Precision medicine approaches in obstructive sleep apnoea: The role of dentist-sleep physician partnerships.

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a common heterogenous sleep disorder that is associated with a wide range of comorbidities and consequences, including the development of neurocognitive and cardiometabolic disorders. The heterogeneity of OSA necessitates a precision medicine approach to accurately diagnose this condition and to effectively manage patients. One of the primary models of precision medicine is described by the P4 approach of predicting those who are susceptible to disease, preventing the occurrence of disease, personalizing treatment, and encouraging patients to participate in their individual healthcare journey. Recent advances in oral appliance therapy and OSA monitoring techniques have fostered an exciting opportunity for enhanced collaboration between dentists and sleep physicians to optimize OSA precision medicine care. This review aims to discuss the sources of heterogeneity among OSA patients, provide an overview of the growing applications of oral appliance therapy and tailored monitoring programs for OSA that are shifting treatment to a more personalized and participatory model of care, and outline the pivotal role of dentists in managing patients with OSA.

Comparison of spring ankle braces versus splints and casts in treating ankle sprains in patients diagnosed with ankle sprains.

BACKGROUND: Various treatment approaches for individuals with ankle sprains can reduce treatment costs and enhance recovery. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of spring ankle braces with splints and casts in treating ankle sprains. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 60 patients diagnosed with ankle sprains at the orthopedic clinic of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Jiroft in 2022. Following diagnosis confirmation through additional examinations and imaging, patients with ankle sprains not requiring surgery were selected and placed in two groups: one treated with spring ankle braces and the other with splints or casts. Both groups underwent a 4-week treatment regimen, comprising 30 individuals each. Data were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 26. RESULTS: The average age of patients was 32.5 ± 13.4 years. Of the ankle sprain patients, 56.7% were male. Patients reported the highest satisfaction levels with the plaster cast treatment method. A statistically significant relationship was found between patient satisfaction and the treatment methods of spring ankle braces and plaster casting (P < 0.05). Patients treated with plaster casts reported the lowest pain levels, with a significant relationship between pain levels and the two treatment methods (P < 0.05). Range of motion results were similar for both treatment methods, while the cast treatment showed the highest incidence of skin complications. A significant relationship was observed between spring ankle braces and plaster casts regarding skin complications (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Treating ankle sprains with plaster casts leads to higher satisfaction and lower pain levels compared to using spring ankle braces.

Finite element analysis of stabilization splint pressure distribution in a patient with disc displacement without reduction: A preliminary study.

Purpose: This study was performed to investigate the pattern of condylar pressure distribution in the discs of a patient diagnosed with disc displacement without reduction. Materials and Methods: This research consisted of a pre- and post-test observational clinical study. A patient diagnosed with disc displacement without reduction underwent treatment with an occlusal splint for 3 months. Finite element analysis employed a 3-dimensional model constructed from magnetic resonance images of the patient, taken both before the application of the splint and 3 months after its use. Results: The post-test model demonstrated a decrease in condylar pressure on the disc, with measurements dropping to 72 MPa from the pre-test level of 143 MPa. In the pre-test, the pressure distribution pattern was concentrated on the lateral posterior border, whereas in the post-test, it shifted toward the intermediate zone of the disc. Conclusion: Utilization of a stabilization splint for 3 months resulted in decreased pressure and a marked change in the pressure distribution pattern on the temporomandibular disc.

