Voice handicap and voice-related quality of life in COVID-19 patients.

OBJECTIVES: Identifying voice handicap and voice-related quality of life in patients presenting pulmonary impairment associated with COVID-19 infection, comparing pulmonary parameters between these patients and individuals in the control group, as well as correlating pulmonary parameters to self-assessment questionnaires (IDV-10 and QVV). METHODS: Thirty-five (35) patients presenting pulmonary impairment with COVID-19 infection were herein selected and compared to 35 individuals who were not affected by COVID-19 infection. Two self-assessment questionnaires were applied (vocal handicap index and voice quality of life protocol). Maximum phonation time Forced Expiratory Pressure (PEF) and Forced Inspiratory Pressure (PIF) were measured and videolaryngoscopy was performed. RESULTS: There was statistically significant difference in scores recorded in voice self-assessment questionnaires (IDV-10 and QVV), Expiratory Pressure (PEF) and Forced Inspiratory Pressure (PIF) between patients with pulmonary impairment associated with COVID-19 infection and those in the control group. Correlation between PEF/PIF and scores recorded in voice self-assessment questionnaires was also observed. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary impairment associated with COVID-19 infection has worsened voice handicap and voice-related quality of life in the assessed patients, as well as reduced their forced expiratory and inspiratory pressure in comparison to the control group.

Evaluation of palatal dimensions in different facial patterns by using digital dental casts.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the variations of hard palate volume in adults with normal occlusion and different facial types and patterns, by using a three-dimensional analysis on digital casts. METHODS: The dental casts of 70 Caucasian adults (28 men, 42 women), mean age of 16.4 years (SD 1.3 years), were scanned by using a tridimensional scanner (Delcam PowerSHAPE™, 2010, Birmingham, UK). Close points were selected in the gingival and cervical regions on the lingual surface of the maxillary teeth, to analyze palatal morphology. The facial patterns and types, and the measurements (width, length, height, volume) of the space on the hard palate were compared using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), with age as the covariate, and sex as the independent variable. The significance level of 5% (p < 0.05) was adopted. RESULTS: This study showed that the measurements of the width and length were similar among the mesofacial, dolichofacial and brachyfacial facial types, although the height and volume of the space on the hard palate were slightly smaller in dolichofacial individuals, and both Pattern I and Pattern II individuals showed no significant changes for the four measurements. The mean values among facial patterns were: Pattern I - width 38.31±2.59 mm; length 37.44±2.42 mm; height 17.03±2.42 mm and volume 10.52±1.72 mm3; Pattern II - width 37.48±2.44 mm; length 37.48±2.44 mm; height 16.79±2.42 mm and volume 10.41±1.65 mm3 (p>0.05 for all variables). CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences for the facial patterns and facial types of the individuals compared in the analyzed sample.

Association between dysphagia and tongue strength in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis / Associação entre disfagia e força da língua em pacientes com esclerose lateral amiotrófica

Abstract Introduction Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is the most common motor neuron disease in adults despite it being rare. It is a neurodegenerative disease in which dysphagia is a common and debilitating symptom. Dysphagia can be assessed by complementary exams, such as fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing and the tongue strength test, as this is one of the main muscles involved in swallowing. Objective To compare the results of tongue strength and endurance measured by the Iowa oral performance instrument with the findings of the fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing examination in patients affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Methods Cross-sectional study, carried out in a tertiary hospital specialized in treatment and rehabilitation. Twenty-five patients diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis underwent dysphagia questionnaires, fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing examination and tongue strength and resistance test with the Iowa oral performance instrument to assess the presence of dysphagia. Results Forty-eight percent of the sample had dysphagia at the fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing and 76% had an altered tongue strength test. Ninety percent of patients with dysphagia had an average tongue pressure lower than 34.2 KPa. The tongue strength test showed sensitivity of 91.67% and specificity of 38.46% and accuracy of 64%. There was a statistically significant relationship between tongue strength and dysphagia and between tongue resistance and dysphagia. Conclusion Tongue strength tests, such as the Iowa oral performance instrument, proved to be effective in assessing dysphagia. This result should encourage further research to facilitate the early diagnosis of dysphagia.

