Allergic Dermatitis Due to Topical Antibiotics

In this report we present a case of allergic dermatitis from chronic use of antibiotic ointment mistakenly diagnosed as a localized finger infection

Allergic Dermatitis due to Topical Antibiotics

In this report we present a case of allergic dermatitis from chronic use of antibiotic ointment mistakenly diagnosed as a localized finger infection. [West J Emerg Med. 2012;13(4):380–382.

Allergic Dermatitis due to Topical Antibiotics

In this report we present a case of allergic dermatitis from chronic use of antibiotic ointment mistakenly diagnosed as a localized finger infection. [West J Emerg Med. 2012;13(4):380–382.

Introducing and Prospective Efficacy Comparison of an Innovative and Affordable Technique for the Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures

Background: There are different treatments as well as controversies surrounding the adequate treatment for Distal Radius Fractures (DRF). In the absence of enough evidence[HYPHEN]base data regarding clinical effectiveness of available treatments, cost should be considered as an essential factor in selecting the surgical technique for DRF treatment. The goal of this study is introducing an improved and modified pin[HYPHEN]and [HYPHEN]plaster (MP&P) technique as an affordable alternative for treatment of DRF. This study also assesses and compares the outcomes of DRF treatment by using the introduced method versus external fixation (EF) technique. Methods: In this clinical cohort study, 98 patients presenting with closed DRF Types III or IV, randomly were classified into two modified P&P (50 patients) and EF (48 patients) groups and assessed for functional, clinical, radiographic and overall outcome at the time, 2, 10 and 22 months after surgery. They were also followed [HYPHEN]up for up to 3 years to determine the rate of complications. Results: Eighty one percent of EF and 86% of MP&P group were female. The average ages in the EF and MP&P groups were 44.9 +/- 12.4 and 46.1 +/- 5.4, respectively. Around 70% of the patients in each group had a Type III fracture, and 30% had Type IV. The rate of complications was higher among EF group patients (seven major and seven minor complications) compared to the MP&P (only 4 minor complications), however the difference between two groups regarding the complications and treatment outcome were insignificant, except in extension ROM and the quick[HYPHEN]dash score (only in two and four months follow up visits) and also returning to work (only in two month follow up visit). Conclusion: This study introduces a modified P&P technique that protects the transverse palmar curvature, prevents the collapse of the distal radius, and simplifies casting, thereby obviating a full arm cast and mitigating elbow stiffness in patient outcomes. This modified technique could be considered as a more cost[HYPHEN] conscious alternative to external fixation for patients with distal radius fractures

Introducing and Prospective Efficacy Comparison of an Innovative and Affordable Technique for the Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures

BackgroundThere are different treatments as well as controversies surrounding the adequate treatment for Distal Radius Fractures (DRF). In the absence of enough evidence[HYPHEN]base data regarding clinical effectiveness of available treatments, cost should be considered as an essential factor in selecting the surgical technique for DRF treatment. The goal of this study is introducing an improved and modified pin[HYPHEN]and[HYPHEN]plaster (MP&P) technique as an affordable alternative for treatment of DRF. This study also assesses and compares the outcomes of DRF treatment by using the introduced method versus external fixation (EF) technique.MethodsIn this clinical cohort study, 98 patients presenting with closed DRF Types III or IV, randomly were classified into two modified P&P (50 patients) and EF (48 patients) groups and assessed for functional, clinical, radiographic and overall outcome at the time, 2, 10 and 22 months after surgery. They were also followed[HYPHEN]up for up to 3 years to determine the rate of complications.ResultsEighty one percent of EF and 86% of MP&P group were female. The average ages in the EF and MP&P groups were 44.9 ± 12.4 and 46.1 ± 5.4, respectively. Around 70% of the patients in each group had a Type III fracture, and 30% had Type IV. The rate of complications was higher among EF group patients (seven major and seven minor complications) compared to the MP&P (only 4 minor complications), however the difference between two groups regarding the complications and treatment outcome were insignificant, except in extension ROM and the quick[HYPHEN]dash score (only in two and four months follow up visits) and also returning to work (only in two month follow up visit).ConclusionThis study introduces a modified P&P technique that protects the transverse palmar curvature, prevents the collapse of the distal radius, and simplifies casting, thereby obviating a full arm cast and mitigating elbow stiffness in patient outcomes. This modified technique could be considered as a more cost[HYPHEN]conscious alternative to external fixation for patients with distal radius fractures

Benchmarking Academic Plastic Surgery Services in the United States

Rising health care costs and increasingly demanding patients are only some of the challenges faced by academic plastic surgery services in their pursuit of excellence in education, research, and patient care. Benchmarking, when correctly applied, is a powerful tool that can help services learn from each other's experiences. This study aimed at creating the first benchmarking report summarizing performance indicators and management practices of some of the most complete academic plastic surgery units in the United States. Results provide an opportunity for plastic surgery leaders to benchmark against their own units, identify eventual gaps, and improve their performance as needed. (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 129: 1407, 2012.)Univ Calif Los Angeles, Anderson Sch Management, Los Angeles, CA USAUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Div Plast Surg, São Paulo, BrazilUniv Texas SW Med Ctr Dallas, Dept Plast Surg, Dallas, TX 75390 USAUniv Calif Los Angeles, David Geffen Sch Med, Dept Orthoped Surg, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USAUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Div Plast Surg, São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Range of motion measurements in hand surgery: should they be used for assessing outcomes?

PurposeThe purpose of the study was to assess how context influences range of motion measurements in hand surgery.MethodsOne hundred seventy-five consecutive patients presenting to a hand surgery clinic were evaluated over 7 sessions. Passive and active motion were measured with a goniometer and by visual estimation. The affected joint was measured by 3 different examiners-one hand surgeon and 2 research assistants (RAs). Measurements by the RAs were performed under the pretense of imaginary project titles and purposes.ResultsRange of motion measurements were easily influenced. As the invented project's purpose became more specific and dependent on physician intervention, the bias became more pronounced. Measurements performed under construed project titles that promoted surgical intervention garnered outcomes that supported surgery (P < 0.01). Conversely, when the manufactured study's intent was to find support in conservative treatment, this outcome could also be generated (P < 0.01).DiscussionRange of motion measurements can easily be influenced by the context of the study, even in seemingly blinded examiners. Reliable range of motion measurements can only be made when the examiner has no knowledge of the study's intent