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The amount of humeral head impaction of proximal humeral fractures fixed with the Humerusblock device
No full textThe Humerusblock is a minimally invasive device allowing fixation of proximal humeral fractures. A drawback of the device is possible K-wire perforation of the head with the need for early removal of the implant. We assessed the amount of humeral head impaction and its role in the postoperative varus/valgus deviation of the humeral head in fractures of the upper humerus treated with Humerusblock. Fractures were classified according to the Codman-Lego system. The length of the posteromedial metaphyseal extension and integrity of medial hinge were measured; metaphyseal comminution was assessed. Accuracy of fracture reduction was classified as excellent to poor. An original method of measurement of amount of postoperative impaction of the humeral head was developed. The impaction and varus/valgus inclination of the heads were measured comparing postoperative and three-month follow-up radiographs. Constant score and its relation to sintering was calculated at 12-month follow-up. Forty-three fractures were available for follow-up. The amount of humeral head impaction was 3.9 mm on average and was directly correlated with patient's age, sex, Codman-Lego classification, varus inclination and mataphyseal comminution. The postoperative cervico-diaphyseal angle was restored in 35 cases, with 81 % good results. The Humerusblock was removed in 41 % of cases because of K-wire perforation of the humeral head. A negative correlation was found between impaction and Constant score. The amount of humeral head impaction is related to patients' age, sex, and fracture patterns, being the most prone to compaction those with metaphyseal comminution. Humeral head impaction negatively affects final Constant score.The Humerusblock is a minimally invasive device allowing fixation of proximal humeral fractures. A drawback of the device is possible K-wire perforation of the head with the need for early removal of the implant. We assessed the amount of humeral head impaction and its role in the postoperative varus/valgus deviation of the humeral head in fractures of the upper humerus treated with Humerusblock.
METHODS:
Fractures were classified according to the Codman-Lego system. The length of the posteromedial metaphyseal extension and integrity of medial hinge were measured; metaphyseal comminution was assessed. Accuracy of fracture reduction was classified as excellent to poor. An original method of measurement of amount of postoperative impaction of the humeral head was developed. The impaction and varus/valgus inclination of the heads were measured comparing postoperative and three-month follow-up radiographs. Constant score and its relation to sintering was calculated at 12-month follow-up.
Subacromial space in adult patients with thoracic hyperkyphosis and in healthy volunteers.
Full text linkThe assumption that subacromial space decreases in patients with thoracic hyperkyphosis arises from sporadic and personal observations. The purpose of this study was to compare width of subacromial space calculated on radiographs and CT scans of a high number of patients with thoracic hyperkyphosis that registered on exams of healthy volunteers. We measured the subacromial space, using Petersson's method, on radiographs of 47 patients with idiopathic or acquired thoracic hyperkyphosis and of 175 healthy shoulder volunteers. Both groups were further distinguished considering gender and age. Females with hyperkyphosis were also divided in two subgroups: those with a kyphotic curve of less (24 patients) or more (19 patients) than 50 degrees , respectively. Subacromial space of all patients and of 21 volunteers was also evaluated using CT. Acromio-humeral space was less wide in patients with hyperkyphosis with respect to coeval volunteers of the same gender; in females and in subjects older than 60. Subacromial width of females with hyperkyphosis whose curve was more than 50 degrees was significantly narrower (p<0.05) than that measured on radiograms or CT scans of females with a less severe spinal deformity. Decrease of subacromial space may be attributed to less posterior tilting of the scapula and to dyskinesis of the scapular movement. Scapular malposition causes an anomalous orientation of the acromion that may contribute to subacromial impingement. Patients with thoracic hyperkyphosis greater than 50 degrees had a subacromial space narrower than that measured in patients with a less severe kyphosis. This suggests that subacromial width is directly related to severity of thoracic kyphosis. Because hyperkyphosis of patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures may worsen over the time, subacromial decompression could give only temporary shoulder pain relief
Assessment of patient's pain-related behavior at physical examination may allow diagnosis of recent osteoporotic vertebral fracture
No full textBackground context
Although innumerable studies have analyzed the multiple aspects of osteoporotic vertebral fractures, no study has focused on the clinical features related to spine pain in patients with recent osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (VCFs).
