Innovative Cancer Follow-Up with Telehealth: A New Method for Oncology Nurses.

OBJECTIVES: Telenavigation (TN) is an innovative cancer follow-up method for oncology nurses. Little is known about the effectiveness of tele-navigation on cancer patients. This study investigated the opinions of healthcare providers (HCPs) and colorectal cancer patients' experience regarding patient follow-up with TN. DATA SOURCES: This is a phenomenological qualitative study. Semistructured interviews were conducted with fifteen patients and eight healthcare providers. Participants were selected by purposive sampling. Data were collected from March to October 2022 and analyzed by thematic content analysis. CONCLUSION: Six themes emerged that described the experiences of TN: (1) beneficial; (2) psychological state; (3) level of knowledge, (4) technology, (5) health care system, and (6) recommendations. Patients and HCPs found TN practice helpful and reassuring and they recommended expanding these practices within the health system. As a result of the research, the TN program is described as beneficial to patients and healthcare providers. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: The TN follow-up is a beneficial implication for colorectal cancer patients undergoing treatment, and it deserves to be more widely deployed. It brings reassurance regarding psychological, reliable data access, and home follow-up. Patients and HCPs reported positive views on telephone follow-up. There is a recommendation that the innovative follow-up technique should be disseminated to the healthcare system and that cancer nurses should be more familiar with this method.

Pre-infection antibody levels of vaccinated healthcare workers with SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infection: A nested case-control study.

AIM: To evaluate anti-RBD IgG antibody levels and neutralizing antibody titers between the health care workers (HCWs) with breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection and controls. METHODS: In this nested case-case control study, we followed 548 vaccinated HCWs with homologous (only with inactivated vaccine) or heterologous (both with inactivated and BNT162b2 vaccine) vaccination for 11 months, prospectively. We obtained blood samples from the participants for quantitative anti-RBD IgG and surrogate neutralization test. The participants with SARS-CoV-2 PCR positivity (at least 14 days after the last vaccination) were considered breakthrough infection. We chose 1:2 matched controls from the cohort, according to age, sex and vaccination status. We used R version 4.0.2 for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: Sixty-five cases and 130 controls were included in the study. The number of the breakthrough infections in HCWs were correlated with the pandemic waves in Türkiye and peaked during Omicron outbreak. The median age of the cases was 39 and 78.5% were female. The cases had more comorbidities than controls, significantly (p = 0.021). All cases experienced no or mild symptoms and recovered completely. Both pre-infection anti-RBD antibody and neutralizing antibody titers did not differ between cases and matched controls (p = 0.767, p = 0.628). CONCLUSION: In this study, we showed that there was no comparable difference in humoral response after homologous or heterologous vaccination between the cases of breakthrough infection and matched controls. Compliance with infection control measures should be ensured, in combination with vaccination.

How Kirschner Wires Crossing Each Other at the Fracture Site Affect Radiological and Clinical Results in Children With Gartland Type 3 Supracondylar Humerus Fractures?

Background In this study, we compared two groups of children with Gartland Type 3 supracondylar humerus fractures with respect to the crossing point of Kirschner wires (K-wires) in terms of radiological and clinical results after closed reduction and fixation with the crossed-pin technique. We hypothesized that even if medial and lateral pins cross each other at the fracture line, satisfactory radiological and clinical results would be achieved with the crossed-pin technique. Methodology A total of 59 patients with Gartland extension Type 3 supracondylar humerus fractures who underwent closed reduction and percutaneous crossed-pin fixation were included in the study. K-wires were crossing each other proximal to the fracture site in the proximal crossing group and at the fracture level in the fracture site crossing group. Loss of reduction, Baumann angle, shaft condyle angle, range of motion, and carrying angle were compared between the two groups. Results There were 43 males and 16 females in this study, with a mean age of 5.3±2.4 years. The average follow-up duration was 21.9 ± 5.2 weeks. In terms of loss of reduction in the coronal and sagittal planes, there was no statistical difference between the two groups. When the Baumann angle and shaft condylar angle of both groups were analyzed, no statistically significant differences were found at both early postoperative examination and final follow-up. Conclusions Although the crossing point of K-wires has been shown to be an important factor in the protection of reduction in biomechanical studies, it was not a significant factor for loss of reduction in this study. Factors except for the crossing point of K-wires may play a more important role in the outcomes of crossed-pin fixation.

