Presentation and Management of Atypical Orofacial Clefts: A Single-Institution Experience for 13 Year Period

This study reviews the craniofacial clefts that presented at a Nigerian tertiary health facility, highlighting our experience with the pattern of presentation and surgical care of these patients.

A retrospective review of the smile train database and medical records of all individuals who had been diagnosed with any of the Tessier craniofacial clefts and managed between 1st January 2007 and 31st December 2020 was done. The data were presented as numbers and percentages of cases.

The cleft clinic of a tertiary health facility and a major cleft referral center in South-West Nigeria.

Forty-five patients with craniofacial clefts were managed over the study period. 15.6% had associated syndromes, 2.2% had a family history of similar craniofacial cleft and 11% had a history of a possible teratogen. There were 21 (46.7%) middle clefts, 14(31.1%) lateral clefts and 10(22.2%) oblique clefts. The most common type of cleft was Tessier 0 while the Tessier 6 was the least common type. The median age at surgery was 10 months for male and 5months for female subjects, 15.3% complication rate was found in this study. Four patients had revision surgeries to correct residual deformities in this study.

The diverse presentations and occurrence of the rare craniofacial clefts present complex aesthetic and functional problems that require individualized often multidisciplinary care. The execution of a properly planned treatment will reduce complications and the need for revision surgeries.

Genome-Wide Scan for Parent-of-Origin Effects in a sub-Saharan African Cohort With Nonsyndromic Cleft Lip and/or Cleft Palate (CL/P)

OBJECTIVE

Nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or cleft palate (NSCL/P) have multifactorial etiology where genetic factors, gene-environment interactions, stochastic factors, gene-gene interactions, and parent-of-origin effects (POEs) play cardinal roles. POEs arise when the parental origin of alleles differentially impacts the phenotype of the offspring. The aim of this study was to identify POEs that can increase risk for NSCL/P in humans using a genome-wide dataset.

METHODS

The samples (174 case-parent trios from Ghana, Ethiopia, and Nigeria) included in this study were from the African only genome wide association studies (GWAS) that was published in 2019. Genotyping of individual DNA using over 2 million multiethnic and African ancestry-specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms from the Illumina Multi-Ethnic Genotyping Array v2 15070954 A2 (genome build GRCh37/hg19) was done at the Center for Inherited Diseases Research. After quality control checks, PLINK was employed to carry out POE analysis employing the pooled subphenotypes of NSCL/P.

RESULTS

We observed possible hints of POEs at a cluster of genes at a 1 mega base pair window at the major histocompatibility complex class 1 locus on chromosome 6, as well as at other loci encompassing candidate genes such as ASB18, ANKEF1, AGAP1, GABRD, HHAT, CCT7, DNMT3A, EPHA7, FOXO3, lncRNAs, microRNA, antisense RNAs, ZNRD1, ZFAT, and ZBTB16.

CONCLUSION

Findings from our study suggest that some loci may increase the risk for NSCL/P through POEs. Additional studies are required to confirm these suggestive loci in NSCL/P etiology.

Risk of congenital cardiovascular anomalies in patients with non-syndromic orofacial cleft: A preliminary case-control study

Background

Orofacial clefts (OCs) are one of the most common craniofacial anomalies and are reported to be associated with congenital cardiovascular anomalies (CCAs). However, there is paucity of data in African populations on the risk of CCAs in OC patients compared to the general population.

Aims

This study aims to determine the odds of congenital cardiovascular anomalies in patients with OC compared to the general population.

Subjects and Methods

A case-control study design was used. Case subjects were non-syndromic OC subjects, while controls were non-syndromic subjects without OC. All subjects were thoroughly assessed by a pediatric cardiologist for CCAs; and grouped by OC phenotypic type (cleft lip and/or alveolus, cleft lip and palate, cleft palate only and Tessier cleft). Statistical analysis was done using STATA version 14 (College Station, Texas), and significance was placed at P value ≤0.05.

Results

A total of 120 subjects (60 cases and 60 controls) were enrolled in the study. In total, 23.3% of the subjects had CCAs. Among the case group, 40% had CCAs compared to 6.7% in the control group. Patent foramen ovale (18.3%) and atrial septal defects (10.0%) were the most common type of CCAs in cases, respectively. Further, cases had significantly higher odds of CCAs compared to controls (OR: 9.3; CI: 2.8, 39.4).

Conclusions

Our finding reveals that the odds of CCAs are significantly higher in patients with OC than the general population. Future studies could assess the effect of CCAs on surgical outcome.

