Senior Associate, Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA.
Published: February 2014
AI Article Synopsis
Article Abstract
Purpose: The efficacy of treating mandibular fractures with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using small titanium plates and monocortical screws is well established. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the use of semirigid (small) titanium plates results in lower treatment charges.
Patients And Methods: Consecutive patients with mandibular fractures were randomly allocated to ORIF with small or large titanium plates. The primary predictor variable for this secondary subset analysis was plate size. The primary outcome variable was total treatment charges. Other outcomes included length of stay (LOS), operating room charges, hardware charges, LOS charge, and charges related to the treatment of complications.
Results: A total of 127 consecutive patients were enrolled in the study. Fifty-two patients completed the required 6-week follow-up and had data available for analysis. Adjusted total treatment charges suggested a significant difference, with a mean total treatment charge of $15,308 in the semirigid group and a mean total treatment charge of $16,557 in the rigid group (P = .04). Total treatment charges were 8% higher in the rigid group compared with the semirigid group.
Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that the overall charges associated with treating mandibular fractures with ORIF are significantly lower when semirigid plates are used.
Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) has been frequently used to examine age-related deterioration of white matter microstructure and its relationship to cognitive decline. However, typical tensor-based analytical approaches are often difficult to interpret due to the challenge of decomposing and (mis)interpreting the impact of crossing fibers within a voxel. We hypothesized that a novel analytical approach capable of resolving fiber-specific changes within each voxel (i.
Patients and providers vary in how they describe common otolaryngology-related complaints. These differences can lead to miscommunication and frustration that may affect patient outcomes and satisfaction. The aim of this cross-sectional survey-based study was to explore the differences in migraine symptom selection by otolaryngology patients and clinicians.
Background: is a transmitted respiratory pathogen that causes high morbidity and mortality in children, especially those under 5 years of age. During the implementation of population control measures for COVID-19 in mainland China, the detection rate in pediatric patients decreased. However, with the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (2022), the incidence of pneumococcal disease (PD) and even invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) began to rise again.
Background: Substance use among youths is a significant global and local issue. Youth who engage in substance use often experience various psychosocial, health, economic, and other problems. While governmental and non-governmental organizations in North Wollo and Waghimra Zones offer social services, their effectiveness in preventing and controlling substance use remains largely unstudied.
Background: Asthma is a global chronic respiratory disease with complex pathogenesis. While current therapies offer some relief, they often fall short in effectively managing symptoms and preventing exacerbations for numerous patients. Thus, understanding its mechanisms and discovering new drug targets remains a pressing need for better treatment.
