Psychological Aspects of Facial Palsy.

This article discusses the psychological effects of facial palsy (FP) in adults. FP is the abnormal functioning of facial muscles resulting from temporary or permanent damage of the facial nerves. Following facial paralysis, patients can develop motor and psychosocial functioning issues impacting quality of life. In addition, real or perceived judgment in social settings of those with FP increases the risk of low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. Currently, most available research focuses on surgical patients and suggests a lack of psychological support throughout the affliction. A multidisciplinary approach when treating patients with FP can help improve the patient's quality of life.

Exercise and recovery after surgery in patients with breast cancer: An analysis of the literature.

This review explores the impact of exercise on post-surgical recovery in breast cancer patients. Breast cancer, the most prevalent cancer globally, necessitates treatments beyond conventional modalities such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. While exercise as an adjuvant therapeutic tool is not novel, it is generally accepted for improving cancer outcomes. Yet, it is not included in current treatment guidelines. This study reviews literature using the FACT-B (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Breast) tool to evaluate quality of life in breast cancer patients undergoing exercise interventions post-surgery. Despite mixed results, with some studies showing significant improvements and others indicating no notable benefits, the general consensus suggests potential advantages of integrating structured exercise programs into recovery protocols. Standardizing the use of quality of life measures like FACT-B could enhance future research and clinical practices, leading to more effective patient care strategies.

Evaluating the effectiveness of citation count as a measure of methodological quality in esophagogastric surgery research: a comparative analysis with the MINORS score and levels of evidence.

Aim: The primary objective was to assess the relationship between the citation number and the quality of the articles, as compared with the level of evidence and the MINORS score. This study's secondary objective was to characterize the 50 most cited articles in the field of oesophagectomy research. Background: There has been an increased need for an evaluation tool to indicate research quality. Available quality assessment tools include the Level of Evidence, the MINORS score, the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 Tool, the Newcastle Ottawa Scale, CASP Appraisal Checklists, and Legend Evidence Evaluation tools. Methods: The Web of Science allowed evaluating and comparing articles on oesophagectomy research. The quality of the 50 most cited articles was assessed using the Oxford Centre level of evidence classification and the methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS). Results: Level of evidence II studies were cited more than level IV (P=0.008). There was a significant positive correlation between citation number and MINORS score (P=0.002). The median MINORS score was highest amongst level II studies, followed by levels III, IV, and I. The median MINORS score for level II evidence was significantly higher than for level IV (P=0.001). The study sample size is associated with higher levels of evidence but does not correlate with the citation number. Female authors contributed to 4 out of 50 articles. Recently published articles tended to be cited more frequently. More authors equated to more citations. Prospective studies are more likely to be cited. Conclusion: Citation analysis can be used as an indicator of quality when assessing articles. It should, however, be used with caution as highly cited work, famous authors, and journals are all more likely to be cited. Citation analysis should be used alongside other well-established tools.

Desmoplastic Fibroma: A Rare Pathological Midshaft Femoral Fracture Treated With Resection, Acute Shortening, and Re-lengthening: A Case Report.

CASE: We report a rare case of desmoplastic fibroma (DF) of the midshaft femur presenting as a pathological fracture. This rare benign bone tumor was treated with an acute en bloc excision and femoral shortening over an intramedullary nail. Once union of the acute shortening had been achieved, further surgery was undertaken to lengthen the femur with the use of Intramedullary Skeletal Kinetic Distractors. At 3 years after fracture, our patient had achieved equal leg lengths, had normal knee function, and was disease free. CONCLUSIONS: DF resulting in pathological fracture of the midshaft femur is extremely rare and has not been reported to occur in the femoral diaphysis. This location is important as preservation of the joint above and below is preferable and en bloc excision is recommended. Restoration of bone stock after en bloc excision is difficult and recurrence needs to be monitored.