Loss-of-Function GRHL3 Variants Detected in African Patients with Isolated Cleft Palate

In contrast to the progress that has been made toward understanding the genetic etiology of cleft lip with or without cleft palate, relatively little is known about the genetic etiology for cleft palate only (CPO). A common coding variant of grainyhead like transcription factor 3 ( GRHL3) was recently shown to be associated with risk for CPO in Europeans. Mutations in this gene were also reported in families with Van der Woude syndrome. To identify rare mutations in GRHL3 that might explain the missing heritability for CPO, we sequenced GRHL3 in cases of CPO from Africa. We recruited participants from Ghana, Ethiopia, and Nigeria. This cohort included case-parent trios, cases and other family members, as well as controls. We sequenced exons of this gene in DNA from a total of 134 nonsyndromic cases. When possible, we sequenced them in parents to identify de novo mutations. Five novel mutations were identified: 2 missense (c.497C>A; p.Pro166His and c.1229A>G; p.Asp410Gly), 1 splice site (c.1282A>C p.Ser428Arg), 1 frameshift (c.470delC; p.Gly158Alafster55), and 1 nonsense (c.1677C>A; p.Tyr559Ter). These mutations were absent from 270 sequenced controls and from all public exome and whole genome databases, including the 1000 Genomes database (which includes data from Africa). However, 4 of the 5 mutations were present in unaffected mothers, indicating that their penetrance is incomplete. Interestingly, 1 mutation damaged a predicted sumoylation site, and another disrupted a predicted CK1 phosphorylation site. Overexpression assays in zebrafish and reporter assays in vitro indicated that 4 variants were functionally null or hypomorphic, while 1 was dominant negative. This study provides evidence that, as in Caucasian populations, mutations in GRHL3 contribute to the risk of nonsyndromic CPO in the African population.

Association Studies and Direct DNA Sequencing Implicate Genetic Susceptibility Loci in the Etiology of Nonsyndromic Orofacial Clefts in Sub-Saharan African Populations

Orofacial clefts (OFCs) are congenital dysmorphologies of the human face and oral cavity, with a global incidence of 1 per 700 live births. These anomalies exhibit a multifactorial pattern of inheritance, with genetic and environmental factors both playing crucial roles. Many loci have been implicated in the etiology of nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P) in populations of Asian and European ancestries, through genome-wide association studies and candidate gene studies. However, few populations of African descent have been studied to date. Here, the authors show evidence of an association of some loci with NSCL/P and nonsyndromic cleft palate only (NSCPO) in cohorts from Africa (Ghana, Ethiopia, and Nigeria). The authors genotyped 48 single-nucleotide polymorphisms that were selected from previous genome-wide association studies and candidate gene studies. These markers were successfully genotyped on 701 NSCL/P and 163 NSCPO cases, 1,070 unaffected relatives, and 1,078 unrelated controls. The authors also directly sequenced 7 genes in 184 nonsyndromic OFC (NSOFC) cases and 96 controls from Ghana. Population-specific associations were observed in the case-control analyses of the subpopulations, with West African subpopulations (Ghana and Nigeria) showing a similar pattern of associations. In meta-analyses of the case-control cohort, PAX7 (rs742071, P = 5.10 × 10(-3)), 8q24 (rs987525, P = 1.22 × 10(-3)), and VAX1 (rs7078160, P = 0.04) were nominally associated with NSCL/P, and MSX1 (rs115200552, P = 0.01), TULP4 (rs651333, P = 0.04), CRISPLD2 (rs4783099, P = 0.02), and NOG1 (rs17760296, P = 0.04) were nominally associated with NSCPO. Moreover, 7 loci exhibited evidence of threshold overtransmission in NSOFC cases through the transmission disequilibrium test and through analyses of the family-based association for disease traits. Through DNA sequencing, the authors also identified 2 novel, rare, potentially pathogenic variants (p.Asn323Asp and p.Lys426IlefsTer6) in ARHGAP29 In conclusion, the authors have shown evidence for the association of many loci with NSCL/P and NSCPO. To the best of this knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate any of these association signals in any African population.

An evaluation of surgical outcome of bilateral cleft lip surgery using a modified Millard's (Fork Flap) technique

BACKGROUND

The central third of the face is distorted by the bilateral cleft of the lip and palate and restoring the normal facial form is one of the primary goals for the reconstructive surgeons. The history of bilateral cleft lip repair has evolved from discarding the premaxilla and prolabium and approximating the lateral lip elements to a definitive lip and primary cleft nasal repair utilising the underlying musculature. The aim of this study was to review surgical outcome of bilateral cleft lip surgery (BCLS) done at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A review of all cases of BCLS done between January 2007 and December 2012 at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital was done. Data analysis included age and sex of patients, type of cleft deformity and type of surgery (primary or secondary) and whether the cleft deformity was syndromic and non-syndromic. Techniques of repair, surgical outcome and complications were also recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 39 cases of BCLS involving 21 males and 18 females were done during the period. This constituted 10% (39/390) of all cases of cleft surgery done during the period. There were 5 syndromic and 34 non-syndromic cases. Age of patients at time of surgery ranged between 3 months and 32 years. There were 24 bilateral cleft lip and palate deformities and 15 bilateral cleft lip deformities. Thirty-one of the cases were primary surgery, while 8 were secondary (revision) surgery. The most common surgical technique employed was modified Fork flap (Millard) technique, which was employed in 37 (95%) cases.

CONCLUSION

Bilateral cleft lip deformity is a common cleft deformity seen in clinical practice, surgical repair of which can be a challenge to an experienced surgeon. A modified Fork flap technique for repair of bilateral cleft lip is a reliable and versatile technique associated with excellent surgical outcome.

