westermark A.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is important for wound healing and tissue repair. This study measures the concentration of bFGF in oral lichen planus (OLP) affected mucosa and in the saliva of patients with OLP.
STUDY DESIGN:
Samples of saliva, OLP-affected mucosa, and clinically healthy mucosa were obtained from 11 patients. Control samples were obtained from healthy volunteers. The bFGF content of tissue samples and saliva was examined by ELISA.
RESULTS:
The mean bFGF concentration in saliva from OLP patients was 5.9 pg/mL, SD 2.9, compared with 0.3 pg/mL, SD 0.3, in the control group, (P>.01). The bFGF content in the OLP tissue was 90.6 microg/mg protein, SD 39.5, in clinically normal mucosa from OLP individuals it was 46.2 microg/mg protein, SD 12.0 (P=.02), and in the control group 46.2 microg/mg protein, SD 11.5 (P>.01).
CONCLUSION:
OLP-affected mucosa contained significant more bFGF than nonaffected mucosa in OLP and healthy mucosa in control group. There is no difference between nonaffected mucosa in OLP and control group. Saliva in OLP patients contained more bFGF than saliva in control patients.
Authors: Huamán ET, Juvet LM, Nastri A, Denman WT, Kaban LB, Dodson TB.
Abstract
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this study was to estimate the hospital length of stay (LOS) and identify factors associated with LOS in orthognathic surgery patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Using a retrospective cohort study design, we enrolled a sample composed of patients who underwent orthognathic surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital between January 1994 and July 2006. The primary predictor variables were fixation type (rigid/nonrigid), anesthesia technique (hypotensive/normotensive), and perioperative steroid use (yes/no). The outcome variable was LOS. Descriptive statistics were computed for all variables. Bivariate analyses were used to identify factors associated with duration of LOS with P values less than .15. Multiple regression modeling was used to assess the relationship between the primary predictor variables and LOS. The level of statistical significance was set at P less than .05.
RESULTS:
The study sample was comprised of 627 subjects (58.5% female) with a mean age of 26.1 +/- 10.2 years. The overall mean LOS was 1.7 +/- 1.2 days. During the study period, LOS decreased from 2.3 to 1.3 days (P < .001). In the adjusted multiple regression model, rigid fixation, procedure type, and length of operation were statistically significantly associated with LOS (P < .05).
CONCLUSION:
The results of this study indicate that individual variables associated with duration of LOS are complexity of the orthognathic procedure and type of fixation used. In the multiple logistic regression model, LOS decreases significantly when rigid fixation, hypotensive anesthesia, and perioperative steroids are used in combination.
Authors: DeAngelis AF, Barrowman RA, Harrod R, Nastri AL.
Abstract
Fractures of the facial skeleton are a common reason for patients to present to EDs and general medical practice in Australia. Trauma to the maxillofacial region can lead to airway obstruction, intracranial injuries, loss of vision or long-term cosmetic and functional deficits. This article focuses on the emergency assessment, triage and non-specialist management of traumatic injuries of the orbit and facial skeleton.
Author: Connon FV, Austin SJ, Nastri AL.
Abstract
Orbital roof fractures are relatively uncommon in craniofacial surgery but present a management challenge due to their anatomy and potential associated injuries. Currently, neither a classification system nor treatment algorithm exists for orbital roof fractures, which this article aims to provide. This article provides a literature review and clinical experience of a tertiary trauma center in Australia.
All cases admitted to the Royal Melbourne Hospital with orbital roof fractures between January 2011 and July 2013 were reviewed regarding patient characteristics, mechanism, imaging (computed tomography), and management. Forty-seven patients with orbital roof fractures were treated. Three of these were isolated cases. Forty were male and seven were female. Assault (14) and falls (13) were the most common causes of injury.
Forty-two patients were treated conservatively and five had orbital roof repairs. On the basis of the literature and local experience, we propose a four-point system, with subcategories allowing for different fracture characteristics to impact management. Despite the infrequency of orbital roof fractures, their potential ophthalmological, neurological, and functional sequelae can carry a significant morbidity. As such, an algorithm for management of orbital roof fractures may help to ensure appropriate and successful management of these patients.