Pressure garment design tool to monitor exerted pressures

Pressure garments are used in the treatment of hypertrophic scarring following serious burns. The use of pressure garments is believed to hasten the maturation process, reduce pruritus associated with immature hypertrophic scars and prevent the formation of contractures over flexor joints. Pressure garments are normally made to measure for individual patients from elastic fabrics and are worn continuously for up to 2 years or until scar maturation. There are 2 methods of constructing pressure garments. The most common method, called the Reduction Factor method, involves reducing the patient's circumferential measurements by a certain percentage. The second method uses the Laplace Law to calculate the dimensions of pressure garments based on the circumferential measurements of the patient and the tension profile of the fabric. The Laplace Law method is complicated to utilise manually and no design tool is currently available to aid this process. This paper presents the development and suggested use of 2 new pressure garment design tools that will aid pressure garment design using the Reduction Factor and Laplace Law methods. Both tools calculate the pressure garment dimensions and the mean pressure that will be exerted around the body at each measurement point. Monitoring the pressures exerted by pressure garments and noting the clinical outcome would enable clinicians to build an understanding of the implications of particular pressures on scar outcome, maturation times and patient compliance rates. Once the optimum pressure for particular treatments is known, the Laplace Law method described in this paper can be used to deliver those average pressures to all patients. This paper also presents the results of a small scale audit of measurements taken for the fabrication of pressure garments in two UK hospitals. This audit highlights the wide range of pressures that are exerted using the Reduction Factor method and that manual pattern ‘smoothing’ can dramatically change the actual Reduction Factors used.     

Comparison of daily, weekly or monthly pain assessments in hip and knee osteoarthritis. A 29-day prospective study

Objective

To compare the accuracy of daily and recalled pain measurements in hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

A prospective study investigating pain intensity over 29 days in patients with painful OA. Pain was assessed on days 1 and 29 during visits. Between these two visits, daily (worst, least, usual, mean, at rest and during daily life) and recalled pain intensities were randomly recorded by telephone interview with a numerical rating scale.

Results

We studied 129 patients, with a mean age of 67.7 ± 10.0 years, 27.1% males. Daily prospective assessments demonstrated that the strongest correlations were between ‘mean daily’ and ‘usual’ pain (r = 0.88) and between ‘mean daily’ and ‘worst’ pain (r = 0.86). Retrospective assessments demonstrated a strong correlation between recalled pain intensities and calculated mean of daily assessments over the seven and 28 days (0.78 and 0.67, respectively), but weakened by adjustment for pain intensity on the day of recalled pain assessment. Anxiety and depression scores did not affect pain recall for 7 and 28 days.

Conclusions

In hip and knee OA, prospective daily pain assessment can be performed either by assessing ‘usual pain’ or ‘worst pain’ of the day. When recalled over one and four weeks, recall pain intensity is well correlated with calculated mean of prospective daily pain assessments during the same period, but correlations are weaker as the length of period increases. Either for 1 and 4 weeks, retrospective assessments are influenced by current pain intensity at the end of the period.     

On-table reconstruction of comminuted fractures of the radial head

The most widely accepted treatment for comminuted fractures of the radial head is either the excision or open reduction and internal fixation. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the value of an ‘on-table’ reconstruction technique in severely comminuted fractures of the radial head. In this study, two patients with a Mason type-III and four patients with a Mason type-IV radial-head fracture were treated with ‘on-table’ reconstruction and fixation using low-profile mini-plates. After a mean follow-up of 112 months (47-154 months), the mean elbow motion was 0-6-141° extension flexion with 79° of pronation and 70° of supination. The mean Broberg and Morrey functional rating score was 97.0 points, the Mayo Elbow Performance Index was 99.2 points and the mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) Outcome Measure score was 1.94 points. One patient had symptoms of degenerative changes, with a slight joint-space narrowing. There were no radiographic signs of devitalisation at final examination. Comminuted fractures of the radial head, which would otherwise require excision, can be successfully treated with an ‘on-table’ reconstruction technique.     

