Ultrasound clinical references of the healthy toenail unit.

The toenail unit, commonly called the nail, is one of the most frequently examined and treated structures in clinical podiatry. Ultrasound is a standard clinical technique because it is a noninvasive, painless, and rapid diagnostic tool. The main objective of this study was to obtain morphometric data of the healthy toenail unit by ultrasound for clinical application. The nails of 76 participants (152 hallux nails; 38 men, 38 women, average age 26.83 ± 12.20) were examined using a VINNO E35 ultrasound system and an X6-16L linear probe with a frequency of 18 MHz. Five ultrasound measures of the healthy toenail unit were obtained, of which only the distance from the center of the distal phalange to the nail plate varied with age, sex, weight, and foot (p-values ≤ 0.050). The other four parameters were less influenced by the variables analyzed, except sex, which influenced nearly all (p-values ≤ 0.050). In one of these variables, indications of significance were observed (p-values = 0.060), with greater distances in the men than in the women, except for nail plate curvature, which showed a higher value. The other variables studied did not influence the parameters analyzed. High-frequency ultrasound can be used to examine the healthy toenail unit and define anthropometric reference measurements that can be used for more accurate and comparative diagnosis.

Effects of Physiotherapy vs. Acupuncture in Quality of Life, Pain, Stiffness, Difficulty to Work and Depression of Women with Fibromyalgia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia is a chronic clinical condition characterized by pain and other associated symptoms that have a negative impact on the quality of life of the affected person. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a core stability training physiotherapy program compared to an acupuncture treatment on quality of life, pain, joint stiffness, difficulty to work and depression of women with fibromyalgia. METHODS: This was a single-blind, randomized clinical controlled trial. Women with fibromyalgia were randomized to a core stability physiotherapy program group (n = 45), an acupuncture treatment group (n = 45) and a control group (n = 45) for 13 weeks. Measurements were taken at baseline (week 0), post-intervention (week 6) and at follow-up (week 13). The primary outcome measure was quality of life (Spanish Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire). The secondary outcome measures were pain, joint stiffness, difficulty to work and depression (Visual Analogue Scale). RESULTS: In total, 103 participants completed the study. The results, from a descriptive perspective, showed improvements in all the outcome measures in both intervention groups (physiotherapy and acupuncture) at weeks 6 and 13 in relation to week 0 and in comparison to the control group. Only the difficulty to work measure in the acupuncture group showed a slight decrease at week 13. In particular, mean (±SD) Spanish Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire score at 6 weeks was 62.89 ± 16.91 for the physiotherapy group, 62.5 ± 18.09 for the acupuncture group and 67.45 ± 17.07 for the control group. However, these improvements were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Core stability-based physiotherapy and acupuncture showed non-significant improvements in quality of life, pain, joint stiffness, difficulty to work and depression in women with fibromyalgia.

¿Es el desplazamiento discal sinónimo de patología articular temporomandibular? Correlación clínico-radiológica y prevalencia de trastornos internos en sujetos voluntarios asintomáticos / Is disc displacement synonymous with temporomandibular joint pathology? Clinical-radiological correlation and prevalence of internal disorders in asymptomatic volunteers subjects

