Application of the Kvaal Method in Age Estimation of the Serbian Population Based on Dental Radiographs.

This study aimed to evaluate the applicability of the Kvaal method in determining the age of a Serbian population. In this retrospective descriptive study, 170 dental patients (age range 16-77 years) were included. The measurements of six types of teeth were performed on digital orthopantomography radiographs according to the Kvaal method. Statistical inter-observer and intra-observer reliabilities were calculated to evaluate the reproducibility of the measurements, as well as to examine the correlation between chronological age and measured values. The evaluation revealed a substantial difference (over 12 years) between chronological and estimated age. The P ratio had the strongest correlation with chronological age for the maxillary central (r = ±0.293) and lateral incisors (r = ±0.240), whereas the pulp/root width ratio at level A had the strongest correlation for the mandibular first premolars (r = ±0.270). The lowest SD values, for measurements on teeth 15/25 (SD = 125,787), had the most accurate correlation with age. Thus, we can conclude that the original Kvaal method is not applicable in the age estimation of the Serbian population. For future research, we suggest using cone beam computer tomography as a precise technology to evaluate the applicability of Kvaal and other methods for age estimation.

The effect of final irrigation with MTAD, QMix, and EDTA on smear layer removal and mineral content of root canal dentin.

To compare the smear layer removal ability and mineral content of root canal dentine after initial irrigation with NaOCl and final irrigation with MTAD, QMix, and 17% EDTA. Forty extracted human maxillary incisors before root canal preparation and irrigation with NaOCl were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10) according to the type of final irrigants used: MTAD, QMix, 17% EDTA, and control (sterile distilled water). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to assess the presence of smear layer. SEM energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was used to quantify dentin mineral composition in MTAD, QMix, 17% EDTA group, and in no-treatment samples (no-treatment group; n = 10). Among the various chelating agents, there were no significant differences in the smear layer removal in the middle and coronal thirds (p > .05). In the apical third, QMix removed significantly more smear layer than 17% EDTA (p < .05), but similarly to MTAD (p > .05). Final irrigation with MTAD resulted in a significant increase in the carbon (C) value compared to EDTA (p < .001). There was no significant difference in the mineral composition between the MTAD and the QMix group, although the values of the mineral elements were significantly altered in the MTAD group. QMix had smear layer removal capability similar to MTAD but better than EDTA in the apical third. MTAD yielded the most pronounced effect on mineral component of root dentin; however, differences were significant only for C level compared to 17% EDTA.

Effect of Plyometric Training on Vertical Jump Performance in Female Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Plyometric training is an effective method to prevent knee injuries in female athletes; however, the effects of plyometric training on jump performance in female athletes is unclear. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the effectiveness of plyometric training on vertical jump (VJ) performance of amateur, collegiate and elite female athletes. METHODS: Six electronic databases were searched (PubMed, MEDLINE, ERIC, Google Scholar, SCIndex and ScienceDirect). The included studies were coded for the following criteria: training status, training modality and type of outcome measures. The methodological quality of each study was assessed using the physiotherapy evidence database (PEDro) scale. The effects of plyometric training on VJ performance were based on the following standardised pre-post testing effect size (ES) thresholds: trivial (<0.20), small (0.21-0.60), moderate (0.61-1.20), large (1.21-2.00), very large (2.01-4.00) and extremely large (>4.00). RESULTS: A total of 16 studies met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis revealed that plyometric training had a most likely moderate effect on countermovement jump (CMJ) height performance (ES = 1.09; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.57-1.61; I 2 = 75.60 %). Plyometric training interventions of less than 10 weeks in duration had a most likely small effect on CMJ height performance (ES = 0.58; 95 % CI 0.25-0.91). In contrast, plyometric training durations greater than 10 weeks had a most likely large effect on CMJ height (ES = 1.87; 95 % CI 0.73-3.01). The effect of plyometric training on concentric-only squat jump (SJ) height was likely small (ES = 0.44; 95 % CI -0.09 to 0.97). Similar effects were observed on SJ height after 6 weeks of plyometric training in amateur (ES = 0.35) and young (ES = 0.49) athletes, respectively. The effect of plyometric training on CMJ height with the arm swing was likely large (ES = 1.31; 95 % CI -0.04 to 2.65). The largest plyometric training effects were observed in drop jump (DJ) height performance (ES = 3.59; 95 % CI -3.04 to 10.23). Most likely extremely large plyometric training effects on DJ height performance (ES = 7.07; 95 % CI 4.71-9.43) were observed following 12 weeks of plyometric training. In contrast, a possibly small positive training effect (ES = 0.30; 95 % CI -0.63 to 1.23) was observed following 6 weeks of plyometric training. CONCLUSION: Plyometric training is an effective form of training to improve VJ performance (e.g. CMJ, SJ and DJ) in female athletes. The benefits of plyometric training on VJ performance are greater for interventions of longer duration (≥10 weeks).

