In vivo investigation on connective tissue healing to polished surfaces with different surface wettability.

OBJECTIVES: Connective tissue in contact to transgingival/-dermal implants presents itself as tight scar formation. Although rough surfaces support the attachment they increase bacterial colonisation as well. In contrast to surface roughness, little is known about the influence of surface wettability on soft-tissue healing in vivo. We therefore investigated the influence of different surface wettabilities on connective tissue healing at polished implant surfaces in vivo. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three polished experimental groups (titanium, titanium coated with hydrophobic nano-crystalline diamond (H-NCD) and titanium coated with hydrophilic nano-crystalline diamond (O-NCD) were inserted into the subcutaneous connective tissue of the abdominal wall of 24 rats. Animals were sacrificed after 1 and 4 weeks resulting in eight specimen per group per time point. Specimen were subjected to histological evaluation (van Giesson's staining) and immunohistochemistry staining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), fibronectin and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). RESULTS: Histological evaluation revealed dense scar formation at the titanium and H-NCD surfaces. In contrast, the connective tissue was loose at the O-NCD surface with a significantly higher number of cells after 4 weeks. O-NCD demonstrated a strong expression of PCNA and fibronectin but a weak expression of TNF-α. In contrast, the PCNA and fibronectin expression was low at the titanium and H-NCD, with a strong signal of TNF-α at the H-NCD surface. CONCLUSIONS: Hydrophilicity influences the connective tissue healing at polished implant surfaces in vivo positively. The attachment of connective tissue and the number of cells in contact to the surface were increased. Moreover, the inflammatory response is decreased at the hydrophilic surface.

Magnetic resonance imaging findings of temporomandibular joint soft tissue changes in type V and VI condylar injuries.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to describe the incidence of acute temporomandibular joint (TMJ) soft tissue lesions associated with the occurrence of type V (high condylar fractures with dislocation) and type VI condylar fractures (condylar head fractures). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study comprised 11 consecutive patients, who were assigned a diagnosis of a uni- or bilateral type V or type VI condylar fracture. Bilateral sagittal and coronal magnetic resonance (MR) images were obtained immediately after injury to establish the presence or absence of disc disruption, capsular tear, retrodiskal tissue tear, and hemarthrosis. RESULTS: There was 1 condylar fracture site showing signs of disc disruption (16.7%). Tears in the capsule and retrodiscal tissue were found with an incidence of 77% and 71%, respectively, while the incidence of hemarthrosis accounted for 100%. MR imaging failed to show any signs of soft tissue lesions for condylar nonfracture sites. CONCLUSIONS: Type V and type VI condylar fracture sites are associated with a high incidence of injuries to the joint capsule and retrodiscal tissue. Investigation of longitudinal evidence, including risk factors, natural history, and response to treatment appears warranted and necessary.

Magnetic resonance imaging findings of internal derangement, osteoarthrosis, effusion, and bone marrow edema before and after performance of arthrocentesis and hydraulic distension of the temporomandibular joint.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether temporomandibular joint (TMJ) internal derangement type III and capsulitis/synovitis are related to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diagnoses of internal derangement, osteoarthrosis (OA), effusion, and/or bone marrow edema (BME), and whether arthrocentesis is associated with changes in diagnoses of internal derangement, OA, effusion, and/or BME. STUDY DESIGN: The study comprised 28 patients with a clinical unilateral TMJ disorder of internal derangement type III and capsulitis/synovitis. Bilateral MRI was immediately performed preoperatively and at a 2-month follow-up. RESULTS: There was a significant relationship between TMJ internal derangement type III and capsulitis/synovitis and TMJ internal derangement (P = .000), effusion (P = .036), and BME (P = .002). MRI showed a significant decrease in diagnoses of TMJ BME ((P = .018). CONCLUSIONS: MRI variables of internal derangement, effusion, and BME were related to TMJ internal derangement type III and capsulitis/synovitis; however, arthrocentesis was only associated with a significant change in diagnoses of TMJ BME.