Reliable critical sized defect rodent model for cleft palate research.

Background: Suitable animal models are necessary to test the efficacy of new bone grafting therapies in cleft palate surgery. Rodent models of cleft palate are available but have limitations. This study compared and modified mid-palate cleft (MPC) and alveolar cleft (AC) models to determine the most reliable and reproducible model for bone grafting studies.

Cleft palate reconstruction using collagen and nanofiber scaffold incorporating bone morphogenetic protein in rats.

Background: Absorbable collagen sponge (ACS) loaded with bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) is approved for selected clinical applications; however, burst release limits its widespread use. Therefore, nanofiber (NF)-based scaffold with ACS backbone was developed to sustain release of loaded BMP-2 to improve the outcomes of bone grafting in a rodent model of cleft palate.

Methods: BMP-2 was loaded on ACS scaffold and then NF hydrogel with different densities (1-2%) was added to sustain the BMP-2 release.

Bisphosphonate associated osteonecrosis of the jaw.

In 2003, the first reports describing osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) in patients receiving bisphosphonates (BP) were published. These cases occurred in patients with cancer receiving high-dose intravenous BP; however, 5% of the cases were in patients with osteoporosis receiving low-dose bisphosphonate therapy. We present the results of a systematic review of the incidence, risk factors, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of BP associated ONJ.

Canadian consensus practice guidelines for bisphosphonate associated osteonecrosis of the jaw.

Objective: Following publication of the first reports of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) in patients receiving bisphosphonates in 2003, a call for national multidisciplinary guidelines based upon a systematic review of the current evidence was made by the Canadian Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (CAOMS) in association with national and international societies concerned with ONJ. The purpose of the guidelines is to provide recommendations regarding diagnosis, identification of at-risk patients, and prevention and management strategies, based on current evidence and consensus. These guidelines were developed for medical and dental practitioners as well as for oral pathologists and related specialists.

Information and computer technology in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

The focus of this article is to provide the oral and maxillofacial surgeon with an overview of some of the recent information and computer technologies available in the marketplace as they relate to diagnostic imaging, implantology, orthognathic surgery, and craniofacial surgery. In so doing, the author hopes to highlight the various advantages and disadvantages of each of these technologies, and thus provide the clinician with a wider range armamentarium with which to treat his or her patient successfully and predictably.

Effects of estrogen on chondrocyte proliferation and collagen synthesis in skeletally mature articular cartilage.

Purpose: Estrogen has been shown to have a modulating effect on cartilage thickness. This investigation was performed to determine the effects of estrogen supplementation on cartilage thickness, cellular proliferation, and type II and X collagen production in skeletally mature rat cartilage, both in an organ culture and cell culture system.

Materials And Methods: Mandibular condyles were harvested from 8-week-old female Sprague Dawley rats and placed into tissue culture plates containing culture media with or without 17beta-estradiol supplementation.

The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Age-Related Third Molar Study.

Purpose: The purpose of this investigation was to assess the frequency of complications of third molar surgery, both intraoperatively and postoperatively, specifically for patients 25 years of age or older.

Materials And Methods: This prospective study evaluated 3,760 patients, 25 years of age or older, who were to undergo third molar surgery by oral and maxillofacial surgeons practicing in the United States. The predictor variables were categorized as demographic (age, gender), American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, chronic conditions and medical risk factors, and preoperative description of third molars (present or absent, type of impaction, abnormalities or association with pathology).

Biomaterials for use in frontal sinus obliteration.

Although fractures of the frontal sinus are infrequent (2-15% of victims of facial trauma), because of their proximity to the brain and eyes, the consequences of their management may have a significant impact on the patient. For frontal sinus injuries that affect the nasofrontal ducts or posterior wall, obliteration is indicated. Although frontal sinus surgery has been documented since 1750, a consensus as to the best material for obliteration has not been achieved.

Comparison of 2 temporomandibular joint total joint prosthesis systems.

Purpose: The study goal was to evaluate the comparative outcomes of patients treated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) total joint prostheses, using either the Christensen prosthesis (TMJ Inc, Golden, CO) (CP) or the TMJ Concepts prosthesis (TMJ Concepts Inc, Camarillo, CA; formerly Techmedica Inc) (TP).

Patients And Methods: Forty-five consecutive patients treated with either CP or TP total joint prostheses were evaluated. The CP group consisted of 23 patients (40 prostheses; average patient age, 38.