Resumo Introdução A esclerose lateral amiotrófica é a doença do neurônio motor mais comum nos adultos, a despeito da baixa incidência e da raridade. É uma doença neurodegenerativa na qual a disfagia é um sintoma comum e debilitante. A disfagia pode ser avaliada por exames complementares como a videoendoscopia da deglutição e testes de força de língua, uma vez que se trata de um dos principais músculos envolvidos na deglutição. Objetivo Comparar os resultados da força e resistência da língua aferidos pelo Iowa Oral Performance Instrument com os achados do exame à videoendoscopia da deglutição, em pacientes acometidos por esclerose lateral amiotrófica. Método Estudo transversal, feito em um hospital terciário especializado em tratamento e reabilitação. Vinte e cinco pacientes com diagnóstico de esclerose lateral amiotrófica foram submetidos a questionários de disfagia, exame de videoendoscopia da deglutição e teste de força e resistência de língua com o Iowa Oral Performance Instrument para avaliar a presença de disfagia. Resultado Quarenta e oito por cento da amostra apresentavam disfagia à videoendoscopia da deglutição e 76% apresentavam teste de força de língua alterado. Noventa por cento dos pacientes com disfagia apresentaram pressão de língua média inferior a 34,2 KPa. O teste de força de língua apresentou sensibilidade de 91,67% e especificidade de 38,46% e acurácia de 64%. Houve relação estatisticamente significante entre força da língua e disfagia e entre resistência da língua e disfagia. Conclusão Testes de força de língua, como o Iowa Oral Performance Instrument, mostrou‐se eficaz para avaliar disfagia, mostrou sua associação com a força e resistência da língua. Esse resultado deve fomentar a feitura de novas pesquisas para facilitar o diagnóstico precoce da disfagia.

Laryngeal Findings in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

INTRODUCTION: Some studies have demonstrated that the intrinsic muscles of the larynx show no signs of damage to the muscle fiber and raise a possibility of preservation of the laryngeal muscles in muscular dystrophies. A cross-sectional study was implemented with a case series of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. METHODS: This study was carried out through a medical assessment through anamnesis and medical records, perceptual-auditory evaluation of the voice in 15 patients, and videolaryngoscopic evaluation in 11 patients. RESULTS: All patients had the maximum phonation time of the vowel /e/ decreased, 7 (46.7%) had reduced loudness while 10 (66.7%) had vocal asthenia. There were no changes in muscular tone and mobility in the videolaryngoscopy. DISCUSSION: Patients with Duchene muscular dystrophy do not present abnormalities suggestive of the involvement of the intrinsic muscles of the larynx but have vocal worsening due to pulmonary impairment.

Association between dysphagia and tongue strength in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is the most common motor neuron disease in adults despite it being rare. It is a neurodegenerative disease in which dysphagia is a common and debilitating symptom. Dysphagia can be assessed by complementary exams, such as fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing and the tongue strength test, as this is one of the main muscles involved in swallowing. OBJECTIVE: To compare the results of tongue strength and endurance measured by the Iowa oral performance instrument with the findings of the fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing examination in patients affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. METHODS: Cross-sectional study, carried out in a tertiary hospital specialized in treatment and rehabilitation. Twenty-five patients diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis underwent dysphagia questionnaires, fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing examination and tongue strength and resistance test with the Iowa oral performance instrument to assess the presence of dysphagia. RESULTS: Forty-eight percent of the sample had dysphagia at the fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing and 76% had an altered tongue strength test. Ninety percent of patients with dysphagia had an average tongue pressure lower than 34.2KPa. The tongue strength test showed sensitivity of 91.67% and specificity of 38.46% and accuracy of 64%. There was a statistically significant relationship between tongue strength and dysphagia and between tongue resistance and dysphagia. CONCLUSION: Tongue strength tests, such as the Iowa oral performance instrument, proved to be effective in assessing dysphagia. This result should encourage further research to facilitate the early diagnosis of dysphagia.

