Clinical and radiological evaluation of surgical treatment of medial epicondyle fractures of humerus in children. A two-centre study.

The present study analyses the outcome of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of humerus medial epicondyle fracture with the use of Kirschner (K) wires, and determine the effect of elbow dislocation. The study included 112 patients operated on in 2005-2016. Of these, 81presented with an isolated medial epicondyle fracture (mean age 11.6 years), and 31 with an elbow dislocation (mean age 11.9 years). Out of 112 patients tested, 98 achieved an excellent treatment result, ten good and a mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS); no significant differences were observed between dislocated and non-dislocated elbow groups. Those with an isolated medial epicondyle fracture demonstrated a mean flexion of 140.7° and extension deficit of 3.0°, while those with an elbow dislocation displayed a mean flexion of 134.5° and extension deficit 6.1°. The dislocation group demonstrated significantly greater extension and flexion deficits (p = 0.019, p < 0.001, respectively). One patient required revision surgery due to nonunion. Ulnar nerve function was normal in 110 patients: in the other two, it resolved spontaneously in one, and the nerve was transposed in the other. Medial elbow instability was found in seven patients: two with elbow dislocation and five without. ORIF with K wires is a safe procedure for treating medial epicondyle humeral fractures that yields good or very good results. Similar outcomes are observed between patients with and without dislocation according to MEPS; however, flexion and extension are more limited in the former group.

A Capacitive 3-Axis MEMS Accelerometer for Medipost: A Portable System Dedicated to Monitoring Imbalance Disorders.

The constant development and miniaturization of MEMS sensors invariably provides new possibilities for their use in health-related and medical applications. The application of MEMS devices in posturographic systems allows faster diagnosis and significantly facilitates the work of medical staff. MEMS accelerometers constitute a vital part of such systems, particularly those intended for monitoring patients with imbalance disorders. The correct design of such sensors is crucial for gathering data about patient movement and ensuring the good overall performance of the entire system. This paper presents the design and measurements of a three-axis accelerometer dedicated for use in a device which tracks patient movement. Its main focus is the characterization of the sensor, comparing different designs and evaluating the impact of the packaging and readout circuit integration on sensor operation. Extensive testing and measurements confirm that the designed accelerometer works correctly and allows identifying the best design in terms of sensitivity/stability. Moreover, the response of the proposed sensor as a function of the applied acceleration demonstrates very good linearity only if the readout circuit is integrated in the same package as the MEMS sensor.

Temporary Use of Skeletal Traction in Management of Pediatric Supracondylar Humeral Fractures.

BACKGROUND: The paper presents a treatment algorithm for supracondylar humeral fractures in children, involving temporary use of skeletal traction following failure of primary closed reduction and percutaneous fixation (CRPF) and introducing closed reduction after management by skeletal traction. The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes of supracondylar humerus fracture treatment performed according to the algorithm. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The treatment was performed in 149 children (70 girls, 79 boys) with extension-type supracondylar humeral fractures. The study group was assessed with regard to a modified Gartland classification, neurological complications (12 children, 8%) and vascular complications (8 children, 5.4%). A total of 124 (83.2%) patients underwent emergency CRPF and 24 children (16.1%) received skeletal traction after a failed CRPF. After 2-6 days, an elective repeat CRPF procedure was attempted, which was successful in 17 children. The attempt failed in the other 7 children, who received traction and underwent open reduction under a single anesthesia. One child (0.7%) with a white and pulseless hand was treated by emergency open reduction and percutaneous fixation. RESULTS: The study used the Flynn criteria modified by the author. After 6 months, the results in the group treated with CRPF (both primary and following skeletal traction) were good in 90.8% of patients, satisfactory in 8.5%, and poor in 0.7%, whereas in the open reduction and percutaneous fixation group, the results were good in 87.5% of cases and satisfactory in 12.5%. CONCLUSIONS: 1. X-ray-guided closed reduction and percutaneous K wire fixation is a method of choice in the treatment of displaced supracondylar humeral fractures in children. If closed reduction fails, the surgeon is faced with a choice between primary open reduction and the use of direct traction through the olecranon. 2. The use of skeletal traction following failure of primary emergency CRPF results in local improvement in the fracture region and allows for scheduling an elective repeat delayed closed reduction and percutaneous K wire fixation procedure. 3. The algorithm used in clinical practice, based on literature reports and the author's experience, helps achieve good treatment outcomes.

Right ventricular lead induced ventricular arrhythmia-A rare complication of cardiac resynchronization therapy.

