Analysis of Factors Affecting Quality of Life in Patients Treated for Maxillofacial Fractures.

Maxillofacial fractures (MFF) belong to the major modern medicine and public health concerns. The recovery from MFF is associated with a number of social problems. The patient's mood may be affected by the change in self-image and lack of satisfaction with life, in many cases leading to a deepening of mental health disorders, resulting in alcoholism, loss of job or conflicts in the area of family life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life of patients with MFF, with respect to demographic and medical variables. The mean age of the 227 patients was 36 years. The mandible was the most frequent MFF location (52.9%), followed by the zygomatic bone (30.8%) then the maxilla (16.3%). Bone fracture displacement occurred in 79.3% of patients. A comminuted fracture was found in 71% of patients. The quality of life of patients with MFF was significantly better in all analyzed domains 3 months after the end of hospitalization compared to the initial survey carried out shortly after implementation of the treatment. Among the demographic variables, older age had a statistically significant but weak positive association with the improvement of the quality of life of respondents in General health perception domain.

Music Therapy for Pain and Anxiety Management in Nasal Bone Fracture Reduction: Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether listening to music through binaural headphones contributes to the perception of pain and anxiety in patients undergoing closed nasal bone fracture reductions. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We recruited patients from San Juan de Dios Hospital with displaced nasal fractures who required a reduction and assigned them to a control group or a music group. For both groups, a protocolized closed reduction of the nasal fracture with local anesthesia was performed. The music group heard music through headphones during the pre-, intra-, and postprocedural periods of the intervention. Physiological variables (blood pressure and heart rate) were measured. An anxiety survey (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory) and the visual analog scale for measuring pain were also applied. RESULTS: The music group exhibited significantly lower levels of systolic blood pressure (P = .0001), anxiety (P < .0001), and pain (P = .0004) than the control group. CONCLUSION: Listening to music through headphones-a safe and low-cost intervention-appears to aid in pain and anxiety management associated with procedures that are usually uncomfortable, such as the reduction of nasal bone fractures with local anesthesia. We believe that this effect is achieved by the modulation of pain and anxiety on an emotional-affective dimension at a central level. Given its safety, feasibility, and low cost, music therapy should be considered a complementary treatment for pain and anxiety management for nasal fracture reduction performed with local anesthesia, as well as for other medical procedures of similar pain levels conducted without general anesthesia.

Quality of life after pelvic ring fractures: Long-term outcomes. A multicentre study.

AIMS: This study was conducted to determine long-term (5-10 years) health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and ceiling effects in patients with a pelvic ring fracture. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We identified all patients with pelvic ring fractures after high-energy trauma admitted at two level 1 trauma centres in the Netherlands from 2006 to 2011. Patients were asked to complete the Majeed Pelvic Score (MPS), EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) and Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) questionnaires. HRQOL analysis used a multiple linear regression model. RESULTS: In total, 136 patients returned the questionnaires. The median follow-up period was 8.7 years. The mean MPS and EQ-5D-VAS scores were 85.1 and 74, respectively. The mean EQ-5D index scores were 0.87, 0.81 and 0.82 in Tile B, A and C patients, respectively. The mean SMFA index was 24. A ceiling effect was observed for 1/3 of the patients. After multiple linear regression analysis, no differences were identified among the various fracture types for each questionnaire, with the exception of 2 subscales of the MPS. CONCLUSION: Patients who suffer pelvic ring fractures generally have good HRQOL outcomes after 5-10 years. No significant differences were found among different fracture types. Long-term follow-up of patients with Tile C fractures is warranted.

Patient coping and expectations predict recovery after major orthopaedic trauma.

