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The aim of surgical management of benign facial skin lumps is to remove the lesion in its entirety, with minimal damage to adjacent tissue structures, while maintaining facial aesthetics. A method to achieve these goals is to remove peri-oral lesions in the labial and buccal zones via an intra-oral approach. We report an extended cases series of facial skin lumps that were excised using an intra-oral approach. A retrospective analysis was performed on all patients who underwent excisions of benign cutaneous lesions on the face via an intra-oral approach. Patient demographics, indication for surgery and complications were noted. Forty-seven lesions were excised over a 15-year period. Indications for surgery included benign lesion with minimal skin involvement, risks of keloid/scar hypertrophy and cosmetic factors. Lesions were predominantly epidermoid cysts and lipomas. Mean follow-up was 2.9 years with a 6.4% recurrence rate and 2.1% rate of haematoma and transient facial nerve weakness. There are established techniques to remove facial skin lumps. We believe that in selected cases, an intra-oral approach to such lesions, particularly in cases with high risk of scar pathology or where there is strong patient preference, may be an important tool in the oral and maxillofacial surgeon’s armamentarium.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) remains an enigmatic specialty in Irish medicine and many students are unaware of its scope and the unique career pathway involved. We completed a multicentre cross-sectional study to identify their ability to identify the requirements for entry to specialty training year 3 (ST3) in OMFS, to assess their awareness of OMFS surgeons, and their general awareness of, and exposure to, the specialty. Data were collected through an electronic questionnaire. Participants were asked to select the most suitable surgical specialty to treat a number of common conditions in the head and neck, and to choose the requirements they deemed essential for specialist training. Knowledge was measured by the number of correct responses. A total of 443 medical students participated (University College Cork (UCC) n=328, 74%; Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) n=113, 26%). A total of 318/374 (85%) had had no previous experience of OMFS, 38/374 (10%) had had theoretical teaching only, and 18/374 (5%) had had clinical experience. A total of 212/329 (64%) wished for greater exposure as a student, but only 34/329 (9%) would consider a career in the specialty. The median (IQR) number of correct responses for OMFS procedures was 3.0/10 (2.0), with women, direct entrants, and RCSI students scoring highest. Only 11/367 (3%) could identify the minimum entry requirements for a post of specialist registrar. This study has identified a potential gap in the undergraduate curriculum. Although medical students are rarely taught about OMFS, they show an interest in learning more.

Introduction Transoral partial glossectomy procedures for small squamous cell carcinomas of the anterior tongue often leave significant defects which are challenging to reconstruct. Post-operative scarring leads to adhesions, reduced tongue mobility and limitations of function. We present a series of cases where a decalcified collagen scaffold was successfully used in this challenging reconstructive setting. Methods After standard oncological diagnostic and workup, five patients underwent transoral partial glossectomy procedures. Decalcified collagen scaffolds were used to reconstruct the surgical defect using a standard protocol. Demographic and outcome data were collected retrospectively. Results The median length of post-operative stay was 5 days. There was no reported post-operative bleeds or infection. Histological margins were clear. Scaffolds remained in situ at 1 week, and functional recovery was apparent at 6 weeks post-procedure. Discussion These results suggest such scaffolds could be used as an adjunct to help reconstruct the anterior tongue after oncological resection. Conclusion The study supports a call for further exploration and research into the use of these scaffolds as a potentially beneficial avenue for reconstructing the tongue.

Open access (OA) publication has become an increasingly common route for dissemination of scientific research findings. However, it remains a contentious issue with continued debate as to its impact on the peer-review process and a potential change in the quality of subsequent evidence published. There is little research that looks into OA in oral and maxillofacial surgery.We investigated the OA policy in the 30 relevant journals listed in the Institute for Scientific Information Web of Knowledge journal citation report, comparing bibliometric data and quality of evidence produced in journals offering OA and those with subscription-only policies.3474 articles were graded for evidence level and the results correlated to journal OA status. 76.7 % of journals offered authors OA services. There was no difference between impact factor, self-citation rate, total citations or quality of evidence between OA and subscription journals.These findings should send clear messages to both clinicians and researchers and should re- assure readers that scientific findings that are disseminated in open access form do not differ in quality to those in subscription-only format. It should reinforce that open access formats are a credible way to display research findings in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

This review summarises all orthognathic and related papers published between January 2011 and December 2012 in the British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (BJOMS). A total of 36 articles were published, a high proportion of which (78%) were full-length papers. The remainder consisted of short communications and technical notes. The topics included operative planning and postoperative outcomes, and there was a strong focus on distraction osteogenesis. There were fewer orthognathic articles published in BJOMS than articles on other subspecialties such as trauma or head and neck oncology. Only 8 (29%) of the full-length articles were prospective studies or randomised trials, which highlights a need for well-designed clinical studies in orthognathic research.

