International Journal of Medical Science and Dental Research

Current Issue Volume 9 Issue 4 (July-August 2026)

    • Handedness, Lesion Laterality and Surgical Outcomes in Intracranial Neurosurgical Patients in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
      Abstract: Background: Handedness reflects cerebral lateralization and may serve as a practical indicator of hemispheric dominance, particularly in resource-limited neurosurgical settings. However, its clinical relevance among neurosurgical patients in sub-Saharan Africa remains underexplored.
      Objective:To determine the distribution of handedness and evaluate its relationship with lesion laterality and surgical outcomes among intracranial neurosurgical patients in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.
      Methods: This retrospective descriptive and analytical study included patients managed for intracranial neurosurgical conditions between January 2021 and December 2025. Data on demographics, handedness, diagnosis, lesion laterality, surgical intervention, and outcomes were extracted from clinical records. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0, with associations assessed using appropriate inferential statistical test such as the chi-square test.
      Results: Among 329 patients, 85.1% were right-handed, 11.2% left-handed, and 3.7% mixed-handed. Left hemispheric lesions were most frequent (46.5%). Although right-handed patients more commonly had left-sided lesions, the association between handedness and lesion laterality was not significant (χ² = 3.98, p = 0.68). Of 222 surgical patients, 65.3% improved, and mortality was 5.0%. Postoperative outcomes did not differ significantly across handedness groups (χ² = 5.21, p = 0.52).
      Conclusion: Handedness distribution mirrors global patterns. While it reflects general cerebral lateralization, it does not significantly influence short-term surgical outcomes.


      Keywords: Cerebral lateralization, Handedness, Intracranial neurosurgery, Lesion laterality, Surgical outcomes



        • “Comparative evaluation of efficacy of calcium silicophosphate putty versus particulate xenograft in maxillary sinus augmentation procedure”
          Abstract: Background Dental implant placement in edentulous ridges is a predictable treatment modality. However, implant placement in the posterior maxilla is often challenging due to post-extraction bone resorption, maxillary sinus pneumatization, poor bone quality, and increased occlusal forces. Maxillary sinus elevation procedures are commonly performed to overcome these limitations and facilitate successful implant rehabilitation. Objectives:To clinically and radiographically evaluate the efficacy of calcium silicophosphate putty (NovaBone™) and particulate xenograft as grafting materials in maxillary sinus elevation procedures.
          Methodology: Written informed consent was obtained from all patients. Sinus elevation procedures were performed under local anesthesia, and graft materials were placed according to the study protocol. Patients were followed postoperatively at 1 day, 7 days, 14 days, and 1 month. Clinical assessments were carried out on the 1st, 7th, and 14th postoperative days, while radiographic evaluation was performed after 1 month to assess changes in bone height and density.
          Results: A statistically significant increase in bone height was observed following sinus elevation with particulate xenograft, with a mean gain of 9.8 ± 1.21 mm. The newly formed bone demonstrated greater density than the pre-existing bone, achieving a mean radiographic density of 759 ± 211 Hounsfield Units in sites grafted with xenograft after sinus membrane elevation.
          Conclusion: All implants placed in the augmented sites were successfully rehabilitated. Particulate xenograft demonstrated a significant increase in both bone height and bone density following maxillary sinus elevation, indicating its effectiveness as a grafting material for implant site development in the posterior maxilla.



            • Comparative Evaluation of Bone Regeneration - With and Without Simvastatin after surgical removal of bilateral impacted third molar-A split mouth randomized clinical trial
              Abstract: Background: Third molar extraction is very common procedure performed in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Loss of bone on the second molar is a common concern. Thus, preservation or augmentation of the alveolar bone or ridge after extraction is advantageous. Bone regeneration is a complex process of bone formation similar to normal fracture healing and bone remodelling . Three essential component for bone to successfully repair are osteoinduction , osteogenesis , and the osteoconductive matrix .
              Objectives: To assess the efficacy of simvastatin in bone regeneration after the surgical extraction of Bilaterally Impacted Mandibular Third Molar with a series of intraoral periapical radiographs(IOPARS) at different intervals during healing.
              Methodology: A randomized controlled parallel-arm study was conducted on 40 patients requiring bilateral mandibular third molar removal. One extraction site (test) received 10 mg of simvastatin with gel foam, while the contralateral site (control) received gel foam alone. Bone regeneration was assessed on postoperative Day 14 and at 1 month using orthopantomogram (OPG) and intraoral periapical radiographs (IOPAR). Pain scores were also evaluated at regular postoperative intervals. Bone density values were analyzed using standardized radiographic methods, and statistical significance was determined using the Chi-square test for categorical variables and the Mann-Whitney U test for ordinal outcomes such as lamina dura and bone density scores.
              Results: Radiographic evaluation revealed a statistically significant increase in bone density at the simvastatintreated sites compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The mean bone density was consistently higher on Day 14 and at the 1-month evaluations in the simvastatin group. Additionally, patients in the test group reported lower pain scores at 1st, 3rd, and 7th postoperative days, indicating a secondary anti-inflammatory benefit.
              Conclusion: The local application of 10 mg simvastatin combined with gel foam significantly enhances bone regeneration in extraction sockets and reduces postoperative discomfort. This approach may serve as a simple, cost-effective adjunct in socket preservation following third molar surgery.


              Keywords: Simvastatin, Bone Regeneration, Mandibular Third Molars, Socket Preservation .