The Role of Molecular Biology in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical Practices | Chapter 1 | Medical Science: Recent Advances and Applications Vol. 7

 

Genetics is now widely recognised as one of the most influential fields in understanding the causes of human diseases and serves as a cornerstone in modern medical research. Recent advancements in molecular biology have significantly impacted the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery, introducing innovative techniques that enhance patient care. This chapter highlights a key application of molecular biology within this surgical speciality.

 

The evolution of genetics, rooted in Mendel’s foundational principles, has profoundly shaped our understanding of biology throughout the 20th century. The completion of the human genome sequence in 2004 marked a transformative milestone, enabling rapid and highly precise chromosomal analysis through technologies such as microarrays and next-generation sequencing. These developments have provided critical genetic insights applicable to clinical practice. To date, over 5,500 phenotypes have been identified with known molecular bases, and approximately 3,400 genes have been linked to phenotype-causing mutations. Genetics plays a pivotal role across all medical disciplines, influencing not only rare genetic disorders but also numerous common human diseases.

 

The foundation of modern genetics was established with the discovery of the DNA structure by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953, although nucleic acids were first identified in 1849. During the 1960s, the decoding of DNA base sequences and the elucidation of the genetic code — the correspondence between DNA and protein sequences — represented another major scientific breakthrough.

 

This chapter also addresses the role of genetic counselling in helping individuals understand and adapt to the medical, psychological, and familial implications of genetic contributions. Molecular biology offers wide-ranging applications beyond human medicine, including the development of genetically modified, disease-resistant crops, the production of therapeutic proteins via transgenic animals, and DNA-based vaccine technologies.

 

Furthermore, the chapter explores the application of genetics in the detection, diagnosis, pathogenesis, aetiology, and potential therapeutic and preventive strategies for conditions affecting the maxillofacial region. Genetic research has not only deepened our understanding of disease mechanisms but also paved the way for innovative interventions, such as gene therapy and personalised medicine, which hold the promise of improved patient outcomes. As genetic technologies continue to evolve, their integration into clinical practice is expected to usher in a new era of precision medicine, particularly in the management of maxillofacial disorders.

 

Author(s) Details

 

Raniah Al Eid
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dental College, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/msraa/v7/4375

Preventing Surgical Site Infections in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Current Challenges and Emerging Solutions | Chapter 6 | Achievements and Challenges of Medicine and Medical Science Vol. 6

Surgical site infections (SSIs) in oral and maxillofacial (O&M) surgery are significant healthcare-associated complications that increase morbidity, healthcare costs, and antibiotic resistance. This review provides a comprehensive overview of SSI preventive measures in O&M surgeries, classified into pre-, intra-, post-, and preoperative stages. Key strategies include antiseptic applications (e.g. chlorhexidine gluconate and povidone-iodine), optimised hand and wound hygiene, hair removal, and maintaining key patient vitals. The review explores the roles of additional measures, such as antimicrobial sutures, Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT), and nutritional optimisation. Although certain measures—such as antibiotic prophylaxis for clean surgeries and preoperative bathing—remain controversial, antiseptic dressings, laminar airflow, incisional wound irrigation, hand preparation, wound guards, gowns, drapes, and gloves, antibiotic sutures, increasing nutritional intake, maintaining normal body temperature, oxygen supplementation, blood glucose control, postoperative NPWT, chlorhexidine and PVD-I as skin preparation, and fluid therapy have shown promise in reducing SSI risk. The review also highlighted the inadequate hand hygiene among dental practitioners raising concerns about the risk of SSIs. In conclusion, this review highlights the need for tailored, evidence-based protocols, adherence to care bundles, and ongoing evaluation of new research to improve patient outcomes and enhance healthcare efficiency in O&M surgery.

 

Author (s) Details

 

Kranti Kiran Reddy Ealla
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Saveetha Dental College & Hospital, SIMATS, Chennai, Tamil Nadu – 600077, India and Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Malla Reddy Institute of Dental Sciences, Malla Reddy Vishwavidyapeeth, Suraram X Road, Jeedimetla, Quthbullapur, Hyderabad, Telangana 500055, India.

 

Neema Kumari
Department of Microbiology, Malla Reddy Institute of Medical Sciences, Malla Reddy Vishwavidyapeeth, Suraram X Road, Jeedimetla, Quthbullapur, Hyderabad, Telangana 500055, India.

 

Vishnu Priya Veeraraghavan
Department of Biochemistry, Centre of Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics, Saveetha Dental College & Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu – 600077, India.

 

Pratibha Ramani
Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

 

Vikas Sahu
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Malla Reddy Institute of Dental Sciences, Malla Reddy Vishwavidyapeeth, Suraram X Road, Jeedimetla, Quthbullapur, Hyderabad, Telangana 500055, India.

 

Navya Gangireddygari
Department of Information Science, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Cir, Denton, TX 76205, United States.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/acmms/v6/3110

Temporalis Fascia Flap for Temporomandibular Ankylosing Joint: Surgical Technique and Functional Outcomes | Chapter 5 | Key Flaps in Plastic Surgery

 This book chapter presents a case report and discussion on the use of the temporalis fascia flap for the reconstruction of posttraumatic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis. The chapter provides a detailed case presentation, operative procedure, and postoperative outcomes, along with a comprehensive discussion of the temporalis fascia flap technique.

The case presentation describes a patient with restricted mouth opening for 10 years due to left-sided TMJ ankylosis resulting from a fall and chin injury. Computed tomography with 3-D reconstruction confirmed the diagnosis. The operation involved temporalis fascia interposition arthroplasty, with a 1 cm condylectomy performed below the fused joint. The temporalis fascia flap was raised and transposed to fill the condylectomy gap. The postoperative period was uneventful, and satisfactory results were observed during follow-up examinations, with improved mouth opening.

The discussion section of the chapter introduces the temporalis fascia flap as a surgical technique commonly used in reconstructive procedures, especially in head and neck surgery. The technique involves utilizing the thin and pliable tissue of the temporalis fascia, which covers the temporalis muscle, to reconstruct defects in nearby areas. The advantages of the temporalis fascia flap, including its accessibility, thin and pliable nature, good blood supply, and minimal donor site morbidity, are discussed. The limitations, such as size and location constraints, limitations in tissue thickness, scar visibility, and potential complications, are also addressed.

In conclusion, this book chapter provides valuable insights into the use of the temporalis fascia flap for the reconstruction of posttraumatic TMJ ankylosis. Through the presentation of a case report, operative details, and a comprehensive discussion, the chapter highlights the efficacy and considerations of the temporalis fascia flap technique in achieving successful outcomes in reconstructive surgery

Author(s) Details:

Mohd. Altaf Mir,
Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS),Bathinda-151001, India.

Jaya Jain,
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bathinda-151001, India.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/KFPS/article/view/11500