Journal of long-term effects of medical implants
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J Long Term Eff Med Implants · Jan 2019
ReviewHypoglossal Nerve: Anatomy, Anatomical Variations Comorbidities and Clinical Significance.
We review the anatomical variations of the hypoglossal nerve and their surgical and clinical significance, and we report multiple diseases that affect function of the nerve leading to paresis, either unilateral or bilateral. The hypoglossal nerve is the 12th cranial nerve, and knowledge of the detailed anatomy and relationship with critical structures is of paramount importance in neurosurgery, head and neck surgery, and vascular surgery. Numerous studies have depicted conventional landmarks in the cervical part of the hypoglossal nerve, but their findings have not been consistent reliable. ⋯ We performed an online database search during January and February 2019 to pinpoint the diseases that affect function of the nerve. According to this literature review, apart from iatrogenic injury during surgery, the most frequently observed cause of paresis is pressure due to the presence of tumours and head injury. Furthermore, motor neuron degenerative conditions, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis or tooth infection and presence of an aberrant vessel in the hypoglossal canal can affect the function of the nerve.
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J Long Term Eff Med Implants · Jan 2018
Case ReportsThumb Immobilization in the Treatment of an Acute Hook of Hamate Fracture: A Case Report.
A 65-year-old male presented with an acute nondisplaced hook of hamate fracture while lifting a suitcase. Conservative management was employed, and he was treated with a thumb spica cast. ⋯ High nonunion rates following conservative management with short arm casting without thumb immobilization for hook of hamate fractures may be in part due to inadequate immobilization. Here, use of a thumb spica cast resulted in successful osseous union following an acute hook of hamate fracture.
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J Long Term Eff Med Implants · Jan 2016
The Gelweave Valsalva Graft to Better Reconstruct the Anatomy of the Aortic Root.
The Bentall procedure introduced in 1968 represents an undisputed cure to treat multiple pathologies involving the aortic valve and the ascending thoracic aorta. Over the years, multiple modifications have been introduced as well as a standardized approach to the operation with the goal to prevent long-term adverse events. ⋯ The prosthesis holds three sections: the collar anchoring the valve; the skirt mimicking the Valsalva, which is suitable for the anastomoses with the coronary arteries; and the main body of the graft, which is designed to replace the ascending aorta. The Gelweave Valsalva graft allows the Bentall operation to be standardized, and it provides a potential for longer durability with reduced adverse events.
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J Long Term Eff Med Implants · Jan 2016
Strength of Syndesmosis Fixation: Two TightRope versus One TightRope with Plate-and-Screw Construct.
Injuries involving the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis can lead to critical destabilization of the ankle mortise. Although specific indications for operative fixation remain unclear, accurate reduction of the syndesmosis has been correlated with the best functional outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the maximum torque and rotation to failure after fixation with a novel construct. ⋯ The addition of the plate may improve distribution of forces at the level of syndesmosis, reducing stress risers and decreasing the risk of failure, as demonstrated by a lower rotation to failure of the one TightRope with plate-and-screw construct. In addition, this construct is not likely to not be associated with any substantial cost increase. Further clinical studies may further elucidate the role of plate and/or TightRope augmentation to syndesmosis fixation.
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J Long Term Eff Med Implants · Jan 2014
Comparative StudyCost effectiveness of a novel 10 kHz high-frequency spinal cord stimulation system in patients with failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS).
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an effective method of relieving chronic intractable pain, and one of its key indications is failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS). The objective of the current study was to evaluate the cost effectiveness of 10 kHz high-frequency SCS (HF10 SCS) compared to conventional medical management (CMM), reoperation, and traditional nonrechargeable (TNR-SCS) and rechargeable SCS (TR-SCS). ⋯ This first analysis of the cost effectiveness of HF10 SCS suggests that it is more cost effective and provides a greater number of QALYs than both TNR-SCS and TR-SCS.