A pilot study to assess dental age estimation in black South African children using Demirjian's method

The age estimation method as described by Demirjian is the most frequently used tool to estimate the sub-adult dental age in forensic dentistry. This technique has been shown to over or under estimate the chronological age of sub-adults when applied to specific population groups. The aim of this study was to compare a black South African population sample with the original French-Canadian model to determine if Demirjian’s method accurately reflects the true chronological age of this population group. A sample of panoramic radiographs from 279 boys and 325 girls between the ages of 6 and 16 was obtained from the School of Dentistry University of Pretoria, and from orthodontists in private practice in the Pretoria region. The panoramic radiographs were used to score the seven left mandibular teeth. The calculated maturity score was used to determine the Demirjian dental age. All panoramic radiographs were scored by one examiner. A subset of 20 panoramic radiographs was scored by a second examiner and reliability tested using a Wilcoxon Matched Pairs Test. This research showed that black South African children have a more advanced dental age compared to French-Canadian children. Demirjian overestimated the age for boys by 0.8 years and for girls by 0.5 years. The dental age assessment provided by Demirjian is not suitable for black South African children. As a result, new standards of dental age assessment should be established for this population. CopyrightDissertation (MSc(Odont))--University of Pretoria, 2011.Oral Pathology and Oral Biologyunrestricte

Maxillo-facial radiology case 131

No abstract available.www.sada.co.zaam201

Forensic dentistry case book 1 : dentures used to convict suspect

An elderly woman was brutally murdered while visiting her deceased husband's grave. At the post mortem it was noticed that her dentures were missing. It was first assumed the dentures had been lost during the violent attack. During the subsequent investigation, a set of dentures was found hanging in the room of one of the suspects. The investigating officer reported the dentures were displayed as a trophy, together with other artefacts. Initially this was noted in the police report, but disregarded as being of major significance. During follow-up investigations, the victim's daughter reported that she had a set of disused dentures belonging to her mother. She had taken her mother to the dentist to fetch her new dentures and had kept the old pair which her mother no longer used or wanted. Both pairs of dentures were brought to the Forensic Dental Section of the Department of Oral Pathology and Oral Biology, School of Dentistry, University of Pretoria for analysis.www.sada.co.za2015-05-31am201

Previously undiagnosed MVA trauma to TMJ

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) have a multifactorial aetiology, one suggestion being that facial trauma caused by motor vehicle accidents (MVA) may result in TMD. However, the relationship is somewhat controversial as there is no conclusive evidence.1 Trauma to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can be classified as microor macro-trauma. The degree of severity varies from malocclusion, whiplash during MVA and facial fractures including mandibular and condylar fractures. Trauma to the TMJ whether direct or indirect may affect the balance of the TMJ, resulting in degeneration of the articular cartilage by altering the mechanical properties of the disc. A number of problems may be experienced including dislocation, effusion, fibrous adhesions, ankylosis, fracture of the condylar head or neck and limited jaw opening.2 A long-term effect of MVA to the TMJ is a secondary malocclusion developing long after the primary treatment. The most common reason for this malocclusion is that the anteroposterior or transverse dimensions have been altered. In cases where condylar fractures were undiagnosed an open bite will develop, leading to a retrognathic mandible.http://www.sada.co.zaam2016Oral Pathology and Oral Biolog

Internal carotid artery calcifications in a South African population : a CBCT imaging study

BACKGROUND : Stroke is the second leading cause of death globally and account for 25,000 deaths annually in South Africa. Both medial and intimal located intracranial internal carotid artery (iICA) calcifications are associated with stroke. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is commonly used where advanced dental imaging of the skull is required and often includes areas outside of the field of interest. Modalities such as CBCT have great potential to identify and provide early detection of calcifications during imaging for dental purposes. The aim of the study was to investigate the presence, distribution and extent of iICA calcifications in a South African population using CBCT images. Retrospectively collected CBCT data sets of 582 patients were evaluated. All data sets were evaluated for the presence, location and severity of calcifications within the course of the internal carotid artery. RESULTS : Age was associated with a higher prevalence of internal carotid artery (ICA) calcifications, but sex was not. Individuals older than 61 years presented with a high number of calcifications. In total, the presence of calcifications was found in 199 patients (i.e. 34.19% of the patients). White South African individuals showed the highest prevalence. A higher degree of calcifications was also present within the C4, C5 and C6 ICA segments. CONCLUSIONS : Detection of calcifications along the course of the ICA was possible using CBCT images taken for dental treatment purposes. Early detection of calcifications allows for appropriated referral and assessment which will be beneficial to the patient presenting with ICA calcifications.http://www.wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/orshj2023AnatomyOral Pathology and Oral Biolog

The importance of record keeping in Forensic Odontology : a case discussion and general medico-legal guidelines for all practitioners