Cytotoxicity assessment of eluates from vacuum-forming thermoplastics.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate possible cytotoxic effects of thermoplastic materials commonly used for occlusal splints and orthodontic appliances. METHODS: Seven thermoplastics were included: three variants of the Essix sheets (C+, Plus, and Tray Rite; Dentsply Sirona), three thermoplastics (Bleach Heavy, Splint, and X-Heavy; Cavex Holland) and Invisalign (Align Technology). Cylindrical specimens (n = 24; 10 mm diameter) were incubated in cell culture medium for 24 h and 14 days. After incubation, the medium was collected, serially diluted, and dosed to primary human gingival fibroblasts in triplicate. Medium processed like the samples was used as negative control. Cell viability was evaluated by XTT and LDH assay to assess metabolic activity and membrane integrity, respectively. Next, cell cycle was assessed with flow cytometry after exposing HGFs to undiluted extracts. RESULTS: The 24-hour and 14-day extracts did not evoke cytotoxicity after 24-hour incubation. No significant differences in cell viability (one-way ANOVA, p > 0.05 ) in the XTT and LDH assays or in cell cycle distribution between the different materials (two-way ANOVA, p > 0.05 ). CONCLUSION: The thermoplastics tested in the study showed no evident in-vitro cytotoxic effects. Further investigation should focus on determining which compounds are released from thermoplastic materials and assessing potential toxicity related to exposure to these compounds. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Our study adds to the growing body of evidence on the biocompatibility of dental thermoplastics. This can aid clinical decision-making, as thermoplastics are expected to be safe to use in terms of cytotoxicity.

Efficacy of modified anterior maxillary segmental distraction osteogenesis based on 3D visualisation for the treatment of maxillary hypoplasia among adolescents with cleft lip and palate.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluates a three-dimensional (3D) visualisation design combined with customized surgical guides to assist anterior maxillary segmental distraction osteogenesis (AMSDO) in correcting maxillary hypoplasia in adolescents with cleft lip and palate (CLP), focusing on treatment outcomes, satisfaction and the validity of 3D planning. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single hospital in China. Between January 2020 and December 2023, 12 adolescents with CLP with maxillary hypoplasia were included. An advanced 3D simulation was used to convey the treatment strategy to the patients and their families. A customized surgical guide and distraction osteogenesis device were designed. Cephalometric analysis evaluated AMSDO changes and long-term stability. Patient satisfaction was assessed. The Chinese version of the Child Oral Health Impact Profile was used to evaluate the children's oral health-related quality of life before and after treatment. The postoperative outcomes were compared with the planned outcomes by superimposing the actual postoperative data onto the simulated soft tissue models and calculating the linear and angular differences between them. RESULTS: One patient experienced postoperative gingivitis, yielding an 8.33% complication rate. Most patients (83.33%) were highly satisfied with the target position, with the rest content. Cephalometric analysis showed significant improvements in various indices post-traction. Quality-of-life scores significantly improved post-treatment. The discrepancies in facial soft tissue between the simulated and actual results were within clinically satisfactory ranges. CONCLUSIONS: Digitally designed surgical guides effectively treat maxillary hypoplasia in adolescents with CLP, ensuring stability, reducing complications, reducing dependency on operator experience, and enhancing satisfaction and health outcomes. Although the simulated results were clinically acceptable, it is important to inform patients of potential variations in the predicted soft tissue.

Comparison of full-arch mandibular reconstruction with dental implants using completely splinted or segmentally splinted prostheses with two different occlusal schemes: A finite-element analysis.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to comparatively analyze full-arch mandibular reconstruction using dental implants. It focused on two distinct prosthesis configurations: completely splinted and segmentally splinted. These configurations were evaluated under two different occlusal schemes-group function and canine guidance-utilizing finite element analysis (FEA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The methodology involved developing three-dimensional finite element models from computed tomography data acquired from an edentulous patient. Six dental implants were utilized to complete the mandibular reconstruction. Prosthetic reconstruction was conducted with completely and segmentally splinted prostheses, each employing group function and canine guidance occlusal schemes. Consequently, four distinct models were analyzed. Following meshing, a 200 N load was applied at a 30-degree angle. Subsequent evaluation encompassed stress, strain distribution, and the overall deformation of the implants, crowns, and underlying bone structure assessment. RESULTS: The group function occlusal scheme generally exhibited lower stress values than the canine guidance occlusal scheme, with three-piece prostheses demonstrating even lower stress levels than one-piece prostheses. Conversely, the canine guidance occlusal scheme exhibited higher stress values overall. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study may assist clinicians in selecting the most effective occlusal scheme and prosthetic configuration for implant-supported mandibular restorations, potentially enhancing treatment outcomes and reducing the risk of mechanical complications. In summary, results indicated that group function loading, irrespective of prosthesis type, offers more uniform load distribution and lower stress values, making it a preferable choice over canine guidance. Within the group function occlusal scheme, three-piece prostheses demonstrated lower stress values than one-piece prostheses, but the clinical significance of this difference appears to be minimal.