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los trastornos internos (TI) de la articulación temporomandibular (ATM) constituyen la condición clínica articular más frecuente en pacientes con trastornos temporomandibulares (TTM). Presentes hasta en un 80-90 % de los casos sintomáticos, no se sabe por qué, su presencia en sujetos asintomáticos no causa dolor ni disfunción. En contraposición, una posición normal del disco ha sido descrita en un 16-23 % de pacientes sintomáticos. OBJETIVOS: Analizar la prevalencia de TI de la ATM en sujetos voluntarios asintomáticos y qué características clínico-radiológicas podrían favorecer su presencia o desarrollo. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Se diseñó un estudio descriptivo, observacional, transversal. Se seleccionaron 43 sujetos de una población de 253 residentes que realizaban su formación médica especializada. El estudio fue desarrollado en varias fases. Fase I: Anamnesis y examen clínico. Empleo del índice craneomandibular de Fricton (ICM); Fase II: Adquisición y evaluación de imágenes de Resonancia Magnética (RMN). Las imágenes fueron procesadas a formato DICOM 4.0 y evaluadas por dos examinadores externos. Fase III: Análisis morfoestructural de las ATM. Las imágenes de RMN fueron analizadas empleando el programa informático Osirix® V 3.5.1. RESULTADOS: Setenta y dos articulaciones (pertenecientes a 36 sujetos) fueron finalmente analizadas. La edad media fue de 28,39 ± 3,70 años con una distribución por sexos de 47,2 % hombres y de 52,8 % mujeres. El análisis inferencial mostró resultados estadísticamente significativos en relación con las variables sexo (p = 0,021), chasquido articular (p = 0,007), valor del ICM (p = 0,000296), morfología discal (p = 1,032 X 10-8), morfología condilar (p = 2,116 X 10-8), posición condilar en el interior de la ATM (longitudes posterior y superior, p = 5,385 X 10-9; p = 0,000245, respectivamente) y morfología de la fosa articular (p = 0,024). CONCLUSIONES: Existe una elevada prevalencia de TI de la ATM en los sujetos asintomáticos analizados. Ciertos criterios clínicos (chasquido articular) y radiológicos (morfología discal alargada/doblada, cóndilo y fosa aplanados y posición más posterior y craneal del cóndilo mandibular) podrían ser considerados como predictores o relacionados con la presencia de desplazamiento discal. El ICM podría constituir una herramienta útil en el diagnóstico de patología articular de la ATM

INTRODUCTION: Internal derangements (IDs) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) constitute the most common clinical joint condition in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Present in up to 80-90 % of symptomatic cases, it is not known why, its presence in asymptomatic subjects does not cause pain or dysfunction. In contrast, a normal position of the disc has been described in 16-23 % of symptomatic patients. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the prevalence of IDs of the TMJ in asymptomatic voluntary subjects and what clinical-radiological characteristics could favor their presence or development. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study was designed. Fortythree subjects from a population of 253 residents who performed their training program were selected. The study was carried out in several phases. Phase I: Anamnesis and clinical examination. Use of the Fricton Cranio-mandibular Index (CMI); Phase II: Acquisition and evaluation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The images were processed in DICOM 4.0 format and evaluated by two external examiners. Phase III: Morpho-structural analysis of the TMJs. The MRI were analyzed using the Osirix® V 3.5.1 Software. RESULTS: Seventy-two joints (belonging to 36 subjects) were finally analyzed. The mean age was 28.39 ± 3.70 years with a distribution by sex of 47.2% men and 52.8 % women. The inferential analysis showed statistically significant results in relation to the variables sex (p = 0.021), joint click (p = 0.007), CMI value (p = 0.000296), disc morphology (p = 1.032x10-8), condylar morphology (p = 2.116x10-8) and condylar position inside the TMJ ((posterior and superior lengths, p = 5.385x10-9; p = 0.000245, respectively) and morphology of the joint fossa (p = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of IDs in asymptomatic subjects is present in our study. Certain clinical (joint clicking) and radiological criteria (an elongated or bent disc morphology, a flattened condyle and fossa and a more posterior and cranial position of the mandibular condyle) could be considered as predictors or be related to the presence of disc displacement. The CMI could be a useful tool in the diagnosis of joint pathology of the TMJ

Utility of the Montgomery salivary tubes for preventing pharyngocutaneous fistula in total laryngectomy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prophylactic, protocolized, and standardized use of a Montgomery tube in preventing pharyngocutaneous fistulas after total laryngectomy and neck dissection. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary referral centre. SUBJECT AND METHODS: A Montgomery salivary bypass tube was placed in 44 patients undergoing total laryngectomy and neck dissection, observing the percentage of fistula appearance and the time of start of deglutition. Comparison was made with a group of 28 patients prior to the implantation of the protocol in whom the tube was not used. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant decrease in the percentage of fistulas and an earlier onset of deglutition in the salivary bypass tube patients compared to those in whom the tube had not been used. CONCLUSION: Prophylactic and standardized use of the Montgomery salivary bypass tube in patients undergoing total laryngectomy and neck dissection might decrease the incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistula and improve the course of one that is already established.