Evaluation of palatal dimensions in different facial patterns by using digital dental casts

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the variations of hard palate volume in adults with normal occlusion and different facial types and patterns, by using a three-dimensional analysis on digital casts. Methods: The dental casts of 70 Caucasian adults (28 men, 42 women), mean age of 16.4 years (SD 1.3 years), were scanned by using a tridimensional scanner (Delcam PowerSHAPE™, 2010, Birmingham, UK). Close points were selected in the gingival and cervical regions on the lingual surface of the maxillary teeth, to analyze palatal morphology. The facial patterns and types, and the measurements (width, length, height, volume) of the space on the hard palate were compared using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), with age as the covariate, and sex as the independent variable. The significance level of 5% (p < 0.05) was adopted. Results: This study showed that the measurements of the width and length were similar among the mesofacial, dolichofacial and brachyfacial facial types, although the height and volume of the space on the hard palate were slightly smaller in dolichofacial individuals, and both Pattern I and Pattern II individuals showed no significant changes for the four measurements. The mean values among facial patterns were: Pattern I - width 38.31±2.59 mm; length 37.44±2.42 mm; height 17.03±2.42 mm and volume 10.52±1.72 mm3; Pattern II - width 37.48±2.44 mm; length 37.48±2.44 mm; height 16.79±2.42 mm and volume 10.41±1.65 mm3 (p>0.05 for all variables). Conclusion: There were no significant differences for the facial patterns and facial types of the individuals compared in the analyzed sample.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar as variações do volume do palato duro em adultos com oclusão normal e diferentes tipos e padrões faciais, por meio de análise tridimensional em modelos digitais. Métodos: Os modelos das arcadas dentárias de 70 adultos caucasianos (28 homens, 42 mulheres), média de idade de 16,4 anos (DP 1,3 anos), foram digitalizados usando um scanner tridimensional (Delcam PowerSHAPE™, 2010, Birmingham, Reino Unido). Pontos próximos foram selecionados nas regiões gengival e cervical na superfície lingual dos dentes superiores, para analisar a morfologia palatina. Os padrões e tipos faciais e as medidas (largura, comprimento, altura, volume) do espaço no palato duro foram comparados por meio de análise de covariância (ANCOVA), com a idade como covariável e o sexo como variável independente, a um nível de significância de 5% (p< 0,05). Resultados: O presente estudo mostrou que as medidas de largura e comprimento foram semelhantes entre os tipos faciais mesofacial, dolicofacial e braquifacial, embora a altura e o volume do espaço no palato duro tenham sido ligeiramente menores nos indivíduos dolicofaciais, e tanto os indivíduos do Padrão I quanto do Padrão II não apresentaram alterações significativas para as quatro medidas. Os valores médios entre os padrões faciais foram: Padrão I - largura 38,31±2,59 mm, comprimento 37,44±2,42 mm, altura 17,03±2,42 mm, volume 10,52±1,72 mm3; Padrão II - largura 37,48±2,44 mm, comprimento 37,48±2,44 mm, altura 16,79±2,42 mm, volume 10,41±1,65 mm3 (p>0,05 para todas as variáveis). Conclusão: Não houve diferenças significativas para os padrões faciais e tipos faciais dos indivíduos comparados na amostra analisada.

3D technology to measure dental arches and create a template for lingual brackets technique.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims at identifying anatomical dimensions of dental arches, based on landmarks currently used in the lingual orthodontic technique, and create an archwire form template to be used in orthodontic clinics. METHODS: Maxillary and mandibular dental casts of 140 Caucasian individuals with natural and normal occlusion were digitized (3D), and the images were analyzed with Delcam Power ShapeTM 2010 software. The dental arch shapes and sizes were obtained from 14 landmarks selected on the lingual surface of the teeth. Points and segments defined by the software were used to create an archwire form template. RESULTS: Various dental arch patterns were found for both maxilla and mandible. The smallest sizes were found in females, and the largest were found in male subjects. Six categories were defined for each gender, three for the maxilla and three for the mandible (Small, Medium and Large). A template was created with eighteen anatomic lingual archwire designs, nine for the maxilla and nine for the mandible, for both genders. CONCLUSIONS: Landmarks evaluated in this study showed dental arch differences between genders. This information enables making orthodontic lingual archwires that are more compatible with the anatomical forms and sizes of the maxilla and mandible. The findings also allowed the creation of a template for an anatomic lingual metallic archwire form to be used in the lingual technique.

