Effects of EMD in combination with bone swaging and calcium phosphate bone cement on periodontal regeneration in one‐wall intrabony defects in dogs

Background and Objective: Although the application of EMD is a widely accepted periodontal‐regenerative therapy, its effects on noncontained intrabony defects are unpredictable because of the lack of a space‐making property. The combined use of EMD and autogenous bone grafts reportedly stimulates significant periodontal regeneration in intrabony defects. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of EMD in combination with bone swaging (BS) and injectable calcium phosphate bone cement (CPC), which was placed into the spaces between the grafted swaged bone and the proximal host bone, on periodontal healing in one‐wall intrabony defects in dogs. Material and Methods: One‐wall intrabony defects (3 mm wide and 5 mm deep) were surgically created on the mesial and distal sides of the bilateral mandibular premolars in four dogs. The 16 defects were assigned to one of the following treatments: EMD only, BS only, EMD with BS (EMD + BS), or EMD with BS and CPC (EMD + BS + CPC). The animals were killed 8 wk after surgery for histologic evaluation. Results: The height of newly formed bone was significantly greater in the EMD + BS + CPC group (3.73 ± 0.30 mm) than in the BS‐only (2.74 ± 0.33 mm; p < 0.05) and EMD + BS (2.88 ± 0.98 mm; p < 0.05) groups. The area of newly formed bone was significantly larger in the EMD + BS + CPC group (5.68 ± 1.66 mm²) than in the EMD‐only (3.68 ± 0.33 mm²; p < 0.05), BS‐only (3.48 ± 1.26 mm²; p < 0.05) and EMD + BS (3.38 ± 1.37 mm²; p < 0.05) groups. The EMD‐only (4.63 ± 0.42 mm), EMD + BS (4.67 ± 0.30 mm) and EMD + BS + CPC (4.78 ± 0.54 mm) groups showed significantly greater cementum formation than did the BS‐only group (3.93 ± 0.56 mm; p < 0.05). Conclusion: These results indicate that treatment with EMD + BS + CPC promotes favorable periodontal healing in one‐wall intrabony defects in dogs.     

Cotransplantation of mesenchymal stromal cells and endothelial cells on calcium carbonate and hydroxylapatite scaffolds in vivo

This study investigated the cotransplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSC) and human umbilical cord endothelial cells (HUVEC), and evaluated their contribution to vascular and bone tissue engineering in vivo.To evaluate the success of osteogenic differentiation and timely vascularization of different osteoconductive scaffolds in vivo, we transferred BMSC and HUVEC pre-cultivated calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) and hydroxylapatite (HA) matrices into immunocompromised RNU-rats, and analyzed mineralization, expression of osteopontin, and vascular integration via new vessel formation.After in vivo transplantation, pre-cultivated scaffolds demonstrated overall improved mineralization of 44% for CaCO₃ (p = 0.01, SD ± 14.3) and 34% for HA (p = 0.001, SD ± 17.8), as well as improved vascularization of 5.6 vessels/0.1 mm² on CaCO₃ (p < 0.0001, SD ± 2.0) and 5.3 vessels/0.1 mm² on HA (p < 0.0001, SD ± 2.4) compared with non-pre-cultivated controls. However, no significant differences between the implantation of BMSC-only, HUVEC-only, or BMSC + HUVEC cocultures could be observed.There is an increasing demand for improved bone regeneration in tissue engineering. Cotransplantation of mesenchymal stromal cells and endothelial cells often demonstrates synergistic improvements in vitro. However, the benefits or superiority of cotransplantation was not evident in vivo and so will require further investigation.     

