Table 3: Data extraction from in vivo clinical trials

Author/year		Sample		Groups		Evaluation criteria		Results		Author’s conclusion
Judd PL et al 19905		N = 92 teeth		Short composite post with composite resin crown		Marginal integrity, mobility, caries at the composite resin–tooth margin and fractures at 6 and 12 months		Four teeth in two patients showed recurrent caries at the composite resin-tooth cervical margin. Three of these teeth were restored and one was extracted. Three crowns showed incisal fracture of minimal severity. These were later rebuilt with a resin add on technique. Four crowns displayed severe attrition in one patient who was a severe bruxer.		Short posts were retentive. Recurrent caries and severe bruxism–factors beyond operator control–posed some problems that were readily resolved.
Sharaf AA 200215		N = 12 Age = 4 years		N = 30 teeth Fiber glass post with celluloid strip crown		Color match, marginal adaptation, marginal discoloration, anatomic form, secondary caries, gingival condition, pain, temperature sensitivity and periapical condition at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months		28/30 teeth performed well. Failure in pulp treatment rather than failure of the restoration itself was reported in 2/30 teeth.		This technique significantly improved the fracture load resistance of composite celluloid crown.
Mortada A, King NM 20046		N = 25 Age = 38 months		N = 96 teeth Omega-shaped wire post with compomer		Retention, recurrent caries and the presence of any periapical radiolucency at 3, 6, 12 and 18 months		In two patients although the restorations were intact, the endodontic procedure was considered to have failed. By the 18-month recall, 81.2% teeth were available for examination and of these there was complete retention of the restorations on 79.9% of the teeth.		The technique for restoring primary anterior teeth was simple, quick and effective.
Grewal N, Seth R 20088		N = 32 Age = 3-5 years		Group 1 (n = 75): Biologic post and crown Group 2 (n = 75): short composite post		Modified USPHS system applied every 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months		Clinical performance of biological post and crown restorations and intracanal reinforced composite restorations was comparable with respect to shade match, marginal discoloration, marginal integrity, surface finish, gingival health, retention, and recurrent carious lesions.		The biological restoration presented as a cost-effective, clinician-friendly, less-technique sensitive and esthetic alternative to commercially available restorative materials used for restoring grossly carious deciduous teeth.
Subramaniam P et al 20089		N = 10 Age = 3-4 years		Group 1 (n = 14): Fiber glass post with celluloid strip crowns Group 2 (n = 14): Omega-wire post with celluloid strip crowns		Retention and marginal adaptation at 1, 6 and 12 months		Fiber glass posts showed better retention and marginal adaptation than omega-shaped stainless steel wire posts.		Glass fiber posts show better retention and marginal adaptation than omega-shaped stainless steel wire posts.
Aminabadi NA, Farahani RM 200910		N = 60 Age = 3-4 years		N = 144 teeth Omega-shaped wire post with compomer		Retention, recurrent caries and the presence of any periapical radiolucency at 6, 12 and 24 months		The failure rates after 12 and 24 months were 10.8% and 18.5% respectively. The primary canines exhibited minimum loss of the restorative material. Two teeth exhibited pathological mobility after 2 years. There were not any signs of root fracture or recurrent caries in any of the restored teeth.		The modified omega loop is an efficient technique. The ease of manipulation and short chairside time are further advantages of the technique.
Memarpour M, Shafei F 201321		N = 24 Mean age = 4.2 years		N = 55 teeth Polyethylene ribbon fibers followed by composite resin		Modified Ryge criteria every 6 months for 30 months		The surface textures for most of the restorations were judged as excellent. There was no evidence of significant changes in marginal integrity. Most restored incisors (81%) received an Alpha rating for retention. The baseline and recall retention scores differed significantly (p = 0.002).		Polyethylene fiber posts along with extensive composite restorations showed excellent clinical performance.