The effect of fracture-related factors on the functional outcome at 1 year in distal radius fractures

Sixty-nine cases of distal radius fracture were studied retrospectively for various factors that might affect the functional outcome. Patients were treated with various techniques including plaster immobilization, external fixation, open reduction and internal fixation and percutaneous pinning. Functional assessment was made at 1 year after the injury. The most important factor affecting the functional outcome was radial length, followed by volar tilt. Carpal instability was an indicator of poor functional results. The relative movement of the lunate with respect to the distal radial articular surface, when defined as an effective radio lunate flexion of more than 25 degrees, was also associated with poor functional results.     

Transmastoid superior semicircular canal occlusion.

OBJECTIVE: The traditional surgical repair for superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD) involves either canal plugging or resurfacing via the middle cranial fossa approach. We describe a novel transmastoid occlusion technique. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case review. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Three patients with symptomatic computed tomography-proven SSCD. INTERVENTION: Transmastoid superior semicircular canal occlusion using bone pate in 2 fenestrations, with 1 placed on either side of the dehiscence. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Hearing and vestibular symptoms. RESULTS: Two patients were primary cases of SSCD, and a third patient had failed a previous middle fossa occlusion using fascia at an outside institution. In all 3 cases, the 2 sides of the superior semicircular canal adjacent to the dehiscence were occluded using bone pate, formed from a mix of bone dust and fibrin sealant. This allowed for a permanent bony partition to be achieved between the dehiscence and the remainder of the labyrinth. In all cases, hearing was either preserved or improved, and the procedure was successful in controlling vestibular symptoms. CONCLUSION: Transmastoid superior semicircular canal occlusion is a viable alternative to the customary middle fossa approach for superior canal dehiscence. Meticulous technique and the use of bone pate may help maximize auditory and vestibular results. Advantages of this technique include obviating a craniotomy, preclusion of temporal lobe retraction, familiarity of the approach for experienced otologists, and the ability to occlude the canal without manipulating the defect. The transmastoid approach for superior canal occlusion may not be possible when the dura is low hanging or when there is extensive cranial base dehiscence requiring reconstruction.     

A systematic review of drug therapy to delay or prevent type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the evidence for the prevention of type 2 diabetes by pharmacological therapies. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Randomized controlled trials and cohort studies examining the effect of oral hypoglycemic agents, antiobesity agents, antihypertensive agents, statins, fibrates, and estrogen on the incidence of type 2 diabetes were identified from MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Registry, and searches of reference lists. Two reviewers independently assessed studies for inclusion and performed data extraction. RESULTS: Ten studies of oral hypoglycemic agents and 15 studies of nonoral hypoglycemic agents were found. Oral hypoglycemic agents and orlistat are the only drugs that have been studied in randomized controlled trials with diabetes incidence as the primary end point. In the largest studies of 2.5-4.0 years' duration, metformin (relative risk [RR] 0.69, 95% CI 0.57-0.83), acarbose (0.75, 0.63-0.90), troglitazone (0.45, 0.25-0.83), and orlistat (hazard ratio [HR] 0.63, 95% CI 0.46-0.86) have all been shown to decrease diabetes incidence compared with placebo; however, follow-up rates varied from 43 to 96%. Current evidence for statins, fibrates, antihypertensive agents, and estrogen is inconclusive. In addition, the critical question of whether drugs are preventing, or simply delaying, onset of diabetes remains unresolved. CONCLUSIONS: Currently, no single agent can be definitively recommended for diabetes prevention. Future studies should be designed with diabetes incidence as the primary outcome and should be of sufficient duration to differentiate between genuine diabetes prevention as opposed to simple delay or masking of this condition.     

Isolated “one and a half syndrome” with brainstem tuberculoma

A seldom reported causal association of two rare entities, an isolated brainstem tuberculoma and an isolated One and a half syndrome in a 12 year old girl is presented. MRI showed an isolated inflammatory granuloma in the brainstem which on empirical treatment with anti tubercular drugs resulted in complete restoration of ocular motility, along with resolution of the lesion on follow up MRI at 6 months. The diagnosis and management are discussed.