Influence of a resorbable collagen membrane for alveolar bone graft on clinical outcomes and ridge volume stability in cleft alveolus

This study compared the clinical outcomes, graft quality, and graft quantity after alveolar bone grafting with and without a resorbable collagen membrane. Twenty unilateral cleft patients undergoing defect repair with cancellous iliac bone were assigned to either the collagen membrane group (Mb group) or standard group without a membrane (St group). Postoperative pain and swelling, bone density, and bone volume and quality were assessed. The Mb group showed significantly lower postoperative pain than the St group (P < 0.001) and significantly less swelling (P < 0.01) on day 3 postoperative. The reduction in bone density was significantly greater in the St group than in the Mb group at 1 and 3 months postoperative (P ≤ 0.001), but not at 6 months. The reduction in bone volume in the St group was significantly greater than that in the Mb group at 3 months (29.11 ± 6.26% vs 17.67 ± 11.89%, P = 0.016) and 6 months postoperative (40.95 ± 6.81% vs 25.67 ± 11.51%, P = 0.002). Nine cases in the Mb group versus six in the St group showed good bone quality. In conclusion, the collagen membrane facilitated predictable clinical outcomes in bone maturation, bone volume preservation, and bone bridging in the alveolar bone graft.     

Shaping ability of non-adaptive and adaptive core nickel–titanium single-file systems with supplementary file in ribbon-shaped canals analysed by micro-computed tomography

This study compared shaping ability between two single-file systems and before/after using supplementary file in untouched area, volume of removed dentin, maximum cut depth (the highest cut depth by main file) and remaining thinnest dentin (the thinnest root dentin after preparation). Ribbon-shaped distal canals of mandibular molars were prepared with non-adaptive core (WaveOne Gold) or adaptive core (XP-endo Shaper) files (n = 15/group) and additionally prepared with a supplementary file (XP-endo Finisher), and the shaping ability was investigated using micro-computed tomography. XP-endo Shaper group demonstrated significantly less overall untouched area than WaveOne Gold group (38.21 ± 6.98% vs. 47.68 ± 9.16%) (p < 0.05). No significant difference was detected between XP-endo Shaper and WaveOne Gold groups in volume of removed dentin (1.85 ± 0.53 vs. 1.66 ± 0.33 mm³), maximum cut depth (0.10–0.28 vs. 0.10–0.29 mm) and remaining thinnest dentin (0.66–0.80 vs. 0.78–0.88 mm). Supplementary XP-endo Finisher treatment significantly decreased untouched area (11%–23% reduction) (p < 0.05) with minimally cut root dentin (0.01–0.02 mm).     

Comparative histological evaluation of two PRF formulations (PRF High and PRF Medium) on quality of life and healing outcome of apicomarginal defects: A randomized clinical trial

The objective of this randomized clinical trial was to investigate the effects of two PRF formulations (PRF High and PRF Medium) on quality of life and healing outcome (2D and 3D) of apicomarginal defects.Patients presenting with endodontic lesions and concomitant periodontal communication were randomly allocated to PRF High and PRF Medium groups. The treatment protocol in each group included a periapical surgical procedure with placement of PRF clot and membrane in the bony defect and on the denuded root surface, respectively. Quality of life was assessed for 1 week after surgery following a modified version of the patient's perception questionnaire. Postoperative pain was assessed using a visual analog scale. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed using Rud and Molven 2D criteria and Modified PENN 3D criteria. Buccal bone formation was assessed using sagittal and corresponding axial sections in CBCT. Histological analysis was performed using hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) staining and attaching primary antibodies to tissue sections.In total, 40 patients were enrolled in the trial (N = 20 per group). PRF Medium group patients reported significantly less swelling on the 1st (p = 0.036), 2nd (p = 0.034), and 3rd (p = 0.023) days, and average pain on the 2nd (p = 0.031), 3rd (p = 0.03), and 4th (p = 0.04) days postoperatively. The difference in success rate for periapical healing was non-significant between the PRF Medium group (89.5%) and PRF High group (90%), in both 2D and 3D imaging (p = 0.957). The formation of buccal bone was observed in five cases (26.3%) and four cases (20%) in the PRF Medium and PRF High groups, respectively, with a non-significant difference (p = 0.575). PRF Medium clots had a loose fibrin structure with a significantly higher number of neutrophils (473.79 ± 82.89 per mm²) than PRF High clots, which had a dense structure and fewer neutrophils (253.15 ± 63.86 per mm²) (p = 0.001). Autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) promoted satisfactory periapical healing, with no significant difference between the groups.Within the limitations of the study, it seems that PRF Medium should be preferred over PRF High when the patients’ quality of life is the priority.     

