Otolaryngeal and Oropharyngeal Conditions: Temporomandibular Disorders.

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) is a collective term for a group of heterogeneous musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions involving the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) complex, masticatory muscles, and surrounding osseous structures. TMDs affect 5% to 12% of the US population, with a peak incidence at ages 45 to 65 years. Common clinical manifestations include facial pain, ear pain, headache, TMJ discomfort, and adventitious sounds.

Grafting in cosmetic rhinoplasty.

As rhinoplasty techniques continue to evolve toward structural support and away from purely reductive techniques, the need for sophisticated grafting options will escalate to augment or replace critical support mechanisms of the nose. This will result in improved esthetic outcomes and functional results. We have found that well-planned and executed adjunctive grafting techniques can deliver lasting results with preservation of function and cosmesis.

Complications of neck liposuction and submentoplasty.

Patients desiring improved neck and jawline contours often are looking for minimally invasive procedures and are not interested in undergoing extensive face-lifting procedures. Realizing the limitations, surgeons may offer their patient such procedures as liposuction and submentoplasty. Even though these procedures are less involved than a facelift, many pitfalls can occur, leading to an unfavorable result and a disappointed patient.

Submentoplasty and facial liposuction.

Submentoplasty and facial liposuction are techniques used alone or in conjunction with a standard face-lift that can provide dramatic improvement in facial esthetics. Appropriate patient selection and fundamental techniques are described. Avoiding common mistakes and managing complications also are addressed.

Frequency of maxillofacial injuries in all-terrain vehicle collisions.

Purpose: We sought to evaluate the frequency and distribution of maxillofacial injuries associated with all-terrain vehicle (ATV) collisions and to compare this with patients involved in motorcycle accidents over the same 5-year period at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Patients and methods The records of all patients involved in ATV collisions who were admitted to the University of Alabama at Birmingham Trauma Center from January 1998 to January 2003 were reviewed. Age, gender, mechanism of injury, length of stay, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, maxillofacial injuries, Injury Severity Score (ISS), and maxillofacial Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) score were the factors considered for the study.

Surface alterations during the capacitation of mammalian spermatozoa.

Capacitation is the process by which mammalian sperm acquire the ability to undergo the acrosome reaction which, in turn, is a prerequisite for sperm-egg fusion and penetration. Until recently, it was thought that capacitation involved subtle physiological and chemical changes which had no morphological counterparts even at the electron microscopic level. However, it has now been shown by a number of investigators that material associated with the plasma membrane surface is either lost or extensively redistributed during in vitro or in vivo capacitation.