• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.159-165
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• 2016

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to detect the anterior loop of the mental nerve and the mandibular incisive canal in panoramic radiographs (PAN) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images, as well as to determine the anterior/mesial extension of these structures in panoramic and cross-sectional reconstructions using PAN and CBCT images. Materials and Methods: Images (both PAN and CBCT) from 90 patients were evaluated by 2 independent observers. Detection of the anterior loop and the incisive canal were compared between PAN and CBCT. The anterior/mesial extension of these structures was compared between PAN and both cross-sectional and panoramic CBCT reconstructions. Results: In CBCT, the anterior loop and the incisive canal were observed in 7.7% and 24.4% of the hemimandibles, respectively. In PAN, the anterior loop and the incisive canal were detected in 15% and 5.5% of cases, respectively. PAN presented more difficulties in the visualization of structures. The anterior/mesial extensions ranged from 0.0 mm to 19.0 mm on CBCT. PAN underestimated the measurements by approximately 2.0 mm. Conclusion: CBCT appears to be a more reliable imaging modality than PAN for preoperative workups of the anterior mandible. Individual variations in the anterior/mesial extensions of the anterior loop of the mental nerve and the mandibular incisive canal mean that is not prudent to rely on a general safe zone for implant placement or bone surgery in the interforaminal region.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.69-75
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• 2016

Purpose: Sufficient area in the interforaminal region is required for dental implant placement, and the anterior loop of the mandibular canal is located within the limits of this area. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and extent of the anterior loop in a Brazilian sample population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: CBCT images from 250 patients (500 hemimandibles) obtained for various clinical indications were randomly selected and evaluated to determine the presence and length of the anterior loop. The length of the anterior loop was then compared based on gender, age, and the side of the mandible. The data were analyzed using the Pearson chi-square test and linear regression analysis. Results: An anterior loop was identified in 41.6% of the cases, and its length ranged from 0.25 mm to 4.00 mm (mean, $1.1{\pm}0.8mm$). The loop had a greater mean length and was significantly more prevalent in males (p=0.014). No significant differences were found between the right and left sides regarding length (p=0.696) or prevalence (p=0.650). Conclusion: In this study, a high prevalence of the anterior loop of the mandibular canal was found, and although its length varied greatly, in most cases it was less than 1 mm long. Although this is a prevalent anatomical variation, safety limits for the placement of implants in this region cannot be established before an accurate evaluation using imaging techniques in order to identify and preserve the neurovascular bundles.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.81-87
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• 2009

Purpose: To evaluate the anteroposterior length and buccal angle of the anterior loop, and the size and location of the mental foramen using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: 100 CBCT images from 87 adults (43 males and 44 females) ranging in age from 20 to 73 years (average 50 years) with edentulous ridge of the mandibular premolar region were obtained. Axial, sagittal, coronal images were reconstructed from Dental and Block Images of CBCT. The anteroposterior length, shape and buccal angle of the anterior loop, and the size and location of the mental foramen were calculated from reconstructed images of axial, sagittal and coronal CBCT. Results: The anteroposterior length and buccal angle of the mental canal was 4.0${\pm}$1.2mm, 37.8${\pm}$11.60$^{\circ}$respectively. The loop type with straight course was the most common shape of the mental canal. The location of the mental foramen below the apex of the lower second premolar (78%) was the most common. The maximum size of the mental foramen was 4.6${\pm}$1.0 mm in width and 3.0${\pm}$0.6 mm in height. The inner size of the mental canal was 2.6${\pm}$0.6 mm in width and 2.1 mm${\pm}$0.4 mm in height. Conclusion: CBCT is useful to evaluate the anterior loop and mental foramen of the mandibular canal. Safe guideline of 4 mm from the most anterior point of the mental foramen is recommended for implant and surgical treatment. (Korean J Oral Maxillofac Radiol 2009; 39: 81-7)

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.40
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• pp.30.1-30.6
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• 2018

Background: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the differences in the position and shape of the anterior loop of the inferior alveolar nerve (ALIAN) in relation to the growth pattern of the mandibular functional subunit. Methods: The study was conducted on 56 patients among those who had undergone orthognathic surgery at the Gangnam Severance Hospital between January 2010 and December 2015. Preoperative computerized tomography (CT) images were analyzed using the Simplant OMS software (ver.14.0 Materialise Medical, Leuven, Belgium). The anterior and inferior lengths of ALIAN (dAnt and dInf) and each length of the mandibular functional subunits were measured. The relationship between dAnt, dInf, and the growth pattern of the mandibular subunits was analyzed. Results: The length of the anterior portion of ALIAN (dAnt) reached 3.34 ± 1.59 mm in prognathism and 1.00 ± 0.97 mm in retrognathism. The length of the inferior portion of ALIAN (dInf) reached 6.81 ± 1.33 mm in prognathism and 5.56 ± 1.34 mm in retrognathism. The analysis of Pearson's correlation coefficiency on all samples showed that the lengths of functional subunits were positively correlated with the loop depth. The length of the symphysis area in prognathic patients was positively correlated with the anterior loop depth (p = 0.005). Conclusions: Both the anterior and inferior length of ALIAN are longer in prognathic patients. Especially, it seems to be associated with the growth of the symphysis area.

