Innovative Prosthetic Device: New Materials, Technologies and Patients' Quality of Life (QoL) Improvement

A special issue of Prosthesis (ISSN 2673-1592).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2020) | Viewed by 44023

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Guest Editor
Department of Biomedical and Surgical and Biomedical Sciences, Catania University, 95123 Catania, Italy
Interests: oral medicine; oral cancer; oral health; periodontology; periodontal regeneration
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Guest Editor
1. Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences, Morphological and Functional Images, School of Dentistry University of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy
2. Multidisciplinary Department of Medical-Surgical and Odontostomatological Specialties, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80121 Naples, Italy
Interests: oral health; public health; systemic disease; biomaterials; microbiomes; infection risk; oral surgery; rehabilitative medicine; environment disinfection
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Assistant Guest Editor
Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Psychiatric Unit Policlinico Hospital, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
Interests: oral health; psychology; public health; socioeconomic behaviors; health promotion; health-related behaviour, quality of life
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

New technologies in the biomedical field, every day improve lives of patients. Thanks to the advent of new biomaterials, higher performance of materials and the synchronization with new computer technologies, it is possible to create safer and predictable prostheses, which tend to significantly improve the quality of life of our patients. An amputee patient is a patient who has lost not only a part of his body, but also the annexed function. The loss of an eye, an arm, a dental element, entail a loss of function that is reflected in a systemic adaptation by the organism to compensate for it; and it is also reflected in important psychological consequences. The purpose of this Special Issue is to collect as much as possible notions, articles and information about new rehabilitation techniques in the biomedical and bioengineering field. In all the districts of the organism, focusing on the innovativeness of a certain material or a specific technique; without neglecting the influence on the quality of life of the patient.

Prof. Dr. Marco Cicciu
Dr. Luca Fiorillo
Dr. Rosa De Stefano
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • Prosthesis
  • Biomaterials
  • Innovation
  • Quality of Life
  • Limbs Rehabilitation
  • Maxillofacial Rehabilitation
  • Plastic Surgery
  • Aesthetics

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Editorial

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4 pages, 205 KiB  
Editorial
Worldwide 3D Printers against the New Coronavirus
by Luca Fiorillo and Teresa Leanza
Prosthesis 2020, 2(2), 87-90; https://doi.org/10.3390/prosthesis2020009 - 5 Jun 2020
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2963
Abstract
The pandemic caused by the new coronavirus has placed national health systems of different countries in difficulty, and has demonstrated the need for many types of personal protective equipment (PPE). Thanks to the advent of new three-dimensional printing technologies, it was possible to [...] Read more.
The pandemic caused by the new coronavirus has placed national health systems of different countries in difficulty, and has demonstrated the need for many types of personal protective equipment (PPE). Thanks to the advent of new three-dimensional printing technologies, it was possible to share print files (using stereolithography (stl)) quickly and easily, improve them cooperatively, and allow anyone who possessed the materials, a suitable 3D printer and these files, to print. The possibility of being able to print three-dimensional supports, or complete personal protective equipment has been of incredible help in the management of COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019). The times and the relatively low costs have allowed a wide diffusion of these devices, especially for the structures that needed them, mainly healthcare facilities. 3D printing, now includes different fields of application, and represents, thanks to the evolution of methods and printers, an important step towards the “digital world”. Full article