Clinical Results of Distal Radius Intraarticular Comminuted Fractures in the Elderly: A Retrospective Comparative Analysis of Different Fixation Methods.

Introduction Distal radius intraarticular fractures in the elderly population are likely to cause impaired clinical outcomes. Intraarticular fracture treatment in the literature is a debatable issue with mixed results. Here, we aimed to present a tertiary trauma center experience with plate fixation and K wire-assisted external fixator in elderlies over 60 years old. Material and methods Patients who were diagnosed with an unstable intraarticular distal radius fracture and received surgical treatment with plate fixation or K wire-assisted external fixator between 2016 January and 2020 January were included in the study. Patients were evaluated retrospectively in terms of radiologic stability criteria and clinical outcomes. Results There were 27 patients; 14 in the volar plate group (group 1) and 13 (group 2) in the external fixator group. The mean age was 64.2 (60-72) in group 1 and 67.7 (60-76) in group 2. The mean follow-up time was 31.6 (12-63) in group 1 and 28.8 (12-59) in group 2. The mean quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (Q-DASH) score was 25.7 (5-75) in group 1 and 24.4 (10-87) in group 2. The mean patient-reported wrist evaluation (PRWE) was 27.1 (6-87) in group 1 and 31.4 (10-87) in group 2. There was no statistical difference between groups in terms of clinical scores, hospital stay, follow-up, and complications. (p>0.05). Conclusion Although open reduction and plate fixation and K wire-assisted external fixator are viable options for providing radiologic union, unsatisfactory clinical outcomes were maintained independently of the fixation method in elderly patients.

Factors Affecting Women's Participation in Breast Cancer Screening in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer type in Turkey and the rest of the world. Regular mammography screening leads to a significant decrease in breast cancer mortality rates. The aim of this study is to analyze the factors that affect Turkish women's participation in screening. METHODS: This qualitative research design is grounded in a phenomenological approach. Fifteen women were selected using a purposive sampling method and participated in in-depth interviews. Interview data was analyzed using thematic content analysis. RESULTS: The breast has a special meaning for participants which is heavily associated with feminity. Breast cancer causes fear because of its potential to undermine women's sense of feminity. Women's knowledge about the screening services and the mammography procedure is insufficient with only one third of women obtaining information about screening from healthcare workers. Individual and social factors that affect women's participation in screening are women's roles in the family, knowledge and awareness of breast cancer and screening, fear of cancer, anxiety about getting a mammogram, need for spouse-family support, and concerns for privacy. Organizational factors that affect participation are accessibility of breast cancer screening services, guidance given by and communication with healthcare professionals. CONCLUSION: Women should be better informed about breast cancer and screening services by healthcare professionals. Accessibility of mammography screening should be increased by expanding mobile services. National and institutional policies should be implemented to overcome women's anxiety and socio-cultural barriers to increase participation in screening.

An analysis of antibody response following the second dose of CoronaVac and humoral response after booster dose with BNT162b2 or CoronaVac among healthcare workers in Turkey.

