[Work-related musculoskeletal diseases in dental professionals. 1. Prevalence and risk factors]. / Disturbi muscolo-scheletrici di natura lavorativa negli operatori sanitari dentali. 1--Prevalenza e fattori di rischio.

The past two decades have witnessed a sharp rise in the incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD). All occupations are involved; in dental professionals (dentists, dental hygienists and dental auxiliaries) this problem occurs in 54-93% of subjects, with higher risk in elderly subjects and women. Spine, shoulder, elbow and hand are mostly involved. Prevention of WMSD is becoming crucial and requires the identification and modification of risk factors. Individual characteristics of the worker--such as gender, age, stature, physical condition, strength, etc.--may contribute to the occurrence of these musculoskeletal disorders. Moreover, the specific occupation and work organisation may be the source of ergonomic hazards. Awkward postures, prolonged repetitive movements, intense work schedules or fast work pace represent important risk factors for WMSD. Sometimes the dentist's workstation is not suited to the specific professional characteristics and an ergonomic improvement is needed. Finally, factors connected with professional equipment (such as vibrations, or sharp and hard surfaces causing pressure points) may also contribute to generating WMSD in dental professionals.

[The effects of ultramicronized synthetic hydroxyapatite on the etched enamel. An in-vitro study with computerized analysis]. / Effetti dell'idrossilapatite sintetica u.m. sullo smalto mordenzato. Studio in vitro mediante analisi computerizzata.

The authors studied in vitro effects produced by etching (37% H3PO4) 80 microns thick teeth sections and the following application of H.A.u.m (Apagen). The changes of the superficial and lower layers were investigated by gray level alterations of section images. The changes were investigated by using a computerized image analysis system, by pseudocolors, standard deviation of gray levels and by calculating the surface rate affected by significative alteration. Etching application increased extension of high gray level zones. Pseudocolors showed 35 microns depth alterations. the evaluation of standard deviation means that major changes affected superficial layers; the evaluation of the extension of low gray levels zones showed a restoration of the pretreatment optical pattern. The results of this study demonstrate that H.A.u.m. (Apagen) applications are able to remineralize both superficial and lower layers of etched enamel.

[Changes in the alveolar bone after periodontal therapy. A follow-up by computerized radiographic analysis]. / Le modificazioni dell'osso alveolare dopo terapia parodontale. Monitoraggio mediante analisi radiografica computerizzata.

In this study the authors evaluated radiographic variations of alveolar bone treated with periodontal therapy, through computerized analysis. Five adult patients with severe periodontitis were included in this study. In everyone of these patients, three sites were selected and treated in the following ways: 1) root planing (LCC), 2) open flap debridement (LCA) and 3) guided tissue regeneration with polytetrafluoroethylene membrane (GTR-PTFE). Every site was subjected to radiographic examination before treatment and six, eight, twelve and twenty-four weeks later. Radiographic images were evaluated through digital processing in order to show and compare one to another changes of alveolar bone of sites treated with different therapeutic procedures. Analysis of data indicated that sites treated by GTR-PTFE developed better than sites treated with other therapeutic procedures and evolution of sites treated with surgery was usually characterized by a beginning phase of alveolar bone loss and by a phase of variable bone regeneration later. Early variations of alveolar bone have been pointed out by mean of this computerized analysis.

The use of a preformed spacer in two-stage revision of infected hip arthroplasties.

Two-stage revision with the use of an antibiotic-loaded cement spacer has spread widely as a successful treatment for THA infection. Between 1999 and 2008, 28 patients with infected THA were treated with two-stage implant revision using a preformed spacer. The spacer was left in situ for 5.5 months (range 1-13 months), and the patients were allowed to walk with partial weight bearing. At a mean follow-up of 53 months (range 18-106 months), recurrence of infection was observed in only one patient. Complications were observed in five patients: three spacer dislocations, one distal femoral fracture occurred during stem removal, and one femoral artery pseudo-aneurysm. The mean HHS increased from 43 points (range 13-77) to 82 points (range 35-96). Though small prospective studies are reported in literature, good eradication rate and good functional outcomes encourage for the use of an antibiotic-loaded cement spacer. The industrial production ensures procedure standardization, well-defined physical and chemical properties to the device and eliminates time necessary to intraoperatory manufacturing.

Combined treatment of ablative therapy with percutaneous radiofrequency and cementoplasty of a symptomatic metastatic lesion of the acetabulum.

We report the case of a symptomatic metastatic lesion of the acetabulum from colon adenocarcinoma in an 82-year-old woman patient treated by a combined approach of thermal ablation with percutaneous radiofrequency and cementoplasty. We obtained an immediate technical success with a good control of pain without any complications at a 6-month clinical follow-up.