Modified retractor for use in sectioning the inferior alveolar nerve

We designed a modified tonsillar blade to retract the tissues medial to the ramus of the mandible to gain access to the inferior alveolar nerve at the lingula.     

Modified channel retractor for the sagittal split ramus osteotomy: a technical note.

The authors describe a modification of the commonly used inferior border channel retractor for the sagittal split osteotomy of the mandible. We modified this instrument by hollowing out the shank and working surface allowing improved access during the vertical cut through the inferior border of the mandible. Advantages of this modification over the original design include less dulling of the cutting instrument, less damage to the channel retractor, less debris in the surgical wound, and most importantly, less damage to the surrounding soft tissue. In our experience with this instrument, there have been no incidences of excessive blood loss requiring transfusion, avascular necrosis, bony nonunion or permanent nerve injury. We believe this modification improves manouverability during orthognathic surgery thereby decreasing morbidity and operating time, thereby making a successful outcome more likely.     

A new apicectomy retractor

A retractor designed to give a wide field of vision and surgical access to apicectomy sites in the upper anterior region of the maxilla is described.     

Periorbital soft tissue retractor

A retractor which is useful for soft tissue manipulations in and around the orbit is described.     

Mandibular (sigmoid) notch retractor

A rectractor which is useful in the Vertical Subsigmoid Mandibular Osteotomy operation for correction of mandibular prognathism is described.     

A new retractor for extraoral ramus osteotomies

A new winged retractor that incorporates an irrigation setup for use in osteotomies and open fracture surgery is described. This retractor increases visibility with minimal surgical exposure, prevents prolapse of soft tissue into the surgical field, and permits irrigation at a distance from the surgical field.     

Meth mouth

Methamphetamine (meth) is a drug traditionally sought by groups living on the fringes of society. But now, it has entered the mainstream. Over the last five years, meth has seen a surge in abuse, media coverage and attention from law-enforcement officers. Meth mouth is characterized by rampant caries, typically on the smooth surfaces of dentition. This article gives a history of meth use and abuse. It describes the condition of meth mouth and its etiology. Treatment options and other dental considerations are discussed.