Prevalence of orofacial clefts in Nigeria

Orofacial clefts are the most common malformations of the head and neck. In Africa, orofacial clefts are underascertained, with little or no surveillance system in most parts for clefts and other birth defects. A Nigerian craniofacial anomalies study, NigeriaCRAN, was established in 2006 to support cleft research specifically for epidemiological studies, treatment outcomes, and studies into etiology and prevention. We pooled data from seven of the largest Smile Train treatment centers in the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. Data from September 2006 to June 2011 were analyzed and clefts compared between sides and genders using the Fisher exact test. A total of 2197 cases were identified during the study period, with an estimated prevalence rate of 0.5 per 1000. Of the total number of orofacial clefts, 54.4% occur in males and 45.6% in females. There was a significant difference (P = .0001) between unilateral left clefts and unilateral right clefts, and there was a significant difference (P = .0001) between bilateral clefts and clefts on either the left or right side. A significant gender difference (P = .03) was also observed for cleft palate, with more females than males. A total of 103 (4.7%) associated anomalies were identified. There were nine syndromic cleft cases, and 10.4% of the total number of individuals with clefts have an affected relative. The significant difference between unilateral clefts and the gender differences in the proportion of cleft palate only are consistent with the literature. The present study emphasizes the need for birth defects registries in developing countries in order to estimate the exact prevalence of birth defects including orofacial clefts.

Mid-facial fractures: a 5-year retrospective review in a Nigerian teaching hospital

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to establish the pattern and actiology of mid-facial fractures, of patients seen and treated at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria over a 5-year period.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All cases of midfacial fractures diagnosed and treated at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos between January 2004 and December 2008 were reviewed. Data collected from case records of patients included age, sex, aetiology of fracture, anatomic site of fracture, associated maxillofacial fracture, types of treatment and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

The leading cause of mid-facial fractures was road traffic crashes (RTC) which occurred in 93% of highest incidence of mid-facial fractures (36.5%) occurred in the age group of 21-30 years and the lowest in the age group of 60 years and above (2.6%); with male preponderance in nearly all age groups. Female patients were significantly younger than their male counterparts (P=0.000). The most common site of mid-facial bone fractures was the zygomatic complex (n=89, 44.5%), followed by dento-alveolar (n=26, 13%), and Le fort II (n=23, 12%). Conservative management of the fractures was employed in 2.6% (n=4) of the cases while 97.4% (n=152) of the patients required surgical, intervention

CONCLUSIONS

Mid-facial fractures were most common in the 3rd decade of life; with a male-to-female ratio of 3.7: 1. Over 93% of the cases were due to road traffic crashes. Zygomatic complex was the most commonly fractured site. The fact that road traffic crashes still remain the major cause of mid-facial fracture in the studied environment is an indication that the enforcement of legislation to prevent road traffic crashes needs to be re-emphasised.

Genetic studies in the Nigerian population implicate an MSX1 mutation in complex oral facial clefting disorders

BACKGROUND

Orofacial clefts are the most common malformations of the head and neck, with a worldwide prevalence of 1 in 700 births. They are commonly divided into CL(P) and CP based on anatomic, genetic, and embryologic findings. A Nigerian craniofacial anomalies study (NigeriaCRAN) was set up in 2006 to investigate the role of gene-environment interaction in the origin of orofacial clefts in Nigeria.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

DNA isolated from saliva from Nigerian probands was used for genotype association studies and direct sequencing of cleft candidate genes: MSX1 , IRF6 , FOXE1, FGFR1 , FGFR2 , BMP4 , MAFB, ABCA4 , PAX7, and VAX1 , and the chromosome 8q region.

RESULTS

A missense mutation A34G in MSX1 was observed in nine cases and four HapMap controls. No other apparent causative variations were identified. Deviation from Hardy Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) was observed in these cases (p = .00002). A significant difference was noted between the affected side for unilateral CL (p = .03) and bilateral clefts and between clefts on either side (p = .02). A significant gender difference was also observed for CP (p = .008).

CONCLUSIONS

Replication of a mutation previously implicated in other populations suggests a role for the MSX1 A34G variant in the development of CL(P).

Submental / transmylohyoid intubation in maxillofacial surgery: report of two cases

The submental / transmylohyoid intubation technique, as an alternative technique of airway management in oral and maxillofacial surgery, and its modifications, have been widely reported in the literature since it was first described by Altemir in 1986. However, the technique is not yet popular in Nigeria and Africa in general. A report of two cases in which this technique was used in orofacial reconstruction is presented here. The surgical / anesthetic outcome was satisfactory. No complication was seen in the two cases, and healing of the submental wound was uneventful. Submental intubation is a reliable technique of alternative airway management in oral and maxillofacial surgery. The submental / transmylohyoid technique should be considered by both the anesthetist and the maxillofacial surgeon in challenging cases, where an alternative airway technique is required for maxillofacial surgery.

Evaluation of haemodynamic changes in hypertensive patients during tooth extraction under local anaesthesia

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to determine the changes in blood pressure and the pulse rate of patients with controlled hypertension having dental extraction under local anaesthesia utilizing 2% lignocaine with adrenaline, and to evaluate whether these changes in blood pressure were are attributable to addition of adrenaline.

