-
A Comparative Analysis of the Efficacy of Short-Segment Pedicle Screw Fixation with that of Long-Segment Pedicle Screw Fixation for Unstable Thoracolumbar Spinal Burst Fractures
Jin-Woo Hur,
Jong-Joo Rhee,
Jong-Won Lee,
Hyun-Koo Lee
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 1, January 2015
Pages:
1-5
Received:
22 December 2014
Accepted:
6 January 2015
Published:
14 January 2015
Abstract: The indications for operative treatment and type of stabilization procedures for the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fracture remain controversial. As surgical reconstruction for the thoracolumbar burst fracture, both long-segment pedicle screw fixation and short-segment pedicle screw fixation including fractured vertebral body have been used widely. The present study evaluated the efficacy of short-segment fixation compared with that of long-segment fixation in terms of the radiological and clinical outcomes in unstable thoracolumbar burst fractures. From January 2007 to December 2012, 76 patients with thoracolumbar burst fracture underwent posterior pedicle screw fixation consecutively in our hospital. These patients were divided into two groups: the short-segment group, which included patients who underwent short-segment pedicle screw fixation including the fractured vertebral body, and the long-segment group, which included patients who underwent long-segment pedicle screw fixation (2 levels above and 1 level below the fractured vertebral body). There were 44 and 32 patients in the long-segment and short-segment group, respectively. Radiological assessment of the kyphotic angle was performed using the Cobb method immediately after the operation and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. The clinical outcomes were evaluated using the modified Mcnab criteria at the last follow-up. The sex ratio, mean age of patients, and composition of the fractured vertebral body were similar in both groups. In the long-segment and short-segment group, 37 (84.1%) and 26 (81.3%) cases showed excellent or good outcomes, respectively. The mean kyphotic angle at the immediate postoperative period was 7.3° ± 5.8° and 0.6° ± 11.9° in the long-segment and short-segment group, respectively. The average loss of kyphosis correction was 5.4° ± 4.4°, 8.6° ± 6.2°, and 10.5° ± 4.8° in the long-segment group and 4.1° ± 3.6°, 6.2° ± 5.2°, and 7.5° ± 4.4° in the short-segment group at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the average loss of kyphosis correction between the two groups (p > 0.05). In conclusion, short-segment pedicle screw fixation including the fractured vertebral body might be as effective as long-segment pedicle screw fixation for the treatment of unstable thoracolumbar spinal burst fracture.
Abstract: The indications for operative treatment and type of stabilization procedures for the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fracture remain controversial. As surgical reconstruction for the thoracolumbar burst fracture, both long-segment pedicle screw fixation and short-segment pedicle screw fixation including fractured vertebral body have been used wide...
Show More
-
Adverse Effects of Whole Blood Donation among Voluntary Blood Donors in Jos, Nigeria
Damulak Obadiah Dapus,
Egesie Ochaka Julie,
Chetle Ladi,
Thomas Margaret
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 1, January 2015
Pages:
6-10
Received:
19 December 2014
Accepted:
4 January 2015
Published:
28 January 2015
Abstract: Introduction: Despite collection of blood from apparently healthy individuals for allogeneic transfusion, blood givers are often faced with untoward reactions during or after blood donation. Aim: This study was to determine the rate of adverse reactions among voluntary blood donors at the National Blood Transfusion Service in Jos. Methods: All blood donors recruited by the centre between October 2012 and September 2014 were counseled and consent to participate in the research was obtained prior to donation. The age, sex, weight and blood pressure and the venue of donation were documented. The type of donation reaction during and or after donation were timed and documented. The haemoglobin level and haemoglobin phenotypes were determined. Results: Eleven thousand six hundred and fifty-five (63%) male and 37% females were studied. The overall rate of adverse effects was 2.05% with significantly higher rate of occurrence among donors aged 18-25 years (p˂0.0001), female donors (p=0.0001), weight 40-49 Kg (p=0.001), blood group B (p=0.002) haemoglobin phenotype AA (P=0.001). The rate of adverse reactions was also higher among first-time donors (p=0.002), indoor donations (p=0.001). All adverse effects documented in our donors occurred during donation (4%) and within 21 (96%) after donation. Dizziness affected 90% while severe reaction (faint) occurred in 3% of adverse reactors. Ingested meal was the vomits of all donors who vomited. Conclusion: Though adverse effects to blood donation is low in our centre, there is need for preparedness, donor education, prediction and mitigation of occurrences.
Abstract: Introduction: Despite collection of blood from apparently healthy individuals for allogeneic transfusion, blood givers are often faced with untoward reactions during or after blood donation. Aim: This study was to determine the rate of adverse reactions among voluntary blood donors at the National Blood Transfusion Service in Jos. Methods: All bloo...
