47 research outputs found
The living dead? Perception of persons in the unresponsive wakefulness syndrome in Germany compared to the USA
Steppacher I, Kißler J. The living dead? Perception of persons in the unresponsive wakefulness syndrome in Germany compared to the USA. BMC Psychology. 2018;6(5): 5.Background
The extent to which people ascribe mind to others has been shown to predict the extent to which human rights are conferred. Therefore, in the context of disorders of consciousness (DOC), mind ascription can influence end of life decisions. A previous US-American study indicated that participants ascribed even less mind to patients with unresponsive-wakefulness-syndrome (UWS) than to the dead. Results were explained in terms of implicit dualism and religious beliefs, as highly religious people ascribed least mind to UWS. Here, we addresses mind ascription to UWS patients in Germany.
Methods
We investigate the perception of UWS patients in a large German sample (N = 910) and compare the results to the previous US data, addressing possible cultural differences. We further assess effects of medical expertise, age, gender, socio-economic status and subjective knowledge about UWS in the German sample.
Results
Unlike the US sample, German participants did not perceive UWS patients as “more dead than dead”, ascribing either equal (on 3 of 5 items) or more (on 2 items) mental abilities to UWS patients than to the dead. Likewise, an effect of implicit dualism was not replicated and German medically trained participants ascribed more capabilities to UWS patients than did a non-medical sample. Within the German sample, age, gender, religiosity and socio-economic status explained about 15% of the variability of mind ascription. Age and religiosity were individually significant predictors, younger and more religious people ascribing more mind. Gender had no effect.
Conclusion
Results are consistent with cross-cultural differences in the perception of UWS between Germany and the USA, Germans ascribing more mind to UWS patients. The German sample ascribed as much or more but not less mind to a UWS patient than to a deceased, although within group variance was large, calling for further research. Mind ascription is vital, because, in times of declining resources for healthcare systems, and an increasing legalization of euthanasia, public opinion will influence UWS patients’ rights and whether ‘the right to die’ will be the only right conceded to them
Radiographic signs for detection of femoroacetabular impingement and hip dysplasia should be carefully used in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip
Is Acetabular Labrum size and tear pattern associated with femoral retrotorsion or increased femoral torsion in patients with FAI?
Anterior femoroacetabular impingement due to femoral retrotorsion in young and active patients
Do patients with posterior and anterior hip impingement and abnormal femoral torsion have In Toeing or Out Toeing?
Impingement of the hip
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) describes the repetitive painful contact between the acetabulum, the pelvis and the proximal femur. This bony abutment can lead to a characteristic pattern of chondrolabral damage and is one of the main etiological factors in the development of juvenile osteoarthritis of the hip joint. This article describes the current treatment concepts of FAI and the radiological assessment including an overview of standard measurement methods, coxometric parameters and cut-off values. Furthermore, the authors stress the importance of a profound understanding of the entire configuration of the pelvis and the dynamic interplay of its components