METHODS

This prospective study was carried out in 33 consecutive hypertensive patients who presented at the exodontia clinic of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos, from December 2004 to August 2005 for intra-alveolar tooth extraction. Patients were randomly allocated to two groups according to the type of anaesthetic solution employed. Group A had tooth extraction done under 2% lignocaine with 1:80 000 adrenaline while group B had tooth extraction done under 2% lignocaine without vasoconstrictor (plain lignocaine). One tooth was extracted from each patient. Blood pressure and pulse rate measurements were recorded in the waiting room before surgery, in the surgery after local anaesthetic injection, during tooth extraction and 15 minutes after tooth extraction.

RESULTS

The sample consisted of 20 females and 13 males age range 24 to 75 years (mean +/- SD = 50.1 +/- 11.7 years). There was no statistically significant difference between the systolic and diastolic blood pressure and pulse rate in the two groups after administration of local anaesthesia. However the highest alteration in parameters was observed during tooth extraction in the two groups.

CONCLUSION

The haemodynamic changes induced by injecting 2% lignocaine with adrenaline in patients with controlled hypertension during tooth extraction is within normal range and is not different from that induced by 2% lignocaine without adrenaline. We consider it essential that all precautions to prevent inadvertent intravascular injection be undertaken by the care provider.

Overweight and obesity among patients attending a Nigerian oral surgery clinic: implications for oral surgical practice in Nigeria

AIM

To determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity among patients attending oral and maxillofacial outpatient clinic of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria; and discuss the clinical and surgical implications that obesity has on the delivery of oral and maxillofacial surgical and anaesthetic care.

METHODS

Consecutive patients presenting to the oral and maxillofacial surgery outpatient clinic at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria over a 4-month period (May-August 2004) were screened for age, sex, height and weight. All of the patients were treated for dentoalveolar surgical procedures (routine and surgical extractions), incisional and excisional biopsies, and enucleation under local anaesthesia.

RESULTS

The BMIs of the studied patients ranged from 16.7 to 39.8 kg/m(2), with a mean of 24.6 +/- 4.5 kg/m(2). Prevalence of excess weight was 39.1%. Thirty-one (11.4%) patients were obese and 75 (27.7%) patients were overweight. A significant difference was observed in the BMIs of male and female patients (P=0.000). The age groups < 30 years had mean BMIs that were considered normal; whereas other age groups above 30 years had mean BMIs that were considered overweight. Prevalence of obesity increases with increasing age. Obese individuals were seen in all the age groups except those < 20 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of excess weight (overweight and obesity) in patients presenting in the studied oral and maxillofacial outpatient setting was 39.1%. Oral and maxillofacial surgeon needs to be aware of obesity-/overweight-related medical and surgical issues and take them into consideration when treating these patients.

Tumours of the submandibular salivary gland: a clinicopathologic review of cases over a 17-year period

OBJECTIVE

This study presents a clinicopathologic review of cases of submandibular salivary gland tumours at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria, over a period of 17 years.

METHODS

The records of all patients with histological diagnosis of submandibular salivary gland tumours at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital over a period of 17 years (January 1990 to December 2006) were retrospectively reviewed. Parameters studied were; age and gender of patients, symptoms and duration of symptoms, and histological diagnosis.

RESULTS

A total of 36 patients with submandibular gland tumours were seen during the period. Male-to-female ratio was 1.8:1 (male=23, female=13). Mean age (+/- SD) at presentation was 43 (+/- 19) years (age range, 17-84 years). There were 19 malignant tumours and 17 benign ones. Pleomorphic adenoma (36.1%) was the most frequent tumours, followed by adenoid cystic carcinoma (11.1%), anaplastic carcinoma (11.1%) and malignant lymphoma (11.1%). Patients with histological diagnosis of malignant tumours were significantly older than those with benign tumours (p = 0.01). Most patients (80.6%) presented with painless swelling.

CONCLUSION

Malignant submandibular salivary gland tumours were slightly more than the benign ones in the studied population. Painful swelling or ulceration is indicative of a malignant submandibular gland tumour

Miniplate osteosynthesis of mandibular fractures at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital

OBJECTIVE

To report the clinical outcome of the treatment of mandibular fractures with miniplate osteosynthesis alone, at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).

METHOD

30 patients who presented with 41 mandibular fractures at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital between May 2005 and June 2006 were selected for treatment with miniplate osteosynthesis according to the principles of Champy et al. They were grouped according to the time lapsed from injury to treatment as: early (< 24 hours), delayed (> 24 hours - < 7 days) and "late" (> or = 7 days) osteosynthesis groups. Data collected included: age and gender distribution, the aetiology of trauma, site of fractures, pre and postoperative body weight and interincisal distance and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Only 28 of the 30 selected patients received miniplate osteosynthesis and were therefore included in the final analysis. In 25 of these patients (89%) miniplate osteosynthesis without maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) was used. In 3 patients (11%), supplementary MMF was combined with miniplate osteosynthesis. The male - female ratio was 5:1 and the most frequently affected age group was the 20 - 29 years age group (53%). The most frequent cause of fracture was fight and assault. The body of the mandible was the most fractured site. 14 patients (50%) each were classified as delayed and "late" osteosynthesis respectively. The time lapsed before patients attained a postoperative mouth opening of 35mm was 5 weeks while it took 6 weeks to regain lost weight. 46.4% of the patients had postoperative complications; the most frequent complication was malocclusion (23.3%). Patients in the late osteosynthesis group had a higher complication severity score (2.3) than those in the delayed osteosynthesis group (1.5).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that most of the mandibular osteosynthesis in our environment would be delayed or "late" and would develop higher complication rate.

