Soft Tissue Reduction Research Articles

Punch vs open surgical techniques for placement of bone-anchored hearing implants: a systematic review and meta-analysis of skin reactions and operating time.

Several authors have reported their experience with the punch technique as compared to open surgical methods for bone-anchored hearing implants (BAHI). However, no study has attempted to aggregate current evidence. We aimed to compare post-operative skin complications and operating time between punch and open surgical techniques of BAHI via a systematic review and meta-analysis. Databases of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, BioMed Central, Ovoid, and CENTRAL were screened up to 15th February 2020 to include studies comparing punch and open surgical technique for BAHI. Eight studies were included. Punch technique was compared with dermatome and linear incision techniques with and without soft tissue reduction. There was no difference in normal-to-moderate skin reaction between the punch and open surgical techniques (OR: 0.86 95% CI 0.23, 3.28 I2 = 0%). The incidence of adverse skin reactions were also not different between the two groups. Meta-regression for different follow-up periods did not demonstrate any statistically significant results. Our results also indicated that punch technique requires less operating time, however, the inter-study heterogeneity in the analysis was very high. Similar results were seen on sub-group analysis based on the type of open surgical technique. There may be no difference in skin tolerance between the punch technique and open surgical techniques. Operating time may be significantly reduced with the punch technique. Strong conclusions cannot be drawn owing to a limited number of studies. Further large-scale randomized trials are required.

Dosimetric considerations of 99mTc-MDP uptake within the epiphyseal plates of the long bones of pediatric patients

Skeletal scintigraphy is most performed in pediatric patients using the radiopharmaceutical 99mTc labelled methylene diphosphonate (99mTc-MDP). Reference biokinetic models for 99mTc-MDP indicate 50% of the administered activity is uniformly localized to the interior bone surfaces (trabecular and cortical regions), yet imaging data clearly show some preferential uptake to the epiphyseal growth plates of the long bones. To explore the dosimetric consequences of these regional activity concentrations, we have modified mesh-type computational phantoms of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) reference pediatric series to explicitly include geometric models of the epiphyseal growth plates (2 mm in thickness) within the left/right, distal/proximal ends of the humeri, radii, ulnae, femora, tibia, and fibulae. Bone mineral activity from the ICRP Publication 128 biokinetic model for 99mTc-MDP (ICRP ) was then partitioned to the growth plates at values of 0.5%, 4.4%, 8.3%, 12.2%, 16.1%, and 20%. Radiation transport simulations were performed to compute 99mTc S-values and organ dose coefficients to the soft tissues and to bone site-specific regions of spongiosa. As the percentage of bone activity assigned to the growth plates was increased (from 0.5% to 20%), absorbed doses to the soft tissue organs, active bone marrow, bone endosteum (BE), as well as the detriment-weighted dose, were shown to decrease from their nominal values (no substantial growth plate activity), while epiphyseal plate self-doses increased. In the 15 year old male phantom, moving from 0.5% to 20% relative bone activity within the epiphyseal plates resulted in a 15% reduction in active marrow (AM) and BE dose, a 10% reduction in mean soft tissue and detriment-weighted dose, and a 6.3-fold increase in epiphyseal plate self-dose. In the newborn female phantom, we observed a 18% decrease in AM and BE dose, a 10% decrease in mean soft tissue dose, a 15% decrease in detriment-weighted dose, and 12.8-fold increase in epiphyseal plate self-dose. Increases (to 3 mm) and decreases (to 1 mm) in the assumed growth plate thickness of our models were shown to impact only the growth plate self-dose. Future work in differential quantification of 99mTc-MDP activity—growth plates versus other bone surfaces—is required to provide clinically realistic data on activity partitioning as a function of patient age, and perhaps skeletal site. The phantom series presented here may be used to develop more optimized age-related guidance on 99mTc-MDP administered activities to children.

Effect on Foot Width With Triplanar Tarsometatarsal Arthrodesis for Hallux Valgus.

