The Journal of craniofacial surgery
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Facial injuries sustained by US military personnel during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have increased compared with past conflicts. Characterization of midface fractures (orbits, maxilla, zygoma, and nasal bones) sustained on the battlefield is needed to improve our understanding of these injuries, to optimize treatment, and to potentially direct strategic development of protective equipment in the future. ⋯ Midface fractures sustained in the battlefield have a high complication rate, likely as a result of the blast mechanism of injury with associated open fractures, multiple fractures, and associated injuries. These cases present unique challenges, often requiring both soft tissue and skeletal reconstruction.
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The separation of craniopagus conjoined twins is a very rare and complex challenge. As with many rare challenges, it presents initially as a deceptively simple problem requiring only the most basic clinical techniques. As in many reconstructive problems, this paradigm mandates that the neurosurgical team performs the separation with the plastic surgeons providing closure at the end of the separation. ⋯ There has been no CSF leak or meningitis. To our knowledge, this technique has since been applied to 2 other sets of craniopagus with similar outcomes. A review of the pertinent literature, our rationale, and methodology are discussed in this article.
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The design of a diving regulator's mouthpiece increases the risk of a temporomandibular disorder (TMD) in scuba divers. The total weight of a diving regulator is reflected directly on the temporomandibular joint, causing articular and periarticular disorders. In the current study, the prevalence of TMD in scuba divers triggered during diving certification training is investigated. ⋯ Thirteen divers had an improvement with therapy. The increased effort for stabilizing the mouthpiece is a recognized factor in TMD development. Attention must be paid to an association of scuba diving with TMDs, especially in inexperienced divers having a scuba certification training.