Outcomes of primary total hip arthroplasty in patients with Ehlers Danlos Syndromes.

Background: The Ehlers Danlos Syndromes (EDS) are inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern and patients classically present with hypermobility, skin hyper-elasticity, blood vessel fragility and atrophic scarring. Due to hypermobility, disorders such as joint pain and early arthritis are common. The aim of this study was to assess clinical and radiological outcomes of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with EDS treated in a high volume orthopaedic centre.

The impact of adjuvant antibiotic hydrogel application on the primary stability of uncemented hip stems.

Objectives: To assess the effect of adjuvant antibiotic-loaded hydrogel application on the primary stability of implanted uncemented hip stems.

Design: Biomechanical study.

Setting: An electro-mechanic material test system (#5866, Instron, Norwood, MA, USA) equipped with a 10-kN load cell was used.

Prevalence of alcohol and other psychoactive substance abuse and association with depression among medical students in Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State.

Introduction: alcohol and other psychoactive substances have adverse health effects, particularly on young people. This study determined the prevalence of alcohol and other psychoactive substance abuse and its association with depression among Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, medical students.

Methods: a cross-sectional study involving 243 medical students who completed a patient-rated version of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI-PR).

Assessment of the effectiveness of weight-adjusted antibiotic administration, for reduced duration, in surgical prophylaxis of primary hip and knee arthroplasty.

Background: Prophylactic antibiotics have significantly led to a reduction in the risk of post-operative surgical site infections (SSI) in orthopaedic surgery. The aim of using antibiotics for this purpose is to achieve serum and tissue drug levels that exceed, for the duration of the operation, the minimum inhibitory concentration of the likely organisms that are encountered. Prophylactic antibiotics reduce the rate of SSIs in lower limb arthroplasty from between 4% and 8% to between 1% and 3%.

Clinical outcome of open ankle fractures in patients above 70 years of age.

Background: Open fractures of the ankle are complex injuries requiring multidisciplinary input and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. However, data on the clinical outcomes of open ankle fracture management in patients older than 70 is minimal.

Aim: To evaluate the clinical outcomes following open ankle fracture management in patients older than 70.

Is there a Difference in Interfragmentary Compression Strength Between Fully or Partially Threaded Screws? Results of an Experimental Biomechanical Pilot Study.

 This study assessed differences between fully- and partially-threaded screws in the initial interfragmentary compression strength. Our hypothesis was that there would be an increased loss in initial compression strength with the partially-threaded screw.  A 45-degree oblique fracture line was created in artificial bone samples.

An Assessment of Factors That Influence Outcome Following Fixation of Periprosthetic Distal Femur Fractures Associated with Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Background: Periprosthetic distal femur fractures following total knee arthroplasty (PDFFTKA) are increasingly common [1], mainly in elderly patients with significant co-morbidities [2]. Surgical management usually requires balancing prompt fixation for early mobilization with the need to consider the least physiologically demanding option [3].The aim of this study was to assess predictors of clinical and radiological outcome in patients with PDFFTKA treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF).

Analysis of the relationship between surgeon procedure volume and complications after total knee arthroplasty using a propensity-matched cohort study.

Objectives: This study aimed to identify a threshold in annual surgeon volume associated with increased risk of revision (for any cause) and deep infection requiring surgery following primary elective total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Design: A propensity score matched cohort study.

Setting: Ontario, Canada.

Fibula pro-tibia standard locking plate fixation in an ankle fracture saw bone model.

Background: Locking plate fixation in osteoporotic ankle fractures may fail due to cut-out or metalwork failure. Fibula pro-tibia fixation was a technique prior to the advent of locking plates that was used to enhance stability in ankle fractures by achieving tri or tetra-cortical fixation. With locking plates, the strength of this fixation construct can be further enhanced.

Cardiovascular event risk estimation among residents of a rural setting in Bayelsa state, Nigeria.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a leading cause of death worldwide. There is a rising prevalence of CVDs in Nigeria, including in rural communities. The present study assessed the total CVD risk among two rural communities in Bayelsa State, South-south Nigeria.

Symptoms and impacts in anemia of chronic kidney disease.

Background: Anemia is a frequent complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) that negatively affects patients' health-related quality of life.

Methods: We conducted qualitative concept elicitation (CE) and cognitive debriefing (CD) interviews to assess the frequency, duration, and severity of symptoms and impacts associated with anemia of CKD and to facilitate the development of a new patient-reported outcome (PRO) measure. We interviewed 36 patients with CKD and hemoglobin levels ≥8.

Elicitation of disease concepts in patients with diabetic foot ulcers: a qualitative study.

