Intrusion of overerupted molars with temporary anchorage devices before prosthetic reconstruction: A case report.

Extraction of teeth without adequate prosthetic rehabilitation frequently can lead to overeruption of opposing teeth, which may cause occlusal disturbances and complicate dental restoration. Equilibration with consequent need of endodontic treatment, surgical intrusion or extraction are often indicated as a remedy in such cases. The article proposes a method of orthodontic intrusion with the use of temporary anchorage devices as a predictable and less invasive option. Important clinical aspects of molar intrusion with respect to surrounding anatomical structures are also discussed.

The Manifestations of Covid-19 Infection. Manifestations in Patients with Temporomandibular Joint Disorders.

The authors present a group of patients who were treated for exacerbation of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) following Covid-19 infection and who in the past had successfully undergone surgery of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The group consisted in total of 21 patients who relapsed after contracting Covid-19. There were 4 men and 17 women, the average age was 45.6 years (28-63). The most common complaint was pain. In all cases, the pain was located in the preauricular area, 4 patients had pain in the lateral side of the neck, 1 patient had pain of the nasal alae. During clinical examination, pain was present on palpation of the masseter muscle (19 patients), temporal muscle (4 patients) and the TMJ area (4 patients). In 4 cases, pain on palpation was present in the area of the nape and sternocleidomastoid muscles. Treatment in all cases was the same: thermotherapy, muscle relaxation massage and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Symptoms subsided in all cases within 2 weeks. In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is also necessary to expect an increased number of patients with TMD. The authors recommend targeted patient histories regarding Covid-19 infection when examining patients with TMD symptoms - this will certainly facilitate determining the etiology of the pain.

Evaluating the Effect of Conservative Therapy in Patients with Wilkes Stage III Temporomandibular Joint Derangement.

The authors evaluated effects of physiotherapy in patients experiencing Wilkes III temporomandibular joint (TMJ) derangement with clinically limited joint mobility, but no pain. The group consisted of 31 patients with unilateral temporomandibular joint involvement, 3 men and 28 women (average age was 30.93, ranging from age 12 to 61). None of the patients in the group had experienced any previous TMJ therapy. The patients underwent conservative therapy in the form of home exercise (mobilisation and isometric exercises) as the first step in treatment. The authors evaluated the improvement in jaw movement (maximal interincisal opening - MIO) and the patients' subjective assessments of their condition. Disc position before and after two months of exercise was also evaluated using ultrasound examination. The average MIO value in patients before starting the exercises was 33.5 mm, and after two months of exercises, 42.4 mm. Subjective assessment by patients: 26 patients (83%) described their condition as completely satisfactory, not requiring further therapy. Of these patients, ultrasound examination showed 10 patients with complete disc reduction, 9 patients with a change in disc displacement with reduction, and 7 patients with a continuing (unchanged) state of disc displacement. Results of our study show the effect of conservative therapy in patients with painless TMJ due to disc displacement (WIII). Effect of home exercises which were easy to perform, simple and acceptable to the patient were demonstrated.

A Complex Evaluation of the In-Vivo Biocompatibility and Degradation of an Extruded ZnMgSr Absorbable Alloy Implanted into Rabbit Bones for 360 Days.

The increasing incidence of trauma in medicine brings with it new demands on the materials used for the surgical treatment of bone fractures. Titanium, its alloys, and steel are used worldwide in the treatment of skeletal injuries. These metallic materials, although inert, are often removed after the injured bone has healed. The second-stage procedure-the removal of the plates and screws-can overwhelm patients and overload healthcare systems. The development of suitable absorbable metallic materials would help us to overcome these issues. In this experimental study, we analyzed an extruded Zn-0.8Mg-0.2Sr (wt.%) alloy on a rabbit model. From this alloy we developed screws which were implanted into the rabbit tibia. After 120, 240, and 360 days, we tested the toxicity at the site of implantation and also within the vital organs: the liver, kidneys, and brain. The results were compared with a control group, implanted with a Ti-based screw and sacrificed after 360 days. The samples were analyzed using X-ray, micro-CT, and a scanning electron microscope. Chemical analysis revealed only small concentrations of zinc, strontium, and magnesium in the liver, kidneys, and brain. Histologically, the alloy was verified to possess very good biocompatibility after 360 days, without any signs of toxicity at the site of implantation. We did not observe raised levels of Sr, Zn, or Mg in any of the vital organs when compared with the Ti group at 360 days. The material was found to slowly degrade in vivo, forming solid corrosion products on its surface.

