Posterior Sector Research Articles

Erect weight-bearing pelvic radiographs are superior to supine radiographs for diagnosis of mixed type acetabular retroversion plus developmental dysplasia hip deformity

PurposeThis study focused on the mixed-type deformities of acetabular retroversion (AR) and developmental dysplasia hip deformity (DDH) and aimed to ascertain the changes in pelvic tilt from a supine to a standing position in these cases and identify potential underlying mechanisms. MethodsA retrospective study was conducted on cases with symptomatic DDH from January 1, 2019, to April 30, 2023. DDH was defined as LCEA < 20°. AR was diagnosed by using a crossover index threshold of 0.2 in standing pelvic X-ray. Two observers assessed the supine and weight-bearing pelvic radiographs, along with computed tomography (CT) scans. The evaluated parameters included pelvic tilt (sacrofemoral-pubic angle (SFP), symphysis to sacrococcygeal distance (PSSC), pubic symphysis to sacroiliac (PSSI)), acetabular retroversion (crossover index, posterior wall sign), acetabular coverage (lateral center-edge angle (LCEA), ischial spine sign (ISS)), and axial rotation of the hemipelvis (pelvic width index, obturator index, and ilio-ischial angle). Acetabular orientation and coverage was measured by CT through anterior sector angle (ASA), posterior sector angle (PSA) and acetabular anteversion (AA). Cases with acetabular retroversion plus DDH were defined as the mixed-type deformity. Comparative analyses between mixed-type deformities and DDH cases were performed along with subgroup and correlation analyses within mixed-type cases. Inter-observer and intra-observer reliabilities were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients. ResultsA total of 85 were included. 26 cases (30.59%) had mixed-type deformity, where transition from the supine to standing position led to an increased posterior pelvic tilt (SFP (supine: 64.35±4.6°, standing: 74.75±4.16°, p<0.001), PSSC (supine: 6.37±2.47, standing: 2.08±1.32, p<0.001) and PSSI (supine: 9.47±1.66, standing: 6.33±1.08, p<0.001)). Compared to cases with DDH, CT examination revealed a significantly greater anterior acetabular coverage and less posterior superior coverage, with smaller posterior sector angle and greater anterior sector angle (ASA) (p<0.05) for cases with AR. The superior iliac wing angle (mixed type: 45.63±9.22°, isolated type: 50.70±8.77°, p=0.013), inferior iliac wing angle(mixed type: 60.77±8.24°, isolated type: 65.24±8.02°, p=0.013), and ischiopubic angle (IPA) (mixed type: 32.27±3.19°, isolated type: 36.71±5.38°, p<0.001) were significantly reduced in AR cases, suggesting external rotation of the hemipelvis. Subgroup analysis showed that cases with a higher crossover index had a significantly higher PSSC and a significantly lower IPA. ConclusionAR was observed in 31% of DDH cases and was associated with a notable posterior pelvic tilt during postural transitions. This tilt appeared to be a compensatory mechanism affecting the AR diagnosis. Key changes in the acetabular coverage, including increased anterior coverage and decreased superior posterior coverage, were also observed. Additionally, external rotation of the hemipelvis in mixed-type cases correlated strongly with the extent of AR and anterior acetabular coverage, suggesting that it may be a key contributor to the underlying mechanism of this mixed-type deformity. Level of evidenceIII, retrospective case series.

Acetabular morphology variations in a Hispanic population.

