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Biomedical subjects

Constantin A Landes

Publications and source records attributed to Constantin A Landes.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Three-dimensional versus two-dimensional sonography of the temporomandibular joint in comparison to MRI.

AIM: To compare clinical feasibility of static two-dimensional (2D) to three-dimensional (3D) sonography of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in assessment of disk dislocation and joint degeneration compared to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHOD: Thirty-three patients, 66 TMJ were prospectively sonographed 2D and 3D (8-12.5MHz step motor scan), in occlusion and maximum opening with a probe position parallel inferior to the zygomatic arch. Axial 2D images were judged independent from the 3D scans; 3D volumes were cut axial, sagittal, frontal and rotated in real-time. Disk position and joint degeneration were assessed and compared to a subsequent MRI examination. RESULTS: The specific appearance of the disk was hypoechogenic overlying a hyperechogenic condyle in axial (2D) or sagittal and frontal (3D) viewing. Specificity of 2D sonography for disk dislocation was 63%, sensitivity 58%, accuracy 64%, positive predictive value 46%, negative predictive value 73%; for joint degeneration synonymously 59/68/61/38/83%. 3D sonography for disk displacement reached synonymously 68/60/69/51/76%, for joint degeneration 75/65/73/48/86%. 2D sonographic diagnoses of disk dislocation in the closed mouth position and of joint degeneration showed significantly different results from the expected values (MRI) in chi(2) testing; 3D diagnoses of disk dislocation in closed mouth position, of joint degeneration, 2D and 3D diagnoses in open mouth position were nonsignificant. CONCLUSIONS: Acceptable was the overall negative predictive value, as specificity and accuracy for joint degeneration in 3D. 3D appears superior diagnosing disk dislocation in closed mouth position as for overall joint degeneration. Sensitivity, accuracy and positive predictive value will have to ameliorate with future equipment of higher resolution in real-time 2D and 3D, if sonographic screening shall be clinically applied prior to MRI.

Adolescent↗

Evaluation of two 3D virtual computer reconstructions for comparison of cleft lip and palate to normal fetal microanatomy.

Cleft lip and palate reconstructive surgery requires thorough knowledge of normal and pathological labial, palatal, and velopharyngeal anatomy. This study compared two software algorithms and their 3D virtual anatomical reconstruction because exact 3D micromorphological reconstruction may improve learning, reveal spatial relationships, and provide data for mathematical modeling. Transverse and frontal serial sections of the midface of 18 fetal specimens (11th to 32nd gestational week) were used for two manual segmentation approaches. The first manual segmentation approach used bitmap images and either Windows-based or Mac-based SURFdriver commercial software that allowed manual contour matching, surface generation with average slice thickness, 3D triangulation, and real-time interactive virtual 3D reconstruction viewing. The second manual segmentation approach used tagged image format and platform-independent prototypical SeViSe software developed by one of the authors (F.W.). Distended or compressed structures were dynamically transformed. Registration was automatic but allowed manual correction, such as individual section thickness, surface generation, and interactive virtual 3D real-time viewing. SURFdriver permitted intuitive segmentation, easy manual offset correction, and the reconstruction showed complex spatial relationships in real time. However, frequent software crashes and erroneous landmarks appearing "out of the blue," requiring manual correction, were tedious. Individual section thickness, defined smoothing, and unlimited structure number could not be integrated. The reconstruction remained underdimensioned and not sufficiently accurate for this study's reconstruction problem. SeViSe permitted unlimited structure number, late addition of extra sections, and quantified smoothing and individual slice thickness; however, SeViSe required more elaborate work-up compared to SURFdriver, yet detailed and exact 3D reconstructions were created.

Cleft Lip↗

Implant-borne prosthetic rehabilitation of bone-grafted cleft versus traumatic anterior maxillary defects.