Purpose
To determine whether the assessment of pain-related behavior (P-RB) of patients with osteoporotic VCFs of recent onset may allow the fracture to be strongly suspected, or even diagnosed, at physical examination.
Study design
Pain-related behavior of elderly patients attending an outpatient spine clinic was evaluated on the basis of six consecutive movements made on the examining table.
Patient sample
Fifty-six patients complaining only of lumbar or thoracic pain. The fractured patients (FPs), representing the fracture group (FG), were the 19 who had a recent VCF, whereas the control group (CG) consisted of the remaining 37 patients.
Methods
Assessment of P-RB was based on six parameters: grimacing, sighing, clenching or blocking eyelids, gaping or strongly tightening the lips, need for help to take positions, and extreme difficulty to turn in the prone position. A score of 1 or a decimal was assigned to each parameter, the final score to each patient being 0 to 6. Three types of injury, acute (I), subacute (II), or chronic (III), were identified on the basis of the time elapsed from the probable occurrence of the fracture. The diagnosis of recent fracture was based on magnetic resonance images. Patients were videotaped during their movements. An examiner, unaware of the clinical history and diagnosis, gave a P-RB score to all patients and indicated whether they had to be placed in FG or CG, and also their presumable type of fracture. Subsequently, a DVD with the videotapes of all patients was given to three independent examiners, not specifically expert of spine conditions, who were asked to make the same evaluations as the first examiner.
Results
The mean scores for P-RB given by the first examiner were 4.6 to FG and 0.7 to CG (p<.01). He identified as FPs 89% of those who were in FG. The type of fracture was indicated correctly in 88% of patients identified as FPs. The mean scores for the three types of fracture ranged from 5.4 (Type I) to 3.3 (Type III) (p<.001). The mean scores for P-RB given by the independent examiners to FG and CG were similar to those of the first examiner. The rates of correctness in identifying the type of fracture in patients indicated as FPs varied from 87% to 80%. The mean scores assigned to the patients included in the three types of fracture ranged from 5.4 to 2.8.
Conclusions
Pain-related behavior evaluation of patients with osteoporotic VCF during their movements on the examining table may allow to suspect, or even diagnose, the presence of a fracture, particularly in the initial 4 to 6 weeks after the occurrence. Even orthopedic surgeons not particularly familiar with spine care may be able to suspect the injury during physical examination.Background context
Although innumerable studies have analyzed the multiple aspects of osteoporotic vertebral fractures, no study has focused on the clinical features related to spine pain in patients with recent osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (VCFs).
Purpose
To determine whether the assessment of pain-related behavior (P-RB) of patients with osteoporotic VCFs of recent onset may allow the fracture to be strongly suspected, or even diagnosed, at physical examination.
Study design
Pain-related behavior of elderly patients attending an outpatient spine clinic was evaluated on the basis of six consecutive movements made on the examining table.
Patient sample
Fifty-six patients complaining only of lumbar or thoracic pain. The fractured patients (FPs), representing the fracture group (FG), were the 19 who had a recent VCF, whereas the control group (CG) consisted of the remaining 37 patients.