Rotational abnormalities of the hip have been implicated in the etiology of diseases, such as hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis, and femoroacetabular impingement. Despite the extensive literature on hip morphology, there is a gap in knowledge regarding variations in the Hispanic population. To describe the bony anatomy variations of the acetabulum in a Hispanic population. This is a cross-sectional study. We studied 182 computed tomography (CT) images in patients aged older than 21 years, who had undergone pelvic CT for any condition, except hip fracture. Measurements of acetabular version, anterior and posterior acetabular sector angles (AASA/PASA) and horizontal acetabular sector angles (HASA) were made. Acetabular variations were then compared to weight and sex data. The mean acetabular anteversion was greater in women (P < 0.001). Women exhibited a greater PASA (P < 0.05); however, men had a greater AASA (P < 0.05). Underweight individuals had a smaller PASA (P < 0.01) and HASA (P < 0.05) than individuals with a normal weight. The Hispanic hip is morphologically similar to other populations previously reported in the literature; however, Hispanic men have less coverage of the femoral head by the posterior acetabular wall when compared to women of the same ethnicity. These abnormalities have a direct impact on management and surgical approach in patients treated for femoroacetabular impingement and hip dysplasia.

Evaluation of pulpal blood flow during orthodontic space closure: Prospective clinical trial

Orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) is a biological process that can affect the vascularization of the dental pulp. The forces exerted on the teeth may increase periapical pressure that could compress the arterioles, which in turn affects pulpal blood flow (PBF). The study aimed to investigate how OTM affects PBF during orthodontic space closure. A total of 22 adolescent participants who required orthodontic space closure in mandibular posterior sectors were enrolled in a prospective clinical study. The same sliding mechanics, wires, and active elements were used. Patients were observed before OTM, after leveling before space closure, and at the 4th, 7th, 21st, and 28th during active space closure. PBF was measured with laser Doppler (LD) flowmetry. Dental models were obtained with an intraoral scanner. The LD flow values decreased significantly during the observation period (2-way repeated measures analysis of variance, P<0.001). There was a significant difference in LD flow between tooth categories (2-way repeated measures analysis of variance, P<0.001). During space closure, the most pronounced LD flow reduction was observed in single-rooted teeth closest to the residual space. A higher speed of OTM was associated with a greater decrease in LD flow on day 4 of OTM (Pearson correlation, P= 0.0299). Orthodontic space closure reduced PBF; it was lowest in the early stages of space closure and showed a tendency to increase during the first month. Anterior teeth closer to the interdental space that experiences more OTM and teeth that move faster during initial OTM had a higher risk of reduced blood flow.

Morphometry of a partial Late Pleistocene dhole (Cuon alpinus europaeus (Bourguignat, 1868); Carnivora, Canidae) skeleton from Llonin Cave (Asturias, Spain) and its taphonomic origin

In this paper, we present the remains of a single dhole discovered in three Late Pleistocene levels (Cono Posterior sector) of Llonin Cave, in Asturias (Spain). Said remains consist of the partial skeleton of an adult individual, showing small-sized dentition with a high degree of hypercarnivorism, typical of populations with derived traits from the Late Pleistocene in Europe. Morphometric analysis of the bone assemblage reveals that it belongs to the subspecies Cuon alpinus europaeus (Bourguignat, 1868). A direct dating on a dhole bone has provided a date of 29231 ± 387 BP and confirms its archaeological stratigraphic position associated with the Gravettian phase of the site. The taphonomic history of the dhole assemblage and their spatial distribution provides information about the interaction processes and cave occupation dynamics by these canids and by prehistoric human groups.

Typical Development of the Secondary Ossification Centers of the Acetabulum and Their Effects on Acetabular Coverage of the Femoral Head.

