Trapeziectomy with Ligament Reconstruction and Tendon Interposition versus Trapeziometacarpal Joint Replacement for Thumb Carpometacarpal Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

 The trapeziometacarpal articulation in the thumb is a joint that is second-most commonly affected by osteoarthritis, and this can lead to considerable hand pain and disability. Currently, there is a multiplicity of surgical options available to address this problem, yet none has proven to be significantly superior to the others.  This study aims to compare the outcome of trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition versus trapeziometacarpal joint replacement for thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis.

Public Attitudes on the Ethics of Deceptively Planting False Memories to Motivate Healthy Behavior.

Researchers have proposed that planting false memories could have positive behavioral consequences. The idea of deceptively planting 'beneficial' false memories outside of the laboratory raises important ethical questions, but how might the general public appraise this moral dilemma? In two studies, participants from the USA and UK read about a fictional 'false-memory therapy' that led people to adopt healthy behaviors. Participants then reported their attitudes toward the acceptability of this therapy, via scale-rating (both studies) and open-text (study 2) responses.

Scapular dyskinesis: the surgeon's perspective.

The scapula fulfils many roles to facilitate optimal function of the shoulder. Normal function of the shoulder joint requires a scapula that can be properly aligned in multiple planes of motion of the upper extremity. Scapular dyskinesis, meaning abnormal motion of the scapula during shoulder movement, is a clinical finding commonly encountered by shoulder surgeons.

Attritional rupture of extensor pollicis longus: a rare complication following elastic stable intramedullary nailing of a paediatric radial fracture.

Elastic stable intramedullary nail fixation has become established as an acceptable method of treatment for diaphyseal fractures of both forearm bones in the paediatric population. It is considered safe, minimally invasive and does not compromise physeal growth. We report a case of delayed rupture of extensor pollicis longus due to attrition over the sharp edges of a protruding nail end after elastic stable intramedullary nailing of a paediatric radial diaphyseal fracture.

Epidemiology of spine trauma in an Irish regional trauma unit: a 4-year study.

Currently there is a lack of information on the full spectrum of spine trauma presenting to medical services in a defined geographic area. This study analyses the aetiology and demographics of a cohort of spine trauma in the West of Ireland. A regional trauma unit has been investigated for a 51-month period.

Compliance and satisfaction with foot compression devices: an orthopaedic perspective.

Introduction: Although mechanical methods of thromboembolic prophylaxis have proven efficacy, relatively little is known about levels of patient compliance in the usage of these devices. Based on anecdotal evidence, we hypothesised that levels of compliance are sometimes insufficient to provide adequate thromboprophylaxis in the clinical setting. We prospectively analysed the use of foot pumps in 30 orthopaedic patients undergoing lower limb arthroplasty in order to assess levels of both patient compliance and satisfaction.

Posterior cervical screw placement without image guidance: a safe and reliable practice.

The use of lateral mass screws for posterior cervical fixation has become widespread. It allows for stable fixation in the absence of the posterior elements and confers immediate stability. Lateral mass fixation has been shown to impart equal or greater biomechanical stability when compared to posterior interosseous wiring or anterior plating.

The association between aspirin and blood loss in hip fracture patients.

This is a cohort study involving 98 patients who presented to a regional orthopaedic unit with a hip fracture. Blood loss was assessed by pre and post operative haemoglobin concentrations, and transfusion requirements were used as outcome measures. The influence of pre-operative aspirin use and fracture type was analysed with respect to these outcome measures.