1.
PEEK versus metal cages in posterior lumbar interbody fusion: a clinical and radiological comparative study.
Cuzzocrea, F, Ivone, A, Jannelli, E, Fioruzzi, A, Ferranti, E, Vanelli, R, Benazzo, F
Musculoskeletal surgery. 2019;(3):237-241
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low back pain and sciatica represent a common disabling condition with a significant impact on the social, working and economic lives of patients. Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is a surgical procedure used in degenerative spine conditions. Several types of cages were used in the TLIF procedure. PURPOSE To determine whether there is a difference in terms of symptomatology improvement, return to daily activities and fusion rate between metal cages and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cages. METHODS We have retrospectively reviewed 40 patients who have undergone TLIF from October 2015 to May 2016. All patients were clinically evaluated with questionnaires and were assessed with CT scan and standing X-ray films of the full-length spine. RESULTS We found no significant functional differences in the two groups. At 1-year follow-up, osteolysis was present in 50% of cases of the PEEK cages and in 10% cases of the metal cages. The degree of fusion at 1 year was evaluated as complete in 40% cases of the metal cages and 15% cases of the PEEK cages. CONCLUSIONS We have found a better fusion rate and prevalence of fusion in the group treated with metal cages, reflecting the well-known osteoinductive properties of titanium and tantalum.
2.
Microscopic and ultrastructural evidences in human skin following calcium hydroxylapatite filler treatment.
Zerbinati, N, D'Este, E, Parodi, PC, Calligaro, A
Archives of dermatological research. 2017;(5):389-396
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Abstract
This study uses light and electron microscopes to gain a better knowledge of the interactions of calcium hydroxylapatite filler with the connective tissue of the skin and the modifications of the human deep dermis, after 2 months of treatment. Some morphological evidences of this observational study of filler treated tissue support-specific mechanism involved in the structural modifications of both filler microspherules and cells of the connective tissue. They demonstrate the absence of any immunological reaction and show that the used filler is modified very slowly over time by the action of cells of the connective tissue closely related to the filler without any activity of phagocytosis. Furthermore, associated with the modifications of the filler, evidences of stimulatory effects on dermal fibroblasts are reported.
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ß-Tricalcium Phosphate Implants in the Surgical Treatment of Empty Nose Syndrome.
Bastier, PL, Fierens, S, Champel, S, Ribadeau-Dumas, A, de Gabory, L
Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. 2016;(3):514-7
Abstract
The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and morbidity of a β-tricalcium phosphate implant in the treatment of empty nose syndrome after turbinectomy. Only patients with a history of inferior turbinectomy and a complaint of permanent paradoxical nasal obstruction were included. β-Tricalcium phosphate ceramic implants were implanted under the mucoperiosteal plane of the lateral nasal wall to replace the head of the inferior turbinate. Symptoms and quality of life were assessed by 2 questionnaires: the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation and Rhinosinusitis Quality of Life. Fourteen patients were included. The mean follow-up was 19.4 ± 13.4 months. Scores for the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation and Rhinosinusitis Quality of Life (frequency, bothersomeness, and impact) significantly improved after surgery (respectively, 73.9 ± 21.8 to 34.6 ± 28.6, 44.6 ± 17.1 to 34.8 ± 20.3, 43.6 ± 22.4 to 70.7 ± 21.5, and 59.9 ± 21.1 to 27.2 ± 25.3; P < .05). The use of ß-tricalcium phosphate seems efficient to repair empty nose syndrome by endonasal microplasty and shows a low complication rate.