Background:Foot width reduction is a desirable cosmetic and functional outcome for patients with hallux valgus. Triplanar first tarsometatarsal (TMT) arthrodesis could achieve this goal by 3-dimensional correction of the deformity. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in bony and soft tissue width in patients undergoing triplanar first TMT arthrodesis.Methods:After receiving Institutional Review Board approval, charts were retrospectively reviewed for patients undergoing triplanar first TMT arthrodesis for hallux valgus at 4 institutions between 2016 and 2019. Patients who underwent concomitant first metatarsal head osteotomies (eg, Silver or Chevron) or fifth metatarsal osteotomies were excluded. Preoperative and postoperative anteroposterior weightbearing radiographs were compared to evaluate for changes in bony and soft tissue width. One hundred forty-eight feet from 144 patients (48.1 ± 15.7 years, 92.5% female) met inclusion criteria.Results:Preoperative osseous foot width was 96.2 mm, compared to 85.8 mm postoperatively (P < .001). Preoperative soft tissue width was 106.6 mm, compared to 99.3 mm postoperatively (P < .001). Postoperatively, patients had an average 10.4 ± 4.0 mm reduction (10.8% reduction) in osseous width and average 7.3 ± 4.0 mm reduction (6.8% reduction) in soft tissue width.Conclusions:Triplanar first TMT arthrodesis reduced both osseous and soft tissue foot width, providing a desirable cosmetic and functional outcome for patients with hallux valgus. Future studies are needed to determine if patient satisfaction and outcome measures correlate with reductions in foot width. Level of evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study

Soft tissue variations influence HR-pQCT density measurements in a spatially dependent manner.

Significant weight loss following treatments for obesity undermines bone metabolism and increases bone turnover and fracture incidence. High resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) is widely used in skeletal heath assessment research to provide noninvasive bone parameter measurement (e.g. volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD)) with minimal radiation exposure. However, variation in body composition among study groups or longitudinal variations within individuals undergoing significant weight change will generate artifacts and errors in HR-pQCT data. The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of these artifacts on the measurement of vBMD. We designed a custom-made hydroxyapatite (HA)-polymer phantom surrounded by layers of reusable gel pack and hydrogenated fat to mimic the distal tibia and the surrounding lean and fat tissue. Four different thicknesses of fat were used to mimic the soft tissue of increasingly overweight individuals. We then evaluated how a change in soft tissue thickness influenced image quality and vBMD quantification within total, trabecular, and cortical bone compartments. Based on these data, we applied a data correction to previously acquired clinical data in a cohort of gastric bypass patients. In the phantom measurements, total, trabecular, and cortical vBMD increased as soft tissue thickness decreased. The impact of soft tissue thickness on vBMD varied by anatomic quadrant. When applying the soft tissue data correction to a set of clinical data, we found that soft tissue reduction following bariatric surgery can lead to a clinically significant underestimation of bone loss in longitudinal data, and that the effect is most severe in the cortical compartment. HR-pQCT-based vBMD measurement accuracy is influenced by soft tissue thickness and is spatially inhomogeneous. Our results suggest that variations in soft tissue thickness must be considered in HR-pQCT studies, particularly in studies enrolling cohorts with differing body composition or in studies of longitudinal weight change.

Soft-Tissue Changes After Using Collagen Matrix Seal or Collagen Sponge With Allograft in Ridge Preservation: A Randomized Controlled Volumetric Study.

The objective of this study is to assess alterations in buccal soft-tissue contour after alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) using either a collagen matrix seal (CMS) or a collagen sponge (CS) as barriers with freeze-dried bone allograft (FDBA). Participants (28 total) were randomly assigned to the CMS group or CS group (14 participants each). The same clinical steps were used in both barriers. Cast models were taken at baseline and 4 months, and both models were then optically scanned and digitally superimposed. Volumetric, surface, and distance-adjusted measurements were calculated to assess buccal soft-tissue alterations. Surface area and volume loss in the CMS group were observed to be 71.44 ± 1189.09 mm2 and 239.58 ± 231.89 mm3, respectively. The CS group showed measurements of 139.56 ± 557.92 mm2 and 337.23 ± 310.18 mm3. Mean buccal soft-tissue loss and minimum-maximum distance loss were less in the CMS group (0.88 ± 0.52 mm and 0.2-2.15 mm, respectively) as compared with the CS group (1.63 ± 1.03 mm and 0.3-3.68 mm, respectively), with no statistically significant difference between the groups (P = .2742). Both alveolar ridge preservation barriers were unable to entirely prevent soft-tissue contour changes after extraction. However, collagen matrix seal application was slightly better in minimizing the amount of soft-tissue reduction compared with the CS.

