The British journal of oral & maxillofacial surgery
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Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg · Apr 2021
Impacts of lockdown during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on patients presenting with cervicofacial infection of odontogenic origin: a comparative study.
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic caused unprecedented disruption to primary and secondary healthcare services. Our aim was to explore whether the pandemic had had any impact on patients presenting with cervicofacial infections (CFI) of odontogenic origin to secondary care and management. Comparative analysis was carried out evaluating prospective and retrospective consecutively admitted patients with a diagnosis of CFI of odontogenic origin in the COVID-19 lockdown period from 15 March to 15 June 2020 and pre-COVID-19 during the same period of the previous year. ⋯ More patients required extraoral surgical drainage during COVID-19 (p=0.056). This study suggests that the COVID-19 lockdown has had adverse effects on the presentation of CFI of odontogenic origin and its management within a Regional Acute Maxillofacial Service. Commissioners and clinicians should endeavour to plan for adequate primary and secondary care provision during any future local lockdowns to ensure that patient care is optimised.
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Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg · Feb 2021
ReviewOutcomes of physical therapy in patients with temporomandibular disorder: a retrospective review.
Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) encompasses a spectrum of disorders that are associated with pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and surrounding musculature. Current research shows that conservative physical therapy is beneficial in the management of the disorder. This study further explores if physical therapy is an effective approach to treating patients with TMJ disorders. ⋯ These changes were statistically significant, indicating that conservative therapy may be a beneficial treatment option for patients with TMJ dysfunction. Future studies assessing the long-term outcomes of TMJ patients treated conservatively would determine if this treatment is beneficial in the long-term. In addition, researching the effectiveness of specific interventions for TMJ patients, and if certain TMJ disorders are more responsive to conservative care than others would be valuable in providing information on the effectiveness of conservative treatment in this patient population.
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Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg · Feb 2021
Difficult airways: a 3D printing study with virtual fibreoptic endoscopy.
Head and neck cancer patients present unique airway challenges, and oropharyngeal, laryngeal, and hypopharyngeal tumours considerably distort and narrow the anatomy of the airway. We describe the use of 3D augmented reality software combined with 3D printed models to assess the anatomy of difficult airways and to assist in the formulation of the most optimal airway management strategy in such patients. The reported patients had computed tomograms (CT) of the neck prior to their anaesthetic and surgical management. ⋯ Thorough study of the relevant anatomy prior to airway management for operating reasons enhances communication between the surgeon and anaesthetist, and aids selection of the most appropriate intubation approach. In conclusion, this paper highlights a useful and novel pre-assessment strategy that allows a virtual, visual, 3-dimensional assessment of the airway anatomy combined with 3D modelling and 3D printing. This enables the airway specialist, anaesthetist, and head and neck surgeon to anticipate any critical steps and adjust the plan accordingly.
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Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg · Jan 2021
The influence of 2020 coronavirus lockdown on presentation of oral and maxillofacial trauma to a central London hospital.
The novel coronavirus COVID-19 was first identified in China in December 2019. Its spread resulted in a pandemic, with the United Kingdom entering a period of national lockdown on 23 March 2020 to reduce disease burden on the National Health Service (NHS). King's College Hospital is a Major Trauma Centre serving an inner-city population of 700,000 with 120,000 patients attending the emergency department (ED) annually. ⋯ There was profound effect of the lockdown on referrals to OMFS from the ED, in number and type of diagnosis. This is potentially reflective of the increased availability of acute/emergency dental services in South-East London during the lockdown period. This gives us valuable insight for service planning in the event of further restrictions.
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Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg · Dec 2020
Maintaining medical team communication using video conferencing during the COVID-19 lockdown.
COVID-19 is a global pandemic of unprecedented proportions. It has resulted in changes to all aspects of our lives. ⋯ Clear and effective communication during these times is vital. We present an evaluation of the use of video conferencing (VC) and offer a simple format to structure meetings for their effectiveness and promotion of team communication and wellbeing.