Background. Anesthesia of the structures innervated by the mandibular nerve is necessary to provide adequate pain relief during dental and local surgical interventions. Local anesthesia on the lower jaw is difficult to carry out, this is due to anatomical variations in the structure of the facial skeleton, so studying the anatomical features of the pterygomandibular space is an urgent task. Objective. Study of the anatomical features of the pterygomandibular space. Material and methods. The material for the study was 46 heads of adult corpses. We determined the volume of the pterygomandibular space using silicone injection depending on the cranial indices. Conclusions. According to the results of the correlation analysis, statistically significant positive correlations of the cranial index with the width of the pterygomandibular space on the right, as well as the length and width on the left, were revealed. Statistically significant positive correlations of the cranial index with the width of the pterygomandibular space on the right, as well as the length and width on the left, were revealed.

Background and Objectives: the mandibular foramen is an essential anatomic landmark in performing various dental and surgical procedures, including inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB). However, its position may vary based on the individual morpho-functional features of the skull and face. This study aims to conduct a personalized assessment of the location of the mandibular foramen in various shapes of skulls, faces, and mandibles. Materials and Methods: this anatomic morphometric cross-sectional study was performed using one hundred and six (n = 106) certified human cadaver heads of both sexes. The cranial index (CI) and Izard’s facial index (FI) were calculated, the linear anatomic parameters of the skull and mandible were measured, the location of the mandibular foramen was identified, and the shapes of the skulls and mandibles were determined. Quantitative statistical data were obtained based on the location of the mandibular foramen, considering different shapes of skulls and faces. Results: there is a significant correlation between the location of the mandibular foramen, the high lengthy index (HLI) of the mandible, and the longitudinal latitude index (LLI) of the mandibular process. Conclusions: personalized assessment of the mandibular foramen based on a comprehensive analysis of craniometric characteristics can contribute to preventing unwanted dental and surgical complications, such as inferior alveolar nerve damage.

Полиэфирэфиркетон (ПЭЭК) — один из перспективных конструкционных материалов в стоматологии. Учитывая высокий риск колонизации протезов оппортунистической микрофлорой, необходима оценка биопленкообразования на поверхности материала. Цель исследования — оценка биопленкообразования S. aureus на поверхности ПЭЭК, а также оценка антибактериальных свойств материала при воздушной контаминации. Для формирования биопленок использовали взвесь микроорганизмов в бульоне с концентрацией 1,5·108 КОЕ/мл с экспозицией 24 часа, биопленкообразование определяли фотоколориметром (540 нм). Для воздушной контаминации образцы помещали в нестерильную комнату на 1 час, затем отпечатывали на агар, промывали и высевали на стерильную агаризованную среду. В качестве материала для сравнения выбрали термопластичный полимер линейной структуры — полистирол. Проведена оценка способности к биопленкообразованию при OD контроля = 0,47 и OD опытного образца = 0,19. Образцы ПЭЭК в сравнении с контрольными демонстрируют неспособность к формированию биопленок на своей поверхности. При воздушной контаминации на отпечатке ПЭЭК колоний микроорганизмов не выявлено, на поверхности контрольного образца выявлено 1,3±0,4 КОЕ. На смыве ПЭЭК выявлено 16,6±2,8 КОЕ против 60,2±8,6 КОЕ на смыве образца сравнения, что составляет 26,3% от контрольного количества колоний на чашке Петри. Полимерный материал ПЭЭК обладает устойчивостью к обсеменению культурами клеток Staphylococcus aureus в сравнении с контрольным полимерным материалом. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is one of the promising structural materials in dentistry. Given the high risk of colonization of prostheses by opportunistic microflora, an assessment of biofilm formation on the surface of the material is necessary. The purpose of the study is to assess the biofilm formation of S. aureus on the surface of PEEK, as well as to assess the antibacterial properties of the material during air contamination. . To form biofilms, a suspension of microorganisms in broth with a concentration of 1.5·108 CFU/ml was used with an exposure of 24 hours; biofilm formation was determined with a photocolorimeter (540 nm). For airborne contamination, samples were placed in a nonsterile room for 1 hour, then imprinted onto agar, washed, and plated on sterile agar medium. The thermoplastic polymer with a linear structure, polystyrene, was chosen as a material for comparison. . The ability to form biofilms was assessed with OD control = 0.47 and OD test sample = 0.19. PEEK samples, in comparison with control samples, demonstrate an inability to form biofilms on their surface. In case of air contamination, no colonies of microorganisms were detected on the PEEK print; 1.3±0.4 CFU were detected on the surface of the control sample. 16.6±2.8 CFU were detected in the PEEK washout versus 60.2±8.6 CFU in the washout of the comparison sample, which is 26.3% of the control number of colonies on the Petri dish. . The PEEK polymer material is resistant to contamination by S. aureus cell cultures in comparison with the control polymer material.

