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Metacarpal synostosis is a rare congenital hand malformation requiring only occasionally a surgical correction. However in case of divergent epiphyses there is a progressive accentuation of the deformity. In the "Y" type of synostosis between fourth and fifth metacarpals, the authors propose a subtractive wedge osteotomy, synthesized by a screw that allows the alignment of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the fifth finger with those of other fingers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The calcaneo-stop operation with Astragalic Conical Screw is one of the more efficient and less invasive surgical methods for the treatment of valgus flatfoot in childhood. The study aims to review the case studies about this method practiced during the period between 1995 and 2008. 719 calcaneo-stop operations with Astragalic Conical Screw were evaluated after the removal of the screw with a period of follow-up since one up to ten years. The study confirms the effectiveness and simplicity of the surgical technique and it stresses the lack of invasiveness in relation to the involved joint structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Fresh frozen bone (FFB) is homologous bone obtained from human donors, provided by Tissue Banks. It is a graft material in reconstructive surgery; it is currently and widely used in orthopedic surgery and lately it has been introduced in oral and maxillofacial surgery. The purpose of this work was to show the use of fresh frozen homologous bone for bony augmentation of the maxilla and mandible in preparation for dental reconstruction with endosseous implants, as an effective alternative to harvesting and grafting autogenous bone from intra- or extra-oral donor sites., Methods: The case presented clinically demonstrates the use of FFB grafts in the vertical augmentation of a severe maxillary atrophy in general anesthesia, and the outpatient treatment with implants insertion and prosthetic restoration. Histologic evaluation of graft biopsy six months after surgery is added to clinical assessments., Results: Clinical outcome is shown with good volumetric and morphological reconstruction of the alveolar ridge without the need of a donor site. Excellent graft integration and bleeding newly formed bone was seen at the second surgical step (six months after FFB grafting), when fixation screws were removed and implant placement procedure was performed., Conclusion: The use of FFB in major preprosthetic surgery may be an acceptable therapeutic alternative to the autogenous block graft (harvested from iliac crest or calvarium) for its success rate as graft material. Benefits include: surgical procedure with reduced discomfort and infection risk as a second operation field to harvest the graft is avoided; FFB is safe, cheap and available in programmed amounts, its use can significantly reduce operating time.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate morphological and biomechanical characteristics of a commercial mini-implant., Methods: Orthodontic low head mini implants, in the two available sizes of 1.5 and 2 mm, have been used. The electronic scanning microscope evaluation has been tested on 3 groups each one composed of 4 samples, observed in numerous enlargements and in the three dimensions of the space. The groups were composed of new mini implants, undamaged mini implants observed after their clinical use and mini-implants broken at the moment of their insertion or removal after their therapeutical use., Results: The microscope analysis of unused mini implants has shown how the diameter reduction of the neck represents the area of greater weakness; such parameter is very important in determining screw resistance to fracture. In fact the fracture observed in vivo always happened to this degree. Some micro carvings and cracks were shown on the surface, these irregularities could facilitate or promote the enlargement of the cracking itself., Conclusion: From the results obtained it is clear that the steel is adequate for permanence in the oral cavity, and moreover the material itself is adapted to bear the pressure put on it during therapy. However, it remains advisable to make certain changes to better the surface and geometry of the miniscrews.

Aim: The guided bone regeneration (GBR) procedure allows the regeneration of bone in implant surgery. A variety of GBR procedures to provide the bony-support for implant placement have been described and a variety of devices to perform this procedures have been used. The authors have carried out a retrospective study on the use of ostheosynthesis plates, screws, xenogenic bone grafting material and resorbable barriers for implant and preimplant surgery., Methods: Fourteen partially edentulous patients were treated by a single surgeon in a private dental clinic in Italy. Patients age ranged between 28 and 52 years old. Every patients was treated with GBR technique performed with the use of ostheosynthesis plate and screws, xenogenic bone grafting material and resorbable barriers in staged or simultaneous implant placement., Results: Twenty-one implants were placed and no-one failed, all planned prostheses were delivered. In all the cases a complete bone regeneration was obtained., Conclusion: The outcomes of the study allow to state that the GBR technique performed with ostheosynthesis plates, screws, xenogenic graft and resorbable barriers is a safe alternative to the others well established GBR procedure.

