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1.
J Child Orthop ; 13(5): 508-515, 2019 Oct 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31695818

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to review the management of all paediatric humerus diaphyseal fractures treated at a single institution over a 20-year period. METHODS: Retrospective review from between 1996 and 2016 identified 96 humerus shaft fractures in paediatric patients (0 to 17 years). After excluding those deceased from inciting trauma, pathological and perinatal fractures, 80 patients remained for analysis. Data collected included age, fracture type, displacement, nerve palsy, treatment, complications and time to union. Radiographs were reviewed at the time of injury and at latest follow-up. RESULTS: Of 80 paediatric humeral diaphyseal fractures, 65 (81%) were treated with immobilization. In all, 15 (19%) fractures were treated with surgical stabilization. Most common indications were fracture displacement, open fractures and to improve mobilization in patients with multiple injuries. Fractures were stabilized with a plate (eight), flexible nails (five), external fixation (one) and percutaneous pinning (one). The operative group, compared with the nonoperative group, was older, had more high-energy mechanisms, more open fractures and increased fracture displacement. All patients in the nonoperative and operative groups went on to union with minimal complications. A nerve palsy was present in five patients (6%)with three of the five involving the radial nerve (4%). All nerve palsies were observed and had full neurological recovery. CONCLUSION: Over a 20-year period nonoperative management of paediatric humerus shaft fractures was successful in the majority of patients. Operative stabilization, when rarely indicated, had a low complication rate and improved radiographic alignment. All nerve injuries fully recovered without surgical intervention. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

2.
QJM ; 110(10): 623-628, 2017 Oct 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28431157

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a risk factor for adverse drug events. The clinical significance of discordance between renal prescribing references is unknown. AIM: We determined the prevalence of potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP) in CKD, measured agreement between two prescribing references, and assessed potential for harm consequent to PIP. DESIGN: Single-centre observational study. METHODS: A random sample of hospitalized patients with CKD were grouped according to baseline CKD stage (3, 4, or 5). Prescriptions requiring caution in CKD were referenced against the Renal Drug Handbook (RDH) and British National Formulary (BNF) to identify PIP (non-compliance with recommendations). Inter-reference agreement was measured using percentage agreement and Kappa coefficient. Potential for harm consequent to PIP was assessed by physicians and pharmacists using a validated scale. One-year mortality was compared between patients with or without PIP during admission. RESULTS: Among 119 patients (median age 73 years, 50% male), 136 cases of PIP were identified in 78 (65.5%) patients. PIP prevalence, per patient, was 64.7% using the BNF and 28.6% using the RDH (fair agreement, Kappa 0.33, P < 0.001). The majority (63.2%) of PIP cases detected exclusively by the BNF carried minimal or no potential for harm. PIP was not significantly associated with one-year mortality (34.7% vs. 21.1%, P = 0.14). CONCLUSIONS: PIP was common in hospitalized patients with CKD. Substantial discordance between renal prescribing references was apparent. The development of universally-adopted, evidence-based, prescribing guidelines for CKD might optimize medications safety in this vulnerable group.


Subject(s)
Inappropriate Prescribing/statistics & numerical data , Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/drug therapy , Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/mortality , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions/epidemiology , Female , Hospitalization , Humans , Ireland , Male , Middle Aged , Polypharmacy , Risk Factors , Severity of Illness Index
3.
Aesthetic Plast Surg ; 41(2): 293-297, 2017 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28062963

ABSTRACT

Aesthetic plastic surgery is a consumer-driven industry, subject to influence by financial forces. A changing economic environment may thus impact on the demand for surgery. The aim of this study was to explore trends in demand for bilateral breast augmentation (BBA) in consecutively presenting patients over an 11-year period and to examine if a correlation exists between these trends and changes in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a key economic indicator. This study revealed a correlation between annual number of breast augmentation procedures performed and GDP values (r 2 = 0.34, p value = 0.059). Additionally, predicted number of BBA procedures, based on predicted GDP growth in Ireland, strongly correlated with actual number of BBA performed (r 2 = 0.93, p value = 0.000001). Predicted GDP growth can potentially forecast future demand for BBA in our cohort allowing plastic surgeons to modify their practice accordingly. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .


Subject(s)
Gross Domestic Product/trends , Health Services Needs and Demand/economics , Mammaplasty/economics , Female , Forecasting , Health Services Needs and Demand/trends , Humans , Ireland/epidemiology , Mammaplasty/trends , Retrospective Studies
4.
Injury ; 47(10): 2266-2268, 2016 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27553391

ABSTRACT

Tag rugby is one of the fastest growing sports in Ireland. It is a soft-contact team game that is loosely based on the rugby league format except players try to remove Velcro tags from their opponents' shorts rather than engage in a typical rugby tackle. The purpose of this study was to examine all tag rugby associated hand injuries over a five-year period in three large tertiary referral hospitals in Ireland. Using the patient corresponding system, 228 patients with hand injury related tag rugby injuries were observed from 2010 to 2015. There were 138 males and 90 females in the study and over 40% of patients required surgery. Most of the patients were young professionals with an average age of 30. Twenty-five patients worked in the financial services whilst there were 23 teachers. Fractures accounted for 124 of the 228 injuries and mallet injuries accounted for 53. Eighty percent of all injuries occurred during the tackle. The mean number of days missed from work was 9.1±13.8 days. These injuries resulted in an average of seven hospital appointments per patient. Considering it is a soft-contact sport, it is surprising the number of hand injuries that we have observed. Although safety measures have been introduced to decrease the number of hand injuries in recent years, there is a need for further improvements. Better player education about seeking prompt medical attention once an injury occurs, coupled with longer shorts worn by players may improve measures for the sport.


Subject(s)
Athletic Injuries/epidemiology , Football/injuries , Fractures, Bone/epidemiology , Hand Injuries/epidemiology , Soft Tissue Injuries/epidemiology , Adult , Athletic Injuries/surgery , Female , Fractures, Bone/surgery , Hand Injuries/surgery , Humans , Incidence , Ireland/epidemiology , Male , Retrospective Studies , Soft Tissue Injuries/surgery
6.
J Chem Theory Comput ; 12(2): 664-75, 2016 Feb 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26669825

ABSTRACT

We develop and demonstrate a method to efficiently use density functional calculations to drive classical dynamics of complex atomic and molecular systems. The method has the potential to scale to systems and time scales unreachable with current ab initio molecular dynamics schemes. It relies on an adapting dataset of independently computed Hellmann-Feynman forces for atomic configurations endowed with a distance metric. The metric on configurations enables fast database lookup and robust interpolation of the stored forces. We discuss mechanisms for the database to adapt to the needs of the evolving dynamics, while maintaining accuracy, and other extensions of the basic algorithm.

7.
Adv Drug Deliv Rev ; 94: 3-12, 2015 Nov 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26428617

ABSTRACT

To date, the delivery of signaling molecules for bone regeneration has focused primarily on factors that directly affect the bone formation pathways (osteoinduction) or that serve to increase the number of bone forming progenitor cells. The first commercialized growth factors approved for bone regeneration, Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 and 7 (BMP2 and BMP7), are direct inducers of osteoblast differentiation. As well, newer generations of potential therapeutics that target the Wnt signaling pathway are also direct osteoinducers. On the other hand, some signaling molecules may play a role as mitogens and serve to increase the number of bone producing cells or may increase vascularization. This is true for factors such as Platelet Derived Growth Factor (PDGF) or Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF). Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) likely has a special role. Not only does it induce new blood vessel formation, it also has direct effects on osteoblasts through endothelial cell-based BMP production. In addition to these pathways that classically have targeted bone production, there are also opportunities to target other aspects of the bone healing process such as inflammation, vascularization, and cell ingress to the fracture site. Bone regeneration is highly complex with defined, yet overlapping stages of healing. We will review established and novel extracellular signaling factors associated with various stages of fracture healing that could be targeted to promote enhanced bone regeneration. Importantly, multiple potential cell and tissues could be targeted to enhance healing in addition to focusing solely on osteoinductive therapeutics.