BACKGROUND: Persistent post-surgical pain and associated disability are common after a traumatic fracture repair. Preliminary evidence suggests that patients' beliefs and perceptions may influence their prognosis. METHODS: We used data from the Fluid Lavage of Open Wounds trial to determine, in 1560 open fracture patients undergoing surgical repair, the association between Somatic PreOccupation and Coping (captured by the SPOC questionnaire) and recovery at 1 yr. RESULTS: Of the 1218 open fracture patients with complete data available for analysis, 813 (66.7%) reported moderate to extreme pain at 1 yr. The addition of SPOC scores to an adjusted regression model to predict persistent pain improved the concordance statistic from 0.66 to 0.74, and found the greatest risk was associated with high (≥74) SPOC scores [odds ratio: 5.63; 99% confidence interval (CI): 3.59-8.84; absolute risk increase 40.6%; 99% CI: 30.8%, 48.6%]. Thirty-eight per cent (484 of 1277) reported moderate to extreme pain interference at 1 yr. The addition of SPOC scores to an adjusted regression model to predict pain interference improved the concordance statistic from 0.66 to 0.75, and the greatest risk was associated with high SPOC scores (odds ratio: 6.06; 99% CI: 3.97-9.25; absolute risk increase: 18.3%; 95% CI: 11.7%, 26.7%). In our adjusted multivariable regression models, SPOC scores at 6 weeks post-surgery accounted for 10% of the variation in short form-12 physical component summary scores and 14% of short form-12 mental component summary scores at 1 yr. CONCLUSIONS: Amongst patients undergoing surgical repair of open extremity fractures, high SPOC questionnaire scores at 6 weeks post-surgery were predictive of persistent pain, reduced quality of life, and pain interference at 1 yr. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT00788398.

Behavioral Changes in Children After Emergency Department Procedural Sedation.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the proportion of children undergoing procedural sedation for fracture reduction in the emergency department (ED) observed to experience negative postdischarge behaviors. Predictors of negative behaviors were evaluated, including anxiety. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study of children receiving intravenous ketamine sedation for ED fracture reduction. The child's anxiety prior to sedation was measured with the Modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale. Negative behavioral changes were measured with the Post-Hospitalization Behavior Questionnaire 1 to 2 weeks after discharge. Descriptive statistics and odds ratios (ORs) were calculated. Chi-square test was used for comparisons between groups. Multivariable logistic regression models evaluated predictors of negative behavioral change after discharge. RESULTS: Ninety-seven patients were enrolled; 82 (85%) completed follow-up. Overall, 33 (40%) children were observed to be highly anxious presedation and 18 (22%) had significant negative behavior changes after ED discharge. Independent predictors for negative behaviors were high anxiety (OR = 9.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.3-35.7) and nonwhite race (OR = 6.5, 95% CI = 1.7-25.0). CONCLUSION: For children undergoing procedural sedation in the ED, two in five children have high preprocedure anxiety and almost one in four have significant negative behaviors 1 to 2 weeks after discharge. Highly anxious and nonwhite children have increased risk of negative behavioral changes that have not been previously recognized in the ED setting.

Evaluación sicológica en pacientes tratados con fijador externo / Psychological evaluation in patients treated with external fixator

Resumen: Objetivos: Establecer si las complicaciones en el tratamiento, reingresos y reintervenciones están relacionadas con alteraciones sicológicas. Determinar si el tipo, la edad y el tiempo de uso se relacionan con los aspectos sicológicos. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, observacional y transversal en pacientes tratados con fijador externo en el período comprendido de 2005 a 2010. Se utilizaron expedientes clínicos, pruebas estadísticas χ2 y t de Student con el programa IBM SPSS Statistics versión 24. Resultados: Fijador circular: se observó una p significativa de 0.024 en la relación entre la edad y las alteraciones sicológicas. En cuanto a las complicaciones en relación con las alteraciones sicológicas, se obtuvo una p significativa de 0.048. Fijador monoplanar: la p fue significativa de 0.038 en la relación de reingresos y las alteraciones sicológicas. Discusión: Hay alteraciones sicológicas en los pacientes y familiares que pueden interferir con el apego y las complicaciones. En la literatura se observó que si en el cuestionario inicial hay alteraciones, éstas continuarán igual y generarán mayor agresividad; si no hubo alteraciones iniciales, no habrá cambios. Se identificaron menos efectos sicológicos en pacientes de mayor edad (13-16 años) y mayor ansiedad en pacientes del grupo medio (10-12 años), así como en aquéllos con deformidades residuales. Conclusiones: Es importante la intervención de sicología pre-, trans- y postquirúrgica. Los pacientes de edad media, lo cual corresponde a preadolescencia, presentarán más alteraciones sicológicas, por lo que se recomienda evitar el uso de fijadores en este rango de edad.

