Shigeru Tatebayashi

Alveolar Osteonecrosis of the Mandible after Varicella Zoster Infection of the Trigeminal Nerve

Abstract A 76-year-old man presenting with necrosis of a segment of mandibular alveolar bone and spontaneous exfoliation of the corresponding teeth 1 month after acute varicella zoster infection of the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve is reported. Local surgical therapy was successful. Awareness of this potential complication of varicella zoster of the trigeminal nerve is highlighted.

Treatment of Mandibular Fractures in Infants

Abstract This report describes 2 infants with mandibular fractures. Reduction of the fracture and fixation using a thermoforming splint with circummandibular wiring under general anaesthesia is thought to be an adequate surgical method to treat displaced mandibular body fractures in infants.

Clinical and Radiological Outcomes of Condylar Fractures in Children

Abstract Objective: To investigate the clinical and radiological outcomes of 36 patients aged 15 years or younger with condylar fractures. Patients and Methods: Twenty five boys and 11 girls were included in this retrospective study. Treatment for condylar fractures was observation with or without restriction of mouth opening, maxillomandibular fixation, and open reduction. Other mandibular fractures were treated by maxillomandibular fixation or open reduction. Clinical characteristics, including age, sex, cause of injury, location and type of condylar fracture, the presence of associated mandibular fractures, treatment methods, mandibular function, and radiological remodelling of affected condyles after treatment, were reviewed. Results: Clinically, excellent and good mandibular function was observed in 35 patients. Only 1 patient treated surgically was considered to have poor mandibular function due to temporomandibular joint ankylosis. Complete and partial remodelling of the affected condyles was obtained in 13 and 29 condyles, respectively. Complete remodelling was observed only with conservative treatment, with none of the surgically treated condyles showing complete remodelling despite reduction and fixation being perfectly performed. Poor remodelling was observed only in 1 patient, resulting in temporomandibular joint ankylosis. Conclusion: Conservative treatment should be the first choice for condylar fractures in children since clinically excellent mandibular function was achieved for most patients.

Risk Factors Affecting Duration of Management of Odontogenic Maxillofacial Cellulitis

Abstract Purpose: To elucidate the risk factors influencing the duration of management of odontogenic maxillofacial cellulitis. Patients and Methods: Forty five consecutive patients with odontogenic maxillofacial cellulitis were enrolled. By a retrospective chart review, the duration of surgical drainage was investigated in relation to the following variables: age, body temperature at presentation, underlying medical conditions (diabetes mellitus and liver disease), number and location of involved surgical spaces, duration from the onset of inflammatory swelling to surgical drainage, and laboratory findings. Results: Age, body temperature, number and location of involved spaces, and duration from the onset of inflammatory swelling to surgical drainage strongly correlated with duration of surgical drainage. Furthermore, patients older than 50 years with a body temperature of 37.8°C or higher, 4 or more involved spaces, deep site infection, duration from the onset of inflammatory swelling to surgical drainage of 6 days or more, and diabetes mellitus indicated significantly longer duration of surgical drainage than other patients. Conclusion: These results contribute to predicting the duration of management of odontogenic maxillofacial cellulitis based on the correlations reported.