A novel artificial cervical disc, BRYAN® developed by Medtronic, Inc. gained approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of single-level cervical disc diseases like radiculopathy and/or myelopathy. A titanium-polyurethane device, the Bryan Cervical Disc is implanted in milled pockets of adjacent vertebral bodies from C3-C7 to substitute a diseased or bulging natural cervical disc. The disc permits flexion/extension, translation, axial rotation, and lateral bending of the cervical spine and circumvents the limitations associated with the potential alternative, anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Continue Reading

Spinal cord injuries, resulting in permanent disability or paralysis in most cases, account for around eleven thousand new cases in the US, annually. Due to the lack of effective treatment strategies, it is considered as the most devastating of all traumatic conditions. Now, a recent study published in the journal Stem Cells reports that activation of ependymal stem/progenitor cells from injured spinal cord (epSPCi), using endogenous stem cell-associated mechanisms, may aid in rescuing neurological function, thereby reversing paralysis associated with spinal cord injuries. Continue Reading

Bilateral deep brain stimulation (DBS) is more beneficial than the best medical therapy for advanced Parkinson disease (PD), according to a study, published in the January issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association. DBS is a recognized therapy in PD, but comparative studies with other treatment modalities are scarce. Continue Reading

Neurostar® transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) Therapy system, developed by Neuronetics, Inc., has received the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for the treatment of depression. The device is the first and only non-invasive and non-systemic treatment approved for major depressive disorder in adult patients, who have failed to benefit from previous antidepressant medications. Continue Reading

Traditionally, parents and family physicians have advised that the ear has to be cleaned out of its wax routinely. But now the age-old advice has been discouraged, because cotton swabs and other home remedies can push the earwax, also called cerumen, further into the ear canal, resulting in impaction, thereby potentially foiling the process of natural removal. Continue Reading

A recent study published in the current issue of Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery has reported that neuro-reflexotherapy (NRT) can be successfully used to treat chronic pain associated with myofascial temporomandibular joint pain (MF/TMJP). Continue Reading

Emdogain® is an enamel matrix derivate (EMD) commonly used for the regeneration of connective tissue, alveolar bone, cementum, and for better attachment of fibers during periodontal surgeries. Now in a controversial new research article published in the latest issue of Oral Oncology, it has been reported that EMD induces the production of gelatinases (MMP-2 and -9), a proteolytic enzyme class, that has been implicated in the development of oral cancer cells and metastasis. Continue Reading

Non-vital or pulpless teeth, being brittle, are more prone to fractures. Now, in a new research article published in the recent issue of the Journal of Dental Research, it has been reported that heat treatment strengths the human dentin, and can be very useful in preventing fractures of the non-vital tooth. Continue Reading

Soft-tissue anesthesia generally lasts longer than pulpal anesthesia, leading to negative consequences such as accidental lip and tongue biting, and difficulty in speaking, smiling, eating and drinking. Now, in a research article published in the latest issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association, it has been reported that phentolamine mesylate (PM) can successfully accelerate the reversal of soft-tissue anesthesia. Continue Reading

Researchers from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Michigan, United States, have successfully used stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) to produce tissues that closely resemble physiologic dental pulp tissue. The findings of the study are published in the Journal of Endodontics. Continue Reading