The agreement between magnetic resonance imaging and arthroscopic findings in temporomandibular joint disorders.

The aim of this retrospective observational study was to assess the potential agreement between independent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and arthroscopic findings and their respective contributions to a final diagnosis in patients with refractory temporomandibular joint disorders. Two dentomaxillofacial radiologists and two oral and maxillofacial surgeons scored 50 joints. All observers, who were blinded to additional clinical information, used a specific scoring form and selected one or more diagnostic labels. Agreement between MRI and arthroscopy and their contributions to the final diagnosis were assessed as primary outcomes using Fleiss' kappa. Intra-modality agreement and the correlation between signal intensity ratio (SIR) measurements on MRI and synovitis grading on arthroscopy were assessed as secondary outcomes. Agreement between MRI and arthroscopy was poor. A fair level of agreement was only reached for reduction capacity of the disc and disc perforation. Arthroscopic diagnostic labels matched better with the final diagnosis, suggesting a bigger contribution to that diagnosis. Higher SIR measurements correlated with higher synovitis grading scores for the retrodiscal tissue and the posterior band of the disc. Intra-modality agreement was better in arthroscopy. When blinded to clinical information, arthroscopy and MRI observations can lead to different conclusions. The diagnostic outcomes of both examinations should be considered and integrated into a final diagnosis.

Use of CBCT Guidance for Tooth Autotransplantation in Children.

Tooth autotransplantation (TAT) offers a viable biological approach to tooth replacement in children and adolescents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of the cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT)-guided TAT compared to the conventional TAT protocol and to assess the 3-dimensional (3D) patterns of healing after CBCT-guided TAT (secondary aim). This study included 100 autotransplanted teeth in 88 patients. Each experimental group consisted of 50 transplants in 44 patients (31 males and 19 females). The mean (SD) age at the time of surgery was 10.7 (1.1) y for the CBCT-guided group. This was 10.6 (1.3) y for the conventional group. The mean (SD) follow-up period was 4.5 (3.1) y (range, 1.1 to 10.4 y). Overall survival rate for the CBCT-guided TAT was 92% with a success rate of 86% compared to an 84% survival rate and a 78% success rate for the conventional group ( P > 0.005). The following measurements were extracted from the 3D analysis: root hard tissue volume (RV), root length (RL), apical foramen area (AFA), and mean and maximum dentin wall thickness (DWT). Overall, the mean (SD) percentage of tissue change was as follows: RV gain by 65.8% (34.6%), RL gain by 37.3% (31.5%), AFA reduction by 91.1% (14.9%), mean DWT increase by 107.9% (67.7%), and maximum DWT increase by 26.5% (40.1%). Principal component analysis (PCA) identified the mean DWT, RV, and maximum DWT as the parameters best describing the tissue change after TAT. Cluster analysis applied to the variables chosen by the PCA classified the CBCT group into 4 distinct clusters (C1 = 37.2%, C2 = 17.1%, C3 = 28.6%, C4 = 17.1%), revealing different patterns of tissue healing after TAT. The CBCT-guided approach increased the predictability of the treatment. The 3D analysis provided insights into the patterns of healing. CBCT-guided TAT could be adopted as an alternative for the conventional approach. (Clinical trial center and ethical board University Hospitals, KU Leuven: S55287; ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02464202).

Healing of toothbrush-induced abrasions to keratinized mucosa of the palate in humans: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To the best of our knowledge, the healing time for toothbrush-induced gingival abrasions in humans has not yet been explored. The aim of this study was to evaluate the time needed to heal for toothbrush-induced abrasions of the keratinized mucosa of the palate. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In patients without, with mild periodontitis or with periodontitis, gingival abrasion lesions were induced at the keratinized mucosa of the palate by brushing up to 2 minutes. Healing as observed clinically was followed via calibrated digital photographs of the lesion after staining, every 24 hours until the lesion had resolved. In patients without or with only mild periodontitis, the healing time of lesions caused by 30 seconds and 1 minute of brushing was also recorded. RESULTS: Thirty-one participants (11 without or with mild periodontitis, 20 with periodontitis) met the inclusion criteria. In patients without or with mild periodontitis, the lesions induced by brushing for 2 minutes diminished by 48.7% of their original surface area within 24 hours. In patients with periodontitis the respective outcome was 45.4% (P = .87). Abrasions caused by 2 minutes of brushing needed more than 24 hours to heal completely. When decreasing the time exposed to trauma, fewer lesions were visible at baseline and the time needed to heal decreased. The subgroup of smokers was too small to evaluate any effect. CONCLUSION: The longer the exposure time of the keratinized mucosa of the palate to trauma, the more lesions were visible, the larger the abrasions were and the more time they needed to heal completely. More studies are needed to investigate the role of smoking, gingival biotype and to link these findings with gingival recessions.