Abstract: Objective: To establish whether complications in treatment, readmissions and reinterventions are related to psychological disturbances. To determine if the type, age and time of use are related to psychological aspects. Material and methods: Retrospective, observational and transversal study in patients treated with external fixator in the period from 2005 to 2010. We used clinical records, χ2 statistical tests and Student's t-test with the IBM SPSS Statistics program, version 24. Results: Circular fixator: we observed a significant p of 0.024 in the relations between age and psychological alterations. Regarding the complications and the psychological alterations, we obtained a significant p 0.048. Monoplanar fixator: the difference was significant of 0.038 on the relation between readmissions and psychological alterations. Discussion: There are psychological disturbances in patients and families that may interfere with the treatment and complications. The literature showed that if there are alterations in the initial questionnaire, they will remain equal and generate increased aggressiveness; if there were no initial alterations, there will be no changes. We observed less psychological effects in older patients (13-16 years) and greater anxiety in patients in the medium range (10-12 years), as well as in patients with residual deformities. Conclusions: The psychological intervention is important in the pre-, trans- and postsurgical time. Patients of medium age, which corresponds to preteens, presented more psychological disturbances; therefore, it is recommended to avoid the use of external fixators in this age range.

The treatment of segmental tibial fractures: does patient preference differ from surgeon choice?

INTRODUCTION: Segmental tibial fractures are complex injuries with a prolonged recovery time. Current definitive treatment options include intramedullary fixation or a circular external fixator. However, there is uncertainty as to which surgical option is preferable and there are no sufficiently rigorous multi-centre trials that have answered this question. The objective of this study was to determine whether patient and surgeon opinion was permissive for a randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing intramedullary nailing to the application of a circular external fixator. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A convenience questionnaire survey of attending surgeons was conducted during the United Kingdom's Orthopaedic Trauma Society annual meeting 2017 to determine the treatment modalities used for a segmental tibial fracture (n=63). Patient opinion was obtained from clinical patients who had been treated for a segmental tibial fracture as part of a patient and public involvement focus group with questions covering the domains of surgical preference, treatment expectations, outcome, the consent process and follow-up regime (n=5). RESULTS: Based on the surgeon survey, 39% routinely use circular frame fixation following segmental tibial fracture compared to 61% who use nail fixation. Nail fixation was reported as the treatment of choice for a closed injury in a healthy patient in 81% of surgeons, and by 86% for a patient with a closed fracture who was obese. Twenty-one percent reported that they would use a nail for an open segmental tibia fracture in diabetics who smoked, whilst 57% would opt for a nail for a closed injury with compartment syndrome, and only 27% would use a nail for an open segmental injury in a young fit sports person. The patient and public preference exercise identified that sleep, early functional outcomes and psychosocial measures of outcomes are important. CONCLUSION: We concluded that a RCT comparing definitive fixation with an intramedullary nail and a circular external fixator is justified as there remains uncertainty on the optimal surgical management for segmental tibial fractures. Furthermore, psychosocial factors and early post-operative outcomes should be reported as core outcome measures as part of such a trial.

Shared decision making in the management of midshaft clavicular fractures: Nonoperative treatment or plate fixation.

INTRODUCTION: Most patients with a displaced midshaft clavicular fracture can be treated either operatively or nonoperatively, with similar long-term outcomes. The treatment choice depends on individual preferences, and is therefore suited for a shared decision making (SDM) approach. However, little is known about SDM in fracture treatment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the current daily practice of shared decisional behaviour in clavicular fracture treatment, in order to assess the need for improvement and set a baseline level for future research. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All consecutive adult patients treated in two hospitals for a displaced, midshaft clavicular fracture in 2015 filled out a questionnaire shortly after the decision making moment, that consisted of questions concerning their knowledge and preferences regarding the treatment options; the SDM-Q-9-NL to measure the perceived degree of SDM, and the Control Preferences Scale to measure patients' preferred and actual roles in decision making. RESULTS: Fifty patients were included. Eighteen percent of the patients were unaware of the treatment options before the consultation, 48% had no preference for either treatment option. The mean score for perceived degree of SDM was 74 out of 100 (SD 23, range 12.5-100). In 68% of patients, the preferred role matched the actual role in making the decision. Sixteen patients (32%) would have preferred either a less (n=8) or a more (n=8) active role. CONCLUSION: The patient-reported level of SDM in treatment decisions for clavicular fractures was high, but not all patients had the role in this process that they preferred. To improve patients' involvement in the treatment decision making process for clavicular fractures, it is important to create general awareness about SDM, and increase knowledge of orthopaedic trauma surgeons about SDM behaviour.

