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Biomedical subjects

W Puelacher

Publications and source records attributed to W Puelacher.

13 recordsLinked to original sources

[Management of mid-facial fractures].

In the past, treatment of maxillofacial fractures was characterized by low incidences of midface fractures, while severe cases were associated with a high death rate. Over the last decades the application of new techniques has provided a successful outcome in the management of these more frequently observed injuries. With the introduction of antibiotics and the principles of modern anesthesiology, conservative methods of fracture treatment such as intermaxillary fixation and the application of extension devices were increasingly replaced by surgical techniques. The development of different osteosynthesis plate and screw systems in the early 1970s has made three-dimensional reconstruction a standard of care in the surgical treatment of midface fractures. With the recent introduction of commercially available bioresorbable systems, removal of osteosynthesis material has become an unnecessary procedure. Further research in innovative techniques of maxillofacial surgery and imaging, such as image-guided surgery by computer navigation, may be warranted to minimize surgical approaches and decrease incidences of perioperative morbidity.

Adult↗

Preoperative autologous blood donation in orthognathic surgery: a follow-up study of 179 patients.

Although there have been recent advances in maxillofacial surgery and anaesthetic techniques, blood replacement is still common in orthognathic surgery. 179 patients underwent elective orthognathic surgery and donated autologous blood preoperatively. Standardized questionnaires about the preoperative blood donation were distributed to the patients. Haemoglobin, haematocrit, red blood cells and platelets were measured before blood donation, presurgically and postsurgically, as well as one year after surgery. Nearly all patients (98%) would recommend preoperative autologous blood donation. 97% of the patients saw the benefits of autologous blood donation in avoiding transfusion-transmitted infectious diseases such as acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and hepatitis. No serious side-effects have been observed after blood donation. In patients with bimaxillary osteotomies (65% of the predeposited autologous blood units) 41% were in cases having upper jaw osteotomies and only 22% of the preoperatively donated units were retransfused in patients having lower jaw osteotomies. After a postsurgical decrease, the mean haemoglobin and mean haematocrit levels regained the levels determined prior to the donation. Preoperative autologous blood donation of 2 to 3 units (900-1350 ml +/- 10%) of blood is recommended in bimaxillary osteotomies and 1 to 2 units (450-900 ml +/- 10%) of blood for upper jaw osteotomies. In lower jaw surgery, the acute isovolaemic haemodilution should be considered.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

[Reconstructive procedures for improving the facial contour].

From 1986 to 1992 in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Innsbruck, in 102 patients with a congenital or acquired deformity of the face, 128 augmentations with Hydroxylapatite granules (in 36 cases) or with Ethylenoxid-sterilised lyophilised cartilage (in 92 cases) have been performed. Hydroxylapatite granules, filled in a Vicryl-tube and implanted subperiosteal solely, proved to be at well tolerated material and consistently in form. In different areas of the face implanted Ethylenoxid-sterilised lyophilised cartilage showed no loss of substance up to now.

Cartilage↗

[Sports-related maxillofacial trauma in young patients].

314 young patients with sports-related maxillofacial trauma were classified into 34.7% facial fractures, 35.9% dentoalveolar trauma and 28.4% soft tissue injuries. In the alpine regions the distribution of fractures by aetiology is dominated by skiing accidents. 43% of the midface fractures are due to fractures of the zygomatic bone and arch. Children up to ten years are more prone to dentoalveolar trauma. Opportune preventive measures are recommended.

Adolescent↗

[AIDS--mucous membrane manifestations].

In the course of the infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), we frequently observe disorders of the mucous membranes and, occasionally, they present the first manifestation of HIV-induced immunodeficiency. Like in other organs, opportunistic infections and malignant tumors prevail as a result of the impaired immune system. Opportunistic infections are characterized by frequency (candidiasis), aggressive expansion, persistence, frequent recurrences, and resistance to therapy (gingivitis, parodontitis, herpes simplex, warts). Oral hairy leucoplakia is considered a specific lesion of HIV infection. Malignant tumors, such as Kaposi's sarcoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and squamous cell carcinoma, may cause marked morbidity in AIDS patients; occasionally, the clinical picture of Kaposi's sarcoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is rather uncharacteristic. Other manifestations on the mucous membranes may arise in association with systemic reactions, such as drug eruptions, thrombocytopenic purpura, or acute HIV infection. The etiology of still other lesions of the mucous membranes (e.g. chronic recurrent ulcers, xerostomia, disorders of pigmentation) is incompletely understood. The awareness of these disorders of the mucous membranes in HIV infection is of diagnostic, therapeutic and epidemiological importance.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

[A new concept for preparing lyophilized cartilage and its use in patients with dentogenous cysts--preliminary report].

Under sterile conditions human costal cartilage is explanted, stripped of perichondrium, deep-frozen and lyophilized for 72 hours. Then single grafts are packaged and gas sterilized. 8 hours before implantation grafts are rehydrated in an antibiotic solution. 19 extensive dentogenous cysts were packed with lyophilized bruised cartilage. Healing was uncomplicated in all cases. A definitive assessment of ossification is not yet possible.

Adolescent↗

[Oral manifestations of HIV infection].

Skin and mucous membranes including the oral mucosa are among the preferential locations of opportunistic infections and secondary neoplasms in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Infections of the oral mucosa such as thrush occur in a high percentage of AIDS patients, patients with AIDS-related complex or HIV-seropositive individuals. The clinical appearance of the infections (herpes virus infection, periodontitis) is often marked by aggressive expansion, frequent recurrences or resistance to therapy. Oral "hairy" leukoplakia is considered to be a characteristic lesion in HIV-infected individuals. Tumors like Kaposi's sarcoma, squamous cell carcinoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the oral mucosa may cause marked morbidity in AIDS patients. Such oral lesions are frequently the first indication of an HIV-infection. Dentists should be aware of the oral manifestations of HIV-infection and initiate diagnostic and therapeutic measures in the interest of the patients and for epidemiologic reasons.

Candidiasis, Oral↗

[Lyophilized cartilage--an antibiotic carrier].

Human lyophilized bruised costal cartilage was tested in vitro for its ability to act as a carrier medium for antibiotics. A remarkable capacity of accumulating streptomycin, gentamicin, tobramycin, vancomycin and ciprofloxacin was observed; whereas beta-lactum antibiotics and fosfomycin were released at a high rate. This release pattern was not influenced by the sterilization procedure, but rather by the size of the cartilage granula. Lyophilized cartilage--rehydrated in antibiotic-solutions--be helpful adjunct in the surgical management of osseous infections.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