BACKGROUND: A 53-year-old male with heart failure secondary to anterior wall myocardial infarction treated with cardiac resynchronization-defibrillator (CRT-D) device presented with ventricular arrhythmia: repetitive incessant slow ventricular tachycardias (VT) below the CRT-D detection zone, accelerated ventricular rhythm, and numerous premature ventricular ectopic beats (ExV), resulting in loss of biventricular pacing. METHODS AND RESULTS: Nonsustained monomorphic VT (nsVT) and ExV were observed in an electrocardiogram under biventricular stimulation. During noninvasive CRT-D programming, ventricular bigeminy reproducibly recurred only at right ventricular (RV) pacing and its morphology was almost identical to the stimulated beats. The left ventricular (LV) pacing failed to induce ventricular ectopy or tachycardia. CONCLUSIONS: This unusual case shows a rare phenomenon of late proarrhythmic effect due to the RV lead pacing-a new finding reported only in a few publications. Here we present our approach to CRT programming that suppressed the clinical arrhythmia without the need of catheter ablation and achieving the high biventricular pacing capture rate along with optimal hemodynamic CRT-D performance.

Changes in Platelet Count and Size Indices in Adolescent Patients With Anorexia Nervosa.

The significance of platelet size indices has not been widely analyzed in anorexia nervosa (AN). It seems important to get more knowledge on the easily available indices of platelet function obtained by routine complete blood count analysis in patients with AN. We analyzed platelet count (PLT), platelet distribution width (PDW), and mean platelet volume using an automated blood cell counter in 25 females with AN and healthy age- and gender-matched nonatopic controls. Mean PLT was significantly lower in patients with AN than in the control group. Platelet distribution width values in patients with AN were significantly higher than those in the controls. Platelet distribution width values significantly correlated with the disease duration and rate of body weight loss in the anorectic patients. Anorexia nervosa in adolescents is associated with a decrease in PLT along with an increased PDW, which may be an indicator of dysregulated thrombopoiesis.

Outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention in patients after previous coronary artery bypass surgery.

BACKGROUND: Patients after previous coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) often require repeat percutaneous revascularisation due to poor patency rates of saphenous vein grafts (SVG) and higher risk of re-CABG. Few data are available to evaluate different percutaneous revascularisation strategies in patients after previous CABG. AIM: To evaluate outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients after previous CABG, including the effect of treatment on the quality of life and symptoms, and secondly to assess the relation between angiographic factors and treatment outcomes METHODS: This was a prospective observational study which included 78 patients after previous CABG. Following coronary angiography, the patients were assigned to one of three groups: group A (n = 20), PCI of a SVG (PCI SVG); group B (n = 29), PCI of a native coronary artery (PCI NA); group C (n = 29), control group that received medical treatment (MT) only. Duration of follow-up was 12 months. RESULTS: Compared to MT patients, patients treated with PCI had significantly higher Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) class (2.75 vs. 2.41, p = 0.03) and more frequently had coronary angiography performed due to unstable angina (57% vs. 31%, p = 0.04). Patients in the PCI SVG group had significantly older SVG conduits compared to the PCI NA group (13.4 years vs. 8.2 years, p = 0.005). At 12 months of follow-up, we found a significant improvement in the EQ-5D index of the quality of life, and a significant reduction in CCS class in the PCI SVG group (0.66 vs. 0.7, p = 0.0003, and 2.75 vs. 1.9, p < 0.001, respectively) and in the PCI NA group (0.65 vs. 0.72, p < 0.001, and 2.75 vs. 2.17, p < 0.001, respectively), but no improvement in the MT group. Treatment outcomes did not differ significantly between the three groups (combined endpoint rate 20% vs. 13% vs. 27.5%, p = 0.37). In multivariate analysis, SVG age > 11 years was identified as a significant predictor of poor outcomes in patients treated with PCI after previous CABG. CONCLUSIONS: PCI in patients after previous CABG does not improve prognosis but significantly improves the quality of life and reduces symptom severity.

