Schneider membrane thickness classification evaluated by cone-beam computed tomography and its importance in the predictability of perforation. Retrospective analysis of 200 patients.

Perforation of the Schneiderian membrane is a common complication of sinus augmentation. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the associations between the lateral wall technique and the ridge approach and the risk of perforation, together with the relations between the thickness of the membrane and the risk of perforation. We studied 200 patients (103 men and 97 women) who had cone-beam computed tomography (CT) before a sinus lift with either a lateral wall technique (n=100) or the rigid approach (n=100) for insertion of prosthetic implants. Two-hundred cone-beam CT images were studied, and the mucosal thickness was evaluated. Perforations of the membrane were recorded during operation. The thickness of the Schneiderian membrane on cone-beam CT images was classified as Type I (not recordable), Type II (0-2mm), Type III (3-4mm), or Type IV(>4mm). Type I was recorded in 52 (26%), Type II in 35 (18%), type III in 67 (34%), and type IV in 46 (23%). There were 16 perforations: 12 Type I and four Type II, seven of 100 with the lateral wall technique, and nine of 100 who had the rigid approach. Based on these results we suggest that a membrane 0-2mm thick may be an important determinant of perforation, regardless of the procedure used.

[Totally implantable systems for long-term chemotherapeutic treatment]. / Sistemi totalmente impiantabili per trattamento chemioterapico a lungo termine.

The authors report their own experience with completely implantable systems for the long-term chemotherapeutic treatment, compared with a review of modern literature. The experience even if low demonstrates a good methodology in reducing the number of complications associated with the use of percutaneous catheters.

[Role of microsurgery in chronic distal obstructive arteriopathies]. / Ruolo della microchirurgia nelle arteriopatie croniche ostruttive distali.

The Authors analyze the role of microsurgery in the treatment of chronic obstructive arteriopathies. In accordance with their results, they stress the usefulness of the microtechniques in the rescue of ischaemic limbs due to distal occlusion, and how these procedures are less dangerous than amputation, even though results are not long lasting.

[Venous grafts in reimplantation of the thumb]. / Innesti venosi nel reimpianto del pollice.

The Authors analyze their experience of 25 thumb reimplantations and revascularizations within 5 years. The importance of the first finger in the functional hand economy as well as the ratio between reimplantation take rate and degree of functional recovery with regard to the type of trauma, technique used, and possible and incidental complications are underlined. The venous autologous grafts are of great importance in this microsurgical area and they are more and more applied. In most cases, indeed, intimal lesions are more extended than their macroscopic appearance and the tract of damaged vessels is always wider than assessed. The graft interposition solves the problem with the further advantage to preserve the maximal bone length and to avoid especially contaminated areas. The results achieved confirm these statements and the Authors conclude for the absolute need of venous grafts in thumb reimplantations, especially after amputation from avulsion or crush traumas, even though a greater skill is necessary in using this technique.

[Alloy telescopic crowns. Clinical indications]. / Corone telescopiche in lega. Indicazioni cliniche.

This work involves a partially edentate subject fitted with a denture on conical crowns. Of the methods at present used in patients with few teeth, this is considered one of the most satisfactory for dentist and patient. In cases in which the remaining teeth are moveable, a denture on magnets can be utilized. A correct oral hygiene is emphasized to favour the duration of the tooth-denture combination.

[Causes and methods of re-operation in a patient with a jejuno-ileal bypass for obesity]. / Cause e modalità del reintervento in un paziente portatore di by-pass digiuno-ileale per obesità.

One case of re-operation in a patient who previously underwent a jejunoileal by-pass for obesity is described. The serious complications following first surgery are shown. Reasons for re-operation and special pre- and post-operative care are considered.