The AO/ASIF proximal femoral nail (PFN) is a new device designed for the treatment of the unstable trochanteric femoral fracture. This study reports the outcome in such fractures treated using the ...PFN at a District General Hospital.
All patients presenting to our department with unstable trochanteric femoral fractures were treated operatively using the PFN. A total of 76 patients were included in the study and were followed up to fracture union or fixation failure. A case documentation form and follow-up form were used to collect the data which included the Salvati and Wilson assessment of hip function.
The majority of the procedures were reported by the operating surgeon as “easy” or “usual”. Distal locking was difficult in three patients. In one patient, the fixation failed because the screws were wrongly positioned and was revised to a THR. Mortality rate, during the first 3 months, was 27%. Of the surviving patients, screws cut through the femoral head in four patients (8%), however, fractures united in all the patients. There was one incidence of fracture around the tip of the nail. Seventy-eight percent of the patients at the final follow-up scored >20 points (out of 40 points), using the Salvati and Wilson hip function scoring system. According to the patients and/or their carers, outcome was described as good or very good in 94% of the patients and the level of function was similar to pre-injury level in 50% of the patients.
We conclude that the PFN is a useful device in the treatment of the unstable trochanteric femoral fracture. It is a relatively easy procedure and a biomechanically stable construct allowing early weight bearing. Femoral neck screws positioning is critical.
Missing radiographs are a common cause of frustration in many fracture clinics. This can lead to unjustified delays and unnecessary radiation exposure. Patients were entrusted with their own ...radiographs and asked to bring them back to subsequent clinic consultations. We audited a 14-day-period and compared it with a similar period before implementation of this new protocol. The results showed a significant reduction in the number of missing radiographs by entrusting them with patients.
Time projection chambers for the T2K near detectors Abgrall, N.; Andrieu, B.; Baron, P. ...
Nuclear instruments & methods in physics research. Section A, Accelerators, spectrometers, detectors and associated equipment,
05/2011, Letnik:
637, Številka:
1
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
The T2K experiment is designed to study neutrino oscillation properties by directing a high intensity neutrino beam produced at J-PARC in Tokai, Japan, towards the large Super-Kamiokande detector ...located 295
km away, in Kamioka, Japan. The experiment includes a sophisticated near detector complex, 280
m downstream of the neutrino production target in order to measure the properties of the neutrino beam and to better understand neutrino interactions at the energy scale below a few GeV. A key element of the near detectors is the ND280 tracker, consisting of two active scintillator–bar target systems surrounded by three large time projection chambers (TPCs) for charged particle tracking. The data collected with the tracker are used to study charged current neutrino interaction rates and kinematics prior to oscillation, in order to reduce uncertainties in the oscillation measurements by the far detector. The tracker is surrounded by the former UA1/NOMAD dipole magnet and the TPCs measure the charges, momenta, and particle types of charged particles passing through them. Novel features of the TPC design include its rectangular box layout constructed from composite panels, the use of bulk micromegas detectors for gas amplification, electronics readout based on a new ASIC, and a photoelectron calibration system. This paper describes the design and construction of the TPCs, the micromegas modules, the readout electronics, the gas handling system, and shows the performance of the TPCs as deduced from measurements with particle beams, cosmic rays, and the calibration system.
► First large scale time projection chambers with micropattern gas detectors. ► Incorporates new ASIC for electronic readout. ► Includes a pressure equalizing gas system and a photoelectron calibration system. ► Specifications achieved as deduced from neutrino, cosmic, and calibration tests. ► Will play an important role in T2K to measure neutrino oscillations.
A consecutive series of 100 patients with femoral neck fractures were assessed by a mental test score on admission. The 67 scoring within the normal range were randomly assigned to skin traction or ...no traction between admission and operation. Using pain assessment scales and records of analgesic consumption, there was found to be little difference between the two groups. The conclusion was that skin traction offered no benefits in pain control for the patient and therefore should not be used routinely.
A series of 29 Service personnel disabled by chronic lateral instability of the ankle, to the extent that they were unfit for full duties, were treated by the operation of extensor digitorum brevis ...(EDB) transfer. All but one were returned to full service.
Microscopic haematuria is a common finding in young men. Controversy exists as to its significance and how it is best investigated. A prospective study of 100 young men under the age of 40 with ...microscopic haematuria has been performed. A positive diagnosis was made in 32 patients. Cystourethroscopy was of diagnostic value in only 3 patients and of therapeutic value in a further 3. It was concluded that cystourethroscopy is of minimal diagnostic value in young men with microscopic haematuria. Its routine use is unnecessary and should be reserved for those patients in whom investigation suggests that a treatable cause may be found in the lower urinary tract.