The aim of this radiological micro-CT study and meta-analysis was to determine the morphological features of the root canal anatomy of the mandibular molars. The radiological study included micro-CT scans of 108 mandibular first, 120 mandibular second, and 146 mandibular third molars. For our meta-analysis, an extensive search was conducted through PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science to identify articles eligible for inclusion. Data extracted included investigative method (cadaveric, intraoperative, or imaging), Vertucci type of canal configuration, presence/number of canals, roots, apical foramina, apical deltas, and intercanal communications. In the mesial roots of mandibular molars, the most frequent Vertucci type of canal configuration was type IV, except for the mandibular third molar where type I was most common. Type I was most common in the distal root. There were usually two canals in the mesial root and one in the distal root. Two was the most common number of roots, and a third root was most prevalent in Asia. One apical foramen was most common in the distal root and two apical foramina in the mesial root. Intercanal communications were most frequent in the mesial root. Knowledge of the complex anatomy of the mandibular molars can make root canal therapy more likely to succeed. We recommend the use of cone-beam computed tomography before and after endodontic treatment to enable the root anatomy to be accurately described and properly diagnosed, and treatment outcome to be assessed. Clin. Anat. 31:797-811, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The aim of this work was to conduct a radiological micro-CT study and meta-analysis to determine the morphological features of the root canal anatomy of the maxillary molars. The radiological study included micro-CT scans of 110 maxillary first molars and 98 maxillary second molars. To identify articles eligible for inclusion in our meta-analysis, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were search comprehensively. The following data were extracted: study type (cadaveric, intraoperative or imaging), Vertucci types of canal configuration, presence/number of canals, roots, apical foramina, apical deltas, and inter-canal communications. The mesiobuccal root was the most variable with respect to canal configuration, type I being the most common configuration followed by type II and type IV. Type I was the most common canal configuration in the distobuccal and palatal root. Regarding the number of canals in the maxillary first and second molars, one canal was most prevalent in all roots of the three molars, except for the mesiobuccal root of maxillary first molar, in which two canals were most prevalent. The most prevalent number of roots in all maxillary molars was three. Knowledge of endodontic anatomy determines the parameters of root canal treatment and significantly affects the probability of success. It is therefore especially important to know the morphology of the root canal system in order to perform endodontic treatment correctly. Clin. Anat. 31:838-853, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Background: Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) may result in a progressive narrowing of the spinal canal leading to compression of the nerve roots. The advantages of minimally invasive surgical approaches to the lumbar spine have been rigorously evaluated, however, the long-term impact on the health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) of patients with LSS that have undergone minimally invasive decompression surgery is uncertain. To this end, the aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of this procedure on the HRQoL of patients with LSS. Methods: Enrolled patients were recruited to this prospective study at two orthopedic centers in Krakow, Poland. Patients eligible for inclusion were above 18 years of age, had been qualified for spine surgery of the lumbar region due to either discopathy or non-traumatic spinal stenosis, had uni- or bilateral neurogenic claudication, and verified spinal stenosis. During the interview, each patient completed the Polish version of the SSSQ (P-SSSQ), SF-36, and a demographic data questionnaire. Apart from the preoperative assessment the patients were again approached to fill in the questionnaires 6, 12, 18, and 24 months postoperatively. Results: One hundred and seventy-one consecutive patients with a mean age of 59 years were included in the study. This study found that LSS decompression statistically significantly increases HRQoL in a 2-year observation. There was a significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative SF-36 and P-SSSQ scores. The largest increase in HRQoL is between the preoperative period and 6 months post-op (p<0.0001). Starting from around 18 months post-op, further changes in HRQoL are minimal. Late complications (persistent pain, the need for revision surgery) may decrease HRQoL at around 24 months post-op. Conclusions: Minimally invasive decompression surgery for elderly patients with LSS significantly improves their HRQoL