Background. Morphometric parameters of the mandible in general and the condylar process in particular correlate with age, sex, and race. Objective. The aim of this study is to conduct a morphometric analysis of the relationship between the size and shape of the mandibular condyle on skeletal, documented mandibles. Material and methods. Morphometric parameters were examined on 106 mandibles. Measurements were taken using calipers and a depth gauge. The study was conducted on documented anatomical material. In this study, the authors analyzed the width in transverse and sagittal sections, thickness and length of the base, as well as the height of the condylar process. Results. The average age of the male anatomical subjects was 72.31±2.25 years, and in female, it was 74.15±2.34 years. The condylar processes were classified into 4 shapes: oval, hook-shaped, rhomboidal, and L-shaped. The predominant shape of the condylar process was L-shaped. The greatest thickness of the base of the condylar process was noted for the rhomboid shape on both the right and left sides. At the same time, the greatest length of the base of the condylar process on the right was for the L-shaped form, while on the left it was for the oval shape. The authors found a correlation between the length of the base and the shapes of the condylar processes. Conclusions. The study revealed statistically significant differences in the shape of the condylar process concerning to mandibular branch structures.

The safety of mandibular anesthesia is directly dependent on a precise understanding of the spatial relationships in the pterygomandibular space, particularly the risk of injury to the highly vascularized pterygoid venous plexus (PVP). In vivo studies of PVP displacement during mandibular movements face significant technical challenges. Objective: The study aims to study the spatial displacements of the pterygoid venous plexus during various physiological positions of the mandible using computer modeling with the finite-element method (FEM). Materials and Methods: A three-dimensional finite-element model was developed based on computed tomography data and the BodyParts3D anatomical atlas. The model included the bony structures of the skull, mandible, temporomandibular joint, masticatory muscles, and blood vessels. Simulations were performed for vertical displacements of the jaw at 15, 25, and 35 mm, as well as horizontal displacements of 5 mm to the left and right. Results: It was found that the magnitude of PVP displacement is proportional to the degree of mouth opening. The maximum total displacement (1.24 mm) was recorded at a 35 mm opening along the “posterior–medial–inferior” vector. Lateral excursions revealed asymmetry: displacement to the right caused plexus movement posteriorly, medially, and inferiorly (0.66 mm), while displacement to the left resulted in movement anteriorly, laterally, and superiorly (0.64 mm). Conclusions: This study demonstrates the significant mobility of the pterygoid venous plexus, which depends on the direction and amplitude of mandibular movements. The obtained data have important practical implications for planning regional anesthesia and minimizing the risk of iatrogenic complications. From a biomechanical perspective, maximum mouth opening produces the greatest displacement of the PVP, which may hypothetically reduce the risk of vascular puncture. Clinical studies are required to confirm this.

Aim: to evaluate the effectiveness of educational technology using virtual reality in abdominal surgery. Materials and methods. The study was conducted using the domestic virtual reality platform “Sechenov” and abdominal surgery simulators. When launching the software modules “Operation — Cholecystectomy” and “Operation — Gastric Resection”, an anatomical model of a human body with detailed internal organs of the abdominal cavity appears next to the user, and it has an anchor point in the center of the location. The tasks are completed through the assessment of the results of the survey of students using the Likert system, as well as several open clarifying questions. Based on the results of the analysis, two groups were formed: those students who had no experience working with virtual systems and students who had previous experience working in virtual reality simulators, including cases of rehabilitation after injuries. Results. When analyzing the ergonomics of simulator control depending on the experience of using virtual reality outside of educational purposes, it was not possible to establish statistically significant differences (p = 0.393). However, depending on the experience of using virtual simulators for educational purposes, statistically significant differences were established (p = 0.014). When comparing data on satisfaction with participation in training depending on the experience of using virtual reality outside of educational purposes, no significant differences were found (p = 0.875). When analyzing the educational value of the teaching methodology depending on previous experience using virtual simulators, statistically significant differences were found (p = 0.023). Conclusions. The virtual reality simulator in abdominal surgery provides the opportunity to add new educational scenarios; reduces the fear of mistakes in students; not only allows for training in manipulations but also serves as a teaching aid on the clinical anatomy of the stomach and hepatobiliary complex.