Metals used in maxillofacial surgery

The goal of maxillofacial surgery is to restore the shape and functionality of maxillofacial region. In the past years, there has been a tremendous progress in this field because of significant advances in biotechnology that provided innovative biomaterials to efficiently reconstruct the maxillofacial injured region. By using appropriate selection of the implant biomaterial, it is possible to reconstruct the native tissue, both in form and function. The ideal biomaterial should mimic native tissues regarding density, strength, and modulus of elasticity. Autografts are currently the gold standard for replacement of missing tissues, but synthetic biomaterials have been widely used because they eliminate the discomfort to take the replacement tissue from the donor site. Among synthetic biomaterials, different metals may be utilized to efficiently reconstruct the maxillofacial injured region. This article makes an effort to summarize the most important metals in use in maxillofacial surgery, and point out advantages and disadvantage of each typ

Retrospective analysis of the correlation between the facial biotype and the inclination of the upper canine cusp axis to the occlusal plane

Permanent maxillary canines are the second most frequently impacted teeth and the prevalence of this clinical condition is estimated to be 1-2% in the general population. The diagnosis of maxillary canine impaction should be based on both clinical and radiographic examinations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of a correlation between the facial biotype and the inclination of the upper cusp axis. A correlation between the total radicular length of the lateral incisors was also evaluated, by comparing the side of impaction with the healthy side. Twenty three patients with a diagnosis of unilateral upper cusp impaction were recruited. For each patient, dental casts and radiographic material (panoramic radiographs and lateral cephalograms) were examined. Statistical analyses were done with Spearman's rank correlation coefficient or Spearman's rho (V). X-ray examinations demonstrated that canine impaction was associated to other dental anomalies (32% of the sample). The mean S angle measurements were 22.9° ± 4.1°, and mean values of the T angle were 34.7°± 4.0°. The mean distance “d” value was 14.6 mm ± 1.2 mm. The mean values of the angle between the upper cusp axis and the perpendicular-to-Fh plane were 20.8 °± 2.6°. Among the 23 subjects recruited, 5 showed values included in the range 25°-45° and 1 an inclination > 45°. The results obtained in the present study demonstrate a significant inverse correlation between the MM angle and the inclination of the upper cusp axis to the perpendicular-to-Fh plan

Expert consensus document: Clinical and molecular diagnosis, screening and management of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome: an international consensus statement.

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS), a human genomic imprinting disorder, is characterized by phenotypic variability that might include overgrowth, macroglossia, abdominal wall defects, neonatal hypoglycaemia, lateralized overgrowth and predisposition to embryonal tumours. Delineation of the molecular defects within the imprinted 11p15.5 region can predict familial recurrence risks and the risk (and type) of embryonal tumour. Despite recent advances in knowledge, there is marked heterogeneity in clinical diagnostic criteria and care. As detailed in this Consensus Statement, an international consensus group agreed upon 72 recommendations for the clinical and molecular diagnosis and management of BWS, including comprehensive protocols for the molecular investigation, care and treatment of patients from the prenatal period to adulthood. The consensus recommendations apply to patients with Beckwith-Wiedemann spectrum (BWSp), covering classical BWS without a molecular diagnosis and BWS-related phenotypes with an 11p15.5 molecular anomaly. Although the consensus group recommends a tumour surveillance programme targeted by molecular subgroups, surveillance might differ according to the local health-care system (for example, in the United States), and the results of targeted and universal surveillance should be evaluated prospectively. International collaboration, including a prospective audit of the results of implementing these consensus recommendations, is required to expand the evidence base for the design of optimum care pathways