Long-Term Prognosis and Influencing Factors of Chinese Adolescents With Temporomandibular Disorder After Physical Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Physical therapy is the preferred conservative treatment for patients with temporomandibular disorder (TMD). However, few studies have investigated the application of physical therapy in adolescents, especially follow-up studies on the long-term prognosis of these patients. This study investigated the short-term effects and long-term prognosis of physical therapy in adolescent patients with TMD and the factors influencing long-term symptoms. METHODS: Information regarding baseline data, specific treatment methods, treatment times and evaluation results was collected retrospectively for adolescent patients with TMD who received physical therapy. Patients were followed up via telephone and online questionnaires, and the influence of age, sex, disease course, mouth opening, pain intensity, oral parafunctional habits and treatment methods on long-term symptoms was analysed. RESULTS: Pain intensity, maximum mouth opening and the joint noise score improved significantly in 270/286 patients who received individualised comprehensive physical therapy. TMD-related symptoms improved with no noticeable impact on daily life in 187/199 patients who were followed up for an extended period (average, 30.71 ± 10.86 months) and were divided into asymptomatic or symptomatic groups according to the persistence of symptoms. Logistic regression analysis revealed that uncorrected oral parafunctional habits and fewer treatments were related to long-term symptoms. CONCLUSION: The long-term prognosis of adolescent patients with TMD after physical therapy was satisfactory. However, 52.8% of the patients experienced persistent TMD-related symptoms for an extended period, possibly due to insufficient treatment times and parafunctional habits. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05781607.

Kinematical Effects of a Mandibular Advancement Occlusal Splint on Running until Exhaustion at Severe Intensity.

The effects of occlusal splints on sport performance have already been studied, although their biomechanical impacts are often overlooked. We investigated the kinematical changes during running until exhaustion at severe intensity while wearing a mandibular advancement occlusal splint. Twelve trained runners completed (i) an incremental protocol on a track to determine their velocity corresponding to maximal oxygen uptake and (ii) two trials of square wave transition exercises at their velocity corresponding to maximal oxygen until exhaustion, wearing two occlusal splints (without and with mandibular advancement). Running kinematics were compared within laps performed during the square wave transition exercises and between splint conditions. The mandibular advancement occlusal splint increased the running distance covered (~1663 ± 402 vs. 1540 ± 397 m, p = 0.03), along with a noticeable lap effect in decreasing stride frequency (p = 0.04) and increasing stride length (p = 0.03) and duty factor (p < 0.001). No spatiotemporal differences were observed between splints, except for improved balance foot contact times in the mandibular advancement condition. An increased knee flexion angle at initial contact (p = 0.017) was noted along laps in the non-advancement condition, despite the fact that no differences between splints were found. Running patterns mainly shifted within laps rather than between conditions, indicating that a mandibular advancement occlusal splint had a trivial kinematical effect.

Condylar Remodeling and Skeletal Changes Following Occlusal Splint and Manual Therapy: A Cone Beam Computed Tomography Study in Temporomandibular Disorders.