Conebeam computed tomography (CBCT): the new vista in oral and maxillofacial imaging

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has the potential to reduce the size and cost of CT scanners. This emerging technology produces images with isotropic sub-millimeter spatial resolution with high diagnostic quality, short scanning times of about 10-30 seconds, and radiation dosages of up to 15 times lower than those of conventional CT scans. It is ideally suited for dedicated dentomaxillofacial CT scanning. This technology provides dental practitioners with complete solution for performing specific diagnostic and clinical tasks, including implant planning, temporomandibular joint evaluation, facial fractures, dentoalveolar surgery, orthognathic surgery and periodontal surgery. CBCT is capable of providing a 3-dimensional representation of the maxillofacial hard tissues with minimal distortion. The objective of this article is to highlight the clinical applications of CBCT to oral and maxillofacial surgeons and other dental specialists in Nigeria.

Mechanisms of orbital blowout fracture: a critical review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study is to critically review relevant literature regarding the mechanism of blowout fractures of the orbit and provide an answer to the question: Can one theory adequately explain the mechanism of orbital blowout fractures in the light of present day knowledge?

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A computerised literature search using MEDLINE was conducted for published articles on orbital blowout fractures. Mesh phrases used in the search were: orbital blowout fractures AND mechanisms; orbital blowout fractures AND theory; orbital wall injury AND mechanisms. Only relevant articles were selected for the review.

RESULTS

The physical mechanism of orbital blowout fracture has been a subject of debate for years by maxillofacial surgeons, ophthalmologists, plastic surgeons, otolaryngologists and orbitologists. However, only 3 mechanisms of injury have been proposed namely: "hydraulic" theory, "globe-to-wall" theory and "bone conduction" theory. Most of the theories of orbital blowout fractures have been confirmed through brilliant experiments and hypothetical explanation/analysis of clinical and radiologic findings, and each one appears to fit according to the different type of trauma received.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on contemporary evidence, one theory may not adequately explain all types of fractures completely or be responsible exclusively in a given case for the pattern of fracture observed. Blowout fractures of the orbit could therefore be due to a combination of 2 or more mechanisms.

A review of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD's) presenting at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the patterns of presentation of Temporomandibular joint Disorders (TMDs) in our institution in a 6 year period.

PATIENT AND METHODS

A retrospective study of patients who presented in the Oral Medicine and Oral and Maxillofacial surgery clinics of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) between January 2000 and December 2005 with TMDs was done. Case files of these patients were retrieved and data collected included patients' age, sex, presenting complains and history of associated risk factors. Also collected were findings on clinical examination and mode of treatment. The data collected were evaluated and descriptive analysis was used as appropriate.

RESULT

A total of 94 patients were seen. There were 55 males (58.5%) and 39 female (41.5%), male to female ratio was ratio was 1.5:1. The age ranged from 13 to 98 years (mean age 42.7 +/- 16.4 years). Majority, 59 (62.8%) of the patients seen were between the ages of 20 and 49 years. Nine (9.6%) had a previous history of stress, 18 (19.1%) a previous history of trauma while 5 (5.3%) had a history of associated habits. Pain was the most common presenting complaint. It occurred as a singular presenting complaint in 66 (70.2%) patients and in association with other complaints in 10 (10.6%) patients. Conservative management was the treatment of choice in all cases.

CONCLUSION

Most patients with TMD in the studied environment are middle aged in agreement with the literature. However, there were more reported cases in males in contrast to previous studies. Previous history of trauma and stress were important risk factors elicited from patients with TMD in this study.

Indications for extraction of third molars: a review of 1763 cases

OBJECTIVE

Third molars have been described as different from other teeth in the oral cavity. They have the highest rate of developmental abnormalities and, most importantly, are last in the eruption sequence. We investigated reasons for third molar teeth extraction in patients attending the outpatient oral surgery clinic of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of patients who had third molar extractions between January 2001 and June 2006 was conducted. Data retrieved and analysed were: age and sex of patients, indication for extractions, type of teeth extracted, technique of extractions (surgical and non-surgical) and angulations of impaction in case of impacted lower third molars.

RESULTS

A total of 1763 patients (mean age +/-SD, 33.74+/- 13.3 years; range 15 - 92 years) had their third molars extracted during the period. Majority (58%) of them were females. Surgical extraction was carried out in 506 (28.7%) patients while 1257 (71.3%) patients had non-surgical extractions. Caries and its sequela (63.2%) was the major reason for teeth extraction followed by recurrent pericoronitis (26.3%) and periodontitis (9.2%). Only 11 (0.6%) cases were removed for prophylactic reason. Patients who had their teeth removed for caries were significantly younger than those for periodontitis (P=0.000) but older than those for pericoronitis (P=0.000).

