Accelerated Orthodontics: Getting Ahead of Ourselves With Corticotomy

Corticotomy-assisted orthodontics is an emerging technique that combines orthodontic treatment with selective alveolar corticotomy to accelerate tooth movement and optimize treatment outcomes. This case report presents the successful application of corticotomy-assisted orthodontics in the management of a complex malocclusion. Following a comprehensive orthodontic assessment and treatment planning, corticotomy-assisted orthodontics was selected as the treatment approach. The surgical procedure involved selective alveolar corticotomy in the affected regions, followed by initiation of orthodontic mechanics. The case was closely monitored at regular intervals, and treatment progress was assessed using clinical examination and radiographs. The combined approach led to significantly accelerated tooth movement, a reduction in treatment time, and improved patient satisfaction. This case report underscores the potential benefits of corticotomy-assisted orthodontics in complex cases, providing clinicians with valuable insights into its successful application and the considerations involved in treatment planning and execution. Further research and long-term follow-up are warranted to elucidate the long-term stability and outcomes of this approach.

Contralateral comparison of bone geometry, BMD and muscle function in the lower leg and forearm after stroke

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to investigate the side-to-side differences of the upper and lower limbs in chronic stroke patients by means of peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT).

METHODS

Twenty-three subjects (12 males and 11 females) who had previously suffered a stroke were recruited. Bone parameters and muscle cross-sectional areas were measured by pQCT in the forearm and the lower leg on the paretic and non-paretic side. Muscle function tests included hand grip dynamometry and sit-to-stand on force plates.

RESULTS

Relative side-to-side differences in bone parameters at the radius were twice to three times the relative differences at the tibia. At the forearm the muscle-bone relationship was stronger on the non-paretic than the paretic side, while at the lower leg the muscle-bone relationship was similar on both sides.

CONCLUSIONS

Side-to-side differences in bone parameters were much smaller than differences between individuals, and bone mass deficits on the paretic side were greater at the radius than at the tibia. Therapies to restore muscle force and function, which may also help to decrease the risk of falls, are recommended.