Healing patterns of critical size bony defects in rats after grafting with bone substitutes soaked in recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2: histological and histometric evaluation

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of different bone substitutes soaked in recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) on the healing of critical size defects in calvarial bone. Defects were created in 24 Sprague Dawley rats. The rhBMP-2 was diluted to obtain a final concentration of 0.2 mg/ml. Rats were divided into four groups and treated as follows: in the first group the defect was filled with anorganic bovine bone mineral (ABBM) and rhBMP-2, the second group was treated with freeze-dried bone allograft (FDBA) and rhBMP-2, and the third group was treated with autogenous bone (AUTO). In the control group the defects were left untreated. Animals were killed after 8 weeks and calcified histological sections prepared. Histometric measurements showed that mean (SD) bone formation was 4.00 (1.69) mm² in the ABBM group, 2.56 (1.06) mm² in the FDBA group, and 2.30 (0.34) mm² in the AUTO group. The difference between the ABBM group and the other 3 groups was significant (p < 0.0001) with a mean bone formation of 0.82 (0.25) mm² in the control group. There was no significant difference between the FDBA and the AUTO groups (p = 0.96). Within the limits of this study we concluded that the addition of rhBMP-2 to bone substitutes was efficacious in regenerating bone in critical size bone defects in calveria in rats.     

Guided bone regeneration in standardized calvarial defects using beta-tricalcium phosphate and collagen membrane: a real-time in vivo micro-computed tomographic experiment in rats

Guided bone regeneration (GBR) procedures using graft materials have been used for reconstruction of osseous defects. The aim of the present in vivo micro-computed tomographic (µCT) and histologic study was to assess in real time the bone regeneration at GBR sites in standardized experimental calvarial defects (diameter 3.3 mm) using β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) with and without collagen membrane (CM). A single full-thickness calvarial defect was created on the left parietal bone in young female Wistar albino rats (n = 30) weighing approximately 300 g and aged about 6 weeks. The animals were randomly divided into three groups for treatment, based on calvarial defect filling material: (1) control group (n = 10); (2) β-TCP + CM group (n = 10); (3) β-TCP group (n = 10). Real-time in vivo µCT analyses were performed immediately after surgery and at 2, 4, 6 and 10 weeks to determine the volume and mineral density of the newly formed bone (BVNFB, MDNFB) and remaining β-TCP particles (VRBP, MDRBP). The animals were killed at 10 weeks and calvarial specimens were evaluated histologically. In the control group, MDNFB increased significantly at 6 weeks (0.32 ± 0.002 g/mm³, P < 0.01) compared to that at baseline. In β-TCP + CM group, BVNFB (1.10 ± 0.12 mm³, P < 0.01) and MDNFB (0.13 ± 0.02 g/mm³, P < 0.01) significantly increased at the 4th week than baseline. In the β-TCP group, BVNFB (1.13 ± 0.12 mm³, P < 0.01) and MDNFB (0.14 ± 0.01 g/mm³, P < 0.01) significantly increased at 6 weeks compared to that at baseline. Significant reduction in VRBP was neither seen in the β-TCP + CM group nor in the β-TCP group. While in the β-TCP + CM group MDRBP was reduced significantly at 6 weeks (0.44 ± 0.9 g/mm³, P < 0.01) from baseline (0.98 ± 0.03 g/mm³), similar significant reduction in MDRBP from baseline (0.92 ± 0.07 g/mm³) was seen only at 10 weeks (0.45 ± 0.06 g/mm³, P < 0.05) in the β-TCP group. Histologic findings at 10 weeks revealed greater amount of NFB with osteocytes in the matrix, in the β-TCP + CM group than in the β-TCP group. Biomechanical assessment of NFB for hardness (H) and elastic modulus (E) revealed significantly higher values for the β-TCP + CM group (H = 612.6 ± 4.28 Mpa; E = 13.57 ± 0.07 Gpa) when compared to those of the control (H = 192.1 ± 4.93 Mpa; E = 6.76 ± 0.04 Gpa) and the β-TCP groups (H = 241.9 ± 6.29 Mpa; E = 4.34 ± 0.06 Gpa). In conclusion, based on real-time assessment, NFB is formed in calvarial defects as early as 4 weeks following GBR with β-TCP + CM as compared to 6 weeks when β-TCP alone was used.     