Clinical Outcomes of Soft Tissue Preservation Surgery With Hydroxyapatite-Coated Abutments Compared to Traditional Percutaneous Bone Conduction Hearing Implant Surgery-A Pragmatic Multi-Center Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Soft tissue preservation using a hydroxyapatite-coated abutment in bone conduction hearing implant surgery may lead to improved clinical outcomes over the short (1 year) and long term (3 years).Methods: In this open multi-center, randomized (1:1), controlled clinical trial, subjects with conductive, mixed hearing loss or single-sided sensorineural deafness were randomly assigned to receive the conventional intervention, a titanium abutment with soft tissue reduction surgery (control), or a new intervention, a hydroxyapatite-coated abutment with soft tissue preservation surgery (test). The primary efficacy outcome was the combined endpoint of numbness, pain, peri-abutment dermatitis, and soft tissue thickening/overgrowth after 1 and 3 years.Results: The Intention-to-treat (ITT) population consisted of 52 control subjects and 51 test subjects. The difference between the groups after 1 year of follow-up as measured by the primary efficacy outcome was not statistically significant (p = 0.12) in the ITT population (n = 103), but did reach statistical significance (p = 0.03) in the per-protocol (PP) population (n = 96). It showed an advantage for the test group, with over twice as many subjects (29%) without these medical events during the first year compared to the control group (13%). After 3 years, the difference between the two groups had declined and did not reach statistical significance (24 vs. 10%, ITT p = 0.45). Secondary outcome measures which showed a statistical significant difference during the first year, such as surgical time (15 vs. 25 minutes, p < 0.0001), numbness (90 vs. 69% of subjects experienced no numbness at 1 year, p < 0.01), neuropathic pain at 3 months (p = 0.0087) and the overall opinion of the esthetic outcome (observer POSAS scale at 3 months, p < 0.01) were favorable for the test group. More soft tissue thickening/overgrowth was observed at 3 weeks for the test group (p = 0.016). Similar results were achieved for the long term follow up.Conclusions: Soft tissue preservation with a hydroxyapatite-coated abutment leads to a reduction in the combined occurrence of complications over the first year which is not statistically significant in the ITT population but is in the PP population. This effect decreased for the long-term study follow up of 3 years and did also not reach statistical significance.

Nasal vestibular body treatment for recalcitrant nasal obstruction.

The nasal vestibular body (NVB) is a recently reported dynamic swell body present in the inferolateral internal nasal valve. The contribution of NVB presence to persistent nasal obstruction, and effects of NVB treatment, are undefined. Thirty-five patients with recalcitrant nasal obstruction and NVB presence were retrospectively reviewed between 2013 and 2019, including 25 patients (48 sides) who had NVBs reduced via radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and 10 patients (20 sides) who had untreated NVBs. Posttreatment healing and complications were reviewed at early (<1 month) and late (mean, 7.3 months) time-points after RFA of the NVB. A subset of the NVB-treatment patients (18 of 25 patients) were compared with 10 NVB-control patients for pre-/posttreatment outcomes using 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) and subdomain scoring. NVBs were successfully reduced in 100% of cases (48 of 48 sides) over both time-points. Early sequelae of NVB treatment, such as local crusting (22 of 23, 95.6%) and bone exposure (4 of 23, 17.3%), resolved by the late time-point, with complete remucosalization (23 of 23, 100%) of all NVB treatment sites. No persistent pain, sensory loss, or pyriform aperture stenosis was noted from any patient/side. Significant reductions between mean pre- and postoperative SNOT-22 (-24, p = 0.001) and individual subdomain (-2, p = 002) scores were seen in the NVB-treatment patients compared to the reductions in NVB-controls (-8 and -1, respectively, both p > 0.001). NVB treatment using RFA is safe and highly effective, providing complete swell body reduction with only transient local morbidity. NVB presence contributes to persistent/recalcitrant nasal obstruction, with significant improvement in nasal airway function noted after NVB soft tissue reduction.

Multidirectional Y-V Flap Capsulorrhaphy in Hallux Valgus Surgery

Although there are a number of techniques to address osseous deformity in hallux valgus surgery, the lateral soft tissue release and medial capsulorrhaphy are also important to a successful correction. Rebalancing the deforming forces is integral to a durable correction. We describe a new technique of multidirectional medial capsulorrhaphy that allows the surgeon to balance the soft tissue reliably in the coronal, sagittal, and axial planes. This described technique utilizes a Y-V flap configuration with multiple anchor points that can be tailored to the optimal tension and rotation to suit the individual deformity. Proper tensioning of the flap produces soft tissue balance and reduction of the sesamoids that is readily apparent with fluoroscopy. The technique is simple to perform and reproduce, and can be easily adopted and applied to any open hallux valgus procedure. Level of Evidence: Diagnostic Level V.

