A case of cellulitis of the hands caused by a predatory bird attack

Many species have been drastically affected by rapid urbanization. Harris''s hawks from their natural habitat of open spaces and a supply of rodents, lizards and other small prey have been forced to change their natural environment adapting to living in open spaces in sub- and peri-urban areas. Specific areas include playgrounds, parks and school courtyards. The migration of this predatory species into these areas poses a risk to individuals, and especially the children are often attacked by claws, talons and beaks intentionally or as collateral damage while attacking rodent prey. In addition, the diverse micro-organisms harbored in the beaks and talons can result in wound infections, presenting a challenge to clinical management. Here we would like to present a case of an 80-year-old man with cellulitis of both hands after sustaining minor injuries from the talons of a Harris''s hawk and review the management options. We would also like to draw attention to the matter that, even though previously a rarity, more cases of injuries caused by birds of prey may be seen in hospital settings.     

Significant association of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) but not of p53 polymorphisms with oral squamous cell carcinomas in Malaysia

Purpose  

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of HPV and p53 polymorphisms in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) affecting Malaysian population.     

Timing of long bone fracture fixation in severe traumatic brain injury

We present a review of the published evidence on the optimal timing for long bone fracture fixation in severe traumatic brain injury (TBI); a matter that remains under debate. Fifteen retrospective articles (level II-3 evidence) were considered suitable for the review. We conclude that the published evidence does not provide a definitive answer to the optimal timing of long bone fracture surgery in severe TBI, and a randomized controlled trial is required. We recommend a safe strategy that combines damage control surgery with a period of monitoring of intracranial pressure, cerebral perfusion pressure, and if available brain tissue oxygen until the patient is considered fit for the fracture fixation.     

Reversible Blindness as Presenting Manifestation of Severe Diabetic Ketoacidosis

The presenting symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) include abdominal pain, polyuria and nausea. Diabetes has well known chronic ocular complications like glaucoma, cataracts and retinopathy. We report a case of reversible blindness as a presenting manifestation of DKA that has been reported in literature only 3 times previously. Our objective is to highlight a rare manifestation of a common disease. A 59-year-old male presented with painless vision loss for 3 days and was found to have DKA. The blindness was completely reversed with insulin and bicarbonate treatment. The dramatic presentation and reversibility of blindness was found to be intimately tied with the pH of the patient's serum. Our report gives mechanistic insight for this interesting condition. Clinicians should be aware of reversible blindness as a complication of DKA. Timely correction of the severe acidosis and other metabolic disturbances of DKA may be instrumental in preventing permanent vision loss.     

A novel extraoral registration method for a dynamic navigation system guiding zygomatic implant placement in patients with maxillectomy defects

Zygomatic implants (ZIs) are used for the oral rehabilitation of patients with maxillectomy defects as an alternative to extensive bone grafting surgeries. New technologies such as computer-assisted navigation systems can improve the accuracy and safety of ZI placement. The intraoral anchorage of fiducial markers necessary for navigation registration is not possible in the case of a severe maxillary defect and lack of residual bone. This technical note presents a novel extraoral registration method for a dynamic navigation system guiding ZI placement in patients with maxillectomy defects. Titanium microscrews were inserted in the mastoid process, supraorbital ridge, and posterior zygomatic arch as registration markers. The mean fiducial registration error (FRE) was 0.53 ± 0.20 and the deviations between the planned and placed ZIs were 1.56 ± 0.54 mm (entry point), 1.87 ± 0.63 mm (exit point), and 2.52 ± 0.84° (angulation). The study results indicate that the placement of fiducial markers at extraoral sites can be used as a registration technique to overcome anatomical limitations in patients after maxillectomy, with a clinically acceptable registration accuracy.