Objective: To identify in-depth information directly from patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) on DFU symptoms, impacts on functioning and effects on health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Method: Semi-structured, qualitative concept elicitation interviews were conducted with patients with DFUs (Wagner grade 1 or 2) until saturation was reached. Qualitative analysis (using MAXQDA, VERBI GmbH, Germany) of interview transcripts was conducted to identify concepts relevant to patients with DFUs, based on the frequency of mentions, and elucidate themes regarding impacts on HRQoL.

Distress in orthopedic trainees and attending surgeons: a Canadian national survey.

Background: Physician health is of increasing concern in health care systems. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of distress among orthopedic surgeons and trainees and to identify factors associated with distress.

Methods: Voluntary, anonymous online surveys were sent to attending orthopedic surgeons and orthopedic trainees across Canada.

The Use of Cryotherapy in the Early Postoperative Period after Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Background: Recent evidence suggests that cryotherapy may be beneficial in reducing postoperative pain and blood loss in joint arthroplasty. The objective of this study was to review the use of cryotherapy in the early postoperative phase after total hip arthroplasty to assess the benefits in terms of pain relief and reduction in postoperative blood loss.

Material And Methods: A prospective cohort study of the use of a cryotherapy device (Hilotherm) was performed in patients following total hip arthroplasty.

Do Trampoline Injuries Result in More Hospital Intervention Compared to Other Mechanisms of Injury?

Background: A significant proportion of emergency department (ED) presentations are related to trampoline injuries. The aims of this study were to assess whether presentations to the ED as a result of a trampoline injury have an increased incidence of requiring intervention as opposed to other mechanisms of injury in children under 9 years old.

Materials And Methods: Retrospective observational assessment of ED presentations of children under 9 years old recorded in the European Injuries Database (EU IDB) in 2014.

Trauma assessment and follow up with integration of modern communication devices (TRAFIC). A pilot study.

Objectives: This pilot study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of prospectively collecting electronic PROMs on patients being assessed as a result of musculoskeletal trauma, using a web-based application (APP), administered onto tablet and desktop computers (TCs or DCs) in the outpatient setting.

Methods: Following local research ethics approval, a web-based APP (TRAFIC) was developed. It consisted of a total of 12 questions (demographic information, employment, and rehabilitation status as well as quality of life (EQ5D)).

The well-being of long-term cancer survivors.

Objectives: To compare the well-being of long-term cancer survivors with that of US residents of similar age and demographic characteristics, patients recently diagnosed with cancer, and individuals with chronic illness.

Study Design: Retrospective observational study.

Methods: Using the Health and Retirement Study, a survey of US residents older than 50 years, we defined 4 cohorts: long-term cancer survivors (>4 years post diagnosis), individuals recently diagnosed with cancer (≤4 years post diagnosis), individuals with chronic illness, and US residents older than 50 years ("nationally representative cohort").

Patient Versus Physician Valuation of Durable Survival Gains: Implications for Value Framework Assessments.

Background: Previous research indicates that patients value therapies that provide durable or tail-of-the-curve survival gains, but it is unclear whether physicians share these preferences.

Objective: To compare patient and physician preferences for treatments with a positive probability of durable survival gains relative to those with fixed survival gains.

Methods: Patients with advanced stage melanoma or lung cancer and the oncologists who treated these patients were surveyed.

Does an early home-based progressive resistance training program improve function following total hip replacement? Results of a randomized controlled study.

Background: In-hospital progressive resistance training (PRT) has been shown to be an effective method of rehabilitation following hip surgery. The aim of this study was to assess whether a home-based PRT program would be beneficial in improving patients' muscle strength and physical function compared to standard rehabilitation.

Methods: Subjects (n = 49) either received home-based PRT rehabilitation (n = 25) or standard rehabilitation (n = 24) in a prospective single blinded randomized trial carried out over a two-year period.

The Effectiveness of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Molecular Monitoring Patterns in Newly Diagnosed Patients With Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in the Community Setting.

Background: Clinical outcomes of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) treated in clinical trials, including response to therapy, may not be representative of those treated in a community setting. Thus, we sought to determine the real-world effectiveness of first-line tyrosine kinase inhibitors in CML by evaluating response rates, all-cause discontinuation, and adherence. Response monitoring patterns were also analyzed.

Prescribers and pharmacists requests for prescription monitoring program (PMP) data: does PMP structure matter?

Prescription monitoring programs (PMPs) have been purported to be an effective tool to combat prescription drug abuse. However, utilization rates of PMP data by health care providers (e.g.