Postoperative nausea and vomiting after oral and maxillofacial surgery: a prospective study.

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is one of the most unpleasant experiences after surgery. It reduces patient satisfaction and also increases hospital costs due to longer hospitalizations. The aim of this prospective study was to determine whether orthognathic surgery is associated with more PONV than less invasive maxillofacial surgery. Three hundred and eight patients aged 8-87 years who underwent maxillofacial surgery were included. The PONV score, based on the Apfel score, was calculated preoperatively. PONV occurred in 142 (46.1%) patients during the first three postoperative days; these patients were further categorized as having postoperative nausea (PON) and/or postoperative vomiting (POV). PON was most frequent after orthognathic surgery to the mandible (75%), and POV was most frequent after maxillary surgery, including bimaxillary surgery, Le Fort I osteotomy, and surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE) (43.1%). There was a small significant relationship between the preoperative PONV score and the incidence of PONV: patients experienced more PONV when the PONV score calculated preoperatively was higher. The incidence of PONV after orthognathic surgery was very high compared with the incidence after dental extractions and other minor surgeries. Further investigation is required to establish a strategy to reduce PONV after orthognathic surgery.

Three-dimensional aesthetic assessment of class II patients before and after orthognathic surgery and its association with quantitative surgical changes.

The aim of this study was to compare evaluations of the aesthetic outcome of class II orthognathic patients, as performed by observers with varying expertise using three-dimensional (3D) facial images, and to examine the relationship of aesthetic ratings in relation to quantitative surgical changes. Pre- and postoperative 3D facial images of 20 surgically treated class II patients (13 female, 7 male) were assessed for aesthetics by orthodontists, maxillofacial surgeons, and laypeople. Attractiveness ratings for the lips, chin, and overall facial aesthetics were evaluated on a 5-point Likert scale. Correlation between the aesthetic scores was obtained and quantitative surgical changes were examined. For all groups of observers, significant improvements in attractiveness scores were found, especially for the chin assessment. Orthodontists perceived the greatest improvement and laypeople the smallest. Overall, laypeople scored higher with less variability, but with lower intra- and inter-observer agreement. No significant correlation was found between the aesthetic improvement and soft tissue surgical changes. To avoid patient dissatisfaction, it is important to bear in mind that the demands and perception of aesthetic improvement after orthognathic surgery are higher for clinicians than for the general public.

Family history of periodontal disease and prevalence of smoking status among adult periodontitis patients: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: What is the family history of periodontal disease and the prevalence of smoking status among patients with professionally diagnosed periodontitis? Are these factors related to extent and severity of periodontitis? METHODS: Over a 10-year period, referred patients from a clinic for periodontology in the Netherlands were examined in a cross-sectional study. Patients received at the intake appointment a full-mouth periodontal examination. Data regarding family history of periodontitis and smoking status were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 5375 adult periodontitis patients were included in this study sample with a mean age of 50 years. The prevalence of smoking was 34% and 37% of the subjects had at least one parent or sibling with periodontitis. The chance to have severe periodontitis was higher if the patient was male, smoker or had a brother with periodontitis. Being male, smoker and having a parent with periodontitis were significantly associated with a larger extent of periodontitis. CONCLUSIONS: Within the investigated population familial aggregation, smoking status, age and gender are factors that were related to extent and severity of adult periodontitis.

Depth and lateral deviations in guided implant surgery: an RCT comparing guided surgery with mental navigation or the use of a pilot-drill template.