Bisphosphonate application and volumetric effects on MRONJ lesions

The purpose of this investigation was to analyze the volume of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) lesions by semi-automatic segmentation of cone-beam computed tomography images, and correlate the results with the underlying diseases and applied medication.MRONJ lesions detected in cone-beam computed tomography images were assessed. The open-source software ITK-Snap enabled volumetric measurements of MRONJ lesions based on semi-automatic segmentation. Results were analyzed according to necrosis volume, localization, and gender. In addition, the underlying disease and the type of application of antiresorptive medication were investigated.Cone-beam computed tomography images of 66 patients were studied. 34 male and 32 female patients were included, with ages ranging from 50 to 93 years at the time of diagnosis. The mean volume was 993.24 ± 620.94 mm³: 484.73 ± 230.97 mm³ for the upper jaw and 1084.04 ± 625.74 mm³ for the lower jaw. The results indicated statistically significant differences between lesions of the upper and lower jaw, regardless of gender (p = 0.003). The analysis of differences between males and females did not show any significant results (p = 0.464), although males presented slightly larger lesions than females. With regard to the underlying disease, patients with osteoporosis presented larger volumes, whereas patients with malignant tumors presented smaller volumes. Nevertheless, no statistically significant differences according to the underlying disease (p = 0.313) were detected. However, patients with intravenous (iv) application showed statistically significantly larger lesions than patients who underwent oral or subcutaneous (s.c.) applications (p = 0.004).It seems that the osteonecrosis volume correlates with the applied antiresorptive agents. Larger MRONJ lesions should be expected in patients who receive intravenous antiresorptive therapy.     

Three-dimensional analysis of condylar remodeling and skeletal relapse following LeFort-I osteotomy: A one-year follow-up bicenter study

The aim of the study was to quantify the postoperative condylar remodeling after Le Fort I surgery.Patients treated with a Le Fort I osteotomy were investigated. CBCT scans were acquired preoperatively, one week and one year postoperatively. A preoperative 3D cephalometric analysis was performed on the preoperative CBCT. Surgical movements were quantified using a voxel-registration based method (OrthoGnaticAnalyser). After rendering of the condyles from the CBCT, a volumetric analysis was performed. The correlation between the surgical movement of the maxilla and the postoperative condylar volume changes was determined with analysis of variance.ResultsA total of 45 subjects were included in this study. 47 of 90 condyles (52%) showed a mean volume reduction of 93 mm³ (4.9 volume-%) postoperatively. The maxilla was impacted in 12 patients (2.44 ± 2.49 mm) and extruded in 33 patients (1.78 ± 1.29 mm). The maxillary impaction group showed a volume reduction of 50 ± 122 mm³ and the extrusion group showed a mean volume gain of 21 ± 139 mm³ (p = 0.028).ConclusionClinicians should be aware of potential condylar remodeling following solitary Le Fort I osteotomies, particularly in female patients with maxillary impaction.     

Efficacy of Using PDGF and Xenograft With or Without Collagen Membrane for Bone Regeneration Around Immediate Implants With Induced Dehiscence‐Type Defects: A Microcomputed Tomographic Study in Dogs

