PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

L A Assael

Publications and source records attributed to L A Assael.

15 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1995

Craniomaxillofacial trauma in the elderly.

PURPOSE: Limited data are currently available regarding the nature of craniomaxillofacial fractures in the geriatric population. This retrospective study reviews 109 hospital records dating from 1981 to mid-1993. The goal of this study was to provide details relevant to these types of injuries. RESULTS: Most patients were injured in motor vehicle accidents (MVA) or fall-related episodes. Females sustained 43.9% of the fractures while males sustained 56.1%. In females, falls were the most common cause of fractures, while in males MVAs caused the majority of fractures (P < .01). Most fractures were found in the upper midface region (60.3%) and the mandible (27.5%). MVAs and falls were responsible for 82.7% of all mandibular fractures. The majority of fractures were treated nonsurgically (49.5%); however, 37.6% were treated with open reduction and internal fixation. The in-hospital mortality rate was 11.1%, and there were three postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: The geriatric craniomaxillofacial trauma patient is readily treatable with both aggressive surgical measures and more conservative approaches. Elderly patients often have an underlying medical condition that may subsequently alter the patient's treatment. The findings of this study also suggest that more preventive measures and methods of minimizing mortality and morbidity need to be implemented.

Accidental Falls↗
PubMed1995

Acute cardiac care in dental practice.

Acute cardiac care in the dental office is always based on a limited patient data base and limited ability to intervene. The dentist must be aware that the parameters of these conditions are always the same. The dentist must recognize a problem in cardiac function, ensure tissue perfusion and oxygenation, restore cardiac function, influence the underlying cause, recognize promptly when additional acute medical intervention is necessary, and be able to activate the emergency medical system.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1993

The double-reversing Z-plasty in primary palatoplasty: operative experience and early results.

The double-reversing Z-plasty of Furlow for closure of the soft palate was used in 34 children with various types of cleft palate. Mean age at repair was 12.8 months. Intraoperative experience was favorable, with acceptable operating time and blood loss. Length of hospitalization averaged 1.9 days. Postoperatively, two children experienced temporary stridor, which resolved within 24 to 48 hours. One child had dehiscence of the hard palate (Von Lagenbeck repair) 4 weeks postoperatively, and three children developed small oronasal fistulae. Early speech evaluation demonstrated adequate soft palate mobility in 33 of 34 patients, with observable velopharyngeal function. Twelve children had mild velar compromise, with eight exhibiting slight nasal air escape.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed1993

Evaluation of rigid internal fixation of mandible fractures performed in the teaching laboratory.

Rigid internal fixation of mandible fractures is advocated as an effective means of providing undisturbed healing and immediate function. However, its application in the clinical setting has resulted in many technique-related failures. To determine the reasons for clinical failure and to help develop improved means of providing successful fixation, the results of plate application in the teaching laboratory were evaluated. Seventy-four surgeons taking the AO/Association for the Study of Internal Fixation (AO/ASIF) maxillofacial course in Davos, Switzerland and 56 surgeons taking the advanced AO/ASIF course in Naples, FL applied rigid internal fixation devices to a mandibular fracture model. Treatment was evaluated for anatomic morbidity and effectiveness. In Davos, 92 of 121 subcondylar, body, symphysis, and ramus fractures (76%) were treated effectively. This included 22 of 34 symphysis fractures (65%). In Naples, 11 of 28 symphyseal fractures (39%) were fixed effectively with lag screws without anatomic morbidity. Technique failure is a frequent event in the application of rigid internal fixation devices to mandible fractures. Lag screw fixation of symphyseal fractures had a particularly high rate of technique-related failure.

Bone Plates↗
PubMed1993

Clinical aspects of imaging in maxillofacial trauma.

Imaging of maxillofacial injuries serves as the principal means of qualifying the clinical diagnosis. Imaging assists in treatment planning of comprehensive surgical repair. The use of more invasive means of providing stable fixation of facial fractures has increased the demands made on fracture imaging. Clinical decision making depends on a thorough understanding of the clinical findings in an injury and its anatomic features as delineated on imaging.

Humans↗
PubMed1987

Assisting the deficient resident in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

There are innumerable pitfalls in the intense learning process of residency training that may result in a deficient resident. These pitfalls run the gamut of human experience; physical, intellectual, psychological, social, and economic. Developing problems in any of these areas will affect the resident's clinical performance and his subsequent abilities as an oral surgeon. Helping the deficient resident requires the proper diagnosis of the underlying problem and a precise method of addressing the problem before the resident has missed his professional milestones. Ensuring the continuum of the learning process is the best means of overcoming deficiencies. As in any disorder, the best cure is prevention.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed1984

Conservative management of electric burns to the lips of children.

Crucial to the proper care of a child sustaining electric trauma to the oral cavity are both a complete understanding of the possible systemic sequelae of this injury and knowledge of the management of the particular lesion. The physical properties of electricity, the systemic and regional effects of electric injuries, and the associated complications are reviewed. The methods of treatment are discussed and the benefit of delaying surgical intervention is emphasized.

Burns, Electric↗