Intralesional autogenous fat injection in oral submucous fibrosis

Abstract

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic disorder characterized by the fibrosis of the mucosal lining of the upper digestive tract involving the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx and the upper third of the oesophagus. Areca nut chewing has been implicated in the aetiology of this condition. This condition is prevalent in Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN), South Africa, with many patients suffering from varying degrees of severity of this disease. At Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital autogenous fat injections into the fibrous bands are being used as a means of treating OSMF. Anecdotal evidence suggested that this type of treatment modality helps to relieve the symptoms experienced by patients. There is no scientific data supporting this claim. The aim of the study was to establish the effectiveness of intralesional autogenous fat injections in patients with oral submucous fibrosis. The objectives of this study was to record the demographic details and medical information of the patients, evaluate the inter-incisal mouth opening, to assess the presence or absence of restricted tongue movements, record pain of the patients and record quality of life via a condition specific questionnaire prior to treatment and at six months post operatively