PURPOSE: This study hypothesizes comparable implant success in bone-grafted cleft-alveolus versus traumatic anterior maxillary defects. Though of different pathogenesis, both defects comprise bone deficit, scarred periosteum, and soft tissues. Additional complicating factors are isolated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty cleft and 20 traumatic defect cases were followed-up 48 months in average. After 9 secondary and 11 tertiary cleft-osteoplasties, 25 implants were inserted; in traumatic defects following 8 two-stage and 12 one-stage osteoplasties, 37 incisor or canine implants were inserted. After secondary and tertiary cleft-osteoplasties, 57 and 13 months elapsed until implantation, 4 months in the two-stage posttraumatic osteoplasties. Implants were loaded at 6 months by single crowns. RESULTS: Four (20%) cleft patients faced 2 failures and 2 first-year losses; 2 (10%) trauma cases faced 2 failures and 2 first-year losses; and cumulative 5-year implant success was 80% and 88%, respectively. Other parameters' 12-month results were: values for mean cleft, trauma patients (+/- standard deviation), significance of comparison in t testing at a cut-off level of alpha = 0.05; bone loss 0.3+/-0.5 mm, 0.5+/-0.7 mm, P < .2; Periotest score 1.1+/-3.1, 1.2+/-2.5, P < .7; gingival recession 2.1+/-0.3 mm, 2.2+/-0.5 mm, P < .6; periimplant probing depth 2.5+/-0.5 mm, 2.8+/-2.6 mm, P < .3. CONCLUSION: Similar success rates without statistically significant differences were found; a multiple factor analysis discerned as positive predictive factors the following; generous transplant volume, 3 to 6 months latency, sufficient implant dimension, early adulthood. Early loading cannot be encouraged from the success rates. Negative predictive factors were spongiosa or milled-bone transplants, dehiscence, smoking, and anorexia. Intraorally harvested membranous bone transplants may prospectively amend secondary osteoplasty-associated bone resorption. Donor site morbidity, local growth, and tooth breakthrough require additional observation in a prospective study when implant insertion should directly follow the growth spurt.

Adolescent↗

3-D sonography for diagnosis of osteoarthrosis and disk degeneration of the temporomandibular joint, compared with MRI.

This study determined the value of three-dimensional (3-D) sonography for the assessment of osteoarthrosis and disk degeneration of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Sixty-eight patients (136 TMJ) with clinical dysfunction were examined by 272 sonographic 3-D scans. An 8- to 12.5-MHz motor-angulated transducer positioned inferior-parallel to the zygomatic arch scanned the region-of-interest. 3-D condylar morphology was compared with subsequent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Fifty-three datasets were complete, i.e., 106 TMJ, 212 examinations. 3-D sonographic examination took 5 min and attained 70% sensitivity/76% specificity/75% accuracy; positive predictive value was 44%%; negative predictive value was 90%. Disk degeneration was diagnosed synonymously with 64%/73%/71%/42%/ 87%. 3-D sonography proved to be reliable for exclusion of osteoarthrosis as disk degeneration compared with MRI, whereas the presence of osteoarthrosis and disk dislocation cannot be reliably diagnosed. Prospective use will include routine screening, using more sophisticated equipment with higher frequency in real-time 3-D viewing.

Adolescent↗

3-D sonography for diagnosis of disk dislocation of the temporomandibular joint compared with MRI.

This study determines the value of three-dimensional (3-D) sonography for the assessment of disk dislocation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Sixty-eight patients (i.e.,136 TMJ) with clinical dysfunction were examined by 272 sonographic 3-D scans. An 8- to 12.5-MHz transducer, angulated by step-motor, was used after picking a volume box on 2-D scan; magnetic resonance imaging followed immediately. Every TMJ was scrutinized in closed- and open-mouth position for normal or dislocated disk position. Fifty-three patients had complete data sets, i.e., 106 TMJ, 212 examinations. Sonographic examination took 5 min, with 74% specificity (62% closed-mouth; 85% open-mouth); sensitivity 53% (62/43%); accuracy 70% (62/77%); positive predictive value 49% (57/41%); and negative predictive value 77% (67/86%). This study encourages more research on the diagnostic capacity of 3-D TMJ sonography, with the advantage of multidimensional joint visualization. Although fair in specificity and negative predictive value, sensitivity and accuracy may ameliorate with future higher-sound frequency, real-time 3-D viewing and automated image analysis.