Patient compliance following isolated mandibular fracture repair.

OBJECTIVE: Compliance with postoperative care in the maxillofacial trauma population often is considered poor. This lack of follow-up does not seem to be a function of decreased access to care but rather its anticipated lack of utilization. The goal of this study is to identify what factors are associated with increased compliance in postoperative management of mandible fractures. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: Using Current Procedural Terminology codes to identify maxillofacial injuries requiring operative repair, a subset of isolated mandibular fractures was identified. Age, gender, race, insurance type, travel distance, mandible fracture location, surgical approach, and complications were used as variables in univariate regression modeling to examine factors associated with compliance to postoperative care. RESULTS: Between 2010 and 2013, 344 isolated mandible fractures were identified. A total of 83.1% of patients made their first postoperative follow-up visit. Demographic data, fracture location, distance to medical center (odds ratio [OR] = 1, P = 0.75), type of repair, use of drains (OR = 1.27, P = 0.61), or nonabsorbable suture (OR = 1.44, P = 0.32) did not appear to be associated with compliance. No association between complications and postoperative compliance was observed (OR = 2.37, P = 0.17). Trends toward improved compliance were observed when evaluating insurance type and use of temporary fixation hardware. The presence of current tobacco use was found to be negatively associated with patient compliance (OR = 0.33, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Postoperative compliance after surgical repair is better than what is currently represented in the literature. It appears that postoperative compliance is dependent on patient-related factors more so than what can be modified by the surgeon. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4. Laryngoscope, 127:2230-2235, 2017.

[Psychological evaluation in patients treated with external fixator]. / Evaluación sicológica en pacientes tratados con fijador externo.

OBJECTIVE: To establish whether complications in treatment, readmissions and reinterventions are related to psychological disturbances. To determine if the type, age and time of use are related to psychological aspects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective, observational and transversal study in patients treated with external fixator in the period from 2005 to 2010. We used clinical records, 2 statistical tests and Students t-test with the IBM SPSS Statistics program, version 24. RESULTS: Circular fixator: we observed a significant p of 0.024 in the relations between age and psychological alterations. Regarding the complications and the psychological alterations, we obtained a significant p 0.048. Monoplanar fixator: the difference was significant of 0.038 on the relation between readmissions and psychological alterations. DISCUSSION: There are psychological disturbances in patients and families that may interfere with the treatment and complications. The literature showed that if there are alterations in the initial questionnaire, they will remain equal and generate increased aggressiveness; if there were no initial alterations, there will be no changes. We observed less psychological effects in older patients (13-16 years) and greater anxiety in patients in the medium range (10-12 years), as well as in patients with residual deformities. CONCLUSIONS: The psychological intervention is important in the pre-, trans- and postsurgical time. Patients of medium age, which corresponds to preteens, presented more psychological disturbances; therefore, it is recommended to avoid the use of external fixators in this age range.

OBJETIVOS: Establecer si las complicaciones en el tratamiento, reingresos y reintervenciones están relacionadas con alteraciones sicológicas. Determinar si el tipo, la edad y el tiempo de uso se relacionan con los aspectos sicológicos. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo, observacional y transversal en pacientes tratados con fijador externo en el período comprendido de 2005 a 2010. Se utilizaron expedientes clínicos, pruebas estadísticas 2 y t de Student con el programa IBM SPSS Statistics versión 24. RESULTADOS: Fijador circular: se observó una p significativa de 0.024 en la relación entre la edad y las alteraciones sicológicas. En cuanto a las complicaciones en relación con las alteraciones sicológicas, se obtuvo una p significativa de 0.048. Fijador monoplanar: la p fue significativa de 0.038 en la relación de reingresos y las alteraciones sicológicas. DISCUSIÓN: Hay alteraciones sicológicas en los pacientes y familiares que pueden interferir con el apego y las complicaciones. En la literatura se observó que si en el cuestionario inicial hay alteraciones, éstas continuarán igual y generarán mayor agresividad; si no hubo alteraciones iniciales, no habrá cambios. Se identificaron menos efectos sicológicos en pacientes de mayor edad (13-16 años) y mayor ansiedad en pacientes del grupo medio (10-12 años), así como en aquéllos con deformidades residuales. CONCLUSIONES: Es importante la intervención de sicología pre-, trans- y postquirúrgica. Los pacientes de edad media, lo cual corresponde a preadolescencia, presentarán más alteraciones sicológicas, por lo que se recomienda evitar el uso de fijadores en este rango de edad.