Aim: The aim of this work is to analyze how the different distributions of the chewing load could be related to dental prosthesis fractures of the Toronto restoration via the fulfilment of a virtual parametric model. Moreover investigation about implant positions and perspectives in comparison with a virtual medial plane was made to evaluate the incidence of screw and prosthesis breakage., Methods: Finite element analysis of the lower jaw was performed to underline parameters and mechanical features of dental implants connected with the fractures of the prosthetic restoration. Jaw virtual model and 3D fixtures (Global Sweden and Martina) were created by Cosmos-Solid Works. Matlab was used to recreate the distribution of an unspecific chewing phase analyzing the overall load on the fixtures of the lower jaw., Results: Four virtual 3D models were performed with Matchad 14, for data analysis. The study investigated frontal and horizontal planes and vertical direction of the occlusal forces. Data results showed how position and perspective of fixtures strongly influenced the stress distribution upon the bone of the jaw; safeguard of prostheses elements like cantilever, passing screws, and dental implants are strictly related to a correct selection of the dental implant position., Conclusions: The 3D geometry of the jaw is an important condition for the choice of position, number, diameter and length of dental implants used for Toronto prostheses. This study would suggest a virtual ''method'' to help the surgeon choosing a correct model for a prosthetic rehabilitation evaluating position, perspective, and stress distribution of the chewing strengths.

Pre-surgical orthodontic treatments have the objective of establishing harmony between the dental arches by moving the teeth to ideal positions in relation to their bony bases, in order to achieve adequate antero-posterior occlusal and transverse relationships at the moment of surgery. Among the typical requirements in terms of dental compensations presented by Class III patients that require surgery, the inclination of anterior teeth must be changed in most cases by proclination of the lower incisors and retroclination of upper incisors. To achieve the inclination of the upper incisors, many different alternatives have been proposed, such as inter-proximal reduction, extractions, or distalization of upper molars, which has not been widely reported in the literature as a means to decompensate Class III malocclusion prior to surgery. This article describes the Bone Supported Pendulum (BSP) as an efficient therapeutic option to distalize molars through the use of an appliance stabilized to the palate by mini-implants, thus avoiding extractions and providing good interdigitation and coordination of the dental arches.

Purpose: We evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) the degradation and osteointegration features of a new type of bioabsorbable interference (BioRCI) screw composed of poly-L-lactic acid and hydroxyapatite (PLLA-HA) used for tibial graft fixation in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction., Materials and Methods: Thirty-one patients underwent arthroscopic surgery for ACL reconstruction using doubled gracilis and semitendinosus tendons fixed to the tibial tunnel with PLLA-HA (BioRCI-HA) screws. Two groups of patients were evaluated, one group 10-13 months after surgery and the other after 30-40 months. The standard knee ligament evaluation form of the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) was used for clinical assessment and MRI for the radiological assessment., Results: MRI after 10-13 months revealed findings referable to healing and integration of the bone-graft-screw system, findings that disappeared at later follow-up examinations. The BioRCI-HA screw remained constantly visible in all patients, although with changes in signal intensity over time., Conclusions: BioRCI-HA screws allow adequate primary stability and superior osteoconduction and biocompatibility in comparison with plain PLLA screws. The absence of ferromagnetic artefacts allows accurate MRI follow-up and adequate evaluation of ligament synovialisation, screw degradation and graft osteointegration.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the most suitable region of the palate for the insertion of miniscrews. We analysed 4 different paracoronal sections of Digital Volumetric Tomographies of 52 patients with ages ranging between 10 and 15 years and measured the thickness of the palatine bone in 20 different sites. For each section we measured the height of the palatal bone at 0, 3 and 6 mm increments laterally from the midline. The results indicate that the thickest part of the palate is found 6 mm to the left and right of the suture in the anterior part of the palate, 4 mm from the incisal foramen. In the other paracoronal sections, the thicknesses tend to decrease progressively, but the highest values are always found corresponding to suture. Therefore, we can conclude that the thickest part of the palate is the anterior region. Although the bone is thinner in the posterior region of the palate, it is also suitable for the insertion of miniscrew.

