Immunohistological expression of human ß-defensin-1 and human ß-defensin-2 in exacerbation of acute and secondary chronic osteomyelitis of the mandible.

BACKGROUND: The majority of patients diagnosed with osteomyelitis of the jaw have severe complaints. Unfortunately, the pathogenesis still remains unclear. Human ß-defensins expressed in epithelial and bone tissues as a part of the innate immunity may be involved in disease development. In this study, we hypothesize that expression levels of human ß-defensin-1 and -2 in the acute and secondary chronic osteomyelitis may be altered in comparison with healthy bone and with bisphosphonate-associated necrosis as well as irradiation from a previous study. METHODS: Bone samples were collected during surgical debridement in a total of eight patients suffering from acute or secondary chronic osteomyelitis of the jaw. Expression levels of hBD-1 and -2 were quantified and related to non-stained cells. Ratios were compared by one-way ANOVA and multiple tests by Holm-Bonferroni. RESULTS: Multiple testing revealed no significant differences for expression levels of human ß-defensin-1 between all groups, whereas labeling index of human ß-defensin-2 was significantly different between specimens of bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaws and all other groups. No significant difference occurred between samples of floride osteomyelitis and healthy bone for expression of hBD-1 and -2. CONCLUSIONS: Although the affected patients showed all clinical signs of acute inflammation, expression levels in acute and secondary chronic osteomyelitis in the jaws did not reveal statistically significant differences compared with healthy bone samples. The weak immunological host response in terms of a putative genetically predisposition should be further discussed as pathogenesis factor for osteomyelitis in the future.

Periodontal regeneration employing gingival margin-derived stem/progenitor cells in conjunction with IL-1ra-hydrogel synthetic extracellular matrix.

AIM: This study investigated the periodontal regenerative potential of gingival margin-derived stem/progenitor cells (G-MSCs) in conjunction with IL-1ra-releasing hyaluronic acid synthetic extracellular matrix (HA-sECM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Periodontal defects were induced at four sites in eight miniature pigs in the premolar/molar area (-4 weeks). Autologus G-MSCs were isolated from the free gingival margin and magnetically sorted, using anti-STRO-1 antibodies. Colony formation and multilineage differentiation potential were tested. The G-MSCs were expanded and incorporated into IL-1ra-loaded/unloaded HA-sECM. Within every miniature pig, four periodontal defects were randomly treated with IL-1ra/G-MSCs/HA-sECM (test group), G-MSCs/HA-sECM (positive-control), scaling and root planing (SRP; negative control-1) or left untreated (no-treatment group; negative control 2). Differences in clinical attachment level (ΔCAL), probing depth (ΔPD), gingival recession (ΔGR), radiographic defect volume (ΔRDV), and changes in bleeding on probing (BOP) between baseline and 16 weeks post-transplantation, as well as periodontal attachment level (PAL), junctional epithelium length (JE), connective tissue adhesion (CTA), cementum regeneration (CR) and bone regeneration (BR) at 16 weeks post-transplantation were evaluated. RESULTS: Isolated G-MSCs showed stem/progenitor cell characteristics. IL-1ra loaded and unloaded G-MSCs/HA-sECM showed higher ΔCAL, ΔPD, ΔGR, PAL, CR and BR as well as a lower JE compared to their negative controls and improved BOP. CONCLUSION: G-MSCs in conjunction with IL-1ra-loaded/unloaded HA-sECM show a significant periodontal regenerative potential.

Impact of vertical loading on the implant-bone interface.