• Knee surgery & related research
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.341-347
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• 2018

Purpose: Tunnel widening following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is commonly observed. Graft micromotion is an important contributing factor. Unlike fixed-loop devices that require a turning space, adjustable-loop devices fit the graft snugly in the tunnel. The purpose of this study is to compare tunnel widening between these devices. Our hypothesis is that the adjustable-loop device will create lesser tunnel widening. Materials and Methods: Ninety-eight patients underwent ACL reconstruction from January 2013 to December 2014. An adjustable-loop device was used in 54 patients (group 1) and a fixed-loop device was used in 44 patients (group 2). Maximum tunnel widening at 1 year was measured by the L'Insalata's method. Functional outcome was measured at 2-year follow-up. Results: The mean widening was 4.37 mm (standard deviation [SD], 2.01) in group 1 and 4.09 mm (SD, 1.98) in group 2 (p=0.511). The average International Knee Documentation Committee score was 78.40 (SD, 9.99) in group 1 and 77.11 (SD, 12.31) in group 2 (p=0.563). The average Tegner-Lysholm score was 87.25 (SD, 3.97) in group 1 and 87.29 in group 2 (SD, 4.36) (p=0.987). There was no significant difference in tunnel widening and functional outcome between the groups. Conclusions: The adjustable-loop device did not decrease the amount of tunnel widening when compared to the fixed-loop device. There was no significant difference in outcome between the two fixation devices. Level of Evidence: Level 3, Retrospective Cohort.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.9 no.6
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• pp.470-475
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• 2017

PURPOSE. The purpose of this study was to identify the complex course of the mandibular canal using 3D reconstruction of microCT images and to provide the diagram for clinicians to help them understand at the interforaminal region in Korean. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Twenty-six hemimandibles obtained from cadavers were examined using microCT, and the images were reconstructed. At both the midpoint of mental foramen and the tip of anterior loop, the bucco-lingual position, the height from the mandibular inferior border, the horizontal distance between two points, and position relative to tooth site on the mandibular canal were measured. The angle that the mental canal diverges from the mandibular canal was measured in posterior-superior and lateral-superior direction. RESULTS. The buccal distance from the mandibular canal was significantly much shorter than lingual distance at both the mental foramen and the tip of anterior loop. The mandibular canal at the tip of anterior loop was significantly located closer to buccal side and higher than at the mental foramen. And the mental canal most commonly diverged from the mandibular canal below the first premolar by approximately $50^{\circ}$ posterior-superior and $41^{\circ}$ lateral-superior direction, which had with a mean length of 5.19 mm in front of the mental foramen, and exited to the mental foramen below the second premolar. CONCLUSION. These results suggest that it could form a hazardous tetrahedron space at the interforaminal region, thus, the clinician need to pay attention to the width of a premolar tooth from the mental foramen during dental implant placement.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.25 no.1 s.48
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• pp.73-85
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• 1995

Multi-Vertical Loop Arch Wire(MVLAW) is a kind of appliance for uprighting the mesially inclined posterior teeth axes simultaneously. In this study MVLAW was classified as 3 types by modifing the vertical loop design and named type A, B and C. Each MVLAW was fabricated from .017'x.025' TMA wire and preactivated at the distal end of the open vertical loop with 10 degree tip-back bend(type B has an electric welding stop at the distal end of each loop and type C has no electric welding stop). Type A MVLAW was preactivated at the apex of each open vertical loop with 10 degree tip-back bend(the electric welding stop of type A is positionod at the mesial side of each loop). The aim of the present study was to identify when and which MVLAW is more effective to correct the buccal segment axes simultaneously. The Photoelastic overview of the upper and lower right quadrant showed that stress concentrations were observed in its photoelastic model. The obtained results were as follows : 1. Higher level compression can be seen clearly at the distal curvature of the lower 1st and 2nd molar when A type MVLAW was applied without short class m elastic, but mild compression cannot be seen at the distal curvature of lower anterior teeth using the class m elastic. 2. Higher concentration was presented at the mesial curvature from the lower 1st premolar to the 2nd molar than the anterior teeth when B type MVLAW without short class III elastic was applied, but using the short class III elastic, higher concentration of compression was presented in the anterior teeth area. 3. Areas of higher compression and tension were not observed at the mesial and distal curvature of the entire 1ower teeth except lower central and lateral incisors in C type MVLAW without short class III elastic, but using the short class III elastic, higher concentration was seen at the mesial curvature of the lower 1st premolar and 1ower anterior teeth.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.317-326
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• 2011

