Minimal Failure Rate Research Articles

Impact of surgical timing on ventriculoperitoneal shunt failure rates: a population-based cohort study.

Hydrocephalus is a common neurosurgical condition treated primarily through ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement. This study aims to investigate the relationship between the timing of VP shunt surgery (on-call vs regular hours) and shunt failure rates. In this single-center, population-based observational cohort study, all adult patients who underwent VP shunt surgery were included. The main outcome was reoperation due to shunt failure within 12 months of the index surgery, comparing rates between procedures performed during regular hours and on-call periods. Adjustments for confounders were made using multivariable logistic regression. Out of 810 cases included, 25% underwent surgery during on-call hours. Shunt failure occurred in 10% of cases, most often due to infection. Patients operated on during on-call hours had a significantly higher rate of shunt failure compared to those operated on during regular hours (17% vs. 7.9%, p < 0.001). However, after adjusting for confounders in a multivariable logistic regression, this relationship was no longer statistically significant (OR 1.60, p = 0.073). The rate of shunt failure was significantly greater in surgeries conducted during on- call hours as opposed to regular hours, but this was not statistically significant after adjusting for confounders. Therefore, the timing of VP shunt surgery may not be an independent risk factor for shunt failure. High-risk scenarios still deserve added caution, and further research is needed to identify factors influencing shunt outcomes and develop strategies to minimize failure rates.

Application of Nexus Learning framework for Personalized Medicine and Drug Development

Biological systems provide an enormous amount of knowledge on development and disease. The pharmaceutical industry is facing new possibilities and challenges with the rise of high-throughput methods to study disease and biology. The aim is to develop drugs based on acceptable therapeutic assumptions. Nexus Learning provides a variety of tools that help improve discovery and decision making using extensive, high-quality data and well-specified queries. Potential applications of NLF can be found across the whole drug development process. Clinical study target validation, prognostic biomarker discovery, and digital pathology data processing are a few examples. There has been a wide variety of applications in terms of technique and environment, with some methods producing reliable forecasts and insights. The primary problem with using NLF is that the findings provided by NL tend to be easy to understand or reproduce, which can limit their value. The collection of complete and methodical high-dimensional data remains an essential need across all domains. By addressing these challenges and increasing understanding about what is required to verify NLF methodologies, we can employ NLF to make data-driven decisions, which can speed up drug discovery and development and minimize failure rates.

Review of Advances in AI-Powered Monitoring and Diagnostics for CI/CD Pipelines

Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines are critical components of modern software development, enabling rapid delivery of reliable applications. However, ensuring the seamless operation of CI/CD pipelines remains a challenge due to the complexity of managing code changes, dependencies, and diverse testing environments. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have introduced innovative approaches to monitoring and diagnostics within CI/CD workflows, significantly enhancing their efficiency, reliability, and resilience. This review explores the state-of-the-art AI-powered techniques employed in monitoring and diagnosing CI/CD pipelines. AI methodologies such as machine learning (ML) algorithms, anomaly detection systems, and predictive analytics are transforming pipeline management by identifying potential bottlenecks, predicting build failures, and optimizing resource allocation. Key developments include AI-driven log analysis, which automates the detection of error patterns and root cause identification, and reinforcement learning models that adaptively manage pipeline configurations to minimize failure rates. The paper also examines the role of natural language processing (NLP) in analyzing developer feedback and improving communication across teams. AI-powered observability platforms, which integrate data from multiple pipeline stages to provide real-time insights, are highlighted for their ability to enhance decision-making and reduce downtime. Challenges such as integrating AI systems into existing CI/CD frameworks, handling the vast diversity of data, and ensuring explain ability in AI-driven diagnostics are discussed, along with proposed solutions. Case studies from leading technology firms illustrate the impact of AI on CI/CD pipeline performance, showcasing measurable improvements in build success rates, deployment speeds, and overall operational efficiency. This review concludes by identifying emerging trends, such as the use of federated learning for privacy-preserving diagnostics and the integration of generative AI models for automated code fixes.

A Study on Failure Rate, Reliability, and Collection Efficiency Trend of Bag Filters in a Cement Plant

This thesis presents a comprehensive study on the failure rate, reliability, and collection efficiency trends of bag filters in a cement plant over 15 years. Bag filters are vital pollution control equipment used in various industries, including cement plants, to maintain environmental compliance. Understanding their performance and failure patterns is crucial to ensure efficient and reliable operation while adhering to stringent pollution control standards. The research findings reveal that the failure rate trend of bag filters closely follows the bathtub curve, with an initial high failure rate, a period of lower failures, and a subsequent increase in failures as the equipment nears the end of its life cycle. Reliability trends align with Madhab's Hat curve, exhibiting higher reliability during the first 10 to 12 years of operation, followed by a decline in reliability. The collection efficiency of bag filters declines as the equipment ages, with the efficiency decreasing from 99.998% in the early years to 95.05% in the 15th year. This emphasizes the importance of maintenance and retrofitting for older dust collection equipment to maintain high collection efficiency. The study concludes that the typical life span of bag filters ranges from 10 to 15 years, after which major maintenance interventions are necessary to minimize failure rates. The research provides valuable insights for maintenance engineers, design engineers, and reliability engineers, enabling them to improve the performance of pollution control equipment, such as bag filters, reverse air bag houses (RABH), and electrostatic precipitators (ESP), to meet the pollution control standards set by regulatory authorities.