Subject(s)
Bone Regeneration/physiology , Fracture Healing/physiology , Angiogenesis Inducing Agents/metabolism , Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2/metabolism , Bone Morphogenetic Protein 7/metabolism , Cell Differentiation , Endothelial Progenitor Cells/metabolism , Fibroblast Growth Factors/metabolism , Humans , Inflammation/physiopathology , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism , Mitogens/metabolism , Osteoblasts/metabolism , Osteogenesis/physiology , Platelet-Derived Growth Factor/metabolism , Signal Transduction , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/metabolism , Wnt Signaling Pathway/physiology
8.
Hand (N Y) ; 10(3): 559-61, 2015 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26330796

ABSTRACT

Palmaris profundus is a rare anatomical anomaly that may complicate carpal tunnel release. We discuss a recent case of carpal tunnel syndrome and its surgical release, whilst reviewing the published anatomical and surgical literature.

9.
Aesthetic Plast Surg ; 39(3): 449-51, 2015 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25900450

ABSTRACT

UNLABELLED: Aesthetic surgery is a rapidly expanding industry and patient safety is a fundamental issue. The need for regulation has been outlined by the Professional Standards for Cosmetic Practice Report, published by the Royal College of Surgeons in January 2013 which highlighted standards of patient care. The aim of this study was to review institutional compliance with these standards. A retrospective chart review of 40 consecutive patients who underwent either bilateral breast augmentation or bilateral breast reduction between November 2012 and November 2013 within our unit was performed. Compliance with standards relating to practice management, patient consultation, patient communication and record-keeping was examined. While details of past medical history were recorded in most cases, few consultations referred to psychiatric history and cosmetic surgical history specifically. Perioperative documentation and compliance with surgical safety processes were excellent. As a self-regulating profession, it is important that plastic surgeons take the lead in auditing their practice against such published standards. We urge all professionals who carry out cosmetic procedures to regularly review their practice, thereby promoting accountability and maintaining the trust of the general public in the aesthetic surgery industry. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .


Subject(s)
Clinical Competence/standards , Guideline Adherence/standards , Mammaplasty/standards , Surgery, Plastic/standards , Cohort Studies , Female , Humans , Mammaplasty/methods , Practice Guidelines as Topic/standards , Referral and Consultation , Retrospective Studies , Risk Assessment , Surgery, Plastic/methods , Treatment Outcome
10.
J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg ; 67(3): 403-6, 2014 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23916385

ABSTRACT

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) affecting the ocular region is potentially problematic due to its ability to infiltrate aesthetic and functional structures. Due to the paucity of local tissue, resection frequently requires reconstruction with skin grafts or local flaps. Surgical treatment may not be suitable for patients with multiple co-morbidities. Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a technique where cells are temporarily permeabilized after exposure to a brief electrical field and when combined with normally impermeant chemotherapy drugs can resolve cutaneous cancers - even those previously recalcitrant to chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Its particular advantage is its speed of application and the minimal damage to the surrounding healthy tissue structures. We present a series of 3 patients with BCCs in the peri-ocular region and significant co-morbidities deemed unsuitable for surgical resection, who underwent ECT. The lesions were all primary BCC ranging in size from 0.5 cm(2) to 1 cm(2). Two lesions were on the upper eyelid and one on the lower eyelid. ECT was performed using an 8-needle electrode and a CE approved electroporation generator with intra-lesional Bleomycin. All lesions responded to treatment. All BCC's completely resolved, with acceptable scarring. No side effects were reported from the Bleomycin or the electric pulses. ECT for peri-ocular BCC is an adjunct to surgical excision in the management of surgically problematic lesions. This technique could provide a useful initial treatment option for patients who are medically unfit or where resection and would be associated with significant morbidity.


Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents/administration & dosage , Bleomycin/administration & dosage , Carcinoma, Basal Cell/drug therapy , Eyelid Neoplasms/drug therapy , Skin Neoplasms/drug therapy , Aged, 80 and over , Electrochemotherapy , Female , Humans , Injections, Intralesional
12.
Water Sci Technol ; 68(2): 283-9, 2013.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23863418

ABSTRACT

A three-pronged coordinated research effort was undertaken by cooperating utilities at three different experimental scales investigating bioaugmentation, enrichment and performance of anammox organisms in mainstream treatment. Two major technological components were applied: density-based sludge wasting by a selective cyclone to retain anammox granules and intermittent aeration to repress nitrite oxidizers. This paper evaluates process conditions and operation modes to direct more nitrogen to the resource-saving metabolic route of deammonification.