This paper is a synopsis of all articles relating to oral surgery that were published in the British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (BJOMS) between January 2011 and December 2012. Of the 57 published, 40 (70%) were full-length articles that predominantly focused on implantology, dentoalveolar surgery, and bisphosphonate osteonecrosis of the jaws (BONJs). In addition, a number of short communications, technical notes, and letters to the editor described rare cases, unusual complications, and novel surgical techniques.

Spring-assisted cranioplasty has been proposed as an alternative to total calvarial remodeling for sagittal craniosynostosis. Advantages include its minimally invasive nature, and reduced morbidity and hospital stay. Potential drawbacks include the need for a second procedure for removal and the lack of published long-term follow-up. The authors present a single-institution experience of 100 consecutive cases using a novel spring design.All patients treated at the authors' institution between April of 2010 and September of 2014 were evaluated retrospectively. Patients with isolated nonsyndromic sagittal craniosynostosis were included. Data were collected for operative time, anesthetic time, hospital stay, transfusion requirement, and complications in addition to cephalic index preoperatively and at 1 day, 3 weeks, and 6 months postoperatively.One hundred patients were included. Mean cephalic index was 68 preoperatively, 71 at day 1, and 72 at 3 weeks and 6 months postoperatively. Nine patients required transfusion. Two patients developed a cerebrospinal fluid leak requiring intervention. One patient required early removal of springs because of infection. One patient had a wound dehiscence over the spring and one patient sustained a venous infarct with hemiplegia. Five patients required further calvarial remodeling surgery.The authors' modified spring design and protocol represents an effective strategy in the management of single-suture sagittal craniosynostosis with reduced total operative time and blood loss compared with alternative treatment strategies. In patients referred within the first 6 months of birth, this technique has become the authors' procedure of choice. In a minority of cases, especially in the older age groups, further remodeling surgery is required.Therapeutic, IV.

In this study we investigate the five most cited articles in the British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (BJOMS). Articles cited were usually published in other OMFS journals (40%) or dentistry journals (32%). The mean (SD) SCImago Journal and Country Rank, (SJR) (an interface to access the bibliometric database of journals) for cited papers was 0.64 (SD=0.56). Nearly one third of citations were of research in OMFS and dentistry, suggesting its relevance to the wider academic community.

Summary Background: Clinicians are required by law to keep personal patient data secure. Data protection training (DPT) has been suggested to educate medical professionals in how to most appropriately manage such information. Methods: Information regarding the handling, storage and disposal of patient information and prevalence of DPT was gathered using anonymous questionnaires. Results: The vast majority of doctors (98.6%) handle patient lists containing patient-sensitive information: 15.8 per cent used general waste bins for the disposal of lists and 57.3 per cent removed printed patient lists from hospital premises; 43.3 per cent of doctors had received DPT. A significantly greater proportion of consultants have received DPT, compared with doctors in training. Doctors who have received DPT were less likely to take patient lists away from a hospital site (p = 0.011). DPT led to a trend towards increased awareness of the security of the storage location of their patient lists and of trust policy regarding the use of personal USB devices. Discussion: With the expansion of patient data collection and storage, it is important for doctors to maintain an awareness of how to handle such data. DPT is not currently common practice. Our study suggests positive benefits from DPT, and we suggest it could improve the safety with which patient data is handled.

