Bone tissue response to an oily calcium hydroxide suspension in tibial defects. An experimental pilot study in minipigs.

OBJECTIVES: The present study was conducted to evaluate the bone tissue response after the application of an oily calcium hydroxide suspension (OCHS) into defects created in the tibial bone of minipigs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Standardized defects (2 ccm) were created into the tibia of 4 Goettinger minipigs. Defects in the test group (n = 4) were filled with OCHS (Osteora, DFS-Diamon, Riedenburg, Germany). Defects in the control group (n = 4) were filled with venous blood. Animals were sacrificed after healing periods of 4 and 8 weeks. Tibias were dissected, soft tissues removed and processed for histological analysis. Digital images (×200) were evaluated using the software CellD (Soft Imaging System, Münster, Germany). The following histomorphometrical landmarks were identified: defect size, mineralized tissue, non-mineralized tissue and residual OCHS. RESULTS: Healing was uneventful in all four animals. In the test group, new bone formation was observed in the vicinity of the defect margins whereas the centre of the defect was dominated by non-mineralized tissue. Mean percentages of mineralized tissue after 4 weeks were 23.01% in the test group vs. 43.45% in the control group. The mean value for residual OCHS was 7,11% at 4 weeks. After 8 weeks mean percentages of mineralized tissue were 28.15% in the test group vs. 44.39% in the control group as well as 7.05% for residual OCHS. CONCLUSION: Within the limits of the present pilot study it can be concluded that OCHS did not have a beneficial effect on new bone formation. To prove an osteoinductive potential of OCHS further studies based on a higher number of samples are needed.

[Optimizing therapeutic methods in mandibular fractures]. / Optimizarea metodelor de tratament în fracurile de mandibula.

The authors present various methods for immobilizing mandibular fractures, stressing their advantages and disadvantages. They describe modern surgical methods used in immobilizing these fractures, considering methods employed in stable, functional osteosynthesis that have improved indications for surgical therapy, and that have made obsolete intermaxillary immobilization. These methods are more acceptable for the patient because they allow for a completely normal diet, as well as the maintenance of a normal hygiene in the buccal cavity. Evolution of the recovery is more easily followed, and in case of complications interventions are easily carried out in a short time. The presence of functional stimuli enhances the development of a good callus, and the full recovery is shortened by 2-3 weeks.

Studies concerning some acute biological changes after endovenous administration of 1 g l-carnitine, in elite athletes.

Acute effects of l-carnitine (vials of 1 g endovenous) were recorded in a group of elite athletes (17 swimmers) by a prospective double-blind placebo-controlled trial and cross over. Significant changes were registered after l-carnitine injection, compared to placebo, for FFA, triglycerides, lactic acid after exercise, evoked muscular potential, 90 to 120 minutes after injection. The authors explain these changes by the increase of free carnitine, which permits a larger quantity of FFA to enter the mitochondria and to be more extensively used as energy source.

[Value of ultrasound in preoperative exploration of parotid tumors]. / La valeur de l'échographie dans l'exploration pré-opératoire des tumeurs parotidiennes.

Ultrasound image were compared with operative findings and gross pathology and histology appearances in 28 patients with parotid gland tumors (24 benign and 4 malignant). Ultrasound exploration provides precise data on localization, shape, size, outline, homogenicity of tumor contents and position of lesion in relation to pharyngeal wall. Clearly defined ultrasound images were detected in all benign but few malignant tumors, which presented mainly diffuse images. Non-homogeneous density of images, showing presence of intratumoral necrotic zones, was identified in all cases of malignant tumors but very few cases of benign lesions. Ultrasound imaging defines probable nature of a parotid tumor, probability enhanced by combining other exploratory investigations, but provides precise data on physical nature of tumor, of value during surgery.

[Epidemiological investigations among the viral hepatitis contact in a close children collectivity]. / Investigatii epidemiologice printre contactii de hepatita virala dintr-o colectivitate închisa de copii.

The results of the clinico-epidemiological and laboratory (TGP, tymol and HBsAg) investigations carried out in 164 contacts of an icteric case of viral hepatitis from a creche type children collectivity are presented. A wide spread of the infection, expressed by subclinical forms of disease identified on the basis of the alterations of TGP and their dynamics (27.4%) was pointed out. The increased incidence of HBsAg carriers and the correlation with the TGP increased values allowed the conclusion that the infection was caused by the hepatitis virus type B. The epidemiological investigation established that the infection was transmitted by direct contact favoured by children's close physical contact.

Treatment of temporo-mandibular ankylosis with particular reference to the interposition of full-thickness skin autotransplant.

In the treatment of the temporo-mandibular ankylosis, the maintainance of separation between the temporal and mandibular raw surfaces, after osteotomy of the bony fusion, constitutes the key to the prevention of recurrence; the great potential of bone to reform is acknowledged by all those who are experienced in this problem. Analysing 168 temporo-mandibular arthoplasties in which different methods have been used in order to maintain the newly created joint space, the causes of failures have been brought out and the difficulties studied. The conclusion is reached that the best results were obtained by the interposition of autogenous full thickness skin. The surgical technique is briefly presented as well as the records regarding the cases followed-up for a period of 2 to 19 years, illustrating the anatomical and functional conservation of the new joints. The experimental investigations concerning the behaviour and fate of the buried skin autotransplants complete the clinical studies, proving the qualities and the value of full thickness skin as an interposition material in arthroplasties.

[Technique of retrograde obturation of the root canal following apical resection]. / Technique de l'obturation rétrograde du canal radiculaire après la résection apicale.

This technique may be used, for the upper canines and incisors, to provide mechanical treatment and complete obturation of the root canal by shortened Kerr wires. It is not necessary to shorten the length of the root nor to interfere with fixed dentures.

Enteroviral etiology of some epidemic outbreaks in a zone of Romania.

The authors describe three enterovirus epidemics: an outbreak of Coxsackie B1 epidemic myalgia, one of echovirus 4 meningitis and one of epidemic vomiting and diarrhea caused by Coxsackie A9 virus. Etiological diagnosis was established by virological and serological tests.

Vertical osteotomy of the ascending rami in mandibular retrognathism.

The authors present their experience and conclusions regarding surgical lengthening of the mandible in retrognathism due to bone hypo-development. Thus, in hypotrophies of the ascending ramus, especially in temporo-mandibular ankylosis, they use a longitudinal osteotomy (Popescu 1949); various technical adaptations of this method, in different situations, are described, as well as their association with osteoplasty, utilizing iliac bone grafts or the hypertrophic chin prominence. In retrognathism due to hypo-development of the mandible, when the ascending rami have a good conformation, sagittal osteotomy (Obwegeser 1957, Dal Pont 1961) is preferred.