We investigated the normal development of the secondary ossification centers of the acetabulum, focusing on their location and the amount of acetabular coverage increased by them. We enrolled 132 patients who were 7 to 16 years of age and had no pelvic deformity but did have ≥1 os ischium, os ilium, and/or os pubis on abdominal or pelvic computed tomographic (CT) scans. The locations of the ossification centers were evaluated by adopting an orientation using 0° for the superior acetabulum, 90° for the anterior acetabulum, 180° for the inferior acetabulum, and 270° for the posterior acetabulum, on a reconstructed 3-dimensional (3D) CT image. The acetabular coverage increase by the os ischium, os ilium, or os pubis was defined as the difference in the posterior acetabular sector angle (ΔPASA), posterosuperior acetabular sector angle (ΔPSASA), superior acetabular sector angle (ΔSASA), anterosuperior acetabular sector angle (ΔASASA), or anterior acetabular sector angle (ΔAASA) measured with and without each secondary ossification center. Patients were grouped into 3 age ranges: late childhood, preadolescence, and early adolescence. The location of each ossification center and the increase in acetabular coverage were compared between these groups. In the late-childhood group, the median start-to-end positions in right hips were 269° to 316° for the os ischium, 345° to 356° for the os ilium, and 81° to 99° for the os pubis. These positions tended to be wider in the early-adolescence group at 252° to 328° for the os ischium (p < 0.001), 338° to 39° for the os ilium (p = 0.005), and 73° to 107° for the os pubis (p = 0.049) in right hips. In right hips in the late-childhood group, the median values were 8.1° for ΔPASA, 14.0° for ΔPSASA, 9.9° for ΔSASA, 11.1° for ΔASASA, and 3.9° for ΔAASA; and in the early-adolescence group, the median values in right hips were 10.7° for ΔPASA, 12.9° for ΔPSASA, 8.4° for ΔSASA, 7.4° for ΔASASA, and 5.6° for ΔAASA. Only the median ΔPASA was larger in the early-adolescence group than in the late-childhood group (p = 0.026). Similar results were observed in left hips. In early adolescence, the secondary ossification centers appeared at more extended areas along the acetabular rim, and the increase in acetabular coverage by the secondary ossification centers tended to be larger in the posterior area but not in the anterior or superior area. Diagnostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Additively manufactured custom-made subperiosteal implant rehabilitation for severely atrophic maxillary molar area: A technical note

Implant-prosthetic rehabilitations of severely atrophic posterior maxillary sectors currently is challenging, often requiring multiple surgeries and long rehabilitation times. Recently, graftless techniques (e.g. zygomatic, pterygoid and nasal implants) have gained popularity as they offer a reduction in rehabilitation time, aligning more closely with patient preferences but may not be feasible for sectorial rehabilitations. Subperiosteal implants, suggested for full-arch rehabilitations of atrophic maxilla, haven't been explored for sectorial rehabilitations. In this report we present the case of a patient with maxillary molar edentulism, rehabilitated with a subperiosteal implant.

Acetabular dysplasia and posterior wall fractures: The missing link?

BackgroundTraumatologists are unable to predict hip instability based on CT scans and standard radiographs in posterior wall (PW) fractures comprising <50–60 % of the wall, necessitating an examination under anesthesia (EUA). Risk factors for instability have not been clarified, but acetabular dysplasia has been theorized as a potential etiology. Unfortunately, dysplasia is difficult to evaluate in the traumatic setting. The purpose of this study was to compare acetabular morphology between unstable and stable fractures with a novel method to detect dysplasia. MethodsPatients ≥ 18 years old with a PW fracture that underwent an EUA from 2013 to 2023 were retrospectively identified. For our experimental measurements, the axial distances on CT between the acetabular dome, lateral acetabular opening, and femoral head vertex were recorded. Acetabular geometry was quantified at these levels. Conventional dysplasia metrics (e.g., Tonnis angle) were obtained. Variables were compared between stable and unstable fractures. Results58 patients met inclusion criteria with 42 stable versus 16 unstable fractures. Unstable fractures had higher distances between the acetabular dome and femoral head vertex (p > 0.05). They had more cranial fracture exit points (p = 0.0015), lower femoral head coverage (p = 0.0102), and lower posterior acetabular sector angles (p = 0.0281). No other differences in acetabular geometry, demographics, injury characteristics, or other markers of dysplasia were identified. ConclusionsUnstable hips demonstrated a more recessed acetabular dome when compared to stable hips. Posterior acetabular femoral head coverage and cranial fracture exit point may be related to hip instability. A larger sample size is needed to validate these findings.

