Anterior cruciate ligament graft tear primary and secondary magnetic resonance signs

Magnetic resonance [MR] imaging is a useful tool for assessing the anterior cruciate ligament [ACL] graft when its integrity is in question, with some limitations. It can differentiate between a graft that is partially or completely torn. Several primary [direct] and secondary [indirect] signs have been described. Graft continuity in the coronal plane and normal graft thickness in the coronal or sagittal plane are the most valuable primary signs in excluding full thickness tear. Of the secondary signs, the anterior tibial translation and the uncovered lateral meniscus sign are the most useful in differentiating a torn from an intact graft. Some of the primary and secondary signs of a native ACL tear are yet to be assessed for accuracy in detecting grafts tear, but they are a helpful guide especially when combined. These include the deep lateral femoral sulcus, the posterior cruciate ligament [PCL] angle, and the PCL curvature values

Cryotherapy versus electrical therapy in the management of trigeminal neuralgia

30 patients suffering from trigeminal neuralgia were classified equally into 2 groups. In the first group, cryosurgery was used in their treatment while in the second group transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation [T.E.N.S.] was employed. The results were evaluated over a period of 30 months. The study revealed that the T.E.N.S. is more efficient with prolonged period of pain relief than the cryosurgery

Comparison between hard and soft occlusal splints in the treatment of temporomandibular joint pain dysfunction syndrome

Forty adult patients complaining of Temporomandibular joint pain dysfunction syndrome [P.D.S.] were randomly divided into two equal groups. In the first group hard maxillary occlusal splints were used for their treatment while in the second group soft maxillary occlusal splints were used. The results were assessed both clinically and electromyographically over a period of 6 months. The study revealed that the hard splints significantly improved the function of the masseter and temporalis muscles and the clinical symptoms of the P.D.S. than the soft splints