Sexual Function Is Impaired After Common Orthopaedic Nonpelvic Trauma.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and longitudinal improvement of patient reported sexual dysfunction after 5 common nonpelvic orthopaedic traumatic conditions. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. SETTING: Academic Medical Center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: The functional status of 1324 patients with acute proximal humerus fractures (n = 104), acute distal radius fractures (n = 396), acute tibial plateau fractures (n = 118), acute ankle fractures (n = 434), and chronic long bone fracture nonunions (n = 272) was prospectively assessed at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months of posttreatment. Patient reported sexual dysfunction, acquired from validated functional outcomes surveys, was compared with overall patient reported functional outcome for each follow-up visit. Men and women were analyzed separately. RESULTS: Sexual dysfunction at the 3-month follow-up was reported in 31% of proximal humerus fracture patients, 32% of distal radius fracture patients, 47% of tibial plateau patients, 11% of ankle fracture patients, and 42% of long bone nonunions. By 1-year follow-up, greater than 80% of patients with all fracture types reported mild or no sexual dysfunction. Women reported a significantly higher degree of sexual dysfunction than men at 6 months (P = 0.003) and 12 months of follow-up (P = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: After treatment of acute and chronic orthopaedic trauma conditions, a considerable number of patients experience sexual dysfunction, with women reporting more dysfunction than men. The results of this study should allow orthopaedic trauma surgeons to counsel patients regarding expectations of sexual function after traumatic orthopaedic conditions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Clinical Implications of Psychosocial Factors on Pediatric External Fixation Treatment and Recommendations.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric limb reconstruction using circular external fixation is a prolonged treatment that interrupts patients' daily function. Patient personality characteristics and expectations may interfere with planned treatment, making complicated medical procedures more challenging. The aims of this study are to identify factors impacting treatment outcome and recommendations for preoperative evaluation and planning. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) Are there group differences between patients with and without a preexisting mental health condition(s) in terms of unplanned reoperations? (2) Does the number of surgical procedures before current external fixator placement correlate with the number of unplanned readmissions, unplanned reoperations, and days spent in circular external fixation? (3) Are there group differences between single- compared with two-parent households in terms of inpatient narcotic doses, length of inpatient stay, number of unplanned readmissions, length of readmission(s), and/or unplanned outpatient clinic visits? (4) Does patient age at the time of surgery have an impact on treatment duration, postoperative complications, and treatment outcome? METHODS: This is a retrospective chart review of pediatric patients who underwent limb reconstruction between 2008 and 2012. Patients with limb length discrepancy > 4 cm or severe angular deformity and who agreed to intervention were treated with circular external fixation. Sixty-seven patients were included; 16 patients were excluded. Statistical analyses included Pearson r correlation and t-test. RESULTS: Patients who reported preexisting mental health diagnosis (13%) had more unplanned reoperations than patients who did not (no mental health diagnosis; 87%) (mental health diagnosis 3.4 ± 10.3 versus no mental health diagnosis 0.2 ± 0.5 reoperation[s], p = 0.022). Number of previous surgical procedures correlated with number of unplanned reoperations (r = 0.448, p < 0.001), number of unplanned readmissions (r = 0.375, p < 0.001), and number of days in an apparatus (r = 0.275, p = 0.018). Compared with patients from two-parent households, patients from single-parent households received a greater number of inpatient narcotic doses (single-parent 129 ± 118 versus two-parent 73 ± 109 doses, p = 0.039), longer length of inpatient stay (single-parent 73 ± 63 versus two-parent 40 ± 65 days, p = 0.036), more unplanned readmissions (single-parent 0.4 ± 0.1 versus two-parent 0.2 ± 0.2 readmission, p = 0.024), longer hospitalization when readmitted (single-parent 5 ± 11 versus two-parent 1 ± 3 day(s), p = 0.025), and fewer unplanned outpatient visits (single-parent 0.2 ± 0.8 versus two-parent 0.9 ± 1.1 visit, p = 0.005). Apparatus applications with successful outcome had higher average age than those with poor outcome (successful outcome 16 ± 3 versus poor outcome 13 ± 4 years old, p = 0.011). Age at time of apparatus application correlated with number of prescribed antibiotics (r = 0.245, p = 0.036) and number of days in an apparatus (r = 0.233, p = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS: As a result of the inherent challenges of limb reconstruction, surgical candidates should be preoperatively assessed and mitigating psychosocial factors managed to maximize successful treatment outcome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study.