Limited data are available on the short- to midterm levels of antibodies to the CoronaVac vaccine and quantitative change in humoral response after homologous or heterologous booster doses. In this prospective cohort study, we evaluated the anti-receptor-binding domain (RBD) immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels after two doses of CoronaVac and heterologous/homologous booster administration among healthcare workers in a university hospital in Turkey. Quantitative anti-RBD IgG antibody levels were measured at first and fourth months in 560 healthcare workers who had completed two doses of CoronaVac vaccine, and within 2 months after the third dose of CoronaVac or BNT162b2. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire during the first blood draw. The seropositivity rate was 98.9% and 89.1%, and the median antibody level was 469.2 AU/ml and 166.5 AU/ml at first and fourth month, respectively. In the fourth month, a mean reduction of 61.4% ± 20% in antibody levels was observed in 79.8% of the participants. The presence of chronic disease (odds ratio [OR]: 1.76, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15-2.69) and being in the 36-50 age group (OR: 2.11, 95% CI: 1.39-3.19) were identified as independent predictors for low antibody response. The antibody level increased 104.8-fold (median: 17 609.4 vs. 168 AU/ml) and 8.7-fold (median: 1237.9 vs. 141.4 AU/ml) in the participants who received BNT162b2 and CoronaVac, respectively. During the follow-up, 25 healthcare workers (4.5%) were infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Considering the waning immunity and circulating variants, a single booster dose of messenger RNA vaccine seems reasonable after the inactivated vaccine especially in risk groups.

Acute kidney injury after hip fracture surgery in patients over 80 years of age.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study is to determine the rate of acute kidney injury (AKI) after hip fracture surgery over the age of 80 and to investigate the factors associated with AKI. METHODS: From January 2015 to January 2020, 589 patients who underwent surgery of hip fractures at our institution were retrospectively reviewed. Serum creatinine (sCr) was analysed daily pre- and postoperatively during the hospital stay. Patients were divided into groups; AKI and non-AKI based on KDIGO (Kidney Disease Global Outcomes) criteria. The incidence, risk factors, and mortality of postoperative AKI were investigated. RESULTS: Out of 589 patients, 58 developed an AKI (9.8%). Smoking (p: 0.004), pre and postoperative low albumin level (p < 0.05), pre- and postoperative high potassium level (p < 0.05), pre- and postoperative high urea levels (p < 0.05), high amount of intra-operative bleeding (p: 0.003) and prolonged surgery time (p: 0.003) were found to be risk factors associated with AKI. Although the mortality rate was higher in the AKI group, it was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: AKI is a temporary but common complication following hip fracture surgery, which can also be predicted if risk factors are adequately observed. It typically increases the length of hospital stays, mortality and morbidity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III evidence, Retrospective comparative study.

Is the magnesium screw as stable as the titanium screw in the fixation of first metatarsal distal chevron osteotomy? A comparative biomechanical study on sawbones models.

Background: Distal chevron osteotomy (DCO) is commonly performed in hallux valgus surgery. The fixation of the osteotomy is provided by various implants. The usage of biodegradable implants such as magnesium is gradually increasing due to the advantages they provide. In this study, we aimed to compare the fixation of DCO with magnesium or titanium screw biomechanically. Methods: Twenty sawbones were used. The samples were divided into two equal groups, including ten sawbones for fixation with single headless titanium (group-1) or magnesium screw (group-2). DCO and screw fixations were performed on all samples using the same technique. Biomechanical testing was applied to five samples in each group in cantilever and the other five in a physiological configuration using a computer connected to the electromechanical test machine. The obtained data were evaluated using the Shapiro-Wilk test, Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney U test on the IBM® SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) V22.0 software. Significance was accepted at the p < 0.05 level. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the magnesium screw and the titanium screw in terms of maximum force, maximum displacement and stiffness measurements in cantilever and physiological loadings (p > 0.05 for all). Conclusion: This study found no significant difference in biomechanical stability between the magnesium and titanium screws in DCO fixation on sawbones. Further studies with real bones are needed.

How did restrictions mandated by the COVID-19 pandemic affect the performance of orthopedic trauma surgery in a Level-1 tertiary trauma hospital?

