Analgesic effects of intra-articular morphine in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders: a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

PURPOSE: A number of reports have shown a direct analgesic effect of opioids by way of the peripheral receptors. Nevertheless, only a very few studies have reported using opioids in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and nearly all of them were connected to surgical patient groups. The present study was designed to evaluate the analgesic efficacy and safety of repeated intra-articular morphine applications compared with a local anesthetic and saline solution in the management of TMJ pain. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 48 patients with articular pain related to the TMJ were entered in a clinical, prospective, randomized, double-blind, single-center study. The analgesic effect of repeated intra-articular infiltration with morphine (5 or 10 mg morphine sulfite), bupivacaine 0.5% (Carbostesin; AstraZeneca, London, UK), and isotonic saline solution as a placebo in the TMJ was examined. The efficiency after 3 injections of the same substance with an interval of 48 hours between each application was measured using a pain relief scale, visual analog scale, pain intensity scale, and the potential need for accessory peripheral analgesics (paracetamol). RESULTS: All patients showed, independent of the treatment group, pain relief within 60 minutes after the first injection. Patients with saline and Carbostesin reported almost complete pain recurrence before the second injection. At 1 week after the last and third injection, the 10-mg morphine group still showed a distinct effect, with 16.7% reporting complete (no pain) and 41.7% distinct pain relief. In addition, 33.3% had a poor response and 8.3% had no improvement. None of the other groups reported complete improvement; however, 25% of the patients who received 5 mg morphine had distinct pain relief, and 50% had at least poor pain relief. In the Carbostesin group, distinct improvement was reported by 8.3%, with a poor response in 41.7%, and no effect in the remaining 50%. Patients treated with saline had a poor response in 16.7%, but most (83.3%) reported no improvement 1 week after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Independent of the applied substances, initial pain relief can be registered in the TMJ: either from the arthrocentesis effect or at least the placebo effect. Morphine at a dosage of 10 mg showed the best and most long-lasting analgesic efficiency. Morphine, in general (5 and 10 mg), and, with limitations, Carbostesin were more or less efficient for postoperative pain control but without distinct effects in the long term. With regard to our results, we can recommend intra-articular morphine application at a dose of 10 mg for pain management. Carbostesin showed no promising long-term effects.

Current concepts in cleft care: A multicenter analysis.

The current surgical techniques used in cleft repair are well established, but different centers use different approaches. To determine the best treatment for patients, a multi-center comparative study is required. In this study, we surveyed all craniofacial departments registered with the German Society of Maxillofacial Surgery to determine which cleft repair techniques are currently in use. Our findings revealed much variation in cleft repair between different centers. Although most centers did use a two-stage approach, the operative techniques and timing of lip and palate closure were different in every center. This shows that a retrospective comparative analysis of patient outcome between the participating centers is not possible and illustrates the need for prospective comparative studies to establish the optimal technique for reconstructive cleft surgery.

The current state of facial prosthetics ­ A multicenter analysis.

Even though modern surgical techniques are dominating reconstructive facial procedures, the capability to use facial epitheses for reconstruction is still an important skill for the maxillofacial surgeon. We present an international multicenter analysis to clarify which techniques are used to fixate facial prostheses. We contacted all maxillofacial departments in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Norway which were registered with the German society for oral and maxillofacial surgery (DGMKG). These centers were asked via electronical mail to provide information on the type of epithesis fixation systems currently in use. The return rate from 58 departments was 43.1% (n = 25). Overall, implant fixation was the preferred fixation system (92%). Plates were the second most common fixation technique (32%). No centers reported the standard use of non-invasive fixation techniques for permanent epithesis fixation. The main retention systems in use were magnets (24/25), other retention systems are used much less often. The current preferred fixation technique for facial epitheses consists of implant-based, magnet-fixated epitheses. For nasal prostheses, a plate-based, magnet-fixated system is often used.

