Precision and Accuracy of Measurements on CT Scout View

ObjectivesThe purposes of this study were to (1) investigate the limits of measurements on scout view in three computed tomography axes, x, y and z and (2) develop a model to provide better understanding of measurement accuracy.MethodsFor the first objective, anteroposterior and lateral scout views of a Catphan phantom 200 mm in diameter and length were acquired with a GE scanner at 21 different table heights. Phantom measurements on scout view were performed by two experienced readers. The comparison of their measures provided estimation of precision. The accuracy was assessed by determining the bias, calculated as the difference between the values measured on scout view and the real phantom size. Second, a model was developed investigating the relationship between the dimensions of the object, its image, and the table height. This relationship was tested on our data.ResultsScout view measurements were precise, with less than 0.53% difference between readers. In addition, small biases of about 1 mm were detected in the z-axis, whatever the table height. In the other axes, serious biases from −13 to +73 mm were measured. Furthermore, at isocentre, overestimations up to 7 mm were shown. The results also indicated that biases in scout view measurements are because of the geometrical projection related to the object-detector distance.ConclusionsMeasurements in the table movement axis are precise and accurate, conferring to scout views an added value for preoperative planning in orthopedic surgery.     

疼痛管理在创伤骨科护理管理中的应用价值

目的探究创伤骨科护理管理中疼痛管理的应用价值。方法 82例患者选取于2017年6月-2018年6月,所有患者均来源于本院骨科收治的住院患者,数字表为患者分组原则,常规组41例,疼痛组41例,分别予以常规护理、常规护理+疼痛管理,比较满意度、疼痛评分及平均住院时间。结果疼痛组满意度92.68%比常规组73.17%高,差异具有统计学意义(χ^2=5.513,P <0.05),患者干预后的疼痛评分低于常规组,平均住院时间短于常规组,差异存在统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论疼痛管理用于创伤骨科护理管理中,患者疼痛明显减轻,患者满意度高,缩短了患者的平均住院时间。     

Effect of lower leg compression during cesarean section on post-spinal hypotension and neonatal hemodynamic parameters: nonrandomized controlled clinical trial

ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the effect of lower leg compression during cesarean section (CS) on post-spinal hypotension (PSH) and neonatal hemodynamic parameters.MethodsThis study is a nonrandomized controlled clinical trial conducted in the cesarean delivery unit of the National Medical institute, Damanhour, Egypt. The sample included 120 parturients (60 intervention and 60 control). The researchers developed three tools for data collection: sociodemographic data and reproductive history interview schedule, electronic monitoring of maternal hemodynamic parameters, and neonatal hemodynamic assessment sheet. All parturients received ordinary pre-operative care. For the intervention group, a long elastic stocking (ordinary pressure 20–30 mmHg, 1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa) was applied on both legs during cesarean section. The control group received the same care without the elastic stocking.ResultsSystolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial blood pressure were significantly higher in the intervention group throughout the entire operation period except in the last 5–15 min. Heart rate was significantly lower in the intervention group. Only 13.3% of the intervention group took ephedrine compared with 45% of the control group. Apgar score was higher among neonates of intervention group compared with the control group at 1 min. Neonatal acidosis was significantly higher in the control group than in the contral group.ConclusionLower leg compression technique can effectively reduce PSH and neonatal acidosis.     

Cardiac-type total anomalous pulmonary venous return is not benign

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate the association between morphological variation and postsurgical pulmonary vein (PV) stenosis (PPVS) in patients with cardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC).MethodsThis single-center, retrospective study included 168 pediatric patients who underwent surgical repair of cardiac TAPVC from 2013 to 2019 (connection to the coronary sinus [CS], n = 136; connection directly to the right atrium [RA], n = 32). Three-dimensional computed tomography modeling and geometric analysis were performed to investigate the morphological features; their relevance to the PPVS was examined.ResultsThe connection type had no association with PPVS (CS type: 18% vs right atrial type: 19%; P = .89) but there was a higher incidence of PPVS in patients with a single PV orifice than > 1 orifice (P < .001). Confluence-to-total PV area ratio (hazard ratio, 4.78, 95% CI, 1.86-12.32; P = .001) and length of drainage route (hazard ratio, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.14-1.31; P < .001) had a 4- and 1-fold increase in the risk for PPVS in the CS type after adjustment for age and preoperative pulmonary venous obstruction. In the right atrial type, those with anomalous PV return to the RA roof were more likely to develop PPVS than to the posterior wall of the RA (P < .001).ConclusionsThe number of inter-junction PV orifice correlated with PPVS development in cardiac TAPVC. The confluence-to-total PV ratio, length of drainage route, and anomalous PV return to the RA roof are important predictors for PPVS. Morphological subcategorization in this clinical setting can potentially assist in surgical decision-making.     

Prenatal Sonography in Suspected Proximal Gastrointestinal Obstructions: Diagnostic Accuracy and Neonatal Outcomes

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to assess diagnostic accuracy and neonatal outcomes in fetuses with a suspected proximal gastrointestinal obstruction (GIO).MethodsAfter IRB approval, a retrospective chart review was conducted on prenatally suspected and/or postnatally confirmed cases of proximal GIO at a tertiary care facility (2012–2022). Maternal-fetal records were queried for presence of a double bubble ± polyhydramnios, and neonatal outcomes were assessed to calculate the diagnostic accuracy of fetal sonography.ResultsAmong 56 confirmed cases, the median birthweight and gestational age at birth were 2550 g [interquartile range (IQR) 2028–3012] and 37 weeks (IQR 34–38), respectively. There was one (2%) false-positive and three (6%) false-negatives by ultrasound. Double bubble had a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for proximal GIO of 85%, 98%, 98%, and 83%, respectively. Pathologies included 49 (88%) with duodenal obstruction/annular pancreas, three (5%) with malrotation, and three (5%) with jejunal atresia. The median postoperative length of stay was 27 days (IQR 19–42). Cardiac anomalies were associated with significantly higher complications (45% vs 17%, p = 0.030).ConclusionsIn this contemporary series, fetal sonography has high diagnostic accuracy for detecting proximal gastrointestinal obstruction. These data are informative for pediatric surgeons in prenatal counseling and preoperative discussions with families.Level of EvidenceDiagnostic Study, Level III.     

The epiphyseal scar joint line distance and age are important factors in determining the optimal screw length for medial malleoli fractures

AimThe screw length is important to achieve a stable fixation for medial malleoli fractures. We aimed to evaluate the optimal screw length for different age groups in surgically treated medial malleoli fractures. The second aim was to identify the utility of the distance of epiphyseal scar to joint line or joint line to medullary space for assessment of screw length.Material method368 X-rays and computed tomography (CT) images of ankle joints were retrospectively evaluated for optimal screw length, epiphyseal scar to joint line distance, joint to medullary space distance. The mean screw length for each decade was calculated. The correlations of screw length with age, screw length with distance of epiphyseal scar to joint line, and screw length with distance of joint line to medullary space were evaluated.ResultsThe optimal screw length was obviously decreased in patients in 61–70 and >70 years old group (p = 0.002). As the distance of epiphyseal scar from joint line was increased, the optimal length of screw was also increased (p = 0.001). The distance of epiphyseal scar from joint line was decreased by age (p = 0.011).ConclusionThe optimal screw length was decreased by age and the epiphyseal scar to joint line distance could be a clue for optimal screw length in medial malleoli fractures.