Reliability of injury grading systems for patients with blunt splenic trauma

Objectives

The most widely used grading system for blunt splenic injury is the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) organ injury scale. In 2007 a new grading system was developed. This ‘Baltimore CT grading system’ is superior to the AAST classification system in predicting the need for angiography and embolization or surgery. The objective of this study was to assess inter- and intraobserver reliability between radiologists in classifying splenic injury according to both grading systems.

Methods

CT scans of 83 patients with blunt splenic injury admitted between 1998 and 2008 to an academic Level 1 trauma centre were retrospectively reviewed. Inter and intrarater reliability were expressed in Cohen's or weighted Kappa values.

Results

Overall weighted interobserver Kappa coefficients for the AAST and ‘Baltimore CT grading system’ were respectively substantial (kappa = 0.80) and almost perfect (kappa = 0.85). Average weighted intraobserver Kappa's values were in the ‘almost perfect’ range (AAST: kappa = 0.91, ‘Baltimore CT grading system’: kappa = 0.81).

Conclusion

The present study shows that overall the inter- and intraobserver reliability for grading splenic injury according to the AAST grading system and ‘Baltimore CT grading system’ are equally high. Because of the integration of vascular injury, the ‘Baltimore CT grading system’ supports clinical decision making. We therefore recommend use of this system in the classification of splenic injury.     

A modified Vancouver Scar Scale linked with TBSA (mVSS-TBSA): Inter-rater reliability of an innovative burn scar assessment method

Background

Current scar assessment methods do not capture variation in scar outcome across the burn scar surface area. A new method (mVSS-TBSA) using a modified Vancouver Scar Scale (mVSS) linked with %TBSA was devised and inter-rater reliability was assessed.

Method

Three raters performed scar assessments on thirty patients with burn scars using the mVSS-TBSA. Scoring on pigmentation, vascularity, pliability and height was undertaken for the ‘best’ and ‘worst’ areas of each scar. Raters allocated the total body surface area of the scar (%TBSA) to three mVSS categories (<5, 5–10, >10). Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and weighted kappa statistic (k_w) were used to assess inter-rater reliability. The data were also analysed for clinically relevant misclassifications between pairs of raters.

Results

Total mVSS scores showed ‘fair to good’ agreement (ICC 0.65–0.73) in the ‘best’ area of the scar while there was ‘excellent’ agreement in the ‘worst’ scar area (ICC 0.85–0.88). The k_w of the individual mVSS components ranged from 0.44 to 0.84 and 0.02 to 0.86 for ‘best’ and ‘worst’ scar areas, respectively. Determination of scar %TBSA had ‘excellent’ reliability (ICC 0.91–0.96). Allocation of scar %TBSA to severity category <5 mVSS demonstrated ‘good to excellent’ reliability (ICC 0.63–0.80) and ‘fair to good’ reliability (ICC 0.42–0.74) for 5–10 mVSS category. However, misclassifications were observed for the total mVSS score in the ‘worst’ scar area and the allocation of scar %TBSA in the <5 mVSS category.

Conclusion

Inter-rater reliability of mVSS scores depends on the severity of the scar area being assessed. The mVSS-TBSA method of allocation of scar %TBSA to two broad mVSS categories, namely <5 and ≥5 mVSS, has ‘good to excellent’ reliability. The mVSS-TBSA has demonstrated utility for both clinical and research purposes; however, there is potential to misclassify scar outcome in some cases.     

Clinical and biological forms of secondary hyperparathyroidism in dialysis patients