OBJECTIVES: The main aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of vertical loading occurring during removal of cemented restorations on the implant-bone interface. METHODS: Thirty-six titanium implants (Camlog 4.3 × 9 mm) were placed 1 mm supraosseous in the frontal skull of four minipigs. After a 13 week healing period the implants were exposed and the implant stability was measured. Three implants per minipig were vertically loaded using 20 or 100 impulses, respectively with an 18 Ns impulse imitating a crown removal. Three implants were left unloaded as control. The animals were sacrificed after 13 or 18 weeks. The harvested specimens were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), light and fluorescence microscopy. RESULTS: No post operative complications or deaths of the minipigs occurred. All implants osseointegrated. The average bone-implant contact area (BIC) was 78 ± 5.1%. No statistically significant difference could be found when comparing the BIC areas of the control and the experimental groups between the sacrificed animals at 13 weeks and 18 weeks (P > 0.05). Therefore, the results of each subgroup were pooled. No significant differences regarding the BIC area could be detected between the control and the experimental groups (P > 0.05). Except one failing implant no cracks due to vertical loading could be evaluated in the SEM. Fluorescence microscopy revealed a significantly higher bone remodeling activity in the vertically loaded groups. CONCLUSIONS: Removal of cemented implant restorations seems not to have an impact on the mechanical implant stability, but seems to increase bone remodeling activity.

Induction of periimplantitis in dental implants.

Development, progression, and therapy of periimplantitis are nonresolved emerging problems. The aim of this pilot study was to establish a model for periimplantitis in mice to have a base for tests with immune-deficient knockout organisms to improve the knowledge about development and progression of periimplantitis and to develop further therapeutic options.In 8 mice, titanium implants were inserted in the median of the palate. Four of these implants had ligatures (periimplantitis group). After 2 weeks, the animals received a special diet enriched with sugar and flavor. After 9 weeks, micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) examinations to evaluate the periimplant tissue and histologies were performed.Dental implant insertions within the oral cavity are possible in living mice. Implants with ligatures showed significantly larger periimplant bone defects than controls. The radiologic findings were confirmed by histology. At the end of the observation period, the portion of implants lost was higher in the ligature group.This is the first publication to describe the insertion of dental implants in living mice. In addition, it is the first time that periimplant infection could be induced in that species. This model will pave the way to study knockout mice with reduced or even enhanced resistance to periimplantitis.

Periodontal regeneration employing gingival margin-derived stem/progenitor cells: an animal study.

AIM: This study investigated the periodontal regenerative potential of gingival margin-derived multipotent postnatal stem/progenitor cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Periodontal defects were induced at six sites in eight miniature pigs in the premolar/molar area (-4 weeks). Autologous cells isolated from the gingival margin were magnetically sorted using STRO-1 antibodies and characterized flow cytometrically for the expression of CD14, CD31, CD34, CD45, CD117 and STRO-1 surface markers. Colony formation and multilineage differentiation potential were tested. The cells were expanded and loaded on deproteinized bovine cancellous bone (DBCB) and Collagen scaffolds. Within every miniature pig, six periodontal defects were randomly treated with loaded-DBCB (test group 1), unloaded-DBCB (control group 1), loaded-Collagen scaffolds (test group 2), unloaded-Collagen scaffolds (control group 1), scaling and root planing (negative control 1) or left untreated (negative control 2). Differences in clinical attachment level (ΔCAL), probing depth (ΔPD), gingival recession (ΔGR) and radiographic defect volume (ΔRDV) between baseline and 12 weeks, as well as histological attachment level (HAL), junctional epithelium length (JE) and connective tissue adhesion (CTA) after 12 weeks were evaluated. RESULTS: Isolated cells showed stem/progenitor cell characteristics. Cell-loaded scaffolds showed higher ΔCAL, ΔPD, ΔGR, HAL and lower JE and CTA compared with unloaded scaffolds and negative controls. The sort of scaffold had no significant influence on the measured outcomes. CONCLUSION: Gingival margin-derived stem/progenitor cells show significant periodontal regenerative potential.

Comparison of in vitro biocompatibility of NanoBone(®) and BioOss(®) for human osteoblasts.