Individual and team training with first time users of the Pelvic C-Clamp: do they remember or will we need refresher trainings?

BACKGROUND: Pelvic ring injuries with associated hemorrhage from the presacral venous plexus are major contributors to morbidity and mortality in trauma patients. The Pelvic C-Clamp is an often discussed, yet seldom used device for both skeletal and hemodynamic stabilization. In a recent study we have addressed this issue and have stressed the importance of regular training sessions with the device. This study is aimed as an extended follow up with a special focus on how trained skills are retained over time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 32 participants with various levels of training were taught to use the clamp. Thirty-six hours later, a hands-on session was performed where the time needed for placement and accuracy of placement were evaluated on a model in individual and team settings. 12 months later a re-evaluation was performed. RESULTS: Evaluation showed that during the first session, 57/64 pins (89.15 %) were placed inside the safe area. The team training results showed reduced times for assembly and more exact pin placement. In the re-evaluation 1 year later, 75 % of all pins were safely placed and the time needed for assembly was significantly longer. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of 57 pins were placed in the safe area within 6 min after one single training session. This reproduces the Australian data and supports the theory that adequately educated and skilled physicians should be able to handle the device properly. The data from the re-evaluation suggest that repeating the training session with the device improves performance.

Biological macro-idea and criterion of osteopathic fracture immobilization in China's traditional Mongolian medicine.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the biological macro-idea and criterion of osteopathic fracture immobilization in China's traditional Mongolian medicine. METHODS: Based on biological naturalism regarding the relationship between man and universe (including psychosomatic integration) in osteopathic fracture immobilization in China's traditional Mongolian medicine, we used modern physiopsychological and biomechanical principles and methods to investigate the biological macro-characteristics of humanization, behaviorism, and wholism in "dynamic" fixation of fractures. RESULTS: Osteopathic fracture immobilization in China's traditional Mongolian medicine is based on the fixation criterion of macro-idea and method as well as on geometry, mechanics, motion, and stress and psychological stability in "non-sheltered fixation" of fractures contained in the life view of nature, regarding the relationship between man and universe (including psychosomatic integration) and on harmony between the limbs and the whole body, between body and function, and between man and nature. CONCLUSIONS: Osteopathic fracture immobilization in China's traditional Mongolian medicine is fixation without trauma or shelter. The principle and method of whole, dynamic, and functional fixation of fractures is not only radical, but also represents a new direction for developing the principle and method of fracture immobilization.

Predictors of risk tolerance among oral surgery patients.

PURPOSE: This study attempts to provide insight on how the treatment preference for a mandible fracture and treatment received and its consequences are related to the patient's risk tolerance, as measured by the Standard Gamble (SG). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data from a prospective cohort study of 203 subjects receiving treatment at the former King/Drew Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA, for either a mandible fracture (n = 98) or third molar removal (n = 105) were examined. Subjects were interviewed at 4 time points: on admission to the medical center and at 3 monthly follow-up visits. Risk tolerance for hypothetical treatment scenarios is measured by use of the SG, a health-value utility measure assessing the tradeoff between good outcomes and serious complications associated with treatment. Separate regression analyses with subsets of predictors (sociodemographic, psychosocial health, and clinical characteristics) were conducted and then synthesized by use of the significant predictors in separate analyses. RESULTS: For fracture subjects, there was a noticeable rise in the SG reports from admission to the 1-month follow-up. Their greater risk tolerance was associated with being older, receiving surgery, having a lower post-traumatic stress disorder score, and having a swollen jaw or face. For third molar subjects, SG did not change substantively over the course of the study. Predictors of greater risk tolerance for third molar subjects included the jaw or face being swollen and having to use less pain medication. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this study show a preference for less invasive treatment, with the majority of both groups preferring wiring, and support the theory that treatment choices differ between subjects with different health states. Factors associated with risk tolerance include the patient's age, treatment received, psychosocial health state, experience with previous treatment, and value for oral health quality of life.