Ultrasound evaluation of forearm arteries in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention via radial artery access: results of one-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: A proven advantage of radial over femoral arterial access has led to an increase in the number of interventions performed via radial artery access in patients with acute coronary syndromes. Both assessment of the pulse volume and the Allen's test are subjective and subject to investigator bias. An ultrasound examination of the forearm arteries provides important information about the anatomy of the forearm vessels, and indirectly also about the efficiency of collateral blood supply to the hand. It also enables determination of the relevant vessel diameter before the planned intervention, and may be used to assess local complications. AIM: To assess the morphology of forearm blood vessels and measure the diameter of both radial and ulnar arteries at the cannulation site using ultrasound imaging. We also aimed to identify potential vascular anomalies and local complications associated with radial artery puncture. METHODS: The study included 109 patients with cardiologic indications for coronary angiography or coronary angioplasty. An ultrasound evaluation of forearm arteries was performed prior to the intervention, and the vascular anatomy was later verified by angiography during the procedure. Ultrasound measurements of the vessel diameter were also performed and local complications of the cannulation were assessed. Measurements were performed immediately after the procedure and at 30 days and 12 months. RESULTS: Fifty-nine right and 50 left forearm arteries were evaluated. Women were 29% of the study population. The mean patient age was 59.2 ± 7.9 years. The mean diameter of the right radial artery was 2.17 ± 0.54 mm, and the mean diameter of the left radial artery was 2.25 ± 0.43 mm. The measurements revealed gender-related differences in forearm artery diameter (p = 0.003). Vascular anomalies of the radial artery were identified by ultrasound examination in 10% of subjects. A significant dilatation of the cannulated blood vessel was observed which lasted up to 12 months. An occlusion of the cannulated artery was demonstrated in 6.4% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound imaging is a reliable method to evaluate the diameter of forearm arteries and track their course in patients undergoing invasive cardiovascular procedures via radial artery access. The diameter of the radial artery by ultrasound evaluation is larger compared to that of the ulnar artery. The diameter of forearm arteries in women is smaller compared to men. A dilatation of the radial artery which may last up to 12 months develops following its percutaneous cannulation. Ultrasound imaging allows detection and monitoring of local complications such as radial artery occlusion. An unfavourable ratio of blood vessel diameter to the size of the used introducer sheath is a predictor of radial artery occlusion. Ultrasound imaging enables reliable evaluation of vascular anomalies involving the radial artery, especially within the distal forearm.

An Evaluation of Radiotherapy Effectiveness for Epicondylitis Humeri (EPH).

BACKGROUND: Humeral epicondylitis, a relatively common disease, is classified among inflammatory conditions of soft tissues and is frequently associated with elbow pain. The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of radiotherapy in patients with epicondylitis humeri. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was based on the observation of 50 cases. All patients were irradiated with 6-MV photons delivered in 1 Gy fraction doses, up to a total of 6 Gy, using two opposite coaxial fields. Follow-up examinations took place immediately after the treatment and at 1, 2-3, 4-6, 8-12, 19-24 and 26-30 months post-treatment. Pain relief, joint mobility, regional edema, joint temperature and the percentage of patients using analgesics were assessed. RESULTS: No adverse events were observed. The mean percentage of patients with pain relief was 22.8% directly after, compared to 70.2% at 8-12 months and 57.5% at 26-30 months post-treatment. A decrease in joint mobility was by 16% of the patients at one year after treatment and in 25% of the patients at 26-30 months after treatment. The percentages of patients with increased elbow temperature, elbow edema and analgesics uptake at the respective time points were 6% and 0%, 36% and 0%, and 0% and 37%. The percentage of patients reporting partial and complete pain relief was 41.7% and 45.8%, and 30% and 40%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Anti-inflammatory radiotherapy of patients with humeral epicondylitis is a safe and effective method of treatment.

Ascending aortic dilatation as a late complication after implantation of a mechanical aortic valve performed 37 years earlier.

Aortic stenosis (AS) is the third most common cardiovascular disease. Aortic valve replacement (AVR) is the only effective method of treatment in most AS patients. In some patients, AS leads to poststenotic dilatation of the ascending aorta - most commonly, this occurs in patients with concurrent aortic regurgitation or bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and in patients after aortic valve replacement. Cardiac surgeons face the dilemma whether to perform concurrent replacement of the dilated ascending aorta in patients qualified for AVR, as it is associated with an increased risk of perioperative complications and mortality. We report a case of a patient with an ascending aortic aneurysm, who had been implanted with an aortic mechanical valve (Lillehei-Kaster 16 ECC) 37 years earlier.

Liberation of drugs from multi-wall carbon nanotube carriers.

MWCNTs in the 'nanotube-drug' hybrids can play a role of carriers or additives (enhancers) in the more complex formulations. This work reviews qualitative and quantitative analyses of Drug Delivery Systems (DDSs) based on multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and their chemically modified analogues (mainly oxidised MWCNTs). A special emphasis was placed on the chemical interactions between drug molecules and the nanotube carrier critical both in the stage of preparation/synthesis of the hybrids and liberation of the drug.

Psychological and psychiatric factors related to health-related quality of life after total hip replacement - preliminary report.