Periodontal disease as a risk factor for ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Chronic infectious diseases may increase the risk of stroke. We investigated whether periodontal disease, including periodontitis and gingivitis, is a risk factor for cerebral ischemia. METHODS: We performed a case-control study with 303 patients examined within 7 days after acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack, 300 population controls, and 168 hospital controls with nonvascular and noninflammatory neurological diseases. All subjects received a complete clinical and radiographic dental examination. The individual mean clinical attachment loss measured at 4 sites per tooth served as the main indicator for periodontitis. RESULTS: Patients had higher clinical attachment loss than population (P<0.001) and hospital (P=0.010) controls. After adjustment for age, sex, number of teeth, vascular risk factors and diseases, childhood and adult socioeconomic conditions, and lifestyle factors, the risk of cerebral ischemia increased with more severe periodontitis. Subjects with severe periodontitis (mean clinical attachment loss >6 mm) had a 4.3-times-higher (95% confidence interval, 1.85 to 10.2) risk of cerebral ischemia than subjects with mild or without periodontitis (

A comparison between various radiological techniques in the localization and analysis of impacted and supernumerary teeth.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: An increasing number of different types of commercial cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) devices are available for three-dimensional (3D) imaging in the field of dental and maxillofacial radiology. When removing impacted or supernumerary teeth, surgical teams often operate adjacent significant anatomical structures such as nerves, vessels, adjacent teeth roots, and paranasal sinuses. It is therefore important to choose the appropriate surgical approach to avoid iatrogenic damage to the essential anatomical neighbouring structures. CBCT, also called digital volume tomography (DVT), can visualize impacted and supernumerary teeth in all standard planes, as well as multisectional 3D views. These devices have shown to be highly beneficial in the assessment of small bony lesions and maxillofacial injuries. However, it is still necessary to determine the effectiveness of such devices in the assessment of impacted and supernumerary teeth, in comparison to the conventional radiological methods of intraoral X-rays and panoramic X-rays. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During a period of 2 years, a total of 61 patients of whom majority had impacted teeth or supernumerary elements in the frontal maxillary region were studied with CBCT and treated at the St. Olavs University Hospital. Patients were referred to our Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery with both conventional and digital intraoral X-rays and/or panoramic X-rays. None had any acute infections or odontogenic abscesses, and most presented with asymptomatic impacted tooth. A comparison between the preoperative conventional and the CBCT images, the resulting diagnoses, and the intraoperative findings as "gold standard" were made and recorded in a compiled scoring sheet. The objects of interest were researched with the magnification method. Each patient was identified only with a patient number. RESULTS: In contrast to the conventional X-rays, the pre-surgical evaluation with the CBCT revealed detailed imaging of significant anatomical structures and objects of interest, with highly accurate anatomical and morphologic imaging, when compared to the intraoperative findings. Furthermore, no diagnostic problems, in relation to the anatomical localization, occurred preoperatively. CONCLUSION: The CBCT provides true and precise anatomical information with high surgical predictability without distortion or artefacts, and is superior to conventional radiography. It enables more time-efficient surgeries and reduces costs and surgical complications.

Analysis of temporomandibular joint synovial fluid using Fourier transform/infrared spectroscopy.

PURPOSE: In recent years infrared spectroscopy has been increasingly used for the analytical determination of biologic fluids and tissues. With the help of this method it was possible to investigate the various types of arthritis affecting the knee joint, among others. The aim of our study was to show that infrared spectroscopy can also be used as a method to analyze the synovial fluid of the temporomandibular joint to differentiate between inflammatory and noninflammatory disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using Fourier transform/infrared spectroscopy analysis, comparable absorption spectra with characteristic signals in the corresponding range of wavelength were shown and used to prove pathologic alterations in the synovial fluid. Samples of 22 patients with arthritis of the temporomandibular joint and 12 patients with noninflammatory internal derangement were investigated and compared with each other. RESULTS: Our measurements presented a distinct intensity difference between the absorption spectra of patients who had arthritis and those without signs of an inflammatory change but with an internal derangement as control specimens. Due to the small number of undiluted samples it was not possible to follow up with a multivariant analysis, necessary for a differential diagnostic evaluation between the individual types of arthritis. CONCLUSIONS: A certain differentiation between arthritic and noninflamed temporomandibular joints can be noted with infrared spectroscopy of the synovial fluid. This represents a valuable option for minimally invasive diagnostic proof of inflammation in cases of joint disorders.

Treatment of recurrent temporomandibular joint dislocation with intramuscular botulinum toxin injection.

Recurrent dislocation of the mandibular condyle poses a difficult problem for affected patients. In the course of time, dislocations often become more frequent and more difficult to avoid. Even with good patient compliance, conservative treatment is often not sufficient. Operative procedures have also been described for the treatment of temporomandibular joint dislocation. However, these interventions are invasive, involving open arthrotomy with possible complications, and cannot safely guarantee a successful outcome. On the other hand, botulinum toxin injections into the lateral pterygoid muscles offer the option of a predictable and prolonged period without renewed dislocation. We present the results of this treatment carried out in 21 patients with recurrent temporomandibular joint dislocation. Four patients were treated following unsuccessful physical therapy and the use of occlusal splints. The remaining 17 patients were treated for a number of conditions resulting in dislocation, including some with senile dementia and mental impairment in whom compliance with conservative measures was poor or completely absent. Injections were given on a 3-month basis in order to have a sustained effect. Within the study period of 6 months to 3 years, only two of the 21 patients suffered further dislocation. There were no side effects recorded as a result of treatment.