AIM: To assess the accuracy of guided surgery compared with mental navigation or the use of a pilot-drill template in fully edentulous patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty consecutive patients (72 jaws), requiring four to six implants (maxilla or mandible), were randomly assigned to one of the following treatment modalities: Materialise Universal(®) mucosa, Materialise Universal(®) bone, Facilitate(™) mucosa, Facilitate(™) bone, mental navigation, or a pilot-drill template. Accuracy was assessed by matching the planning CT with a postoperative CBCT. Deviations were registered in a vertical (depth) and horizontal (lateral) plane. The latter further subdivided into BL (bucco-lingual) and MD (mesio-distal) deviations. RESULTS: The overall mean vertical deviation for the guided surgery groups was 0.9 mm ± 0.8 (range: 0.0-3.7) and 0.9 mm ± 0.6 (range: 0.0-2.9) in a horizontal direction. For the non-guided groups, this was 1.7 mm ± 1.3 (range: 0.0-6.4) and 2.1 mm ± 1.4 (range 0.0-8.5), respectively (P < 0.05). The overall mean deviation for the guided surgery groups in MD direction was 0.6 mm ± 0.5 (range: 0.0-2.5) and 0.5 mm ± 0.5 (range: 0.0-2.9) in BL direction. For the non-guided groups, this was 1.8 mm ± 1.4 (range: 0.0-8.3) and 0.7 mm ± 0.6 (range 0.0-2.9), respectively. The deviation in MD direction was significantly higher in the non-guided groups (P = 0.0002). CONCLUSION: The most important inaccuracy with guided surgery is in vertical direction (depth). The inaccuracy in MD or BL direction is clearly less. For non-guided surgery, the inaccuracy is significantly higher.

A prediction model to select PCOS patients suitable for IVM treatment based on anti-Mullerian hormone and antral follicle count.

STUDY QUESTION: Which baseline patient characteristics can help assisted reproductive technology practitioners to identify patients who are suitable for in-vitro maturation (IVM) treatment? SUMMARY ANSWER: In patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who undergo oocyte IVM in a non-hCG-triggered system, circulating anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), antral follicle count (AFC) and total testosterone are independently related to the number of immature oocytes and hold promise as outcome predictors to guide the patient selection process for IVM. WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN: Patient selection criteria for IVM treatment have been described in normo-ovulatory patients, although patients with PCOS constitute the major target population for IVM. With this study, we assessed the independent predictive value of clinical and endocrine parameters that are related to oocyte yield in patients with PCOS undergoing IVM. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: Cohort study involving 124 consecutive patients with PCOS undergoing IVM whose data were prospectively collected. Enrolment took place between January 2010 and January 2012. Only data relating to the first IVM cycle of each patient were included. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHOD: Patients with PCOS underwent oocyte retrieval for IVM after minimal gonadotrophin stimulation and no hCG trigger. Correlation coefficients were calculated to investigate which parameters are related to immature oocyte yield (patient's age, BMI, baseline hormonal profile and AMH, AFC). The independence of predictive parameters was tested using multivariate linear regression analysis. Finally, multivariate receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses for cumulus oocyte complexes (COC) yield were performed to assess the efficiency of the prediction model to select suitable candidates for IVM. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Using multivariate regression analysis, circulating baseline AMH, AFC and baseline total testosterone serum concentration were incorporated into a model to predict the number of COC retrieved in an IVM cycle, with unstandardized coefficients [95% confidence interval (CI)] of 0.03 (0.02-0.03) (P < 0.001), 0.012 (0.008-0.017) (P < 0.001) and 0.37 (0.18-0.57) (P < 0.001), respectively. Logistic regression analysis shows that a prediction model based on AMH and AFC, with unstandardized coefficients (95% CI) of 0.148 (0.03-0.25) (P < 0.001) and 0.034 (-0.003-0.07) (P = 0.025), respectively, is a useful patient selection tool to predict the probability to yield at least eight COCs for IVM in patients with PCOS. In this population, patients with at least eight COC available for IVM have a statistically higher number of embryos of good morphological quality (2.9 ± 2.3; 0.9 ± 0.9; P < 0.001) and cumulative ongoing pregnancy rate [30.4% (24 out of 79); 11% (5 out of 45); P = 0.01] when compared with patients with less than eight COC. ROC curve analysis showed that this prediction model has an area under the curve of 0.7864 (95% CI = 0.6997-0.8732) for the prediction of oocyte yield in IVM. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: The proposed model has been constructed based on a genuine IVM system, i.e. no hCG trigger was given and none of the oocytes matured in vivo. However, other variables, such as needle type, aspiration technique and whether or not hCG-triggering is used, should be considered as confounding factors. The results of this study have to be confirmed using a second independent validation sample. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: The proposed model could be applied to patients with PCOS after confirmation through a further validation study. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): This study was supported by a research grant by the Institute for the Promotion of Innovation by Science and Technology in Flanders, Project number IWT 070719.