Age-related variability in pediatric scalp thickness: Implications for auditory prostheses

ObjectivesMinimizing soft tissue reduction during the placement of percutaneous implants has been encouraged to improve cosmesis and perhaps decrease soft tissue complications. However, the fidelity of sound transmission and retention of transcutaneous magnet devices relates to the intervening soft tissue thickness. The objective of this study was to examine age-related variability in scalp thickness in patients receiving either percutaneously implanted or transcutaneous magnet-retained auditory prostheses. MethodsChildren undergoing percutaneous implant retained prostheses or cochlear implantation underwent two scalp thickness measurements: 1) a superior measurement at the conventional marked site for cochlear implant receiver stimulator and 2) an inferior measurement 1.5 cm below the superior measurement representing the conventional marked site for cochlear implant fantail. Linear regression was used for statistical analysis. ResultsEighty-five children (median age 6 years; range 9 months–17 years) were examined. Scalp thickness at the two sites ranged from 1 to 10 mm (superior mean = 4.1 mm; inferior mean = 4.3 mm). A strong correlation was observed between age and scalp thickness at the superior (R = 0.62, p < 0.01) measurement, while a moderate correlation was observed at the inferior (R = 0.45, p < 0.01) sites. Children younger than 7 years displayed little variability in scalp thickness, and no correlation between age and scalp thickness (R = 0.002, p = 0.74). ConclusionIn older children, scalp thickness varies significantly with age. However, children younger than 7 years consistently have scalp thicknesses of 3–4 mm. Lack of variability in scalp thickness in children younger than 7 years argues against the use of an age-adjusted approach to soft tissue management in this age group.

Controlled Release of Vancomycin and Tigecycline from an Orthopaedic Implant Coating Prevents Staphylococcus aureus Infection in an Open Fracture Animal Model

Introduction Treatment of open fractures routinely involves multiple surgeries and delayed definitive fracture fixation because of concern for infection. If implants were made less susceptible to infection, a one-stage procedure with intramedullary nailing would be more feasible, which would reduce morbidity and improve outcomes. Methods In this study, a novel open fracture mouse model was developed using Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and single-stage intramedullary fixation. The model was used to evaluate whether implants coated with a novel “smart” polymer coating containing vancomycin or tigecycline would be colonized by bacteria in an open fracture model infected with S. aureus. In vivo bioluminescence, ex vivo CFUs, and X-ray images were evaluated over a 42-day postoperative period. Results We found evidence of a markedly decreased bacterial burden with the local release of vancomycin and tigecycline from the PEG-PPS polymer compared to polymer alone. Vancomycin was released in a controlled fashion and maintained local drug concentrations above the minimum inhibition concentration for S. aureus for greater than 7 days postoperatively. Bacteria were reduced 139-fold from implants containing vancomycin and undetected from the bone and soft tissue. Tigecycline coatings led to a 5991-fold reduction in bacteria isolated from bone and soft tissue and 15-fold reduction on the implants compared to polymer alone. Antibiotic coatings also prevented osteomyelitis and implant loosening as observed on X-ray. Conclusion Vancomycin and tigecycline can be encapsulated in a polymer coating and released over time to maintain therapeutic levels during the perioperative period. Our results suggest that antibiotic coatings can be used to prevent implant infection and osteomyelitis in the setting of open fracture. This novel open fracture mouse model can be used as a powerful in vivo preclinical tool to evaluate and optimize the treatment of open fractures before further studies in humans.

One-stage release by double surgical approach for neglected congenital vertical talus: results in a series of walking children in Tanzania.