THE IMPACT OF COMBINED MENISCUS TEAR ON QUALITY OF LIFE AFTER ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION.

INTRODUCTION: An anterior cruciate ligament injury represents a significant epidemiological problem worldwide, especially due to involving young, sporty and active working-age population. This study has been conducted in order to compare the quality of life of patients who had isolated anterior cruciate ligament tear and of those who suffered from anassociated meniscal injury. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included 185 patients who had undergone reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament at the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology in Novi Sad from January lst, 2012 to December 31st 2012. The patients vere divided into 2 groups: group AZ consisted of patients who had anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction only, and group B consisted of patients who had partial meniscectomy in addition to the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The follow-up period was 12 months. RESULTS: Distribution of patients by gendei was significantly in favor of men. In our study, 146 patients ~vere male and 39 patients ~vere female. The average age of patients was 26.1 years overall (16-55 years), being 26.9 years tbr men, and 23.3 years for female patients. Out of 185 patients, 110 had an isolated anterior cruciate ligament injury, while 75 suffered both meniscus, internal or external, and anterior cruciate ligament injury. CONCLUSION: The comparison of the quality of life of patients in both groups showed no statistically significant difference. Therefore, we were not able to prove the hypothesis about the superior quality of life of those patients who had suffered from a runnired anterior cruciate linament only.

CONCOMITANT INJURIES OF ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT AND MENISCUS.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between meniscal injuries with injuries of the anterior cruciate ligament, as well as risk factors for those associated injuries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included 496 operated patients. Almost half of patients with meniscal injury were between the ages of 2l and 30 years. RESULTS: Meniscal injuries were diagnosed in 187 patients (38%). These patients were significantly older than the patients without meniscal injury. Meniscal injuries were significantly more frequent in patients who played sports recreationally than in professional athletes. The patients with meniscal injury underwent surgery almost four months later than the patients with preserved menisci. Meniscal injuries occurred significantly more frequently by non - contact mechanism, as a result of landing and sudden changes of direction and rhythm of running. CONCLUSION: Male patients hurt the medial meniscus more often, "bucket handle" type of lesion being much more frequent than on the lateral meniscus. The increase of body -mass index is exactly proportional to the increase in the incidence of meniscal injuries.

RISK FACTORS FOR BILATERAL ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT INJURIES.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study has been to identify which risk factors can influence bilateral anterior cruciate ligament injury. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-two operated patients took part in this survey during the period of ten years. There were 5 women and 27 men, with average age of 30.46 years (19-55). The respondents filled in the questionnaire by answering the questions regarding the time when getting injured and operated, mechanism of injuries, genetic and anthropometric data, characteristics of sports and every day activities. RESULTS: The incidence of reconstructed bilateral injuries in relation to unilateral ones was 2.3% (50/2168). The age of respondents and side of the injured knee did not correlate significantly with the achieved subjective physical activity level after the second knee surgery. The average time from the first injury to operation was 10 months and 4.3 years since that moment up to the injury of the other knee. It took more than 9 months on average until the reconstruction of contralateral anterior cruciate ligament. The most of athletes were injured in football matches. Three-quarters of athletes returned to competition activities after the first operation, which caused the same injury of the contralateral knee. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Anterior cruciate ligament rupture of the contralateral knee most often occurs in young active athletes within the first four years after the initial reconstruction. Its frequency is not affected by sex, side of extremity, genetic predisposition, type of sport, concomitant injuries and the choice of graft. Returning to the same or higher level of sports activities after the first reconstruction is one of the preconditions for injuring the other knee in the same way.

Solitary synovial chondromatosis as a cause of Hoffa's fat pad impingement.

INTRODUCTION: Synovial chondromatosis is a benign disease of synovial membrane usually affecting knee, elbow and shoulder joints. It rarely appears as a solitary formation and exceptionally within Hoffa's fat pad. CASE REPORT: We report a case of solitary synovial chondromatosis within Hoffa's fat pad as a cause of its impingement in a female patient aged 63. At first, the patient had anterior knee pain with limited extension of the knee. Standard radiogram showed only mild patellofemoral osteoarthritic changes. Magnetic resonance of the knee showed ovoid solitary formation within Hoffa's fat pad repressing its superior part between the kneecap and distal femur. Histopathological examination confirmed a case of extra-articular synovial chondromatosis. The tumorous mass was extracted surgically en bloc. CONCLUSIONS: Solitary synovial chondromatosis is an uncommon cause of Hoffa's fat pad impingement and anterior knee pain in elderly female patients and can easily be misinterpreted as a different diagnosis.

