Normative Data of Pulmonary Function Tests and Radiographic Measures of Chest Development in Children Without Spinal Deformity: Is a T1-T12 Height of 22 cm Adequate?

Study Design: Retrospective case series.

Objectives: To develop normative data of pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and radiographic measures of chest development in normal children and to determine if the prior proposed T1-T12 height of 22 cm for spinal fusion in a growing child is adequate for pulmonary function based on normative PFT values at skeletal maturity.

Summary Of Background Data: Shortening of the spine from T1-T12 is a concern with early thoracic fusion for spinal deformity, as it has a deleterious effect on the development of the pulmonary system.

Role of race and sex in diagnosis and one-year follow up of deep venous thrombosis.

This study examines the role of sex and race in the diagnosis and outcome of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). A retrospective study was performed of 632 patients who underwent venous duplex ultrasound from August 1998 to July 1999. Comparisons were made by Chi-square analysis.

Unexpected economics of ulcer care protocols.

The cost of managing chronic ulcers, both venous leg and decubiti (sacral pressure), was reviewed using 36 randomized, controlled studies with a focus on saline, hydrocolloid, and a human skin construct. When one includes the labor intensiveness of dressing changes three to four times per day, the application of hydrocolloid dressings becomes the most cost-effective.