Effectiveness of acupuncture vs. core stability training in balance and functional capacity of women with fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effectiveness of a core stability training physiotherapy programme vs. acupuncture for the management of balance and functional capacity impairments of women with Fibromyalgia. DESIGN: Single-blind randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Outpatients setting. SUBJECTS: Women with Fibromyalgia and balance impairment. INTERVENTIONS: Participants were randomized to a core stability physiotherapy programme group (n = 45), acupuncture treatment group (n = 45) and control group (n = 45) for 13 weeks. MAIN MEASURES: Measures were taken at baseline (week 0), postintervention (week 6) and follow-up (week 13). The primary outcome measures were static balance (posturography) and dynamic balance and functional mobility (Berg Balance Scale, timed up and go test and 10-m walk). The secondary outcome measure was functional capacity (Fibromyalgia Health Assessment Questionnaire and the physical function item from the Spanish Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire). RESULTS: In all, 103 participants completed the study. The results showed statistically significant improvements in the acupuncture and physiotherapy groups vs. the control group at week 6 regarding Berg Balance Scale (P = 0.00, both groups), timed up and go test (P = 0.00 and P = 0.01, respectively) and 10-m walk test at comfortable speed (P = 0.02 and P = 0.03, respectively). The 10-m walk test at maximum speed showed significance when comparing the physiotherapy and control group (P = 0.03). However, no significant differences were found between the physiotherapy and the acupuncture groups. In relation to functional capacity, the improvements achieved after the treatments were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Core stability-based physiotherapy and acupuncture improve dynamic balance and postural control in women with Fibromyalgia.

Schneiderian Membrane Thickness and Clinical Implications for Sinus Augmentation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Regression Analyses.

BACKGROUND: Schneiderian membrane thickness (SMT) has been regarded as a key factor for influencing membrane perforation, which may jeopardize the final clinical outcome of sinus augmentation. Hence, this systematic review aims at studying the mean SMT and further investigating patient-related factors that may affect SMT. As a secondary goal, the association between SMT and membrane perforation rate was studied. METHODS: Three independent reviewers in several databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register databases, conducted electronic and manual literature searches. This review was written and conducted according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) and MECIR (Methodological Expectations of Cochrane Intervention Reviews) guidelines. Quantitative assessment was performed for articles that met the inclusion criteria to investigate the mean SMT, its contributing factors, and the influence on membrane damage and surgical complications. RESULTS: Thirty-one studies that reported maxillary SMT were considered for qualitative analysis. Nineteen were further meta-analyzed. Overall mean ± SE SMT was 1.17 ± 0.1 mm (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.89 to 1.44). Although mean SMT for the three-dimensional radiography (3DR) group was 1.33 mm (95% CI = 1.06 to 1.60), for the histology group, it was 0.48 mm (95% CI = 0.12 to 1.1). Random-effects model showed that, although there is a trend for thicker SMT as determined using 3DR compared with histologic analysis, such difference did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.15). Also, regression analyses demonstrated that the variables periodontitis (P = 0.13) and smoking (P = 0.11) showed thicker SMT. Inconclusive data were obtained when correlating SMT and perforation rate, although it seems that thicker SMT might be more prone to perforation (P = 0.14). CONCLUSIONS: SMT is, on average, 1 mm in patients seeking sinus augmentation. Three-dimensional technologies overestimate approximately 2.5 times SMT when compared with histologic analysis. Periodontitis and smoking may result in thickening of the sinus membrane. However, current data were inconclusive to link SMT to the rate of membrane damage.

Influence of atrophic posterior maxilla ridge height on bone density and microarchitecture.