Changes in soft tissue profile using functional appliances in the treatment of skeletal class II malocclusion.

INTRODUCTION: The effects of orthodontic treatment are considered to be successful if the facial harmony is achieved, while the structures of soft tissue profile are in harmony with skeletal structures of neurocranium and viscerocranium. In patients with skeletal distal bite caused by mandibular retrognathism, facial esthetics is disturbed often, in terms of pronounced convexity of the profile and change in the position and relationship of the lips. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the extent of soft tissue profile changes in patients with skeletal Class II malocclusion treated with three different orthodontic appliances: Fränkel functional regulator type I (FR-I), Balters' Bionator type I and Hotz appliance. METHODS: The study included 60 patients diagnosed with skeletal Class II malocclusion caused by mandibular retrognathism, in the period of early mixed dentition. Each subgroup of 20 patients was treated with a variety of orthodontic appliances. On the lateral cephalogram, before and after treatment, the following parameters were analyzed:T angle, H angle, the height of the upper lip, the position of the upper and lower lip in relation to the esthetic line.Within the statistical analysis the mean, maximum, minimum, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, two-factor analysis of variance with repeated measures and the factor analysis of variance were calculated using ANOVA, Bonferroni test and Student's t-test. RESULTS: A significant decrease of angles T and H was noticed in the application of FR-I, from 21.60° to 17.15°, and from 16.45° to 13.40° (p < 0.001). FR-I decreased the height of the upper lip from 26.15 mm to 25.85 mm, while Hotz appliance and Balters' Bionator type I increased the height of the upper lip, thereby deteriorating esthetics of the patient. CONCLUSION: All used orthodontic appliances lead to changes in soft tissue profile in terms of improving facial esthetics, with the most distinctive changes in the application of Fränkel's functional regulator type I, which is the most successful appliance for achieving the overall facial harmony of the patient.

QUALITY OF LIFE AFTER BILATERAL ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTIONS.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of study was to analyze the influence of bilateral anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions on life quality of patients and their return to sports activities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-two operated patients took part in this survey during the period of ten years. There were 5 women and 27 men, their average age being 30.46 years (19-55). The participants answered a modified Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score questionnaire set and gave data about preoperative and postoperative periods. RESULTS: The participants' age and parameters of Lysholm scale did not correlate significantly with the subjective level of physical activity after the second knee surgery. After the first anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, 4 participants (12.5%) did not return to trainings, while 28 did (87.5%); 8 patients (25%) did not return to competitions and 24 of them (75%) achieved the competition level of sports activities. After the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction of contralatera knee, 6 (18.8%) did not return to trainings, while 26 (81.3%) did; 15 patients (46.9%) did not return to competitions, while 17 (53.1% continued to compete without restrictions. The average values of questionnaire scores were between 95.1-98.2 points. Discussion and CONCLUSION: Resuming the same or higher level of sports activitie., after the first reconstruction is one of the preconditions for the same injury of another knee. An athlete looses more than two and a half years of competitions on average. Operations of additional meniscu ruptures do not play a crucial role in restitution of sports activities Although we achieved good operative results, only every seconc athlete with bilateral injury has returned to sports activities withou restrictions after the bilateral anterior cruciate reconstructions.

The relationship between posterior tibial slope and anterior cruciate ligament injury.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to identify an increased posterior tibial slope as a possible risk factor for anterior cruciate ligament injury. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty patients were divided into two groups (with and without anterior cruciate ligament rupture). The posterior tibial slope on the lateral and medial condyles was measured by sagittal magnetic resonance imaging slices by means of computerized method using circles to determine tibial axis. RESULTS: The patients with anterior cruciate ligament rupture had a statistically significantly (p = 0.06) greater posterior tibial slope on the lateral tibial condyle than the control group (6.68 degrees:5.64 degrees), and a greater slope on the medial condyle (5.49 degrees:4.67 degrees) in comparison to the patients with the intact anterior cruciate ligament. No significant difference in the average values of angles was observed between males and females with anterior cruciate ligament rupture, the average value being 6.23 degrees in men and 5.84 degrees in women on the lateral condyle, and 4.53 degrees in men and 4.53 degrees in women on the medial condyle. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: A statistically significant difference between the values of posterior tibial slope was observed between the groups with and without anterior cruciate ligament rupture, the sex having no affect on the value of the posterior tibial slope. The method of measuring angles should be unique.

