Articles: outcome.
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J Korean Neurosurg Soc · Sep 2010
The efficacy of repeated radiofrequency medial branch neurotomy for lumbar facet syndrome.
Radiofrequency (RF) medial branch neurotomy is an effective management of lumbar facet syndrome. However, pain may recur after period of time. When pain recurs, it can be repeated, but the successful outcome and duration of relief from repeated procedures are not clearly known. The objective of this study was to determine the success rate and duration of pain relief from repeated radiofrequency medial branch neurotomy for lumbar facet syndrome. ⋯ Results of this study indicate that the frequency of success and durations of relief from repeated RF medial branch neurotomy for lumbar facet syndrome are similar to initial results that provided relatively prolonged period of pain relief without major side effects. Each procedure seems to provide successful pain relief for about 10 months in more than 85% of carefully selected patients when properly done.
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Editorial Comment
Evidence-based emergency medicine: clinical synopsis. No clear winner among dressings for partial-thickness burns.
The authors searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and the Cochrane Wounds Group Specialized Register (May 29, 2008), MEDLINE (1950 to May 2008), EMBASE (1980 to May 2008), and CINAHL (1982 to May 2008). ⋯ Studies were reviewed by 2 authors independently and data were abstracted using standardized forms. The authors abstracted and pooled data from eligible studies by using appropriate analytical methods according to the Cochrane Handbook, version 5.0.0. Studies were assessed for the adequacy of randomization and allocation concealment, blinding of providers and participants, potential selection bias after allocation, and completeness of follow-up.
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Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr · Aug 2010
Subtalar versus triple arthrodesis after intra-articular calcaneal fractures.
Depending upon initial treatment, between 2 and 30% of patients with a displaced intra-articular calcaneal fracture require a secondary arthrodesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of subtalar versus triple arthrodesis on functional outcome. A total of 33 patients with 37 secondary arthrodeses (17 subtalar and 20 triple) with a median follow-up of 116 months were asked to complete questionnaires regarding disease-specific functional outcome (Maryland Foot Score, MFS), quality of life (SF-36) and overall satisfaction with the treatment (Visual Analogue Scale, VAS). ⋯ Smoking was statistically significantly associated with a non-union (χ(2) = 6.60, P = 0.017). The current study suggests that there is no significant difference in functional outcome between an in situ subtalar or triple arthrodesis as a salvage technique for symptomatic arthrosis after an intra-articular calcaneal fracture. Smoking is a risk factor for non-union.
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Although trauma is a leading cause of pediatric mortality and morbidity in Sweden, few studies have examined the outcome of pediatric trauma. ⋯ Many injuries were minor and half of the children were discharged home from the emergency department.Head injurieswere themost common injury in all age groups. The most severe head injuries were seen in the youngest group and were caused by falls. Trauma team activation criteria should be improved to avoid overutilization. The quality and completeness of data in the trauma registry must be enhanced.