In Memory of Professor Li-Xin Qian

Prof. Li-Xin Qian, professor of the Department of Urology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, passed away on Jan. 11, 2006, in a traffic accident. He was 40 years old, born in October, 1966 in Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.     

The high-flexion knee: The myth continues—In opposition

Total knee arthroplasty is a common and successful surgery for end-stage arthritis of the knee. With the worldwide increase in the number of procedures, especially in younger, more active patients with greater expectations and desire for greater range of motion, and further stimulated by social and cultural activities in Middle Eastern and Asian populations, high-flexion total knee implants were designed. Many studies have shown the safety and efficacy of these implant designs. However, other variables such as surgical technique, patient factors, and knee pathology influence the final outcome.     

In hot water: The impact of burn injuries from hot water bottles — Experience of a UK burns unit and review of the literature

IntroductionHot water bottles (HWBs) are a common domestic item in the UK. Their use is associated with burns injuries, either by contact for prolonged periods with the skin, or through the HWB leaking or bursting.MethodsWe used electronic health records to retrospectively review HWB related burns treated by the Burns Service at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital between January 2017–March 2018. We analysed the mechanism of injury, size and depth of burn, method of treatment and costs associated with HWB burns in our centre.Results80 patients sustained HWB burns during this period, with a similar incidence of contact burns (41/80, 51.3%) and scalds (38/80, 47.5%), with one steam burn. The commonest area burnt was the lower limb (40/80, 50%). Most burns had a TBSA of 1% or smaller (50/80, 62.5%). 30 patients had full thickness burns, with 37 in total received operative management. We estimate that the total cost for managing this cohort of patients was over £68,634.ConclusionsThere are a significant proportion of patients presenting with HWB burns that could be prevented, with significant impact on patient morbidity and resource burden on the NHS. Targeted public awareness campaigns are needed to ameliorate these injuries.