Adolescent↗

The diagnostic role of radioactivity in sentinel nodes in oral and oropharyngeal cancer.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SNB), using radioactive tracers, is a novel, interesting tool in the staging of patients with oral and oropharyngeal squamous-cell carcinoma (OOSCC), which could lead to a reduced rate of elective neck dissections. The aim of the study was to evaluate the ranking of measured radioactivity in the sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) and to correlate these findings with histopathological results to assess the number of SLN being sufficient for exact staging of the neck. In 77 consecutive patients with T1-4 OOSCC clinically and positron emission tomography-staged N0, between 15 and 55 MBq of Tc- 99m-labeled albumin-microcolloids were injected peritumorally and 213 SLNs were excised by small skin incisions using a gamma probe 2-3 hours later. The counts per second (cps) were measured ex vivo and excised SLNs were ranked according to their cps defining the LN with the highest activity as primary SLN, followed by a 2nd, 3rd, and so forth, SLN. Elective neck dissections were not performed. Median activity was 213 cps. All levels harbored SLNs with a maximum (43%) in level II and a minimum in level V (1%). SLNs in level II had significantly higher tracer accumulation (median, 289 cps) than those in levels I (144 cps) and IV (149 cps), but distant levels did not have significantly lower counts, compared to proximal. Eight (8) pathologically positive SLNs in 7 patients (7/77 = 9%; median activity, 157 cps) were detected. The median counts of the positive SLNs were not significantly different from those of the 205 negative SLNs (235 cps). The positive SLN was the one with the highest tracer accumulation in 4 cases, with the second highest in 1 case, and with the third highest tracer accumulation in 2 cases. Three (3) positive SLN were in level IB, 4 in level IIA, and 1 in level III. One (1) patient had 2 positive SLNs: a SLN with the third highest activity in level IIB and a SLN with the fifth highest activity in level III. In OOSCC, excision of only 1 SLN is not feasible. The positive SLNs were not necessarily the hottest nodes. Utilizing radiotracer lymphatic mapping, the 3 SLNs with the highest activity should be excised for exact staging of the neck in patients with T1-3 tumors. Excision of all radioactive nodes is recommended until further studies will prove this result. Large T4a tumors should not be staged using SNB.

Adult↗

Indications and limitations in resorbable P(L70/30DL)LA osteosyntheses of displaced mandibular fractures in 4.5-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluates prospective 4.5-year follow-up of available poly(l-lactide-co-dl-lactide) [P(L70/30DL)LA] resorbable plate osteosyntheses in displaced traumatic and pathological mandibular fractures. METHODS: P(L70/30DL)LA miniplates and screws were used to fixate 50 displaced fractures in 30 patients, aged 1 to 83 years, with their informed consent. There were 15 traumatic paramedian, seven corpus, 11 angle, and 10 condyle fractures, and seven pathological fractures due to atrophy, osteomyelitis, or third molar osteotomy. Double osteosyntheses were preferred, with one monocortical plate at the dentoalveolar basis (6-mm screws) and a second plate at the inferior margin (8-mm screws). RESULTS: The average follow-up was 31 months (range, 6 to 53 months). Fifteen (100 percent) traumatic paramedian, seven (100 percent) corpus, 10 (91 percent) angle, 10 (100 percent) condylar, and three (43 percent) pathological fractures healed primarily. Two mandibular angle fractures, traumatic and pathological, each initially healed, but 6 weeks postoperatively the first fracture re-dislocated on removal of a dental impression by the family dentist, and the second re-dislocated after mastication of hard food. One atrophic corpus fracture developed a rigid fibrous union in an 83-year-old patient; a preexistent osteomyelitis and fracture progressed to further bone loss and finally required preformed fibula reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: Use of the tested resorbable plates can be encouraged in multiple displaced mandibular fractures in children and likewise in highly compliant dentate adolescents and adults with doubled osteosyntheses; traumatic mandibular angle and pathological fractures, however, remain critical for nonunion. These necessitate evaluation with future smaller, more rigid, and, it is hoped, more economical fixations.

Adolescent↗

Maxillary and mandibular osteosyntheses with PLGA and P(L/DL)LA implants: a 5-year inpatient biocompatibility and degradation experience.

