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Studies of condylar motion within the temporomandibular joint have been going on for some time. These studies have used techniques that included direct viewing via x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging, and arthroscopy, as well as indirect measurements using axiographs, kinesiographs, photocells, and light-emitting diodes. These viewing and measuring methods have important disadvantages and shortcomings. Recent advances in ultrasound technology, used extensively in medicine, have been adapted to dynamic imaging of the temporomandibular joint in the near-sagittal plane. Preliminary results strongly suggest that condylar motion is curvilinear throughout its range of motion. No evidence was seen to support the notion that condylar motion occurs about a fixed axis or point at any time during movement. Additional improvements in ultrasound technology may allow further definitive studies, and it may become usable in diagnosing temporomandibular dysfunction and disease states in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sepsis outcomes remain high regarding mortality and morbidity, despite efforts to reduce them. We retrospectively evaluated a protocol in the first 6 months of implementation to measure outcomes. Retrospective data collection and analysis was performed of 200 consecutive patients seen in the ED during the first 4 months of 2020 after implementation of the sepsis protocol (group 1) and compared to another 200 consecutive patients during the same time frame in 2019 before the sepsis protocol (group 2). The collected parameters included age, gender, race, length of stay comorbid conditions, mortality, and therapy received. Statistical significance was determined at a p-value ≤.05. Mean age and gender of the groups were similar, 64 vs 66 years for group 1 and 2, respectively. Each group was 45% male. Mean length of stay were 8.9 and 8.6 days in group 1 and 2, respectively. Group 1 had a mortality rate of 13% vs 18% in group 2 (p = .21). Comorbid conditions including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, renal failure, and COPD were analyzed regarding mortality that influenced outcomes using Cox regression analysis. COPD and diabetic patient mortality were significantly lower in the protocol group. Surgical patients had a survival rate of 92.4%. Therefore, the current protocol for sepsis management did improve mortality. Further studies with a larger number of patients are in progress.