INTRODUCTION: Scaffolds for bone tissue engineering seeded with the patient's own cells might be used as a preferable method to repair bone defects in the future. With the emerging new technologies of nanostructure design, new synthetic biomaterials are appearing on the market. Such scaffolds must be tested in vitro for their biocompatibility before clinical application. However, the choice between a natural or a synthetic biomaterial might be challenging for the doctor and the patient. In this study, we compared the biocompatibility of a synthetic bone substitute, NanoBone(®) , to the widely used natural bovine bone replacement material BioOss(®) . MATERIAL AND METHODS: The in vitro behaviour of human osteoblasts on both materials was investigated. Cell performance was determined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cell vitality staining and four biocompatibility tests (LDH, MTT, WST, BrdU). RESULTS: We found that both materials showed low cytotoxicity and good biocompatibility. The MTT proliferation test was superior for Nanobone(®) . DISCUSSION: Both scaffolds caused only little damage to human osteoblasts and justify their clinical application. However, NanoBone(®) was able to support and promote proliferation of human osteoblasts slightly better than BioOss(®) in our chosen test set-up. The results may guide doctors and patients when being challenged with the choice between a natural or a synthetic biomaterial. Further experiments are necessary to determine the comparison of biocompatibility in vivo.

Morbidity after iliac crest bone graft harvesting over an anterior versus posterior approach.

PURPOSE: For larger augmentations before implant insertions, as well as spinal arthrodesis surgery, the iliac crest is the standard source of bone grafting. This study assesses iliac morbidity after bone graft harvesting from the anterior and posterior ilium. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 97 patients who underwent corticocancellous iliac crest bone harvesting for augmentations of the jaws from 2004 to 2007 at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Kiel, Kiel, Germany, were included. Their morbidity was assessed with specially designed questionnaires. RESULTS: Pain levels were rated nearly equally on a visual analog scale (1, no pain; 10, strongest pain) by the anterior and posterior groups. At 1 week after bone harvesting, pain was rated 4.9 for the anterior approach and 4.8 for posterior (P = .89). The corresponding values after 6 months were 1.4 and 1.6, respectively (P = .64). Subjective evaluation of the scars showed scores of 2.7 and 3.0, respectively (P = .76). Of the patients, 81% and 88%, respectively, would opt to undergo the operation again. CONCLUSIONS: Patients reported a noticeable reduction in quality of life after elective bone graft harvesting. Nevertheless, nearly all patients would undergo the same procedure again. Both approaches were rated similarly, so for smaller amounts of bone graft needed, the anterior and posterior approaches can be recommended, whereas the posterior approach is suitable for larger amounts.

Platelet-rich fibrin membranes as scaffolds for periosteal tissue engineering.

OBJECTIVES: Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF)-based membranes have been used for covering alveolar ridge augmentation side in several in vivo studies. Few in vitro studies on PRF and no studies using human periosteal cells for tissue engineering have been published. The aim is a comparison of PRF with the commonly used collagen membrane Bio-Gide as scaffolds for periosteal tissue engineering. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Human periosteal cells were seeded on membrane pieces (collagen [Bio-Gide] and PRF) at a density of 10(4) cells/well. Cell vitality was assessed by fluorescein diacetate (FDA) and propidium iodide (PI) staining, biocompatibility with the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) test and proliferation level with the MTT, WST and BrdU tests and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: PRF membranes showed slightly inferior biocompatibility, as shown by the LDH test. The metabolic activity measured by the MTT and WST tests was higher for PRF than for collagen (BioGide). The proliferation level as measured by the BrdU test (quantitative) and SEM examinations (qualitative) revealed higher values for PRF. CONCLUSION: PRF appears to be superior to collagen (Bio-Gide) as a scaffold for human periosteal cell proliferation. PRF membranes are suitable for in vitro cultivation of periosteal cells for bone tissue engineering.

