Failure rates of miniscrews inserted in the maxillary tuberosity

ABSTRACT Introduction: Anchorage conservation in orthodontics has always been a challenge. Objective: The aim of this current study was to find out the failure rate of miniscrews inserted in the maxillary tuberosity (MT) region. Methods: This pilot study consisted of 40 patients (23 female, 17 male; mean age = 20.1±8.9 years) that had received 60 MT miniscrews for orthodontic treatment. Clinical notes and pictures were used to find out the primary outcome of miniscrew failure. Independent failure factors were also investigated. Logistic regression analysis was done for predictor's relation with MT miniscrews failure. Results: There was no significant correlation in failure rate according to various predictor variables, except for miniscrews installed by lesser experienced operators, which showed significantly more failure. The odds ratio for miniscrew failure placed by inexperienced operators was 4.16. Conclusion: A 26.3% failure rate of mini-implants inserted in the MT region was observed.

RESUMO Introdução: a manutenção da ancoragem sempre foi um desafio na Ortodontia. Objetivo: o objetivo do presente estudo foi descobrir a taxa de falhas dos mini-implantes instalados na região da tuberosidade maxilar (TM). Métodos: o presente estudo piloto avaliou 40 pacientes (23 mulheres, 17 homens; idade média = 20,1 ± 8,9 anos) que receberam 60 mini-implantes na TM durante o tratamento ortodôntico. Anotações clínicas e fotografias foram usadas para investigar o principal motivo para a falha do mini-implante. Fatores de insucesso independentes também foram investigados. Uma análise de regressão logística foi realizada para medir o impacto de cada fator preditivo sobre a falha na instalação dos mini-implantes na TM. Resultados: as diferentes variáveis preditivas não demonstraram correlação significativa com a taxa de falhas, com exceção da instalação dos mini-implantes realizada por operadores inexperientes, que mostrou quantidade significativamente maior de falhas. A razão de chances para a falha dos mini-implantes instalados por operadores inexperientes foi de 4,16. Conclusão: observou-se uma taxa de falhas de 26,3% para os mini-implantes instalados na região da TM.

Puberty growth spurt age in local population - a study

The biologic aspects of facial growth are fundamentally important in dentofacial orthopedics. The beginning, intensity, onset, and duration of the pubertal peak of facial growth have great variations among patients. The aim of the present study was to find the puberty growth spurt age in local population for diagnostic and optimum treatment planning issues. Hand- wrist radiographs of 200 patients were evaluated according to Bjork's method of assessment to determine the puberty growth spurt age. The spearman rank correlation between chronologic age and skeletal maturation intervals was 0.731 [P<.001] for both the genders combined. The mean chronological age of females in accelerating, peak and decelerating growth spurt was less than male subjects

12 years audit of upper gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures

Evaluation of upper gastrointestinal [GI] endoscopy in terms of indications, diagnostic efficacy, and diseases diagnosed. Design: Retrospective, observational case series. Place and Duration of Study: DHQ Teaching Hospital, Rawalpindi, from March 1990 to December 2001. Subjects and Patients who underwent upper GI endoscopy in 12 years were included. Upper GI endoscopies were performed according to standard protocol. Endoscopic diagnoses were based on widely accepted criteria. Of the 8481 patients, 4935 [58.2%] were female and 3546 [41.8%] male. Mean patient age was 40.5 years. Dyspepsia [42.6%], upper GI bleed [32.8%], and evaluation of chronic liver disease [10.2%] were common indications of the procedure. An endoscopic diagnosis was possible in 82.6% patients. Varices, gastritis, duodenitis, and combined lesions were common endoscopic diagnosis. Gastritis and duodenitis were most frequent causes of upper GI bleed. We noted more gastric ulcers compared to duodenal ulcers. Females had significantly more normal endoscopies, p-value= 0.02. Upper GI endoscopy is an effective procedure. Dyspepsia evaluation is commonest indication for upper GI endoscopy in our patients. Etiology of upper GI bleed, and incidence of duodenal ulcer compared to gastric ulcer in our patients are different than described in literature. Females have significantly more normal endoscopies

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographic evaluation of patients with obstructive jaundice

To evaluate the role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography [ERCP] in patients with obstructive jaundice. Design: A retrospective, observational study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at Valley Clinic, Rawalpindi, from January 1999 to January 2002. Subjects and Two-hundred and twenty-six patients, who underwent ERCP for evaluation of obstructive jaundice were included. ERCP in each case was performed with standard technique and the findings were recorded. Therapeutic procedures like sphincterotomy, Dormia extraction for stone, and stent placements were performed whenever indicated. Of the 226 patients, 117 [51.8%] were males, and 109 [48.2%] females, their mean age being 51.8 ' 16.6 years. Common bile and pancreatic ducts were visualized in 81.8% and 68.1% patients respectively. Growth/masses and stones were commonest causes of obstructive jaundice. Choledocholithias was common in males, while biliary channel related growth/masses were common in females [p-value = 0.03]. Common bile duct stone clearance rate was 88%, stenting was highly successful in patients with growth and strictures. ERCP related complications were noted in 11 [4.8%] patients. ERCP is an important diagnostic and therapeutic modality for evaluation of patients with obstructive jaundice. Growth/masses and stones are common causes of obstructive jaundice which can be diagnosed and treated with ERCP