* Supported in part by Brite Euram project BE7470. Abstract The two-level fuzzy-lattice (2L-FL) learning scheme is introduced for application on an intelligent surgical (mechatronic) drill in the stapedotomy surgical procedure in the ear. The 2L-FL scheme learned from past cases to evaluate pointedly the thickness of a stapes bone using a force/torque pair of drilling profiles. Hence it is poss...

OBJECTIVE To determine the unique contribution of geometrical design characteristics of orthodontic mini-implants on maximum insertion torque while controlling for the influence of cortical bone thickness. METHODS Total number of 100 cylindrical orthodontic mini-implants was used. Geometrical design characteristics of ten specimens of ten types of cylindrical self-drilling orthodontic mini-im...

AIMS Immediate loading has become a predictable option for treatment, while one of the main requirements for its implementation is obtaining appropriate primary stability in implants. With that aim, conical implants are commercially available, since, according to specialized literature, they provide greater stability. One of the methods to measure implant stability which has evolved to further ...

INTRODUCTION Recent innovation in wetsuit technology has opened the way for year-round surfing/water sport along the UK coast. Resulting exposure to low water temperatures combined with wind chill have been associated with external auditory canal (EAC) exostosis, also known as “surfers’ ear.” This condition is characterized by multiple, bilateral outgrowths of temporal bone (Fig. 1) into the EA...

Realistic haptic interaction in volume sculpting is a decisive prerequisite for successful simulation of bone surgery. We present a haptic rendering algorithm, based on a multi-point collision detection approach which provides realistic tool interactions. Both haptics and graphics are rendered at sub-voxel resolution, which leads to a high level of detail and enables the exploration of the mode...

BACKGROUND A neuronavigation interface with extended function as compared with current systems was developed to aid during temporal bone surgery. The interface, named EVADE, updates the prior anatomical image and visualizes the bone drilling process virtually in real-time without need for intra-operative imaging. Furthermore, EVADE continuously calculates the distance from the drill tip to segm...

BACKGROUND Osteoid osteoma is a painful benign osteogenic tumour for which the treatment objective is surgical resection of the nidus. The acetabular fossa is an uncommon site of involvement where surgical access can prove challenging. MATERIALS AND METHODS We report a case-series composed of five patients with osteoid osteoma of the acetabular fossa treated with percutaneous bone resection a...

drilling industry provides a significant potential for occupational health risks. thus, health-related hazards (chemical, physical, ergonomic and biological) must be recognized, evaluated and controlled in order to prevent occupational illnesses which come from exposure to them. for these, a good occupational health risk assessment needs to be applied. risk assessment monitors risks and provide...

AIM To assess the efficacy of the far lateral approach, without drilling of the occipital condyle, in the management of anterior intradural tumors at the craniocervical junction. MATERIAL AND METHODS Ten patients suffering from foramen magnum tumors were operated upon via the far lateral approach without drilling of the occipital condyle. All patients underwent postoperative C...

Microdamage reduces bone mechanical properties and thus could possibly contribute to implant failure. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the diameter of mini-implants (MI) affects microdamage generation and whether this differs between the mandible and maxilla due to their contrasting cortical thicknesses. Methods: Maxillary and mandibular quadrants of 5 dogs were randomly a...