Course Review: AOTrauma-Hand Fixation for Surgeons.

Hand trauma forms an important part of plastic surgery and orthopedic training curricula. Although numerous practical hand trauma courses exist, there is always difficulty in achieving the right balance between educational content and practical workshops. AOTrauma-Hand Fixation for Surgeons is a 2.5-day course for plastic surgery and orthopedic trainees that aims to instill the principles of hand fracture fixation and soft tissue coverage through self-directed learning, lectures, small group discussion, and dry bone practical workshops. This course with international faculty and delegates is held in Leeds, United Kingdom, at a cost of 860 Swiss francs (880 US dollars). In this review, we provide an evaluation of the course.

Inverse association between serum albumin and future risk of venous thromboembolism: interrelationship with high sensitivity C-reactive protein.

PURPOSE: We aimed to assess the prospective association of serum albumin with venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk and evaluate if the association is independent of or modified by inflammation, as measured by high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). DESIGN: We analysed data of 2176 men aged 42-61 years free from VTE in the Kuopio Ischemic Heart Disease study, with serum albumin concentrations measured at baseline using Coulter's bromocresol purple colorimetric assays. Hazard ratios (HRs) (95% confidence intervals [CI]) were calculated for VTE. RESULTS: There were 109 validated cases of VTE recorded during a median follow-up of 24.9 years. The risk of VTE increased linearly below a serum albumin concentration of ∼48 g/l. In Cox regression analysis adjusted for established risk factors and other potential confounders, the HR (95% CI) for VTE per 1 standard deviation lower serum albumin was 1.23 (1.02-1.47). The association remained persistent on further adjustment for hsCRP 1.22 (1.01-1.46). Furthermore, the association was not modified by hsCRP and persisted on exclusion of men with elevated hsCRP levels. CONCLUSIONS: In middle-aged Caucasian men, low serum albumin is associated with an increased risk of VTE, consistent with a linear dose-response relationship. The association is independent of and not modified by inflammation. Key messages • Serum albumin may be associated with future risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE); however, the shape, nature, magnitude and consistency of the association is uncertain. • In a population-based prospective cohort study, low serum albumin was associated with an increased risk of VTE in a linear dose-response manner and this association was independent of and not modified by inflammation. • Serum albumin concentrations may play a role in the development of VTE.

Course Review: Plastic Surgery for Surgical Trainees.

Early in their careers, trainees contemplating a career in plastic surgery may have limited specialty experience. Courses can provide valuable insight into specialty training and help develop necessary basic skills. However, this is not without a significant financial burden.Plastic Surgery for Surgical Trainees is a 1-day course that only costs £50 GBP (US $65). Accredited by the Royal College of Surgeons, this course held in Bristol, United Kingdom, offers an inexpensive practical introduction toward plastic surgical techniques for trainees interested in plastic surgery and those in other surgical specialties. In this review, we provide an evaluation of the course.