Sensitivity and Specificity of Bedside Screening Tests for Detection of Aspiration in Patients Admitted to a Public Rehabilitation Hospital.

Early detection of dysphagia and specifically aspiration is essential to prevent and reduce complications of hospitalized patients in rehabilitation centers. Bedside screening test are often used to evaluate swallowing disorders, but their results may be questionable due to insufficient and inconsistent sensitivity and specificity. To compare the sensitivity and specificity of various bedside screening tests for detecting aspiration in hospitalized rehabilitation patients. A prospective observational study was performed in 150 consecutive patients of a tertiary rehabilitation hospital. Patients were evaluated regarding clinical predictors for aspiration, maximum phonation time (MPT), Eating Assessment Tool 10 (EAT-10) questionnaire, tongue strength and endurance (Iowa Oral Performance Instrument [IOPI]) and a swallowing test (Volume-Viscosity Swallow Test [V-VST]). Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) was the reference test. Of the 144 patients included, 22% aspirated on FEES. Previous history of pneumonia, dysarthria, wet voice, and abnormal cough reflex were significantly associated with aspiration. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for V-VST (83.3%, 72.6%, 74.8%, respectively) and EAT-10 (82.8%, 57.7%, 62.8%, respectively) to detect aspiration were superior than those of other methods. Maximum tongue strength on IOPI and MPT presented high sensitivity but low specificity to detect aspiration. Clinical predictors of aspiration (previous history of pneumonia, dysarthria, wet voice, and abnormal cough reflex) associated with either V-VST or EAT-10 may be good screening methods to detect aspiration in patients hospitalized in a rehabilitation center.

3D technology to measure dental arches and create a template for lingual brackets technique

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aims at identifying anatomical dimensions of dental arches, based on landmarks currently used in the lingual orthodontic technique, and create an archwire form template to be used in orthodontic clinics. Methods: Maxillary and mandibular dental casts of 140 Caucasian individuals with natural and normal occlusion were digitized (3D), and the images were analyzed with Delcam Power ShapeTM 2010 software. The dental arch shapes and sizes were obtained from 14 landmarks selected on the lingual surface of the teeth. Points and segments defined by the software were used to create an archwire form template. Results: Various dental arch patterns were found for both maxilla and mandible. The smallest sizes were found in females, and the largest were found in male subjects. Six categories were defined for each gender, three for the maxilla and three for the mandible (Small, Medium and Large). A template was created with eighteen anatomic lingual archwire designs, nine for the maxilla and nine for the mandible, for both genders. Conclusions: Landmarks evaluated in this study showed dental arch differences between genders. This information enables making orthodontic lingual archwires that are more compatible with the anatomical forms and sizes of the maxilla and mandible. The findings also allowed the creation of a template for an anatomic lingual metallic archwire form to be used in the lingual technique.

RESUMO Objetivo: O presente estudo tem como objetivo encontrar as formas anatômicas e dimensões das arcadas dentárias com base em pontos de referência utilizados na técnica ortodôntica lingual, e criar um diagrama com um maior número de arcos metálicos para serem utilizados na clínica ortodôntica. Métodos: 140 modelos de indivíduos caucasianos com oclusão normal e natural foram digitalizados (3D) e as imagens, analisadas com o software Delcam Power ShapeTM 2010. A determinação das formas e tamanhos das arcadas dentárias foi obtida a partir de 14 pontos selecionados na superfície lingual dos dentes. Outros pontos e segmentos foram utilizados, com o auxílio do software, para definir um diagrama. Resultados: Foram encontrados diferentes tamanhos de arcadas dentárias linguais, tanto para a maxila quanto para a mandíbula. Os menores tamanhos foram os femininos, e os maiores, os masculinos. Definiram-se seis tamanhos para cada sexo, sendo três para a maxila e três para a mandíbula, nomeados como P, M e G. Foi criado um diagrama com dezoito desenhos de arcos linguais anatômicos, nove para a maxila e nove para a mandíbula, para ambos os sexos. Conclusões: A posição dos pontos de referência nesse estudo evidenciou diferenças entre os sexos, o que permitiu a criação de arcos mais compatíveis com as formas e dimensões anatômicas da maxila e mandíbula. A diferença entre os tamanhos das arcadas dentárias linguais possibilitou a criação de um diagrama com formas de arcos metálicos linguais anatômicos para serem utilizados na técnica lingual, para auxiliar o profissional a criar os seus próprios arcos.