Biocompatibility of individually designed scaffolds with human periosteum for use in tissue engineering.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the biocompatibility of computer-assisted designed (CAD) synthetic hydroxyapatite (HA) and tricalciumphosphate (TCP) blocks and natural bovine hydroxyapatite blocks for augmentations and endocultivation by supporting and promoting the proliferation of human periosteal cells. Human periosteum cells were cultured using an osteogenic medium consisting of Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium supplemented with fetal calf serum, Penicillin, Streptomycin and ascorbic acid at 37 degrees C with 5% CO(2). Three scaffolds were tested: 3D-printed HA, 3D-printed TCP and bovine HA. Cell vitality was assessed by Fluorescein Diacetate (FDA) and Propidium Iodide (PI) staining, biocompatibility with LDH, MTT, WST and BrdU tests, and scanning electron microscopy. Data were analyzed with ANOVAs. RESULTS: After 24 h all samples showed viable periosteal cells, mixed with some dead cells for the bovine HA group and very few dead cells for the printed HA and TCP groups. The biocompatibility tests revealed that proliferation on all scaffolds after treatment with eluate was sometimes even higher than controls. Scanning electron microscopy showed that periosteal cells formed layers covering the surfaces of all scaffolds 7 days after seeding. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded from our data that the tested materials are biocompatible for periosteal cells and thus can be used as scaffolds to augment bone using tissue engineering methods.

Comparison of collagen membranes and polydioxanone for reconstruction of the orbital floor after fractures.

Orbital floor fractures, often combined with zygomatic fractures, are common fractures of the midface. Surgery of orbital fractures is done to free incarcerated or prolapsed orbital tissue and to restore the anatomic skeletal size of the orbit. Lyodura was a standard for the reconstruction of the orbital floor until cases of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease were reported, so that polydioxanone (PDS) is widely used today. However, infections around the implant are reported. In a randomized controlled clinical study on 24 patients with orbital floor defects of approximately 1 cm, we evaluated the use of a collagen membrane compared with a PDS foil. Computed tomography controls and ophthalmologic examinations were performed after 6 months in 10 patients per group.Intraoperative complications occurred neither in the collagen membrane group nor in the PDS group. In case of orbital rim fractures, the collagen membrane could additionally cover these defects. Perioperatively and postoperatively, no complications such as infections were observed. After 6 months, computed tomography controls revealed a complete reposition of orbital tissue and even bone regeneration in both groups. Diplopia and hypoesthesia were completely reversed after half a year.Smaller defects (up to 1 cm) of the orbital floor can be restored with a PDS foil or a collagen membrane. However, for larger defects, stability may not be sufficient.

Antimicrobial Peptide immunity protects human nasal and auricular cartilage against infection.

BACKGROUND: Despite being impervious to surveillance by the adaptive immune system because of its lack of vascularity, infection of the nasal and auricular cartilage after surgery such as rhinoplasty or otoplasty is rare. Why is this so? Our goal was to determine whether the expression of antimicrobial peptides provides a previously unrecognized nonepithelial layer of innate immune defense within the nasal and auricular cartilage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven samples of nasal septum cartilage and 2 biopsies from auricular cartilage grafts were harvested during rhinoplasty and otoplasty procedures. Ten cadaveric samples of auricular and 9 samples of nasal cartilage were also obtained. Immunohistochemical staining was directed against the human beta-defensin antimicrobial peptides (hBD) 1, 2, and 3. A semiquantitative analysis was performed to measure immunoreactivity. RESULTS: All 3 human beta-defensins were detected along the perichondral line and within the cartilage matrix in the nasal and auricular samples. Areas with positive immunohistochemical staining were also detected within chondrocyte cytoplasm. CONCLUSIONS: We provide the first evidence of antimicrobial peptide expression (hBD-1, -2 and -3) within the perichondrium and cartilage matrix layers of the nasal and auricular cartilage. This previously unrecognized innate immune function of perichondrocytes and chondrocytes may explain the resistance of the nasal and auricular cartilage to infection after surgical procedures despite the absence of a vascular system.

Tissue engineering of periosteal cell membranes in vitro.

