Use of transcortical miniscrews for alveolar ridge preservation following tooth extraction: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this split-mouth pilot study was to investigate the effects of a transcortical miniscrew placed over the buccal plate of an extraction socket for alveolar ridge preservation in humans. METHODS: One week after the extraction of bilateral maxillary premolars, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and intraoral digital imaging were performed (T0). A transcortical miniscrew was placed over the buccal plate of the extraction socket on one side (experiment), and the extraction socket on the contralateral side was left untreated (control). Follow-up CBCT and intraoral digital imaging were performed at 8 months immediately after miniscrew removal (T8). Changes in the width of the alveolar bone and ridge were measure by superimposing T0 and T8 of CBCTs and intraoral digital scans. RESULTS: Six participants completed the study protocol. Overall, the experimental side with the miniscrew demonstrated less bone loss and less alveolar ridge reduction than the control side. Bone loss on the experimental side (0.7 ± 0.2 mm) was significantly less than that on the control side (1.3 ± 0.7 mm) at the apical level of the socket on axial CBCT imaging (Wilcoxon signed rank test, p = .031). The experimental side (-18 ± 8%) exhibited less reduction in the alveolar ridge width than the control side (-21 ± 12%) at the crestal level on coronal superimposition of the intraoral digital scans. CONCLUSIONS: Transcortical miniscrew placement over the buccal plate of the extraction socket resulted in less resorption of the alveolar ridge and bone 8 months after tooth extraction. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03205800: Temporary Anchorage Devices for Ridge Preservation (TAD).

Acute Flaccid Quadriplegic Myopathy and Encephalopathy with Extensive Muscle Magnetic Resonance Imaging Changes in Thyroid Storm.

Thyroid storm (TS) is a rare hyperthyroidism associated multisystem decompensation and can mimic a systemic inflammatory response syndrome. It is diagnosed in the presence of fever with cardiovascular, central nervous system, and gastrointestinal complications. Only a few reports of acute flaccid quadriplegic thyrotoxic myopathy (TM) with TS have been reported. However, muscle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in TM have not been yet been reported. Our patient underwent muscle MRI and showed some unusual features. These are discussed in this article.

A Hot Body in a Cold Room Hyperthermia Secondary to Rapid Diuresis in Cardiac Failure; the Perils of Rapid Fluid Shifts.

A 66-year-old man was admitted with anasarca and congestive cardiac failure. He was started on intravenous diuretics and fluid restriction and lost nearly 35 kg of fluids in 13 days. He then developed hyperthermia and delirium. An extensive workup was inconclusive. Analysis of his inpatient fluid balance chart revealed the chance association of massive fluid loss and hyperthermia. Rapid diuresis-induced hyperthermia and volume contraction were considered, and his fluid balance was adjusted. Within 2 days, his temperature normalized and he regained consciousness. Hyperthermia and its causative mechanism are discussed in this article.