BACKGROUND: This study consists of a 5-year experience with 413 maxillary and mandibular resorbable plate osteosyntheses focusing on clinically apparent foreign body reaction (i.e., swelling, osteolyses, and fistulation), indirect implant degradation (i.e., palpability and radiographic reossification), and direct implant degradation (i.e., molecular weight and crystallinity of explants). METHODS: Eighty fracture and reconstruction cases (32 female and 48 male patients, aged 1 to 83 years) were osteofixated with poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) copolymer (n = 20) (139 PLGA osteosyntheses) or poly(L-lactide-co-DL-lactide) [P(L/DL)LA] (n = 60) [274 P(L/DL)LA osteosyntheses]. Local revisions (n = 30) were performed during secondary operations at 3, 6, 12, 18, or 24 months. Average clinical and radiographic follow-up lasted 29 months (range, 6 to 63 months). RESULTS: Five patients (6 percent) had apparent foreign body reactions, whereas 75 (94 percent) did not. One P(L/DL)LA mild reaction was effectively treated with cold packs and analgesics, one PLGA and three P(L/DL)LA medium severe reactions were treated with curettage, and one local osteolysis disappeared at 6 months. Implant palpability lasted 12 (PLGA) or 24 months [P(L/DL)LA]. The difference was significant (p < 0.000001). Burr holes reossified at 24 (PLGA) and 36 months [P(L/DL)LA] (p < 0.05). The 85:15 PLGA explants' initial 44,600 molecular weight decreased to 11,000 at 6 months; and scarce powdering granular residuals, too small for molecular weight assessment, were encountered at 12 months. The 70:30 P(L/DL)LA initial molecular weight of 45,000 decreased to 25,000 at 6 months and 8,000 at 18 months and to similar granules at 24 months (p < 0.02). Histology showed macrophages, giant cells, lymphocyte infiltration, little granulocytic infiltration, and minimal bleeding residuals. CONCLUSIONS: Both copolymers showed reliable biocompatibility and disintegration. Overall, 6 percent clinically apparent foreign body reactions were controlled conservatively and by local curettage; 85:15 PLGA degraded within 12 months and 70:30 P(L/DL)LA within 24 months, leaving powdering residual granules. Burr holes reossified 12 months later.

Absorbable Implants↗

Skeletal stability in bimaxillary orthognathic surgery: P(L/DL)LA-resorbable versus titanium osteofixation.

BACKGROUND: One-year skeletal stability following bimaxillary orthognathic surgery was assessed by comparing poly(L-lactide-co-DL-lactide) to titanium osteofixation. METHODS: Thirty patients underwent osteofixation with poly(L-lactide-co-DL-lactide) copolymer and 30 had 2.0-mm titanium-miniplate osteosyntheses. Lateral cephalograms were analyzed preoperatively, postoperatively, and at 1-year follow-up. Average +/- SD values were as follows in resorbable plate-osteosyntheses (number of cases/titanium controls): for maxillary advancement, 3.5 +/- 4.1 mm (n = 19)/5.4 +/- 3.5 mm (n = 21); setback, 2.8 +/- 3.7 mm (n = 9)/1.9 +/- 1.8 mm (n = 8); elongation, 4.2 +/- 3.6 mm (n = 18)/3.7 +/- 5.2 mm (n = 14); and intrusion, 1.9 +/- 1.7 mm (n = 12)/3.3 +/- 2.7 mm (n = 13); for mandibular advancement, 4.6 +/- 3.6 mm (n = 10)/6.3 +/- 8.8 mm (n = 18); setback, 7.5 +/- 8.3 mm (n = 20)/7.2 +/- 3.2 mm (n = 12); enlargement of the mandibular angle, 11.8 +/- 9.9 degrees (n = 19)/7.9 +/- 6.6 degrees (n = 21); and reduction, 4.5 +/- 3.2 degrees (n = 9)/6.3 +/- 6.6 degrees (n = 9). RESULTS: Preoperative to postoperative landmark positions within the study and control groups differed highly significantly (p = 0.008, paired t test), yet the amount of operative movement was comparable between the study and control groups (p = 0.5, two-sided t test). Absolute instability at the advanced A-point was (study group/controls) 2.3 +/- 1.8/2.4 +/- 2 mm, setback was 2.3 +/- 1.9 mm/2.5 +/- 1.7 mm, elongation at the anterior nasal spine was 3.8 +/- 3.1 mm/3.1 +/- 3.6 mm, intrusion was 2.1 +/- 1.9 mm/2.2 +/- 1.5 mm, advancement instability at the B-point was 4.9 +/- 4.3 mm/5.1 +/- 8.2 mm, setback was 3.0 +/- 2 mm/1.7 +/- 2 mm, mandibular angle enlargement instability was 6.7 +/- 8.9 degrees/8.2 +/- 9.6 degrees, and angle narrowing was 6.8 +/- 5.2 degrees/4.2 +/- 5.9 degrees. Absolute postoperative instability did not differ significantly between the study and control groups (p = 0.6). CONCLUSIONS: Resorbable osteofixation as tested proved to be as reliable as titanium, but as the study and control groups were not matched, the results have to be interpreted as preliminary. Resorbable materials permitted clinically faster occlusal and condylar settling than standard titanium osteosyntheses, as bone segments showed slight clinical mobility up to 6 weeks postoperatively.