CONCLUSIONS

Caries and periodontal diseases occurring in relatively older age group were the major reasons for non-surgical extraction of third molars while recurrent pericoronitis occurring in relatively younger age was the major reason for surgical extraction of impacted third molars. Prophylactic surgical extraction of third molars is not a common practice in our environment.

Salivary gland tumours: a 15-year review at the Dental Centre Lagos University Teaching Hospital

The aim of this study was to determine the relative frequency of tumours of the salivary gland seen at the Dental Centre, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria over a period of 15 years. All cases that were histologically diagnosed as salivary gland tumours from January 1990 to December 2004 were retrieved from the histopathology records of the Department of Oral Pathology and Biology and Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria. All the cases were subjected to analysis of age, sex, site of occurrence and histologic diagnosis based on 1991 World Health Organisation (WHO) classification. Salivary gland constituted 6.3% of all oro-facial tumours and tumour-like lesions. The frequency of malignant tumours was 60.8% (n = 73) and benign tumours 39.2% (n = 47). Minor salivary glands (63.3%) were mostly affected. The male-to-female ratio was 1.1:1, and most (72.5%) of the tumours occurred in the age group of 21-60 years. Pleomorphic adenoma was the most commonly occurring tumour (29.2%) followed by adenoid cystic carcinoma (19.2%). The predominant benign and malignant tumours were pleomorphic adenoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma respectively. Palate (45.8%) was the most frequently affected site. The mean.age (+/-SD) of patients with benign tumours was significantly lower than those with malignant tumours (P = 0.003). The incidence of salivary gland tumours in this study is higher than in most previous reports. Malignant tumours which occurred in older age group were the most commonly seen.

Incidence and pattern of presentation of dry socket following non-surgical tooth extraction

OBJECTIVES

To determine the incidence and pattern of presentation of dry socket as a complication of intra-alveolar dental extraction at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital.

METHODS

Patients who were referred for intra-alveolar dental extractions under local anaesthesia at the exodontia clinic of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital between July and December 2002 were included in the study. The following data were recorded for each patient: biodata, reason for extraction, number and type of teeth extracted, time taken for the extraction to be done, smoking habit, and use of oral contraceptives. Onset of symptoms and type of teeth involved for those with diagnosis of dry socket were also recorded.

RESULTS

Thirty-one teeth (5.6%) of a total of 554 teeth extracted during the period of the study developed dry socket. The mean age (SD) of the 27 patients who developed dry socket was 32.2 +/- 13.0 years, (m; f ratio of 1: 4.4). Most (44.5%) of the patients who presented with dry socket were in the 3rd decade of life, with more than half (59%) of them presenting on the 3rd day following extraction. Mandibular and maxillary teeth were equally affected. Molars and premolars were exclusively affected. Difficulty of extraction was significantly associated with the development of dry socket (p<.05).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of dry socket in our centre is similar to previous reports. Female patients were significantly affected. Difficulty of extraction was significantly associated with the development of dry socket. Non-dressing treatment provided satisfactory relief of the symptoms and subsequent granulation of the socket.

Binder's maxillo-nasal dysplasia: report of a case

Case report of a 20 year old female patient who presented with Binder's maxillonasal dysplasia. She presented with completely missing premaxilla, nasal bone and septum, there was however no associated cardiac abnormalities, mental retardation or other skeletal deformities. Her principal complaint was the associated missing incisors. The incisors and the premaxilla were satisfactorily replaced with a removable maxillofacial prosthesis.

Primary malignant neoplasms of orofacial origin: a retrospective review of 256 cases in a Nigerian tertiary hospital

A retrospective review of cases histologically diagnosed as malignant lesions of the orofacial region in 1992-2003 from the records of the Department of Oral Pathology and Biology, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria was carried out. All cases were subjected to analysis of age, gender, site distribution and histologic types. Malignant tumours constituted 18% of all the biopsies of orofacial lesions seen within the period. The mean age of patients was 42.2+/-21.5 years (range: 2.5-85). There were 177 (69%) epithelial tumours of which squamous cell carcinoma was predominant, 47 (18%) sarcomas and 32 (13%) lymphomas. Squamous cell carcinoma (44%) was the most common malignant orofacial tumour. Osteosarcoma (32%) and Burkitt's lymphoma (56%) was the predominant sarcoma and lymphoma, respectively. Patients with a histologic diagnosis of carcinoma were older than those with sarcomas and lymphomas (P<0.01), and those with a histologic diagnosis of malignant lymphoma were significantly younger than those with sarcomas (P<0.01). Almost 25% of patients with carcinomas were below the age of 40 years. Malignant orofacial tumours are not uncommon in the studied environment, with a sizable proportion of carcinomas occurring before the age of 40 years.

