David Moraes de Oliveira

Comparative study of eminectomy and use of bone miniplate in the articular eminence for the treatment of recurrent temporomandibular joint dislocation

UNLABELLED Dislocation of the temporomandibular joint occurs when the mandibular condyle exits the glenoidal cavity and remains anteriorly locked to the articular eminence. It is repetitive (recurrent dislocation), usually associated with mandibular hypermobility and inclination of the articular eminence. AIM This study intended to clinically and radiologically assess the technique of eminectomy and the use of a miniplate on the articular eminence for the treatment of recurrent dislocation of the temporomandibular joint of patients operated on at Oswaldo Cruz University Hospital from January to September 2003. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort. MATERIAL AND METHOD The sample consisted of 11 patients. Eminectomy was performed on nine joints of five patients and the placement of a miniplate on the articular eminence was performed on 11 joints of six patients. Data collection was carried out through analysis of patients medical charts and new postoperative visit. RESULTS The results showed that there were no major postoperative complications with either technique. Maximum mouth opening was greater with eminectomy procedure and none of the patients operated on presented any recurrence of dislocation. CONCLUSION It is concluded that both techniques were effective in the treatment of recurrent dislocation of the temporomandibular joint.

A New Approach for Reconstruction of a Severely Atrophic Mandible

PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to report a case of a patient with a severely atrophic mandible (less than 5 mm) who was treated without bone graft using short implants and internal rigid fixation. PATIENT AND METHODS A 61-year-old woman was referred to a private clinic in the city of Recife (Brazil) with a severely resorbed mandible (less than 5 mm). The patient reported a history of nearly 15 years of complete edentulism and consecutive treatment failures. Cone beam tomography was performed and severe atrophy was confirmed, revealing total bilateral exposed inferior alveolar nerves. There was a high risk of pathologic mandible fracture, since bone density in critical areas was very low. Treatment of choice was the placement of 4 Shorty (3.75 x 5.5 mm) implants (Nobel Biocare, Göteborg, Sweden) at the symphysis for immediate functional reasons and a 2.0-mm large profile Unilock bone plate (Synthes Maxillofacial, Paoli, PA) to reinforce the mandible. A rapid prototype model was made to help precontour the plate, enabling the insertion of the plate through the transoral approach. RESULTS A week after surgery, a Brånemark prosthesis protocol was performed and the patient was satisfied with the result. At 29 months after surgery, the patient was still satisfied and had excellent function without complications. CONCLUSIONS Because of the reported advances in implantology and internal rigid fixation, more patients would be able to improve their severe dental condition without the use of more invasive techniques.

Estudo comparativo da eminectomia e do uso de miniplaca na eminência articular para tratamento da luxacão recidivante da articulacão temporomandibular

Dislocation of the temporomandibular joint occurs when the mandibular condyle exits the glenoidal cavity and remains anteriorly locked to the articular eminence. It is repetitive (recurrent dislocation), usually associated with mandibular hypermobility and inclination of the articular eminence. AIM: This study intended to clinically and radiologically assess the technique of eminectomy and the use of a miniplate on the articular eminence for the treatment of recurrent dislocation of the temporomandibular joint of patients operated on at Oswaldo Cruz University Hospital from January to September 2003. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The sample consisted of 11 patients. Eminectomy was performed on nine joints of five patients and the placement of a miniplate on the articular eminence was performed on 11 joints of six patients. Data collection was carried out through analysis of patients medical charts and new postoperative visit. RESULTS: The results showed that there were no major postoperative complications with either technique. Maximum mouth opening was greater with eminectomy procedure and none of the patients operated on presented any recurrence of dislocation. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that both techniques were effective in the treatment of recurrent dislocation of the temporomandibular joint.

Fracture of the coronoid and pterygoid processes by firearms: case report

A rare case of fracture of the coronoid and the pterygoid process caused by firearms is described. A 28-year-old male was hit by a bullet in the face, resulting in restricted mouth opening, difficulty in chewing and pain when opening the mouth. Clinical examination revealed a perforating wound in the right parotid region and a similar wound on the left side of the same region. A CT scan showed comminuted fracture of the left coronoid process and bilateral comminuted fracture of the pterygoid processes. Treatment was conservative, speech therapy was conducted and it was successful. Details of the clinical signs, radiology (3D-CT scan), treatment and follow-up are presented.

Treatment of condylar fractures with an intraoral approach using an angulated screwdriver: Results of a multicentre study

BACKGROUND This multicentre study aimed to investigate long-term radiographic and functional results following the treatment of condylar fractures using an angulated screwdriver system and open rigid internal fixation with an intraoral surgical approach. METHODS Twenty-nine patients with a total of 32 condylar fractures were evaluated. The patients were investigated prospectively based on the following variables: age, sex, aetiology, side, location and classification of the fracture, degree of displacement, associated fractures, surgical approach, oral health status, type of osteosynthesis plate, duration of surgery, mouth-opening, complications, and duration of follow-up. RESULTS The fractures were classified as subcondylar (n = 25) or condylar neck (n = 7). Mean patient age was 36.38 ± 16.60 years. The median duration of postoperative follow-up was 24.39 ± 13.94 months. No joint noise, weakness of the facial nerve, joint pain, or muscle pain was observed. An additional retromandibular approach was necessary to enable the treatment of one subcondylar fracture with medial displacement. CONCLUSION Subcondylar or condylar neck fractures with medial or lateral displacement can be treated using an intraoral approach with satisfactory results with the advantages of the absence of visible scarring, the avoidance of facial nerve injury, and the ability to obtain rapid access to the fracture.

The nasal lift technique for augmentation of the maxillary ridge: technical note

Placement of dental implants in a severely resorbed anterior maxillary alveolar ridge is limited by the fact that implants may penetrate the nasal cavity. However, when the maxilla shows unusual anatomical changes, reconstruction with implants can be a challenge. Options to increase the bone in this region to permit placement of implants include: maxillary onlay bone graft, Le Fort I interpositional bone graft, and augmentation of the nasal floor, which is a procedure where only the piriform rim and the anterior nasal spine are exposed through an intraoral approach. In our case we modified this to what we call the nasal lift technique, which is a combination of turbinectomy followed by lifting of the anteroposterior nasal floor through a lateral window using autogenous bone or bone substitutes to augment the space.