Role of mastoid pneumatization in temporal bone fractures.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The mastoid portion of the temporal bone has multiple functional roles in the organism, including regulation of pressure in the middle ear and protection of the inner ear. We investigated whether mastoid pneumatization plays a role in the protection of vital structures in the temporal bone during direct lateral trauma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was performed on 20 human temporal bones isolated from cadavers. In the study group formed by 10 temporal bone samples, mastoid cells were removed and the resulting neocavities were filled. The mastoids were maintained intact in the control group. All samples were impacted at the same speed and kinetic energy. The resultant temporal bone fractures were evaluated by CT. RESULTS: Temporal squama fractures were 2.88 times more frequent, and mastoid fractures were 2.76 times more frequent in the study group. Facial nerve canal fractures were 6 times more frequent in the study group and involved all the segments of the facial nerve. Carotid canal fractures and jugular foramen fractures were 2.33 and 2.5 times, respectively, more frequent in the study group. CONCLUSIONS: The mastoid portion of the temporal bone plays a role in the absorption and dispersion of kinetic energy during direct lateral trauma to the temporal bone, reducing the incidence of fracture in the setting of direct trauma.

Sinus lift and dental implant treatment as an option for enhancing the quality of life of our patients.

The loss of teeth in the posterior maxillary area is a real handicap for patients, which significantly affects their quality of life. This study aims to perform an exhaustive multidisciplinary analysis of bone reconstruction at this level using alloplastic osteoinductive material, followed by dental implant treatment. The results of the study show a 92.7% rate of implant integration and a 35% rate of replacement of the augmentation material with new bone after six months. The recovery of the lost functions is complete, and after a maximum length of time of 18 days, with a mean of 4.36 days, patients no longer perceive the reconstruction as a foreign body, which means a real improvement in their quality of life.

Early healing after ridge preservation with a new collagen matrix in dog extraction sockets: preliminary observations.

The aim of the present animal study was to investigate the early healing processes developing in the post-extraction sockets preserved with a new-marketed collagen matrix as, to our knowledge, such investigations have not been reported so far. In both quadrants of the mandible of a mongrel dog, the distal sockets of the second premolars served as experimental sites for ridge preservation. The experimental site 1 was protected with a resorbable membrane and then with the collagen matrix. The experimental site 2 was filled with a xenograft and then covered with the collagen matrix. The samples were harvested after one month of healing. In both experimental sites, the bundle bone lining the inner surface of the alveolus was replaced with trabecular bone containing areas of woven bone. A continuous layer of osteoblasts could be observed on the surface of woven bone areas. Osteoclasts encased within resorptive lacunae lined the outer portions of bone walls for the experimental site 1. The trabecular bone occupied only the apical third of the socket in experimental site 1, but it was obviously more abundant in the experimental site 2, occupying also the central compartment of the socket. Moreover, the trabeculae of the bone occupying the inner area of the alveolus were thicker for the experiment site 2 than for experiment site 1, suggesting an increased osseous deposition in the latter situation. Our preliminary results suggest that the association collagen matrix plus xenograft may be a valuable method for ridge preservation.

[Pain and quality of life. Evaluation of oral health]. / Durerea si calitatea vietii. Evaluari în sanatatea orala.

UNLABELLED: Life quality has a major importance in the actual social context. The evaluation af the pain sensation as a stress major factor is difficult regarding the variety of the methods, their relevance and their compliance. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We've made an evaluation concerning the trigeminal essential neuralgia pain using different tipe of parameters. RESULTS: The results obtained proved a scientific and clinical value of the method that we've initiated and applied in these research.

[New morpho-functional rehabilitation methods in cleft lip and palate]. / Noi metode de reabilitare morfo-functionala în despicaturile labio-maxilo-palatine.

UNLABELLED: The interdisciplinary, complex therapeutic protocol of the cleft lip and palate patients, applied in the Clinic of Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery of "I. Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, involves the morphologic reconstruction as well as the functional rehabilitation. Functional rehabilitation is the aspect, which gives the esthetics, social and familial integration of the patient, offering good quality of life. METHOD: In the current study, a new method and concept of improving the phonetic function in the primary and secondary surgical steps, with the effect on muscle and bone, is presented. The new surgical techniques used comprise of the surgery of the levator veli palatini using the method designed by Sader, and bone distraction, during the same surgical procedure. The assessment of the phonetic results was performed using the NARSOM test. RESULTS: Following up the results of the techniques mentioned above, we consider that they improve extremely well the morphological status, while giving a functional and physiological support to the patient. CONCLUSION: Thus, they offer optimal conditions for the future progress of functional rehabilitation using specific speech therapy methods.

[Use of laser-therapy for treatment of oral and maxillofacial hemangioma]. / Utilizarea laserterapiei pentru tratamentul hemangioamelor orale si maxilofaciale.

UNLABELLED: Laser-therapy opened new perspectives for the treatment of vascular lesions of the maxillofacial regions. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study evaluated the results of diode laser percutaneous coagulation of oral and maxillofacial hemangioma. A group of 12 patients with sonographically certified hemangioma was treated using percutaneous coagulation with a diode laser. RESULTS: The results showed good and rapid healing, without any complications. All patients presented size reduction of the lesions, a favorable esthetic appearance and no morbidity. There were no complications over a follow-up period of 3 years. The study recommends diode laser-therapy as a valuable treatment option for hemangioma in correctly selected indications.