Minimally invasive computer-navigated total hip arthroplasty, following the concept of femur first and combined anteversion: design of a blinded randomized controlled trial

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Impingement can be a serious complication after total hip arthroplasty (THA), and is one of the major causes of postoperative pain, dislocation, aseptic loosening, and implant breakage. Minimally invasive THA and computer-navigated surgery were introduced several years ago. We have developed a novel, computer-assisted operation method for THA following the concept of "femur first"/"combined anteversion", which incorporates various aspects of performing a functional optimization of the cup position, and comprehensively addresses range of motion (ROM) as well as cup containment and alignment parameters. Hence, the purpose of this study is to assess whether the artificial joint's ROM can be improved by this computer-assisted operation method. Second, the clinical and radiological outcome will be evaluated.</p> <p>Methods/Design</p> <p>A registered patient- and observer-blinded randomized controlled trial will be conducted. Patients between the ages of 50 and 75 admitted for primary unilateral THA will be included. Patients will be randomly allocated to either receive minimally invasive computer-navigated "femur first" THA or the conventional minimally invasive THA procedure. Self-reported functional status and health-related quality of life (questionnaires) will be assessed both preoperatively and postoperatively. Perioperative complications will be registered. Radiographic evaluation will take place up to 6 weeks postoperatively with a computed tomography (CT) scan. Component position will be evaluated by an independent external institute on a 3D reconstruction of the femur/pelvis using image-processing software. Postoperative ROM will be calculated by an algorithm which automatically determines bony and prosthetic impingements.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>In the past, computer navigation has improved the accuracy of component positioning. So far, there are only few objective data quantifying the risks and benefits of computer navigated THA. Therefore, this study has been designed to compare minimally invasive computer-navigated "femur first" THA with a conventional technique for minimally invasive THA. The results of this trial will be presented as soon as they become available.</p> <p>Trial registration number</p> <p>DRKS00000739</p

Campaign Finance Reform: The Unfinished Agenda

In 1974, following the Watergate scandal, Congress enacted major campaign finance reform legislation. The legislation created a revolutionary new public financing system for our presidential campaigns, but it left congressional campaigns to be financed totally by private money. The presidential public financing system has worked well. Despite some incremental problems, the system has accomplished its basic goal of allowing individuals to run for the presidency without becoming dependent on their financial backers. The system for financing congressional cam paigns, on the other hand, is out of control and in need of fundamental reform. The inappropriate role of special interest political action commit tees (PACs) in influencing congressional elections and congressional decisions is the single biggest problem facing the political process. Congress needs to complete the unfinished campaign finance reform agenda of the 1970s by enacting public financing for congressional campaigns and establishing new restrictions on the total amount that PACs may give to a congressional candidate.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/67356/2/10.1177_000271628648600107.pd

American Workers Increase Efforts to Establish a Legal Right to Privacy as Civility Declines in U.S. Society: Some Observations on the Effort and Its Social Context

I. Introduction II. A Summary Argument for the Decline of Civil Society in the United States III. Business Ethics and Attitudes toward Work Support Workers\u27 Rights to Limited Privacy in the Workplace IV. History of Legal Efforts Leading to Workplace Privacy V. Comparison to Other Western Nation States and the European Community VI. Discussion of Workplace Privacy ... A. Essential Elements of Privacy ... B. Reduced Expectations of Privacy in the Workplace ... C. Problem Areas for Workplace Privacy Concepts ... 1. Drug Testing ... 2. Searching Employee Work Areas ... 3. Surveillance of Employees ... a. Capturing Conversations ... b. Monitoring Telephone Calls ... c. E-mail and Computer Monitoring ... d. Regulating Personal Associations VII. Conclusion ... A. Prudence of Using Law to Guarantee Privacy ... B. Problems of Social and Human Costs Left Out of Business Equations ... C. Decline of Civility and Increased Claims of Workplace Privacy: Correlation, Cause, or Coincidence? ... D. Root Cause in At-will Rule and Need for Workers\u27 Bill of Rights? ... E. Circularity of Civility and Privacy: No Shelter Her

The Many Faces of Culture: Understanding Country and Corporate Culture

Both corporate and country culture play crucial roles in the crafting of a company’s strategies. Frequently, students encounter difficulties distinguishing the two types of culture and their impacts. This session introduces exercises that enable students to experience the differences between country and corporate culture