Effect of piezocision corticotomy on en-masse retraction.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the amount of en-masse retraction with or without piezocision corticotomy, to assess the type of tooth movement, to evaluate root integrity after retraction, and to record reported pain levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized, controlled clinical trial included 26 orthodontic patients requiring premolar extraction. The patients were divided into two groups: (1) an extraction with piezocision corticotomy group (PCG) and (2) an extraction-only group, which served as the control group (CG). Cone-beam computed tomography images were acquired before and 4 months after the initiation of en-masse retraction utilizing miniscrews. The following variables were assessed: the amount of en-masse retraction, incisor inclination, incisor and canine root resorption, and patient-reported pain. RESULTS: Twelve and 11 participants completed the entire study in the PCG and CG, respectively. The amount of en-masse retraction was significantly greater in the PCG compared to the CG (mean = 4.8 ± 0.57 mm vs 2.4 ± 0.33 mm, respectively [P < .001]). There was also significantly less tipping and root resorption of incisors in the PCG (P < .05). The reported pain was significantly higher on the first day in the PCG compared to the CG (P < .001); however, it became similar between the groups after 24 hours. CONCLUSIONS: Piezocision corticotomy enhanced the amount of en-masse retraction two times more with less root resorption. However, future studies are required to assess the long-term effects of this technique.

Anatomical consideration for optimal position of orthodontic miniscrews in the maxilla: a CBCT appraisal.

BACKGROUND: Orthodontic miniscrews are commonly used as temporary anchorage devices. Bone thickness and bone depth are important factors when placing miniscrews. There are no studies to assess the maxillary bone thickness for optimum miniscrew placement in a Saudi population. OBJECTIVE: Assess the proximity of the maxillary sinus and nasal cavity in areas where miniscrews are usually inserted using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). DESIGN: Retrospective, cross-sectional. SETTING: Department of maxillofacial radiology in a Saudi dental school. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Using CBCT images, we measured the distance between the maxillary sinus and nasal cavity to the palatal bone, buccal intra-radicular and infrazygomatic crest areas. Mean values (SD) were compared at various locations, including by gender, and correlation with age was calculated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Mean bone thickness at commonly used sites for orthodontic miniscrew placements in the maxilla. Secondary outcome was the insertion angle in the infrazygomatic crest area. SAMPLE SIZE: CBCT images of 100 patients (50 males and 50 females). RESULTS: The mean (standard deviation) age for the sample was 25.4 (6.5) years with no significant difference between males and females. In the palate, the distance to the nasal cavity and maxillary sinus was greater anteriorly and decreased significantly posteriorly (P<.001). Buccally, the interdental bone depth was significantly greater between the second premolar and first molar (11.96 mm) compared to between the central and lateral incisors (7.53 mm, P<.001). The mean bone thickness of the infrazygomatic crest area at a 45° insertion angle was 4.94 mm compared to 3.90 at a 70° insertion angle (P<.001). No correlation was found between age and bone thickness. CONCLUSION: The distance to the nasal cavity and maxillary sinus was greater in the anterior than posterior areas. There is minimal risk of injuring the maxillary sinus or nasal cavity using the buccal approach. Caution is needed when placing miniscrews in the infrazygomatic crest area. LIMITATIONS: Cross-sectional study from one center; hence, findings cannot be generalized to other populations. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: None.

The Revised Basel Statements on the Future of Hospital Pharmacy: What Do They Mean for Saudi Arabia?

OBJECTIVES: To describe the current hospital pharmacy practice in Saudi Arabia according to the revised Basel statements. METHODS: A review of the available data based on published literature in the subject area was carried out. KEY FINDINGS: The original Basel Statements were developed at the 2008 Global Conference on the Future of Hospital Pharmacy in Basel, Switzerland. Representatives from 98 countries, including Saudi Arabia, attended this conference. The revision of the Basel statements simplified and merged many of the original Basel statements. In addition to making the Basel statements more concise, the revision added new statements to reflect global trends and the expanded responsibilities of hospital pharmacists. CONCLUSION: The release of the Basel statements represents an important opportunity to bring Saudi Arabian practices into complete concurrence with international standards and to identify areas that should be prioritized.

Evaluation of linear measurements of implant sites based on head orientation during acquisition: An ex vivo study using cone-beam computed tomography.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the effect of various head orientations during cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) image acquisition on linear measurements of potential implant sites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six dry human skulls with a total of 28 implant sites were evaluated for seven different head orientations. The scans were acquired using a Hitachi CB-MercuRay CBCT machine. The scanned volumes were reconstructed. Horizontal and vertical measurements were made and were compared to measurements made after simulating the head position to corrected head angulations. Data was analyzed using a two-way ANOVA test. RESULTS: Statistical analysis revealed a significant interaction between the mean errors in vertical measurements with a marked difference observed at the extension head position (P<0.05). Statistical analysis failed to yield any significant interaction between the mean errors in horizontal measurements at various head positions. CONCLUSION: Head orientation could significantly affect the vertical measurements in CBCT scans. The main head position influencing the measurements is extension.