Absorbable Implants↗

Five-year experience comparing resorbable to titanium miniplate osteosynthesis in cleft lip and palate orthognathic surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate 5-year outcome stability and complications in orthognathic surgery using resorbable versus titanium osteofixation. PATIENTS, METHODS: Twenty-two cleft lip and palate maxillary retrognathia cases were operated on using either poly (70L-lactide-co-30DL-lactide) or titanium miniplate osteofixation. All had two-piece Le Fort I maxillary advancement osteotomy, 11 had simultaneous mandibular setback, and 13 had alveolar bone grafts. RESULTS: Average operative movement and postoperative instability recorded for maxillary horizontal movement (A-point-Nasion) were 2.5 mm and 2.1 mm for the study group, compared with 6.3 mm and 1.9 mm for the control group. For maxillary vertical movement (ANS-Nasion), measured values were 4.9 and 1.3 mm for the study group and 2.3 and 0.9 mm for the controls. For mandibular horizontal movement, measured values were 10.7 mm and 2.8 mm for the study group and 1.9 mm and 0.8 mm for the controls. Gonial angle measures were 7.1 degrees and 3.5 degrees for the study group and 6.7 degrees and 3.1 degrees for the controls. Foreign body granuloma and fistulation occurred in 1 (9%) member of the study group, but was treated successfully with debridement; implant palpability subsided after 24 months. Three (27%) controls required plate removal, but the remaining plates were palpable. CONCLUSION: In the study group, horizontal maxillary stability appeared inferior to vertical stability, but mandibular stability was more reliable. Because groups were not matched for magnitude or direction of movement, the results of this study are preliminary and should be interpreted cautiously.

Absorbable Implants↗

Pattern of drainage in sentinel lymph nodes after intra-arterial chemotherapy for oral and oropharyngeal cancer.

PURPOSE: Prerequisite for lymphoscintigraphy-guided sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in head and neck cancer patients has been a previously untreated primary tumor to avoid disturbance of the lymphatic flow. We evaluated the feasibility in a multimodality treatment approach to oral and oropharyngeal cancer comprising presurgical intra-arterial chemotherapy of the primary tumor. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a prospective study of 35 consecutive patients with primary oral and anterior oropharyngeal cancer T1-4N0 treated with superselective intra-arterial chemotherapy with high-dose cisplatin, SLN scintigraphy was performed on the day of surgery, including gamma camera imaging before and hand-held gamma probe identification of the SLN during surgery. SLN biopsy was performed in 50 neck sides, followed by radical resection of the primary in the same session. Elective neck dissection was not carried out. The pattern of lymphatic drainage was recorded and compared with the literature on well-known patterns found in lymphographic studies and metastatic disease in neck dissection specimens of patients without presurgical treatment. RESULTS: Drainage patterns of SLN related to different primary locations mapped the mentioned comparison patterns. SLN drainage patterns gave strong evidence that there are SLN in levels 3 and 4 with direct drainage from the primary. After a median observation time of 24 months, no patients had a neck relapse. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that intra-arterial chemotherapy of the primary tumor does not significantly alter lymphatic drainage and that SLN biopsy following intra-arterial chemotherapy is feasible and offers valid results comparable to those obtained from patients without presurgical treatment.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Sentinel node biopsy as staging tool in a multimodality treatment approach to cancer of the oral cavity and the oropharynx.

