Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to A W Sugar.
A case of progressive osteolysis of the mandibular condyles in a 55-year-old female patient with systemic sclerosis (SSc) is described. Orofacial involvement and radiological manifestations of SSc are discussed.
The over-ordering of cross-matched blood to cover operations can result in blood shortages and is costly; it can never be free of risk. Current published guidelines recommend cross-matching 2 units of blood for bimaxillary orthognathic procedures with an additional 2 units if combined with a genioplasty. We reviewed the records of 115 consecutive cases of simultaneous bimaxillary osteotomies at Morriston Hospital over a 5-year period (January 1996 to December 2000). Ordering and use of blood were investigated and the cost analysed. Blood loss was minimised using a strategy of controlled moderate hypotension and meticulous haemostasis. Nine patients were given transfusions of blood but five of these were deemed inappropriate. No predisposing factors for transfusion were identified. We recommend that the tariff for ordering blood for bimaxillary osteotomies should be revised to a "group and save" with antibody screen, providing that a 30-min indirect antibody cross-match is available.
We have designed a form to facilitate referral of injured patients between maxillofacial and ophthalmology units. This form improves communication, gives a written record of referral, and can be used for audit.
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Orbital cellulitis is uncommon. It may arise as a sequel to eyelid infection, or from direct spread of infection from the paranasal sinuses; it may be of odontogenic origin and has been reported after meningitis and after nasoorbital fractures with pre-existing sinusitis. Clinically, orbital cellulitis is of great importance, as it is a severe disease with potentially disastrous consequences. It may lead to optic neuritis, optic atrophy, blindness, cavernous sinus thrombosis, superior orbital fissure syndrome, meningitis, subdural empyema, and even death. We report two cases of severe post-traumatic orbital cellulitis with subperiosteal abscesses. These were managed surgically and vision was preserved. We describe the anatomy, a classification of orbital infection, and the importance of multidisciplinary management of these cases.
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Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
A randomized controlled trial was set up to investigate whether patients who were taking warfarin and had an International Normalised Ratio (INR) within the normal therapeutic range require cessation of their anticoagulation drugs before dental extractions. Of 109 patients who completed the trial, 52 were allocated to the control group (warfarin stopped 2 days before extraction) and 57 patients were allocated to the intervention group (warfarin continued). The incidence of bleeding complications in the intervention group was higher (15/57, 26%) than in the control group (7/52, 14%) but this difference was not significant. Two patients in the study required hospital review for bleeding and all other episodes of bleeding were controlled by patients at home. Continuing warfarin when the INR is < 4.1 may lead to an increase in minor post-extraction bleeding after dental extractions but we found no evidence of an increase in clinically important bleeding. As there are risks associated with stopping warfarin, the practice of routinely discontinuing it before dental extractions should be reconsidered.
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Isotope bone scans have been used for a number of years to assess growth activity in the mandibular condyle in patients who present with facial asymmetry. The aim is to distinguish normal bone growth within the condyle from increased activity that may be the cause of the asymmetry. Previous studies have, however, relied only on planar images. SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) has been used with quantitative assessments of one mandibular condyle to clivus or lumbar spine, but we have compared one condyle with the other, which is more sensitive and accurate in detecting abnormal activity. A relative percentage uptake of 55% or more in the affected mandibular condyle is considered to be abnormal, and this has been validated by comparison with an age-matched control group. We have used SPECT as an aid to diagnosis and treatment in 18 patients with asymmetrical growth and have constructed a therapeutic algorithm to aid the treatment of these patients.
A 53-year-old woman had an orbital mass composed of a neoplastic small round cell infiltrate and no apparent extraorbital primary tumor. Although the initial diagnosis was primary orbital lymphoma, a combination of mucin histochemistry and immunohistochemical staining for cytokeratin and estrogen receptors led to the discovery of an impalpable lobular carcinoma of the breast. We discuss how detailed histopathological assessment can lead to beneficial therapy.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of the Laser Döppler Flowmeter (LDF) in the measurement of pulpal blood flow following orthognathic surgery and to conduct an initial study of the effects of a Le Fort I osteotomy on the pulpal blood flow of the maxillary central incisors. The design consisted of a preliminary prospective controlled consecutive clinical trial undertaken at the Orthodontic Clinic, University Dental Hospital NHS Trust, Wales, 1994. The study group consisted of 15 consecutive patients who were to receive a standard advancement Le Fort I osteotomy. Seven patients who were to undergo a mandibular advancement only acted as a control. A further 20 separate patients participated in a study for the assessment of measurement error. The blood flow in relative perfusion unit v. time, was measured using a Laser Döppler Flowmeter. Measurement error for flowmeter recordings with hand-held application and custom-made splint support showed no consistent difference or significant random variation between the two methods for holding the probe against the teeth (pooled S.D. of reproducibility 1/1 = 1.91/1.39 for custom splint location as opposed to 0.96/1.07 for hand-held/fixed bracket location). For the surgical patients under investigation no significant differences for maxillary pulpal blood flow were found in the control group (mandibular osteotomy) over time. However, in the maxillary osteotomy patients there was a tendency for an initial rise in the maxillary perfusion post-surgery as measured at the central incisor pulps, followed by an overall reduction at 6 months. As an example, the mean value for the upper right central showed a significant increase in blood flow during the immediate post-operative period (P < 0.05), but at 6 months after surgery demonstrated a statistically significant overall reduction in comparison with the presurgical reading (P < 0.001). The laser Döppler flowmeter is not an easy instrument to use in the clinical assessment of pulpal blood flow. However, it would appear from these longitudinal series of readings, taken over a 6-month period on 15 patients, that the maxillary perfusion recorded at the central incisor pulps may be permanently affected in many Le Fort I osteotomy patients. For patients that already have a prejudiced blood supply this could lead to devitalization and discoloration of incisors. It is not known if this affect on the perfusion of the pulp continues beyond 6 months post-surgery.
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An unusual case is reported in which a cleft palate patient with an oronasal fistula developed a true rhinolith. An update and discussion on rhinoliths are given.
This study compares the internal fixation of mandibular fractures using either rigid 2.7 mm AO/ASIF plates or mini-plates. In the rigid plate group, 88 fractures were fixed with 88 plates. In the mini-plate group, 116 fractures were fixed with 170 plates. All the cases were consecutive and were treated in two South Wales hospitals during a 3-year period from 1988 to 1991. The aetiology of injury, timing of surgery, site of fracture, antibiotic policy and demographic features were evenly distributed between the two groups but there was a higher incidence of females in the mini-plate group. Both plating systems were successful in restoring functional occlusion. Rigid plates avoided the use of postoperative elastics better than mini-plates but the difference was not significant. There was a significantly higher incidence (P = 0.013) of infection in the mini-plate (12.9%) compared with the rigid plate (2.3%) group but 7.9% of the rigid group developed facial nerve weakness. A significantly higher proportion of mini-plates needed to be removed (P = 0.00019). A better treatment outcome for angle and comminuted fractures was noted with rigid plates.