Accuracy of computer-aided implant placement.

AIM: To assess the accuracy of static computer-guided implant placement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Electronic and manual literature searches were conducted to collect information on the accuracy of static computer-guided implant placement and meta-regression analyses were performed to summarize and analyse the overall accuracy. The latter included a search for correlations between factors such as: support (teeth/mucosa/bone), number of templates, use of fixation pins, jaw, template production, guiding system, guided implant placement. RESULTS: Nineteen accuracy studies met the inclusion criteria. Meta analysis revealed a mean error of 0.99 mm (ranging from 0 to 6.5 mm) at the entry point and of 1.24 mm (ranging from 0 to 6.9 mm) at the apex. The mean angular deviation was 3.81° (ranging from 0 to 24.9°). Significant differences for all deviation parameters was found for implant-guided placement compared to placement without guidance. Number of templates used was significant, influencing the apical and angular deviation in favour for the single template. Study design and jaw location had no significant effect. Less deviation was found when more fixation pins were used (significant for entry). CONCLUSION: Computer-guided implant placement can be accurate, but significant deviations have to be taken into account. Randomized studies are needed to analyse the impact of individual parameters in order to allow optimization of this technique. Moreover, a clear overview on indications and benefits would help the clinicians to find the right candidates.

Cumulus cell gene expression is associated with oocyte developmental quality and influenced by patient and treatment characteristics.

BACKGROUND: Gene expression of cumulus cells (CC) could predict oocyte developmental quality. Knowledge of the genes involved in determining oocyte quality is scanty. The aim was to correlate clinical and biological characteristics during ovarian stimulation with the expression of 10 selected genes in CC. METHODS: Sixty-three ICSI patients were stimulated with GnRH-agonist plus highly purified hMG (n = 35) or recombinant FSH (n = 28). Thirteen variables were analyzed: Age, BMI, duration of stimulation, serum concentrations of progesterone, 17beta-estradiol, FSH and LH on day of hCG, Ovarian Response, Oocyte Maturity, 2 pronuclei and three embryo morphology related variables: > or =7 cells, Low Fragmentation, Good Quality Embryos score. Expression of HAS2, VCAN, SDC4, ALCAM, GREM1, PTGS1, PTGS2, DUSP16, SPROUTY4 and RPS6KA2 was analyzed in pooled CC using quantitative PCR, and the relationship to the 13 variables was evaluated by multivariable analysis. RESULTS: All 10 genes are expressed at oocyte retrieval, with PTGS1, SPROUTY4, DUSP16 and RPS6KA2 described in human ovary for the first time. The three variables that correlated most often with differential expression were Age, BMI and serum FSH level. Significant correlation was found with Oocyte Maturity (VCAN, P < 0.005), Low Fragmentation (RPS6KA2, P < 0.05), Embryos with > or =7 cells (ALCAM and GREM1, P < 0.05). The expression of the other genes was also correlated to oocyte developmental quality but to a less extent. SDC4, VCAN, GREM1, SPROUTY4 and RPS6KA2 showed gonadotrophin preparation-dependent expression and/or interactions (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The expression of ovulation related genes in CC is associated with patient and treatment characteristics, oocyte developmental potential and differs with the type of gonadotrophin used.

Long-term, retrospective evaluation (implant and patient-centred outcome) of the two-implants-supported overdenture in the mandible. Part 1: survival rate.