Paedodontic preformed crowns in primary teeth and relative degree of dental wear.

Prosthetic rehabilitation of deciduous teeth in paediatric age using pre-formed crowns has been considered one of the best methods of dental restoration since their introduction. Their main advantages are related to durability, longevity and a low rate of recurrent cavities. Since stainless steel crowns do not coincide with aesthetic needs of parents and patients, preformed paedodontic crowns made of zirconia and nano-hybrid composite was introduced. The aim of the study is to evaluate the degree of wear on the enamel and on themselves of the different paedodontic crowns. Nine bovine teeth and nine paedodontic crowns for deciduous molars were selected for the study, three of which in zirconia, three in nano-hybrid composite and three in stainless steel. Wear test was carried out on the Rtech™ Instruments tribometer applying a force of 50 N. After that, both the bovine teeth and the paedodontic crowns were observed using a stereo microscope (Zeiss Stemi C-500) and a scanning electron microscope (SEM, Cambridge Stereoscan 440). The areas of wear were calculated with a software [ImageJ, version 1x, Wayne Rasband, Maryland, USA]. Pre-formed paediatric crowns in zirconia, nano-hybrid composite and stainless steel are a valid aid for the restoration of deciduous teeth and do not compromise the physiological wear characteristic of the phases of the dental exchange. The stainless steel crown is preferable for the restorations in the posterior sectors as its behaviour is the most similar to that of a natural tooth. Zirconia and nano-hybrid composite crowns showed an inversely proportional behaviour between their wear volume and that of the opposing tooth.

The Three-Dimensional Criteria of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip Using the Functional Pelvic Plane Is More Useful Than That Using the Anterior Pelvic Plane.

Background: This retrospective cross-sectional study investigated the cutoff values (COVs) for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) using a three-dimensional (3D) pelvic model reconstructed using computed tomography (CT). We included 107 healthy Japanese participants and 73 patients who had undergone curved periacetabular osteotomy (CPO) for DDH between 2012 and 2017. Methods: The hip CT images were adjusted to the anterior pelvic plane (APP), functional pelvic plane (FPP), sagittal anterior center-edge angle (ACEA), and sagittal posterior center-edge angle (PCEA). The lateral center-edge angle (LCEA), acetabular roof obliquity (ARO), anterior acetabular sector angle (AASA), and posterior acetabular sector angle (PASA) were measured. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to calculate the COVs, and the association between the parameters was analyzed using multiple logistic regression. Results: The ARO (≥10.2°) and LCEA (≤22.2°) were independent influencing factors for the APP, whereas the AASA (≤53.1°) and LCEA (≤24.5°) were independent influencing factors for the FPP. Conclusions: The 3D criteria for the diagnosis of DDH in Japanese individuals can identify DDH with insufficient anterior coverage, which anteroposterior plain radiographs cannot visualize, and can help determine indications for acetabular osteotomy.

Femoroacetabular Variations Are Predisposing Factors for Traumatic Posterior Hip Dislocation.

Although high-energy trauma mechanisms are generally considered to cause traumatic posterior hip dislocations, femoroacetabular variations are assumed to contribute to low-impact hip dislocations. Thus, the present study aimed to identify morphologic femoral and acetabular risk factors that may also contribute to posterior hip dislocations in high-energy trauma mechanisms. The acetabular and femoral morphology of 83 hips with a traumatic posterior dislocation following a high-energy trauma mechanism were analyzed and matched to a control group of 83 patients who sustained high-energy trauma without a hip injury. The lateral center-edge angle, acetabular index, acetabular depth/width ratio, cranial and central acetabular version angles, and the anterior and posterior acetabular sector angles were measured on computed tomography to quantify femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) morphology, acetabular version, and coverage. The caput-collum-diaphyseal angle and the alpha angles in the coronal and axial planes were measured to detect cam-type FAI deformity. A receiver operating characteristic curve was utilized to determine threshold values for an increased risk of hip dislocation. Acetabular retroversion and posterior acetabular undercoverage were significantly increased in patients with hip dislocations compared with controls (p < 0.001). The central acetabular version angle and posterior acetabular sector angle that indicated an increased risk of hip dislocation were ≤9° and ≤90°, respectively. Cam-type FAI deformity and coxa valga were significantly increased in the dislocation group (p < 0.001). The anterolateral alpha angle that indicated an increased dislocation risk was ≥47°. Acetabular retroversion, posterior acetabular undercoverage, and cam-type FAI morphology may be risk factors contributing to traumatic posterior hip dislocation in high-energy trauma mechanisms. Prognostic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Scoliosis After Resection of Primary Pediatric Chest Wall Tumors