In an animal model of Anterior Cruciate Ligament reconstruction by hamstring tendons and 8mm diameter biodegradable interference screws, we aimed to investigate whether pull out forces and failure modes were influenced by changing tendon and bone tunnel diameters. Three groups of 10 calf tibiae each were prepared with 8, 9 and 10mm diameter proximal tunnels fitted respectively with 8, 9 and 10mm diameter tendon grafts. Mean +/- SD pull out force was 607.9 +/- 191.5N in the 8mm group, 494.2 +/- 206.2N in the 9mm group and 530.4 +/- 212.5N in the 10mm group. These differences were not significant at t-test. 8mm specimens failed by tendon rupture, 10mm specimens failed by screw pull out and 9mm specimens failed in both ways. In this ACL reconstruction model, safe pull out forces were achieved by fixing tendon grafts to bone by 8 mm absorbable interference screws regardless of tendon and bone tunnel diameter.

The stability of the anchorage unit plays a very important role in orthodontic control. Controlled orthodontic movements such as retraction and/or protraction of teeth and intrusion of overerupted teeth are very difficult to achieve without patient cooperation and without causing undesirable reciprocal movement in the anchorage unit. The article describes characteristics, surgical procedure, and clinical use of the Spider Screw as an ideal non-dental and non-cooperation based anchorage system. The Spider Screws are self-tapping, titanium mini-screws with immediate loading capability. Their utilization involves a simple biomechanical principle combined with the utilization of minimum orthodontic mechanotherapy. Ideal orthodontic forces (in the range from 50 to 250 gr) can be applied to achieve the desired orthodontic movements. Complete osteointegration is neither expected nor desired with this anchorage system. The Spider Screw anchorage system can be used to support a variety of orthodontic movements specifically in clinical situations involving incomplete dental arches and limited cooperation as in many adult orthodontic cases. The ease of surgical placement combined with the reduced dimension of the Spider Screw diameter equally permits its use in clinical situations where anchorage recovery is necessary during treatment of complete dentitions in classical orthodontic therapy.

Background: During the last 5 years, anchorage control with self-tapping miniscrews has become an important part of the clinical management of orthodontic patients. Yet, no studies have been performed for measuring mechanical properties of the currently available systems., Objectives: The purpose of this study is the evaluation of mechanical properties of three commercially available self-tapping screw systems used in orthodontic treatment., Materials: three systems with a 1.5 mm diameter and 11 mm length screw (Leone, Firenze, Italy; M.A.S. Micerium, Avegno, Italy; Dentos, Korea) were examined. The results compared the resistance to bending, torque, pullout of each screw and the insertion moments needed to screw down each sample., Conclusions: All three miniscrews have mechanical properties that contribute to their safe use as skeletal anchorage in orthodontics. Although stainless steel has demonstrated to be more resistant to failure than titanium, its overall performance as material for miniscrews could be inferior to titanium. In order to facilitate the insertion, the asymmetric profile of the thread should be preferred to the symmetric cut. The ratio between the diameter of the drill and the diameter of the corresponding miniscrew is pivotal for the successful implantation and resistance of the miniscrews. Looking at the mechanical properties evaluated in this study, a cylindric shape of the screw is better than a conic one. The conic shape could be preferred in case the site of insertion is iterradicular and therefore limited to 2.5-3.5 millimetres.

Orthodontic space closure in the mandibular arch by protraction of the mandibular second molars, after the extraction of first molars, may sometimes result in loss of incisor anchorage when using conventional orthodontic procedures. The introduction of miniscrews for immediate loading as orthodontic anchorage, has enlarged treatment possibilities. The authors illustrate their clinical experience in an adult patient treated with the extraction of mandibular first molars and the protraction of second and third molars into the extraction sites. Anchorage control was achieved with the surgical insertion of titanium miniscrews for immediate loading in the cortical bone distal to second bicuspids. Space closure was achieved by means of sliding mechanics according to Bidimensional Technique. The position of lower incisors was maintained preventing any detrimental facial effect.

Nonunion of the subtrochanteric region is usually secondary to incorrect surgical treatment. The main cause of failed osteosynthesis is related to interruption of the medial cortex of the femur. Either a closed method, with intramedullary nailing, or an open method, using cortical osteosynthesis and opposing bone graft, may be used to treat the pathology. Surgery differs depending on the instrumentation used for the initial treatment of the fracture. A total of 8 cases of intra- and subtrochanteric nonunion with intramedullary nailing and cortical osteosynthesis are reported.

