Angelo Tagliabue

sEMG activity of masticatory, neck, and trunk muscles during the treatment of scoliosis with functional braces. A longitudinal controlled study

BACKGROUND Studies on the relationship between occlusal problems and the spine are of increasing interest. In this study, we monitored the sEMG activity of masticatory, neck, and trunk muscles during the treatment of scoliosis in young patients, and compared the data with a control of untreated group. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Twelve white Caucasian patients (nine males and three females; mean age of 8.0±1.5 years) with scoliosis and Class I occlusion (without crowding) were included in this study (study group). Fifteen healthy subjects (nine males and six females; mean age of 9.5±0.8 years) were recruited as control group. The subjects were visited before they underwent the treatment of scoliosis, as well as after 3 (T1) and 6 months (T2) of their treatment for scoliosis. The patients were instructed to wear the device during sleep and during the day, according to the protocol given by their orthopedic. RESULTS The treated group showed statistically significant changes in the sEMG activity of masticatory, neck, and trunk muscles, both at rest and during MVC of the mandible with respect to T0. The masseter and the anterior temporalis showed a significant improvement in the asymmetry index from T0 to T2. On the other hand, subjects in the control group did not register much change. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that the use of a functional device for the treatment of scoliosis induces a significant reduction in the asymmetry index of the trunk muscles, as well as a significant increase in the contractility of masticatory muscles.

A Giant-Cell Lesion with Cellular Cannibalism in the Mandible: Case Report and Review of Brown Tumors in Hyperparathyroidism

A small radiolucent area in the mandible was discovered in a 58-year-old woman with no oral complaints. The patients history included only hypertension. The lesion was considered as an inflammatory cyst and was enucleated. Three months later, a CT revealed the presence of a cyst-like lesion in the mandible with thin expanded buccal cortical plate, localized erosion, and a polylobate appearance on the lingual aspect of the cortical plate. The histological diagnosis of the lesion was central giant-cell granuloma (CGCG). The lesion was thoroughly enucleated. Nevertheless, another X-ray carried out six months later revealed multiple bilateral osteolytic areas throughout the jaw. In addition, widespread cortical plate erosion was observed, as well as signs of root resorption and periodontal enlargement. There was no sign of neurological involvement, although the nerves appeared to be dislocated. After full blood chemistry analysis and detailed collection of radiographs, the final diagnosis was brown tumors in primary hyperparathyroidism. This case report demonstrates how dental clinicians may be the first-line specialists who identify a complex systemic disease before other clinicians. Finally, it highlights the role of cellular cannibalism in predicting the clinical aggressiveness of brown tumors as well as in other giant-cell lesions.

An unusual green macular lesion of the gingiva: a foreign-body granulomatous reaction

The current clinical case highlights the diagnostic process in characterizing an unusual green macular lesion of the maxillary gingiva. A review of the history revealed that the patient had suffered trauma to the oral tissues during a soccer match 2 years prior. An incisional biopsy was performed and microscopic analysis demonstrated the presence of a granulomatous reaction to a needle-shaped, birefringent foreign material. Comparative analysis of a specimen collected from the soccer field confirmed that the foreign material was artificial grass. Foreign material was also found inside the gingival epithelial cells.