BACKGROUND: This present study was designed to evaluate the effect of restrictions on fracture admission to a Level-1 tertiary trauma hospital between COVID-19 pandemic and pre-pandemic restriction time intervals that included groups of younger than <20-years-old, 20-65-years-old, and older than aged >65-years-old. METHODS: Patients who were hospitalized and treated for orthopedic treatment between 10 March and 1 June during the pandemic period were retrospectively analyzed. Control group consisted of patients admitted to the hospital in the same time interval in 2019. The patients were divided into three groups, under 20 years of age, between 20 and 65 years of age, and over 65 years of age. The patients' data included age, gender, trauma mechanism, fracture type, and any COVID-19 radiological or clinical symptoms. RESULTS: The number of patients >65-years-old admitted to the orthopedic trauma center was high at pandemic intervals compared to pre-pandemic time. When the groups were compared for patients of 20-65-years-old; there was a significant difference for the fracture type (p<0.05). Lower extremity fractures were high at pre-pandemic group, whereas multiple traumas were high at pandemic group. For sub-group 20-65 ages, low-energy traumas were higher at pre-pandemic group, whereas high-energy traumas were more frequent at the pandemic group. CONCLUSION: We observed a decrease in fracture admission to orthopedic trauma centers during COVID-19 pandemic for subgroups of <20-years-old and 20-65-years-old ages, whereas there was a significant increase for >65-years-old age, most of them related to the osteoporotic hip fractures. So that older age group should be encouraged to mobilize at home and have permission to walk and make physical activity to avoid osteoporosis for a limited time daily.

Comparison of two different screw trajectories in the treatment of oblique scaphoid fractures: A mechanical study on composite bone models.

OBJECTIVES: In this mechanical study, we aimed to compare two different screw trajectories in terms of durability against axial loads on oblique scaphoid fractures using composite bone models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Oblique osteotomies were made along the dorsal sulcus of 14 composite scaphoid bone models. Following this, all bone models were randomly classified. One group of bones were fixed with a screw placed perpendicular to the osteotomy line and the other group was fixed with a screw placed centrally down the long axis of the scaphoid bone. Each scaphoid bone model was positioned on a mechanical testing machine. Subsequently, axial loading tests were applied on each bone model to measure the amount of loading required to cause 2-mm displacement and failure on the osteotomy side and maximum displacement at the time of failure on scaphoid bone models. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in load to 2-mm displacement and failure between the two groups (p>0.05). Also, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of maximum displacement seen on failure (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: In our study, we found that the stability of the screws which laid perpendicular to the fracture line and parallel to the long axis of the scaphoid was the same in fixing oblique scaphoid fractures.

Epidemiologic Study of Syrian Refugees Underwent Surgery Due to Fracture in a Tertiary Reference Hospital in Turkey.

Aim This study aims to analyze the spectrum, management, and outcome of Syrian refugees' fracture over four-year period, highlighting challenges in management and follow-up. Methods This was a retrospective review of Syrian refugee patients operated for fractures at our centre from January 2015 to January 2019. The patients were evaluated for age, gender, mechanism of injury, location and type of fracture, presence of accompanying injuries, surgical technique, complications, mortality and morbidity. The comparison of complications and postop outpatient clinic controls between Turkish citizens and Syrian refugees were also evaluated. Results The study included a total of 455 patients comprising 281 adults (202 males, 79 females) with a mean (SD) age of 41.1 (19.3) years and 174 children with a mean age of 8.8 (4.9) years. The trauma mechanism was most commonly fall in both adult and pediatric patients (86.6% / 73.5%). Whilst lower limb fractures were more common in adults (73.7%), upper limb fractures were more common in children (63.4%). The presence of accompanying trauma was determined in 21 (7.5%) adults and 10 (5.7%) children. Multiple fractures were determined in 12 (4.3%) adults and eight (4.6%) children. Plate fixation (PF) was most used in 137 (48.8%) adult patients and K-wire augmentation was used in 75 (43.1%) pediatric patients. Out of the 455 patients, 41 (14.6%) adults and 13 (7.3%) children developed complications. Whilst three adult patients were died during follow-up, no deaths were recorded in the pediatric patients. Complication rate was 54/455 in Syrian refugees and 32/455 in citizens. It was observed that the complication was significantly higher in immigrants (p: 0.017). Sixty-five (14.2%) Syrian immigrants did not come to the outpatient clinic control at all or once, while this rate was 29/455 (6.3%) for Turkish citizens (p = 0.012). Conclusion Inadequate living conditions and lack of communication faced by refugees reduce the rate of patient follow-up and negatively affect the results of orthopedic trauma.