Research

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17 pages, 6440 KiB  
Article
A Finite Element Model for Trigger Finger
by Helena I. Relf, Carla G. Barberio and Daniel M. Espino
Prosthesis 2020, 2(3), 168-184; https://doi.org/10.3390/prosthesis2030015 - 22 Jul 2020
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5489
Abstract
The aim of this study was to develop a finite element model to investigate the forces on tendons which ensue due to trigger finger. The model was used to simulate both flexor and extensor tendons within the index finger; two test cases were [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to develop a finite element model to investigate the forces on tendons which ensue due to trigger finger. The model was used to simulate both flexor and extensor tendons within the index finger; two test cases were defined, simulating a “mildly” and “severely” affected tendon by applying constraints. The finger was simulated in three different directions: extension, abduction and hyper-extension. There was increased tension during hyper-extension, with tension in the mildly affected tendon increasing from 1.54 to 2.67 N. Furthermore, there was a consistent relationship between force and displacement, with a substantial change in the gradient of the force when the constraints of the condition were applied for all movements. The intention of this study is that the simulation framework is used to enable the in silico development of novel prosthetic devices to aid with treatment of trigger finger, given that, currently, the non-surgical first line of treatment is a splint. Full article
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9 pages, 937 KiB  
Article
Prevalence of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and Its Effect on Quality of Life and Ocular Discomfort in Patients with Prosthetic Eyes
by Alessandro Meduri, Rino Frisina, Miguel Rechichi and Giovanni William Oliverio
Prosthesis 2020, 2(2), 91-99; https://doi.org/10.3390/prosthesis2020010 - 9 Jun 2020
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3853
Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the influence of ocular discomfort and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) on quality of life in patients with an ocular prosthesis. Methods: a prospective analysis was conducted on 18 patients with a unilateral ocular prosthesis. Evaluation of ocular discomfort symptoms, lid [...] Read more.
Purpose: To evaluate the influence of ocular discomfort and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) on quality of life in patients with an ocular prosthesis. Methods: a prospective analysis was conducted on 18 patients with a unilateral ocular prosthesis. Evaluation of ocular discomfort symptoms, lid margin abnormalities (LMA), meibomian gland expression, meibography and a psychometric evaluation using the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ), Facial Appearance subscale of the Negative Physical Self Scale (NPSS-F), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the DAS24 to evaluate anxiety and depression. Results: the statistically significant differences observed between normal and prosthetic eyes related to ocular symptoms and the meibography score (p = 0.0003). A negative correlation was reported between NEI VFQ score and meibography score (r = −0.509; p-value = 0.022). A positive correlation was detected with NPSS (r = 0.75; p-value < 0.0001), anxiety HADS score (r = 0.912; p-value = 0.001) and depression HADS score (r = 0.870; p-value > 0.0001). Conclusion: MGD represents the most common cause of evaporative dry eye disease, due to the reduction of the thickness of the lipid layer of the tear film. The occurrence of MGD in patients with prosthetic eyes is very common. Anxiety and depression were correlated to ocular discomfort and MGD, and this could affect the quality of life in patients with an ocular prosthesis. Full article
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7 pages, 2839 KiB  
Article
3D Printing beyond Dentistry during COVID 19 Epidemic: A Technical Note for Producing Connectors to Breathing Devices
by Leonardo Cavallo, Antonia Marcianò, Marco Cicciù and Giacomo Oteri
Prosthesis 2020, 2(2), 46-52; https://doi.org/10.3390/prosthesis2020005 - 7 Apr 2020
Cited by 79 | Viewed by 8284
Abstract
(1) Background: To mitigate the shortage of respiratory devices during the Covid-19 epidemic, dental professional volunteers can contribute to create printed plastic valves, adapting the dental digital workflow and converting snorkeling masks in emergency CPAP (continuous positive airways pressure) devices. The objective of [...] Read more.
(1) Background: To mitigate the shortage of respiratory devices during the Covid-19 epidemic, dental professional volunteers can contribute to create printed plastic valves, adapting the dental digital workflow and converting snorkeling masks in emergency CPAP (continuous positive airways pressure) devices. The objective of this report was to provide the specific settings to optimize printing with the 3D printers of the dental industry. (2) Methods: In order to provide comprehensive technical notes to volunteer dental professionals interested in printing Charlotte and Dave connectors to breathing devices, the entire digital workflow is reported. (3) Results: The present paper introduces an alternative use of the dental Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) machinery, and reports on the fabrication of a 3D printed connection prototypes suitable for connection to face masks, thereby demonstrating the feasibility of this application. (4) Conclusions: This call for action was addressed to dentists and dental laboratories who are willing to making available their experience, facilities and machinery for the benefit of patients, even way beyond dentistry. Full article
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9 pages, 1243 KiB  
Communication
Endo and Exoskeleton: New Technologies on Composite Materials
by Luca Fiorillo, Cesare D’Amico, Anna Yurjevna Turkina, Fabiana Nicita, Giulia Amoroso and Giacomo Risitano
Prosthesis 2020, 2(1), 1-9; https://doi.org/10.3390/prosthesis2010001 - 2 Jan 2020
Cited by 39 | Viewed by 5719
Abstract
The developments in the field of rehabilitation are proceeding hand in hand with those of cybernetics, with the result of obtaining increasingly performing prostheses and rehabilitations for patients. The purpose of this work is to make a brief exposition of new technologies regarding [...] Read more.
The developments in the field of rehabilitation are proceeding hand in hand with those of cybernetics, with the result of obtaining increasingly performing prostheses and rehabilitations for patients. The purpose of this work is to make a brief exposition of new technologies regarding composites materials that are used in the prosthetic and rehabilitative fields. Data collection took place on scientific databases, limited to a collection of data for the last five years, in order to present news on the innovative and actual materials. The results show that some of the most commonly used last materials are glass fibers and carbon fibers. Even in the robotics field, materials of this type are beginning to be used, thanks above all to the mechanical performances they offer. Surely these new materials, which offer characteristics similar to those in humans, could favor both the rehabilitation times of our patients, and also a better quality of life. Full article
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8 pages, 1666 KiB  
Article
An Integrated Approach, Orthodontic and Prosthetic, in a Case of Maxillary Lateral Incisors Agenesis
by Marco Portelli, Angela Militi, Antonino Logiudice and Riccardo Nucera
Prosthesis 2019, 1(1), 3-10; https://doi.org/10.3390/prosthesis1010002 - 4 Sep 2019
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3963
Abstract
Background: Among tooth anomalies, missing teeth is one of the most frequent, and it can be related to different therapeutical sets of problems. Often, an integrated approach that interests both orthodontists and prosthodontists is necessary, and in some cases also the periodontists. Methods: [...] Read more.
Background: Among tooth anomalies, missing teeth is one of the most frequent, and it can be related to different therapeutical sets of problems. Often, an integrated approach that interests both orthodontists and prosthodontists is necessary, and in some cases also the periodontists. Methods: In this paper the authors report a clinical case of a 14-year-old patient, affected by maxillary bilateral incisors agenesis, molar bilateral II class and deep bite, treated in the Department of Orthodontics and Pedodontics of the University of Messina. The orthodontic treatment target was the distal movement of the maxillary molar, and the recovery of the space necessary for the prosthetic restoration of the missing lateral incisor. Maxillary molars distal movement was performed with a Distal Jet apparatus, skeletally supported by two miniscrews (Distal-Screw, American Orthodontics, Sheboygan, WI, USA). After molar relationship correction, a multi-bracket bimaxillary orthodontic appliance was bonded using Empower Brackets (American Orthodontics, Sheboygan, WI, USA). At the end of orthodontic treatment a Maryland bridge, bonded on the central incisors and cuspids, was used in order to maintain the space necessary for the insertion of dental implants in the region of 1.2 and 2.2. Results: A class II molar relationship was corrected, with an improvement of the deep bite, and the space necessary for implant insertion was recovered Conclusion: A skeletally supported Distal Jet was efficient for molar distalization, with the advantage of not having any loss of anchorage in the anterior part of the dental arch. This apparatus does not need patient compliance, have favorable aesthetics and also give the possibility to perform asymmetric activations. Full article
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Other