BackgroundScoliosis is one of the long-term consequences of surgical resection of pediatric chest wall tumors. This study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with scoliosis development following the resection of chest wall tumors. MethodsRetrospective cohort study of 64 children who underwent resection of malignant chest wall tumors from 2009 to 2022. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to investigate factors associated with scoliosis development. ResultsThe median age at the time of surgery was 7 years (range, 3–21), with 33 (51.6%) patients undergoing surgery before the age of 10 years. The most common histology was Ewing sarcoma (n = 57). A median of 3 (range, 1–5) contiguous ribs were resected. A total of 34 (53.1%) patients had anterior CWTs and 30 (46.9%) had posterior CWTs. Concomitant partial lung and diaphragmatic resection were performed in 12 patients (lung, n = 7; diaphragm, n = 5). Scoliosis convex towards the resection side developed in 21 (32.8%). The primary risk factors for scoliosis were resecting 3 or more ribs (OR 6.44) and resection of the posterior rib segment (OR 5.49). Patients with a tumor resection below 10 years old were not associated with a higher risk of scoliosis. ConclusionsScoliosis following resection of a primary malignant pediatric chest wall tumor is associated with resection involving three or more ribs and resection of the posterior rib sector. Type of StudyRetrospective observational. Level of EvidenceIV.

Criteria for choosing prosthetic biomaterials according to their physicochemical properties for anterior and posterior sectors. a comprehensive review.

To describe the existing knowledge about metal-free prosthetic biomaterials according to their physicochemical properties and based on this, define criteria for their placement in both the anterior and posterior sectors. A digital search was carried out in the databases: PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar of the literature published in the English language without time restrictions and included original articles such as case reports, retrospective and prospective studies, narrative, comprehensive, systematic reviews and meta-analysis. Meanwhile, short communications, editorials and articles in a language other than English were excluded. 40 articles were evaluated, published between 2000 and 2023. The main characteristics and physicochemical properties of ceramic biomaterials such as zirconia, feldspathic based ceramics, lithium disilicate and alumina, among others, were analyzed and summarized. In addition, certain criteria were defined based on the available scientific evidence on the use of different ceramic systems both in the anterior sector and in the posterior sector for patients who need some type of prosthetic restoration. Among the different metal-free materials used for the construction of fixed dental prostheses, zirconia has been shown to have better aesthetic, biomechanical and biocompatibility properties, which makes it a candidate material for the rehabilitation of partially edentulous patients.

Quantitative Assessment of Acetabular Defects in Revision Hip Arthroplasty Based on 3D Modeling: The Area Increase Ratio (AIR) Method.

