Split hand/foot malformation with longitudinal deficiency of tibia: novel rehabilitation approach of a rare syndrome

Background: Split hand/foot malformation with longitudinal deficiency of tibia (SHFLD1) is an extremely rare congenital anomaly, even rarer are the descriptions in the literature of suitable techniques of treatment. Most of the literature available are case reports, based on genetic studies. This study highlights on functional management rather than anatomic correction of deformity. A clinician may not come across a patient with such a rare congenital disorder during his entire career.Methods: On retrospective review of hospital record from July 2008 to July 2018, we observed 5 cases of tibial deficiency associated with split hand and or split foot anomalies and diagnosed as SHHLD syndrome. Clinical and radiological analysis was done to plan out surgical and rehabilitation protocol for individual cases.Results: As per Flatt’s grouping of split hand, 3 limbs (37.5%) were group-1 type, 3 limbs (37.5%) of group-2 type and group-3 type was seen in 2 limbs (25%) of a patient with bilateral involvement. With respect to Jone’s radiological classification system, 4 limbs (57%) were of type Ia, 2 limbs (29%) were having type IV deformity and 1 limb (14%) was with type II deformity. One case agreed for amputation was fitted with above knee prosthesis and another one with custom designed bend knee prosthesis. Eldest case was rehabilitated with tricycle and modified orthosis. Surgical correction was tried in one case.Conclusions: Functional rehabilitation instead of anatomic correction should be tried at late presentation. Cleft closure should be done before development of functional adaptability

Functional Performance and Community Reintegration of Chronic Post-Stroke Survivors in Eastern India

Introduction: Stroke is the primary cause of functional dependency in daily activities leading to disability of the individual. It becomes an economic burden for the person and society. Post-stroke management in rehabilitation gives more emphasis on improving functional performance. The improvement in functional activities of post-stroke survivors makes them independent in their daily activities at home but, still an impediment exists to participate in society and reintegrating into the community. The objective of the study is to find the association of community reintegration with the functional performance of one-year post-stroke survivors in eastern India and to compare their functional independence, community reintegration, and participation in instrumental daily living activities between stroke affection side and stroke subtype of the study group. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out on post-stroke survivors between 30 and 60 years of age without sex barrier. Ninety-four patients (mean age 54.38±12.06) were recruited for the study. The outcome was measured by the community integration questionnaire (CIQ), Lawton instrumental activities of daily living (LIADL), and functional independence measure (FIM). Results: Spearman rank order correlation was used and found a significant positive correlation persists between FIM to CIQ as the r=0.565 (P=0.01, 95% CI, -0.40%-0.70%) and LIADL to CIQ r=0.687 (P=0.01, 95% CI, -0.55%-0.79%) FIM to LIADL r=0.532 (P=0.01, 95% CI, -0.36%-0.67%). Mann-Whitney U test was done to compare FIM, LIADL, and CIQ between stroke affection side (right vs left) and stroke sub-type (ischemic vs haemorrhagic), and no significant difference was found. Conclusion: Functional independence, instrumental activities of daily living, and community reintegration are associated with each other. Hence, community reintegration should be incorporated into stroke rehabilitation to maintain a meaningful life as a part of society and family

"The fruits of independence": Satyajit Ray, Indian nationhood and the spectre of empire

Challenging the longstanding consensus that Satyajit Ray's work is largely free of ideological concerns and notable only for its humanistic richness, this article shows with reference to representations of British colonialism and Indian nationhood that Ray's films and stories are marked deeply and consistently by a distinctively Bengali variety of liberalism. Drawn from an ongoing biographical project, it commences with an overview of the nationalist milieu in which Ray grew up and emphasizes the preoccupation with colonialism and nationalism that marked his earliest unfilmed scripts. It then shows with case studies of Kanchanjangha (1962), Charulata (1964), First Class Kamra (First-Class Compartment, 1981), Pratidwandi (The Adversary, 1970), Shatranj ke Khilari (The Chess Players, 1977), Agantuk (The Stranger, 1991) and Robertsoner Ruby (Robertson's Ruby, 1992) how Ray's mature work continued to combine a strongly anti-colonial viewpoint with a shifting perspective on Indian nationhood and an unequivocal commitment to cultural cosmopolitanism. Analysing how Ray articulated his ideological positions through the quintessentially liberal device of complexly staged debates that were apparently free, but in fact closed by the scenarist/director on ideologically specific notes, this article concludes that Ray's reputation as an all-forgiving, ‘everybody-has-his-reasons’ humanist is based on simplistic or even tendentious readings of his work

Urology in ancient India

The practice of medical and surgical measures in the management of urological ailments prevailed in ancient India from the Vedic era around 3000 BC. Subsequently in the Samhita period, the two stalwarts - Charaka in medicine and Susruta in surgery elevated the art of medicine in India to unprecedented heights. Their elaboration of the etiopathological hypothesis and the medical and surgical treatments of various urological disorders of unparalleled ingenuity still remain valid to some extent in our contemporary understanding. The new generation of accomplished Indian urologists should humbly venerate the legacy of the illustrious pioneers in urology of our motherland