The diagnosis and treatment of hyperparathyroidism (HPT) are not yet well standardized in chronic renal failure patients. The aim of this study was to identify the main types of HPT on the basis of clinical and biological findings in a haemodialysis population. Between 2004 and 2010, all patients undergoing haemodialysis were observed and treated using the same strategy: conventional therapy with vitamin D supplements, phosphate binders, dialysate calcium adjusted to serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) level and calcitriol analogues (CA), along with regular bone marker analysis. Wherever required, cinacalcet (CC) was administered and parathyroidectomy (PTX) was performed. Of the 520 patients, 158 were classified as having HPT (30%) with a serum PTH level greater than 300 pg/mL. From this population, we identified five main types of HPT: (1) HPT with ‘no bone impact’ had normal or low bone marker levels (n = 28, 17.7%); (2) ‘secondary’ HPT had elevated bone marker levels, but showed favorable response to CT (n = 59, 37.7%); (3) ‘tertiary’ HPT was accompanied with hypercalcemia and required CC or PTX in case of CT failure (n = 11, 6.9%); (4) ‘mixed’ HPT could not be completely treated with CT and required CC or PTX (n = 57, 36%); (5) ‘resistant’ HPT did not show hypercalcemia, but required PTX after CT and CC failure (n = 3, 1.8%). CC was prescribed in 51% cases, CA in 76%, and PTX in 7% of cases. We typified HPT on the basis of physiopathology and stages of HPT progression. Further studies on HPT that focus on bone marker levels are required to establish well-defined treatment strategies. In our study, HPT cases did not show uniform findings in Hémodialyse (HD) patients because of the variation in the stages of the disease at the time of diagnosis.     

Patient preference for coronary artery bypass graft surgery performed on the arrested or beating heart: a questionnaire study

Objective: Patient choice is now a major facet of health-care policy within the National Health Service. Our objective was to determine whether the patient would like to choose if the ‘beating heart’ technique or the ‘arrested heart’ technique is employed for their coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Methods: We undertook a cross-sectional, self-reported questionnaire survey of patients referred to a regional cardiac surgical unit for elective coronary artery surgery between October 2008 and July 2009. The questionnaire was split into five sections as follows: (1) the patients’ awareness of ‘beating heart’ and ‘arrested heart’ techniques for CABG surgery, (2) an information sheet detailing both techniques, (3) patients’ preference of technique to be used for CABG surgery, (4) whether the patient would like to choose their surgeon according to the surgeons’ preferred technique and (5) demographics, including age, sex, and educational qualifications. Data are expressed as counts (percentages). Results: The questionnaire was sent to 120 people; 88 returned a completed questionnaire, representing a response rate of 73%. Awareness of ‘beating heart’ and ‘arrested heart’ techniques for CABG surgery was reported by 35 respondents (40%). Of these, 74% respondents had no preference of technique used for CABG surgery. After reading the information sheet, 78 (89%) respondents reported no preference of technique used for CABG surgery. As many as 71 (81%) respondents reported that they did not want to be given an opportunity to choose the technique used for CABG surgery, and all respondents preferred to let the surgeon decide the appropriate technique. A binary logistic regression analysis showed that gender, age and level of education were not significant predictors of whether patients wanted to choose the technique to be used for their CABG surgery. Conclusion: Cardiac surgical patients prefer to allow the surgeon to determine the technique to be used for their coronary artery operation and do not want to be offered the chance to choose their surgeon according to the surgeons’ preferred technique. Involvement of the patient in determining the operative technique is not always desired.     

Examination tests predictive of bone injury in patients with clinically suspected occult scaphoid fracture

Background

This study aims to identify the physical examination tests most indicative of bone injury in patients with clinically suspected occult scaphoid fractures.

Methods

Ten physical examination manoeuvres were performed on 41 patients with a history of a fall on an outstretched hand and tenderness at the anatomical snuffbox and scaphoid tubercle without a radiographically visible fracture line. The results of wrist examination and subsequent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were recorded. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, accuracy and likelihood ratio of the physical examinations were calculated for the patients who had bone injury confirmed by MRI.

Results

The distribution of MRI-confirmed conditions was as follows: 13 cases—no bone involvement; 12 cases—scaphoid fractures; 9 cases—fissures at the distal end of the radius; 6 cases—bone-bruise and 1 case—triquetral fracture. The symptoms most indicative of bone injuries were ‘pain during pinching by the thumb and index fingers’ and ‘pain during pronation of the forearm’.

Conclusion

The two above-mentioned manoeuvres were most indicative of bone injury in patients with clinically suspected occult scaphoid fracture. These examinations may reduce the number of unnecessary MRI examinations.     