Background: NHS Library Services are utilised by NHS staff and junior trainees to locate scientific papers that provide them with the evidence base required for modern medical practice. The cost of accessing articles can be considerable particularly for junior trainees. Objectives: This survey looks at variations in cost of journal article loans and investigates access to particular orthopaedic journals across the country. Methods: A national survey of UK Health Libraries was performed. Access to and costs of journals and interlibrary loan services were assessed. Availability of five wide-reaching orthopaedic journals was investigated. Results: Seven hundred and ten libraries were identified. One hundred and ten libraries completed the questionnaire (16.7%). Of these, 96.2% reported free access to scientific journals for users. 99.1% of libraries used interlibrary loan services with 38.2% passing costs on to the user at an average of £2.99 per article. 72.7% of libraries supported orthopaedic services. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (British) had greatest onsite availability. Conclusions: The study demonstrates fluctuations in cost of access to interlibrary loan services and variation in access to important orthopaedic journals. It provides a reflection of current policy of charging for the acquisition of medical evidence by libraries in the UK.

Length of post-operative stay is an important factor in improving cost-effectiveness of total hip arthroplasty (THA). Short stem femoral components may reduce soft tissue and bone damage, permitting earlier mobilization and earlier safe discharge from hospital. This study compares the length of stay of patients undergoing THA using a short stem femoral component compared to an age matched group undergoing standard THA. The mean age in the standard stem group was 52.7 years and 50.4 years in the short femoral stem group (p=0.57). Total theatre time, blood loss and post-operative Oxford hip scores in the groups were not statistically different (p=0.11, p=0.91, p=0.16). Mean post-operative stay for the short stem group was shorter (3 vs 5 days, p=0.010), resulting in 10% cost saving per patient episode.

Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) is a chronic condition of the oral cavity resulting in mucosal ulceration and exposure of underlying necrotic bone, and the ensuing secondary complications. As a relatively newly recognised condition, the epidemiology of BRONJ is poorly described. In a 2012 position statement by the UK Faculty of General Dental Practice, an estimated incidence of 10 patients per year per million population was stated.1 This would indeed classify it as a rare condition, with a GP expecting to see only a handful of cases in their career. However, with increased numbers of patients on bisphosphonate (BP) therapy, all GPs should be aware of the risk factors for BRONJ and the pre-assessment advice they give to patients commencing BP therapy. BPs inhibit the action of osteoclast cells, decreasing bone turnover and increasing bone density.2 The mechanism by which BPs cause osteonecrosis is not proven but is probably due to a combination of decreased bone remodelling, poor wound healing, and an antiangiogenic effect leading to ischaemic changes and subsequent necrosis in response to a local traumatic insult.2 The main indications for the use of BPs are for the treatment of post-menopausal osteoporosis, steroid-induced osteoporosis, Paget’s disease, and the complications of metastatic bone lesions and multiple myeloma, namely, hypercalcaemia and bony pain. It is outside the scope of this article to discuss BP …

Purpose The number of citations an article receives has been used as a marker of its influence within a surgical specialty. Currently, there is limited citation analysis in oral and maxillofacial trauma surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine the 100 most cited articles in facial trauma surgery and their characteristics. Materials and Methods Articles were identified from the Science Citation Index of the Institute for Scientific Information using the Thomson Reuters Web of Science search engine. All articles until 2015 were included. Then, the 100 most cited articles were assessed for title, author, journal, country of origin, and number of citations. A citation index (number of citations received per year) also was calculated. Results The 100 most cited articles in facial trauma received 9,933 citations (range, 66 to 297). They were published from 1942 through 2008, with 1990 through 1999 being the commonest decade. Articles were cited on average 4.6 times per year. Articles were published in 28 different journals, with impact factors ranging from 0.94 to 35.3. Most articles were observational research studies. Conclusion These findings reflect the attention that articles have received during the past half century in oral and maxillofacial trauma research, shedding light on often-read articles in this field. In addition to current bibliometric indices, it could provide a useful evidence base for facial surgeons, represent key educational material for aspiring trainees, and be used to help guide future research efforts.

Development of professional identity is becoming increasingly important in medical education, and has been found to be beneficial in a surgeon's training. However, despite the complex, demanding nature of early training in oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS), we know of little research on how it develops during this time. We therefore used qualitative research methodology based on a grounded theory approach to investigate how trainees gain a sense of identity as they progress through their 2 undergraduate degrees. Data from in-depth, semi-structured interviews with OMFS specialist trainees were transcribed and coded to allow for thematic analysis and subsequent theory construction. We propose a model of how professional identity develops in early OMFS training. Of note, professional experience gained during the second degree was found to be of great importance in the development of a strong professional identity. We look at reasons for this in terms of "cognitive space" and use the concept to discuss potential improvements to the training pathway.