Subject(s)
Ammonia/metabolism , Bioreactors , Waste Disposal, Fluid/methods , Water Pollutants, Chemical/metabolism , Aerobiosis , Anaerobiosis , Bacteria/metabolism , Nitrates/metabolism , Nitrites/metabolism , Oxygen/metabolism
13.
Ir J Med Sci ; 182(4): 657-62, 2013 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23575627

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Guidelines issued by the British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons suggest that the ratio of elective to emergency cases in plastic surgery units should be 2:1. AIM: To investigate how the workload composition of a regional plastic surgery unit compared with these guidelines. METHODS: The changes in the workload composition of a regional plastic surgery unit were examined by retrospectively analysing all plastic and reconstructive surgery cases performed over 12 years (1998-2009). RESULTS: This time period saw a change from a 1:2 ratio of elective to trauma procedures, to the recommended ratio, at a time when the overall caseload increased by almost 40 % (3,281 procedures in 1998 to 4,529 procedures in 2009). CONCLUSION: Expansion of staff numbers at consultant and non-consultant grades, and increased resources (allocated theatre sessions and outpatient clinics) were pivotal to this change.


Subject(s)
Hospital Units/trends , Plastic Surgery Procedures/trends , Surgery, Plastic/trends , Workload , Elective Surgical Procedures/trends , Health Services Needs and Demand/trends , Humans , Medical Staff, Hospital/trends , Patient Care Team/trends , Referral and Consultation/trends , Retrospective Studies , Time Factors , Traumatology/trends , Workforce
15.
J Hand Surg Eur Vol ; 37(4): 350-3, 2012 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21987279

ABSTRACT

We compared the aesthetic outcome of scars after closure of open carpal tunnel incisions with either absorbable 4-0 Vicryl Rapide or non-absorbable 4-0 Novafil. Patients were recruited in a randomized controlled trial and scars were scored at 6 weeks using a modified Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale. Scores demonstrated differences only for pain, vascularity and cross-hatching between both groups, though none of these were statistically significant. The dissolving and falling out of Vicryl Rapide was significantly more comfortable than removal of 4-0 Novafil sutures, assessed on a numerical analogue scale. There was no difference in infection rate between both study groups, supporting overall the use of Vicryl Rapide for the closure of palmar hand incisions, in light of the convenience and cost savings associated with absorbable sutures.


Subject(s)
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome/surgery , Dermatologic Surgical Procedures , Polyesters , Polyglactin 910 , Sutures , Absorbable Implants , Cicatrix/etiology , Cicatrix/pathology , Hand/surgery , Humans , Pain Measurement
16.
J Hand Surg Eur Vol ; 37(5): 422-6, 2012 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22147643

ABSTRACT

Post-operative immobilisation following isolated digital nerve repair remains a controversial issue amongst the microsurgical community. Protocols differ from unit to unit and even, as evidenced in our unit, may differ from consultant to consultant. We undertook a retrospective review of 46 patients who underwent isolated digital nerve repair over a 6-month period. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 18 months. Twenty-four were managed with protected active mobilisation over a 4-week period while 22 were immobilised over the same period. Outcomes such as return to work, cold intolerance, two-point discrimination and temperature differentiation were used as indicators of clinical recovery. Our results showed that there was no significant difference noted in either clinical assessment of recovery or return to work following either post-operative protocol, suggesting that either regime may be adopted, tailored to the patient's needs and resources of the unit.