Background: Use of collagen membrane (CM) with xenograft and recombinant human platelet‐derived growth factor (rhPDGF) in guided bone regeneration (GBR) is debatable. The aim of this microcomputed tomographic experiment was to assess the efficacy of using PDGF and xenograft (with or without CM) for GBR around immediate implants with dehiscence defects. Methods: Ten beagle dogs underwent atraumatic bilateral second and fourth premolar extractions from both arches. A standardized dehiscence defect (6 × 3 mm) was created on the buccal bone and immediate implants were placed in distal sockets in each site. Animals were randomly divided into three groups: 1) group 1, xenograft with rhPDGF was placed and covered with CM; 2) group 2, xenograft with rhPDGF was placed over the defects; and 3) group 3, four immediate implants were associated with dehiscence (controls). After 16 weeks, animals were sacrificed and jaw segments were assessed for buccal bone thickness (BBT), buccal bone volume (BBV), vertical bone height (VBH), and bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC) using microcomputed tomography. Results: BBT was higher in group 2 (1.533 ± 0.89 mm) than group 1 (0.745 ± 0.322 mm) (P <0.001) and group 3 (0.257 ± 0.232 mm) (P <0.05). BBV was higher in group 2 (67.87 ± 19.83 mm³) than group 1 (42.47 ± 6.78 mm³) (P <0.05) and group 3 (19.12 ± 4.06 mm³) (P <0.001). VBH was higher in group 2 (6.36 ± 1.37 mm) than group 3 (0.00 ± 0.00 mm) (P <0.001). VBH was higher in group 1 (3.91 ± 2.68 mm) than group 3 (0.00 ± 0.00 mm) (P <0.05). BIC was higher in group 2 (67.25% ± 13.42%) than group 1 (36.25% ± 12.78%) (P <0.05) and group 3 (30.25% ± 7.27%) (P <0.01). Conclusion: GBR around immediate implants with dehiscence defects using PDGF and xenograft alone resulted in higher BBT, BBV, VBH, and BIC than when performed in combination with CM.     

Treatment measures of hemimandibular hyperplasia and associated facial deformities

This study aims to show our institute’s experience in the treatment of HH and its associated facial deformities in adults and growing adolescents and to investigate condylar remodeling and volumetric changes and long-term stability of orthognathic surgery in adults.The study included consecutive patients with clinical and radiological features of HH who underwent high condylectomy with or without simultaneous orthognathic surgery from 2013 to 2018. The clinical outcomes were assessed based on functional activities, TMJ pain, and recurrence. Postoperative 3D condylar remodeling and orthognathic stability were evaluated with the use of ITK-Snap and 3D Slicer.Thirteen patients (8 females and 5 males) with a mean age of 26.3 ± 5.79 years (range; 13–34 years) were included with facial asymmetry as the chief complaint. The patients were followed up for a minimum of 12 months and a maximum of 4 years (mean; 16.85 ± 10.04). There were no postoperative complications, and all patients achieved a satisfactory functional and aesthetic outcome using a one-stage surgical procedure. There was no incidence of recurrence or further asymmetries, with long-term stability at the selected points showing a mean difference of less than ±1 mm. The affected condylar volume was significantly reduced following high condylectomy, with mean changes between T1 and T2 of ?144. 80 mm³ (p = .012). However, the contralateral condylar volume remained stable, with a mean change of 2.54 mm³ (p = .881).One-stage high condylectomy and orthognathic surgery is a viable measure for the treatment of HH and associated deformities in adults. High condylectomy in early adolescence could result in termination of the disease, and aesthetic improvement with further constant orthodontist-surgeon follow-up is required.     

Healing patterns of critical size bony defects in rat following bone graft

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the healing patterns of critical size calvarial bony defects treated with different bone substitutes and to compare them to an autogenous graft and an ungrafted control group.

Materials and methods

Thirty-six Sprague–Dawley rats (200–230g) were used. A periosteal flap was raised and an 8 mm defect was trephined. Rats were divided into six groups and treated as follows: group 1 was treated with a deproteinized bovine xenograft (XO), group 2 was treated with a bovine xenograft and covered with a resorbable membrane (XOCM), defects in group 3 were filled with a decalcified freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA), group 4 was treated with a composite bone substitute made of bovine xenograft and collagen (XOC), group 5 was filled with autogenous bone (AUTO), and group 6 was left untreated (control). The animals were euthanized at 2 months.

Results

Mean bone formation was 2.97?±?1.82 mm² in group 5 (AUTO) followed by 2.93?±?1.93 mm² in group 3 (DFDBA) and 2.25?±?1.94 mm² in group 4 (XOC). Groups 1, 2, and 6 (XO, XOCM, and control, respectively) were not significantly different (p?>?0.05) with a mean bone formation of 1.97?±?1.64, 1.87?±?1.07, and 1.85?±?1.04 mm², respectively.

Conclusions

This work confirmed the superiority of autogenous bone when it comes to bone grafting. Nevertheless, some bone substitutes can improve bone formation when compared to the control. New bone substitutes with growth factors to improve their abilities to induce bone formation should be experimented.     