This review summarises the articles relating to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) that were published in the British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (BJOMS) between January 2011 and December 2012. In total 24 papers were published. Of these, 16 (67%) were full-length articles, which included prospective, retrospective, and laboratory-based studies as well as reviews. The remaining 8 papers were short communications, technical notes, and letters to the editor, which report on, amongst other things, unusual cases, rare complications, and novel surgical techniques.

The rise in popularity of smartphones has seen a surge in the number of smartphone-specific software applications (apps) available. Among these apps, many are medical and healthcare related, of benefit to both the general public and healthcare staff. With this improved technology comes the ability to display full-colour images and videos, for which medical images could be utilised. We reviewed current clinical photography guidelines in relation to the publishing of medical images in smartphone apps. Of the 5 relevant guidelines, none discussed hand-held electronic media or smartphone app publishing. This creates confusion for clinicians as to how to interpret current guidelines for this purpose. Medical illustrators, clinicians and NHS Trusts need to be aware of the changes in technology and the ethical considerations of allowing medical images to be published within smartphones. We discuss the issues surrounding consent and provide practical tips for obtaining informed consent from patients to publish medical images in smartphone apps.

Oral and maxillofacial surgery has the longest training pathway of any medical specialty in the UK. Peter Brennan and colleagues look at ways to shorten this

This review summarises all trauma and related papers published in the British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (BJOMS) from January 2010 to December 2011. In total 45 articles were published, of which 42% (19) were full-length articles. These articles primarily focused on the management of mandibular condyle and orbital fractures, with several papers discussing maxillofacial surgery by the British military. There were no articles discussing midfacial fractures or massive facial trauma. The remaining papers included short communications, technical notes, and letters; and provided discussion of interesting cases, new surgical techniques and fracture classifications. The number of trauma papers published in BJOMS appears to be less than other sub-specialties such as head and neck oncology. The number of prospective and randomised studies remains low, highlighting a need to foster further research within maxillofacial trauma.

Background and purpose of the study Although traditionally a "dentistry first, medicine second" training route, UK Oral and Maxillofacial surgery is increasingly populated with medicine-first trainees at ST3 level. Despite this, there is little evidence suggesting any increase in exposure at medical undergraduate level. We sought to evaluate the current level of awareness of OMFS as a medical specialty and potential career pathway amongst ‘first-degree' medical undergraduates. Method We distributed an on-line survey amongst 253 medical undergraduates divided between two UK universities. Findings A total of 72.3% of undergraduates received no exposure to OMFS in any form. Those with exposure had an improved understanding of the scope of the specialty. Regardless of previous exposure to the specialty, only 27.7% correctly identified the essential requirements for entry in OMFS specialty training. Nevertheless, a vast majority (76.7%) wanted more guidance on the possibility of pursuing a career in OMFS. Conclusions Undergraduate exposure to OMFS in UK medical schools is limited. Even a small degree of exposure to OMFS improves understanding of the scope of the specialty. Although medical students do not fully understand the career pathway, they wish to explore OMFS as a career option. It is therefore important that UK undergraduate surgical curricula offer greater exposure to the specialty, the career pathway and the clinical opportunities it can provide.

Introduction Professional identity is becoming increasingly important in medical education in terms of developing appropriately trained and safely practising doctors. Oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) is a unique surgical speciality that requires dual qualification in medicine and dentistry. Its junior trainees move between the various roles of student, doctor and dentist, and at certain times these roles may overlap. This heterogeneous early training may raise significant barriers for them in terms of understanding their professional identity and developing their own sustainable sense of belonging. This study looks to understand current trainees’ perceptions of the professional identity of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Method A qualitative research methodology based on a grounded theory approach was used in this study. Data were collected using in-depth, semi-structured interviews with OMFS specialist trainees. Subsequent theories were constructed after thematic analysis. Results A model of the professional identity of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is proposed. Discussion This study represents the first attempt to understand professional identity in OMFS trainees. It will provide insight into what trainees understand by the term in this speciality, as well as outlining what trainees feel are important elements to develop a sense of belonging within the speciality.