Injury
-
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a very destructive process for both patients and society. Lipid peroxidation is the main cause of the further secondary damage which starts after mechanical destruction of tissues. Recent studies have shown that erythropoietin (EPO) has neuroprotective properties. ⋯ In conclusion, our results suggest that 150 i.u./kg i.p. EPO, a therapeutic dose in anaemic patients, applied after 1h of spinal cord injury significantly attenuated the oxidative damage of spinal cord injuries in rats. This activity is abolished via ketamine pretreatment.
-
We report our experience of elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) of severely displaced proximal humeral fracture Type III and IV according to Neer in children. Thirty-five children (mean age 12.7 years) with 19 Salter-Harris Type II epiphyseal fractures and 16 children with metaphyseal fractures of the proximal humerus were treated with ESIN by one-nail or two-nail-technique. There were the following complications: two perforations of the nail at the head of the humerus with loss of position, one loss of position without nail perforation, one misplacement of a nail, one revision due to haematoma and two difficult removals of metal. ⋯ On average they gained 99 points. All children were able to resume their sporting activities as before. For the treatment of displaced proximal humeral fractures in children more than 10 years old the retrograde ESIN represents a safe minimal invasive surgical procedure.
-
The issue of family violence and sexual abuse in Indigenous communities across Australia has attracted much attention throughout 2007, including significant intervention by the federal government into communities deemed to be in crisis. This paper critically examines the reporting and recording of Indigenous violence in Australia and reflects on what 'statistics' can offer as we grapple with how to respond appropriately to a problem defined as a 'national emergency'.
-
This paper is an evaluation of an intercollegiate program that targeted specialist surgeons, obstetricians and gynaecologists treating Australian Indigenous patients. The program was a continuing professional development activity that was delivered through on-line modules and focussed on providing the specialist with practical skills to improve the health of Indigenous Australians in a clinical setting.