Various Simulated Body Fluids Lead to Significant Differences in Collagen Tissue Engineering Scaffolds.

This study aims to point out the main drawback with respect to the design of simulated body environments. Three media commonly used for the simulation of the identical body environment were selected, i.e., Kokubo's simulated body fluid that simulates the inorganic component of human blood plasma, human blood plasma, and phosphate buffer saline. A comparison was performed of the effects of the media on collagen scaffolds. The mechanical and structural effects of the media were determined via the application of compression mechanical tests, the determination of mass loss, and image and micro-CT analyses. The adsorption of various components from the media was characterized employing energy-dispersive spectrometry. The phase composition of the materials before and after exposure was determined using X-ray diffraction. Infrared spectroscopy was employed for the interpretation of changes in the collagen secondary structure. Major differences in terms of the mechanical properties and mass loss were observed between the three media. Conversely, only minor structural changes were detected. Since no general recommendation exists for selecting the simulated body environment, it is necessary to avoid the simplification of the results and, ideally, to utilize alternative methods to describe the various aspects of degradation processes that occur in the media.

Zn-0.8Mg-0.2Sr (wt.%) Absorbable Screws-An In-Vivo Biocompatibility and Degradation Pilot Study on a Rabbit Model.

In this pilot study, we investigated the biocompatibility and degradation rate of an extruded Zn-0.8Mg-0.2Sr (wt.%) alloy on a rabbit model. An alloy screw was implanted into one of the tibiae of New Zealand White rabbits. After 120 days, the animals were euthanized. Evaluation included clinical assessment, microCT, histological examination of implants, analyses of the adjacent bone, and assessment of zinc, magnesium, and strontium in vital organs (liver, kidneys, brain). The bone sections with the implanted screw were examined via scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). This method showed that the implant was covered by a thin layer of phosphate-based solid corrosion products with a thickness ranging between 4 and 5 µm. Only negligible changes of the implant volume and area were observed. The degradation was not connected with gas evolution. The screws were fibrointegrated, partially osseointegrated histologically. We observed no inflammatory reaction or bone resorption. Periosteal apposition and formation of new bone with a regular structure were frequently observed near the implant surface. The histological evaluation of the liver, kidneys, and brain showed no toxic changes. The levels of Zn, Mg, and Sr after 120 days in the liver, kidneys, and brain did not exceed the reference values for these elements. The alloy was safe, biocompatible, and well-tolerated.

The use of sentinel skin islands for monitoring buried and semi-buried micro-vascular flaps. Part I: Summary and brief description of monitoring methods.

Micro-vascular flaps have been used for the repair of challenging defects for over 45 years. The risk of failure is reported to be around 5-10% which despite medical and technical advances in recent years remains essentially unchanged. Precise, continuous, sensitive and specific monitoring together with prompt notification of vascular compromise is crucial for the success of the procedure. In this review, we provide a classification and brief description of the reported methods for monitoring the micro-vascular flap and a summary of the benefits over direct visual monitoring. Over 40 different monitoring techniques have been reported but their comparative merits are not always obvious. One looks for early detection of a flap's compromise, improved flap salvage rate and a minimal false-positive or false-negative rate. The cost-effectiveness of any method should also be considered. Direct visualisation of the flap is the method most generally used and still seems to be the simplest, cheapest and most reliable method for flap monitoring. Considering the alternatives, only implantable Doppler ultrasound probes, near infrared spectroscopy and laser Doppler flowmetry have shown any evidence of improved flap salvage rates over direct visual monitoring.

The use of sentinel skin islands for monitoring buried and semi-buried micro-vascular flaps. Part II: Clinical application.