MR imaging as a precise technique to evaluate skull-base tumor volume: Comparison of CT,MR imaging and FDG PET from murine and clinical data

In spite of the many imaging modalities used in clinics, the one that best reflects the true delineation of skull-base (infratemporal fossa, ITF) malignancies is still unknown. In order to compare the tumor recognition capabilities of different imaging modalities, established murine models and patients with skull-base tumors were evaluated by computer tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (¹⁸FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) for delineation of gross tumor volume (GTV).PET, MR imaging, and CT enhanced by iodine staining were all sensitive to, and able to recognize, the skull-base tumor in the murine model. No significant difference (p > 0.9999) was observed between average GTV according to MR imaging (176.67 ± 19.6 mm³) and the histological measurement result (170.23 ± 22.24 mm³) for the murine model. In contrast, the GTVs according to CT (88.77 ± 13.03 mm³, p < 0.0001) and ¹⁸FDG PET (35.67 ± 6.56 mm³, p < 0.0001) were much smaller.In nine patients for whom the three modalities were available, tumor volume comparisons tended to be consistent with the murine model data. According to both the established murine model and clinical patient data, MR imaging possessed the optimal ability to recognize tumor contours.     

Accelerated cranial distraction protocol for one-piece fronto-orbital distraction osteogenesis without bandeau in patients with craniosynostosis

This study aimed to compare the bony relapse ratios of standard and accelerated distraction protocols (ADP) in one-piece fronto-orbital distraction osteogenesis (DO).Patients with unilateral or bilateral coronal synostoses who underwent one-piece fronto-orbital DO were included. The accelerated cranial distraction protocol included a 3-day latency period and a distraction rate of 1–2 mm/day, followed by a 4-week consolidation period. Intracranial volume was measured using computed tomography (CT) before the surgery, at the end of the consolidation period, and 1 year after the removal of distractors. The intracranial volume changes and relapse ratios were calculated.This study included 32 patients; of these, 16 were included in each of the ADP and standard protocol (SP) groups. The mean ages were 1.4 years and 1.6 years in the ADP and SP groups, respectively (p = 0.895). In the ADP and SP groups, the expanded volumes were 270.9 ± 90.3 cm³ and 284.6 ± 149.7 cm³ (p = 0.91) and the growth-corrected expanded volumes were 162.1 ± 67.5 cm³ and 177.1 ± 105.2 cm³, respectively (p = 0.867). The relapse and growth-corrected relapse ratios showed no significant differences between the two groups, suggesting similar stability between the two protocols. The relapse ratios were 7.1 ± 4.8% and 7.3 ± 5.0% (p = 0.91) and the growth-corrected relapse ratios were ?3.0 ± 3.3% and ?2.4 ± 2.7%, respectively (p = 0.498).Within the limitations of the study, it seems that the ADP can shorten the distraction period without compromising stability. This may contribute to resolving the disadvantages and highlighting the advantages of DO.     

Tomographic and histomorphometric evaluation of socket healing after tooth extraction using leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin: A randomized,single-blind,controlled clinical trial

The use of platelet concentrate in alveolar ridge preservation has been broadly studied. However, no randomized clinical trials with histomorphometric analysis and low risk of bias are available in the literature. We conducted a prospective, single-blind, parallel, randomized, controlled clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) in socket preservation after tooth extraction. Additionally, the effect of L-PRF on bone formation was analyzed histologically using bone biopsy specimens obtained during implant placement.A total of 48 subjects who underwent a non-molar tooth extraction were randomly assigned to the L-PRF group (n = 24) or the control group (n = 24). Cone-beam computed tomographies were performed immediately after tooth extraction and at 3 months after tooth extraction, prior to implant surgery. A significant difference in bone resorption was registered 1 mm below the crest: 0.93 ± 0.9 mm for the L-PRF group and 2.27 ± 1.2 mm for the control group (p = 0.0001). Histomorphometric analysis showed a higher percentage of new bone formation in the L-PRF group compared with the control group. The values were 55.96 ± 11.97% and 39.69 ± 11.13%, respectively (p = 0.00001). These findings indicate that the administration of L-PRF should always be considered when socket preservation is planned (Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03408418).     

