Publications by authors named "P J Newton"
Purpose: Non-fusion surgical options for pediatric scoliosis management such as vertebral body tethering (VBT) offer an alternative to spinal fusion. With this study, we aim to evaluate the postoperative outcomes in boys versus girls who have undergone VBT. Our hypothesis is that girls and boys will have similar outcomes by 2-year follow-up.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFUnlabelled: Problem-solving and higher-order learning are goals of higher education. It has been repeatedly suggested that multiple-choice questions (MCQs) can be used to test higher-order learning, although objective empirical evidence is lacking and MCQs are often criticised for assessing only lower-order, factual, or 'rote' learning. These challenges are compounded by a lack of agreement on what constitutes higher order learning: it is normally defined subjectively using heavily criticised frameworks such as such as Bloom's taxonomy.
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- The study aimed to analyze how changes in upper lumbar lordosis after spinal fusion affect the alignment of unfused lower lumbar segments in patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.
- A retrospective review was conducted on 158 patients who underwent posterior spinal fusion, focusing on various spinal measurements and using MATLAB for 3D calculations.
- Results indicated that increased upper lumbar lordosis influenced the lordotic shape of distal unfused segments, with varying impacts based on the specific levels of fusion, while overall sagittal alignment remained stable.
Article Synopsis
- The study examines the impact of implant density on outcomes in posterior spinal fusion surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), revealing limited differences between high-density and moderate-density screw constructs.
- A total of 1865 patients were analyzed, showing similar age, sex distribution, and radiographic results, with slight advantages for high-density constructs in curve correction.
- Overall, the findings suggest that moderate-density constructs can be effectively used in routine AIS surgeries, as both densities resulted in comparable patient-reported and radiographic outcomes after two years.
Article Synopsis
- Mental workload impacts surgical performance, and cognitive overload can complicate procedures like cataract surgery; understanding these effects may enhance patient safety and reduce surgeon stress.
- A study using the EyeSi simulator involved both consultant and trainee cataract surgeons completing simulated cases, with half facing cognitive distractions and half without, measuring their performance and physiological responses.
- Results showed that consultants performed worse than trainees, questioning the authenticity of simulation training and highlighting the importance of including simulators in ophthalmic education globally.*