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective analysis evaluated the long-term outcome of two implants supporting an overdenture in the mandible, as well as the significance of some confounding factors (smoking, implant length, bone quality). MATERIAL AND METHODS: All mandibular overdenture cases (n=495) treated during the past 25 years in our centre (with > or = 5 years loading of the implants) were included in this study. General information (medical history, implant data, report on surgery) was retrieved from the patient's file. A large number of patients (n=248) were willing to visit the clinic for an additional follow-up visit. For the others, information on implant survival was collected by phone (n=121), or contact was impossible (57 had died, three were hospitalized and 66 could not be reached). In the latter group, information was used, up to their last visit to the clinic. An implant was considered as surviving if it was still in function in the mouth, without clear adverse effects (pain, swelling, mobility). A failure was defined as early if it occurred within the window, insertion-final prosthesis placement; afterwards, it was considered as late. RESULTS: Most of the inserted implants (Brånemark type) were of the turned (machined) type (95.5%), the remainder was anodized (TiUnite). The anchoring system was either a bar (86.3%), ball attachments (11.7%) or magnets (1.6%), and only some patients changed from one to the other (0.4%). Kaplan-Meier analyses showed a survival rate of 95.5% after 20 years of loading. Factors that influenced the outcome included smoking (90% rate for smokers) and the surgical protocol (reduced survival rate for one-stage-placed implants). Implant length and bone quality had no impact. CONCLUSIONS: These results fully support the two-implant overdenture concept in the mandible even in the long run.

External quality assessment in the measurement of haemoglobin by blood gas analysers in Belgium.

OBJECTIVE: The Belgian national External Quality Assessment Scheme (EQAS) for haematology organized a survey to assess the reliability of haemoglobin (Hb) measurements with the blood gas analysers (BGAs) currently available in Belgian hospitals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All hospital laboratories received two specimens of fresh EDTA anticoagulated whole blood and were asked to determine the Hb concentration using both the conventional haematology analyser (HA) and all BGAs in the hospital. Ninety-seven hospital laboratories participated in the study and a total of 166 results were reported. The BGAs used (grouped according to technology) were Rapidlab 845, 855, 865 (Bayer 1, n = 41), Rapidlab 1245, 1265, Rapidpoint 405 (Bayer 2, n = 19), GEM Premier 3000 (Instrumentation Laboratory, IL, n = 13), ABL 500 and 600 series (Radiometer 1, n = 13), ABL 700 and 800 series (Radiometer 2, n = 35), Omni C, S5 (Roche 1, n = 7), Omni 3, 6, 9, S2, S4, S6 (Roche 2, n = 21). RESULTS: For the BGAs from Bayer, Radiometer and Roche, interlaboratory variation ranged from 0.6 % to 4.1 %, indicating good precision and close agreement between centres. A significant negative bias observed on the GEM Premier 3000 using the EDTA anticoagulated blood samples did not appear to be present in fresh heparinized whole blood samples. There was no significant difference in imprecision and bias between Hb measurements on BGA situated in and outside the central laboratory.

Peri-implant health around screw-shaped c.p. titanium machined implants in partially edentulous patients with or without ongoing periodontitis.

The relationship between periodontitis and peri-implantitis remains a matter of debate. The present study compared, "within" randomly chosen partially edentulous patients (n=84 subjects, 97 jaws), the marginal bone loss around teeth and implants during 5 years (range 3 to 11 years) following the first year of bone remodelling. The patients had all been rehabilitated by means of screw-shape c.p. titanium implants with a machined surface (Brånemark system). During the 5 years observation interval, periodontal parameters (marginal bone and attachment loss, the latter for teeth only) were collected together with data on confounding factors (smoking, oral hygiene, tooth loss). Marginal bone loss was measured through long-cone intra-oral radiographs. The mean "interval" bone loss was significantly (P=0.0001) higher around teeth (0.48+/-0.95 mm) than around implants (0.09+/-0.28 mm). The corresponding data for the "worst" performing tooth (0.99+/-1.25 mm) and implant (0.19+/-0.32 mm) per subject showed the same tendency. Neither attachment nor bone loss around teeth correlated with marginal bone loss around implants. This study indicated that the rate of bone loss around screw-shape c.p. titanium implants with a machined surface (Brånemark system implants) was not influenced by the progression rate of periodontal destruction around the remaining teeth within the same jaw.

Fibrous mesothelioma. Case report.

A case of fibrous mesothelioma is presented. Chest films suggested an elevation of the left diaphragm and a limited pleural effusion, which was confirmed on computed tomography. Percutaneous needle biopsy showed mesothelial cells. At thoracotomy the tumor was attached to the pleura of the mediastinum by a pedicle. Complete surgical resection was possible. Clinical, radiological and histological data in literature are summarized. The radiological features of the presented case correspond to those described in the literature.