Aims Tongue flaps were introduced for intraoral reconstruction by Lexer in 1909. A retrospective study was performed in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, S.D.M. College of Dental Sciences (Dharwad, India), to assess the use of tongue flap in closure of palatal fistula. Material and Methods A total of 40 patients treated for palatal fistulas were included in this study from the period of January 1, 2000, to January 1, 2007; fistulas present in anterior and midpalate were considered. Patients' preoperative photographs, clinical records, and preoperative speech analysis were recorded. Following completion of fistula closure, patients were assessed over 6 months to check flap viability, fistula closure, residual tongue function, aesthetics, and speech impediment. Results A total of 40 (24 male and 16 female) patients with palatal fistulas were treated with tongue flap in our study. Six patients were 4 to 6 years old, three were 7 to 10 years old, and 22 were 11 to 20 years old, which accounts for 68% of study subjects. There were nine patients 21 to 30 years old. In the early postoperative period, we encountered bleeding in one patient and sloughing in one patient. There are three recurrences, and two flaps were detached; all remaining cases showed satisfactory healing, and donor site morbidity was minimal. No speech deficits were evident. Conclusion Tongue flaps are used in cleft palate surgery because of their excellent vascularity, and the large amount of tissue that they provide has made tongue flaps particularly appropriate for the repair of large fistulas in palates scarred by previous surgery.

The main objective of this article is to evaluate the efficacy of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) for secondary alveolar bone grafting. Patients between 9 and 14 years of age were included in study and were divided in two groups: Group 1—iliac bone with PRF and group 2—iliac bone without PRF. Radiographic assessment was done preoperatively, immediate postoperatively, and at 3, 6, and 9 months, respectively. Vertical bone height was assessed using 4-point scale. In group 1, 14 patients showed grade 1 resorption at 3 months and at 6 and 9 months all patients showed grade 1 resorption. In group 2, 16 patients had grade 1 resorption at 3 months, 2 patients had grade 2 resorption at 6 months, and 6 patients had grade 2 resorption at 9 months. Use of PRF growth factor with autogenous bone results in greater osteogenic effect which increases new bone regeneration and better wound healing.

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Invasive fungal co-infections with COVID-19 are currently being reported at an alarming rate. Our study explores the importance of early identification of the disease, probable etiopathogenesis, clinical and radiological features and a treatment protocol for covid-19 associated fungal osteomyelitis of jaws and sinuses (CAFOJS). A one-year prospective study from June 2020 to May 2021 was conducted among CAFOJS diagnosed patients in a tertiary care centre in South India. Demographic details, COVID-19 infection and treatment history, time taken for initiation of symptoms after COVID-19 diagnosis, medical history, clinical features were recorded. All the patients were managed with a standard diagnostic and intervention protocol including pre-operative and post-operative administration of Inj. Amphotericin B 50 mg (liposomal) and early aggressive surgical debridement. Thirty-nine (78%) patients were diagnosed with CAFOJS out of 50 osteomyelitis patients reported to our centre. 32 patients gave history of diabetes (82%) and 3 patients (8%) were diagnosed as diabetic on reporting to us. 21 patients (54%) patients were known to receive steroids during the COVID-19 treatment. Sole existence of Mucorales spp. was seen in 30 patients (77%), Aspergillus fumigatus in 2 patients (5%), Curvularia spp. in 2 patients (5%). Concomitant existence of Mucorales and Aspergillus fumigatus was reported in two patients (5%) and Candida albicans in 3 patients (8%). Patients underwent treatment with standard protocol and no recurrence noted. CAFOJS is a clinical entity with aggressive presentation and warrants early diagnosis and treatment.

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