Methods
Assessment of P-RB was based on six parameters: grimacing, sighing, clen
Aperius interspinous implant versus open surgical decompression in lumbar spinal stenosis
No full textBACKGROUND CONTEXT: Few studies have analyzed the results of an interspinous distraction device in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. It is still unknown whether the outcomes of an interspinous implant are related to the severity of stenosis. PURPOSE: To determine the success rate of the Aperius implant and open decompression with the aim of defining better the indications for the two modalities of treatment. STUDY DESIGN: Comparison of two cohorts of patients with moderate or severe stenosis treated with the Aperius or by open decompression. PATIENT SAMPLE: The sample comprises 36 patients who had the Aperius implant and 35 who underwent open decompression, both groups followed prospectively. In the two cohorts, central or lateral stenosis was present in similar proportions, and in both, the patients had pure intermittent claudication or symptoms at rest and on walking. In both groups, preoperative diagnosis was made by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients of both groups were evaluated with the Zurich Claudication Questionnaire (ZCQ) and Oswestry Disability Index. The results were rated as good or poor based on the ZCQ. METHODS: The patients of both cohorts were evaluated at 1 month and 3, 6, and 12 months after operation, the final follow-up being carried out at least 2 years after surgery. Severity of stenosis was determined based on preoperative MRI scans. In 17 patients of the Aperius group, MRI studies were repeated at the 6-month or final follow-up and compared with the preoperative studies. RESULTS: Of the patients in the Aperius group, six had removal of the implant and open surgical decompression at 2 to 17 months after operation; these patients were considered to have a poor result. At the final follow-up, the result was rated as good in 47% of all patients who had had the Aperius implant. The percentage of good outcomes was 60% in moderate stenosis and 31% in severe stenosis. When considering all not reoperated patients, 57% had good outcomes; however, if only the scores in the patient satisfaction domain of the ZCQ were considered, 67% of these patients were somewhat satisfied with the result of Aperius. No significant relationship was found between patients with pure intermittent claudication and those with leg symptoms also at rest. In 71% of cases in which preoperative and postoperative MRIs were compared, no significant change in size of the spinal canal was found after operation, whereas in the remaining patients a slight increase in size of the canal was detected. In the open decompression cohort, the results were good in 80% of cases and poor in 20%. The outcomes were satisfactory in 69% of moderate stenosis, with no significant difference with the similar subgroup of the Aperius series. In severe stenosis, the 89% rate of good results was significantly higher than in the severe Aperius subgroup (p<.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The Aperius interspinous implant is poorly indicated for severe lumbar stenosis, which is significantly improved only in a small minority of cases, whereas decompression procedures ensure high chances of good results. The implant may be indicated for selected patients with moderate stenosis. The outcomes of the Aperius are not influenced by the type of clinical presentation of lumbar stenosis. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved
Going Beyond Counting First Authors in Author Co-citation Analysis
Full text linkThe present study examines one of the fundamental aspects of author co-citation analysis (ACA) - the way co-citation
counts are defined. Co-citation counting provides the data on which all subsequent statistical analyses and mappings
are based, and we compare ACA results based on two different types of co-citation counting - the traditional type that
only counts the first one among a cited work's authors on the one hand and a non-traditional type that takes into
account the first 5 authors of a cited work on the other hand. Results indicate that the picture produced through this non-traditional author co-citation counting contains more coherent author groups and is therefore considerably clearer. However, this picture represents fewer specialties in the research field being studied than that produced through the traditional first-author co-citation counting when the same number of top-ranked authors is selected and analyzed. Reasons for these effects are discussed
Reverse Shoulder Prosthesis with Concentric vs Eccentric Glenosphere. A Multicentric Study
No full textPurpose: Reverse shoulder prosthesis may lead to scapular notching, caused by
attrition of the upper humeral component with scapular neck. We compared the
clinical and radiographic results obtained with a SMR prosthesis, which allows a
concentric or an eccentric glenosphere to be applied.
Patients and methods: 67 patients,mean age 73 years, were treated with
reverse prosthesis using concentric and eccentric glenosphere. In patients with
concentric glenosphere, the glenosphere extended about 4 mm below the glenoid.
