The effect of manufacturing techniques on custom-made titanium cranioplasty plates: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effect of varying techniques on the surface characteristics of pressed titanium cranioplasty plates, commonly manufactured in laboratory practice. The aim was to highlight the variety of techniques currently used, assess these methods of manufacture and produce manufacturing recommendations. METHODS: A questionnaire identified manufacturing methods commonly used by maxillofacial prosthetists. The plate surfaces were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectrometry. The surface differences and titanium compositions were statistically analysed. RESULTS: Bead blasting with aluminium oxide (Al2O3) showed a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in titanium surface composition, replaced by a large aluminium content. Trimming tool choice had a significant impact (p = 0.001) on surface contamination by smoothing wheel material deposition; however passivation and anodising techniques had no significant effect (p = 0.293 and p = 0.257, respectively) on the surface composition or roughness of titanium samples. CONCLUSIONS: A large range of manufacturing techniques of titanium cranioplasty plates was confirmed and significant differences were found. Amongst other recommendations, bead blasting with Al2O3 is not recommended for commercially pure titanium implant surface finishing due to aluminium contamination. The recommendations outlined will minimise manufacturing time, reduce risk of complication (thus costs) and unify methods to enable a safe, reliable treatment.

Management of patients with interstitial cystitis: a case study.

Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by urinary frequency, urgency, and pain in the bladder or pelvis that for some can be debilitating. At present, IC is without cure, yet various management modalities are available. This article provides a general overview of the history, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of IC. A specific case study that focuses on a surgical management option is highlighted.

Schistosomiasis: a case study.

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection caused by trematodes (flatworms). It is second only to malaria in public health significance, with an estimated 200 million people infected worldwide. Schistosoma haematobium is endemic in Africa and the Middle East. This case study discusses a 36-year-old Somalian male who immigrated to a Northeastern city in the United States from a refugee camp in Kenya. He presented with episodic gross hematuria and flank pain, and was eventually diagnosed with urinary tract schistosomiasis, which was successfully treated with praziquantel. While the disease is not common in the United States, this case is presented for both its urological and cultural considerations.

Laparoscopic radical robotic prostatectomy: a case study.

The management of prostate cancer includes observation, hormonal therapy, radical prostate surgery (open, laparoscopic, or laparoscopic robotic), external beam radiation, brachytherapy, or cryotherapy. Laparoscopic radical robotic prostatectomy is the newest technology in minimally invasive surgery. This is a case study of a patient who chose to undergo laparoscopic robotic prostatectomy for his prostate cancer.