Despite the high success rate of micro-vascular flaps, anastomosis compromise occurs in 5-10% and that can lead to flap failure. Reliable monitoring of the flap is therefore of similar importance to that of the precise surgical procedure itself. Multiple methods have been reported for monitoring of the flap vitality, the first one being direct visual monitoring. In buried flaps direct visualisation is not feasible or is unreliable. In these cases we can extend the buried flap to expose a segment of it to act as a monitoring sentinel. For the purpose of this review we used our clinical experience as a starting point, and for the extended information and expertise we conducted a search of the PubMed database. Over 40 monitoring techniques have been reported to-date. Direct visual monitoring is still generally used method with a reliability of up to 100% and an overall success rate of up to 99%. Direct visualisation remains as the simplest, cheapest and yet a very reliable method of flap monitoring. In this review we provide a description of various possible techniques for externalising part of a buried flap, define the tissues that can be used for this purpose and we summarise the procedures that should be followed to achieve the best reliability and validity of monitoring the skin island.

External fixation greatly improves outcomes in the surgical treatment of osteoradionecrosis of the jaws without affecting quality of life: a five-year retrospective study.

Osteoradionecrosis of the jaw can be treated using both conservative treatment and surgery. External fixation may be used to bridge large resection defects after sequestrectomy for stabilisation and before secondary mandibular reconstruction. We designed a retrospective analysis of 70 patients with osteoradionecrosis treated between the years 2014 and 2018, and found that the use of external fixation greatly improves their outcomes. Patients were grouped according to Notani's classification: those who had Notani I disease were treated surgically but without external fixation; and those with Notani II and Notani III disease were eligible for external fixation. In those with Notani II disease, there was a significant reduction in the number of pathological fractures that occurred with external fixation. In those with Notani III disease, the success rate of primary sequestrectomy was only 1:14; however, those treated with external fixation all successfully healed after their first operation. It was hypothesised that although external fixation would improve outcome, it would come at a detriment to their quality of life (QoL). However, in a subset of these patients, we showed that in addition to increasing successful healing, patients' QoL with the external fixator was no worse than when they had an active osteonecrotic lesion. The treatment of osteoradionecrosis is cumbersome and advanced stages are associated with more complications. The use of an external fixator significantly reduces the probability of pathological fractures and increases the rate of successful healing in patients after mandibular resection. It does this without greatly interfering with patients' lives, while improving their condition sufficiently to allow for subsequent mandibular reconstruction.

Discectomy with Subsequent Free Fat Flap Insertion in Disc Perforation Therapy of Temporomandibular Joint. Assessment of Results 24 Months after Operation.

Discectomy with replacement of disc is one possibility for treating disc perforation where conservative, mini-invasive therapy and arthroscopy has had no effect. Allogenic or autologous materials are used to replace the disc. The authors assess the use of a free fat flap (FFF) in 19 patients who in 2015-2016 underwent a unilateral discectomy with disc replacement. In the retrospective 24-month follow-up study a total of 16 patients (84%) were free of difficulties. 24 months after the operation mouth opening was on average 39.3 mm, pain (VAS - visual analog scale (0-10) was assessed on average at 0.3). Crepitus was present after 24 months in 37.5% of patients (6 patients). An assessment of changes in joint structures on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) for these patients 24 months after the operation showed the progression of flattening of the joint head, in one case unevenness of the joint head. In 3 cases (16%) there was a recurrence of the state within 24 months - in all cases with clinical manifestations of pain and limited mobility, for these patients on the CBCT significant unevennesses of the joint head, subchondral cysts were noted. The authors find discectomy with use of FFF to be an effective method of treatment with a minimum of complications. However, one should take into account the relatively short time of monitoring after the operation (2 years) and limited number of patients in the cohort (19 patients).

Evaluation of complications following stock replacement of the temporomandibular joint performed between the years 2006 and 2015: a retrospective study.

PURPOSE: Alloplastic total temporomandibular joint replacement (TMJR) is now considered to be a standard procedure for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) reconstruction. TMJR can improve mandibular mobility, restore the dental occlusion and improve facial aesthetics. The purpose was to assess the presence of intraoperative and post-operative complications, including the presence of post-operative chronic pain. METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated the use of 62 stock TMJR devices implanted in 45 patients who underwent surgery between the years 2006 and 2015 by the same surgeon at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Stomatology Clinic, General Teaching Hospital (VFN) Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. RESULTS: Intraoperative and post-operative complications recorded were facial nerve dysfunction (14-22%), open bite/malocclusion (2-3.2%), condylar component dislocation (1-1.6%), infection requiring revision surgery (1-1.6%) and (27-43%) reported chronic pain 24 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: As with any surgical procedure, TMJR can have complications. The results of this study demonstrate that the most common post-operative complication was continued pain. Chronic pain after TMJR was more common in patients with a preoperative diagnosis of degenerative joint disease. Also, the incidence of post-operative TMJR pain increased with the duration of symptoms prior to TMJR, leading to a question of the best timing for TMJR.