The eccentric glenosphere protected the upper glenoid neck by its inferior
pro|ongment.Patients were followed for a mean of 33 months. At fina! F-L1 the
Constant Score ( C.5.) and the score with the Simple Shoulder test (5.5.11 ) were
calculated. Racliographs were obtained to evaluate the presence of scapular
notching, psna (prosthesis-scapular neck angle), pgrd (peg- glenoid rim distance)
and DBSNG (distance between scapular neck and glenosfere). Included in this
study were patients, as much homogeneous as possible by age and pathology, 25
with concentric (Group 1) and 20 with eccentric (Group II) glenosphere, who had
a minimum F-U of 24 months. Statistical analysis was performed with a paired t-
test.
Results: In Group 1 mean elevation improved from 7B° to 122° and mean
abduction from 71° to 98"; in Group II from 69° to 129° and 64° to 102°. External
and internal rotations were similar in both groups. 14 (56%) patients of Group I,
and none of Group II had scapular notching (p<0,001). C5 increased from 38%
to 69% in Group I and from 30% to 70% in Group II.
Conclusions: Low implantation of glenosphere did not eliminate scapular
notching. Instead, no notching was detected with eccentric glenosphere, which
also increased the ROM. The PSNA, DBSNG, PGRD are rellable measures to predict
scapular notching
Percutaneous pinning of three- or four-part fractures of the proximal humerus in elderly patients in poor general condition: MIROS® versus traditional pinning
No full textPurpose: Elderly subjects often have fractures of the proximal humerus, which may be difficult to manage in patients in poor general condition. The MIROS is a new percutaneous pinning device allowing correction of angular displacement and stable fixation of fracture fragments. We evaluated the results of percutaneous fixation of three- or four-part fractures of the proximal humerus of patients in the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status three or four treated either with MIROS or traditional percutaneous pinning (TPP). Methods: A total of 31 patients treated with MIROS and 27 undergoing TPP were enrolled in the study. Pre-operatively anteroposterior and transthoracic or axillary radiographs were obtained in all cases and computed tomography scans in patients with the most complex fractures. Follow-up evaluations were carried out at three, six, 12 and 16 weeks, and six months, one year and two years postoperatively, using the Constant Score (CS) and subjective shoulder value (SSV) methods. Results: Of the 58 patients, 52 could be evaluated at all follow-ups. In both three- or four-part fractures there were significantly higher CS and SSV scores in the MIROS compared to the TPP group at all the late follow-ups. Lower rates of deep infection, pin tract infection and pin mobilisation were found in the MIROS group (p<0.001). In both groups there was a significant association between the final result (CS) and either the type of fracture or complications (p<0.001). Conclusions: The MIROS resulted in better clinical results and less complications than TPP in elderly patients. This method, however, may not be indicated for younger patients in good general condition. © Springer-Verlag 2012
Variations on the Author
Full text link“Variations on the Author” discusses two of Eduardo Coutinho’s recent films (Um Dia na Vida, from 2010, and Últimas Conversas, posthumously released in 2015) and their contribution to the general question of documentary authorship. The director’s filmography is characterized by a consistent yet self-effacing form of authorial self-inscription: Coutinho often features as an interviewer that rather than express opinions propels discourses; an interviewer that is good at listening. This mode of self-inscription characterizes him as an author who is not expressive but who is nonetheless markedly present on the screen. In Um Dia na Vida, however, Coutinho is completely absent form the image, while Últimas Conversas, on the contrary, includes a confessional prologue that moves the director from the margins to the center of his films. This article examines the ways in which these works stand out in the filmography of a director who offers new insights into the notion of cinematic authorship
Appropriate Similarity Measures for Author Cocitation Analysis
Full text linkWe provide a number of new insights into the methodological discussion about author cocitation analysis. We first argue that the use of the Pearson correlation for measuring the similarity between authors’ cocitation profiles is not very satisfactory. We then discuss what kind of similarity measures may be used as an alternative to the Pearson correlation. We consider three similarity measures in particular. One is the well-known cosine. The other two similarity measures have not been used before in the bibliometric literature. Finally, we show by means of an example that our findings have a high practical relevance.information science;Pearson correlation;cosine;similarity measure;author cocitation analysis
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