Recurrence rate of odontogenic myxoma after different treatments: a systematic review

Our aim was to establish the recurrence rate of odontogenic myxoma after different treatments. Our search covered papers from 1972-2017 from different sources. The papers were evaluated and critically appraised by two independent investigators. The recurrence rate and 95% CI were calculated in relation to each specific treatment, and the chi squared test was calculated to find out if there was any significant difference in the recurrence rate between conservative treatment and resection. The overall recurrence rate was 5 of 39 patients (13%) during a mean follow up period of 10 years. With conservative treatment the recurrence rate was 4/22 (19%) (mean follow up 11 years) and after resection it was 1/17 (6%) (mean follow up nine years). Maxillary lesions were more likely to recur than mandibular ones. Quality of life variables such as disfigurement and neural deficit were more common after resection than with conservative treatment. The frequency of recurrence was relatively low over 10 years' follow up, irrespective of whether resection or a more conservative approach was used, despite being slightly lower (as might be expected) after resection. Conservative treatment should be considered first to avoid resection-associated morbidity and the effect on the quality of life. Maxillary lesions have more room to spread before they are clinically evident, making them difficult to treat optimally and contributing to the recurrence rate.

Oral tuberculosis: unusual radiographic findings

Oral tuberculosis and its radiographic findings are not commonly encountered in an oral and maxillofacial radiology practice. Literature has occasional mention of the radiographic findings of oral tuberculosis, which are still ambiguous. When affected, it is manifested majorly in the oral mucosa and rarely in the jaw bones. Here, we report certain unusual radiographic findings of oral tuberculosis which have been rarely mentioned in the literature. Four illustrative cases describe bony resorption, condylar resorption, resorption of the inferior border of the mandible and rarefaction of the alveolar bone as radiographic findings of oral tuberculosis. Follow up of the first case demonstrated regeneration of the condylar head after anti-Kochs therapy was completed, a hitherto unreported phenomenon. The importance of including tuberculosis in the differential diagnosis of some of the unusual radiographic manifestations is emphasized.

Early victims of X-rays: a tribute and current perception

X-rays were discovered in 1895 and since then much has been written about Wilhelm Roentgen and the events surrounding the discovery. However, there have been only scattered references in the literature about the early workers who dedicated their life, and death, to X-rays. Radiology has come of age since then. Large exposure times have been reduced to milliseconds and there has been a change from analogue to digital. The advent of new and rapidly developing modalities and the ubiquitous presence of cone beam CT (CBCT) highlight the need to remember the early victims of X-rays, especially with the lack of universal guidelines for taking a CBCT scan. The aim of this article is to alert the oral radiologist to exposing patients irrespective of need, and to pay respect to the victims on the 116(th) anniversary of the discovery of X-rays.

The role of maxillofacial radiologists in gunshot injuries: a hypothesized missile trajectory in two case reports

Gunshot injuries are an emerging form of trauma that oral radiologists increasingly have to deal with. There are two main types of gunshot injuries: high-velocity and low-velocity bullet injuries. The outcome of high-velocity gunshot injury is usually fatal; however, a non-fatal low-velocity injury to the maxillofacial region is more likely to be encountered by the oral and maxillofacial radiologist. It is therefore important to up-to-date knowledge of ballistic science and its implications in the field of maxillofacial radiology. The ability of oral and maxillofacial radiologists to predict the missile trajectory will aid the assessment and localization of the damage caused by the bullet and its splinters. Predicting the missile trajectory may also be of help to law enforcement agencies and forensic scientists in determining the type of firearm used and direction of fire. This article, which examines two cases, attempts to highlight to the oral radiologist this emerging form of trauma and its implications.

Forensic odontology, historical perspective

According to the old testament Adam was convinced by eve to put a "Bite Mark" on the apple. Interest in Forensic Odontology was heightened in the latter part of 19th Century. The first formal instructional programme was given at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, U.S. Since then the number of cases reported has played a significant role in expanding the role of Forensic Odontology. The earliest reported case was of Lollia Paulina in the year 49 A. D. One of the early reported case is also found in India in the year 1193. In the last few decades, the basic pattern of Forensic Odontology has changed quite a lot. Advances in dental material and laboratory techniques, with improvements in scientific and photographic technology, have made the proof of presentation much to forensic science.