Partial laryngectomy and reconstruction with rotation of the epiglottis in the treatment of a rare laryngeal schwannoma: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Neurogenic tumors of the larynx are rare, with few cases having been reported in the literature. Schwannomas are responsible for 0.1% of all benign tumors of the larynx. They arise in the sheaths of the peripheral, autonomic, and cranial nerves. The objective of this report is to describe a case of a bulky laryngeal schwannoma, the surgical procedure for its removal, and the long-term patient follow-up. CASE PRESENTATION: A 19-year-old Brazilian woman presented to our institution with a complaint of progressive dyspnea over the preceding year, as well as dysphonia, dysphagia for solids, and globus pharyngeus. Direct rigid laryngoscopy showed a supraglottic tumor obstructing approximately 90% of the larynx. With the symptoms progressing to severe dyspnea, an emergency tracheostomy was performed. After infusion of intravenous contrast, magnetic resonance imaging revealed a mass lesion with intense, heterogeneous contrast enhancement along the posterior wall of the hypopharynx, blocking all of the lumen and measuring 2.8 cm and 2.2 cm at its largest diameters. The image suggested a neoplastic lesion. The patient underwent open surgery for tumor resection. Her postsurgical recovery was uncomplicated. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry revealed the tumor to be a laryngeal schwannoma. CONCLUSION: The definitive diagnosis of laryngeal lesions can be difficult, and histopathology plays a pivotal role. Laryngeal schwannomas are rare; however, tumors can become large and may ultimately lead to airway obstruction.

Comparação entre medidas digitais obtidas por CBCT e por escaneamento de modelo ortodôntico / Comparison of digital measurements obtained by scanning and CBCT of orthodontic plaster models

O modelo ortodôntico é um dos principais auxiliares no diagnóstico da má-oclusão e na elaboração do plano de tratamento ortodôntico, pois nele é possível realizar análise de modelos checando-se possíveis discrepâncias entre diâmetro dos dentes e espaço presente na arcada, distâncias transversais, além da análise do tipo de má-oclusão, sendo fundamental na Ortodontia. Com o avanço da tecnologia, hoje é possível obter modelos digitais por meio de escaneamento ou tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (CBCT), sendo a forma digital uma nova alternativa de análise de tais modelos. Este estudo propôs comparar as imagens de modelos digitais obtidos de imagens de CBCT de modelos de gesso com os medidos por escaneamento. Foram digitalizados 15 modelos de gesso por CBCT com o tomógrafo i-CAT, e por escaneamento digital com o scanner XCAD; em seguida, foram medidos digitalmente utilizando o programa Geomagic Studio. Foram calculados os coeficientes de correlação intraclasse com intervalos de 95% de confiança para cada medida, para avaliar o erro aleatório. Apesar da concordância estatística baixa, houve uma pequena diferença numérica entre os métodos, demonstrando resultados semelhantes clinicamente.

As digital approach is a new option to analyze orthodontic models, this study aims to compare images from digital models obtained by CBCT of plaster dental models with those obtained by scanning methods. 15 plaster models were digitalized by CBCT using the i-CAT scanner and, also, by digital scanning, on the XCAD scanner. Soon after, they were digitally measured and read into the Geomagic Studio software. The intraclass correlation coefficients with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each measurement to evaluate the random error. The statistical agreement between the 3D scanning and the CBCT methods is poor for the evaluated measurements, as all the intraclass correlation values were close to zero. The 95% confidence intervals pass through zero. The only exception is for the intercuspid width with CCI of 0.656. The highest absolute error between the mean values is the sum of the mesiodistal width of teeth (0.3 mm) and the smallest is the intercuspid width (0.01 mm). The mesiodistal width of teeth is higher for measurements obtained by CBCT than those obtained by 3D scanner, as most of the models presented higher values for measurements obtained by CBCT models. Despite the low statistical correlation, there was a small numeric difference between the methods, demonstrating clinically similar results.