OBJECTIVES: Feasibility of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in head and neck cancer as a staging tool embedded in a multimodality regimen including neoadjuvant intraarterial chemotherapy. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: 39 patients with oral and anterior oropharyngeal cancer classified N0 by [18 F]FDG-PET underwent SLN scintigraphy. Selective SLN biopsy without elective neck dissection (ND) was performed, immediately followed by radical resection of the primary tumor. Histopathology included step-serial sections and immunocytochemistry. RESULTS: Lymphoscintigraphy detected 104 spots. In 15 patients there was bilateral drainage. 114 SLN were excised due to additional intraoperative discrimination. 95% of visualised SLN could be removed. Histology was positive in 3 patients (8%), all underwent ND which yielded another positive node in 2 cases. Median observation time was 30 months. Two patients (5%) had a neck relapse in combination with a second primary. CONCLUSIONS: SLN biopsy as only surgical staging tool seems to be feasible. SIGNIFICANCE: Method promises reduction of elective ND and morbidity in N0 patients.

Adult↗

Tissue-plastinated vs. celloidin-embedded large serial sections in video, analog and digital photographic on-screen reproduction: a preliminary step to exact virtual 3D modelling, exemplified in the normal midface and cleft-lip and palate.

This study analyses tissue-plastinated vs. celloidin-embedded large serial sections, their inherent artefacts and aptitude with common video, analog or digital photographic on-screen reproduction. Subsequent virtual 3D microanatomical reconstruction will increase our knowledge of normal and pathological microanatomy for cleft-lip-palate (clp) reconstructive surgery. Of 18 fetal (six clp, 12 control) specimens, six randomized specimens (two clp) were BiodurE12-plastinated, sawn, burnished 90 microm thick transversely (five) or frontally (one), stained with azureII/methylene blue, and counterstained with basic-fuchsin (TP-AMF). Twelve remaining specimens (four clp) were celloidin-embedded, microtome-sectioned 75 microm thick transversely (ten) or frontally (two), and stained with haematoxylin-eosin (CE-HE). Computed-planimetry gauged artefacts, structure differentiation was compared with light microscopy on video, analog and digital photography. Total artefact was 0.9% (TP-AMF) and 2.1% (CE-HE); TP-AMF showed higher colour contrast, gamut and luminance, and CE-HE more red contrast, saturation and hue (P < 0.4). All (100%) structures of interest were light microscopically discerned, 83% on video, 76% on analog photography and 98% in digital photography. Computed image analysis assessed the greatest colour contrast, gamut, luminance and saturation on video; the most detailed, colour-balanced and sharpest images were obtained with digital photography (P < 0.02). TP-AMF retained spatial oversight, covered the entire area of interest and should be combined in different specimens with CE-HE which enables more refined muscle fibre reproduction. Digital photography is preferred for on-screen analysis.

Artifacts↗

Proximal segment positioning in bilateral sagittal split osteotomy: intraoperative dynamic positioning and monitoring by sonography.

PURPOSE: Most methods of condylar positioning merely maintain the preoperative condyle-fossa relationship and therefore produce similar prevalences of postoperative dysfunction. This study evaluates dynamic proximal segment positioning by intraoperative sonography versus the splint and plate technique discussed in a previous issue. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Condylar positioning was monitored by sonography alone in 30 bimaxillary operated patients (14 Angle Class II, 16 Class III), the control group had a splint and plate positioning in 23 patients (9 Angle Class II, 14 Class III). The clinical dysfunction index, prevalence of condylar translation, and disc dislocation were compared preoperatively and at 1, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The postoperative range of motion did not disclose statistically significant differences between study and control group (Pearson's proportionality index r = 0.78, 2-way analysis of variance: P <.4, F = 4.4, alpha =.05 significance level). Sonographic placement allowed dynamic intraoperative monitoring of the condylar position and required an average of 5 minutes compared with 25 minutes for conventional positioning. Postoperative dysfunction prevalence was reduced 89% for Class II and 100% in Class III in the study group versus 50% for Class II and 100% for Class III in the control group (r = 0.45, P <.3, F = 9.3). Prevalence of disc dislocation was reduced 76% in Class II and 80% in Class III patients in the study group and 50% of Class II and 100% of Class III in the control group (r = 0.7, P <.48, F = 9.2). CONCLUSIONS: Comparable postoperative reduction of condylar translation and recovery, dysfunction, and disc dislocation was seen with use of both methods in a 1-year follow-up. The new technique allowed intraoperative real-time monitoring and dynamic correction and was safe, easier, and faster than conventional plate positioning.

Adolescent↗

Aspects of oral syphilis.