Congenital vertical talus is an uncommon rigid flatfoot deformity present at birth, producing pain and disability if untreated. This study reports results and complications in a series of walking children affected by neglected congenital vertical talus treated by one-stage release through a double surgical approach in a hospital sited in the Tanzanian rural outback. Between 2009 and 2014, nine consecutive congenital vertical talus were observed in five patients (three males and two females) aged between 2 and 4 years. In two children, the deformity was idiopathic, in two it was associated to distal arthrogryposis and in one to Larsen syndrome. The surgical procedure was performed through a posteromedial and a lateral incision and included extensive soft tissue release and reduction of talo-navicular and subtalar joint, pinned with percutaneous Kirschner wires. The talar axis-first metatarsal base angle (TAMBA) was measured preoperatively and at follow-up. Results were summarized using the Adelaar score and the PODCI (Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument) questionnaire. The mean follow-up was 2.6 years (2-4). No major intraoperative complications were observed. The TAMBA passed from 74.4° (range 68-82°) to 20.2° (range 18-24°). No talar osteonecrosis was observed. The results were excellent in three cases, good in five cases and fair in one (Adelaar score). The mean postoperative PODCI score was 48 (range 38-60). None of the patients underwent further surgery. In case of neglected congenital vertical talus and limited health resources, this surgical technique has proved to be a viable option, providing satisfactory results, with low rate of surgical and postsurgical complications.

Effect of a Single Injection of Benidipine-Impregnated Biodegradable Microcarriers on Bone and Gingival Healing at the Tooth Extraction Socket.

Objective: A dihydropyridine-type calcium channel blocker, benidipine (BD), is extensively used in hypertension therapy. In vitro study reported BD promoting bone metabolism. We evaluated the effect of sustained release of BD-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microcarriers on the promotion of bone and gingival healing at an extraction socket in vivo. In addition, the effect of BD on osteoblasts, osteocytes, fibroblasts, and epithelial cells was evaluated in vitro. Approach: The maxillary first molar of rats was extracted. Next, PLGA microcarriers containing BD were directly injected into the gingivobuccal fold as a single dose. After injection, bone and soft-tissue healing was histologically evaluated. Effect of BD on proliferation, migration, and gene expression of gingival and bone cell was also examined in vitro. Results: After tooth extraction, BD significantly augmented bone volume and density, and also epithelial wound healing. During in vitro studies, BD promoted significant proliferation and migration of fibroblasts and epithelial cells. Real-time RT-PCR revealed that BD upregulated messenger RNA expression of Ahsg (alpha 2-HS glycoprotein) and Csf2 (colony-stimulating factor 2) in osteoblasts. Innovation: The prevention of bone and soft-tissue reduction associated with tooth extraction has been eagerly anticipated in the field of dentistry. This study first reported the effect of BD on extraction socket healing. Conclusion: A single dose of topically administered BD-loaded PLGA microcarriers promoted bone and soft-tissue healing at the extraction site of tooth.

Is acupuncture effective in reducing overall symptomatology in chronic rhinosinusitis?

Is acupuncture effective in reducing overall symptomatology in chronic rhinosinusitis?

The Cleating Stitch: An Adjunctive Technique for Percutaneous and Revision Osseointegration Screws.

The bone anchored hearing aid (BAHA) has become a widely used and successful option in treatment of conductive and mixed hearing loss, and single sided deafness. Despite improvements in technique and cosmesis, complications remain that can result in implant revision or removal. Herein we describe a unique adjunctive technique, the cleating stitch, in placement of osseointegration screws and examine its impact on complication rates. Retrospective case review. Tertiary academic medical center. A total of 66 implants in 65 patients (35 men, 30 women) with an average age of 54 years (15-81 yr). Average follow up 10.8 months. All patients underwent BAHA implant placement by a single surgeon between April 2012 and June 2017 using the linear incision or punch techniques with soft tissue reduction and placement of a cleating stitch. Main outcome measures include rates of revision surgery, overgrowth, extrusion, and Holgers reaction ≥2. Secondary outcome measures include associations between main outcome measures and outlying factors (obesity, smoking, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, age). The overall rate of revision was 3%, rate of overgrowth 1.5%, rate of extrusion 1.5%, and Holgers reaction ≥2 10.6%. Overgrowth and extrusion both required revision. Older age was associated with decreased risk of Holgers reaction ≥2 (p = 0.03) with a hazard ratio of 0.95 (confidence interval 0.9-1.0). There were no other statistically significant associations between primary outcome measures and outlying factors. The cleating stitch is an effective adjunctive technique in placement of osseointegration screws associated with low rates of overgrowth and overall revision surgery.

Evaluating the role of small particle hyaluronic acid fillers using micro-droplet technique in the face, neck and hands: a retrospective chart review.

