• Subdural hemorrhage: Due to cortical vessel disruption or brain laceration.
• Hypertensive intracranial bleed: Most common site is putamen.
• Skin graft survival (48 hrs): Via plasma imbibition.
• Necrotizing fasciitis: Rapid bacterial infection sparing muscle.
• Psammoma bodies: Seen in papillary carcinoma.
• Follicular carcinoma treatment: Hemithyroidectomy.
• Nitroglycerin sublingual route: Ensures fast absorption & action.
• LeFort I osteotomy blood supply: Maintained by ascending pharyngeal artery.
• Sequestrum in osteomyelitis: Appears more radiopaque.

• Normal clotting time: 8 – 15 minutes.
• Platelet – rich plasma (1 unit): Raises platelet count by 7,000 – 10,000/μL.
• Fresh frozen plasma (150 mL): Contains 200 μ factors VIII & IX, 400 mg fibrinogen.
• Cryoprecipitate: Contains factors VIII, XIII, vWF, fibrinogen.
• DIC marker: Elevated D – dimers.
• Hemophilia factor levels: Majority have < 5%.
• Surgery in hemophilia: Raise factor levels to 50 – 75%.

Characteristics of Middle-Third Facial Fractures

Middle-third facial fractures, often referred to as "midfacial fractures," involve the central portion of the face, including the nasal bones, maxilla, and zygomatic arch. These fractures can result from various types of trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents, falls, or physical assaults. The following points highlight the key features and clinical implications of middle-third facial fractures:

1. Oedema of the Middle Third of the Face

• Rapid Development: Oedema (swelling) in the middle third of the face develops quickly after the injury, leading to a characteristic "balloon" appearance. This swelling is due to the accumulation of fluid in the soft tissues of the face.

• Absence of Deep Cervical Fascia: The unique anatomical structure of the middle third of the face contributes to this swelling. The absence of deep cervical fascia in this region allows for the rapid spread of fluid, resulting in pronounced oedema.

• Clinical Presentation: In the early stages following injury, patients with middle-third fractures often present with similar facial appearances due to the characteristic swelling. This can make diagnosis based solely on visual inspection challenging.

2. Lengthening of the Face

• Displacement of the Middle Third: The downward and backward displacement of the middle third of the facial skeleton can lead to an increase in the overall length of the face. This displacement forces the mandible to open, which can result in a change in occlusion, particularly in the molar region.

• Gagging of Occlusion: The altered position of the mandible can lead to a malocclusion, where the upper and lower teeth do not align properly. This can cause discomfort and difficulty in chewing or speaking.

• Delayed Recognition of Lengthening: The true increase in facial length may not be fully appreciated until the initial oedema subsides. As the swelling decreases, the changes in facial structure become more apparent.

3. Nasal Obstruction

• Blood Clots in the Nares: Following a middle-third fracture, the nares (nostrils) may become obstructed by blood clots, leading to nasal congestion. This can significantly impact the patient's ability to breathe through the nose.

• Mouth Breathing: Due to the obstruction, patients are often forced to breathe through their mouths, which can lead to additional complications, such as dry mouth and increased risk of respiratory infections.

• Airway opening maneuver: Chin lift jaw thrust
• Initial fluid for trauma/burn resuscitation: Ringer’s lactate
• Loss of consciousness after facial trauma: Suspect acute epidural hematoma
• Retrobulbar hematoma relief: Lateral cantholysis
• Danger space: Between alar & prevertebral fascia
• Battle’s sign: Mastoid ecchymosis → middle cranial fossa fracture
• Tension pneumothorax: One – way valve mechanism
• Cushing’s phenomenon: Hypertension + bradycardia → ↑ ICP
• Urine output: Best indicator of cardiac output
• Normal urine output: 50 mL/hr
• Loss of consciousness: Occurs after >50% blood volume loss

Transoral Lithotomy: Procedure for Submandibular Duct Stone Removal

Transoral lithotomy is a surgical technique used to remove stones (calculi) from the submandibular duct (Wharton's duct). This procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and is effective for addressing sialolithiasis (the presence of stones in the salivary glands).

Procedure

1. Preoperative Preparation:

   • Radiographic Assessment: The exact location of the stone is determined using imaging studies, such as X-rays or ultrasound, to guide the surgical approach.
   • Local Anesthesia: The procedure is performed under local anesthesia to minimize discomfort for the patient.

2. Surgical Technique:

   • Suture Placement: A suture is placed behind the stone to prevent it from moving backward during the procedure, facilitating easier access.
   • Incision: An incision is made in the mucosa of the floor of the mouth, parallel to the duct. Care is taken to avoid injury to surrounding structures, including:
     • Lingual Nerve: Responsible for sensory innervation to the tongue.
     • Submandibular Gland: The gland itself should be preserved to maintain salivary function.

3. Blunt Dissection:

   • After making the incision, blunt dissection is performed to carefully displace the surrounding tissue and expose the duct.

4. Identifying the Duct:

   • The submandibular duct is located, and the segment of the duct that contains the stone is identified.

5. Stone Removal:

   • A longitudinal incision is made over the stone within the duct. The stone is then extracted using small forceps. Care is taken to ensure complete removal to prevent recurrence.

6. Postoperative Considerations:

   • After the stone is removed, the incision may be closed with sutures, and the area is monitored for any signs of complications.

Complications

• Bacterial Sialadenitis: If there is a secondary infection following the procedure, it can lead to bacterial sialadenitis, which is an inflammation of the salivary gland due to infection. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, and purulent discharge from the duct.

Silk

• Composition: Natural protein fiber
• Structure: Braided
• Advantages: Excellent handling, superior knot security, cost-effective
• Disadvantages: Inflammatory response, bacterial adherence, gradual weakening
• Clinical uses: Oral surgery, temporary sutures requiring easy removal

Nylon (Polyamide)

• Structure: Monofilament or braided
• Advantages: High tensile strength, minimal tissue reaction
• Disadvantages: Difficult handling, poor knot security
• Clinical uses: Skin closure, situations requiring high strength

Polypropylene (Prolene)

• Structure: Monofilament
• Advantages: Chemically inert, minimal tissue reaction, maintains strength
• Disadvantages: Difficult handling, tendency to cut through tissues
• Clinical uses: Vascular surgery, situations requiring permanent support