Motorcycle crashes in Kenya have increased over the last decade and the most common injuries include the cranio-maxillofacial regions which needs documentation. This article determines the occurrence and pattern of maxillofacial injuries in motorcycle crashes. This was a descriptive, cross-sectional prospective study conducted at two referral hospitals in Nairobi, Kenya. Data were obtained through interview and physical examination of patients. Ninety-one patients were examined, among whom 76 (83.5%) were males and 15(16.5%) females (male—female ratio, 5:1). The age range and modal age were between 3 and 62 years and 21 and 30 years, respectively (mean age = 29 years). The midface was the most common fractured site (38%). Motorcycle-related injuries were most common in males aged 21 to 40 years. Collisions and falls were the most common cause of crashes. The midface was the most common region of facial injury and the injuries were associated with the lack of helmet use.
1 January 2018 in Craniomaxillofacial Trauma & Reconstruction Open
There are known racial variations in the branching and furcation pattern and the length of the facial nerve (FN) trunk and hardly any studies from the black African population. Surgeries around the FN predispose it to trauma and warrant a detailed anatomy of its branching pattern. Using a descriptive cross-sectional study, a total of 40 FN (20 fresh cadavers) were dissected to record the pattern and length of the FN. The frequency of various patterns of FN using the Davis et al classification was as follows: type I: 10 (25%), type II: 9 (22.5%), type III: 7 (17.5%), type IV: 6 (15%), type V: 2 (5%), and type VI: 6 (15%). The nerve bifurcated in 32(80%) and trifurcated in 8(20%) of the cadavers. There was no statistical difference in the branching patterns ( p = 0.509) and furcation types ( p = 0.414) between the sides and gender. The length of the trunk of the FN measured from the stylomastoid foramen to the bifurcation point was 16.14(−/+ 3.28 mm). The results from this data established a variation in the anatomical branching pattern of the FN in a black Kenyan population.
Key Clinical Message: Medication‐related osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ) is a rare complication of the jaws following the administration of antiresorptive or antiangiogenic drugs. This condition poses a major challenge to its management. Its prevention and management need a multidisciplinary collaboration. We described three patients with MRONJ including their presentation, investigations, management protocols, and outcomes. A brief appraisal of the literature on MRONJ was also done. Medication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a rare complication of the jaws following the administration of antiresorptive or antiangiogenic drugs. This condition poses a major challenge to its management. We present an appraisal of the literature and three cases of MRONJ. An appraisal of 3 patients who presented to the oral and maxillofacial clinic with MRONJ was done. Relevant physical examination findings, radiological images, clinical photographs and follow‐up was documented. One patient had multiple myeloma while the other two had metastatic cancer. All had received zoledronic acid before developing MRONJ. One patient was surgically treated and successfully recovered while two were managed conservatively. Patients taking antiresorptive medications are at risk of developing MRONJ. Prevention and management of the condition calls for a multidisciplinary collaboration. Patients taking antiresorptive medications need good education on the risks associated with the medications and how to recognize early signs and symptoms.
Study objective: To describe the variations and anatomical landmarks of the maxillary artery Study design and population: This was a descriptive cross-sectional cadaveric study, carried out in the department of human anatomy at the University of Nairobi. Study duration: This was conducted between November 2015 and May 2016. Material and methods: Ninety three (93) hemi-sections from 48 cadavers were used for the study. Dissection of the infratemporal fossa was done to expose the MA and its branches on both sides. The distance of the MA from the articular eminence, mandibular neck, mandibular notch and pterygoid fovea were recorded. The relationship of the MA with the LPM and its branching pattern noted. Results: Out of the 93 hemi-sections dissected 67% of the MA were within the parotid gland while 33% were medial. Thirty five of the MA had a medial relationship to the LPM while, 58 were lateral. Six (6.5%) hemi-sections had the middle meningeal artery (MMA) and the inferior alveolar artery (IAA) originating from a common trunk on the MA. The accessory meningeal artery (AMA) was absent in 3 (3.2%) hemi-sections on the right side and in 2 (2.2%) on the left. Amongst all distances measured of the MA to the bony prominences; mandibular notch, condylar neck, articular eminence, the Pterygoid fovea (14.61±7.07mm for the left and13.93±6.17 and the right side) was the most reliable. Conclusion: The relationship of the MA is more lateral than medial. The most reliable bony landmark is the pterygoid fovea. The branching pattern of the IAA and MMA off the MA is inconsistent in different studies. The MA is a very variable and tortuous artery, probably influenced by age, gender and ethnicity.
Congenital granular cell epulis, a rare benign tumor, predominant in females present on the maxillary alveolar ridge. A newborn exhibited multiple oral tumors, interfering with breastfeeding. CT scan showed its confinement intra‐orally. The tumors were excised and surgical site closed primarily. Recovery was smooth with excellent prognosis.
Stafne's bone defect or benign mandibular cavity is a clinically asymptomatic, incidental radiolucent finding present in the body of the mandible. This report describes a high‐risk patient presenting with pain and a comparable radiological profile. This warranted surgical investigation to rule out the presence of an occult malignancy.