Craniofacial and airway morphology of individuals with oculoauriculovertebral spectrum.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to characterize the craniofacial and airway morphology of oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum (OAVS) individuals using computed tomography (CT) examination. SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION: This sample included individuals in the age range from 5 to 14 years, consisted of a group of 18 OAVS individuals (12 females and 6 males), Pruzansky-Kaban1 IIB and III and by a paired control group matched by age and sex for comparison of morphometric and airway variables. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Through the CT examination, airway analysis was performed using Dolphin Imaging® Software, and seven morphometric measurements were performed to evaluate craniofacial morphology by Materialize Mimics® Software. To compare airway and morphometric variables, the control group was used. Student's t test and Mann-Whitney U test were performed to compare differences between the groups. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were showed between the control and OAVS groups for the variables: total airway (TA) area, volume and MAA, RP area, RP volume, RP MAA, RG volume, RG MAA, total posterior height diff, Md incl and y-axis asymmetry. Pearson and Spearman's correlation showed mostly moderate correlations between Mand Occlusal canting AS with TA area and RP volume, Ax-Gn with TA area and Hy-C3 with TA volume. CONCLUSIONS: The OAVS's airway was altered and worse than the control group. Our results suggest that the contralateral side of OAVS individuals is unaffected; however, longitudinal assessments are needed to confirm it. Hyoid bone and postural measures play an important role in interpreting airway features of individuals with and without OAVS.

Can palatal splint improve stability of segmental Le Fort I osteotomies?

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of a palatal splint on stability in multi-segment maxillary osteotomies. SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION: Retrospective series of fifty-one adult patients, consecutively operated with bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) and three-piece maxillary osteotomies, divided according to the use of a palatal splint (Group 1, n = 30) or no palatal splint (Group 2, n = 21). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Maxillary surgical casts (T1) and post-retention casts (T2), taken at least six months after discontinuation of orthodontic retention, were digitized (MicroScribe-3DX), measured and compared. Fifty-one landmarks were identified on the maxillary, transverse dimension changes and arch length were calculated. Longitudinal changes in all measurements were assessed by t test. RESULTS: Post-surgical transverse instability in group 1 ranged from 0.3 ± 0.4 to -1.3 ± 0.2 mm and was statistically significantly smaller than in group 2 that ranged from -1.0 ± 0.3 to -2.5 ± 0.5 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a palatal splint after segmental Le Fort I maxillary osteotomy improved transverse stability in the posterior region. The post-surgical transverse instability occurred only between canine gingival points and thus suggesting no clinical relevance.

Effect of the association of nystatin with a tissue conditioner on its ultimate tensile strength.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the ultimate tensile strength of a tissue conditioner without nystatin incorporation (GI-control group) and the same tissue conditioner modified by the addition of nystatin in two concentrations: GII-500,000 International Units (U) and GIII-1,000,000 U, in which each milligram of the medicament corresponded to 6079 U. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dumbbell-shaped specimens (N= 7) with a central cross-sectional area of 33 x 6 x 3 mm were produced for the three experimental groups. After polymerization following manufacturer's instructions, specimens were immersed in distilled water at 37 degrees C for either 24 hours or 7 days and then tested in tension in the MTS 810 at 40 mm/minute. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's test, at 95% level of confidence. RESULTS: The means (force-grams (gf) +/- standard deviation) of the ultimate tensile strength were: GI-634.29 +/- 122.80; GII-561.92 +/- 133.56; and GIII-547.30 +/- 73.47 for 24-hour storage, and GI-536.68 +/- 54.71; GII-467.50 +/- 143.51; and GIII-500.62 +/- 159.76 for 7-day storage. There were no statistically significant differences among the three experimental groups (p > 0.05). The ultimate tensile strength means of all experimental groups after 7 days were significantly lower than those observed after 24 hours (p= 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that the addition of nystatin into the tissue conditioner investigated in concentrations below 1,000,000 U did not affect its ultimate tensile strength.