Chondroprotective effect of Nigella sativa oil in the early stages of osteoarthritis: an experimental study in rabbits.

PURPOSE: Nigella sativa oil possesses a well-known ability to protect certain organs from oxidative, neoplastic, and inflammatory damage. This study investigated the potential chondroprotective effects of intraarticular injections of Nigella sativa oil in a rabbit osteoarthritis model. METHODS: Osteoarthritis models were created by performing anterior cruciate ligament transections in 20 New Zealand rabbits. Rabbits were randomly divided into two groups of 10 and given intraarticular injections in their right knees weekly for 5 weeks, beginning in the third week post-operation. Injections given to the first group contained whole Nigella sativa oil, whereas the second group was injected with a saline solution. Knee joints were harvested 8 weeks after surgery. Knee joint surfaces were examined macroscopically, and medial femoral condyle sections were examined microscopically. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in the macroscopic grading results of the groups, with the Nigella sativa group having better results (p=0.001). The Nigella sativa group also received significantly better total Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) scores (p=0.035). CONCLUSIONS: Intraarticular administration of Nigella sativa oil has the potential to protect cartilage from degeneration in the early stages of osteoarthritis.

Context-led capacity building in time of crisis: fostering non-communicable diseases (NCD) research skills in the Mediterranean Middle East and North Africa.

BACKGROUND: This paper examines one EC-funded multinational project (RESCAP-MED), with a focus on research capacity building (RCB) concerning non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the Mediterranean Middle East and North Africa. By the project's end (2015), the entire region was engulfed in crisis. OBJECTIVE: Designed before this crisis developed in 2011, the primary purpose of RESCAP-MED was to foster methodological skills needed to conduct multi-disciplinary research on NCDs and their social determinants. RESCAP-MED also sought to consolidate regional networks for future collaboration, and to boost existing regional policy engagement in the region on the NCD challenge. This analysis examines the scope and sustainability of RCB conducted in a context of intensifying political turmoil. METHODS: RESCAP-MED linked two sets of activities. The first was a framework for training early- and mid-career researchers through discipline-based and writing workshops, plus short fellowships for sustained mentoring. The second integrated public-facing activities designed to raise the profile of the NCD burden in the region, and its implications for policymakers at national level. Key to this were two conferences to showcase regional research on NCDs, and the development of an e-learning resource (NETPH). RESULTS: Seven discipline-based workshops (with 113 participants) and 6 workshops to develop writing skills (84 participants) were held, with 18 fellowship visits. The 2 symposia in Istanbul and Beirut attracted 280 participants. Yet the developing political crisis tagged each activity with a series of logistical challenges, none of which was initially envisaged. The immediacy of the crisis inevitably deflected from policy attention to the challenges of NCDs. CONCLUSIONS: This programme to strengthen research capacity for one priority area of global public health took place as a narrow window of political opportunity was closing. The key lessons concern issues of sustainability and the paramount importance of responsively shaping a context-driven RCB.

A rare rib lesion due to parosteal osteosarcoma: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Masses which develop on the surface of the rib bones are rare. The differential diagnosis includes benign and malignant lesions. CASE PRESENTATION: A 23-year-old European woman presented at an out-patient clinic with a 9-month history of a painless swelling on the right posterolateral side of her chest wall. The case reported here is of a very rarely seen parosteal osteosarcoma of the rib that was treated with wide resection and chest wall reconstruction. There was no evidence of local recurrence or distal metastasis after a 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Parosteal osteosarcoma is a locally aggressive malignant tumor, and resection with a wide margin is the most appropriate treatment. Correct diagnosis of parosteal osteosarcoma is challenging for an orthopedic surgeon. Although rare, in the differential diagnosis of lesions located on the ribs, parosteal osteosarcoma should be considered and a systematic diagnostic approach should be taken.