Infections after reconstructions of anterior cruciate ligament.

INTRODUCTION: Infections after anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions are rare, but, on the other hand, they are difficult to be treated. The aim of this study was to analyze causes of infections, risk factors, diagnostics, and possibilities of their prevention. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventeen deep infections (1.2%) were found in 1425 patients who had undergone anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions. Fifteen patients were males and two were females. Out of 475 professional athletes nine (1.9%) had this postoperative complication. Eleven patients with septic arthritis were allergic to penicillin. Three of them had immunosuppressive diseases. RESULTS: Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in eleven cases (65%), other Staphylococcus and Streptococcus groups were found in four and three patients, respectively; while one patient had infection although the punctate was negative. Out of 965 patients with the patellar tendon grafts, ten (1.03%) had this complication, while the incidence was 1.52% (7/460) in those with the hamstring grafts. Fifteen infections were acute with obvious symptoms within 14 days after surgery. Severe pain, limited range of motion, swelling of the knee joint and fever were the most common symptoms, while rubor and pus developed rarely. The infection was three times more frequent in the patients who had undergone surgery lasting more than 1.5 hour. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The following population groups are at risk of developing septic arthritis after anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions: professional athletes, those who are allergic to penicillin, and those with immunosuppressive diseases. Staphyllococus aureus is the most common cause of infection. The patients with the hamstring autografts have a higher risk than those with the patellar tendon grafts. Preventive measures that should be performed include aseptic conditions in operative rooms, irrigation of the graft before its placement into the bone tunnels, experience of surgeon and proper antibiotics.

[Comparative analysis of the position of the graft in the femur after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction done through the front inner portal and through the shin bone].

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the most common surgically treated knee ligament. If we take into account the fact that incidence of ACL injuries is growing, it is clearly that the interest of orthopedic surgeons for this pathology is also growing. Increasing number of this operations leads to increasing of complications, which requires its analysis. One of the most common failure of ACL reconstruction is a bad position of the graft in the femoral condyle. This study aimed to analyze the positioning of the graft in to the femur by two generally accepted techniques--transtibial technique and technique through the antero-medial portal. The analysis included postoperative radiographs in 60 patients, of whom 30 were operated by transtibial technique and 30 by technique through anteromedial portal. Radiographic analysis involved the measurement of the AP digital imaging, the tunnel projection X ray measurements and measurements of the computed tomography (CT), which was here a control method. The accuracy of measurement was set at 0.5 degrees or 1 min. All radiographs were made in the same way according to the literature. The results showed that the neoligaments were placed lower in the femoral condyle by technique through anteromedial portal than by transtibial technique, and the difference was statistically significant (on tunnel X ray by anteromedial portal screws were average placed at 50.0 degrees and 10:20 am, and by transtibial technique at 37.5 degrees or 10:45 am). Based on the results, it was concluded that the neoligaments were positioned closer to its anatomical position by technique through anteromedial portal.

Quadriceps tendon injuries.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of study was to analyze risk factors, mechanisms of injury, symptoms and time that elapsed from injury until operation of complete quadriceps tendon ruptures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective multicenter study included 30 patients operated for this injury, of whom 28 (93.3%) were men. The average age was 53.7 years (18-73). Twenty-six patients had reconstruction of unilateral rupture and four of bilateral one. RESULTS: Eighty percent of them had some risk factors for rupture of the tendon with degenerative changes. Eight patients had diabetes, seven patients were on renal dialysis, two patients had secondary hyperparathyroidism, five patients were obese and two patients had former knee operations. These injuries occurred in 80% following minor trauma caused by falls on stairs, on flat surfaces and squatting. The most frequent symptoms were: pain, swelling, lack of extension of knee and defect above patella, and three cases were initially misdiagnosed. During the first 10 days after injury, acute and chronic ruptures were reconstructed in 22 (73.3%) and 8 patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: Quadriceps tendon injuries most often happen to male patients with predisposing conditions in their fifth and sixth decade of life due to trivial trauma. Patients on renal dialysis are the most vulnerable population group.

Quadriceps tendon rupture - treatment results.