The most common classifications for acetabular bone defects are based on radiographic two-dimensional imaging, with low reliability and reproducibility. With the rise of modern processing techniques based on 3D modelling, methodologies for the volumetric quantification of acetabular bone loss are available. Our study aims to describe a new methodology for the quantitative assessment of acetabular defects based on 3D modelling, focused on surface analysis of the integrity of the main anatomical structures of the acetabulum represented by four corresponding sectors (posterior, superior, anterior, and medial). The defect entity is measured as the area increase ratio (AIR) detected in all the sectors analyzed on three planes of view (frontal, sagittal, and axial) compared to healthy hemipelvises. The analysis was performed on 3D models from the CT-scan of six exemplary specimens with a unilateral pathological hemipelvis. The AIR between the native and the pathological hemipelvis was calculated for each sector, for a total of 48 analyses (range, +0.93-+171.35%). An AIR of >50% were found in 22/48 (45.8%) sectors and affected mostly the posterior, medial, and superior sectors (20/22, 90.9%). Qualitative analysis showed consistency between the data and the morphological features of the defects. Further studies with larger samples are needed to validate the methodology and potentially develop a new classification scheme.

Surgeon seniority and experience have no effect on CaP detection rates using MRI/TRUS fusion-guided targeted biopsies

ObjectiveTo determine (i) whether urologist seniority and experience are associated with prostate cancer (CaP) and clinically significant CaP (csCaP) detection rates using magnetic resonance imaging/ultrasound (MRI/US) fusion-guided targeted biopsies, taking multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) as the reference standard, and (ii) if cancer detection rates (CDR) differ across regions of the prostate using Dickinson's 27-sector map, regardless of seniority. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed a consecutive series of patients with suspicion of prostate cancer who underwent targeted and systematic biopsies at 1 center by 1 of 7 urologists (2 seniors and 5 juniors) between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2021, following positive mpMRI. ResultsThe cohort comprised 403 patients (454 lesions) aged 67.7±6.8. The combined (junior and senior) CDR was 57% for CaP and 28% for csCaP. There were no differences in CDR between junior and senior urologists for CaP (58% vs. 55%, P = 0.538) or csCaP (29% vs. 26%, P = 0.58). A general trend was observed for the learning curve, which indicated increasing CDR with urologist experience. Across the 27 sectors, combined CDR ranged between 39% and 99% for CaP and 1% to 67% for csCaP. When grouping anterior vs. posterior sectors, there were no differences in combined CDR of CaP (64% vs. 67%, P = 0.48) and csCaP (31% vs. 38%, P = 0.19) ConclusionsUrologist seniority is not associated with CDR, urologist experience tends to improve cancer detection, and CDR does not differ between the anterior and posterior regions of the prostate.

Influence of Cavity Designs on Fracture Resistance: Analysis of the Role of Different Access Techniques to the Endodontic Cavity in the Onset of Fractures: Narrative Review.

In recent years, new endodontic access techniques have been proposed with the aim of preserving as much dental tissue as possible for subsequent prosthetic rehabilitation. It has indeed been demonstrated that the success of this therapy is essential and dependent on the proper execution of endodontic cavity access. The main objective is to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the new access techniques in endodontics in order to guide clinical practice toward a more precise and qualitative approach. As of today, there is still no universally standardized and recognized taxonomy for the different access cavity designs described in the literature. It has been observed that there are various nomenclatures in the literature. The cavity access designs described mainly in the literature can be categorized into six groups: Traditional Access Cavity (TradAC), Conservative Access Cavity (ConsAC), Ultra-Conservative Access Cavity (UltraAC), Truss Access Cavity (TrussAC), Caries-Guided Access Cavity (CariesAC), and Restoration-Guided Access Cavity (RestoAC). The drafting of this narrative review followed the indications of the SANRA (Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles). A search for scientific articles was conducted on the PubMed and SCOPUS databases, using the following search query: ((truss) OR (conservative) OR (ninja) OR (traditional)) AND access AND endodontic. The initial search yielded a total of 941 articles. After removing duplicates using EndNote X8 software, the number of articles decreased to 785. By applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 64 articles were obtained. Among these, 20 articles were finally selected for the purposes of this review, 11 literature reviews and 9 ex-vivo studies. Studies on fracture resistance have yielded heterogeneous results. For anterior teeth, studies do not find a significant relationship between different endodontic access cavities and fracture resistance. However, in the posterior sector, there is more discrepancy and many positive results for minimally invasive access cavities seem to relate to molars. Therefore, it can be concluded that the evidence supporting the influence of endodontic preparations on dental fracture resistance is still limited. Research on new endodontic access techniques holds significant clinical relevance in contemporary endodontics. The evolution of dental technologies, including cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and computer-guided cavity preparation, has ushered in the era of minimally invasive endodontics. This shift aims to enhance the precision and quality of endodontic treatments while preserving maximum healthy dental tissue for subsequent prosthetic rehabilitation. The success of endodontic therapy is closely tied to the proper execution of access to the endodontium, influencing all phases of endodontic treatment and playing a role in determining fracture resistance for subsequent rehabilitation phases. The dichotomy between traditional and minimally invasive approaches has spurred clinical investigations. Specifically, within the scientific community, doubts have been raised about the potential limitations of minimally invasive access cavities. Concerns include their impact on canal orifice localization and raise questions about their influence on the overall success of endodontic treatment. This review holds clinical significance as it sheds light on the evolving landscape of endodontic access techniques, analyzing the anatomical trajectory, carefully examines the transition to minimally invasive approaches, and critically assesses existing scientific evidence and concerns surrounding these developments, contributing to an informed decision-making process in clinical practice.