An unusual presentation of Trevor's disease at the ankle joint: Involvement of both medial and lateral epiphyses.

INTRODUCTION: Trevor's disease, also known as dyplasia epiphysealis hemimelica, is characterised by osteochondromas arising from epiphyses. The disease typically affects one side of an epiphysis (usually the medial side). CASE PRESENTATION: A case in whom both the medial and lateral sides of the epiphysis were involved is described. Thus, the use of the descriptor "hemimelica" is not always appropriate. CONCLUSION: Although rare, Trevor's disease should be kept in mind during the differential diagnosis of patients with ankle pain and a mass. Other possible joints should be examined to explore multiple involvement. Surgical treatment, only on lesions causing impingements, may improve functional status and reduce pain.

Change from health center to family physician period in the Turkish health system: A qualitative study.

INTRODUCTION: Health care reforms in Turkey have been implemented resolutely in the last 12 years. The shift from health center (HC) to a family physician (FP) approach is 1 of the basic interventions of these reforms. The goal of the current study is to evaluate opinions of patients, health care workers, and managers, using qualitative methods. METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted with patients who received health care services in both the FP and the HC periods, and with health care workers and managers in health care facilities that served in both periods. The interviews were recorded after obtaining permission, and then transcribed. Both health care staff that worked in the 2 periods and the patients that received health care services in the 2 periods reported that FP system was superior to HC system in attention showed by the family physicians, being followed by the same physician, and having confidence in physicians. RESULTS: The current FP period is superior to HC in facilities such as patient records, computer, internet, and phone. The strengths of HC period include home visits, environmental health studies, and family planning services. According to health care workers who worked in the 2 periods, HC was superior to FP in team spirit, public service delivery, and surveillance of communicable diseases. CONCLUSION: Public service delivery and environmental health studies and primary care practice in rural areas must be scrutinized in the context of the FP approach.

Effects of Local Application of Nano-silver on Osteomyelitis and Soft Tissue Infections: An Experimental Study in Rats.

Purpose: Bone and soft tissue infections are among the least desired complications after orthopaedic surgery. This study analysed the in vivo effects of the local application of nano-silver particles (AgNPs) [1nm = 1 billionth of a meter] in soft tissue infections. Materials-Method: An experimental osteomyelitis model was formed by inoculating both tibias of 24 rats with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The rats were followed without treatment for 21 days. Blood samples and tibial x-rays at day 21 confirmed the development of infection. Then, the rats were divided randomly into two groups. One group (12 rats) underwent surgical debridement and received 21 days of teicoplanin therapy. The second group had the same treatment, with the addition of local nano-silver. All of the rats were sacrificed at day 42. Blood and wound swab samples were taken and the culture results were analysed. Results: No differences were observed between the groups in healing values at pathological examination, or in changes in the number of colonies at days 21 and 42. No differences in white blood cell count (WBC) were observed between the groups before and after the treatment. Conclusion: Although in vitro studies suggest the effectiveness of AgNPs on pathogens, we found that the application of nano-silver did not make any difference when used in addition to the classical osteomyelitis treatment with antibiotics and local surgical debridement. We believe that additional in vivo studies using repeated nano-silver application could be beneficial.

