Heterotopic ossification in the middle finger: a case report

A case of heterotopic ossification developed after traumatic laceration of the middle finger. It is extremely rare for heterotopic ossification to locate in the finger. The diagnosis was accomplished with plain radiographs as well as with MRI and confirmatory study with histopathological microscopic examination which demonstrated nubbin of bone surrounded by fibrovascular connective tissue, and the marrow was predominantly fatty with prominent ectatic vessels and patchy mild lymphocytic infiltrate and gross appearance of partly calcified bony tissue.published_or_final_versio

Hand infections in diabetic patients

The diabetic hand infection is less reported in the literature. Therefore, it is easily ignored and underestimated resulting in increased morbidity among the diabetic population. Diabetic hand is a rapid in progression, extensive and severe tissue destruction. We analyze the clinical course and outcome of hand infection in diabetic patients. We reviewed all the admissions with hand infection from January 2006-April 2010. Thirty-seven patients were found with associated diabetes mellitus. The demographic data, culture report, number of operations and management, hospital stay and outcome-like amputation were recorded. The average age was 62 years. Pain and swelling were the chief complaints. The cause of infection was varied. The infection was superficial in 13 and deep in 24 patients. Forty-one percent of culture report revealed polymicrobial organism. The increased length of hospital stay, reoperations and amputation were associated with deep infection and polymicrobial organism. Prompt medical and surgical attentions are the most important factors. A proper glycemic control, elevation of the affected extremity, thorough and adequate surgical debridement and appropriate antibiotics are the important considerations when dealing with diabetic hand infection.link_to_OA_fulltex

The development of a strength-focused mutual support group for caretakers of children with cerebral palsy

Objective: To examine the efficacy of a strength-focused mutual support group for reducing stress and enhancing psychological well-being of the caretakers of children with cerebral palsy. Methods: This pre- and post-intervention outcome study, conducted by Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Duchess of Kent Children's Hospital, recruited 12 primary caretakers of children with cerebral palsy in Hong Kong. A strength-focused support group manual was developed to help such caretakers to identify and cultivate the character strengths of their children and enhance their own positive emotions. Participants were asked to complete a full set of questionnaires at 3 time-points: before and immediately after the intervention (consisting of 4 weekly sessions), and after the 1-month follow-up booster session. Two additional questionnaires were administered before each session to check mood. Parenting stress, anxiety, depression, social support, hope, and other psychological well-being measures were also assessed. Results: Half of the caretakers (n = 6) who had attended the full intervention programme were included in the data analysis. Participants exhibited a significantly lower level of parental stress and higher hope level both after the 4 intervention sessions and at the booster session. Their perceived social support was significantly increased when the group was ongoing but not after it ended. Conclusion: This group intervention programme could effectively help caretakers reduce their parenting stress and enhance their hopefulness. Launching a similar programme with more sessions and regular follow-up sessions might help maintain positive effects and establish a social support network. © 2011 Hong Kong College of Psychiatrists.link_to_OA_fulltex