INTRODUCTION: Quadriceps tendon rupture is a rare but rather serious injury. If this injury is not promptly recognized and early operated, it may lead to disability. This research was aimed at pointing out the results and complications of the quadriceps tendon rupture surgical treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective multicentric study was conducted in a group of 29 patients (mostly elderly men). Lysholm knee scoring scale was used to evaluate the surgical results. The post-operative results were compared in relation to the type of tendon rupture reconstructions (acute or chronic), various surgical techniques, type of injuries (unilateral or bilateral) as well as the presence or absence of comorbid risk factors in the patients. RESULTS: The average value of a Lysholm score was 87.6. Excellent and satisfactory Lysholm score results dominated in our sample of patients. Better post-operative results were recorded in the group of patients without risk factors, in case of a bilateral injury, and in case of an acute injury. The best result was obtained after performing the reconstruction using anchors, and the worst result came after using Codivilla technique. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis and surgical treatment are an absolute imperative in management of this injury. We have not proven that a certain surgical technique has an advantage over the others. A comorbid risk factor is related to a lower Lysholm score. Despite a few cases of complications, we can conclude that the surgical treatment yields satisfactory results.

Comparison of the results of treatment of humeral shaft fractures by different methods.

The aim of this study was to compare the functional results of non-operative and different operative techniques of managing humeral shaft fractures. The average follow-up was one year after the trauma in 61 patients with united fracture, where the initial method of treatment was the definitive one. The patients were divided into four groups: 22 were treated with hanging cast, 20 with intramedullary nails, 10 with dynamic-compressive plates and screws and 9 with external fixators. We estimated the presence of bone union by radiographic and clinical evaluation and compared the results with Constant and Mayo scores. The etiology of injuries was falls and traffic accidents in 87% of cases. The hanging cast group had the most of elbow contractures and insufficient results of functional scales. The plating group had lower average values of scores than nails, especially considering the elbow function. Among subgroups, the locked intramedullary nails had better results than Ender nails. The most complicated cases treated with Ilizarov and Mitkovic's external fixators had good results, especially in the treatment of open humeral shaft fractures; however, the rehabilitation period was longer. The best average functional results were recorded in the nailing group because of rigid fixation, solid callus formation and return to everyday activities in the shortest time.

[Reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament by using two different techniques].

INTRODUCTION: Modern literature concerning reconstructions of Anterior Cruciate Ligament is mostly focused on the choice of graft (hamstring or bone-tendon-bone), its placing, tensioning and fixation. The bone-hamstring-bone graft consists of compressed cancellous bone on its ends and it has been developed to achieve a more rigid fixation of the graft. The aim of this study was to compare the postoperative results in surgically treated patients two years after the reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 55 patients divided into two groups according to the implanted graft: bone-tendon-bone and bone-hamstring-bone graft. The results were assessed by Tegner and Lysholm scoring systems, arthrometric measurements, functional tests and International Knee Documentation Committee standard. RESULTS: The average postoperative results did not show a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) between the two groups (94 in the bone-tendon-bone group versus 93 in the bone-hamstring-bone group) according to Lysholm scoring system, nor in the arthrometric measurements obtained by Lachman test (2.0:2.1). According to the International Knee Documentation Committee standard, the bone-hamstring-bone group had more excellent results, but also three unsatisfactory ones; so, the bone-tendon-bone group was found to have uniform and better results (100% of excellent and good results vs. 91% in the bone-hamstring-bone group). Better results were also recorded by Tegner scoring system in the bone-tendon-bone group (8.6 vs. 7.1) due to the fact that there were more active athletes and greater preoperative level of activities in this group (3.1 vs. 7.1 in the bone-hamstring group). CONCLUSIONS: The choice of graft is a less important factor in the reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament than its placing, tensioning and fixation, because a significant difference between groups was recorded only by the International Knee Documentation Committee standard.

Causes of anterior cruciate ligament injuries.

In order to prevent anterior cruciate ligament injuries it is necessary to define risk factors and to analyze the most frequent causes of injuries--that being the aim of this study. The study sample consisted of 451 surgically treated patients, including 400 sportsmen (65% of them being active and 35% recreational sportsmen), 29% female and 71% male; of whom 90% were younger than 35. Sports injuries, as the most frequent cause of anterior cruciate ligament injuries, were recorded in 88% of patients (non-contact ones in 78% and contact ones in 22%), injuries occurring in everyday activities in 11% and in traffic in 1%. Among sportsmen, reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament was most frequently performed in football players (48%), then in handball players (22%), basketball players (13%), volleyball players (8%), martial arts fighters (4%). However, the injury incidence was the highest among the active basketball players (1 injured among 91 active players). Type of footwear, warming up before the activity, genetic predisposition and everyday therapy did not have a significant influence on getting injured. Anterior cruciate ligament injuries happened three times more often during matches, in the middle and at the end of a match and training session (79%), at landing after the jump or when changing direction of movement (75%) without a contact with other competitors, on dry surfaces (79%), among not so well prepared sportsmen.