Out-of-pocket health expenditures in patients with bipolar disorder, anxiety, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders: findings from a study in a psychiatry outpatient clinic in Turkey.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to explore the amount of OOP health expenditures and their determinants in patients with bipolar disorder, anxiety, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders in a psychiatry outpatient clinic of Turkey. METHODS: The study group was 191 patients who attended to the Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic in June 2014. All patients were previously diagnosed with either 'bipolar disorder', 'anxiety disorder' or 'schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders'. The dependent variable was OOP expenditures for prescription, medical tests and examinations. Independent variables were age, gender, education, occupation, existence of social and/or private health insurance, equivalent household income and the financial resources. Student's t test, Mann-Whitney U test, ANOVA and logistic regression methods were applied with SPSS 15.0 for analysis. RESULTS: OOP expenditures per admission were higher in patients with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders ($8.4) than those with anxiety disorders ($4.8) (p = 0.02). OOP expenditures were higher in patients paying with debit ($9.8) than paying with monthly income ($6.2) (p = 0.04). OOP expenditures were higher in patients without social health insurance ($45.8) than others ($4.8) (p = 0.003). There was not a difference in OOP expenditures with respect to equivalent household income level, occupational class or education level of the patients (respectively p: 0.90, p: 0.09, p: 0.52). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who were diagnosed with 'schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders' were disadvantaged in paying significantly higher amounts for their treatment. A substantial group of these patients compulsorily payed with debit. Considering this financial burden, diagnosis of the patient should be prioritized in health insurance coverage.

How primary care reforms influenced health indicators in Manisa district in Turkey: Lessons for general practitioners.

BACKGROUND: Turkish health reforms began in 2003 and brought some significant changes in primary care services. Few studies in Turkey compare the shift from health centres (HC) to family physicians (FP) approach, which was initiated by reforms. OBJECTIVES: This study compares health status indicators during the HC period before reforms (2003-2007) and the FP period after reforms (2008-2012) in Turkey. METHODS: This study encompasses time series data consisting of the results of a 10-year assessment (2003-2012) in Manisa district. All the data were obtained electronically and by month. The intersection points of the regression curves of these two periods and the beta coefficients were compared using segmented linear regression analysis. RESULTS: The mean number of follow-up per person/year during the HC period in infants (10.5), pregnant women (6.6) and women (1.8) was significantly higher than the mean number of follow-up during the FP period in infants (6.7), pregnant women (5.6) and women (0.9). Rates of BCG and measles vaccinations were significantly higher during the FP period; however, rates of HBV and DPT were same. The mean number of outpatient services per person/year during the FP period (3.3) was significantly higher than HC period (2.8). Within non-communicable diseases, no difference was detected for hypertension prevalence. Within communicable diseases, there was no difference for rabies suspected bites but acute haemorrhagic gastroenteritis significantly decreased. The infant mortality rate and under five-year child mortality rate significantly increased during the FP period. CONCLUSION: Primary care services should be reorganized and integrated with public health services.

Carpometacarpal fracture dislocation of the fourth and fifth finger: mid-term results of 15 patients.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to retrospectively evaluate and compare the mid-term clinical follow-up results of patients who were treated with open or closed reduction due to carpometacarpal (CMC) fracture dislocation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Medical charts of 15 patients (1 male, 14 females; mean age 32.5±10.5 years; range 18 to 55 years) who were operated for fourth and fifth finger CMC fracture dislocations were examined. Patients were divided into two groups according to applied treatment as closed reduction and percutaneous pinning (CRPP, n=6) and open reduction and percutaneous pinning (ORPP, n=9). Patients were assessed by a hand therapist blinded to the treatment groups. Patients were compared in respect of visual analog scale (VAS), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Q-DASH) scores, and grip strength. Complications were recorded. RESULTS: Mean VAS values of ORPP group and CRPP group were 2.33±0.50 and 1.67±0.52, respectively. Mean Q-DASH values of ORPP group and CRPP group were 13.63±3.21 and 9.05±2.36, respectively. Mean grip strength values of ORPP group and CRPP group were 65.78±3.70 and 75.17±6.11, respectively. Mean VAS and Q-DASH scores of ORPP group were statistically significantly higher compared to CRPP group. Mean grip strength value of CRPP group was statistically significantly higher compared to ORPP group. CONCLUSION: Treatment of fourth and fifth finger CMC fracture dislocations with CRPP results in statistically superior VAS, Q-DASH and grip strength values in the early post-injury period.