UNLABELLED: Total hip replacement is one of the most successful orthopaedic interventions in improving considerably the patients' performance, nevertheless some patients demonstrate declined functional ability following an operation. Such condition is not a consequence of medical illness or the surgery itself but might rather be associated with mental status. The authors conduct an investigation concerning the relation between some psychological and psychiatric factors and their influence on health-related quality of life in patients after total hip replacement. METHODS: Into the study group we included 102 subjects undergoing total hip replacement (59 female, 43 male). In all subjects we measured depression (Beck Depression Inventory - BDI), anxiety (State and Trait Anxiety Inventory - STAI), sense of coherence (SOC-29), personality traits (Eysenck Personality Inventory - EPI) and health related quality of life (SF-36). RESULTS: The postoperative values of the PCS and the MCS for the whole group of patients correlated negatively with the SOC values (p=0.04 and p=0.03 respectively). Neuroticism (EPI) and anxiety as a trait (STAI) were also associated with postoperative performance, both in mental (p=0.03 and p=0.008 respectively) and physical (p=0.005 and p=0.04 respectively terms). CONCLUSION: Total hip replacement improves significantly the patient's health-related quality of life at 6months after surgery, what is influenced by sense of coherence, neuroticism and anxiety as a trait. Above mentioned factors should be taken into account when rehabilitation and social readaptation processes are planned.

Anxiety and depression and their influence on the quality of life after total hip replacement: preliminary report.

Objective. The study investigated health-related quality of life in relation to mental status (anxiety and depression) and demographic factors in patients before and after total hip replacement due to osteoarthrosis. Methods. The SF-36, HADS, socio-demographic data questionnaire was delivered to a group of 184 subjects (108 females, 76 males) at the mean age at the time of surgery of 59 years. Questionnaires were delivered to the subjects 2 weeks before the surgery and 6 months after the operation (by mail). Results. Patients after hip replacement showed significant improvement in health-related quality of life in most domains of SF-36 score and summary scale of PCS (Physical Component Summary Scale) and MCS (Mental Component Summary Scale). They also showed improvement in mental status. Elderly patients were more likely to show worse score in MCS and PCS before and after surgery. BMI (body mass index) was correlated only with preoperative PCS. Mental status was associated with postoperative PCS and MCS. Patients who were satisfied with the results of the surgery showed higher PCS and MCS score. Conclusion. Hip replacement surgery brings significant improvement to the quality of life. Age and mental status of those patients influence markedly their postoperative performance.

[The association of quality of life with mental status and sociodemographic data in patients after total hip replacement]. / Wplyw czynników psychicznych i socjodemograficznych na jakosc zycia chorych poddanych zabiegowi endoprotezoplastyki stawu biodrowego.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the mental status and sociodemographic data and their influence on the quality of life in patients after total hip replacement. METHODS: SF-36, Soc-29, HADS, MPI, sociodemographic questionnaire were given to a cohort of 48 subjects who participated in this study (28 female, 20 male), with age range of 54-70 (mean 56). Questionnaires were administered to subjects two weeks before surgery and three months after surgery. RESULTS: Patients after total hip replacement showed significant improvement in health-related quality of life in the summary scale of PCS and MCS and HADS-D and HADS-A. There were no significant differences in SOC and MPI. The postoperative values of the PCS and the MCS for the whole group of patients correlated positively with the SOC values. Neuroticism (MPI) was also associated with the postoperative functioning in the mental and physical dimensions. Older patients had more likely to have worse score in MCS and PCS before and after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Total hip replacement significantly improves patient health and well-being at three months after surgery. Sense of coherence, neurotism and old age influence quality of life.

[Treatment of displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children at the orthopaedic ward of the Children's Hospital in Kielce]. / Leczenie przemieszczonych zlaman nadklykciowych kosci ramiennej u dzieci w materiale Oddzialu Urazowo-Ortopedycznego Wojewódzkiego Specjalistycznego Szpitala Dzieciecego w Kielcach.

Ninety five children in age from 4 to 12 years (61 boys and 34 girls) with displaced supracondylar distal humerus fractures were treated at the orthopaedic ward of The Children's Hospital in Kielce between I 2000-XII 2001. The method of choice was closed reduction and percutaneous fixation with Kirschner wires (74 children). We also used closed reduction and application of an above elbow cast (12 children), skeletal traction with fixation after swelling resignation (5 children), and open reduction and internal fixation (4 children). In 90 cases we did not observe any neurovascular disorders, and early functional results were good or satisfactory. 2 cases were associated with transient, postreduction radial nerve palsy. In 2 children surgical intervention was necessary due to external compression of the brachial artery in one case, and contusion with brachial artery spasm in another. In one girl we observed development of Volkmann's contracture (treated surgically with good functional result). The authors conclude that the closed reduction and percutaneous K-wire fixation can be used as a treatment of choice for displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children.