The incidence of sexually transmitted diseases recently increased in the United States and Europe due to migration, increase in high-risk behavior, and abandonment of safer sex practices at the advent of anti-retroviral combination therapy for human immunodeficiency virus infection. This article presents four cases of primary oral anti perioral syphilis with differential diagnoses. It is important to bear this reappearing infection in mind to avoid latent infection. Resembling common oral infections, the primary affect disappears spontaneously, and the infection enters the second stage. The patient remains infected, may further spread the disease, and risks severe organ damage from long-standing infection. The antibiotic cure is inexpensive and safe and spares the patient mucous patches and gumma residuals, apart from severe general sequelae such as thoracic aorta aneurysm and neurosyphilis. However, compliance problems jeopardize clinical and serologic follow-up. The growing syphilis incidence prompts the commemoration of Dr Moriz Kaposi and his dispositive 1891 book Pathology and Therapy of the Syphilis. Moriz Kaposi is acknowledged as one of the heads of the Vienna School of Dermatology, a superb clinician, and renowned teacher.

Adult↗

Evaluation of condylar translation by sonography versus axiography in orthognathic surgery patients.

PURPOSE: This study compares measurement of the condylar translation by sonography or axiography in preoperative assessment and follow-up of orthognathic surgery patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-seven moderately dysgnathic patients had consecutive examinations by axiography and sonography in a blind fashion at a single time point by 2 observers. Thirty-nine different dysgnathic patients, scheduled for isolated Le Fort I osteotomy, had preoperative condylar translation and 24-month follow-up measured randomized by either axiography (25 patients as control group) or sonography (14 patients as study group). RESULTS: The examination time for axiography was 20 minutes average versus 2 minutes for sonography. The mean differences were 1.7 mm in opening, 2.1 mm in protrusion, and 3.3 mm for mediotrusion. Pearson's proportionality quotient was r = 0.75, analysis of variance (P <.95, F = 3.9, alpha =.05 significance level) was not significant. The 24-month longitudinal follow-up showed a Pearson's proportionality quotient of r = 0.7 between study and control group, and no significant difference in analysis of variance (P <.075, F = 2.81, alpha =.05 significance level). CONCLUSION: Sonography proved adequate for assessment and follow-up of condylar translation compared with axiography in orthognathic surgery patients. Temporomandibular joint sonography was faster and more comfortable, allowed 1-week postoperative examination and reexaminations, and was equally exact. Anatomic details like joint degeneration and disc displacement could be assessed. However, sonography did not measure the inclination of the condylar track.

Adolescent↗

Proximal segment positioning in bilateral sagittal split osteotomy: intraoperative controlled positioning by a positioning splint.

PURPOSE: Most techniques of proximal segment positioning hinder intraoperative condyle displacement. However, merely maintaining condylar position cannot optimize the preoperative condyle-disc-fossa relationship. This study attempts to optimize condylar position in the osteotomy patient. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A study group of 23 bimaxillary operated patients had intraoperative joint positioning by positioning splint and plates (9 Angle Class II, 14 Class III). After assessing the habitual and appraising the optimized condyle position on preoperative sonograms and magnetic resonance images, positioning splints were constructed as acrylic occlusal wafers in a semi-individual articulator. Set in occlusion before adaptation of positioning plates, they were intended to move the condyles into the calculated position. Eighteen bimaxillary operated control patients had conventional plate positioning according to the habitual occlusion (9 Angle Class II, 9 Class III). Clinical follow-up, axiography, or sonography was maintained for 24 months. Preoperative lateral cephalograms were scrutinized for horizontal and vertical joint spaces and compared with the immediate postoperative radiography. RESULTS: Postoperative Class II study group patients had less dorsal and more vertical joint space and Class III patients more dorsal and vertical space compared with the controls. The study group exhibited significantly less postoperative dysfunction compared with the control group (2-way analysis of variance: P <.021, F = 9.2, alpha =.05 significance level), disc dislocation prevalence was lower (P <.07, F = 9.2), postoperative changes in condylar translation were smaller (P <.014, F = 4.9), and 8% skeletal relapses versus 22% in the controls were seen. CONCLUSIONS: A proximal segment-positioning splint effectively positioned the condyle in the desired direction, but with considerable relapse, significantly reduced postoperative dysfunction, disc dislocations, changes to the condylar translation, and incidence of skeletal relapse at 24-month follow-up.

Adolescent↗