OBJECTIVES: The cultivation of bone is a major focus in tissue engineering and oral implantology. Without a periosteal layer, instant or rapid development of a substantial cortical layer is unlikely for engineered bone grafts. The aim of this study was to test the ability of four collagen membranes to support and promote the proliferation of human periosteal cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human periosteum cells were cultured using an osteogenic medium consisting of Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium supplemented with fetal calf serum, penicillin, streptomycin and ascorbic acid at 37 degrees C with 5% CO(2). Four collagen membranes served as scaffolds: Bio-Gide, Chondro-Gide, Tutodent and Ossix Plus. Cell vitality was assessed by fluorescin diacetate (FDA) and propidium iodide (PI) staining, biocompatibility with LDH and BrdU, MTT, WST tests and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: After 24 h, all probes showed viable periosteal cells. All biocompatibility tests revealed that proliferation on all membranes after treatment with eluate from membranes after a 24-h immersion in a serum-free cell culture medium was similar to the controls. Periosteal cells formed layers covering the surfaces of all four membranes 7 days after seeding in SEM. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded from our data that the collagen membranes can be used as scaffolds for the cultivation of periosteum layers with a view to creating cortical bone using tissue-engineering methods.

Penicillin compared with other advanced broad spectrum antibiotics regarding antibacterial activity against oral pathogens isolated from odontogenic abscesses.

OBJECTIVES: We examined the spectrum of oral pathogens found in odontogenic abscesses and their susceptibility to penicillin as well as to amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, doxycycline, clindamycin and moxifloxacin. The in vitro results were compared with clinical observations. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and eighty eight swabs were obtained from 94 patients with odontogenic abscesses. Bacterial strains were isolated for susceptibility tests. The same patients were investigated for their clinical outcome after standard therapy. RESULTS: A total of 517 bacterial strains were isolated from 94 patients. Ninety eight per cent of abscesses were polymicrobial. The most prevalent bacteria were Viridans streptococci representing 54% of the aerobic/facultative anaerobic bacteria. Prevotella spp. comprised 53% of the anaerobes. No multiresistant strains were detected. Susceptibility testing revealed a sensitivity of over 99% of aerobes/facultative aerobes and 96% of anaerobes sensitivity for moxifloxacin. The corresponding values for penicillin were lowest at 61% and 79%, respectively. In the clinical collective, patients with minor abscesses and no risk of further progression received surgical treatment without antibiotics (36%). Penicillin was administered additionally in 30%. Amoxicillin with clavulanic acid was given in 18% and clindamycin in 15%. Ninety two of the 94 patients showed significant recovery with the described treatment. Only in two cases was a change to the latest broader spectrum antibiotics necessary. CONCLUSION: In contrast to the moderate in vitro results, penicillin successfully treated the pathogens derived from odontogenic abscess sufficiently when adequate surgical treatment was provided. One third of the patients was treated successfully with incision and drainage only. We suggest that one good reason for its clinical efficacy is the susceptibility of the dominant aerobe/facultative aerobe and anaerobe strains to penicillin.

Impact of surgical management in cases of intraoperative membrane perforation during a sinus lift procedure: a follow-up on bone graft stability and implant success.

BACKGROUND: Until now, sinus floor elevation represents the gold standard procedure in the atrophic maxilla in order to facilitate dental implant insertion. Although the procedure remains highly predictive, the perforation of the Schneiderian membrane might compromise the stability of the augmented bone and implant success due to chronic sinus infection. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to show that a membrane tear, if detected and surgically properly addressed, has no influence on the survival of dental implants and bone resorption in the augmented area. METHODS: Thirty-one patients with 39 perforations could be included in this evaluation, and a control group of 32 patients with 40 sinus lift procedures without complications were compared regarding the radiographically determined development of bone level, peri-implant infection, and implant loss. RESULTS: Implant survival was 98.9% in the perforation group over an observation period of 2.7 (± 2.03) years compared to 100% in the control group after 1.8 (± 1.57) years. The residual bone level was significantly lower in the perforation group (p = 0.05) but showed no difference direct postoperatively (p = 0.7851) or in the follow-up assessment (p = 0.2338). Bone resorption remained not different between both groups (p = 0.945). A two-stage procedure was more frequent in the perforation group (p = 0.0003) as well as peri-implantitis (p = 0.0004). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of our study, the perforation of the Schneiderian membrane did not have a negative impact on long-term graft stability or the overall implant survival.