Prevalence and surgical morbidity of impacted mandibular third molar removal in the aging population: a retrospective study at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital

Prophylactic surgical extraction of impacted third molars is not an uncommon practice in Europe and America. This has been justified on the basis that the risk of surgical morbidity increases with increasing age among other reasons. The purpose of this study is to report the prevalence of impacted third molar extraction and associated morbidity in patients = 40 years of age in our institution. A retrospective review of patients = 40 years of age who required surgical extraction of their impacted third molars between April 2001 and March 2006 at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital was carried out. Data collected included patients' age and sex, tooth/teeth extracted, indication(s) for tooth/teeth extraction, types of impaction, and surgical morbidity (intra-and postoperative complications). A total of 6.3% of patients requiring third molar surgical extraction were 40 years or older. No intraoperative complications occurred in any of the patients. Only 3 patients (9.7%) developed minor postoperative complications (infected socket, dry socket) which were reversible and of short duration). Less than 7% of patients requiring surgical extraction of impacted third molars in our institution were 40 years and above. In addition, minor postoperative complications were seen in only 3 patients. Our result does not support prophylactic surgical extraction of third molars based on the assumption that surgical morbidity increases with age.

Pattern of paediatric maxillofacial fractures in Lagos, Nigeria

BACKGROUND

Maxillofacial fractures in children are rare when compared to those occurring in adults. To establish the incidence, pattern, and aetiology of maxillofacial fractures in children aged 15 years and below in Lagos, Nigeria.

DESIGN

A review of patients with maxillofacial fractures aged 15 years and below seen and treated at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria between January 1997 and December 2004 was conducted.

RESULTS

Of the 225 patients with maxillofacial fractures seen within the study period, 37 (16.4%) were children aged 15 years and below, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.5 : 1. The highest incidence recorded was found within the age group 12-15 years (41%), with the lowest incidence occurring in the age group 0-5 years (27%). Multiple fractures were commoner in older patients (P > 0.05), and in boys (P > 0.05). There were no statistically significant relationships between the age of the patients, gender distribution, and mechanisms of injury. Road traffic crashes were the most common aetiological factor (64.9%), with the mandible being the most involved facial bone (63.8%). Majority of the mandibular fractures (33.3%) were located in parasymphyseal region. Zygomatic complex fractures were the most common in the mid-facial region. Most of the fractures (81.1%) were immobilized by simple methods (arch bars, eyelet wires, acrylic splint with circum-mandibular wiring) with or without intermaxillary fixation. Of the cases, 18.9% were managed conservatively.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of facial fractures in this study was found to be higher than previously reported in Nigeria and worldwide, with almost two-thirds of cases a result of road traffic crashes. There is a need to enforce legislation aimed at preventing road traffic crashes to reduce maxillofacial injuries in children.

Ultrasound as a diagnostic aid in head and neck lesions

AIM

This article reviewed the diagnostic values of ultrasound in head and neck lesions with a view to emphasising its importance to Maxillo-Facial Surgeons in Nigeria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A computerised literature search using MEDLINE was conducted for publications on ultrasonography in head and neck region. Mesh phrases used in the search were: ultrasound and head and neck; ultrasound and oral lesions.

RESULTS

Ultrasound has been found to be a reliable and sensitive diagnostic tool in the diagnosis of soft tissue cysts, vascular neoplasms, deep neck abscesses, palatal tumours, salivary gland diseases, fractures of facial bone, solid and cystic lesions of the jaws, temporomandibular joint pathology, head and neck cancer and nodal metastases. Its sensitivity and specificity for some lesions have been found to be comparable to those of computerised tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound is an established valuable diagnostic tool for head and neck lesions. The success of ultrasonography is highly dependent on the frequency of the probe, the higher the resolution the better the accuracy. Its advantages include being non-invasive, without any known deleterious biological effect, rapid, painless, inexpensive and easily reproducible.

Surgical management of a large complex odontoma of the mandibular angle-ramus region through intra-oral buccal approach--A case report

Large complex odontomas of the jaws are rare. A report of a large complex odontoma of the mandibular angle-ramus region enucleated through intra-oral buccal approach is presented. A review of the literature on different modalities of treatment is also undertaken. A large expansile complex odontoma of the angle-ramus region of the mandible was excised through an intraoral buccal approach under general anaesthesia. Recovery and immediate post-operative period were uneventful. There was no altered sensation in the distribution of the inferior alveolar nerve and lingual nerve; and wound healing was satisfactory. Post-operative radiograph 2 years after the operation showed satisfactory bone regeneration. Intraoral buccal approach to large complex odontomas of the angle-ramus region of the mandible is a relatively safe procedure with minimal complication.

Zygomatic arch reconstruction with autogenous rib bone graft in a post irradiated patient -- a case report

Reconstruction of zygomatic arch using an autogenous free non-vascularised bone graft is presented. The zygomatic arch was resected along with the masseter and part of temporalis muscle following a histologically diagnosed case of chondrosarcoma. She received radiotherapy 3 weeks post-operatively to the site. The resultant facial asymmetry was unacceptable to the patient. She was therefore rescheduled for reconstruction of the zygomatic arch despite the anticipated attendant risk of avascular bed for the graft. Bone grafting was done 44 months post irradiation and the patient had been followed up for 38 months without evidence of rejection. We evaluated other sites of possible bone of similar contour and thickness to the zygomatic arch; we found the rib most suitable, despite the poor quality of rib as graft material, because it is a dense, thick bicortical bone with low proportion of cancellous bone, although it is the second most favoured donor site for free bone graft. The advantages of the rib as a graft are that it presents a contour that could be shaped to fit many defects, it is available in sufficient length up to 12-18 cm to fit large defects, the donor site regenerates when the periosteum is preserved.