Rehabilitation of patients with severe atrophy of the upper jaw using the “quad zygoma” protocol. Clinical case

The implant-prosthetic rehabilitation of patients with severe atrophy of the upper jaw can be postponed only after the necessary bone supply has been created or through alternative implantation methods in anatomical areas adjacent to available bone, such as the zygomatic bone. Objective: To present the method of inserting zygomatic implants and analyzing the efficacy of the method. Based on a clinical case of implant-prosthetic rehabilitation using the “Quad Zygoma” protocol, patient A.M., aged 58, was diagnosed with “Kennedy Class I Partial Subtotal Edentulism. Misch Class D bone atrophy in the anterior region and Misch SA-4 in the posterior sectors of the maxilla. Generalized chronic periodontitis of moderate-advanced form.” The effectiveness of the applied method was demonstrated.

Longevity of Aesthetic Fixed Space Maintainers in the Anterior Area of the Pediatric Dental Patient.

To evaluate the factors determining possible complications capable of reducing the longevity of aesthetic fixed space maintainers placed due to premature loss of temporary upper anterior teeth. Data were collected on 100 patients of 1-5 years of age requiring fixed space maintainer placement in the upper anterior area due to caries or traumatisms. Complications were recorded in the form of resin tooth fracture (in 41% of the cases), welding fracture (16%), detachments (28%), gingivitis (26%) and root resorptions (8%). Space maintainer placement in younger children (12-24 months of age) was associated with a significantly greater incidence of root resorptions (p < 0.05). Within the limits of the present study, it is concluded that fixed space maintainers would be a good treatment option in patients with prematurely missing anterior teeth, though the use of temporary first molars as abutments could imply a greater risk of failure, with a lesser incidence of root resorptions. Periodic checks and adequate measures of hygiene are essential.

Screwed Monolithic Zirconia Crowns for Mono-Implant Posterior Rehabilitation: A Prospective Clinical Study on 41 Patients with a 7-Year Follow-Up

The usage of monolithic zirconia has been increasing in daily practice in dentistry for the last 20 years. Monolithic zirconia is mainly used for posterior sector rehabilitation, as it lacks optical properties and has good technical properties; it does not chip and reduces antagonist wear compared to metal–ceramic prostheses. However, monolithic zirconia may present some issues, mainly low-temperature degradation (LTD), also known as “aging”, which must be considered and investigated in clinical studies with prolonged follow-up periods. The aim of this study was the aesthetic and functional evaluation of single monolithic zirconia crowns that were screwed onto implants for posterior dental rehabilitation using USPHS parameters and a long follow-up period of 7 years. The results showed that the USPHS scoring reduces year by year, passing from 100% excellence between the first and fourth years of observation, to 88% excellence and 12% success in the seventh year. Screw abutment loosening was the only technical adversity reported; no implant failure, crown fracture, or irreparable damage were additionally registered. Considering the emerging results and comparing them with the data available in the literature, the authors suggest that monolithic zirconia crowns could be considered as a valid alternative to classic metal–ceramic rehabilitations for the rehabilitation of posterior sectors.

