Does the video head impulse test replace caloric testing in the assessment of patients with chronic dizziness? A systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionCaloric testing is the most frequently used test to assess peripheral vestibular function since the beginning of the 20th century. However, the video head impulse test, vHIT, has gained prominence in the field of neurotology, as it is a faster examination, easier to perform and less uncomfortable for the patient.ObjectiveTo compare, through systematic review and meta-analysis, the proportion of altered cases between vHIT tests and caloric testing in patients with chronic dizziness, in addition to assessing the sensitivity and specificity of vHIT, with caloric testing as the gold standard.MethodsThe literature search was carried out in the PubMed, Scopus, BVS-Bireme, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane and ProQuest indexed databases, with no restrictions regarding the publication period. All articles that contained the results of the two tests were included in the evaluation of patients with dizziness. Two researchers independently conducted data selection and extraction from the studies, strictly following the inclusion and exclusion criteria defined in the research protocol. In case of disagreement during the selection, a discussion was carried out with a third evaluator.ResultsEleven of the 1293 initial articles met the eligibility criteria and were analyzed. 2670 patients were evaluated, of which 1112 (41.6%) were males and 1558 (58.4%) females, with a mean age of 51.6 years. The proportion of altered results in the vHIT was 21% (95%CI 9% –33%), and 55% in the caloric testing (95%CI 43% –67%).ConclusionThe vHIT does not substitute for caloric testing. The tests are complementary in assessing the patient with dizziness, as they describe the tonotopy of the ampullary crest at different frequency ranges of stimulation. In chronic cases, the vHIT has a low sensitivity and high diagnostic specificity in comparison to caloric testing.     

Initiatives to reduce postoperative surgical site infections of the head and neck cancer surgery with a special emphasis on developing countries

Introduction: Surgery in patients with head and neck cancers is frequently complicated by multiple stages of procedure that includes significant surgical removal of all or part of an organ with cancer, tissue reconstruction, and extensive neck dissection. Postoperative wound infections, termed ‘surgical site infections’ (SSIs) are a significant impediment to head-and-neck cancer surgery and recovery, and need to be addressed.

Areas covered: Approximately 10–45% of patients undergoing head-and-neck cancers surgery develop SSIs. SSIs can lead to delayed wound healing, increased morbidity and mortality as well as costs. Consequently, SSIs need to be avoided where possible, as even the surgery itself impacts on patients’ subsequent activities and their quality of life, which is exacerbated by SSIs. Several risk factors for SSIs need to be considered to reduce future rates, and care is also needed in the selection and duration of antibiotic prophylaxis.

Expert commentary: Head and neck surgeons should give personalized care especially to patients at high risk of SSIs. Such patients include those who have had chemoradiotherapy and need reconstructive surgery, and patients from lower and middle-income countries and from poorer communities in high income countries, who often have high levels of co-morbidity because of resource constraints.     

Is bone-cement augmentation of screw-anchor fixation systems superior in unstable femoral neck fractures? A biomechanical cadaveric study

Objectives

Improved fixation techniques with optional use of bone cements for implant augmentation have been developed to enhance stability and reduce complication rates after osteosynthesis of femoral neck fractures. This biomechanical study aimed to evaluate the effect of cement augmentation on implant anchorage and overall performance of screw-anchor fixation systems in unstable femoral neck fractures.

Clinical immunotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of head and neck cancer

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common malignancy worldwide, accounting for more than 550,000 cases and 380,000 deaths annually. The primary risk factors associated with HNSCC are tobacco use and alcohol consumption; nevertheless genetic predisposition and oncogenic viruses also play important roles in the development of these malignancies. The current treatments for HNSCC patients include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and cetuximab, and combinations of these. However, these treatments are associated with significant toxicity, and many patients are either refractory to the treatment or relapse after a short period. Despite improvements in the treatment of patients with HNSCC, the clinical outcomes of those who have been treated with standard therapies have remained unchanged for over three decades and the 5-year overall survival rate in these patients remains around 40–50%. Therefore, more specific and less toxic therapies are needed in order to improve patient outcomes. The tumour microenvironment of HNSCC is immunosuppressive; therefore immunotherapy strategies that can overcome the immunosuppressive environment and produce long-term tumour immunosurveillance will have a significant therapeutic impact in these patients. This review focuses on the current immunological treatment options under investigation or available for clinical use in patients with HNSCC.     

Surgical treatment of radial head isolated Mason III fractures

Introduction

In this retrospective study we have analyzed a consecutive series of patients affected by isolated radial head Mason III fractures and treated with bone resection or prosthesis.

全国著名骨伤专家梁铁民教授学术思想和正骨经验

总结了全国著名骨伤专家梁铁民教授的学术思想和正骨经验,简述了梁老生平。梁老学术思想表现在突出整体观念,主张辨证施术;注重调理气血,强调药物接续;重视望问切触量法五诊结合等三个方面。对于梁老正骨经验先进行了综合论述,进一步佐证其学术思想;后分别从小儿桡骨头半脱位、颈椎错位、胸腰椎小关节错位、肋骨骨折等梁老研究较深入和比较擅长的几个方面进行了阐述。特别是颈椎错位这种高难度高风险的手法操作,体现出梁老高超的手法技艺。     

A comparison of head injuries in male and female lacrosse participants seen in US emergency departments from 2005 to 2016

Introduction

In the United States there has been a large increase in participation in lacrosse for both males and females. The purpose of this study was to analyze the number of head injuries, injury rates (calculated using the reported number of participants) and types of head injuries that are seen in emergency departments in the United States.