Gene therapy in the management of oral cancer: a review of recent developments

AIMS

This article reviews the present body of knowledge regarding the principle, transfer techniques, therapeutic strategies, clinical applications and limitations of gene therapy in the management of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Scientific publications on gene therapy between 1990 and 2003 were selected for the purpose of the review. These include clinical articles, experimental studies and review articles.

RESULTS

Viruses are the commonly used transfer system for the delivery of gene therapy. The viral vectors commonly used are: retroviruses, adenoviruses, herpesviruses, and adenoassociated viruses (AAV). Transfection of cancer cells in vivo with gene therapy is done by intralesional injection, and sometimes by topical application. Phase I and II clinical trials have established the safety and clinical efficacy of gene therapy in the treatment of oral squamous cell carcinomas in humans, especially in combination with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Phase III clinical trials and studies of the use of gene therapy as an adjuvant following surgery are presently underway.

CONCLUSIONS

Gene therapy represents a new and innovative approach to the treatment of oral cancer especially in recurrent disease and adjuvant treatment. Oral squamous cell carcinoma is especially an attractive tumour target due to its frequent genetic mutations and accessibility for intra-tumoural administration of gene therapy. However, gene therapy has not yet been shown to be suitable for systemic delivery in cancer patients, hence the control of regional and metastasis is presently difficult.

The use of buccal fat pad in oral reconstruction - a review

AIM

The aim of this article is to review the applications of the buccal fat pad (BFP) in oral reconstruction, 25 years after its first use as a pedicled flap.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A computerized literature search was conducted for articles published from 1977-2002. Mesh phrases used in the search were: buccal fat pad, buccal fat pad and oral reconstruction.

RESULTS

A total of 43 articles were selected for the review based on the criteria for the study. Thirty of these articles were clinical articles, 8 were anatomic studies, 2 were review articles, 1 was an experimental study and 2 discussion articles. Only 9 clinical articles were published prior to 1990, and between 1990 and 2002, a total of 21 clinical articles were published. Various application of BFP in oral reconstruction include closure of surgical defects following tumor excision, repair of surgical defects following excision of leukoplakia and submucous fibrosis, closure of primary and secondary palatal clefts, coverage of maxillary and mandibular bone grafts and lining of sinus surface of maxillary sinus bone graft in sinus lift procedure for maxillary augmentation.

CONCLUSIONS

The easy mobilisation of the BFP and its excellent blood supply and minimal donor site morbidity makes it an ideal flap. The main advantages of BFP are ease of harvesting, simplicity, versatility, low rate of complications as well as quick surgical technique. The operation can be performed in one incision, affecting neither appearance nor function of the area.

Concurrent pleomorphic adenoma in parapharyngeal space and submandibular gland

Background

Pleomorphic adenoma in the parapharyngeal space either occurs de novo or as an extension from the deep lobe of the parotid gland.

Case presentation

A rare synchronous occurrence of pleomorphic adenoma in the parapharyngeal space and submandibular gland of a 48-year-old Nigerian male is reported.

Conclusion

Pleomorphic adenoma concurrent in the parapharyngeal space and submandibular gland is very rare. A complete surgical excision of both tumors is the treatment of choice.

Transmigration of mandibular permanent canine in a Nigerian patient: presentation and management

A rare dental anomaly--transmigration is presented in a 12-year-old female Nigerian who was referred for orthodontic assessment. A right mandibular canine was found completely located in the left side of the body of the mandible having moved ectopically and progressively from its normal developmental site through the symphysis of the mandible. The importance of the radiological diagnosis with the use of panoramic radiograph is highlighted and the management briefly discussed.

Anaplastic carcinoma of the parotid gland: a case report of a patient disease free after nine years. Follow-up

A case of massive anaplastic carcinoma of the left parotid gland in a 29-year old female Nigerian, of Yoruba tribe, for which radical left parotidectomy with external carotid artery ligation and post-operative radiotherapy was performed is presented Nine years post-operatively, no evidence of recurrence or metastasis was found. The patient is in apparent good health, despite the amount of tumour spillage that was experienced intra-operatively. As far as we have been able to check, it is to our knowledge the first of such from Nigeria.

Epithelial jaw cysts: analysis of 126 Nigerian cases

One hundred and twenty-six Nigerian cases of epithelial jaw cysts were retrieved from case notes and biopsy records of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Department of Oral Pathology and Oral Biology of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital. The cases were analysed for age, sex, site and methods of management. Results show that developmental odontogenic cysts (57.14%) were more common than inflammatory odontogenic cysts (26.94%). Dentigerous cyst (22.22%) was the most common epithelial jaw cyst, followed by radicular cyst (21.43%). Developmental non-odontogenic cysts were more than twice as common in females as in males. Sixty-eight per cent of epithelial jaw cysts were treated by enucleation, 10% by marsupialisation, 13% by jaw resection and 9% by surgical excision.