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Filter by:Soft tissue contour and radiographic evaluation of alveolar ridge preservation using different techniques Background: Following tooth extraction, the alveolar ridge undergoes an inevitable remodeling process which influences future implant therapy or prosthetic rehabilitation in the edentulous area. In an attempt to attenuate the loss of hard and soft tissue after tooth loss, alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) immediately after complete tooth extraction could minimize the need for ancillary ridge augmentation or soft tissue grafting. Different techniques and barrier membranes has been proposed to achieve the sealing of extraction socket. Aim: To investigate the effect of different techniques and barrier membranes for the soft tissue contour and morphological change of alveolar ridge after ARP Methods: The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial and recruited patients, who require ARP for the purpose of implant placement or prosthodontic rehabilitation. After the tooth extraction, patients were randomly allocated to one of the following groups: ridge preservation with a xenogeneic bone substitute and (a) spontaneous healing (control), (b) covered with a free palatal graft, (c) or covered with pedical palatal graft, (d) covered with a collagen membrane, (e) covered with a non-resorbable high-density polytetrafluoroethylene membrane. 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks following tooth extraction and ARP, clinical profilometric and radiographic evaluations were performed to analyze the change of hard and soft tissue contour. Moreover, and the need for additional guided bone regeneration (GBR) or soft tissue augmentation were assessed prior implants or fixed prosthesis placement.
Tendons are essential structures for transmitting muscle forces to skeletal structures. A stiffer tendon will transmit muscle force faster, and then allow faster movement. Moreover, tendons are a living tissue and respond to mechanical forces by changing their metabolism as well as their structural and mechanical properties. The aim of the present study is to answer essential questions remaining unanswered that are necessary in order to optimize physical activity with ageing in humans, and thus improve quality of life in elderly. The main questions are: What is the minimal training intensity leading to tendon adaptations? What is the time-course of tendon adaptations? Does the same loading protocol lead to similar tendon adaptations for different tendons (Achilles vs Patellar) and does the same training program lead to identical tendon adaptations with age (25yrs vs 75yrs)? To answer these questions, tendon architecture and mechanical properties will be investigated in humans of different age and applying different training intensities. The kinematic of the tendon adaptations due to these different training characteristics will also be investigated. The training protocol will be applied on plantar flexors and knee extensors. MRI and ultrasound techniques as well as the use of ankle and knee ergometers will allow the quantification of possible modifications in tendon architecture and mechanical properties (tendon stiffness and Young's Modulus). This will be assessed in vivo, using ultrasound images to assess tendon displacement during an incremental maximal contraction.