Below the surface: Parents’ views on the factors that influence treatment adherence in paediatric burn scar management — A qualitative study

Introduction

Parents have a crucial role to play in burn scar management for their children at a time that is extremely stressful for them and their child. Scar management treatments such as pressure garment therapy (PGT) require high levels of adherence. There has been a lack of research into the factors that may influence adherence in paediatric burn scar management. This qualitative research study has investigated parents’ experiences of scar management and their attempts to adhere to treatment at home. The aim of this paper is to outline parents’ views on the factors that influence adherence.

Post-traumatic growth in adults following a burn

It is well established that a burn can result in negative psychological consequences. Throughout the literature there is also reference to individuals reporting positive changes post-burn. The concept of ‘post-traumatic growth’ (PTG) refers to such individuals, whose recovery exceeds pre-trauma levels of well-being. To date there has only been one quantitative analysis directly examining PTG post-burn. The present study builds on this, examining the prevalence of PTG and related constructs, including: social support, coping styles, dispositional optimism, functioning, post-traumatic stress symptoms, severity and time since burn. Seventy-four participants recruited through a regional burns unit completed a battery of self-report questionnaires. Burn survivors were found to experience PTG, although to a lesser degree than previous research suggests (GM = 1.26, range = 0–4.67). Severity of burn, post-burn functioning and trauma symptoms significantly correlated with PTG. Regression analysis proposed a model explaining 51.7% of the variance, with active coping, perceived social support and avoidance coping as significant predictors of PTG. Results support the theory that distress and trauma symptoms act as a catalyst for PTG. Coping styles and social support appear to facilitate this process. Clinical implications are discussed.     

Give the patients the choice—The ‘walk in walk out’ hernia clinic

Background

Patients referred with symptomatic inguinal hernias traditionally make at least three visits to the hospital and wait on average 41-53 weeks for their operation. Approximately, 10-15% of patients either do not attend (DNA) their clinic appointment, attend on the day of operation or are cancelled by the hospital due to bed shortage, lack of theatre space or associated co-morbidities. This results in a significant psychological strain on the patients and a financial drain on NHS resources.

Aims

To set up a hernia service within the confines of the NHS and give patients the choice of having their hernia repaired under local anaesthetic with only one visit to the hospital, on a date of their choosing, as in private hernia centres but without incurring the cost.

Patients and Methods

An e-mail containing two detailed proformas, “suitability criteria” and “instructions for patients” was sent to each general practitioner (GP) referring hernia patients to the North West London Hospitals NHS Trust (Northwick Park and Central Middlesex Hospitals). The GP gave each suitable and willing patient the instructions booklet and faxed a referral letter to the consultant's (RPB) scheduler. Patients were advised to read the instruction booklet and, when ready, ring the scheduler to make an appointment for a date of their convenience for the consultation and operation at the same visit.

Results

Ninety patients have been referred to the ‘walk in walk out’ (WIWO) clinic in the last 6 months. Ninety one percent of these patients have had successful ‘tension free’ open mesh repair under local anaesthetic. There were five (6%) inappropriate referrals (recurrent or bilateral hernias), and three patients (3%) did not attend their appointment due to ill health or family bereavement.

Conclusion

Patients with unilateral primary reducible inguinal hernias, regardless of their ASA status can safely have open ‘tension free’ mesh repair under local anaesthetic on a date of their choosing by making just one visit to the hospital. In just 6 months this ‘WIWO’ hernia clinic has shown a high level of patient satisfaction, significant reduction in ‘did not attend’/cancellation rates and financial savings for the Trust. Similar clinics set up across the nation would multiply the benefits we have shown.     