Purpose: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructive surgery has seen significant progress since bioabsorbable interference screws have replaced synthetic metallic screws for ligament graft fixation within the femoral and tibial osseous tunnel. Our study compared the MR images of patients who underwent ACL reconstruction using bioabsorbable interference screws with those of patients who underwent ACL reconstruction using metallic screws to evaluate the MR aspects of degradation and osteointegration processes of bioabsorbable interference screws post-operatively., Materials and Methods: Between September 1999 and December 2002 we performed MRI on 40 patients who underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with patellar tendon auto-graft using PDLLA bioabsorbable screws in 35 cases and metallic screws in 5 cases. After surgery, all patients underwent an intensive rehabilitation programme along with clinical evaluation using the standard knee ligament evaluation form of the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and radiological examinations. MR studies were performed 1, 2 and 3 years post-operatively using a 0.5-Tesla MR scanner with T1- and T2*-weighted and STIR sequences., Results: Thirty-three patients were clinically classified as group A IKDC (full return to sports activity) and 7 patients as group B IKDC. No foreign-body reaction was found in patients treated with bioabsorbable interference screws, both from a clinical point of view and from laboratory exams. Ferromagnetic artefacts were found in all patients treated with metallic interference screws. In patients with bioabsorbable interference screws, degradation of the screws and absence of significant artefacts allowed correct evaluation of the signal of the reconstructed ligament throughout its length, the osseous tunnels and the joint cavity. In 34 of 35 patients with bioabsorbable interference screws, the screw could not be detected due to complete degradation. In 8, 12 and 4 cases, a small cyst-like formation due to screw hydrolysis was present at the screw site within 1, 2 and 3 years from surgery respectively. Only in 4 cases was the process of osteointegration of the screw and bone plug complete 3 years after the operation, with consequent restoration of bone morphology., Discussion and Conclusions: The use of bioabsorbable interference screws is a valuable alternative to synthetic metallic fixation implants as the absence of artefacts allows correct post-operative MR follow-up. MRI is the only technique able to visualize all the portions of the transplant and to evaluate the healing process. Bioabsorbable interference screws usually degrade within one year. However, full osteointegration requires a long time and may not be complete 3 years after surgery. The presence of cyst-like formations at the screw site has to be regarded as a normal feature of the screw degradation process. Therefore, the use of bioabsorbable interference screws is recommended as it enables MR follow-up of the knee after ACL reconstruction.

Aims: anchorage control with self-tapping screws has become an important part of the clinical management of the orthodontic patients. Mechanical resistance and sites of insertion of miniscrews as orthodontic anchorage are critical to ensure successful outcomes. Aim of this clinical study was threefold: 1) to measure the mechanical resistance of the M.A.S., 2) to evaluate if the alveolar areas usually selected for mini-screws placement are adequate, 3) to illustrate the most frequent clinical application on the maxillary alveolar bone., Methods: two methods were chosen to test these screws mechanically, representing two potential modes of failure during insertion or removal: torsional strenght and bending strenght. Three-dimension images of fifty maxillas have been retrieved from a group of 200 patients, age range between 20 and 40 years with a new type of tomogram called Newtom System. For each area mesio-distal and labio-lingual measurements from four horizontal cuts made at 2-5-8-11 mm below the bone-crest have been evaluated., Results: the mean value of resistance to breakage in torsion is of 48.7 N.cm (around 5 Kg) for the miniscrew of 1.5 diameter, while the mean value of resistance to breakage in torsion is of 23.4 N.cm (around 2 Kg) for the miniscrew of 1.3 diameter.. The mean value of resistance to breakage in flexion is of 120.4 N (around 12 Kg) for the miniscrew of 1.5 diameter, while the mean value of resistance to the flexion is of 63.7 N (around 6 Kg) for the miniscrew of 1.3 diameter. On the maxillary alveolar bone the highest amount of bone was in mesio-distal dimension between 6 and 5 on the palatal side (minimum 1.9 mm at -11 mm cut; maximum 5.5 mm at -5 mm cut). The smallest amount of bone was in the tuber (minimum 0.2 mm; maximum 1.3 mm). Examination of the labio-palatal dimension demonstrated similar high thickness between 5-6 and 6-7 (minimum 3.7 mm at -11 mm cut; maximum 13.2 mm at -2 mm cut). The smallest amount of bone was recorded on the tuber (minimum 0.6 mm; maximum 4.1 mm). The following clinical applications are described: Closure of the extractions space, Symmetric intrusion of the incisors, Correction of the cant of the plane of occlusion and of the dental midline, Molar intrusion of one or two teeth, Molar distalization with the Distal Jet and miniscrews, Molar mesialization, Intermaxillary anchorage., Conclusions: the mechanical resistance of the miniscrews M.A.S. is suitable for their use in orthodontics. The best anatomical zones for their implantation are the interradicular spaces mesial to the first maxillary molars. From our experience to date, the miniscrews are a reliable and convenient system for skeletal anchorage when compared with other more invasive osseo-integrated systems.