Subchondral fatigue fracture of the femoral head in young military recruits: Potential risk factors.

Subchondral fatigue fracture of the femoral head (SFFFH) mainly occurs in young military recruits and might be confused with osteonecrosis of the femoral head. However, less research focuses on the risk factor for SFFFH. To evaluate the intrinsic risk factors for SFFFH in young military recruits. X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging data were used for analysis. Acetabular anteversion of the superior acetabulum, acetabular anteversion of the center of the acetabulum (AVcen), anterior acetabular sector angle (AASA), posterior acetabular sector angle, superior acetabular sector angle, neck-shaft angle (NSA), inferior iliac angle (IIA), and ischiopubic angle were calculated. Then, logistic regression, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, and independent samples t-test were performed to identify the risk factors for SFFFH. Based on the results of logistic regression, age [odds ratio (OR): 1.33; 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 1.12-1.65; P = 0.0031] and treatment timing (OR: 0.86; 95%CI: 0.75-0.96; P = 0.015) could be considered as the indicators for SFFFH. AVcen (P = 0.0334), AASA (P = 0.0002), NSA (P = 0.0007), and IIA (P = 0.0316) were considered to have statistical significance. Further, AVcen (OR: 1.41; 95%CI: 1.04-1.95) and AASA (OR: 1.44; 95%CI: 1.21-1.77), especially AASA (area under curve: 66.6%), should be paid much more attention due to the higher OR than other indicators. We have for the first time unveiled that AASA and age could be key risk factors for SFFFH, which further verifies that deficient anterior coverage of the acetabulum might be the main cause of SFFFH.

The Association between Hip Joint Morphology and Posterior Wall Fracture: Analysis of Radiologic Parameters in Computed Tomography.

Although numerous radiologic parameters of abnormal hip joint morphology are utilized in practice, studies on the relation of these parameters to acetabular fractures are limited. This study hypothesized that certain morphological features of hip joints are associated with acetabular posterior wall (PW) fracture patterns and aimed to identify morphological characteristics predictive of acetabular PW fracture. The records of 107 consecutive patients, who were diagnosed with acetabular fractures in a level I trauma center from August 2017 to April 2021, were initially reviewed. After excluding patients who lacked proper radiographic evaluation and had previous surgery or concomitant injury on the ipsilateral lower limb, a total of 99 patients were analyzed to investigate the morphological characteristics of the hip joint, measured in computed tomography, associated with acetabular posterior wall fracture. We included patient demographics, acetabular index (AI), sharp angle, acetabular depth-to-width ratio (AD/WR), center-edge angle (CEA), head-neck offset ratio (HNOR), acetabular head index (AHI), anterior acetabular sector angle (AASA), posterior acetabular sector angle (PASA), and acetabular version angle (AVA) in the univariate and multivariate analyses. The injury mechanism (p = 0.001) and AD/WR (p = 0.021) were predictors of PW fracture in the univariate analysis. In the multivariable analysis, injury mechanism (p = 0.011), AI (coefficient B = 0.320; Exp (B) = 1.377; p = 0.017), and AD/WR (coefficient B = 33.047; Exp (B) = 2.250 × 1014; p = 0.028) were significant predictors of PW fracture. This study highlights the importance of morphological factors, such as a larger AI and AD/WR, that may influence joint stress distribution, resulting in acetabular PW fracture. Understanding these pathomechanisms may protect the hip joint and prevent future injuries through the early identification and treatment of pathological conditions.