The mental foramen and anterior loop of the mandibular canal are important landmarks for mandibular surgical procedures. The purpose of this study was to analyze the shape and position of the mental foramen and anterior loop of the mandibular canal on the computed tomography (CT) images, and apply the results clinically. CT images of 96 patients (33 male, 36 female, age range 17~43 years, mean $24.6{\pm}4.99$ years) were enrolled. The horizontal and vertical position of the mental foramen, as well as the distance from the root apices were measured. The distance of the anterior loop of the mandibular canal to the root apices, and the buccal angle were measured. The mental foramen was found mostly below the second premolar observed in 81 cases (46.0%), between the first and second premolars in 67 cases (38.0%), and between the second premolar and first molar in 19 cases (10.2%). The mean distance between the mental foramen and the lower border of the mandible was $12.20{\pm}1.77$ mm, the mean distance between the mental foramen and root apex was $5.16{\pm}0.98$ mm. The mean distance of the anterior loop of the mandibular canal was $5.80{\pm}2.00$ mm. The buccal angle measured at $47.7{\pm}9.07^{\circ}$. The distance between the root apex and mental foramen measured as $5.16{\pm}0.98$ mm on panoramic radiography, and $6.2{\pm}3.07$ mm on CT. The mean distance between the mental foramen and mandibular canal was $5.39{\pm}1.62$ mm. When performing surgical procedures such as installing dental implants, it is important to minimize surgical trauma, especially the risk of damage to the mental nerve. To optimize the surgical outcome, a careful assessment of the shape and position of the mental foramen and the anterior loop of the mandibular canal must be made. CT images are useful for finding such anatomic structures.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.29 no.5 s.76
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• pp.521-534
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• 1999

The purpose of this study was to find the difference of stress distribution on canine altered by the application point of preangulated T-loop spring. For this study, the finite element models of upper left canine, upper left second premolar and upper left first molar were made. Also, the finite element models of $0.017{\times}0.025$ inch preangulated, preactivated T-loop spring and $0.018{\times}0.025$ inch stainless steel wire were made. Three types of T-loop spring were made . the middle of activated T-loop is positioned in accordance with the middle position of distance of bracket position of both the canine and first molar, 2mm anterior, 2mm posterior. We compared the forces and the distribution of stress that were generated by the difference of position of T-loop spring. The results were as follows. 1. All of the 3 types of T-loop spring showed the similar retraction forces. 2. All showed the similar amount & pattern of stress distribution. 3. The centers of rotation of canine in 3 types of T-loop spring were same and were positioned between C and D plane. 4. The canine showed the intrusive force by 2mm anterior positioned T-loop spring, but the extrusive force by 2mm posterior positioned T-loop suing. Neverthless, because of the small amount of the forces, the effect of vertical force was not significant.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.44 no.5
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• pp.303-307
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• 2008

Objective: The authors reviewed clinical and radiological outcomes in patients with three column injury of the cervical spine who had undergone posterior cervical fixation using Nitinol shape memory alloy loop in the anterior-posterior combined approach. Materials: Nine patients were surgically treated with anterior cervical fusion using an iliac bone graft and dynamic plate-screw system, and the posterior cervical fixation using Nitinol shape memory loop ($Davydov^{TM}$) at the same time. A retrospective review was performed. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Frankel grading method. We reviewed the radiological parameters such as bony fusion rate, height of iliac bone graft strut, graft subsidence, cervical lordotic angle, and instrument related complication. Results: Single-level fusion was performed in five patients, and two-level fusion in four. Solid bone fusion was presented in all cases after surgery. The mean height of graft strut was significantly decreased from $20.46{\pm}9.97mm$ at immediate postoperative state to $18.87{\pm}8.60mm$ at the final follow-up period (p<0.05). The mean cervical lordotic angle decreased from $13.83{\pm}11.84^{\circ}$ to $11.37{\pm}6.03^{\circ}$ at the immediate postoperative state but then, increased to $24.39{\pm}9.83^{\circ}$ at the final follow-up period (p<0.05). There were no instrument related complications. Conclusion: We suggest that the posterior cervical fixation using Nitinol shape memory alloy loop may be a simple and useful method, and be one of treatment options in anterior-posterior combined approach for the patients with the three column injury of the cervical spine.