Digital tomosynthesis-experiences with a new imaging device for the dental field.

Based on the principles of classic film tomography, a new digital X-ray device for dental sites was developed and clinically evaluated. The tomosynthesis process produces several slices from a finite number of radiographs taken from different projection angles, obtaining a three-dimensional image of the jaws and teeth. During evaluation of an industrial prototype, a total of 52 tomosynthesis data sets were made covering different anatomic areas. Of those, 32 sets were assessed by ten radiologically experienced dentists. Anatomic regions not shown on conventional intraoral dental films were displayed due to the extraoral sensor. Diagnostic images of high value were mainly achieved within the scope of lateral views and transverse views in the frontal region. Even small structures such as the periodontal ligament could be shown in several planes, resulting in superposition-free representation. The elimination of metal artefacts caused by dental restorations was facilitated. However, improvements can be made in definition and resolution. Views in the sagittal plane and incomplete blurring of the contralateral jaw are difficulties that remain. The tomosynthesis process combined with a planned 3D representation is likely to be well suited for dental radiology. The use of such a device could be much less expensive than computed tomography (CT). Furthermore, it offers higher spatial resolution, exposes patients to less radiation, and could be easily used in daily practice, even chairside.

Effectiveness of a new perforated 0.15 mm poly-p-dioxanon-foil versus titanium-dynamic mesh in reconstruction of the orbital floor.

Introduction: In recent years a new perforated PDS (poly-p-dioxanon) foil (0.15 mm) has become available and has not yet been proven to be successful in reconstruction of the orbital floor after blow-out-fractures in randomized studies. The main aim of this clinical trial is to compare this new PDS foil with titanium dynamic mesh (0.3 mm) (TD), which is well established in reconstruction of the orbital floor. Patients and Methods: In a prospective multicentre randomized trial, conducted between 1997 and 1998, out of 42 patients with fractures of the orbital floor, 28 patients needing material for reconstruction were randomized to receive either PDS foil or TD. In a comprehensive preoperative and postoperative protocol patients were monitored by the surgeon, radiologist and ophthalmologist with a postoperative follow-up of least 6 months. Results: Maximum defects of the orbital floor were comparable in both groups (PDS group: 13.3 mm, TD group: 13.9 mm). In both groups the surgical procedure was well tolerated, and functional and cosmetic results were evaluated as satisfactory by all patients. Ophthalmological evaluation, performed up to 6 months postoperatively, revealed double vision or vertical strabismus in nine patients (five PDS group, four titanium group). This was not confirmed subjectively in each single patient. Also ex- or enophthalmos, registered in seven patients of the PDS and four of the TD group (mainly +/-1 mm) were not considered as relevant by the patients. Conclusion: The new 0.15 mm perforated PDS foil was comparable to 0.3 mm titanium mesh concerning functional and cosmetic outcome. Obviously, persisting ophthalmometric disorders were compensated very well in both groups. PDS foil is felt to be the preferred material since it is bioresorbable and more convenient to handle. Copyright 2001 European Association for Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery.

The association of gingivitis and periodontitis with ischemic stroke.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the associations of different periodontal parameters with cerebral ischemia. METHODS: In a case-control study, 303 consecutive patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack, and 300 representative population controls received a complete clinical and radiographic dental examination. Patients were examined on average 3 days after ischemia. The individual mean clinical attachment loss measured at four sites per tooth was used as indicator variable for periodontitis. RESULTS: Patients had higher clinical attachment loss than population (p<0.001). After adjustment for age, gender, number of teeth, vascular risk factors and diseases, childhood and adult socioeconomic conditions and lifestyle factors, a mean clinical attachment loss >6 mm had a 7.4 times (95% confidence interval 1.55-15.3) a gingival index >1.2 a 18.3 times (5.84-57.26) and a radiographic bone loss a 3.6 times (1.58-8.28) higher risk of cerebral ischemia than subjects without periodontitis or gingivitis, respectively. CONCLUSION: Periodontitis is an independent risk factor for cerebral ischemia and acute exacerbation of inflammatory processes in the periodontium might be a trigger for the event of cerebral ischemia.