Exsanguination in trauma: A review of diagnostics and treatment options

Trauma patients with haemorrhagic shock who only transiently respond or do not respond to fluid therapy and/or the administration of blood products have exsanguinating injuries. Recognising shock due to (exsanguinating) haemorrhage in trauma is about constructing a synthesis of trauma mechanism, injuries, vital signs and the therapeutic response of the patient. The aim of prehospital care of bleeding trauma patients is to deliver the patient to a facility for definitive care within the shortest amount of time by rapid transport and minimise therapy to what is necessary to maintain adequate vital signs. Rapid decisions have to be made using regional trauma triage protocols that have incorporated patient condition, transport times and the level of care than can be performed by the prehospital care providers and the receiving hospitals. The treatment of bleeding patients is aimed at two major goals: stopping the bleeding and restoration of the blood volume. Fluid resuscitation should allow for preservation of vital functions without increasing the risk for further (re)bleeding. To prevent further deterioration and subsequent exsanguinations ‘permissive hypotension’ may be the goal to achieve. Within the hospital, a sound trauma team activation system, including the logistic procedure as well as activation criteria, is essential for a fast and adequate response. After determination of haemorrhagic shock, all efforts have to be directed to stop the bleeding in order to prevent exsanguinations. A simultaneous effort is made to restore blood volume and correct coagulation. Reversal of coagulopathy with pharmacotherapeutic interventions may be a promising concept to limit blood loss after trauma. Abdominal ultrasound has replaced diagnostic peritoneal lavage for detection of haemoperitoneum. With the development of sliding-gantry based computer tomography diagnostic systems, rapid evaluation by CT-scanning of the trauma patient is possible during resuscitation. The concept of damage control surgery, the staged approach in treatment of severe trauma, has proven to be of vital importance in the treatment of exsanguinating trauma patients and is adopted worldwide. When performing ‘blind’ transfusion or ‘damage control resuscitation’, a predetermined fixed ratio of blood components may result in the administration of higher plasma and platelets doses and may improve outcome. The role of thromboelastography and thromboelastometry as point-of-care tests for coagulation in massive blood loss is emerging, providing information about actual clot formation and clot stability, shortly (10 min) after the blood sample is taken. Thus, therapy guided by the test results will allow for administration of specific coagulation factors that will be depleted despite administration with fresh frozen plasma during massive transfusion of blood components.     

持续随访提高艾滋病患者抗病毒治疗的耐受性及依从性

目的 探讨持续随访提高艾滋病患者抗病毒治疗耐受性及依从性的效果.方法 将460例艾滋病患者按抗病毒治疗编号顺序随机分为对照组和干预组各230例,对照组仅给予常规的用药指导、依从性教育及复查时间;干预组实施持续随访管理：根据随访时间表,由专职人员通过电话、短信、微信等方式对患者实施持续随访,内容包括服药情况、机体适应性、依从性教育、不良反应的应对以及心理支持等.结果 实施持续随访管理后,干预组患者抗病毒治疗的耐受性和依从性显著高于对照组（P＜0.05,P＜0.01）.结论 持续随访可显著提高艾滋病患者抗病毒治疗的耐受性和依从性,从而保证抗病毒治疗的顺利进行.     

Younger age is a significant factor for poorer adherence in fracture patients who received low-intensity pulsed ultrasound: A retrospective study

BackgroundThe factors for poor adherence to therapy in patients with postoperative fracture who are treated with low-intensity pulsed ultrasound remain unknown. Therefore, we designed a retrospective cohort study to determine the various factors for poorer adherence to therapy in patients with postoperative fracture who were treated with low-intensity pulsed ultrasound therapy.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the data of postoperative patients who underwent low-intensity pulsed ultrasound after fracture surgery from January 2010 to May 2019. The patients were categorized into two groups as follows: group G, including those with a good adherence rate (>72%), and group P, including those with a poor adherence rate (<72%). Factors, such as age, sex, how the rental cost of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound was paid (by the patients themselves or by the insurance company), living (alone or with someone), insurance claim item (fractures within 3 weeks after osteosynthesis or delayed or non-union fractures), low-intensity pulsed ultrasound device-type (earlier- or next-generation), duration of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound use, fracture site (upper or lower limb), frequency of hospital visits (regular or irregular), and employment status (employed/unemployed) were compared between groups G and P.ResultsIn total, 96 patients (74 and 22 patients in groups G and P, respectively) who underwent low-intensity pulsed ultrasound were included in the study. Univariate analysis revealed that younger patients (P < 0.001) and patients who did not regularly visit the hospital (P = 0.024) were more likely to have poorer adherence to therapy. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that age was the only independent, pertinent factor for poorer adherence to therapy (odds ratio, 8.570; 95% confidence interval, 2.770–26.50; P < 0.001), with a cutoff value of 41 years.ConclusionsYounger age is a significant factor for poorer adherence in patients undergoing low-intensity pulsed ultrasound therapy.     

