Three-dimensional biomodel in the treatment of bilateral mandibular fracture sequelae: a case report

Mandibular fractures lead to changes in occlusion, aesthetic deformities and functional alterations, when untreated, their sequelae may cause permanent problems, leading to a more complex treatment than the acute trauma. The treatment offers challenges that can be minimized with the aid of biomodels, printed by 3D technology. This article aims to report a biomodel-assisted surgical procedure for mandibular reconstruction, arguing how these prototypes may help to achieve better outcomes. The patient was involved in an automobile accident and sought treatment for the sequelae of mandibular fractures two years after the initial trauma. The biomodel printing of her mandible allowed for the execution of surgery on the model, reestablishing correct occlusion and facial aesthetics, and helping shorten the surgical time through the pre-bending of reconstruction plates. The patient improved uneventfully. The use of biomodels must be encouraged, especially in cases where the patient shows sequelae, when the anatomical landmarks are compromised, they offer more predictability for treatment outcomes, as described on this case report.

Pelvic Fracture, Coxo-femoral Luxation in a Pregnant Nigerian Local Bitch Following Road Traffic Accident

A road traffic accident is a life-threatening traumatic condition affecting man and animals. A 7- Year-old local bitch weighing 25 kg was presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH), Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto with the chief complaint of trauma following an automobile accident. At presentation, vital parameters were within normal range but the dog was on sternal recumbency. During clinical examination, there was an audible crepitating sound on rectal palpation. The mammary glands were engorged and ultrasonography revealed pregnancy with presence of viable foetuses. Dorsoventral radiography of the pelvic region revealed fracture of the pelvis and right coxo-femoral luxation. However, the bitch died over-night and was sent for post mortem, which revealed fracture of the right ilium and pubis with severe intra-muscular haemorrhages of the gluteus and quadriceps muscles. There was diaphragmatic hernia along with congested lungs and blood-tinged fluid in the thorax. There was also severe hydroperitoneum, rupture of the left uterine horn and six dead foetuses in-utero. The dog may have died of hypovolemic shock due to the traumatic injury.

Assessment of Crash Performance of an Automotive Component Made through Additive Manufacturing

The objective of this study was to apply an innovative technique to manufacture a plastic automotive component to reduce its weight and costs, and guarantee its design was safe. A frontal impact sled test was simulated, and the damages to the occupant’s legs were assessed, with specific reference to the dashboard’s glove box. The replacement of the current glove box with a new component fabricated using additive manufacturing was analyzed to evaluate its passive safety performance in the event of an automobile accident. The materials analyzed were polyamide and polypropylene, both reinforced with 5% basalt. The stiffness of the system was previously characterized by reproducing a subsystem test. Subsequently, the same rating test performed by the Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) was reproduced numerically, and the main biomechanical parameters required by the Euro NCAP were estimated for both the current and the additive production of the component.

“Whiplash” cervical trauma with fracture and migration of carotid stent fragments

Background: Angioplasty using a carotid stent is a treatment modality for carotid stenosis, with results similar to those obtained with endarterectomy, as demonstrated by important studies. The increasing use of this procedure has also led to a larger number of reports of complications, stent fractures among those. Stent fracture is a rare manifestation and hence needs further studying so that its actual prevalence can be determined, as well as its associated risk factors and proper clinical management. The current study reports the case of a patient who had previously undergone angioplasty with a carotid stent and, after an automobile accident, presented with a stent fracture and distal embolization of fragments thereof with neurological manifestation. Case Description: A male patient, 40 years old, presented with a history of previously stent carotid angioplasty. He had been involved in an automobile accident and suffered a stent fracture with distal fragment migration. As he was an asymptomatic patient (NIHSS 0, Rankin zero), we opted for a conservative treatment with oral anticoagulant. Conclusion: Angioplasty is an effective treatment for extracranial atherosclerosis and, albeit rare, stent fractures can result in the migration of fragments thereof. This occurrence should be suspected in patients who have sustained severe neck injuries due to sudden deceleration and may be associated with thromboembolism.