The Fundamental Comparison of Zn-2Mg and Mg-4Y-3RE Alloys as a Perspective Biodegradable Materials.

Biodegradable materials are of interest for temporary medical implants like stents for restoring damaged blood vessels, plates, screws, nails for fixing fractured bones. In the present paper new biodegradable Zn-2Mg alloy prepared by conventional casting and hot extrusion was tested in in vitro and in vivo conditions. Structure characterization and mechanical properties in tension and compression have been evaluated. For in vivo tests, hemispherical implants were placed into a rat cranium. Visual observation of the living animals, an inspection of implant location and computed tomography CT imaging 12 weeks after implantation were performed. Extracted implants were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) on perpendicular cuts through corrosion products. The behaviour of zinc alloy both in in vitro and in vivo conditions was compared with commercially used Mg-based alloy (Mg-4Y-3RE) prepared by conventional casting and hot extrusion. Both compressive and tensile yield strengths of Zn and Mg-based alloys were similar; however, the brittleness of Mg-4Y-3RE was lower. Zn and Mg-based implants have no adverse effects on the behaviour or physical condition of rats. Moreover, gas bubbles and the inflammatory reaction of the living tissue were not detected after the 12-week period.

Evaluation of Complications Following a Trans-masseteric Antero-parotid Approach for Patients with Sub-condylar Fractures of Their Temporomandibular Joint. A Retrospective Study.

Sub-condylar fractures of the temporomandibular joint can be treated by an extraoral or intraoral approach. Trans-masseteric antero-parotid approach (TMAP) is an extraoral approach utilising a retromandibular incision. The authors evaluated patients' status and any complications of using TMAP from the years 2013-2017. There were 39 patients (44 fractures). When using TMAP, in 43 fractures the fragments were favourably positioned, in one case the position was compromised. Of the complications, postoperative palsy of the facial nerve was reported 6.8% - in all cases this was only temporary. Late occlusion had an equal number of complications (in 2 cases this was as a result of an infectious complication of the wound, and in 2 cases due to resorption of the proximal fragment). Muscular pain and dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint following trauma were observed consistently in 6.8% of patients. Sialocoele, a non-conforming scar, and infectious complications were observed in 4.5% of patients. TMAP allows rapid surgical performance, with a good view for perfect repositioning and fixation of fragments of sub-condylar fractures of the temporomandibular joint. The complications associated with this approach are, for the most part, temporary, the aesthetic handicap of a scar is considered by patients to be acceptable. Overall, it is possible to evaluate retromandibular TMAP as safe, and the authors recommended it for treatment of sub-condylar fractures of the mandible.

Note on the use of different approaches to determine the pore sizes of tissue engineering scaffolds: what do we measure?

BACKGROUND: Collagen-based scaffolds provide a promising option for the treatment of bone defects. One of the key parameters of such scaffolds consists of porosity, including pore size. However, to date, no agreement has been found with respect to the methodology for pore size evaluation. Since the determination of the exact pore size value is not possible, the comparison of the various methods applied is complicated. Hence, this study focuses on the comparison of two widely-used methods for the characterization of porosity-scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). METHODS: 7 types of collagen-based composite scaffold models were prepared by means of lyophilization and collagen cross-linking. Micro-CT analysis was performed in 3D and in 2D (pore size parameters were: major diameter, mean thickness, biggest inner circle diameter and area-equivalent circle diameter). Afterwards, pore sizes were analyzed in the same specimens by an image analysis of SEM microphotographs. The results were statistically evaluated. The comparison of the various approaches to the evaluation of pore size was based on coefficients of variance and the semi-quantitative assessment of selected qualities (e.g. the potential for direct 3D analysis, whole specimen analysis, non-destructivity). RESULTS: The pore size values differed significantly with respect to the parameters applied. Median values of pore size values were ranging from 20 to 490 µm. The SEM values were approximately 3 times higher than micro-CT 3D values for each specimen. The Mean thickness was the most advantageous micro-CT 2D approach. Coefficient of variance revealed no differences among pore size parameters (except major diameter). The semi-quantitative comparison approach presented pore size parameters in descending order with regard to the advantages thereof as follows: (1) micro-CT 3D, (2) mean thickness and SEM, (3) biggest inner circle diameter, major diameter and area equivalent circle diameter. CONCLUSION: The results indicated that micro-CT 3D evaluation provides the most beneficial overall approach. Micro-CT 2D analysis (mean thickness) is advantageous in terms of its time efficacy. SEM is still considered as gold standard for its widespread use and high resolution. However, exact comparison of pore size analysis in scaffold materials remains a challenge.

