Risk factors for chronic thoracic pain after cardiac surgery via sternotomy.

Objective: This study examines the influence of patient demographics and peri- and postoperative (<7 days) characteristics on the incidence of chronic thoracic pain 1 year after cardiac surgery. The impact of chronic thoracic pain on daily life is also documented.

Methods: A prospective cohort study of 146 patients admitted to the intensive care unit after cardiac surgery via sternotomy was carried out.

Functional results after through-knee and above-knee amputations: does more length mean better outcome?

The objective was to evaluate our results on functional outcome for both through-knee amputations and above-knee amputations. Functional outcome was measured using the Special Interest Group in Amputee Medicine score, which focuses on walking distance and use of prosthesis. From 1997 to 2006, 39 through-knee amputations (53%) and 34 above-knee amputations (47%) were performed.