Magnetic resonance imaging in the a literature review.

To determine the indications for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the evaluation of individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). a critical review of the literature was undertaken. Among the studies reviewed, a lack of uniformity in MRI equipment and techniques, conflicting sensitivity and specificity of imaging criteria for median nerve compression, and a paucity of normative data were noted. Based on this review, we conclude that MRI is not a useful tool for large-scale population screening, and is unhelpful as a routine preoperative study MRI is useful for confirmed CTS with persistent postoperative findings and in cases m which anatomic anomalies are suspected preoperative!)'. The use of MRI for guiding treatment deosions in individuals with clinical signs and symptoms of CTS but with normal electrodiagnostic studies remains undetermined.

Ethnocentric perception of childrearing practices in protective services.

The protective services system in the United States may be committing a form of institutional abuse of minority families if the professionals who work in that system are not sufficiently well versed in the unique childrearing practices of each culture in the communities the system represents. It is easy for misunderstandings to occur from an ethnocentric perspective, and these misunderstandings are unlikely to be in the minority group's favor. Although there is wide agreement that this represents a problem, there is not enough information readily available to allow protective service professionals to adopt a cross-cultural perspective in conducting their work. To discover some of the possible misunderstandings by the dominant American culture of subculture childrearing practices, this study was conducted through in-person interviews with members of six minority groups, Mexican-, Japanese-, Vietnamese-, Filipino- and Samoan-Americans and Blackfeet Indians, in three communities in conjunction with an evaluation of child abuse prevention demonstration projects. The themes of delegating responsibility to children and issues of dominance and submission emerged as areas for awareness and sensitivity on the part of child protective services.