Oral surgery, oral medicine, oral pathology, oral radiology, and endodontics
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Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod · Oct 2005
Clinical factors affecting the outcome of arthrocentesis and hydraulic distension of the temporomandibular joint.
Significant psychosocial distress and substantial cost are associated with the diagnosis and management of chronic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain conditions. Successful intervention based on identified risk factors has potential functional and financial benefits. Arthrocentesis and hydraulic distension of the TMJ has been described as an effective modality in the treatment of patients demonstrating clinical findings consistent with the diagnosis of disc displacement without reduction. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether clinical variables such as age, gender, time since pain onset (TSO), visual analog scale (VAS) pain level, and mandibular range of motion (ROM) may predict treatment outcomes of arthrocentesis and hydraulic distension of the TMJ. ⋯ Clinical variables predicted TMJ "ID type III and pain" patients who went on to show successful treatment outcomes of arthrocentesis and hydraulic distension. Predictive modeling may provide clinicians with the opportunity to identify "at-benefit" patients early and initiate specific treatments.
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Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod · Sep 2005
ReviewThe contribution of neuroimaging techniques to the understanding of supraspinal pain circuits: implications for orofacial pain.
The aim of this article was to give an overview of the current knowledge of supraspinal pain mechanisms derived from neuroimaging studies, and to present data related to chronic orofacial pain disorders. The available studies implied that the anterior cingulate cortex plays a role in the emotional-affective component of pain, as well as in pain-related attention and anxiety. The somatosensory cortices may be involved in encoding spatial, temporal, and intensity aspects of noxious input. ⋯ However, the available studies appeared to be in agreement with those using stimuli to other body parts and those concerning other chronic pain conditions. Overall, the available data suggest that chronic (orofacial) pain states may be related to a dysfunctional brain network and may involve a compromised descending inhibitory control system. The somatosensory cortices, anterior cingulate cortex, thalamus, and prefrontal cortex may play a vital role in the pathophysiology of chronic pain and should be the main focus of future neuroimaging studies in chronic pain patients.
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Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod · Aug 2005
Comparative StudyUtility of magnetic resonance cisternography using three-dimensional fast asymmetric spin-echo sequences with multiplanar reconstruction: the evaluation of sites of neurovascular compression of the trigeminal nerve.
To evaluate the utility of magnetic resonance (MR) cisternography using 3-dimensional (3D) fast asymmetric spin-echo (FASE) sequences with multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) for detection of the sites of neurovascular compression (NVC) in patients with trigeminal neuralgia. ⋯ The technique of MR cisternography using 3D-FASE sequences with MPR is more accurate and useful than MRA for detection of the site of NVC in patients with trigeminal neuralgia. Patients with trigeminal neuralgia should be further examined using MR imaging to rule out a brain tumor. Radiologists should understand that a few subjects with no symptoms could show NVC with MR cisternography.
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Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod · Aug 2005
Quality of dying in head and neck cancer patients: a retrospective analysis of potential indicators of care.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of the dying experience in a cohort of head and neck cancer patients by a retrospective analysis of potential indicators of care. ⋯ Valuable information can be obtained from a focused retrospective analysis. The indicators evaluated suggest that biomedical aspects of care are being recognized and addressed, although there is room for improvement. Psychosocial and spiritual aspects of care were not documented and must be taken into account to assess the "complete quality of dying" experience.
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Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod · Jul 2005
Biodegradable fixation of mandibular fractures in children: stability and early results.
The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficiency of biodegradable self-reinforced (SR-PLDLA) bone plates and screws in open reduction and internal fixation of mandible fractures in children. ⋯ Pediatric patients benefit from the advantages of resorbable materials, especially from faster mobilization and the avoidance of secondary removal operations. Based on these preliminary results, self-reinforced fixation devices are safe and efficient in the treatment of pediatric mandible fractures. However, further clinical investigations are necessary to evaluate the long-term reliability.