Background: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) may be associated with degenerative disease of temporomandibular joint (TMJ), such as condyle erosion and subchondral cysts. Occlusal splint and cranio-mandibular manual therapy, or combined therapy, is recommended as a conservative treatment to alleviate pain-related signs and symptoms in TMD. This study aimed to assess osseous condylar changes and skeletal changes following occlusal splint and cranio-mandibular manual therapy in TMD using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods: A retrospective cohort study included 24 patients diagnosed with TMD. Combined therapy was performed until pain-related signs and symptoms disappeared. CBCT scans were performed before and after therapy. Osseous structure of condyles and their subsequent modifications were analyzed on CBCT images: flattening, erosion, and subchondral cyst. Sella-Nasion-A point (SNA), Sella-Nasion-B point (SNB), A point-Nasion-B point (ANB), Sella-Articulare-Gonion (Condylar angle), and anterior and posterior facial height (AFH, PFH) were measured on CBCT-generated lateral cephalograms. A paired t-test, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, McNemar test, and Stuart-Maxwell test were used for the statistical analyses. Results: The treatment period with combined therapy was 7.42 ± 3.27 months, and 21 out of 33 TMJ presenting degenerative disease (63.6%) had significant complete remodeling (p < 0.05). Following therapy, SNB significantly decreased from 75.61 ±3.47° to 74.82 ± 3.41° (p = 0.02), ANB significantly increased from 4.05° (3.35-4.9°) to 4.8° (3.3-6.12°) (p < 0.001), AFH significantly increased from 112.85 mm (109.28-118.72) to 115.3 mm (112.58-118.88) (p < 0.001), PFH/AFH significantly decreased from 64.17 (61.39-66.1) to 63 (59.68-64.51) (p = 0.012), and condylar angle significantly increased from 140.84 ± 8.18° to 144.42 ± 8.87° (p = 0.007). Conclusion: Combined therapy promoted significant condylar remodeling in TMJ degenerative disease, along with skeletal changes (mandibular retrusion and increase in facial height). Therapeutic strategies should consider condylar remodeling in TMD. Skeletal and dental parameters should be evaluated prior to occlusal splint therapy.

Accuracy and clinical fit of milled versus rapid prototyped orthognathic surgical splints.

Three-dimensional (3D) printing has become an integral part of orthognathic surgery. However, there is a lack of studies evaluating accuracy of orthognathic surgical splints fabricated from subtractive milling versus additive 3D printing. The primary aim of this in-vitro study was to compare the differences in trueness between milled and 3D-printed splints, while the secondary aim was to compare the differences in clinical fit of these splints. A sample of eight patients was selected, and STL files of the final orthognathic surgical splint were used to fabricate three splints for each of the eight cases. The first splint was fabricated by subtractive milling (SM), whereas the second and third splints were 3D printed with Digital Light Processing (DLP) and Laser Stereolithography (SLA), respectively. Paired superimposition of scans was performed using a reference model. The clinical fit of the splints to the printed models was also assessed. The mean root mean square (RMS) deviations for the SM, SLA, and DLP were 0.11 ± 0.02, 0.16 ± 0.02 and 0.14 ± 0.02 respectively. The post-hoc analysis showed that the SM splints had the highest accuracy (p < 0.01). However, DLP splints showed the best clinical fit, followed by SM and SLA. In conclusion, splints fabricated by SM were more accurate than those fabricated by 3D printing, although this difference may not be clinically significant. The site, rather than the magnitude of the errors, may have a greater effect on the clinical usability of splints. In general, SM and DLP splints demonstrated a good clinical fit and were suitable for the fabrication of surgical splints.

Changing the Mandibular Position in Rowing: A Brief Report of a World-Class Rower.

We investigated the acute biophysical responses of changing the mandibular position during a rowing incremental protocol. A World-class 37-year-old male rower performed two 7 × 3 min ergometer rowing trials, once with no intraoral splint (control) and the other with a mandibular forward repositioning splint (splint condition). Ventilatory, kinematics and body electromyography were evaluated and compared between trials (paired samples t-test, p ≤ 0.05). Under the splint condition, oxygen uptake was lower, particularly at higher exercise intensities (67.3 ± 2.3 vs. 70.9 ± 1.5 mL·kg-1·min-1), and ventilation increased during specific rowing protocol steps (1st-4th and 6th). Wearing the splint condition led to changes in rowing technique, including a slower rowing frequency ([18-30] vs. [19-32] cycles·min-1) and a longer propulsive movement ([1.58-1.52] vs. [1.56-1.50] m) than the control condition. The splint condition also had a faster propulsive phase and a prolonged recovery period than the control condition. The splint reduced peak and mean upper body muscle activation, contrasting with an increase in lower body muscle activity, and generated an energetic benefit by reducing exercise cost and increasing rowing economy compared to the control condition. Changing the mandibular position benefited a World-class rower, supporting the potential of wearing an intraoral splint in high-level sports, particularly in rowing.

3D printing materials and 3D printed surgical devices in oral and maxillofacial surgery: design, workflow and effectiveness.

Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a specialized surgical field devoted to diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the oral cavity, jaws, face and related structures. In recent years, the integration of 3D printing technology has revolutionized this field, offering a range of innovative surgical devices such as patient-specific implants, surgical guides, splints, bone models and regenerative scaffolds. In this comprehensive review, we primarily focus on examining the utility of 3D-printed surgical devices in the context of oral and maxillofacial surgery and evaluating their efficiency. Initially, we provide an insightful overview of commonly utilized 3D-printed surgical devices, discussing their innovations and clinical applications. Recognizing the pivotal role of materials, we give consideration to suitable biomaterials and printing technology of each device, while also introducing the emerging fields of regenerative scaffolds and bioprinting. Furthermore, we delve into the transformative impact of 3D-printed surgical devices within specific subdivisions of oral and maxillofacial surgery, placing particular emphasis on their rejuvenating effects in bone reconstruction, orthognathic surgery, temporomandibular joint treatment and other applications. Additionally, we elucidate how the integration of 3D printing technology has reshaped clinical workflows and influenced treatment outcomes in oral and maxillofacial surgery, providing updates on advancements in ensuring accuracy and cost-effectiveness in 3D printing-based procedures.

Conservative versus Invasive Approaches in Temporomandibular Disc Displacement: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials.

BACKGROUND: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) frequently cause orofacial pain and dysfunction, with treatment options spanning from conservative therapies to invasive surgical procedures. The aim of this systematic review was to analyze and compare the efficacy and safety profiles of conservative, minimally invasive interventions and surgical procedures in patients diagnosed with TMDs and disc displacement. METHODS: Following PRISMA recommendations, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched for randomized clinical trials (RCT). Data were synthesized in a table and evaluated through the Cochrane risk of bias 2 (RoB 2) tool. RESULTS: Thirty-eight RCTs, most with moderate RoB, were selected. Conservative approaches, including physical therapy and occlusal devices, led to an improvement in symptoms and function. Pharmacological treatments demonstrated effectiveness in reducing pain and improving function; however, they can have undesirable side effects. Minimally invasive and invasive treatments also demonstrated efficacy, although most trials did not show their superiority to conservative treatments. CONCLUSION: The primary approach to TMDs should be a conservative, multimodal treatment plan tailored to patient complaints and characteristics. Treatment goals should focus on symptom control and functional recovery. Surgical treatment should be reserved for cases with a precise diagnosis and a clear etiology.

Mandibular advancement device in obstructive sleep apnea treatment: what happens to the condyle position and patient response?

BACKGROUND: This study aims primarily to assess the mandibular condyles and patient response to MAD therapy using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Also, the study proposes to analyze whether variations in condylar position, OSA severity and mandibular protrusion influence patient response. METHODS: 23 patients diagnosed with mild/moderate OSA and treated with MAD comprised the sample. Clinical, CBCT, and PSG assessments were conducted at baseline and with MAD in therapeutic protrusion (4-6 months of MAD use). The condyle position was vertically and horizontally evaluated at baseline and at the therapeutic protrusion. RESULTS: The condyle position significantly changed with MAD, showing anterior (7.3 ± 2.8 mm; p < 0.001) and inferior (3.5 ± 1 mm; p < 0.001) displacement. Patients with mild OSA required more protrusion (p = 0.02) for improvement. Responders exhibited a significantly prominent (p = 0.04) anterior baseline condyle position. A negative modest correlation was found between treatment response and baseline condyle anterior position (p = 0.03; r=-0.4), as well as between OSA severity and the percentage of maximum protrusion needed for therapeutic protrusion (p = 0.02; r=-0.4). The patient protrusion amount did not predict condylar positional changes. Neither condyle position, OSA severity, nor therapeutic protrusion were predictors of MAD treatment response. CONCLUSION: MAD resulted in anterior and inferior condylar displacement, and the amount of protrusion did not predict condylar positional changes. Responders showed a more anterior baseline condyle position. OSA severity and mandibular protrusion did not predict treatment response.

Effects of vibratory feedback stimuli through an oral appliance on sleep bruxism: A 14-week intervention trial.