PURPOSE: There is limited evidence available on the influence of residual ridge height (RH) on bone density. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the correlation between the atrophic posterior RH in the maxilla and its bone density as determined by microcomputed tomography (µ-CT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-two subjects with atrophic posterior maxilla of residual RH <8 mm were included in this study. A preoperative cone beam CT scan with a radiographic stent was taken for each patient. A bone core biopsy was thus obtained from the predetermined surgical site. Out of 32 biopsies, 27 were intact and sent for µ-CT analysis. RESULTS: A statistically significant positive correlation between bone volumetric fraction (BV/TV) and RH was identified (r = 0.417, p = .03). A statistically significant negative correlation between trabecular pattern factor and RH was also found (r = -0.415, p = .03). The rest of the morphometric parameters analyzed did not have any significant correlation to RH. CONCLUSION: BV/TV is potentially influenced by the residual bone height at the posterior maxilla. The lesser the RH, the lower the bone quantity and quality present.

Effect of location on primary stability and healing of dental implants.

PURPOSE: To study implant primary stability and bone healing using resonance frequency analysis in different anatomical locations 4 months after placement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-six partially edentulous patients restored by dental implants were included. Overall, 214 implants were placed without bone or soft tissue augmentation. All implants were placed with the same drilling protocol and implant insertion torque (35-40 N · cm). RESULTS: The mean implant stability quotient (ISQ) value at baseline for all the locations was 75.4 mm (95% confidence interval, 74.20-76.59 mm). Higher ISQ values were found in the mandible. A significant difference between ISQ values of each location (P < 0.001) was identified. The mean values obtained showed an increase (3.4%) in all the locations, being greater in the posterior lower and upper maxillae (3.8%), whereas for the anterior maxilla, it was the least (1.5%) 4 months after healing. This increase was statistically significant in the posterior upper and lower maxillae (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Higher implant stability was found in mandible compared with maxilla in both periods, immediately after insertion and 4 months later. Therefore, according to ISQ values, restoring implants immediately after insertion or after a healing period of 4 months represents safe time points.

A systematic review on marginal bone loss around short dental implants (<10 mm) for implant-supported fixed prostheses.

PURPOSE: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effect of implant length on peri-implant marginal bone loss (MBL) and its associated influencing factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An electronic search of the PubMed and MEDLINE databases for relevant studies published in English from November 2006 to July 2012 was performed by one examiner (AM). Selected studies were randomized clinical trials, human experimental clinical trials or prospective studies (e.g., cohort as well as case series) with a clear aim of investigating marginal bone loss of short dental implants (<10 mm) supporting fixed prostheses. A random-effect meta-regression model was used to determine the relationship between the effect size mean MBL and the covariate "implant length." Additionally, a subgroup analysis, by means of a random-effect one-way ANOVA model, comparing mean MBL values at different levels of each factor ("type of connection" and "type of prostheses") was also performed. RESULTS: The meta-regression of mean MBL on the moderator "implant length" was found to be insignificant (P = 0.633). Therefore, it could not be concluded that implant length had an effect on peri-implant MBL. In addition, standardized differences in mean MBL on the subgroups short (<10 mm) and standard (≥ 10 mm) implants, as determined by the meta-analysis (random-effect model), were found to be statistically insignificant (P = 0.222). CONCLUSIONS: Within limitations of the present systematic review, it could be concluded that short dental implants (<10 mm) had similar peri-implant MBL as standard implants (≥ 10 mm) for implant-supported fixed prostheses.

Comparison of microstructures between block grafts from the mandibular ramus and calvarium for horizontal bone augmentation of the maxilla: a case series study.

