Recently, as the result of development in modern imaging, computerized three dimensional data processing and advanced engineering techniques, a prosthesis that match the skeletal anatomy can be accurately designed using computer aided design (CAD) where the physical model of prosthesis or skull replica can be produced through rapid prototyping (RP), rapid tooling (RT), and computer aided manufa...

OBJECTIVES Despite the increasing number of research concerning the applications of the Laser Doppler Vibrometry (LDV) in medicine, its usefulness is still under discussion. The aim of this study is to present a methodology developed in our Department for the LDV intraoperative assessment of ossicular chain reconstruction. METHODS Ten patients who underwent "second look" tympanoplasty were in...

Voice prosthesis-assisted speech rehabilitation after total laryngectomy has proven to be successful in the majority of patients and exceeds the results of traditional oesophageal speech. Nevertheless 10-30% failure rates are still reported. In part this is due to prosthesis-related problems, in particular ingrowth of Candida species in the valve-bearing parts of the devices. A new indwelling, ...

A computer-based model is used to investigate the total cost of primary total hip-joint replacement. The model takes into account the probability of prosthesis failure, death and re-revision. The results emphasize the importance of age at insertion, demonstrating that the expected life-span of the patient has a major influence on the total cost for a given prosthesis. The discussion considers t...

Shoulder replacement is the third most common joint replacement worldwide following hip and knee replacements. Compared with hip and knee the rehabilitation for shoulder prosthesis is discussed controversially and depends strongly on the precepts of the surgeon. The objective of this paper is to determine the current standard of care of rehabilitation following shoulder arthroplasty based on a ...

Shoulder replacement is the third most common joint replacement worldwide following hip and knee replacements. Compared with hip and knee the rehabilitation for shoulder prosthesis is discussed controversially and depends strongly on the precepts of the surgeon. The objective of this paper is to determine the current standard of care of rehabilitation following shoulder arthroplasty based on a ...

Alloplastic total replacement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) was developed in recent decades. In some conditions, previous studies suggested the rationale behind alloplastic TMJ replacement rather than reconstruction with autogenous grafts. Currently, three prosthetic products are available and approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Among these products, customized prostheses ar...