Quality of life after burns in childhood (5-15 years): children experience substantial problems

The aim of our study was to assess prevalence and correlates related to sub optimal outcome after pediatric burns and to make a comparison with pediatric injuries not related to burns.We conducted a cross-sectional study on quality of life (QOL) after burns in a sample (n = 138; median 24 months post-burn) of Dutch and Flemish children (5-15 years) with an admission to a burn center. QOL was assessed with the Burn Outcomes Questionnaire (BOQ). The generic EuroQol-5D was used to allow for a comparison with children after injuries not related to burns.More than half of the children had long-term limitations. According to the BOQ, children frequently (>50%) experienced sub optimal functioning on 5 out of 12 dimensions, concerning ‘appearance’, ‘parental concern’, ‘itch’, ‘emotional health’ and ‘satisfaction with current state’.Children with a high total burned surface area (TBSA ≥10%) showed significantly more sub optimal functioning on ‘upper extremity function’ (OR = 5.3; ≥20% TBSA), ‘appearance’ (OR = 5.5; ≥10-20% TBSA), ‘satisfaction with current state’ (OR = 3.4; ≥10-20% TBSA) and ‘parental concern’ (OR = 3.4; ≥10-20% TBSA), compared to children with less than 10% TBSA.Burn victims at 9 months post-injury appeared to be worse off at several health dimensions. After 24 months generic quality of life of in pediatric burns was more comparable to pediatric injuries not related to burns.Children after burns experience substantial problems, mainly on itch and appearance and several psychosocial dimensions. More extensive burns are related to sub optimal functioning. These problems are in part specific for burns and not picked up by generic measures.     

Radiological analysis, operative management and functional outcome of open book pelvic lesions: a 13-year cohort study

We present the clinical and radiological outcome of a 13-year cohort study of 38 open book pelvic lesions. All patients were treated in one Level I Trauma centre. In the posterior pelvis, sacro-iliac diastasis was seen in 31 patients, sacral fracture in 7. In all patients with sacro-iliac diastasis, the pubic bone was inferiorly displaced on the primary ap pelvic overview on the side of injury. All but one patient was treated with open reduction and internal fixation of the symphysis pubis. Additional stabilization of the posterior pelvis was done in 9 patients. 32 patients were seen after a median follow up of 84 months. Majeed score and SF-36 questionnaire were used. Functional outcome was excellent with a mean Majeed score of 95.7. Comparing our data with the SF-36 score of the normal German population, the mean value of the ‘role-physical’ and the ‘physical function’ categories was significantly lower for patients treated with an open book lesion. There was a tendency towards a better outcome in open book lesions with sacral fracture. There was a tendency towards worse outcome for the patients with additional dorsal stabilization. Male impotence was the single most important lesion of neurological origin which persisted two years after open book lesion.

Conclusion

Functional outcome after surgical treatment of open book pelvic lesions is good. External rotation and accompanying inferior displacement of the ipsilateral hemipelvis may be a sign of partial lesion of the posterior sacroiliac complex. Identification of patients who need additional posterior stabilization remains difficult.     

A comprehensive reconstruction strategy for moderate to severe faciocervical scar contractures

The focus of treatment of faciocervical scar contractures includes cervical reconstruction and elimination of hypertrophic scars. Unfortunately, most previous studies have neglected the esthetic appearance of scars. In this study, we tried to combine surgical therapy and ultrapulse fractional CO₂ laser (UFCL) to eliminate facial scars while restoring neck reconstruction and to establish the optimal conventional management for faciocervical contracture. Thirty-eight individuals were enrolled and divided into two groups. After received cervical release surgeries, comprehensive UFCL therapy group received treatment of UFCL at 3-month intervals, silicone sheets, and pressure garments, while another group only received treatment of silicone sheeting and compression. Twelve months after the termination of therapy, faciocervical scars of both two groups were assessed by two uninvolved physicians according to the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), and patients’ satisfaction survey was also recorded by the study participants using a patient four-point satisfaction scale. Thirty-six patients completed the treatment and follow-up. The results show that the VSS scores of both two groups decreased after 12 months, but comprehensive UFCL therapy group dropped more significantly than the conventional treatment group at follow-up session, which was statistically significant (P?<?0.001), and the patient satisfaction was higher than that of the conventional treatment group. This comprehensive treatment combined of surgery, UFCL, silicone sheets, and pressure garments works as an effective and esthetic reconstruction for moderate to severe postburn faciocervical scar contractures.