Predictors of treatment preference for mandibular fracture.

BACKGROUND: Patient treatment preferences do not necessarily remain stable over time. OBJECTIVE: This study focuses on predictors of patient treatment choice and on the extent to which patients are willing to take risks by choosing surgical versus nonsurgical treatment for mandibular fracture. METHODS: Surveys of African-American and Hispanic adults receiving treatment at King/Drew Medical Center for either a mandibular fracture (n = 98) or third-molar removal (n = 105) were used to investigate patterns of patient preference over the course of a 4-month study period using generalized estimating equations controlling for age, gender, income, and fracture versus third-molar patient. The study examined the effects of symptom rating and a"standard gamble" measure reflecting a patient's willingness to accept scarring or nerve damage. This analysis is based on 169 patients who participated in four waves of data collection. RESULTS: The most salient predictor of patient treatment was the standard gamble measure at 1-month follow-up. Subjects with higher risk tolerance were more likely to select surgery versus jaw wiring. A higher likelihood of choosing surgery was associated with higher income and greater symptom severity. Fracture patients were more likely to select surgery compared with third-molar patients. CONCLUSIONS: The significance of symptom severity 1-month post-surgery raises an important issue regarding the healing process. Moreover, the significance of standard gamble as a predictor of treatment choice for mandibular fracture should encourage other researchers to use this measure of willingness to accept risk when studying acute conditions such as jaw fracture.

Patients experiencing local anaesthesia and hip surgery.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to show what the experience of local anaesthesia and a surgical situation meant to patients. BACKGROUND: Many patients who receive local anaesthesia will remain awake during surgery. The very fact of staying awake causes psychological and psychosocial needs. These needs must be met and it is therefore important to identify them. DESIGN/METHOD: Seven patients (aged 61-79) experiencing local anaesthesia and hip surgery (hip replacement surgery or repair of fractured hip) were interviewed. An interpretive phenomenological method developed by Benner was used to extract the experience of what it means to be in local anaesthesia and surgery. One paradigm case is used to illustrate the results. RESULTS: Results show that the well-being and comfort of patients is compromised by challenges such as severe pain and long waits, which may be experienced as endless and which leave the patient thinking of nothing else. By contrast, the experience of trust helps the patient to feel control even in situations where the treatment is hard to grasp. CONCLUSIONS: The results highlight that local anaesthesia and surgery force patients to overcome and handle experiences of pain, trust and distrust as well as feelings of alienation and unreality. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The results illustrate the patient's needs, as seen from the patient's perspective. A shared experience makes it possible to understand, and thus to recognize, the required qualitative care to facilitate and to help the patient to remain in control and face the psychological challenges presented by anaesthesia care and surgical situations.

Trial pinning prior to wrist arthrodesis in children.

The purpose of this investigation was to assess the utility of trial wrist pinning as an assessment tool prior to wrist arthrodesis in the paediatric patient. Ten paediatric patients who were unable to decide if a wrist arthrodesis would be beneficial to them underwent a trial wrist pinning (using temporary K-wires) in neutral posture for an average of 28 days. The etiology of wrist pathology varied. The utility of the trial pining in decision-making was assessed through chart review and telephone conversation. All patients felt the trial pinning facilitated their decision. Two of the 10 patients declined wrist arthrodesis secondary to difficulty with daily activities. Eight patients who underwent wrist arthrodesis were satisfied with wrist position and function. Temporary wrist pinning is an effective informational tool for patients, families and physicians, allowing a true assessment of wrist function prior to definitive wrist arthrodesis.