Determining shapes and dimensions of dental arches for the use of straight-wire arches in lingual technique

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to determine the shape and dimension of dental arches from a lingual perspective, and determine shape and size of a straight archwire used for lingual Orthodontics. METHODS: The study sample comprised 70 Caucasian Brazilian individuals with normal occlusion and at least four of Andrew's six keys. Maxillary and mandibular dental casts were digitized (3D) and the images were analyzed by Delcam Power SHAPET 2010 software. Landmarks on the lingual surface of teeth were selected and 14 measurements were calculated to determine the shape and size of dental arches. RESULTS: Shapiro-Wilk test determined small arch shape by means of 25th percentile (P25%) - an average percentile for the medium arch; and a large one determined by means of 75th percentile (P75%). T-test revealed differences between males and females in the size of 12 dental arches. CONCLUSION: The straight-wire arch shape used in the lingual straight wire technique is a parabolic-shaped arch, slightly flattened on its anterior portion. Due to similarity among dental arch sizes shown by males and females, a more simplified diagram chart was designed. .

INTRODUÇÃO: esse estudo objetiva encontrar a forma e dimensão de arcadas dentária para definir a forma de um arco contínuo que possa ser utilizado na técnica lingual. MÉTODOS: a amostra foi composta por indivíduos brasileiros, leucodermas, com oclusão normal natural, que apresentaram, no mínimo, quatro das seis chaves de oclusão de Andrews. Os modelos das arcadas dentárias superior e inferior foram digitalizados (3D) e as imagens exportadas para o software Delcam Power SHAPETM 2010. Foram selecionados pontos nas superfícies linguais dos dentes e traçadas 14 medidas para determinar a forma e a dimensão da arcada dentária. RESULTADOS: o teste de Shapiro-Wilk possibilitou definir uma forma de arcada pequena utilizando o percentil 25% (P25%), uma arcada média (P50%) e uma forma de arcada grande, pelo percentil 75% (P75%). O teste t de Student comparou se houve uma diferença entre os sexos, e foram encontrados 12 tamanhos de arcadas dentárias. CONCLUSÕES: a partir dos resultados obtidos foi possível definir uma forma de arco contínuo para ser utilizado na técnica lingual Straight Wire (LSW): parábola levemente achatada na região anterior. Devido a similaridade entre alguns tamanhos de arcadas dentárias, encontrados pelo dimorfismo sexual, pôde ser elaborado um diagrama de arcadas de maneira mais simplificada. .

Prediction of 3-dimensional pharyngeal airway changes after orthognathic surgery: a preliminary study.

INTRODUCTION: Recent studies have shown some contradictory results when evaluating the consequences of orthodontic-surgical treatments on the pharyngeal airway. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to correlate the amount of jaw displacement with the volume variation and the minimal cross-sectional area of the pharyngeal airway. A comparison was made between the correlations with the percentage and the absolute values of the measurement variations. METHODS: Forty-two patients were divided into 2 groups according to the kind of orthognathic surgery that they had undergone. Group 1 had 22 subjects who had undergone maxillary advancement associated with mandibular setback, and group 2 had 20 patients who had undergone maxillomandibular advancement. The pharyngeal airway was divided into the upper segment and the lower segment, and the sum of these volumetric measures resulted in the total volume. The maxillary and mandibular displacements were assessed using closest point iteration after a voxel-wise cone-beam computed tomography superimposition. Hence, jaw displacements were correlated, using Pearson's correlation and linear regression analysis, to the volume variations of the pharyngeal airway (first time separately and then both groups together) and to the minimal cross-sectional area variation. RESULTS: The strongest correlation found was between maxillary displacement and the upper segment in group 2 (r = 0.898, R(2) = 0.888; P ≤0.001). With the groups' data combined, the variables mandibular displacement and the lower segment showed a linear correlation (r = 0.921, R(2) = 0.914; P ≤0.001). Maxillary displacement showed a strong positive correlation with the minimal cross-sectional area variation in group 2 (r = 0.710, R(2) = 0.604; P ≤0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Correlations with the percentage values were substantially stronger than the correlations with the absolute values. Stronger positive correlations were found between the jaw's displacement and the volume variation of the volume segment that was closer to it in both kinds of surgeries. Only the maxillary displacement is a reliable predictor of the minimal cross-sectional area variation after maxillomandibular advancement.

