Condylar Size and Position, Comparison among Different Sagittal Skeletal Relationships: A CBCT Study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the size and spatial position of mandibular condyles among different sagittal skeletal patterns using CBCT imaging. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Orthodontics, Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from 20th March 2021 to 4th January 2022. METHODOLOGY: CBCT scans of 66 subjects (33 males, 33 females) were divided into three equal groups on basis of sagittal skeletal relationships (Class I, Class II, and Class III). Condylar size and position were determined using the method described by Hilgers et al. and Ricketts et al. respectively. Independent samples t-test was applied to compare condylar size and position variables between the right and left condyles and between male and female subjects. All study groups were compared using ANOVA and Post Hoc Tukey's test. RESULTS: In males, the condylar size was larger and condyles were slightly more anteriorly positioned. Condylar width and height were smallest in skeletal Class II relation and largest in skeletal Class III relation. Regarding the condylar position, the anterior distance was investigated to be the smallest in Class II. The posterior distance was lesser in skeletal Class I subjects whereas the superior distance was lesser in Class III subjects. Angle of articular eminence was greater in class I, intermediate in class II, and lower in class III. Height of articular eminence was the lowest in Class III subjects. CONCLUSION: Statistically significant differences existed for the size and position of mandibular condyles among different sagittal skeletal relationships. KEY WORDS: Temporomandibular joint, Condylar position, Condylar size, Sagittal skeletal relationships, CBCT.

Spinal arachnoiditis and syringomyelia: Review of literature with emphasis on postinfectious inflammation and treatment.

Background: Arachnoiditis refers to chronic inflammation of the arachnoid mater and subarachnoid space due to three major etiologies: chemical, mechanical, and postinfectious. As a rare disease with variable symptomatology and severity at presentation, arachnoiditis can be extremely debilitating with many complications, prominent among which is syringomyelia. Methods: We reviewed current literature concerning postinfectious spinal arachnoiditis and associated syringomyelia with emphasis on the treatment options that have been used to date and discuss their respective benefits and drawbacks. Results: It is critical to understand the natural history and potential complications of patient with postinfectious arachnoiditis. Surgical and medical treatments both have their own merits and demerits. Different surgical approaches have been employed with variable success rates. Conclusion: At present, no consensus exists regarding management of these patients due to the variable nature of the disease that affects treatment efficacy; however, surgical intervention in selected cases may be beneficial.

Assess the knowledge of dentists regarding Hepatitis B serological profile: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: The primary aim of the study was to determine the knowledge of dental practitioners regarding HBV serological markers. Second objective was to determine prevalence of occupational exposures to HBV amongst dentists. METHODOLOGY: A questionnaire was constructed pertaining to various aspects of HBV serology; validated by an expert panel; and piloted at 49 dentists. A Cronbach-alpha value of 0.7 was attained and thus extensive survey was conducted among dentists in routine practise treating hepatitis B patients at dental teaching hospitals in Peshawar, KP. The data was analysed using SPSS v.22. RESULTS: A response rate of 58% (a total of 290 respondents) was attained. All respondents were vaccinated against HBV. Over 50% reported not to follow Standard precautions for every patient. Overall, 20.3% experienced HBV exposure, eight were administered PEP. Fifty-four percent of FYs; 74.5% PGTs and 71.6% of faculty dentists correctly answered: HBsAg to be the 'serological hallmark of HBV infection'; this was the most correctly answered question. Sixty-four percent dentists failed to identify the infectious carrier phase. Over 50% of dentists in each category failed to correctly answer 5/8 of the HBV serology. CONCLUSIONS: Over 20% reported HBV occupational exposure but zero transmissions. Majority of dentists did not have correct information on HBV serological profile which may jeopardise cross-infection control. Further education on HBV serological markers and its clinical relevance to dentistry along with stringent adherence to Standard precautions is recommended.