Effect of head orthoses on skull deformities in positional plagiocephaly: Evaluation of a 3-dimensional approach.

PURPOSE: The positional non-synostotic plagiocephaly represents a cranial asymmetry affecting all 3 dimensions. The aim of this study was to evaluate volumetric indices to assess the efficiency in improving non-synostotic cranial asymmetries in treatment with head orthoses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 96 infants were included in this observational retrospective study. The cohort was further divided into subgroups according to age of helmet supply (younger/older than 7.5 months) and duration of therapy (less/more than 150 days). With 3-dimensional photogrammetry data sets, the skull volume was separated into quadrants and set in relation to each other to create an Anterior Cranial Asymmetry Index (ACAI) and a Posterior Cranial Asymmetry Index (PCAI) as 3-dimensional parameters. RESULTS: Treatment with head orthoses led to a significant reduction of ACAI (p < 0.0001) and PCAI (p = 0.001). Cranial asymmetry was more severe in the occipital region and significantly improved mainly during the first 75 days with a 40.08% decrease of PCAI value in the short-term therapy in the younger treatment subgroup (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The introduced parameters sufficiently reproduce the improvement of asymmetry during helmet therapy, following the trend of already established parameters. Asymmetry was significantly improved in the occiput region, and helmet therapy was highly effective in younger infants and in the early treatment period.

Self-perception versus professional assessment of functional outcome after ablative surgery in patients with oral cancer.

PURPOSE: The extent of functional impairment after ablative surgery in the orofacial region may be directly reflected in a reduction in Quality of Life. This study intended to compare the patients' perception with an objective functional evaluation of the orofacial system in order to bilaterally distinguish direct influence factors. METHODS: A total of 45 patients were included in this study and were asked to complete the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-30) and the Head and Neck 35 Module (H&N 35). Afterward one independent speech therapist evaluated the patients applying the Frenchay Dysarthria Assessment regarding four main categories: mouth opening, tongue motility, swallowing and intelligibility. Comparisons between groups were performed using Whitney-Mann U-Wilcoxon test and calculating Spearman's rho. RESULTS: Overall the professional assessments by the speech therapists revealed significantly higher scores regarding intelligibility, swallowing and mouth opening when compared to the patients' self-perception. Smaller tumor sizes, no bone resection and local reconstruction techniques led to significantly better functional outcomes, when assessed by speech therapists. Swallowing was perceived significantly better by patients in cases of local reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: From the professionals' point of view differences were perceived in more items compared to the patients' self-assessments, who widely experienced a more severe functional impairment. Physicians should take this into account when discussing adverse therapy effects with the patients.

Long-term Survival of Straumann Dental Implants with TPS Surfaces: A Retrospective Study with a Follow-up of 12 to 23 Years.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term dental implant survival rates of Straumann dental implants in a university hospital environment over 12 to 23 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 388 Straumann dental implants with titanium-sprayed surfaces (TPS) were inserted in 92 patients between 1988 and 1999 in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein in Kiel, and they were reevaluated with standardized clinical and radiological exams. Kaplan-Meier analyses were performed for individual factors. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to detect the factors influencing long-term implant failure. RESULTS: The long-term implant survival rate was 88.03% after an observation time of 12.2 to 23.5 years. Cox regression revealed statistically significant influences of the International Team for Implantology (ITI) implantation type (p = .00354) and tobacco smoking (p = .01264) on implant failure. A proportion 82.8% of the patients with implant losses had a medical history of periodontitis. Peri-implantitis was diagnosed in 9.7% of the remaining implants in the long-term survey. CONCLUSIONS: This study emphasized the long-term rehabilitation capabilities of Straumann dental implants in complex cases. The survival rates after several years constitute important information for patients, as well as for clinicians, in deciding about different concepts of tooth replacement. Patient-related and technical factors - determined before implant placement - could help to predict the risk of implant loss.