Background/purpose: Various biofeedback stimulation techniques for managing sleep bruxism (SB) have recently emerged; however, the effect of the successive application of vibratory feedback stimulation has not been clarified. This study aimed to elucidate the effect of vibration feedback stimulation via an oral appliance (OA) on SB. Materials and methods: This prospective, single-arm, open-label intervention study included 20 participants diagnosed with "definite" SB who wore a specially designed OA for 98 nights at home. A force-based SB detection system triggered a vibrator attached to the OA. Vibratory stimulation was withheld during the first 3-week adaptation period (weeks 1-3), applied during the 9-week stimulation period (weeks 4-12), and withheld again during the post-stimulation period (weeks 13-14). The number and duration of SB events per hour of sleep were calculated based on piezoelectric signals recorded with the OA-based vibration feedback device and compared between weeks 3 and 4, 8, 12, and 14 and between weeks 12 and 14 using the Friedman test (post-hoc test with Bonferroni correction). Results: The duration of SB events significantly decreased after vibratory stimulation (weeks 3 versus 4, 8, and 12: P < 0.001, P = 0.026, and P = 0.033, respectively) and then significantly increased upon cessation of vibratory stimulation after the stimulation period (weeks 12 versus 14: P < 0.001). Conclusion: Contingent vibratory stimulation through an OA-based vibration feedback device may suppress SB-related masticatory muscle activity continuously for 9 weeks and may be an effective alternative for managing SB.

Return to Sports in Stress Reaction and Stress Fractures in Indian Athletes: A Case Series.

Introduction: A stress fracture is a painful condition which occurs when the adaptive ability of the bone is unbalanced. This imbalance predominantly occurs due to increased intensity, frequency, or duration of training. Identifying the etiology of stress fracture and its proper treatment prevents recurrence. Besides, evidence-based and supervised rehabilitation is indispensable for permanent remission of pain and return to sports to preinjury functional levels. The case series discusses the continuum of stress reaction to stress fracture in athletes, causes of stress fractures, their management, and return to sport. The paper aims to give a clear discussion about the management with rehabilitation guidelines for metabolic causes of stress fractures. Case Report: This study was a case series of five cases coming to Sports Medicine outpatient clinic of Sports Injury Centre, VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, and physical medicine and rehabilitation outpatient clinic of Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow over a period of 1 year. The discussed cases are young Indian athletes, both male and females, who have presentation along the continuum of medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) to stress reactions and stress fracture. Conclusion: The findings of the paper highlight the significance of rehabilitation for individuals suffering from MTSS. Accurate diagnosis with targeted rehabilitation leads to quicker return to sports. The rehabilitation program comprises of identifying and treating the cause of stress fracture, removing any risk factors, biomechanical correction wherever indicated, structured exercise program, training in underwater treadmill, cyclical increase in loading, reducing activity every 3rd week.

Temporary Hydrostatic Splint Therapy and Its Effects on Occlusal Forces.

Background and objectives: This study analyzed and compared the distribution patterns of occlusal forces using T-Scan III before and after the hydrostatic temporary oral splint (Aqualizer Ultra) therapy in healthy subjects and subjects with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Materials and Methods: Fifty-one subjects were divided into groups based on anamnesis and responses to the Fonseca questionnaire. The first group, non-TMDs group (n = 19), and the second group, TMDs group (n = 32), had mild-to-severe TMDs, as identified by the Fonseca questionnaire. The non-TMDs group had an average age of 25.4 years (SD = 4.8, range 20-38) with 15 females (78.95%) and 4 males (21.05%). The TMDs group had an average age of 27.4 years (SD = 7.0, range 22-53) with 25 females (78.125%) and 7 males (21.875%). T-Scan III device was used for occlusal analysis before and after hydrostatic splint usage. Results: Significant differences were observed in the TMDs group for anterior and posterior right percentages of forces before and after hydrostatic splint usage. The analysis of force distribution per sector before and after hydrostatic splint therapy showed no significant differences in the non-TMDs group. Analysis of force distributions in the entire study population before and after hydrostatic splint therapy showed significant differences in the anterior and posterior right regions. Occlusal force increased by 32-56% in the front region and decreased in the posterior area after hydrostatic splint usage. Conclusions: Hydrostatic splint therapy is recommended as a part of full-mouth rehabilitation treatment for all patients regardless of the severity of TMDs.

Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (Shin Splint): Prevalence, Causes, Prevention, and Management in Saudi Arabia.

Background/aims Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), also known as "shin splint", is most often described as exertional leg pain along the shinbone (tibia), which occurs due to the inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue in this area. This study aims to assess the prevalence, risk factors, and their association with the development of MTSS, as well as the effective treatments that reduce pain and improve functions among the Saudi general population. Materials and method The present cross-sectional study was conducted on the general population of Saudi Arabia through an electronic survey over a period of three months. The study sample of 443 patients was deemed and considered. The study included participants from the general population in Saudi Arabia above the age of 18. A structured self-response questionnaire was given to the participants after institutional research ethical approval was obtained for the study. Results Among the 443 participants, the majority were male (n = 228, 51.5%), aged 18-29 (n = 227, 51.2%), and residing in the central region of Saudi Arabia (n = 398, 89.8%). Most participants reported engaging in sporting activities (n = 211, 47.6%), with high-intensity training being the most common (n = 93, 44.1%). Only a small proportion (n = 8, 1.8%) reported a previous diagnosis of MTSS. Analysis revealed associations between MTSS prevalence and certain demographic factors, including walking surface preferences and engagement in specific sports. Treatment strategies for MTSS included rest, ice application, physiotherapy, and pain-relieving medication, with varying degrees of satisfaction and recurrence rates among participants. Conclusion The study provides valuable insights into the prevalence, risk factors, management, and preventive measures related to MTSS among the Saudi general population. While certain demographic factors and exercise practices were associated with MTSS prevalence, effective treatment options such as rest, physiotherapy, and appropriate footwear were reported. Moreover, adherence to preventive measures such as stretching, proper footwear selection, and gradual training progression may help mitigate the risk of MTSS development.

Evaluating the Impact of Various Treatment Modalities on the Chewing Efficiency of Anterior Disc Displacements of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Cases: A Comparative Study.

Aim: Internal disc displacement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is identified by an anomaly between the condylar-disc assembly, which, in many cases, may lead to discomfort and malfunction of the chewing function. The study's objective was to assess the effects of four distinct treatment approaches on temporomandibular disorder cases with anterior disc displacements focusing on their chewing efficiency. Materials and Methods: One hundred participants suffering from reducible TMJ disc displacement were selected for enrollment in the study. Subjects were divided equally into four groups: group I patients were treated with behavioral therapy; group II patients were treated with low-level laser therapy (LLLT); group III patients were treated with anterior repositioning splints; and group IV patients were treated with flat plane splints. Chewing efficiency was assessed utilizing the fractional sieving method and a synthetic food substitute was created using silicon impression material. The statistical analysis encompassed comparisons of chewing efficiency between groups and between baseline and posttreatment within each group, employing analysis of variance (ANOVA) and paired t tests, respectively. Results: Using the paired t test, a significant difference in chewing efficiency values as expressed by the median particle size was observed between the baseline and 6-month values in all groups (P < 0.05), except for group I where no significant change was noted over the 6 months (P > 0.05). The one-way ANOVA test revealed a statistically significant difference among groups following therapies (P ˂ 0.05). The post hoc Tukey test was employed for pairwise comparisons and revealed statistically significant variances in the main values of chewing efficiency among all groups at a 95% confidence level (P ˂ 0.05). Conclusion: The study's results suggest that occlusal splints and LLLT are more effective in improving chewing efficiency than behavioral interventions.

Bilateral Humerus Midshaft Fracture Associated With Birth Trauma: A Case Report.

Bilateral humerus fractures as a result of birth trauma are a rare occurrence in neonatal care, necessitating special consideration due to their potential long-term implications. Birth-related injuries involving neonatal skeletal structures, especially fractures of the humerus, require special attention and a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and management. Here, we present the case of a newborn female child who experienced bilateral humerus fractures due to birth trauma. The subsequent management involved the application of splints to immobilize the affected arms, a standard practice in the treatment of fractures.