Dragan Petrović

Repair of bone tissue affected by osteoporosis with hydroxyapatite-poly-L-lactide (HAp-PLLA) with and without blood plasma

The aim of this study is to examine the reparatory ability of the synthetic biomaterial hydroxyapatite-poly-L-lactide (HAp-PLLA), the replacement of alveolar ridge, and rehabilitation of bone defects caused by osteoporosis, in an experimental group of animals. The experiments are performed on syngeneic Sprague Dawley rats. Osteoporosis is induced by glucocorticoids in rats during a 12-week period. After this, the experimental group of animals is divided into five subgroups. An artificial defect is made in the alveolar bone on the left side of the mandible. In one group of animals, the defect is left to heal by itself, while in other groups, pure HAp-PLLA or one mixed with plasma is implanted. The best results are achieved by the implantation of the HAp-PLLA composite biomaterial mixed with autologous plasma. Formation of a new mandibular bone is seen, growing intensely, leading to rapid osteogenesis.

TMD in class III patients referred for orthognathic surgery: Psychological and dentition-related aspects

OBJECTIVE To investigate temporomandibular disorders (TMD), psychosocial, and occlusal variables in class III orthognathic surgery patients with respect to the control subjects, and to compare psychosocial and occlusal features in class III patients with different Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (RDC/TMD) diagnoses. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study enrolled 44 class III patients referred for orthognathic surgery and 44 individuals without a malocclusion. TMD, depression and somatization were assessed by RDC/TMD. Occlusal analysis included Helkimos Occlusal Index items, overjet and overbite. RESULTS In the controls, patients with class III deformities had higher prevalence of myogenic TMD, increased grade of chronic pain, and more occlusal deviations. Within the study group, TMD patients reported higher depression score (P < 0.01), myofascial pain was related to higher depression and somatization grades (P < 0.01, P < 0.05 respectively), and disc displacement showed relation with RCP-ICP slide interferences (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION With respect to subjects without a malocclusion, TMD in class III dentofacial deformities is similar in prevalence, but differs in clinical appearance. Occlusal, but not psychosocial features deviate from those in the controls. While psychosocial variables accompanied TMD and myofascial pain, increased RCP-ICP slide was related to disc displacement in class III patients.

Use of 2-Octyl-Cyanoacrylate in surgical closing of Postparotidectomy salivary fistulas

A salivary fistula is one of possible postoperative complications in the surgery of parotid gland tumors. We present three cases of postparotidectomy salivary fistulas, successfully treated by surgical access using 2-octyl-cyanoacrylate while closing the skin layer. The previous treatment of these cases by other therapeutic options did not give satisfactory results. In a 5-year follow-up period there were no signs of fistulas relapses. The surgical access with use of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate can be one of therapeutic options for the closing of postparotidectomy salivary fistulas, especially in cases where other therapeutic accesses are not successful.