Subject(s)
Fingers/innervation , Immobilization , Peripheral Nerve Injuries/rehabilitation , Adult , Female , Fingers/physiopathology , Hand Strength , Humans , Male , Nerve Regeneration , Range of Motion, Articular , Retrospective Studies , Splints
17.
Ir Med J ; 104(8): 248-50, 2011 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22125881

ABSTRACT

The extensor apparatus of the finger is a complex structure and injury can lead to significant digital dysfunction. Closed central slip injuries may be missed or diagnosis delayed because of lack of an open wound and often no radiographic abnormality, and can result in boutonniere deformities if untreated. This study aimed to quantify the number of patients attending with closed central slip injuries and to ascertain if the initial diagnosis was correct. The number of patients presenting to us over a 6 month period was recorded. The original diagnosis, time to diagnosis of central slip injury and the presence/absence of a boutonniere deformity were recorded. Ten patients were included in the study. Seven (70%) injuries were due to sport. Eight (80%) had a delayed diagnosis of central slip injury. Six (60%) had previously presented to general practitioners or emergency departments. Seven (70%) had boutonniere deformities. Closed central slip injuries can be missed. Simple clinical tests can diagnose central slip disruption.


Subject(s)
Finger Injuries/diagnosis , Adolescent , Adult , Athletic Injuries/complications , Athletic Injuries/diagnosis , Diagnosis, Differential , Female , Finger Injuries/complications , Humans , Male
18.
Ir Med J ; 104(2): 51-2, 2011 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21465877

ABSTRACT

Glomus tumours are benign, soft tissue tumours, usually of fingertips. Classically they present with severe pain, temperature sensitivity and localised tenderness. The diagnosis is often delayed due to sometimes non-specific symptoms and rarity of the disorder. While usually a clinical diagnosis, imaging may be necessary for diagnosis and localisation. We present a case of glomus tumour of the fingertip with an unusual history.


Subject(s)
Fingers , Glomus Tumor/diagnosis , Soft Tissue Neoplasms/diagnosis , Glomus Tumor/surgery , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Male , Middle Aged , Soft Tissue Neoplasms/surgery
19.
Ir J Med Sci ; 180(3): 735-6, 2011 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21431394

ABSTRACT

Employment in construction in Ireland fell by 10% from nearly 282,000 in the second quarter of 2007 to 255,000 in the same period of 2008. Our study looks at the differences in soft tissue upper limb trauma dynamics of a pre- and post-recession Ireland. Construction accounted for 330 patients (27%) of all hand injuries in 2006, but only 18 (3%) in 2009. Our data shows a significant drop in hand injuries related to the construction industry, and more home/DIY cases and deliberate self-harm presenting in their stead.


Subject(s)
Accidents, Occupational/statistics & numerical data , Construction Industry/statistics & numerical data , Economic Recession , Employment/statistics & numerical data , Hand Injuries/epidemiology , Soft Tissue Injuries/epidemiology , Upper Extremity/injuries , Accidents, Occupational/economics , Construction Industry/economics , Humans , Ireland/epidemiology
20.
J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg ; 64(5): 638-42, 2011 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20850401

ABSTRACT

Lawnmower related injuries cause significant morbidity in children and young teenagers. The 'ride-on' mowers which are more powerful than the 'walk behind' mowers are becoming increasingly popular. The incidence and severity of injuries from either type of lawnmower appears to be steadily rising as is the burden placed on local plastic surgical and emergency services in managing the care of these patients. The aims of the study were to demonstrate changing trends in lawnmower-related injuries to children presenting to a single unit over a ten-year period and to identify any association between injury severity and machine subtype ('ride-on' versus 'walk-behind'). Hospital databases, theatre records and medical case notes were reviewed retrospectively of all patients under the age of 16 treated for lawnmower related injuries over a 10 year period from July 1998 to June 2008. Data gathered included patient demographics, injury site and severity, management (type and number of surgical procedures), length of hospital stay and outcome. Injury severity score was also calculated for each case. Controlling for estimated regional population changes, there was a significant increase in the number of ride-on mower related accidents in the time period 2003-2008, compared to the time period 1998-2003. Ride-on injuries had significantly higher injury severity scores, longer hospital stays and were more likely to involve amputations as compared with walk-behind injuries. Children can sustain significant injuries with unsafe lawnmower use. The current study demonstrates the increasing incidence of ride-on mower related injuries in children and identifies a greater morbidity associated with such injuries. Such presentations place intense demands on local plastic surgical services.


Subject(s)
Accidents, Home , Amputation, Traumatic/surgery , Household Articles , Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods , Wounds and Injuries/surgery , Adolescent , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Male , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , Trauma Severity Indices , Wounds and Injuries/diagnosis
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