BackgroundLoss of the viscoelastic properties of the skin is a primary sign of aging and contributes to the appearance of wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are one of the most commonly used treatments for age-related soft-tissue reduction and volume loss. Evidence is also emerging that HA fillers rejuvenate the skin.MethodsA retrospective chart review was completed on 20 subjects treated with small particle HA (SP-HA), to investigate its effects on skin properties. Subjects having received three treatments in the face, neck, and/or hands were considered in the analyses. Skin hydration, trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), and pH were assessed at baseline (injection #1), Week 4 (injection #2), Week 8 (injection #3), and Week 12 (follow-up).ResultsTreatment with SP-HA significantly improved hydration levels in the face, neck, and hands. Significant results were seen in the face following the first three treatments, with subjects moving up to the next hydration level (ie, hydration went from dry to moisturized) and by the second treatment in the neck and hands. TEWL scores on the face and neck remained within healthy values throughout all visits. At baseline, TEWL scores on the hands were within critical condition and after three injections they recuperated to healthy values, while pH values remained within the normal range throughout treatment.ConclusionA treatment regimen consisting of three SP-HA injections was safe and well tolerated. SP-HA use demonstrated a hydrating effect while positively impacting the skin’s ability to retain moisture.

Five-plane lancet needle design for soft PVC phantom tissue cutting

Lancet needle, having three planes at the tip to generate a sharp lancet point, is the most common needle tip geometry and used for medical procedures. This research presents two five-plane lancet needle designs, the five-plane lancet needle with two back bevels (FLN-B) and five-plane lancet needle with two front bevels (FLN-F), to study the effects of two additional bevel planes on the reduction of soft tissue cutting force. Mathematical models to calculate the inclination angle and rake angle along the cutting edges of FLN-B and FLN-F are developed. By using the grinding process, the prototype FLN-B and FLN-F needles are fabricated. And their inclination and rake angles along the cutting edges are investigated and compared to that of regular lancet needle. Needles insertion tests were conducted on soft PVC phantom which mimics the soft tissue. The initial peak insertion force and steady-state cutting force during needle insertion were identified, and the effect of cutting edge on needle soft tissue cutting force was studied. Compared to lancet needle, FLN-B and FLN-F both have higher inclination and rake angles at the tip cutting edge, could reduce the initial peak needle insertion force and tissue cutting forces, and thus can efficiently cut the soft tissue for medical applications.

Quantification of improvement in triathlon swimming performance by textile speedsuits

To quantify swimwear-induced differences under triathlon-specific conditions, we compare the swimming performance, the metabolic cost, and the standardised passive drag of well-trained triathletes when wearing (1) five speedsuit models by different manufacturers from 2017, (2) usual swimming trunks/swimsuits (men/women), and (3) individually preferred competition trisuits. Because of the complexity of the underlying hydrodynamic and biomechanical effects, three separate experimental stages were realized, each with 6–12 well-trained short- and middle-distance triathletes (male and female, mean age 22 ± 5 years) from the German national elite or junior elite level. All measurements were conducted on the basis of real athletes’ motion in the water to correctly account for all relevant effects, including skin and muscle vibrations. First, the athletes took part in a series of 100 m short-distance tests at maximal effort in a long-course pool to quantify swim-time differences in absolute terms. Second, the subjects completed multiple submaximal 400 m tests at 95% of their individual maximal speed in a swimming flume, with their swimwear-related differences in metabolic load being explored in terms of blood lactate and heart rate. Third, the passive drag of the triathletes was measured in the flume during a towing test under standardised conditions in velocity steps of 0.2 m/s within the triathlon-relevant range of 1.1–1.7 m/s. In all three test stages, the speedsuits exhibited performance advantages over trunks/swimsuits: in the 100 m maximal test, the mean swim time with speedsuits decreased by 0.99 ± 0.30 s (≙ − 1.5%). During the 400 m submaximal flume test, the mean heart rate showed a reduction of 7 ± 2 bpm (≙ − 4.0%), while the post-exercise blood lactate accumulation decreased by 1.0 ± 0.2 mmol/L (≙ − 26.2%). Similarly, the passive drag in the towing test was lowered by 3.2 ± 1.0 W (≙ − 6.9% as for normalised power and − 5.2% as for normalised force) for the speedsuits. Wearing speedsuits instead of usual trunks/swimsuits is shown to improve the swimming performance and to reduce the metabolic cost for well-trained triathletes under triathlon-specific test conditions. The reduction in passive drag of the passively towed athlete’s body due specific speedsuit surface textures seems to be only one reason for performance advantages: the effective reduction in muscular, soft tissue, and skin vibrations at the trunk and thighs during active propulsive motion of the swimmer seems to further contribute substantially.

