Relationship between health problems associated with working in the Kingston Free Zone and health services within the Free Zone

The aim of this study was to identify the health problems associated with working in the Kingston Free Zone, the types of health services found there and their adequacy, with a view to implement strategies to overcome the the problems. Health problems were associated with working in the Free Zone e.g respiratory and digestive problems were seen as a result of the working conditions found in the Free Zone. Health services were found to be adequate but under utilized. The need for implementation of a few programmes and health services were also identified, such as an occupational health programme and a dental service (AU)

The treatment of fractures of the femoral shaft by the use of kuntscher nails - abstract

In a personal series of 110 cases of fracture of the femoral shaft Kuntscher nails were used in 88 and closed method employed in 22. This study relates to those patients having internal fixation. The average age was 35.9 years: there were 72 males and 16 females and road traffic accidents were the commonest precipitating factor. In 8 patients the fracture was subtrochanteric, in 26 at the upper 1/3, and in 9 at the lower 1/3 of the femur. Transverse fractures were seen in 63 cases and in 17 the fractures were compound. In 78 of the cases the operation was done between the 7th and 10th day after the accident. Post-operatively, splinting was used mainly in those cases who had fractures of the lower 1/3 of the femur. Partial weight-bearing was started at about 6 weeks and full weight-bearing between the 10th and 12th week post-operatively. After the 12th week patients were encouraged to discard crutches. There were no instances of non-union and only two of delayed union. Complete or virtually complete knee movement returned in 58 patients and in only 4 patients was knee movement 0-90§. Fifty-eight patients could return to work within 6 months after the injury. The major advatages of this closed method of treatment are a reduction in hospital stay, early ambulation and early return to work - all of which have economic advantage for the patient and the community (AU)