Determining shapes and dimensions of dental arches for the use of straight-wire arches in lingual technique.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to determine the shape and dimension of dental arches from a lingual perspective, and determine shape and size of a straight archwire used for lingual Orthodontics. METHODS: The study sample comprised 70 Caucasian Brazilian individuals with normal occlusion and at least four of Andrew's six keys. Maxillary and mandibular dental casts were digitized (3D) and the images were analyzed by Delcam Power SHAPET 2010 software. Landmarks on the lingual surface of teeth were selected and 14 measurements were calculated to determine the shape and size of dental arches. RESULTS: Shapiro-Wilk test determined small arch shape by means of 25th percentile (P25%)--an average percentile for the medium arch; and a large one determined by means of 75th percentile (P75%). T-test revealed differences between males and females in the size of 12 dental arches. CONCLUSION: The straight-wire arch shape used in the lingual straight wire technique is a parabolic-shaped arch, slightly flattened on its anterior portion. Due to similarity among dental arch sizes shown by males and females, a more simplified diagram chart was designed.

Influence of age on rhinoplasty outcomes evaluation: a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the satisfaction of patients who underwent rhinoplasty by using the Rhinoplasty outcomes evaluation (ROE) questionnaire and determine the influence of patient age on the outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a longitudinal study to assess patients' pre- and postoperative degrees of satisfaction with their results. The study was done at a tertiary-care medical center. The ROE questionnaire was applied twice in the same visit and aimed at measuring the patient's satisfaction in both pre- and postoperative moments. RESULTS: The initial sample of this study was composed of 112 patients, 61 of whom have answered the ROE questionnaire. A mean difference of 50.5 (P < 0.0001) was observed between the pre- and postoperative satisfaction scores. No statistically significant difference was observed on the mean difference between pre- and postoperative satisfaction scores (CHANGE) according to sex (P = 0.673), the follow-up time period (P = 0.629), or the kind of surgical procedure (P = 0.904). The mean postoperative score of the <30-year-old group was lower than the mean of 30 to <50-year-old (P < 0.003) and ≥50-year-old groups (P < 0.009). CONCLUSION: The ROE questionnaire is a tool for evaluating the outcomes of different surgical indications for correcting nasal deformities. The kind of surgical procedure had no influence on the mean difference between pre- and postoperative satisfaction scores. By using this tool we found that the younger age group reported lower postoperative satisfaction scores than older patients.

Assessment of symptom improvement following nasal septoplasty with or without turbinectomy.

UNLABELLED: Most studies show that objective measures to quantify and determine surgical success in the treatment of nasal obstruction do not correlate with subjective improvement as reported by patients. AIM: To evaluate the subjective improvement of nasal symptoms in patients undergoing septoplasty with or without turbinectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study. We evaluated 72 septoplasty patients with or without partial inferior turbinectomy; the patients answered a questionnaire preoperatively and on the 60th day after surgery. RESULTS: Septoplasty was done associated with bilateral partial inferior turbinectomy in 83.3% of patients; it was unilateral in 9.7%; there was no need for turbinate reduction in 6.9%. An improvement of all symptoms was observed after surgery. Nasal obstruction had improved in 68 patients (94.4%) by the 60th postoperative day. The average nasal obstruction score in patients with and without allergic symptoms was similar before surgery and on the 60th postoperative day. Older patients had milder preoperative allergic symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Nasal symptoms in patients undergoing septoplasty, with or without turbinectomy, improved. Patients with and without allergic symptoms showed a similar improvement of nasal obstruction on the 60th postoperative day.

