Complications of mandibular fractures.

Timely repair of mandibular fractures remains an effective means to reduce pain, restore function, and prevent complications. This study addresses the effect of the time interval between injury and treatment on the overall complication rate, the complication rate between various treatment modalities (mandibular-maxillary fixation [MMF] alone, MMF with intraosseous wire bone fixation, and MMF with rigid internal fixation), and the relationship of inpatient vs. outpatient management.

Effect of insulin-like growth factor type I on critical size calvarial bone defects in irradiated rats.

Irradiated wounds are characterized by a slow healing process. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), a somatomedin C, has been shown in previous studies to stimulate collagen synthesis and bony repair. The purpose of this investigation is to evaluate the potential beneficial effects of recombinant IGF-1 in the healing of critical size calvarial defects in previously irradiated adult male Sprague-Dawley rats.

Simultaneous bilateral breast reconstruction with the transverse rectus abdominus musculocutaneous free flap.

Objective: The purpose of the study was to assess the results and morbidity associated with simultaneous bilateral TRAM free flap breast reconstruction and describe refinements in its surgical technique.

Summary Background Data: Bilateral prophylactic total mastectomies might be an agreeable option for those patients at highest risk for breast cancer if autogenous tissue breast reconstruction could be performed with reasonable technical ease and acceptable morbidity. However, some surgeons harbor reservations regarding the extensiveness of the surgery, the associated morbidity, and the aesthetic quality of the resulting outcome.