In vivo study on biodegradable magnesium alloys: Bone healing around WE43 screws.

Introduction A standard osteosynthetic material for maxillofacial skeleton is titanium and its alloys. The convenience of degradable material is avoiding of second surgery in cases, where removal of the material is necessary. Magnesium biodegradable alloys have similar mechanic properties as cortical bone - reasonable corrosion and sufficient biologic properties. They might be used in facial skeleton fixation. Materials and methods The study included a total of 16 rabbits, and they were randomly divided into two groups. Each group received two screws (WE4 and titanium as a standard material) in artificially drilled defect into right tibia. Animals were euthanized at four-week intervals. Bone samples with implants underwent microfocus CT scans and were histologically examined. Results WE43 alloys showed fragmentation of the material on the 16th week - statistically significant volume loss was found between weeks 12 and 16. Bone healing around the WE43 screws was of similar quality as around titanium screws, and no adverse effect was noticed. Conclusion The study showed good quality of bone healing around WE43 implants. From this point of view, the WE43 alloy meets the requirements of osteosynthetic material for maxillofacial skeleton.

A prospective assessment of outcomes following the use of autologous blood for the management of recurrent temporomandibular joint dislocation.

PURPOSE: The objective of the study was to compare results of treatment for chronic recurrent temporomandibular joint dislocation (CRTMD) by autologous blood injection (ABI) using two different methods of administration (combination intra- and peri-articular, and peri-articular alone). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients diagnosed with CRTMD were randomly divided into two groups of 20 each (A and B). Group A were treated by intra- and peri-articular blood injection, group B were treated by peri-articular injection alone. The follow-up was done at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. The study assessed presence of dislocations, pain (VAS, 0-10), interincisal mouth opening (IMO), and the presence of sound phenomena. The treatment was considered successful in patients without the persistence of CRTMD symptoms, as well as with a VAS of 0-1. RESULT: After 12 months, a beneficial therapeutic effect in group B was seen in 11 patients, while 16 patients from group A had a therapeutic effect. CONCLUSION: Intra- and peri-articular ABI is more effective than peri-articular blood application alone in the treatment of CRTMD, although the difference was not statistically significant.

Phenotypic characterization of oral mucosa: what is normal?

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of the phenotypic pattern of oral squamous epithelium is important in the histopathologic evaluation of lesions including cancer. The literature on normal epithelium is controversial as the phenotype has not been evaluated in samples from completely healthy tissue donors without a history of tobacco and alcohol exposure. METHODS: In this study, we evaluated normal upper lip fornix and gingival mucosa from carefully selected young healthy donors without a history of smoking and alcohol exposure, and keratin types 8, 10, 14, and 17, filaggrin, and Ki67 were investigated in these donors. The results were compared with profile of epithelium from leukoplakia. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that the phenotypic patterns of gingiva and upper lip fornix mucosa were different. Surprisingly, a high proportion of gingival samples exhibited keratin 8 and a suprabasal signal for keratin 14. These patterns were compared with that of human oral leukoplakia, and some phenotypic similarities were noted. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrated oral epithelium phenotypic plasticity based on functional requirements of the microenvironment, which can be used in diagnosis.

Osteoarthrosis of Temporomandibular Joint Related to the Defects of Posterior Dentition: A Retrospective Study.

