Relationship Between Brassiere Cup Size and Shoulder-Neck Pain in Women

There are very few reports in regard to relationship between breast size and shoulder-neck pain. The purpose of this study is to examine the correlations among breast size, brassiere cup size, and moment-in-time reporting of shoulderneck pain in a group of adult women. Three hundred thirty nine female volunteers from the hospital staff answered the questionnaire. Breast size, brassiere cup size, and shoulder-neck pain were self-reported by each participant. The relationship among breast size, brassiere cup size and shoulder-neck pain was investigated. Spearman’s test showed no significant relationship between shoulder-neck pain and brassiere cup size. However, after participants were classified into two groups (small brassiere cup size and large brassiere cup size with 219 and 120 participants, respectively), there was a significant positive correlation between shoulder-neck pain and large brassiere cup size (p<0.05). There was no significant relationship between shoulder-neck pain and breast size. In conclusion, large brassiere cup size is an important cause of shoulder-neck pain

The incidence of scarring on the dorsum of the hand

When undertaking image comparison of the hand between accused and perpetrator, it is not unusual for scars to be identified on the back of the hand. To investigate the occurrence of scarring in a discreet sample, a database of 238 individuals was examined, and the dorsum of the right and left hands was gridded for each individual. The position, size and type of scar were recorded within each grid. It was found that, in general, males exhibited a higher incidence of scarring than females. However, males were more likely to show scarring on their left hand whereas females were more likely to exhibit scarring on their right hand. Contrary to the literature, scarring was not most prevalent along the borders of the hand but occurred more frequently in association with the index and middle finger corridor regions. Surgical scars were rare as were large scars whereas linear scars smaller than 6 mm were the most frequently identified. Close to half of the sample did not exhibit scarring on one hand. The importance of understanding the pattern of scarring on the back of the hand is discussed in the light of forensic image comparison analysis

Topical haemostatic agents for skin wounds: a systematic review

Background: Various agents and techniques have been introduced to limit intra-operative blood loss from skin lesions. No uniformity regarding the type of haemostasis exists and this is generally based on the surgeon's preference. To study the effectiveness of haemostatic agents, standardized wounds like donor site wounds after split skin grafting (SSG) appear particularly suitable. Thus, we performed a systematic review to assess the effectiveness of haemostatic agents in donor site wounds. Methods. We searched all randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on haemostasis after SSG in Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library until January 2011. Two reviewers independently assessed trial relevance and quality and performed data analysis. Primary endpoint was effectiveness regarding haemostasis. Secondary endpoints were wound healing, adverse effects, and costs. Results: Nine relevant RCTs with a fair methodological quality were found, comparing epinephrine, thrombin, fibrin sealant, alginate dressings, saline, and mineral oil. Epinephrine achieved haemostasis significantly faster than thrombin (difference up to 2.5 minutes), saline or mineral oil (up to 6.5 minutes). Fibrin sealant also resulted in an up to 1 minute quicker haemostasis than thrombin and up to 3 minutes quicker than placebo, but was not directly challenged against epinephrine. Adverse effects appeared negligible. Due to lack of clinical homogeneity, meta-analysis was impossible. Conclusion: According to best available evidence, epinephrine and fibrin sealant appear superior to achieve haemostasis when substantial topical blood loss is anticipated, particularly in case of (larger) SSGs and burn debridement

Risk analysis and outcome of mediastinal wound and deep mediastinal wound infections with specific emphasis to omental transposition

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>To report our experience, with Deep mediastinal wound infections (DMWI). Emphasis was given to the management of deep infections with omental flaps</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>From February 2000 to October 2007, out of 3896 cardiac surgery patients (prospective data collection) 120 pts (3.02%) developed sternal wound infections. There were 104 males & 16 females; (73.7%) CABG, (13.5%) Valves & (9.32%) CABG and Valve.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Superficial sternal wound infection detected in 68 patients (1.75%) and fifty-two patients (1.34%) developed DMWI. The incremental risk factors for development of DMWI were: Diabetes (OR = 3.62, CI = 1.2-10.98), Pre Op Creatinine > 200 μmol/l (OR = 3.33, CI = 1.14-9.7) and Prolong ventilation (OR = 4.16, CI = 1.73-9.98). Overall mortality for the DMWI was 9.3% and the specific mortality of the omental flap group was 8.3%. 19% of the "DMWI group", developed complications: hematoma 6%, partial flap loss 3.0%, wound dehiscence 5.3%. Mean Hospital Stay: 59 ± 21.5 days.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Post cardiac surgery sternal wound complications remain challenging. The role of multidisciplinary approach is fundamental, as is the importance of an aggressive early wound exploration especially for deep sternal infections.</p

Myofibromatosis: imaging characteristics

Background : Infantile myofibromatosis is the most common fibrous tumor of infancy. It can involve the skin, muscle, bone, and viscera. This uncommon entity is subdivided into solitary and multicentric forms, with or without visceral involvement. Objective : To describe the imaging characteristics of extracranial myofibromatosis. Materials and methods : Six infants, aged 1 day–1 week, were evaluated by imaging. All six patients had evaluation of one of the masses by US; four patients had CT evaluation of at least one of the masses; and five patients had evaluation by MRI. Results : The US appearance of the myofibromas included a mass with a purely anechoic center with a thick wall, a mass with a partially anechoic center, and a mass without anechoic components. On enhanced CT, the masses had lower or similar attenuation compared to adjacent muscle, with some masses exhibiting peripheral enhancement. The MR appearance consisted of low signal on T1-weighted imaging. On T2-weighted imaging, two had low signal of the center and the other three had high signal. All masses showed peripheral enhancement after gadolinium administration. Conclusions : Myofibromas have variable appearance on US, with a mass with an anechoic center being the most common feature. On CT, the mass can exhibit peripheral enhancement, calcifications, and erosion of adjacent bone. The MR appearance consisted of low signal on T1-weighted imaging and high or low signal of the center on T2-weighted imaging. All masses showed peripheral enhancement after gadolinium administration.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/46718/1/247_2004_Article_1357.pd