Forensic Odontologists may be called upon to help identify deceased individuals in situations such as: criminal cases, where victim identification is needed before official investigations can take place; marriages, where confirmation of the death of a spouse is required before the partner can remarry; for monetary purposes, such as paying out of pensions and life insurance policies; for completion of death certificates prior to burial; for social reasons such as closure for family members; for unclaimed bodies; for unidentified bodies in mass disasters; and in cases of fires, drowning, violent crimes, and motor vehicle accidents where the bodies may be so badly disfigured, decomposed or physically altered, that identification by family members would be psychologically traumatic. Although many regions of the body have been used for identification purposes, the teeth remain one of the most ideal sources as they have a number of distinctive features and are able to withstand many chemical and physical insults that would destroy other body tissues. Radiographs taken at the time of autopsy should replicate the type and angles of the any existing records as closely as possible. It is routine that a thorough, systematic, clinical and radiological examination is carried out on each tooth as well as the surrounding oral tissues. The list of features examined is extensive, especially in cases with little or no restorative work, as these are much more difficult to positively identify.http://www.sada.co.zaam2016Oral Pathology and Oral BiologyProsthodonticsRadiolog

Estimating age and the probability of being at least 18 years of age using third molars : a comparison between Black and White individuals living in South Africa

Third molar development of 705 White and 563 Black South African individuals aged between 15 and 25 years was assessed from panoramic radiographs obtained from the School of Dentistry, University of Pretoria, South Africa. The maxillary and mandibular left third molars were scored according to a ten-stage scoring system. Ancestry and sex differences in dental maturity were assessed, and the likelihood of an individual being 18 years of age was determined for each developmental stage. Statistically significant differences were noted among ancestry groups for most developmental stages, with South African Black individuals consistently maturing earlier than the White individuals. Statistically significant differences were noted among sex groups for some of the stages, mostly those near the final stages of root development. The results indicate that male third molars completed their development faster than that of females. The likelihood of an individual being 18 years of age based on the third molar development stage for the maxilla and mandible on its own was also determined. Combined likelihood results, for the maxillary and mandibular left third molars for stage H, increased the likelihood of being 18 years to 95% for all the studied ancestry and sex groups.The National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa.http://link.springer.com/journal/4142019-09-01hj2018Insurance and Actuarial ScienceOral Pathology and Oral Biolog

Radiological Spectrum of Metastasis to the Oral and Maxillofacial Region

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o6gMIPx5KRpy2ExKrB73LVeygo1lhb3I/view?usp=sharinghttps://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1L7HM6i_0lG95U2uPl_CJ6fnA9fmpnvAa?usp=sharinghttps://drive.google.com/drive/folders/163wPW0qMYGe1Wdl7nzpcImWn-T1hqbHa?usp=sharin

An anatomical investigation into the blood supply of the proximal humerus : surgical considerations for rotator cuff repair

BACKGROUND : The purpose of this study was to investigate the blood supply of the humeral head (HH) originating from the anterior (ACHA) and posterior circumflex humeral arteries (PCHA). METHODS : Formalin preserved specimens were used to measure ACHA length, ACHA length in the bicipital groove (BG), the length of the ascending branch of the ACHA, the penetration point of the ascending branch of the ACHA at the greater tuberosity (GT), and the penetration point of the ascending branch PCHA at the GT. Fresh specimens were used to identify the intraosseous vascular network by both the ACHA and PCHA by injecting a contrast medium using a high-resolution microfocus computed tomography. Specimens were then dissected to expose where the branches of the ACHA and PCHA penetrate the bone, and a small section of the medial head was removed to visualize dye penetration of the cancellous bone. RESULTS : Seven variations for the course of the ACHA were observed. In 36%, the ACHA runs posterior to the BG and posterior to the long head of biceps tendon, and splits into the anterolateral ascending and descending branch. The ascending branch enters the medial wall of the GT. Microfocus computed tomography demonstrated that the intraosseous branch of the ascending branch of the ACHA runs within the GT in a medial direction from its penetration point just along the lateral edge of the BG. Intraosseous accumulation of contrast within the GT supply occurs more toward the inferior aspect of the HH, and the anterior-superior and superior-medial aspect of the HH is not perfused. This region is a high-risk zone for avascular necrosis. CONCLUSION : The results of this study suggest that 7 variations for the course of the ACHA exist. These variations and the interruption of the intraosseous arterial network in the GT with surgery and suture anchor placement result in a high-risk zone in the superomedial aspect of the humeral head overlapping with the area where early aseptic necrosis is identified.The National Research Foundation, South Africahttp://www.elsevier.com/locate/jseshj2020AnatomyOral Pathology and Oral BiologyOrthopaedic Surger

A debt repaid? A case of an unusual foreign body found in the nasal cavity

The appearance of nasal foreign bodies is well reported in children but hardly ever seen in adults. These objects are often easily identified and removed. This report documents an unusual case of a bank note lodged in the nasal cavity of an adult male. The foreign body in question presented a significant diagnostic challenge both from a clinical and radiological perspective. Careful review of the case history, as well as clinical and radiographic features, led to appropriate management and avoidance of unnecessary interventions. Clinicians involved in head and neck surgery and radiology should suspect, and be aware of the radiographic appearance, of a wide variety of foreign bodies.http://www.wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/orshj2022Maxillo-Facial and Oral SurgeryOdontologyOral Pathology and Oral Biolog