Show More
-
The Time Gap between Repeated Re-Happening Opportunistic Infections among People Living with HIV/AIDS Commencing Antiretroviral Treatment
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 1, January 2015
Pages:
11-16
Received:
4 January 2015
Accepted:
21 January 2015
Published:
2 February 2015
Abstract: Introduction: According to 2011 Ethiopian demographic health survey, the national and Amhara Regional state administration adult HIV prevalence was 1.5 % and 2.2% respectively. The major causes of morbidity and mortality of PLWHA (people living with HIV/AIDS) patients are OIs (opportunistic infections) that would occur in up to 40% of PLWHA. OIs are repeatedly happening in HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infected patients though there is no prior local evidence on time gap of repetition. Therefore the current study is aimed to determine time gap between repeated re-happening OIs and its associated factors among PLWHA who are initiated ART (Anti-Retroviral Treatment). Method: Institution based retrospective cohort study was conducted among 364 systematically selected PLWHA commencing ART. Time-gap was estimated using Kaplan-meier survival and actuarial life table. Hazard rate was calculated using Cox proportional-hazard model. Result: during follow up OIs were re-diagnosed in about three quarter (76.9%) of participants. In each week the probability of getting the re-happened OI was 1.1 per 100 persons. The median duration of staying free of OI re-happening was 66 weeks. In multivariate analysis using logistic regression, educational status, marital status, Prophylaxisis exposure, ART and Prophylaxisis drug adherence, hemoglobin and CD4 level were significantly associated with time gap of relapse. Thus organizations working on HIV/AIDS should further work to enhance time gap of relapse.
Abstract: Introduction: According to 2011 Ethiopian demographic health survey, the national and Amhara Regional state administration adult HIV prevalence was 1.5 % and 2.2% respectively. The major causes of morbidity and mortality of PLWHA (people living with HIV/AIDS) patients are OIs (opportunistic infections) that would occur in up to 40% of PLWHA. OIs ar...
Show More
-
Our Experience on Oncoplastic Breast Surgery: Clinical Report and Mini Review
Artan Bodeci,
Euglent Hoxha,
Agim Karaj,
Myzafer Kaci,
Rudin Domi
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 1, January 2015
Pages:
17-20
Received:
13 January 2015
Accepted:
22 January 2015
Published:
2 February 2015
Abstract: Breast cancer presents a common form of cancer in women, associated with increased mortality, costs, and psychosocial problems. Breast conserving surgery became a serious alternative of radical mastectomy in early stages of breast cancer. This technique tends to have the same oncological results as radical mastectomy but with better cosmetic results. Several factors may have an impact of what surgical technique is preferred by the patients. Breast cancer staging, education level, rural or urban residence, and the relationship between the surgical team and the patient, are the most important factors that cam modify the surgical technique. Albanian population has some specific regarding residence, education level, and a great difident sense regarding physicians. Our trail through this retrospective descriptive study tends to present and explain the results in our population.
Abstract: Breast cancer presents a common form of cancer in women, associated with increased mortality, costs, and psychosocial problems. Breast conserving surgery became a serious alternative of radical mastectomy in early stages of breast cancer. This technique tends to have the same oncological results as radical mastectomy but with better cosmetic result...
Show More
-
Spontaneous Coronary Dissection as an Expression of Coronary Artery Disease: Correlation with Vasospasm
Fumimaro Takatsu,
Kenji Takemoto
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 1, January 2015
Pages:
21-26
Received:
25 December 2014
Accepted:
26 January 2015
Published:
10 February 2015
Abstract: Background: Artificial coronary artery dissection is observed occasionally during percutaneous coronary intervention. However, “spontaneous” coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is not common and we tried to clarify its characteristics. Methods and Results: We reviewed the serial diagnostic coronary angiograms of 21,500 patients retrospectively. Sixty-two patients showed linear, longitudinal defects that were considered to be the angiographic expression of SCAD, in at least one major coronary artery. Vasospasm was shown in 38 patients. Among the remaining 24 subjects, 18 patients had chest pain even after all coronary narrowings of ≧50 %were treated with coronary intervention or bypass surgery. Chest pain was relieved promptly with sublingual administration of nitrate. Thus, 56 patients (90.3%) with SCAD were demonstrated or considered to have vasospasm. Fifty-two patients of these 56 individuals showed significant (≧50%) narrowing in at least one of the major coronary arteries. In the remaining 4 subjects, 3 patients subsequently developed significant coronary artery disease. Comparison of coronary risk factors was done in the 38 patients shown to have vasospasm and 144 patients with ordinary coronary artery disease. Smoking was more common in the group with vasospasm but there was no difference with regard to the other risk factors. Conclusion: SCAD seems to be an expression of coronary artery disease. However, vasospasm is a common factor in these patients.
Abstract: Background: Artificial coronary artery dissection is observed occasionally during percutaneous coronary intervention. However, “spontaneous” coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is not common and we tried to clarify its characteristics. Methods and Results: We reviewed the serial diagnostic coronary angiograms of 21,500 patients retrospectively. Sixty...
Show More
