Tissue mineral density measured at the sub-millimetre scale can provide reliable statistics of elastic properties of bone matrix.

Reliability of multiscale models of bone is related to the accuracy of the experimental information available on bone microstructure. X-ray-based imaging techniques allow to inspect bone structure and mineralization in vitro at the micrometre scale. However, spatial resolution achievable in vivo is much coarser and can produce blurry, uncertain information on bone microstructure.

Stochastic multiscale modelling of cortical bone elasticity based on high-resolution imaging.

Accurate and reliable assessment of bone quality requires predictive methods which could probe bone microstructure and provide information on bone mechanical properties. Multiscale modelling and simulation represent a fast and powerful way to predict bone mechanical properties based on experimental information on bone microstructure as obtained through X-ray-based methods. However, technical limitations of experimental devices used to inspect bone microstructure may produce blurry data, especially in in vivo conditions.

Preliminary report on the use of the Spectra™ implant for the correction of hypoplastic breasts with small-volume asymmetry.

Background: Small-volume breast asymmetry is a challenging problem. In 2008, an intra-operative volume-adjustable breast implant, consisting of a round textured implant with an outer chamber filled with cohesive silicone gel and inner chamber filled with varying amounts of saline solution was marketed in Europe. We describe our experience in the correction of hypoplastic breasts with small-volume asymmetry using this device.

Umbilical endometriosis, our experience.

Background: Endometriosis is the presence of functioning endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. Umbilical endometriosis has been reported in more than one hundred cases and the umbilicus represents the location of 0.5-1% of ectopical endometrioses.