To evaluate the effectiveness low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the repair of the mid palatal suture, after rapid maxillary expansion (RME). A single-operator, randomized single-blind placebo-controlled study was performed at the Orthodontic Department at the Dental Hospital of Bellvitge. Barcelona University, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain. Thirty-nine children (range 6-12 years old), completed RME and were randomized to receive active LLLT (n = 20) or placebo (n = 19). The laser parameters and dose were 660 nm, 100 mW, CW, InGaAlP laser, illuminated area 0.26 cm(2), 332 mW/cm(2), 60 s to four points along midpalatal suture, and 30 s to a point each side of the suture. A total of seven applications were made on days 1, 7, 14, 28, 42, 56, and 70 of the retention phase RME. A cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan was carried out on the day of the first laser treatment, and at day 75, a second CBCT scan was performed. Two radiologists synchronized the slices of two scans to be assessed. P = 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. At day 75 of the suture, the irradiated patients presented a greater percentage of approximate zones in the anterior (p = 0.008) and posterior (p = 0.001) superior suture-and less approximation in the posterior superior suture (p = 0.040)-than the placebo group. LLLT appears to stimulate the repair process during retention phase after RME.

Ocular B-mode ultrasonography (US) is an important adjuvant for the clinical assessment of a variety of ocular diseases. When ophthalmoscopy is not possible, mainly due to opacification of the transparent media (e.g., mature cataract or vitreous haemorrhage), US can guide the ophthalmologist in diagnosing disease and choosing treatment. The superficial location and cystic structure of the eye make US ideal for imaging of the eye. Moreover, dynamic study helps distinguish between various conditions that would otherwise be difficult to differentiate in some clinical setting, such as vitreous, retinal, and choroidal detachment. US is also good technique for detecting other pathologic conditions such as lens dislocation, vitreous haemorrhage, asteroid hyalosis, optic disc drusen, and tumors (e.g., choroidal melanoma, metastases, hemangioma). An understanding of the basic anatomy of the eye, the US technique, and common entities that affect the ocular globe will allow radiologists to offer this valuable imaging modality to patients and referring clinicians. This article focuses on the US anatomy and pathologic conditions that affect the posterior ocular segment.Teaching points• US is specially indicated when ocular fundus cannot be assessed on ophthalmoscopy.• Multipurpose equipment with high-frequency transducers is optimal for imaging the eye.• Ultrasound can reliably depict ocular anatomy and pathology as detachments and tumours.• Dynamic examination is vital for distinguishing certain pathologic conditions as detachments.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s13244-016-0471-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.