At the recently concluded Kolkata Annual Research and Medical/ Dental International Congress (KARMIC 2013), Amrita interns from the School of Dentistry, won the best scientific paper award.
Organized by the Indian Medical Students’ Association and supported by Indian Council of Medical Research, Doctors Academy Manchester, UK and Indian Institute of Emergency Medical Services, the congress was organized at Kolkata Medical College during April 12 – 14, 2013.
The winning paper titled State-of-the-Art Mandibular Reconstruction was authored by Drs. Devika R. Krishnan and Saumya Singh
The scholars presented the case report of a 21-year-old male patient who had undergone treatment at the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences. Their paper highlighted the reconstruction of his mandibular defect caused by ameloblastoma, using 3D virtual images, rapid prototype model and free fibula flap.
“Ameloblastoma (a benign but aggressive bone tumour of the head and neck region) frequently affects the mandible (lower jaw) causing bony destruction and swelling. The tumor is generally managed surgically. Earlier, surgical resection usually resulted in loss of form and function of the mandible with poor esthetical outcomes. With the advent of reconstructive microsurgery, this has been reduced significantly,” stated the scholars.
Elaborating further, they explained, “The patient presented complaints of pain and swelling in the right side of lower jaw since one month. Biopsy report suggested plexiform ameloblastoma. 3D virtual images were created using CT scan images, which were then converted to a model using rapid prototyping technique.”
“This model was used as a template to bend the reconstruction plate that served to hold the fibula bone flap in place and anchor it to the native mandible. The fibula bone flap comprised of a piece of bone and tissue removed from the leg to reconstruct the jaw. Later, right hemimandibulectomy (surgical removal of one-half of the mandible) with reconstruction using free fibula flap was performed using the pre-bent plate.”
“Meticulous preoperative planning with virtual images, using rapid prototype models and free flap reconstruction allowed for optimal reconstruction. The patient is now disease-free at one year follow-up.”
Dr. Devika R. Krishnan also received the best presenter award for making the presentation. Both awards were presented by the chief guest of the congress, Nobel Laureate Professor Robin Warren.
The interns were guided by professors from the Departments of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Public Health Dentistry at Amrita. They expressed their gratitude to their mentors Drs. Subramania Iyer, Sherry Peter, Latha P. Rao, Ravi V., Ushass P., and Mathew O. Mampilly.
April 27, 2013
School of Dentistry, Kochi
