Assessment of the functionality of the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap skin paddle.

Introduction: The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMMF) is commonly used for oral cavity reconstruction, yet its impact on function (intelligible speech, swallowing, mastication, tongue mobility, oral competence, and mouth opening) has rarely been studied or reported in the literature.

Purpose: This study assessed the long-term functional outcome of oral cavity reconstruction with PMMF, placing particular emphasis in its correlation with size of the skin paddle and volume of the flap.

Materials And Methods: Twenty-five patients who underwent reconstruction of compound defects of the oral cavity that involved floor of mouth, buccal mucosa, alveolar ridge, retromolar area, lateral tongue, and continuity of mandible were assessed and followed up for up to 4 years.

Odontogenic carcinoma differentiation into rhabdomyosarcoma: report of a rare case.

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of an odontogenic carcinoma with documented skeletal muscle differentiation (rhabdomyosarcoma). The histology and clinical features of this aggressive odontogenic neoplasm are described. Within the English-language literature, only 2 cases are reported of an odontogenic tumor with muscle differentiation: a benign odontogenic tumor (ameloblastoma) with differentiation into a rhabdomyosarcoma and an odontogenic sarcoma with smooth-muscle differentiation.

The use of corticosteroids and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medication for the management of pain and inflammation after third molar surgery: a review of the literature.

The use of medication to relieve pain and inflammation after removal of third molars has been explored thoroughly in the literature. Narcotic analgesics, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and combinations of these all have a role in the postoperative management of pain and swelling within this group of patients. This article addresses the use of NSAIDs and corticosteroids after third molar surgery, along with a review of the literature, which is incorporated to provide practitioners helpful, quick, and reliable information regarding patients undergoing third molar surgery.

A Phase I safety study of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Background: Vascular endothelial growth factor and mitochondrial abnormalities have been described in ALS and its animal models. We have reported that hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment delayed the onset of weakness in the wobbler mouse.

Objective: To perform a Phase I safety study of HBO in patients with ALS.