Fractures of the zygomatic-orbito-maxillary complex (ZOM) are among the most frequent in maxillo-facial surgery. The study evaluates treatment for this type of fracture in the long-term and the sequelae linked to it. Patients who had been operated between february 1998 and november 1999 to reduce and retain ZOM fractures were subjected to check-up examination at the Maxillo-Facial Surgery Operative Unit, Florence. Cases selected had been operated via trans-oral access with incision of the superior vestibular fornix and where necessary with application of means of retention (Foley balloon and/or wire or plate-and-screw osteosynthesis). In these patients, the presence of residual deformities was evaluated together with enophthalmos, diplopia, compromised mouth opening if present, inflammation of the mucosa of the maxillary sinus, and above all incidence of sensory deficit in the distribution area of the infra-orbital nerves and the dental plexus. Particular attention was paid to evaluating tooth sensitivity on the side involved by the trauma, for any damage of the dental plexus. The most frequent sequela found in our group was lesion of the infra-orbital nerves, and a lower percentage of other sequelae such as residual deformities, enophthalmos or diplopia. Interestingly, in all cases in our series there was a significant reduction in tooth sensitivity on the side of the lesion, above all in the anterior sectors.

The authors report a case of a female aged 45 years submitted to a long period of hemodialysis, affected with brown tumor of the lumbar spine. Brown tumor must be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis of osteolytic lesions of the skeleton, particularly in young, nephropathic women undergoing hemodialysis. Brown tumor has a more favorable prognosis as compared to other lesions that have similar clinical and radiographic findings, such as metastatic lesions and giant cell tumors. In the case of brown tumor, in addition to treating lesion of the spine, treatment varying depending on neurological findings and biomechanical complications (structural collapse, segmental kyphosis, pathologic fracture, etc.), removal of the parathyroids and correction of the metabolic alterations is indispensable.

The authors present a comparative review of cases concerning the results obtained in the treatment of idiopathic flat foot: the methods compared were Castaman exosinotarsal arthrorisis and Giannini endosinotarsal arthrorisis. Between 1990 and 1198 a total of 80 patients, of which 40 with calcaneo-stop, and 40 with Giannini screws, were submitted to surgery at the Orthopaedic and Traumatology Department of the University of Rome "La Sapienza". The clinical, radiographic and functional results were classified as good, fair and poor. The authors agree on the effectiveness of both methods based on the results obtained and the facility of implantation techniques, however emphasizing the minor injury of the anatomical structures of the subtalar joint when the calcaneo-stop method with Castaman conical screws was used.

Lumbosacral circumferential fusion, a method which is widely adopted for the treatment of the different causes of lumbar pain, may be carried out in a single stage by posterior approach, associating interbody fusion with cages with posterolateral fusion. During the same operation, pedicle screw fixation may also be performed. In order to evaluate the need for this final surgical stage represented by pedicle screws, a comparison was conducted in 2 groups of patients affected with lumbosacral instability, treated at the Division of Vertebral Surgery at the Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute between May 1995 and May 1997. The best clinical results were obtained in the first group (where pedicle fixation was associated). Because of the persistance of pain symptoms, successive pedicle fixation was instead required in a high percentage of patients (45%) in the second group (without pedicle fixation).

A total of 18 subjects with a variety of orthopaedic implants and volunteers with the same but exteriorly fixed implants were examined by security staff of an airport using arch and hand-held detectors. All the implants activated the metal arch detectors but a small number of these activated the alarm threshold. The hand-held detectors alarmed overall superficial implants. For all these reasons it is therefore imperative that each patient carry a suitable certificate in order to avoid searching.

Treatment of the fractures of the proximal third of femur is a traumatology chapter, for elderly patients, in progression and evolution. Authors examined 205 patients operated in 5 years for fractures of proximal third of femur (excluding fractures of the neck) with the Gamma nail finding, in this endomedullar nail, a valid instrument for primary stability, fewer surgical aggressiveness and less morbidity, in a new optics of savings of hospital costs.

