[The orthosurgical correction of 2 cases of Angle class II div I]. / Correzione ortochirurgica di due casi di II classe di Angle div I.

An orthosurgical technique comprising maxillary expansion using Burstone screws associated with multiple corticotomy, repositioning of the bone basis and pre- and postoperative orthodontics was used to correct two cases of Angle's class dysgnathia with involvement of both the bone basis and alveolodental component. The outcome was satisfactory in that a good esthetic result was achieved together with normal and functional occlusion which was stable over time.

[Bidimensional measurements of the dental arches using a digitizer]. / Misurazione bidimensionale delle arcate dentali con l'utilizzo del digitizer.

This method is based on the photographic reproduction of plaster models of dental arches, having previously identified reference points at a canine, molar and inter-incisor level. Subsequent measurement, using a digitizer, of the distances between the above points allows a precise bidimensional measurement to be easily obtained. By selecting plaster models for the different stages of treatment, the method can also be used to monitor changes in the dimensions of the alveolodental arch induced by therapy, or the possible presence of long-term recidivation.

[A comparative evaluation of Steiner's and McNamara's methods for determining the position of the bone bases]. / Valutazione comparativa delle metodiche di Steiner e McNamara per la determinazione della posizione delle basi ossee.

A comparative study of Steiner's and McNamara's cephalometric analyses to determine the position of bone bases was performed in 51 patients and revealed the substantial similarity of the two techniques. The authors consider McNamara's technique to be of greater and more immediate clinical value.

[Postural changes of the tongue and hyoid bone following orthognathodontic surgical interventions]. / Mutamenti posturali della lingua e dell'osso ioide dopo interventi chirurgici ortognatodontici.

The study was carried out on 28 dysgnathic patients submitted to surgical correction of malocclusion with the use of latero-lateral X-rays pre- and postoperatively. Cephalometry included a tongue and hyoid bone profiles and changes were assessed and quantified. It was interesting to note that aspecific evaluation of progenia patients confirmed the raising of the tongue and the lowering of the hyoid bone. Evaluation of the type of operation carried out led to further considerations. In patients undergoing combined operation there was a prevalence of a raising of the two components; mandible operation alone influences the downward shift of the tongue and hyoid bone. The advance of the upper maxillary, on the other hand, particularly when associated with segmentary osteotomy, is accompanied by a combined shift upwards of both tongue and hyoid bone.

[An evaluation of the postoperative stability of the dental arches following interventions for segmental osteotomy]. / Valutazione della stabilità postchirurgica delle arcate dentali dopo interventi di osteotomia segmentaria.

The study evaluates the long-term postsurgical stability of segmentary osteotomy and compares it to the orthodontic expansion of the jaw which is well known for its tendency to relapse following contraction. The study of the postsurgical changes of the transversal and longitudinal diameters of the dental arches and of the area covered was carried out in a group of 15 patients using rigorously standardised methods. Heterogeneous variations were observed and although there was a prevalent tendency towards contractions these were small in size and of minor clinical importance. Even if only major postsurgical changes were taken into account, usually following considerable expansion of the jaw, especially if associated with the jaw's advance, it is clear that there is a greater clinical stability in comparison to orthodontic expansions. This confirms the therapeutic value of segmentary osteotomy.