Biomedical subjects

L Blunt

Publications and source records attributed to L Blunt.

9 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2000

Three dimensional measurement of the surface topography of ceramic and metallic orthopaedic joint prostheses.

The comprehensive study of surface topography of the orthopaedic joint prostheses has become very important for analysis of the wear mechanism and the performance life of the joint replacement systems. The aim of the study to investigate "best" methods for the three-dimensional (3D) surface metrology of orthopaedic joint prostheses. Characterization techniques for the identification and evaluation of the functional features of the bearing surface topographies has been provided in previous work. This paper concentrates on addressing issues of measurement and application techniques for assessment of the 3D surface topography of the joint replacement systems by using contacting stylus instruments, atomic force microscopes (AFM), and non-contacting measurement supported by focus detection instruments and phase-shifting interferometers. The techniques are discussed according to different analysis requirements of the orthopaedic joint prostheses. This work also discusses the performances of the instruments in terms of the measurement of femoral heads. Finally, recommendations for acceptable measurement techniques and application for analyzing surface topography of orthopaedic joint prostheses are summarized.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2000

An in vitro investigation into the cutting action of ultrasonic radicular access preparation instruments.

The aim of this study was to investigate the dentine cutting action of a CT4 and SJ4 radicular preparation inserts (Excellence in Endodontics/Analytic Technology, Orange, CA, USA) used in a Piezon Master 400 ultrasonic handpiece (Electro Medical Systems SA, Nyon, Switzerland). Calibration of the ultrasonic inserts was carried out at minimum, medium and maximum power settings using light microscopic measurement of the tip displacement amplitudes (x120 mag). Polished dentine samples were instrumented, at monitored loads, at the three chosen power settings, to produce uniform dentine cuts. The resultant dentine debris was collected for SEM analysis, and comparison with that produced by rotary instruments. The depth of dentine cut was measured at x30 magnification. Fracture of the SJ4 insert was noted at medium power setting. Results revealed a significant increase in both displacement amplitude and depth of dentine cut with power setting (ANOVA P < 0.001). Dentine chip size increased with power, and differed in structure and appearance from those produced by rotary instruments. In conclusion, ultrasonic cutting is influenced significantly by power setting, and dentine chip formation is fundamentally different to rotary instrumentation.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed1999

Three-dimensional surface characterization for orthopaedic joint prostheses.

This study attempts to investigate a range of 'better' methods for the characterization of the three-dimensional (3D) surface topography of orthopaedic joint prostheses. In this paper, a new characterization tool for the comprehensive identification and evaluation of functional features of these surface topographies is presented. For identification, the surface topography is investigated in a space-scale space, by employing wavelet analysis. The roughness, waviness and form involved in surface topography are consequently separated and recovered respectively. The multiscalar topographical features are identified and captured. The errors caused as a consequence of three-dimensional measurement methods can be reduced. After identification, the three-dimensional surface assessment techniques previously reported by Stout and co-workers are used for the quantitative evaluation of various surface roughness features of the orthopaedic joint prostheses. Moreover, the functional properties, such as bearing area, material volume and void volume which are significantly effected by large peaks, pits and scratches are studied and the location of isolated peaks, pits and scratches in the different scales is also clearly characterized. In this work, measurement of the femoral heads and acetabular cups is carried out to demonstrate the applicability of the characterization technique for the three-dimensional surface topography of orthopaedic joint prostheses.

Hip Prosthesis↗

PubMed1997

Measurement of tooth wear in patients with palatal erosion.

AIM: To develop a reproducible method for the assessment of tooth wear in vivo using a laser profilometer. DESIGN: A controlled study to measure tooth wear. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Wear was measured over a 6-month period in 13 patients with unexplained palatal dental erosion and compared with a group of 7 controls without any evidence of abnormal wear. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Metal disks were cemented to the tooth surface and impressions taken at 6-month intervals. Wear was estimated by scanning the impressions with a contacting laser profilometer and measuring a change in depth around the disk over a 6-month period using fixed reference points on the metal disks. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was observed between patients with palatal erosion and the controls. Patients with erosion had a median of 36.5 microns of wear over 6 months (range 17.6-108.2) and the controls had a median of 3.7 microns (range 0.5-15.8). CONCLUSIONS: This paper presents a novel method for measuring erosion using fixed reference points cemented to the palatal surfaces of upper incisor teeth.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

Surface integrity of composite inlays following ultrasonic vibration.