The primary purpose of this clinical study was to compare architectural metric parameters using microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) between sites grafted with blocks harvested from the mandibular ramus and calvarium for horizontal bone augmentation in the maxilla. The second aim was to compare the primary stability of implants placed in both types of block grafts. Ten consecutive healthy partially edentulous patients requiring extensive horizontal bone reconstruction in the maxilla were included. A total of 14 block grafts (7 each from the mandibular ramus and calvarium) were studied. After 4 to 6 months of healing, 41 implants were placed: 24 implants (58.5%) in calvarial (group 1) and 17 (41.5%) in ramus grafts (group 2). A resonance frequency analysis (RFA) was performed to test implant stability. Furthermore, two biopsy specimens were randomly selected for histomorphometric analysis. Micro-CT analyses showed no significant difference in the morphometric parametric values analyzed between groups. Furthermore, RFA also showed no difference between groups. However, slightly higher RFA values were noted for implants placed in ramus grafts. Bone quality, as assessed by micro-CT and histomorphometric analyses, was similar in both ramus and calvarial block grafts. In addition, there was no difference in primary implant stability between groups.

Comparison of implant primary stability between maxillary edentulous ridges receiving intramembranous origin block grafts

Purpose: The purposes of the present study were: to compare the resonance frequency analysis (RFA) values of implant placed in either ramus or calvaria block grafts; and to determine if implant diameter influences RFA implant stability quotient (ISQ) value. Material and Methods: This was a retrospective study that included 16 consecutives healthy patients treated with autogenous on lay block grafts for horizontal bone reconstruction in maxilla. Ten ramus and ten calvaria block graft treated patients were selected and compared. Results: Totally, 59 implants were placed, 35 (59.3%) were placed on the calvaria bone grafts and the remaining24 (40.7%) were on the ramus bone graft. Of all the implants studied, 13 (22%), 35 (59.3%), and 11 (18.6%) were10 mm, 11.5 mm and 13 mm in length respectively. Regarding the diameter, 4 (7%) were 3.3 mm, 3 (5%) were 3.5mm, 20 (34%) were 3.7 mm and 32 (54%) were 4 mm. Mean ISQ value obtained by RFA was 73.06 ± 6.08, being72.19 ± 6 and 74.47 ± 6.06 for the calvaria and ramus treated group respectively. No significant differences were noted between the two groups (p= 0.154). Implants were pooled and divided by their diameter. Mean ISQ value obtained for 3.3 mm was 80 ± 5.09, while for 4.0 mm was 72.5 ± 7.19. Again, no significant differences were found among the groups (p= 0.138).Conclusion: For RFA ISQ value, the bone graft origins (calvaria or ramus) or implant diameters did not influence the outcome (AU)

Comparison of implant primary stability between maxillary edentulous ridges receiving intramembranous origin block grafts.

PURPOSE: The purposes of the present study were: to compare the resonance frequency analysis (RFA) values of implant placed in either ramus or calvaria block grafts; and to determine if implant diameter influences RFA implant stability quotient (ISQ) value. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study that included 16 consecutives healthy patients treated with autogenous onlay block grafts for horizontal bone reconstruction in maxilla. Ten ramus and ten calvaria block graft treated patients were selected and compared. RESULTS: Totally, 59 implants were placed, 35 (59.3%) were placed on the calvaria bone grafts and the remaining 24 (40.7%) were on the ramus bone graft. Of all the implants studied, 13 (22%), 35 (59.3%), and 11 (18.6%) were 10 mm, 11.5 mm and 13 mm in length respectively. Regarding the diameter, 4 (7%) were 3.3 mm, 3 (5%) were 3.5 mm, 20 (34%) were 3.7 mm and 32 (54%) were 4 mm. Mean ISQ value obtained by RFA was 73.06 ± 6.08, being 72.19 ± 6 and 74.47 ± 6.06 for the calvaria and ramus treated group respectively. No significant differences were noted between the two groups (p= 0.154). Implants were pooled and divided by their diameter. Mean ISQ value obtained for 3.3 mm was 80 ± 5.09, while for 4.0 mm was 72.5 ± 7.19. Again, no significant differences were found among the groups (p= 0.138). CONCLUSION: For RFA ISQ value, the bone graft origins (calvaria or ramus) or implant diameters did not influence the outcome.