Database reusability in intelligent medical systems.

Reuse or reusability is not a specific, algorithmic, heuristic or only a simple set of guidelines. Database reuse means the use of an existing component--a database entity--in a new context, either elsewhere in the same system or in another system. According to different definitions, an intelligent system is a "power tool for thinking"; but on the other side it is only a kind of information system with built-in knowledge to support decisions made by human experts. Similar conclusions could be made for intelligent medical systems and introduce the database reusability in this environment with a purpose to increase the quality of an intelligent medical system. In the paper the problem of the database reusability will be presented more in detail, especially its integration in an intelligent medical system. Finally, the results of such integration and the benefits for the medicine will be discussed.

A technique to obtain correct rotational alignment during closed locked intramedullary nailing of the femur.

Closed intramedullary nailing is a successful method of treating adult femoral shaft fractures. In comminuted or segmental fractures, this operation is associated with an incidence of rotational malalignment and malunion. After locked nailing, this can only be corrected by further operation. A simple method of judging and obtaining rotational alignment in such cases intra-operatively is described. A comparison of two groups of patients with such fractures, one using this technique and the other using conventional methods of judging alignment, revealed statistically significant improvement in rotational alignment (p = 0.016).