     

Functional outcomes following syndesmotic fixation: A comparison of screws retained in situ versus routine removal – Is it really necessary?

Introduction

Syndesmotic disruption can occur in up to 20% of ankle fractures and is more common in Weber Type C injuries. Syndesmotic repair aims to restore ankle stability. Routine removal of syndesmosis screws is advocated to avoid implant breakage and adverse functional outcome such as pain and stiffness, but conflicting evidence exists to support this. The aim of the current study is to determine whether functional outcome differs in patients who had syndesmosis screws routinely removed, compared to those who did not, and whether a cost benefit exists if removal of screws is not routinely necessary.

Patients and methods

A retrospective review of consecutive syndesmosis repairs was performed from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2010 in a single regional trauma centre. We identified 91 patients who had undergone open reduction internal fixation of an ankle fracture with placement of a syndesmosis screw at index procedure. As many as 69 patients were eligible for the study as defined by the inclusion criteria and they completed a validated functional outcome questionnaire.The functional outcomes of patients with ‘retained screws’ and ‘removed screws’ were analysed and compared using the Olerud Molander Ankle Score (OMAS).

Results

A total of 63 patients responded with a mean follow-up period of 31 months (range 10–43 months). Of those patients, 43 underwent routine screw removal whilst 20 had screws left in situ. The groups were comparable considering age, gender and follow-up time. The ‘retained’ group scored higher mean OMAS scores, 81.5 ± 19.3 compared to 75 ± 12.9 in the ‘removed’ group (p = 0.107). The retained group achieved higher functional scores in each of the OMAS domains as well as experiencing less pain. When adjusted for gender, the findings were found to be statistically significant (p = 0.046).

Conclusion

Our study has shown that retained-screw fixation does not significantly impair functional capacity, with additional cost-effectiveness. We therefore advocate that syndesmosis screws be left in situ and should only be removed in case of symptomatic implants beyond 6 months postoperatively.     

Pathology of pancreatic tumours

A diverse range of tumours can develop from the pancreas. Ductal adenocarcinoma – often referred to as ‘pancreatic cancer’ – is by far the most common and carries a dismal prognosis.     

Surgical Treatment of Patients with Congenital Vascular Malformation-associated Aneurysms

Objectives

Aneurysms associated with congenital vascular malformation (CVM) comprise critical complication. We review our experience with extracranial CVM-associated aneurysms and attempt to clarify their clinical features.

Patients and methods

The prevalence, site, size and morphology of the accompanying aneurysms of 48 consecutive CVM patients, who were managed at our hospital from 1999 to 2008, were evaluated. After diagnosis or treatment, the patients were followed up, and the recurrence of aneurysms and patient survival were assessed.

Results

CVM-associated aneurysms were found in 14 patients (29%). CVMs were classified according to the Hamburg classification. The patients were classified into groups as follows: four (31%), in the ‘predominantly arteriovenous (AV) shunting defect type’; eight (47%), ‘combined vascular defects + predominantly AV shunting defects type’; and two (11%), ‘combined vascular defects type’. All aneurysms except one situated at the CVM were saccular, whereas nine were fusiform aneurysms; all the ruptured aneurysms and seven out of the nine enlarging aneurysms were saccular. Surgical treatment was performed 8 times in six patients. During the postoperative follow-up period, recurrence and an aneurysm rupture were encountered in one patient each.

Conclusion

Aneurysm is not a rare complication of CVM. It is important to treat CVM before the emergency presents. In addition to the treatment for malformation, regular screening for and proper management of the aneurysms in CVM patients are indispensable.