Mandibular reconstruction: a new defect classification system

This paper presents a new mandibular segmental defect classification system (La-Co-CE) with a view to highlight the complexity and difficulty of the reconstruction with free autogenous bone grafts which the most frequently used method for surgeons practicing in developing countries. We submit that defect classification systems will continue to remain relevant if surgeons are to is pre-operatively classify the envisaged operative difficulty and objectively compare the outcome postoperatively

Isolation and Characterisation of High Grade Nanosilicon from Coastal Landform in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria.

The application of silicon and silicon based materials in industries and optoelectronic devices cannot be over emphasized due to their unique properties. The availability of high grade silicon has been subject of interest for manufacturers and industrialist as the material has from discovery been very much insufficient to cater for the numerous demands for different uses and utilization. Numerous efforts have been put together to adapt the properties of silicon through the manufacture and fabrication of semiconductor compounds to replace silicon in functionality. Notwithstanding, the quest for more silicon in the environment is yet unabated. This research centers on the isolation and characterisation of high grade nanosilicon from coastal landform in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria due to the attractive nature of the landforms in terms of colour and texture. Sand from the selected study area were categorised into different forms according to their colour and silicon isolated using the magnesiothermic reduction while the nanosilicon was obtained using an appropriate ball milling process. The morphology of nanosilicon from Zion, Micheal-Ugbonla, and Oluwa Glass coastal landforms shows an agglomeration of particles with irregular shapes having average particle sizes of 58.98 nm, 77.82 nm, and 37.27 nm, respectively. The XRD spectra of the nanosilicon showed sharp, distinct peaks that indicate crystallinity of the samples. The percentages of nanosilicon value obtained ranges from 65.23%-80.30% and considered high enough to find specific useful industrial applications in lithium ion batteries, biomedical devices, opto electronic device utilization and computer industries

Human bite injuries in the oro-facial region at the Muhimbili National Hospital, Tanzania

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Human bites in the maxillofacial region compromise function and aesthetics, resulting in social and psychological effects. There is paucity of information regarding human bite injuries in Tanzania. The aim of the study was to assess the occurrence, treatment modalities and prognosis of human bite injuries in the oro-facial region at the Muhimbili National Hospital Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>In a prospective study the details of patients with human bite injuries in the oro-facial region who attended at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the Muhimbili National Hospital between January 2001 and December 2005 were recorded. Data included information on age, sex, site, duration of the injury at the time of reporting to hospital, reasons, details of treatment offered and outcome after treatment.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A total of 33 patients, 13 males and 20 females aged between 12 and 49 years with human bite injuries in the oro-facial region were treated. Thirty patients presented with clean uninfected wounds while 3 had infected wounds. The most (45.5%) frequently affected site was the lower lip. Treatment offered included thorough surgical cleansing with adequate surgical debridement and primary suturing. Tetanus prophylaxis and a course of broad-spectrum antibiotics were given to all the patients. In 90% of the 30 patients who were treated by suturing, the healing was uneventful with only 10% experiencing wound infection or necrosis. Three patients who presented with wounds that had signs of infection were treated by surgical cleansing with debridement, antibiotics and daily dressing followed by delayed primary suturing.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Most of the human bite injuries in the oro-facial region were due to social conflicts. Although generally considered to be dirty or contaminated they could be successfully treated by surgical cleansing and primary suture with a favourable outcome. Management of such injuries often need multidisciplinary approach.</p

Clinical options for mandibular reconstruction: A review

This paper reviewed the different clinical options for reconstruction of segmental defects of the mandible. The options reviewed included no reconstruction; the use of prosthetic implants (alloplasts); autogenous bone grafts; combination of allopplasts with autografts; free pedicled compound grafts;combination of homografts and autografts; distraction osteogenesis; and tissue engineering. The goal, objectives, criteria for success of autogenous and alloplastic reconstructions were highlighted as well as the factors that may influence the choice of a particular method

Postgraduate trainees’ perceptions of the learning environment in a Nigerian teaching hospital

Background. The learning environment represents various factors that describe the learner’s experiences in that setting. The learning environment of junior doctors undergoing training programmes in hospitals is considered a major factor determining both academic success and health service delivery performance. Increased performance in both areas requires routine assessment of the learning environment to identify components that need attention.Objective. To evaluate the perception of junior doctors undergoing specialist training regarding the learning environment in a teaching hospital.Methods. This was a single-centre, cross-sectional study, using the Postgraduate Hospital Educational Environment Measure (PHEEM). The questionnaire was used to collect data on the learning environment of junior doctors in all 10 clinical departments at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. All of the junior doctors (n=148) in the hospital at the time of the study received the questionnaire; they constituted the sample size for the survey. Data collected were analysed to assess junior doctors’ perceptions of the overall learning environment and of the individual factors in the learning environment as measured by the individual items of PHEEM.Results. The hospital educational environment was rated high, with a score of 98.25. The domains of the environment measure also showed positive perceptions, but revealed specific areas in need of attention as measured by the items of the questionnaire. Significant (p&lt;0.05) differences were noted in the perceptions of some items of the environment in the clinical departments.Conclusions. The junior doctors’ perceptions of their educational environment were positive. The study was able to identify areas of strengths and weaknesses in the overall hospital learning environment and the specialty departments. Overall, it identified the absence of an informative handbook for junior doctors and quality accommodation and catering facilities when the doctors were on call, as well as excess workload and lack of counselling services as areas that require the most attention to improve the learning environment