Lessons Learned From Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico: Practical Measures to Mitigate the Impact of a Catastrophic Natural Disaster on Radiation Oncology Patients.

PURPOSE: Although the wind, rain, and flooding of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico abated shortly after its landfall on September 20, 2017, the disruption of the electrical, communications, transportation, and medical infrastructure of the island was unprecedented in scope and caused lasting harm for many months afterward. A compilation of recommendations from radiation oncologists who were in Puerto Rico during the disaster, and from a panel of American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) cancer experts was created. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Radiation oncologists throughout Puerto Rico collaborated and improvised to continue treating patients in the immediate aftermath of the storm and as routine clinical operations were restored gradually. Empirical lessons from the experience of radiation therapy administration in this profoundly altered context of limited resources, impaired communication, and inadequate transportation were organized into a recommended template, applicable to any radiation oncology practice. ASTRO disease-site experts provided evidence-guidelines for mitigating the impact of a 2- to 3-week interruption in radiation therapy. RESULTS: Practical measures to mitigate the medical impact of a disaster are summarized within the framework of "Prepare, Communicate, Operate, Compensate." Specific measures include the development of an emergency operations plan tailored to specific circumstances, prospective coordination with other radiation oncology clinics before a disaster, ongoing communications with emergency management organizations, and routine practice of alternate methods to disseminate information among providers and patients. CONCLUSIONS: These recommendations serve as a starting point to assist any radiation oncology practice in becoming more resiliently prepared for a local or regional disruption from any cause. Disease-site experts provide evidence-based guidelines on how to mitigate the impact of a 2- to 3-week interruption in radiation therapy for lung, head and neck, uterine cervix, breast, and prostate cancers through altered fractionation or dose escalation.

Results with Kudo elbow prostheses in non-traumatic indications : a study of 36 cases.

With a mean follow-up of 62 months, we reviewed 13 Kudo type 4 and 23 Kudo type 5 elbow prostheses implanted for non-traumatic indications in 30 patients. Clinical results were assessed with the Mayo Clinic Performance Index (MCPI) taking into account pain, mobility, stability and daily activities. Postoperatively, pain disappeared or decreased, ulnar nerve dysfunction was improved and the functional status was significantly improved. The average range of motion increased by 7.8 degrees in extension and by 11.5 degrees in flexion; pronation and supination remained unchanged. Clinically, 89% of patients scored poorly on the MCPI preoperatively, whereas 61% had excellent or good scores postoperatively. Twenty-two patients out of 30 were satisfied. There were two early prosthetic dislocations, and prosthetic instability, assessed clinically, was found in 6 cases (17%). The rate of loosening was 28% (10/36) and seven elbows were revised. Metallosis, loosening and instability were significantly correlated. The survival rate of 82% at 54 months (SD = 7) is lower than that reported for non-constrained and semi-constrained prostheses in the literature.