Background: To study the rarity of mandibular coronoid process fractures and treatment strategies based on the displacement of these fractures. Materials and methods:A retrospective study of 11 cases of coronoid process fractures among 307 treated cases from 2008 to 2013 was conducted. Six patients were treated conservatively and 5 underwent ORIF with associated fractures. A statistical analysis of the data obtained after subjective and objective evaluation was done. Results:The incidence of coronoid process fractures was 3.58% of all mandibular fractures analyzed. There was no statistically significant difference found between two treatment modalities, but differences in maximum interincisal opening (MIO) and pain in the postoperative period were significant. Conclusion:We recommend that linear coronoid fractures with minimal displacement can be managed with conservative treatment. For patients with significant displacement of coronoid process, limited mouth opening or concomitant mid-face or lower-face fractures, rigid internal fixation is recommended.

To compare and assess the primary and secondary closure techniques following extraction of impacted third molars for post-operative complications. Material and Methods: In total, 30 patients ranging between 18-30 years of age and of either sex who had bilaterally impacted mandibular third molars were randomly selected. Split mouth study method was used so that the participants served as their own control. Group 1 consisted of primary closure of left mandibular impacted third molars and Group 2 consisted of secondary closure of right mandibular impacted third molars. Basement evaluations were recorded for each patient along with subjective and objective evaluations for postoperative 7 days. Data analysis was carried out by SPSS 17.0 software using Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon matched-pairs test and t-test. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was assigned as statistically significant. Results: When compared to group 1, group 2 revealed statistically less pain and swelling following the secondary closure of wound from day 1 to 7. There was a significant improvement in mouth opening in Group 2 at day 1 (p=0.0005) and at day 7 (p=0.00001). Conclusion: Secondary wound closure after disimpaction of mandibular third molar results in better postoperative recovery than primary closure.

Diffuse alveolar haemorrhage (DAH) is characterised by diffuse pulmonary opacities, respiratory failure, a falling haemoglobin level along with presence of hemosiderin-laden macrophages on bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Finding the underlying aetiology of DAH can be challenging but of importance as the treatment and prognosis are largely determined by it. We report a case of DAH with underlying cocaine abuse, a rare cause for the same.

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Massive hemoptysis can lead to respiratory failure and life-threatening hypoxia in patients with underlying post-tubercular fibrocavitary disease. In the absence of urgent surgical interventions in a resource-poor country, interventional bronchoscopy and bronchial artery embolization (BAE) can be lifesaving in critical care management of such patients. We present a young male who required mechanical ventilation, emergency bronchoscopic intervention, and BAE, and showed recovery.