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13 pages, 9605 KiB  
Case Report
Implant-Supported Prosthetic Therapy of an Edentulous Patient: Clinical and Technical Aspects
by Luca Ortensi, Marco Ortensi, Andrea Minghelli and Francesco Grande
Prosthesis 2020, 2(3), 140-152; https://doi.org/10.3390/prosthesis2030013 - 1 Jul 2020
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 5115
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to show how to implement an implant-supported prosthetic overdenture using a digital workflow. Esthetic previewing using a specific software, guided-surgery, construction of the prosthesis, and the esthetic finalization are described in this article. Patients suffering from severe [...] Read more.
The purpose of this article is to show how to implement an implant-supported prosthetic overdenture using a digital workflow. Esthetic previewing using a specific software, guided-surgery, construction of the prosthesis, and the esthetic finalization are described in this article. Patients suffering from severe loss of bone and soft tissue volume could benefit from the construction of an overdenture prosthesis as a feasible therapeutic choice for functional and esthetic issues of the patient. Full article
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12 pages, 22673 KiB  
Case Report
New Tricks in the Preparation Design for Prosthetic Ceramic Laminate Veeners
by Luca Ortensi, Tommaso Vitali, Roberto Bonfiglioli and Francesco Grande
Prosthesis 2019, 1(1), 29-40; https://doi.org/10.3390/prosthesis1010005 - 30 Oct 2019
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 7210
Abstract
Background: The prosthetic preparation of the teeth for ceramic laminate veneers has to follow the minimally invasive concept brought by the modern Conservative Dentistry and Prosthodontics. However, during the cementation phase under the rubber dam, the loss of the esthetics landmarks could lead [...] Read more.
Background: The prosthetic preparation of the teeth for ceramic laminate veneers has to follow the minimally invasive concept brought by the modern Conservative Dentistry and Prosthodontics. However, during the cementation phase under the rubber dam, the loss of the esthetics landmarks could lead to errors in the future positioning of the laminate veneers. Methods: In this article the authors show an accurate operative prosthetic protocol using different fine intraoperative maneuvers and tricks for the realization of ceramic laminates in order to solve the problems of the cementation phase. Results: The treatment of the anterior sector of the upper maxilla with porcelain laminate veneers was realized in a 30 years old woman with aesthetic issues. Conclusion: Different fine intraoperative maneuvers and tricks during teeth preparation, master impression and rubber dam positioning could reduce errors occurring in the cementation phase and increase the predictability of the results. Full article
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