Factors affecting the variation in the adult temporomandibular joint of archaeological human populations.

To elucidate factors that may affect the variation in the bony components of temporomandibular joint (TMJ), a preliminary study was conducted on the temporal articular surface of the TMJ of 30 skulls from Iron Age and medieval populations from Lithuania and a mixed Neolithic and Bronze Age population from the Central Elbe-Saale region (CESR). Using three-dimensional (3D) photos of the skulls, length and width measurements of the TMJ were obtained and compared with external skull measurements. Distinct, random variation between the TMJ values from opposite sides of the cranium were identified as fluctuating asymmetry. ANOVA results suggest significant differences in the length of the TMJ between the population of the CESR and the two Lithuanian populations, but not between the two Lithuanian populations. Environmental factors, including geography, may be responsible for the variation in the TMJ form.

Metric analysis of the upper space of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in pigs (Sus scrofa domestica) for evaluation of the pig as a model for arthroscopic TMJ surgery.

Minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is more technically demanding than procedures in Larger joints. The acquisition of adequate arthroscopic skills for TMJ surgery requires extensive specialized training that can hardly be obtained from patients. In order to introduce a proper animal model for TMJ arthroscopy, this study focuses on the morphology of the upper joint cavity of pigs at different ages. Plastic casts of the upper joint cavity were obtained from a mixed-sex sample of eight unfixed juvenile pig heads. The morphometric evaluation of these plastic casts revealed that the TMJ of pigs with a body weight of about 30 kg resemble the situation of the human TMJ best, and thus may serve as a model for arthroscopic exercises and examinations of the TMJ.

[Indication, technique and clinical out come of the endoscopic assisted forehead and brow lift]. / Das endoskopische Stirn- und Augenbrauen-Lift: Indikationen, Technik und Ergebnisse.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to determine the indication for endoscopic-assisted forehead and brow lift and to present the surgical technique and evaluate clinical outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 61 female patients between 36 and 64 years (s=49.64) were operated from 1999 through 2002 with the endoscopic-assisted forehead and brow lift and were observed pre- and postoperatively and 6 months after surgery. The galea aponeurotic flap was fixed through a bone tunnel (tabula externa) with nonabsorbable sutures in all patients. We measured the distance between the middle of the pupil and the most cranial point of the eyebrow as well as the largest distance between the eyebrow and the hairline intraoperatively and 6 months after surgery. The patients' satisfaction with the outcome of these surgical procedures was determined on a scale from 1 to 10 with 1 as the worst and 10 as the best mark. RESULTS: We found a brow lift of 8.03 mm (s=1.622) on average. The endoscopic forehead and brow lift was indicated up to the maximal distance of 12 cm between the eyebrow and the hairline. The patients' satisfaction with the outcome was registered on average at 6.98 (s=1.36) on our scale. A temporary unilateral weakness of the frontal branch of the facial nerve was the severest complication found postoperatively. CONCLUSION: The endoscopic-assisted forehead and brow lift is a safe and effective method to improve upper face aesthetics. A high grade of patient satisfaction is obtainable. The advantage in using this method is the invisible scar formation. The indication is limited by a high hairline.

[Arthroscopic dorsal ligament plasty using a hydrojet knife in the TMJ]. / Arthroskopische dorsale Kiefergelenkbandstraffung mit Wasserstrahlskalpell Eine experimentelle Studie am Landschwein.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was the development and proof testing of an arthroscopic dorsal ligament plasty using a hydrojet knife in the pig TMJ before using in man. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The dorsal TMJ ligament of ten pigs (country breed) was irradiated with a hydrojet (diameter 120 microm, working pressure 90 bar) under arthroscopic visualization. Postoperatively the pigs were controlled for 10 weeks before sacrifice. The isolated TMJs were examined by light microscope and the results compared with untreated pig TMJs. The flows over our arthroscopic instruments were measured to exclude the possibility of damaging surrounding structures by pressure. RESULTS: Clinically we found no complications after arthroscopic surgery. Food intake was normal and development of body weight according to the food offered. Histology revealed tissue reorganization connected with increased collagen fibre production. Our calculations showed no pressure higher than 1000 mm water column in the TMJ under our working conditions. CONCLUSIONS: The idea of arthroscopic dorsal ligament plasty using a hydrojet works in pig TMJs. Experience in TMJ arthroscopy is necessary. We found no danger of barotrauma under arthroscopy with the hydrojet. The results indicate dorsal ligament shortening by development of scar formations. In our opinion the method can be used for the therapy of dorsal ligament elongation and disk displacements in the TMJ of man.

[Development, standardisation and evaluation of a model for arthroscopic surgery of the joint. An experimental study in pigs]. / Das Landschwein als Modell für Ausbildung, wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen und Entwicklung neuer arthroskopischer Operationsmethoden am Kiefergelenk.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to establish a reliable educational model for and a further refinement of arthroscopic surgery in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). MATERIAL AND METHODS: As a first step, the lateral-medial (length) and anterior-posterior distances (width) of the mandibular head of nine pig cadavers (country breed) of about 30 ( n=3), 60 ( n=3) and 90 kg ( n=3) body weight were measured and compared with findings in 12 adult human cadavers. The best points of access for the arthroscopic and lavage channels using the triangulation technique were determined. As determined by these findings, 15 arthroscopies were performed on eight pig TMJs under general anaesthetic. A control arthroscopy was performed after 2 weeks followed by another clinical follow-up at 4 weeks before the pigs were sacrificed. RESULTS: The TMJ of the pigs between 30 and 60 kg body weight was found to be highly comparable to the human TMJ. The best locations for puncturing the upper joint compartment of the TMJ in pigs were 5.0 cm and 6.1 cm anterior to the tragus on a line drawn along the lower margin of the zygoma. The only complication encountered was a subcutaneous infection treated successfully by antibiotics and incision. CONCLUSIONS: In our opinion, a standard and easily reproducible model is necessary for further studies in arthroscopic TMJ-surgery. The country bred pig represents a good model for educational purposes and for studying further refinements of arthroscopic technique.