The authors describe the surgical method used and present the preliminary results obtained in 29 patients affected with recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder treated by Neer capsuloplasty and Statak screws. The long-term results were evaluated based on the Rowe system: the score was excellent in 18 cases, good in 2, fair in 4, and poor in 5. All of the patients resumed work activity, with no restrictions, within 4 months of the onset of functional rehabilitation. The use of Statak screws allows us to simplify surgery, while guaranteeing repair of the Bankart lesion, when present. The method reported permits correction of instability, without excessive reduction of joint movement.

Background: Intermaxillary fixation is one of the most reknown and widely used techniques in maxillofacial traumatology. It's carried out usually by means of direct criss-cross teeth wiring or through the wiring of a metallic archbar on the upper and lower jaws. These techniques are time-consuming operations, they can produce dental or periodontal damages, and are not well tolerated by the patient, even under local anesthesia. Recent experiences in oral implantology and in the use of miniscrews for rigid internal fixation suggest the experimentation of new, easy to use and better tolerated systems for bone-anchored intermaxillary fixation., Methods: 1-0 stainless steel wires and titanium monocortical screws, 2 mm of diameter and 12 and 15 mm of length, have been used as alveolar-bone anchorages for the intermaxillary fixation of 10 mandibular fractures. The fixations have been performed either under general or local anesthesia, with 2, 4 or 6 points of alveolar bone anchorage, maintaining the fixation for 15 days in condylar fractures and for 40 days in all the other cases., Results: A really good compliance of the patient towards all the procedures performed under local anesthesia, with a clear reduction of postoperative discomfort has been observed. Infection or rejection of the implanted screws did not occur as well as cases of alveolar or dentoparodontal damages., Conclusions: This preliminary report on a new intermaxillary fixation technique didn't point out any significant complication of the procedure, showing at the same time that this technique can be easily performed under local anesthesia on out-patients with a better compliance, lower postoperative discomfort and good skeletal stability.

The present study concerns a series of 25 patients submitted to vertebral stabilization and fusion for the treatment of spondylolisthesis. In all of the cases a transpedicular screw system was used. The Steffee plates and screws system was used in 22 cases; the Cotrel-Dubousset (CD) system was used in 3. The listhetic vertebra was L5 in 14 cases, it was L4 in 11 cases. Based on Meyerding radiographic criteria there were: grade I: 8 cases, grade II: 13 cases, grade III: 4 cases. Instrumented fusion was performed at only 1 level in 20 cases, at 2 levels in 5 cases. Mean follow-up was 29 months. Clinical results were evaluated based on the White criteria. The results were satisfactory in 78% of cases. The present study shows that transpedicular vertebral stabilization constitutes a safe method, offering excellent stability essential to consolidation of fusion.

The use of interference screws in the reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament has increased over the years. Despite doubtless advantages there are some problems, too, some involving method of fixation, others the metallic nature of the screws. With the purpose of overcoming the latter, the authors evaluated the possibility of using interference screws made of bioabsorbable material. This preliminary study was conducted on two animal models (bovine and ovine); as a comparison parameter the torsional pair of screw insertion was used. A substantial similarity in the results thus obtained was observed that, together with the minor difficulties observed in the surgical field, contributes to the indication of the ovine model as preferential, based also on successive tests of functional validation conducted in vivo.

Reimplantation revascularization of the upper limb proximal to the elbow represents an absolute indication in specific conditions. In the young subject, in good general conditions with a clean amputation (guillotine-like caused by a circular saw), the limb preserved in ideal conditions, indications for reimplantation are supported by the expectations of good functional recovery. When amputation is due to avulsion tear the possibility of anatomical and functional success is influenced by the complexity of vascular and nervous lesions. Thus, indications for reimplantation must be made by carefully evaluating each individual case.

The authors describe their experience in rigid fixation of maxillo-facial fractures with resorbable plates made from poly-L-lactic acid. Seven cases are presented, with a one-year follow-up or longer. Plate resorption was evaluated by means of echographic examination, repeated every three months. All fractures healed well, with no complications. Finally, advantages and limits of the material are considered, as well as its future prospects and margins of improvement.

In a total of 27 patients the authors performed reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament using the mid third of the free patellar tendon (bone-tendon-bone), stabilized with two interferential wires, using a mini-arthrotomic half-tunnel in-out method. X-ray examination in two orthogonal views allows for an evaluation of the orientation of the femoral screw in relation to the joint plane and the diaphyseal axis, and its relationship with the bone graft, thus obtaining useful information on its anchoring. The method used is that reported by Lemos et al. (1993). The results obtained agree with those reported by the American author and substantiate the reliability of the method.