Assessment of symptom improvement following nasal septoplasty with or without turbinectomy / Avaliação da melhora dos sintomas nasais após septoplastia com ou sem turbinectomia

Most studies show that objective measures to quantify and determine surgical success in the treatment of nasal obstruction do not correlate with subjective improvement as reported by patients. AIM: To evaluate the subjective improvement of nasal symptoms in patients undergoing septoplasty with or without turbinectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study. We evaluated 72 septoplasty patients with or without partial inferior turbinectomy; the patients answered a questionnaire preoperatively and on the 60th day after surgery. RESULTS: Septoplasty was done associated with bilateral partial inferior turbinectomy in 83.3 percent of patients; it was unilateral in 9.7 percent; there was no need for turbinate reduction in 6.9 percent. An improvement of all symptoms was observed after surgery. Nasal obstruction had improved in 68 patients (94.4 percent) by the 60th postoperative day. The average nasal obstruction score in patients with and without allergic symptoms was similar before surgery and on the 60th postoperative day. Older patients had milder preoperative allergic symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Nasal symptoms in patients undergoing septoplasty, with or without turbinectomy, improved. Patients with and without allergic symptoms showed a similar improvement of nasal obstruction on the 60th postoperative day.

A maioria dos estudos mostra que medidas objetivas para quantificar e determinar o sucesso das cirurgias para a obstrução nasal não têm correlação com a melhora subjetiva relatada pelo paciente. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a melhora dos sintomas nasais nos pacientes submetidos à septoplastia, com ou sem turbinectomia. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Estudo prospectivo. Foram avaliados 72 pacientes submetidos à septoplastia, com ou sem turbinectomia inferior parcial, que responderam ao questionário no préoperatório até o 60º dia de pós-operatório (PO). RESULTADOS: Foi realizada septoplastia associada à turbinectomia inferior parcial bilateral em 83,3 por cento dos pacientes, unilateral em 9,7 por cento e não houve necessidade de redução das conchas nasais em 6,9 por cento. Foi observada melhora para todos os sintomas no pós-operatório. Sessenta e oito (94,4 por cento) pacientes apresentaram melhora da obstrução nasal no 60º PO. A média da nota da obstrução nasal entre os pacientes com e sem sintomas alérgicos foi semelhante no pré-operatório e no 60º PO. Os pacientes mais velhos apresentaram menor intensidade dos sintomas alérgicos no pré-operatório. CONCLUSÕES: Os pacientes submetidos à septoplastia, com ou sem turbinectomia, evoluem com melhora de todos os sintomas nasais. Os pacientes com e sem sintomas alérgicos apresentam melhora da obstrução nasal de forma semelhante no 60º PO.

Crooked nose: outcome evaluations in rhinoplasty.

UNLABELLED: A crooked nose is the result of deformities that might involve the bony nasal pyramid, the upper and lower lateral cartilages, and nasal septum, causing complaints of aesthetic and/or functional nature. PURPOSE: To evaluate how satisfied are those patients who underwent rhinoplasty to correct crooked nose, through the questionnaire Rhinoplasty Outcomes Evaluation (ROE). MATERIAL AND METHOD: A longitudinal study with retrospective analysis of preoperative satisfaction and prospective analysis of postoperative satisfaction of patients who underwent rhinoplasty. ROE questionnaire was applied twice in the same visit aiming at measuring patient satisfaction in both pre and postoperative periods. Nineteen patients who underwent rhinoplasty answered the ROE. RESULTS: For all patients who underwent rhinoplasty, the average preoperative satisfaction score was of 24. 6 ± 11. 3, while the average postoperative score was of 76. 1 ± 19. 5 (p<0. 0001). Average differences between pre and postoperative satisfaction scores in patients younger than 30 years of age were lower than those reported by >30-year-old patients (p = 0. 05). CONCLUSIONS: From the Rhinoplasty Outcomes Evaluation questionnaire, it is possible to demonstrate the impact that rhinoplasty to correct a crooked nose determines the quality of life of patients. Approximately 90% of patients undergoing rhinoplasty believed they achieved a good or excellent postoperative result.