The Economic Burden of PTSD in Northern Ireland.

The objective of this study was to estimate the economic costs of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among the Northern Ireland (NI) adult population. The authors present a prevalence-based, bottom-up study based primarily on data from 1,986 participants in the Northern Ireland Study of Health and Stress (NISHS). Both direct costs of treatment and indirect costs of productivity losses were included.

Counting difficulties: retained instruments, sponges, and needles.

Patients in whom a sponge or instruments is left after surgery may suffer complications including pain, infection, abscess, or intestinal obstruction. Consequences or retained items for surgical team members may include malpractice lawsuits and adverse actions from the National Practitioner Data Bank and state licensing board. Adherence to AORN recommended practices for counting and facility counting policies can protect both patients and practitioners.

Anterior lumbar interbody fusion--advances in spinal fusion technology.

AS MUCH AS 80% OF THE US POPULATION will be affected by back pain at some time during their lives. Some of the most common disorders are herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, degenerative spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, and revision of previously failed low back surgery. IF CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT for back pain fails, spinal fusion may be performed.