It was the purpose of the study to investigate the initial stability, with or without screws, of 3 acetabular components with press-fit anchoring, by measuring bone-prosthesis micromovements during the application of physiological loading on the hip simulated in the laboratory. The prostheses, already used clinically, were characterized by different shapes and coatings. For the purposes of the study a total of 30 acetabula were used in 10 human pelves in polyurethane and 5 human pelves preserved at -20 degrees. The pelves were assembled on a hydraulic bench test with a steel jig that could be oriented, and they were cemented with polymethylmethacrylate. Three electromagnetic transducers with sensitivity of up to 1 micron (+ 500 microns) were used to measure the micromovements between the prosthesis and the acetabular rim in its three anatomical quadrants. Bone-prosthesis micromovements were recorded during 5 consecutive load tests, from 0 to 2.39 kN (244 kg). Experimental studies have shown that bone-prosthesis micromovement that exceeds 150 microns obstructs bone integration. The most significant micromovement was observed for all of the prostheses, without accessory screws, in the iliac quadrant, but only the hemispherical one with a semi-smooth surface in zirconium oxide surpassed the threshold of 150 microns. Prostheses with a porous surface demonstrated good stability (102 +/- 33 microns and 94 +/- 36 microns, respectively). None of the prostheses demonstrated micromovement exceeding 90 microns in the area corresponding to the pubis and the ischium. The use of 2 accessory screws sensitively increased the stability of all of the prostheses on the ilium, reducing the average micromovement by 40 microns. Reduction of micromovement was less on the pubis and on the ischium.

Transposition of the coracoid process in the preglenoid site according to the Latarjet method in 15 cases of anterior recurrent dislocation of shoulder is reported. Indications, surgical stages, and results are discussed with emphasis on the simplicity of surgery followed by nearly complete functional recovery and rapid resumption of professional and sports activity.

The authors report the method used and long-term results for 61 acetabular reimplantations involving screwed truncated-conical acetabula and bone grafts. Mean follow-up was 6.3 years. From a clinical point of view the cases classified as excellent were 14 (24.1%), good 26 (44.8%), fair 12 (20.7%), and poor 6 (10.4%). As for radiographic evaluation, the acetabulum appeared to be stable in 37 cases (63.8%), there was fibrous stability in 13 cases (22.4%), the radiographic findings had shown uncertain stability in 5 cases (8.6%), and the acetabulum was unstable in 3 cases (5.2%). Long-term results show that the biological stabilization and, in particular, the implantation of screwed acetabula, when technically correct, may constitute a valid solution in revision surgery for the acetabular component.

The clinical and radiographic results of 95 acetabular reimplantations performed between 1984 and 1992 are presented. A screwed acetabular prosthesis was used in 56 patients, the acetabulum was cemented in 15, and a press-fit acetabulum stabilized by screws (1 case without screws) was used in 24. Mean clinical follow-up was 35.6 +/- 24 months, ranging from 7 to 94 months. Clinical results were good and excellent (> or = 5 points according to Merle D'Aubigné) in 77% of the cases for pain, in 70% for walking, and in 71% for joint movement. Forty months after surgery 48% of the screwed acetabula and 44% of the cemented ones were osteointegrated. The incidence of loosening for the screwed acetabula was 24%. The preliminary results 24 months after the press-fit acetabula with screws had been inserted showed 100% osteointegration. Radiographic results of the screwed acetabula were satisfactory (92% osteointegration) only in reimplantations performed in patients with minimum acetabular osteolytic injury (Paprosky types I and IIA). The use of homoplastic bone grafts did not improve the radiographic results of the screwed acetabula in the cases with severe osteolysis: 57% of the acetabula screwed on grafts distributed throughout the acetabulum were, in fact, loosened.

The rigid fixation with plates represents an useful aid in the treatment of the maxillofacial diseases. To the best of our knowledge no studies on the effects of the plates placed across the growing fronto-nasal suture are available. We have therefore examined these effects in an experimental model represented by the suture of eight rabbits. The surgical procedure consists of placing one microplate and four screws across the frontonasal suture of each rabbit, one month old. Radiographies were made both at the moment of the operation and after thirty days. Our results demonstrate a decrease of the normal growth of the suture stressed by plates.