Osteoarthrosis (OA) of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a progressive degenerative disease, gradually affecting cartilage, synovial membrane and bone structures. OA of TMJ clinically manifests with joint noises, pain and restricted mouth opening. In late stages, it results in severe damage of TMJ structures and development of ankylosis. Osteoarthrosis is a multifactorial disease; the occurrence is associated with TMJ overloading. The cohort included 619 patients [538 women (87%) and 81 men (13%), with average age 40.6 years (age range 8-89 years)] with TMJ disorder, who were examined in the year 2014 in Department of Dental Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Czech Republic. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyse, if the lack of posterior teeth (supporting teeth zones) is the main etiologic factor of osteoarthrosis of TMJ. Diagnosis of OA was established on the clinical signs and the panoramic X-ray signs. Simultaneously other etiologic factors of OA were assessed. The presence of OA changes on X-ray had 171 patients (i.e. 27.6% of the total number of 619). 17.5% from these patients with OA had defect in posterior dentition. Other aetiological factors (stress, skeletal or vertebrogenous disorders) showed higher incidence of OA changes on X-ray. Defect of posterior dentition is not negligible, but it is not the main aetiological factor for osteoarthrosis of TMJ.

Proteomic analysis of human tooth pulp proteomes - Comparison of caries-resistant and caries-susceptible persons.

UNLABELLED: Most people in the world suffer from dental caries, >90% of adults experience caries on enamel and root surfaces during their life. However, the overall roles of all factors in the development of dental caries still remain unclear and are worthy of recent investigation. In this study we used a proteomic 2D-DIGE approach in connection with MS/MS to investigate the different protein abundances in the tooth pulp of human third molars obtained from caries-resistant and caries-susceptible people. Statistical analysis of the two protein maps obtained on large gel (17cm length) and mini gel (7cm length) followed by nLC-MS/MS analysis enabled the identification of 16 significantly changed spots with unique protein identifications corresponding to 12 non-redundant proteins. Seven proteins exhibited higher and four proteins exhibited lower expression in the caries-resistant samples compared to the caries-susceptible samples. Additionally, one protein (alpha-1-antitrypsin) exhibited both expressions (up and down). Most of the differentially expressed proteins were associated with protein metabolism, energy production, cytoskeletal organization and transport. These differentially expressed proteins are likely involved in the natural resistance or susceptibility of humans to the development of dental caries and suggest that the resistance mechanism is multifactorial. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Dental caries are not a serious and life-threatening disease, but their healing requires many remedies and takes up a lot of time. Moreover, neglecting the problem may lead to tooth loss, which can strongly reduce the quality of life. Therefore the identifying effective and safe oral medicine and determining the causes of caries-resistance were viewed as the main aims of this study. Our work aims to elucidate the mechanism of natural human resistance to the development of dental caries by studying the proteomes of tooth pulp isolated from patients who displayed different prevalences of tooth caries. This study is the first protein tooth pulp comparison of sound teeth obtained from caries-resistant versus caries-susceptible people.

A porcine model: surgical anatomy of the orbit for maxillofacial surgery.

Due to its similarity to humans, the pig has proven to be a suitable biomodel for both research purposes and for training medical professionals, particularly in surgical specializations. For example, new implant materials have been tested on pig jaws and pigs have also been used in the development of new surgical techniques. For optimizing the effectiveness of such research or training, detailed data on the anatomy of their particular features are needed. At present, however, only limited information related to surgical and imaging anatomy of the facial and orbital areas of the pig and its comparison to human structures from the experimental surgery point of view is available in the literature. The aim of this study was to obtain such data and to compare the morphological structures of the porcine and human orbital regions and to lay down the foundation for practical use in experimental surgery. Ten pig heads were examined using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and, subsequently, a dissection of the orbit was carried out. Attention was focused on the structure of the orbit (floor, rim and nerves) frequently affected by pathological processes in humans (such as trauma, infection or tumours) and which consequently are frequently the subject of maxillofacial surgery. The porcine orbit is suitable for use in experimental medicine. However, if used in experiments, its anatomical peculiarities must be taken into consideration. Our study presents a foundation of basic knowledge for researchers who plan to use the pig as a biomedical model to investigate alternative treatments in the head region.