Effects of pentoxifylline and tocopherol on an osteoradionecrosis animal model

PurposeOsteoradionecrosis (ORN) is known to be a refractory disease in the oral and maxillofacial field. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of pentoxifylline (PTX) and tocopherol (TP) on an ORN animal model focused on bone healing.Materials and methodsA total of 48 Sprague–Dawley rats were used: 40 received a single irradiation dose of 35 Gy on the left mandible, and eight were used as the nonirradiated control group. The rats received PTX (T1, C1), TP (T2, C2), a combination of PTX and TP (T3, C3), or normal saline (T4, C4). Three weeks after irradiation, the mandibular posterior teeth were extracted. The rats were sacrificed 4 weeks after extraction.ResultsIn the T3 group, bone volume/tissue volume was 19.62 ± 16.03 (%), bone mineral density was as 0.31 ± 0.16 (g/cm³) in the micro-CT analysis, which were higher than that of other groups (p = 0.025, p = 0.012, respectively). In the histological analysis, bone regeneration was the most prominent in the T3 group. The ratio of empty lacunae was the highest in the T4 group, 68.77 ± 15.47 (%, p = 0.004). Immunohistochemistry showed that the expression of TNF-α was relatively lower in the T3 than in the T4 or T2 groups. The RT-qPCR showed the expression level of PECAM, VEGF-A, and osteocalcin was more than twofold as high as in the T3 group compared to the other groups.ConclusionThe combination of PTX and TP appears to promote angiogenesis and osteogenesis in a rat ORN model. Therefore, PTX and TP might be useful in the treatment and prevention of ORN.     

Clinical course of masticatory function recovery following arthrocentesis in patients with unilateral mandibular condyle head fracture

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical course of masticatory function recovery following arthrocentesis. Patients with a unilateral condylar head fracture who underwent arthrocentesis for therapeutic reasons were evaluated and compared with patients with a unilateral condylar head fracture who did not undergo arthrocentesis. At 3 months after treatment, the occlusal contact area and maximum bite force in patients with a fracture treated with arthrocentesis were greater than in those who did not receive arthrocentesis at the same time points, although the differences were not significant. Moreover, at 1 and 3 months following arthrocentesis, mean (±SD) occlusal contact area (1 month: 1.99 ± 0.55 mm², p = 0.01; 3 months: 2.90 ± 1.36 mm², p = 0.03) and maximum bite force (1 month: 82.45 ± 15.04 N, p = 0.01; 3 months: 101.11 ± 14.53 N, p = 0.01) on the fractured side in patients who underwent that treatment were significantly reduced when compared with those on the non-fractured side. The authors conclude that if the priority is to avoid open reduction and internal fixation, then the arthrocentesis approach might be a less invasive alternative, albeit with the price of a prolonged healing interval.     

Morphological changes of the human face after massive weight-loss due to bariatric surgery

The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphological changes in the face of obese patients during massive weight loss using a more reliable method than two dimensional photographs or tape measures. The faces of 23 patients were recorded prior to and six months after bariatric surgery. Distances between important anatomical landmarks of the face were calculated and the volume of the neck was compared. The distance between the Tragion and Subnasale (132.7 ± 6.804 mm to 131.5 ± 6.866 mm; p = 0.0003), and the distance between Tragion and Stomion became significantly longer 136.0 ± 8.016 mm to 134.3 ± 7.698 mm; p = 0.0031), while distances between the Tragion and Pogonion (150.2 ± 8.216 mm to 148.3 ± 8.383 mm; p < 0.0001), Tragion and Menton (152.3 ± 9.037 mm to 148.9 ± 9.623 mm; p < 0.0001), and Tragion and tip of the nose (144.9 ± 7.273 mm to 144.0 ± 7.416 mm; p = 0.0023) were significantly reduced. The mean volume loss of the neck was 75.218 ± 40.197 ml. No significant correlation was found between total weight loss and cervical volume loss (r = 0.3447; p = 0.1072). The morphological changes of the face after massive weight loss vary in different areas of the face. Patients and their attending physicians must be aware of the face's morphology change after massive weight loss in an extent that does not correlate with the total weight loss of the patient.