Facial trauma evaluation leading to a diagnosis of delayed splenic rupture.

A patient presented 48 hours after falling and sustaining facial fractures and was evaluated in an outpatient setting. The patient had been seen at 2 other hospitals, including a level I trauma center, and discharged home. While undergoing evaluation for his facial trauma, the patient became severely hypotensive.

Systemic lymphoproliferative diseases.

With advancements in diagnosis and treatment for lymphoma, it is important that physicians be up to date in the management of these lymphoproliferative disorders, their associated complications, and the complications of treatment. The importance of a thorough examination of the oro-facial complex and neck on all patients cannot be overemphasized. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons continue to make significant contributions in what has become a multidisciplinary approach to managing lymphoproliferative disease.

Maxillofacial trauma treatment protocol.

The management of complex maxillofacial injuries sustained in modern warfare or terrorist attack has presented military surgeons with a new form of injury pattern previously not discussed in the medical literature. The unique wounding characteristics of the IED, the portability of the weapon platform, and the relative low cost of development make it an ideal weapon for potential terrorist attacks. If potential future terrorist attacks in the United States follow the same pattern as the incidents currently unfolding in the Middle East, civilian practitioners will be required to manage these wounds early for primary surgical intervention and late for secondary and tertiary reconstructive efforts.

Bioterrorism and biologic warfare.

Biologic agents have been used throughout history to influence battles. Recently, biologic agents have been used as terrorist weapons. A review of the history of biologic weapons and a medical overview of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Category A and B agents is provided, including history, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, microbiology/virology, diagnosis, treatment, and each agent's use or potential use as a weapon.

Bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaws and endodontic treatment: two case reports.

Bisphosphonates are commonly used in the management of bone diseases, such as osteoporosis and Paget's disease, and to prevent bone complications and to treat malignant hypercalcemia in certain types of cancer. Although this class of drugs has clear evidence of medical efficacy, there are an increasing number of reports of bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaws that have substantial implications for the patient and for the treating dentist. This case report reviews proposed possible mechanisms of bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaws and describes two case reports where nonsurgical and surgical root canal treatments were precipitating factors.