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of ultrasonic vibration on the surface integrity of a resin composite inlay. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ultrasonic vibration in the form of a scaling tip oriented either parallel or perpendicular to the surface was applied to 2 mm thick, 10 mm wide composite discs and the experiment was repeated with the probe oriented perpendicular using composite or rubber shields. The indentations produced were measured using a form Talysurf profilometer. The surfaces of the discs were also observed using scanning electron microscopy. Five discs were used for each experiment. RESULTS: Both parallel and perpendicular orientations produced an indentation with a scattering of composite debris. A significant increase in the depth of indentation occurred if the vibrations of the ultrasonic scaler were oriented parallel to the composite surface (Two sample t- test, P < 0.01). The presence of a composite shield significantly reduced (Mann-Whitney, P < 0.05) the depth of indentation but produced roughening of the surface with impaction of material from the shield onto the surface. The rubber shield, however, polished the surface significantly smoother than the control specimens (Mann-Whitney, P < 0.05). Microscope slide separation was used to measure the thickness of composite luting agent following vibration with an ultrasonic scaling tip with and without a protective sleeve. There was a significantly thinner film of luting agent when an unsleeved scaler was used (ANOVA, P < 0.001). Although an unguarded tip oriented perpendicular to the surface appears to result in the best energy transfer for a thin layer of composite luting agent, it does, however, create minimal surface damage.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed1996

Factors affecting the cutting ability of sonic files.

The aim of this study was to investigate the cutting ability of sonic files. A model system was developed and the following variables evaluated: file type. Heliosonic or Shaper; file length, 21 or 29 mm; power, air inlet ring opening of half or fully open; stroke length, 2 or 4 mm; stroke rate, one or two cycles per second; and load 50 or 100 g. A 2(6) full-factorial analysis with two replications into the effect of the above variables on the cutting ability of the MM1500 sonic instrument was performed. A new size 25 file was used for each cut, together with water irrigation, and the substrate used was 1-mm thick sections of bovine bone. The differences between the variables were significant (ANOVA, P < 0.001). However, examination of the F-values showed that the most significant variable to affect cutting was load, followed by power, file type, stroke length and stroke rate, with the least significant variable being file length. The most significant interaction was between rate and length of stroke. An increase in stroke rate from one to two cycles per second at a stroke length of 2 mm produced an increase in cutting for both the Heliosonic and Shaper files. However, at the longer stroke length of 4 mm, the same increase in rate resulted in a decrease in cutting for the Shaper files. Therefore, it is suggested that operators should press the file against the canal wall and move it slowly to maximise cutting.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed1996

Cutting characteristics of a sonic root-end preparation instrument.

The aim of this study was to investigate the cutting ability of retro tips powered by a sonic handpiece (MM 1500, Micro Mega, Prodonta, Geneva, Switzerland). Two levels of the following variables were evaluated in this study: a) power setting with the an inlet ring half or fully open, b) orientation of tip perpendicular or parallel to the long axis of the handpiece, c) length of tip 2 or 3 min, d) loading of 25 or 50 grams, e) tip size 35 or 55. The substrate used was 1 mm thick sections of bovine bone and load was controlled by using a load cell interfaced with a transducer meter. Instrumentation time was fixed at 10 seconds with water irrigation. A 2(5) full factorial analysis was performed with two replications making a total of 64 experimental units. The resultant depth of cut was measured using a stereo microscope at x50 magnification. Analysis of the data indicated that all variables had a significant effect on cutting (ANOVA p < 0.05). The most significant factor was power, followed by tip length tip orientation, width and load. An increase in loading resulted in tip constraint and a reduction of cutting at the lower power setting. In conclusion sonically activated retro tips were found to cut satisfactorily with instrument air inlet ring opening/power having the main effect.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed1996

Analysis of the surface cut by sonic files.

The purpose of this investigation was to compare 3D profilometry and SEM analysis of a polished surface of bovine bone instrumented by sonic files. Two situations where investigated, i) no operator assisted movement, ii) operator assisted movement. Heliosonic, Rispisonic and Shaper files were investigated at full power setting and an interfacial load of 100 grams. The specimens were subjected to analysis using a 3D Form Talysurf prior to being sputter coated with gold and viewed under an SEM. The 3D surface analysis was found to be complimentary to SEM evaluation in that each provided additional information to the other. 3D analysis proved to be excellent for showing the topographical nature of the cut surface and gave a better indication of depth than the SEM. Debris was however more apparent on SEM evaluation. Each file showed distinctive characteristics in the shape that was cut. The cutting appeared to be as a result of abrasion with no operator assisted movement and was as a result of the longitudinal file action. However when movement was superimposed on this action continuous chip formation was apparent especially for the Rispisonic and Shaper files.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Cutting ability of an ultrasonic retrograde cavity preparation instrument.

The aim of this study was to investigate the cutting ability of a working ultrasonic instrument designed for surgical endodontic use (Neosonic, Amadent Corp, Cherry Hill, NJ, USA). Three designs of tip, designated CT 1 to CT 3 were calibrated by measuring their displacement amplitudes in air using light microscopy over a range of power settings. Extracted teeth were sectioned longitudinally and polished to produce a smooth dentine surface onto which the tips were applied for 1 minute over the above range of power settings at a load of approximately 20 g. The depth of cut in the dentine surface was measured using a two dimensional surface profilometry technique. Results showed that a raising of the power setting produced an increase in displacement amplitude and cutting ability for all tip designs. This increase was linear, with minimal cutting occurring at lower power settings. In conclusion the ultrasonic tips could be successfully used to remove dentine, and medium to high power settings optimised their efficiency.

Analysis of Variance↗