[Temporomandibular joint dysfunctions: evolution in patient care].

Temporomandibular joint dysfunctions are a frequently occurring condition that can have a considerable impact on the quality of life. The treatment modalities vary according to the anatomical involvement and symptomatology of the patient. Conservative and surgical management is still controversial and has evolved significantly in recent decades.

[Temporomandibular joint disorders: current concepts for conservative management].

The temporomandibular joint is subject to repeated stress. The overloading of the compensation system leads to dysfunction, which manifests itself in the form of muscular and articular damage. Pain, joint noises and limitation of mouth opening are the most frequent reasons for a temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) consultation.

The Mandibular Ramus: An Alternative Donor Site for Secondary Alveolar Bone Grafting in Clefts of the Alveolus.

The authors describe the use of the mandibular ramus as an autologous bone graft material for secondary alveolar bone grafting in cleft patients. This technique represents a safe and effective alternative to currently used donor sites. Furthermore, it allows to minimize patient discomfort, so that they can be treated as outpatients.

Complex Tracheocarinal Reconstructions Using Extrathoracic Muscle Flaps as Airway Substitutes.

Background: Extrathoracic muscle flaps can be used as airway substitutes for the closure of complex bronchopleural or tracheoesophageal fistulas or in the context of tracheocarinal reconstructions after resection for centrally localized tumors in order to alleviate excess anastomotic tension.

Methods: Evaluation of all patients undergoing tracheocarinal reconstructions with extrathoracic muscle flap patches as airway substitutes in our institution from 1996 to 2016.

Results: A total of 73 patients underwent tracheocarinal reconstructions using extrathoracic muscle flap patches as airway substitutes for the closure of bronchopleural fistulas (n = 17) and complex tracheoesophageal fistulas (n = 7), or in the context of airway reconstructions after carinal resections in combination with pneumonectomy/sleeve lobectomy for centrally localized lung tumors (n = 36) and noncircumferential tracheal resections for tracheal disease processes (n = 14).

Vacuum-assisted closure device for the management of infected postpneumonectomy chest cavities.

Background: Infected postpneumonectomy chest cavities may be related to chronic postpneumonectomy empyema or arise in rare situations of necrotizing pneumonia with complete lung destruction where pneumonectomy and pleural debridement are required. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of an intrathoracic vacuum-assisted closure device (VAC) for the treatment of infected postpneumonectomy chest cavities.

Method: A retrospective single institution review of all patients with infected postpneumonectomy chest cavities treated by VAC between 2005 and 2013.