Nerve regeneration techniques respecting the special characteristics of the inferior alveolar nerve.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine the in situ regeneration of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) in its bony channel, using autologous tissue in combination with a recombinant human nerve growth factor (rhNGF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 20 New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into five groups. Following dissection of the IAN, the animals underwent reconstruction either with muscle tissue (groups 1 and 2) or with fat tissue (groups 3 and 4). In group 5 (control), the dissected nerve was resected and reconstructed by placement of the reversed autologous segment. After 2 and 4 weeks, 1 mL rhNGF was locally injected in groups 1 and 3. Nerve function was monitored by measuring the jaw-opening reflex using electromyography for a period of 24 weeks. RESULTS: Regeneration of the nerve was achieved in all groups, but preoperative threshold values were not achieved. Comparing the experimental groups to the control, there was a significant difference in favor of the autologous nerve reconstruction. Differences between the experimental groups remained statistically not significant. CONCLUSION: Regeneration of the IAN with autologous tissue is possible, but without achieving preoperative thresholds. Additional injection of a growth factor seems to improve the speed of regeneration for fat and muscle grafts.

Therapy effects of head orthoses in positional plagiocephaly.

PURPOSE: Head orthoses offer a valuable therapeutic option for infants with positional plagiocephaly. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the influence of therapy start and duration due to improvement of cranial asymmetry. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 102 children during the years 2009-2014 were included. The patient cohort was divided according to age at the beginning of therapy (younger/older than 7.5 months) and duration (less/more than 150 days). To evaluate the therapy, ear shift (ES), Cranial Vault Asymmetry Index (CVAI), and Cranial Index (CI) were calculated pre- and post-therapy by using three-dimensional photogrammetry measurements. RESULTS: Treatment with head orthoses led to a significant reduction of CVAI in groups with less and more than 150 days of therapy (p < 0.0001). A significant reduction in CVAI was observed (p = 0.0235) in children younger than 7.5 months in short-term therapy. At the end of therapy, no significant difference was found in the groups, whether treated with short- or long-term head orthoses (p = 0.0813), although CVAI was significantly different comparing the third time point of both groups for treatment duration (p = 0.017). The major positive effect of helmet therapy has been seen after 75 days of treatment. A treatment that was longer than 150 days did not show any significant improvement concerning the cranial asymmetry. CONCLUSIONS: Helmet therapy is a reliable method in the treatment of positional plagiocephaly to improve cephalic asymmetries. This retrospective study indicates that an early beginning can lead to satisfying results after short-term therapy.

Factors influencing reaction time during automated kinetic perimetry on the Tübingen computer campimeter.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of age, examination, location, luminance, subject, and vigilance on reaction time (RT) in automated kinetic perimetry. METHODS: Thirty-six normal volunteers (20-70 years old) underwent kinetic campimetric examinations, during which RTs (time from appearance of a stimulus to response) were recorded. Stimuli with a diameter of 26 minutes of arc (Goldmann III) were presented on horizontal vectors with an angular velocity of 2 deg/s. Thirty-two positions in the 30 degrees radius visual field were tested six times, at luminance levels of 41.62 and 110 cd/m2 (background 10 cd/m2). An analysis of RT variance (ANCOVA) was performed. RESULTS: Median RT increased with age from 370 ms (20-30-year-old subjects) to 440 ms (60-70-year-old subjects). There was a strong dependency of RT from the individual subjects examined (means range, 313-411 ms), from the course of one examination period, from the examination and stimulus luminance, and from the location in the visual field. CONCLUSIONS: Reaction time during automated kinetic perimetry varies considerably. This study shows that the factors of age, the subject examined, his or her daily condition, the course within one examination period, and the stimulus location and luminance are of relevance. For a much more reliable prediction of individual RTs and thus a precise assessment of local kinetic thresholds, application of some additional kinetic stimuli (RT time vectors) within the intact visual field areas is necessary.