Medicinski glasnik : official publication of the Medical Association of Zenica-Doboj Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Aim To investigate the effect of intermittent traction therapy (ITT) on pain in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Methods A total of 81 patients with CLBP were included: experimental group received ITT (n=40) and control group received conservative physical treatment (n=41) 10 times for two weeks. A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used for measuring low back pain. ⋯ Females from the experimental group had a significantly greater decrease of VAS compared with females from the control group. Patients in the ITT group with L5/S1 level of hernia had lower estimated marginal mean of VAS scale compared to the control group, as well the patients with left side of leg pain. Conclusion: Intermittent traction therapy is an effective treatment for pain reduction in patients with chronic low back pain.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Correlation of signal to noise ratio (SNR) value on distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) and expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) in cochlear organ of Corti in rat exposed to noise.
Aim To investigate the changes in the value of the signal to noise ratio (SNR) and to assess changes in the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) in the organ of Corti of rat exposed to noise. Methods This study used a randomized post test only control group laboratory experimental design with 27 male Wistar strain Rattus norvegicus. The study group was divided into 3 groups (n = 9): group I (control), group 2 (2 hours of 100 dB noise exposure) and group 3 (2 hours of 110 dB noise exposure). ⋯ There was a significant difference in the mean levels of NRF2 expression in the cochlear organ of Rattus norvegicus in all groups (p<0.05). There was no correlation between the SNR and the NRF2 expression in group 2 (p>0.05), but there was a correlation between the SNR and the NRF2 expression in the group 3 (p<0.05). Conclusion There was found a correlation between the SNR value on distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) examination and NRF2 expression in the cochlear organ of Corti of Rattus norvegicus exposed to 110 dB noise.
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Aim Evacuation through burr hole craniostomy is the most common type of chronic subdural hematoma surgical treatment, with a morbidity rate of 0-9%. Methods Here we present a case of 66-year-old Caucasian woman with bilateral hemispheric chronic subdural hematoma and left transtentorial uncal herniation. Bilateral burr hole craniostomy with gradual and simultaneous evacuation was performed and subdural drains were placed with daily strict monitoring of drained fluid. ⋯ In the next day progressive neurological improvement occurred and a follow-up at 1 month revealed persistence of bilateral ptosis with almost complete regression of the left medial rectus weakness. Conclusion Although burr hole craniostomy is considered a minor procedure, rare but fatal complications like brainstem haemorrhage may occur. Bilateral simultaneous and gradual drainage, strict monitoring of drained fluid and blood pressure in the perioperative period and frequent neurological with prompt radiological assessment in case of clinical worsening, should be the mainstay of a correct management of chronic subdural hematoma (particularly if bilateral) in order to avoid potentially fatal complications.
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Aim Uncommon and rare hip diseases are sources of pain and functional limitation particularly in young patients. Some of these conditions may be nowadays treated by arthroscopy due to the expertise and technical tips that high-volume hip arthroscopies have achieved during the last decades ensuring a wider range of indications for such a procedure. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical results of arthroscopy in treating uncommon or rare diseases of the hip at a single Institution. ⋯ No complications were reported at the latest follow-up. The NAHS and mHHS showed good improvements and all patients referred high satisfaction. Conclusion Hip arthroscopy performed by expert and high-volume surgeons may ensure good results in patients affected by uncommon and rare hip diseases.
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Aim A SARS Coronavirus 2 (COVID-19) pandemic drastically changed the way the health system works. In Croatia, lockdown measures to curb virus spread lasted from March to May 2020, and all non-essential medical procedures and patients' visits have been cancelled. The study aimed to compare patients' flow and interventions in the surgical department before, during and after the lockdown period. ⋯ A significant decrease in outpatient visits and hospital admissions continued after the lockdown (p<0.001). Conclusion A decrease in the number of outpatient visits, hospitalizations, and tumour removals may result in larger proportions of patients with advanced cancers in the future. The second wave of COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing, and special effort must be paid to reduce the number of cancer patients receiving suboptimal treatment.