Evaluation of surgery and surgical results of Baha® Attract system implantations – single centre experience of hundred twenty five cases

IntroductionBone-anchored hearing aids are currently well-established solutions for treatment of hearing-impaired patients. ObjectiveTo evaluate the surgery of the Baha® Attract system, healing process and soft tissue condition after the processor activation. Methods125 patients implanted with the Baha® Attract system during a 3 year period in a single ENT department were analysed. Evaluated parameters comprised: details of surgery, healing process and soft tissue condition at the time of the processor activation and on subsequent follow-up visits. ResultsThe implantation was conducted under local anaesthesia in 96% of patients. The mean surgery time was 42min. Soft tissue reduction was performed in 43.2% of cases; bone polishing in 23.2% and bipolar coagulation in all the cases. Healing was uneventful in 92.8%. 10 days after the surgery, pain was reported in 48% of cases. On subsequent follow-up visits, 1 month and 3 months after the surgery, pain was present in 18.4% and 2.4% of cases respectively. Similarly, numbness and paresthesia, initially reported in 84% and 15.2%, were present in 60% and 11.2% after a month, and in 17.6% and 1.6% after three months. After the processor attachment, no serious problems were observed in the analysed group during follow-up visits. However, mild redness and/or mild pain over the magnet were observed in 9.6% of patients. ConclusionImplantation of the Baha® Attract system is an easy and safe procedure. It can be performed under local anaesthesia in adults. There are no major surgical problems or complications, and the healing process proceeds efficiently in most patients. Postoperative pain is usually mild and gradually decreases in the following months. Numbness in the operated area is frequent, but as reinnervation occurs in time, the numb patch decreases in size and finally completely disappears in most cases.

Do Open Reduction and Internal Fixation With Articular Disc Anatomical Reduction and Rigid Anchorage Manifest a Promising Prospect in the Treatment of Intracapsular Fractures?

In response to the increased attention to soft tissue reduction in the treatment of intracapsular condylar fractures (ICFs), a modified open reduction technique is proposed and its functional and radiographic outcomes were evaluated in this study. This is a retrospective case series study of patients with all ICF types that were treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with articular disc anatomic reduction and rigid anchorage. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were strictly applied. Preoperative and postoperative clinical examinations of malocclusion, maximum incisor opening (MIO), laterotrusion, and temporomandibular disorder symptoms were recorded and analyzed. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were used to assess articular position and condylar morphology and position. Thirty-four patients with ICFs (47 sides) were treated with the modified ORIF technique. At 6months of follow-up, no malocclusion was found and the MIO considerably expanded to 3.56±0.13cm. Only 4 patients (12%) had temporomandibular joint discomfort with mouth opening. Interestingly, for unilateral type B ICFs, the laterotrusion distance to the ORIF sides was notably longer than to the non-ORIF sides. Postoperative CT and MRI showed that all fragments were properly reduced and the condyles were in the normal position. Postoperative anterior disc displacement occurred in 4 sides and condylar morphologic abnormalities (slight surface roughening and articular cartilage absorption) occurred in 3 sides (6.4%). This modified ORIF technique, which achieved good outcomes after treatment of all ICF types, shows promise for the treatment of ICFs.

Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Regeneration of Intrabony Defects: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is an autologous non-transfusional hemo-component with a high concentration of platelets. It incorporates leukocytes, platelets, and growth factors within the dense fibrin matrix and can be used as healing biomaterial. This study assesses the adjunctive use of PRF in regenerative management of intrabony defects in comparison with open flap debridement (OFD). Twenty-six bilateral defects (13 per group) in 13 patients were randomized as either PRF (test group) or OFD alone (control group) sites. Probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and bone PD were recorded. Reduction in defect depth and percentage of bone fill was assessed radiographically. Primary outcomes assessed were changes in PD, CAL, and percentage of bone fill, and they were assessed at 6, 9, and 12 months. Secondary outcome was assessment of wound healing using a wound healing index (WHI). The PRF group showed significant improvement in clinical parameters compared with the control group at 6, 9, and 12 months. The PRF group showed a bone fill of 45.18% ± 7.57%, which was statistically significant compared with 21.6% ± 9.3% seen in the control group at the end of the study period. The PRF group also showed significant soft tissue healing and reduction in PD. WHI also showed significant advantages for the PRF group. The adjunctive use of PRF to conventional OFD may be potentially used in the treatment of intrabony defects.