The paper illustrates the authors' use of surgery to treat condylar fractures using Krenkel's technique which entails a cutaneous incision under the mandibular corner and the application of a clip screw in relation to the longitudinal axis of the upright branch of the jaw. This surgical technique, which is above all indicated in cases of low subcondylar fractures, provides a rigid internal fixation of the fracture stumps, thus preventing intermaxillary lock. Several stages in the operation are described in dental and the intrinsic advantages of this method are then outlined together with the results obtained.

The authors present a series of anterior fusion of the cervical spine using internal fixation by means of a screwed plate. After the description of the surgical technique utilized in 408 consecutive surgical procedures the authors report the results of 60 patients affected by traumatic lesions and followed up 1 to 3 years. In 27 cases a single-level fusion was performed; in 2 cases a two-level fusion; in 17 cases a subtotal corporectomy, and in 14 cases a total corporectomy. A good bony fusion was obtained in all 60 cases. All patients improved neurologically from incomplete cord and root lesions. None of the patients showed neurological worsening. Complications were rare and minor. Anterior fusion of the cervical spine with an osteosynthetic screwed plate is a surgical technique that is able to offer satisfying outcomes in cervical traumatic lesions and in non traumatic cervical pathology.

Out of 142 consecutive cases of fracture of the tibial plateau 48 cases (34%) of complex fractures are taken into consideration. Surgical treatment is based on two types of osteosynthesis: 1) osteosynthesis "of election" with interfragmentary plates and screws, which was used in most of the cases; 2) minimal osteosynthesis with Barr or lag screws, when there are lesions of the soft tissue and capsuloligamentous lesions. A total of 69% of the results were satisfactory (good and excellent). The most unfavorable prognostic factors are comminution of the fracture and residual widening of the tibial plateau.

The authors analyzed 425 consecutive cases of medial fracture of the femoral neck with the purpose of establishing a simple and practical system, and one which is easy to use, in order to evaluate this type of lesion and to compare different series of cases. Based on these criteria the death rate occurring intra-hospital and 6 months after trauma, the influence of the age factor, the type of anesthesia used and the type of treatment carried out, were evaluated. The results were as follows: The classification devised by the American Society of Anesthesiology continues to be an effective system for the evaluation of vital risk. The death rate was always directly related to age, and it was not influenced by either the type of anesthesia or the type of surgery used; however, it doubled when non-surgical treatment was used.

Based on anatomo-pathological findings in fractures in bones affected with Paget's disease, the authors discuss problems related to treatment. One case is reported in which treatment involved intramedullary osteosynthesis with locked nailing and corrective osteotomy. This type of treatment achieved a dual purpose of obtaining fracture consolidation within a short amount of time, and correcting the deformity.

The authors report 21 cases of fracture of the femoral neck in the young adult followed-up after a minimum of 2 years, which is a sufficient amount of time to be able to evaluate cephalic necrosis. The results obtained with the various methods of osteosynthesis were: excellent: 38%; good: 33.5%; fair: 9.5%; poor: 19%. Emphasis is made on the effectiveness of the Garden classification system for prognosis and treatment, and several aspects of the method used are discussed.

The authors conducted a clinical and radiographic study on a group of 43 patients with hip arthroprostheses selected from the three-year period from 1984 to 1987, characterized by no immediate postoperative complications, no positional defects on X-ray examination, and with a Renther test greater than 1. Prostheses were cemented, cementless and combined. Scintigraphy was evaluated for areas of subdivision in the proximal end of the femur and acetabulum, making a semi-quantitative comparison of the intensity of captation of each area with that of the skull and sacroiliac synchondrosis. The authors emphasize that this procedure is both reliable and easy for the early determination (pre-clinical and pre-radiographic) of any complications. A scintigraphic examination of the single areas was also capable of revealing the site and entity of prosthetic bone-to-implant interactions. According to the results reported, PCA prostheses seem to be characterized by better biocompatibility.

The authors analyze a group of 6 patients suffering from fractures and pseudoarthrosis of the carpal scaphoid; some of them were treated with Herbert bone screw. The authors emphasize the utility of CT, as proposed by Sanders (1988), in both pre- and postoperative evaluation of such conditions, since conventional X-rays can provide questionable findings as to both the state of the bone in the proximal fragment and the healing process at the fracture line.