Understanding protocol performance: impact of test performance.

Background: This is the second of two articles that examine the factors that determine protocol performance. The objective of these articles is to provide a general understanding of protocol performance that can be used to estimate performance, establish limits on performance, decide if a protocol is justified, and ultimately select a protocol. The first article was concerned with protocol criterion and test correlation.

Understanding protocol performance: impact of criterion and test correlation.

Background: A test protocol is created when individual tests are combined. Protocol performance can be calculated prior to clinical use; however, the necessary information is seldom available. Thus, protocols are frequently used with limited information as to performance.

Partial allograft replacement of the radial head in the management of complex fracture-dislocations of the elbow.

Background: There have been reports of total radial head allografts showing variable outcomes. This case series reports the novel use of an allograft for partial radial head replacement in the treatment of elbow fracture-dislocation.

Methods: Eight patients underwent partial radial head allograft reconstruction to restore stability for complex fracture-dislocations involving fractures of the coronoid and radial head, with collateral ligament disruption.

Evaluating a model to predict protocol performance.

Background: A test protocol is created when individual tests are combined. Even with a few tests, many different protocols are possible. Often, the clinician must select a protocol without information as to the performance of the possible protocols.

Complications of distal radius fractures.

Fractures occur at the distal end of the radius more frequently than at any other location. The reported complication rates of distal radius fractures in the literature vary from 6% to 80%. Complications may occur from the fracture or its treatment.

Complications of distal radius fractures.

Fractures occur at the distal end of the radius more frequently than at any other location. The reported complication rates of distal radius fractures in the literature vary from 6% to 80%. Complications may occur from the fracture or its treatment.

Masking redux. II: A recommended masking protocol.

This is the second in a series of two papers on masking. The objective of these papers is to develop a masking protocol that provides valid measures of threshold and is, in general, faster than the plateau method. In the first paper, a masking method was presented that can replace the traditional plateau method in most masking situations.

Masking redux. I: An optimized masking method.

This is the first in a series of two papers on masking. The objective of these papers is to develop a masking protocol that provides valid measures of threshold and is, in general, faster than the plateau method. In this paper, a masking method is developed that can replace the traditional plateau method in most masking situations.

Double checking the cross-check principle.

The cross-check principle was proposed by Jerger and Hayes over 20 years ago. Actually, the cross-check principle consists of a concept and a specific test protocol. The concept, that one test result confirms another test result, is still in use.

The Hearing Aid Expert: Audiologist, Dealer, or Otolaryngologist?

Based on available data, audiologists have, by far, the best overall dispensing credentials and, in fact, the best credentials in each area evaluated. Unfortunately, the available data are somewhat limited. Although the data indicate that audiologists are the superior dispenser, that is, the hearing aid expert, the data are not sufficient to conclusively prove that point.