Blunt abdominal trauma: watch and wait.

This review examines recent advancements in nonoperative management (NOM) of hemodynamically stable blunt abdominal trauma, focusing on expanding patient selection for observation-first strategies, particularly for high-grade solid organ injuries. Advances include a more deliberate nonoperative approach, allowing for broader patient inclusion in diagnostic and interventional angiography. Strict clinical monitoring and appropriate follow-up strategies are crucial to identify early signs of clinical progression and complications. Repeated contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) scan can be used for close observation of high-risk injuries, while the repetition of CECTs may be avoided for lower-risk cases, such as specific high-grade kidney injuries. The role of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in detecting sequelae of nonoperative approaches is still debated and has lot of potential, with ongoing trials exploring possible advantages. Multidisciplinary trauma teams play a crucial role in nonoperative management, particularly for high-grade injuries. A careful selection of patients is essential to minimize failure rates. Complications of nonoperative and angiographic approaches should be managed according to local expertise.

Predictors of Programming Abilities of Information Technology Students in UNP

Programming is one of the essential skills to be learned in the Information Technology curriculum. However, the subject is considered complicated and categorized as one of the biggest challenges in computing education. This paper is conducted to analyze and discuss the variables and limitations faced by students in learning programming. A survey of 100 University of Northern Philippines Information Technology students was achieved through questionnaires. The responses and views from the students were analyzed and investigated regarding their attitude toward learning programming. In the survey, the needs and concerns about the variables are highlighted and answered, leading to the inferences made and recommendations to enhance learning programming understanding, thus minimizing failure rates.

Technical and functional outcome after sacral neuromodulation using the "H" technique.

Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is awidely accepted treatment for pelvic floor disorders, including constipation and fecal incontinence (FI). In 2017, astandardized electrode placement method, the Htechnique, was introduced to minimize failure rates and improve clinical outcomes. We aimed to investigate the technical feasibility and functional outcome of the procedure. In this prospective study, we evaluated the first 50patients who underwent SNM according to the Htechnique between 2017 and 2020 at atertiary care hospital. Patient demographic and clinical data were collected, and the impact of various factors on patients' postoperative quality of life (QoL) was assessed after afollow-up of 40months. Functional outcome was monitored prospectively using astandardized questionnaire. Of 50patients, 36 (72%) reported greater than 50% symptom relief and received apermanent implant (95% CI: 58.3-82.5). We observed 75% success in relieving FI (95% CI: 58.9-86.3) and 64% in constipation (95% CI: 38.8-83.7). Complication occurred in five (10%) patients. Preoperative vs. postoperative physical and psychological QoL, Vaizey score, and obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) scores revealed significant improvements (all p < 0.01). Male gender was significantly associated with postoperative complications (p = 0.035). We provide evidence for the technical feasibility and efficacy of the SNM implantation using the H technique. The medium-term results are promising for patients with FI and constipation. Male patients and those with aBMI > 25 are more prone to perioperative complications.

Power Optimization and Network Congestion Controlling Technique for an IoT Enabled Smartbin for Smart Cities

The rapid increase in population leads to a corresponding increase in waste. As an integral application of a smart city, smart waste management framework provides a viable solution of implementing smartbins to monitor the waste and collect it. However, being a battery-operated node in continuous communicating with the cloud, power efficiency and network congestion are two of the major issues faced by the smartbins. Therefore, an algorithm for power optimization and network congestion control has successfully been presented in this article. The results obtained from testing the algorithm under different filling conditions and zero packet loss provide evidence of its practicality to optimize power usage and circumvent network congestion. The proposed algorithm can easily be implemented as an integral part of a smartbin to allow the cities to support smart waste management frameworks with a minimal failure rate and minimal cost of maintenance. Researchers can integrate the algorithm into their frameworks to propose solutions to the ever-increasing problem of waste management.

English

BACKGROUND Intra-Operative Cholangiogram (IOC) is a procedure carried out during cholecystectomy with the primary objective of clearly delineating the biliary anatomy. Over decades, routine IOC became selective IOC and now it is being overtaken by less invasive investigations like MRCP and EUS. Role of IOC remains only to intraoperatively confirm or rule out bile duct injury in difficult cases. Laparoscopic IOC is a skilful procedure which requires training and extra added time during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Once mastered it can be used in many situations for either anatomical reasons or to detect CBD pathology. METHODS All patients getting admitted for laparoscopic cholecystectomy with intermediate risk for choledocholithiasis were enrolled in the study from 2016 to 2019. Procedure was carried out with all necessary consents and precautions. All cases were performed by an experienced GI surgeon and followed up with proper protocol. RESULTS Fifty patients with known intermediate risk for choledocholithiasis underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy with laparoscopic IOC. Procedure was successfully done in all patients except two, where cystic duct was very thin and cannulation was not possible. Forty-one (82%) patients had deranged liver function test and 9 patients (18%) had history of acute pancreatitis in the past as indications for the procedure. Two patients had dilated CBD (&gt;6 mm) on ultrasound along with deranged liver function tests. An average of 12 minutes was taken to perform the procedure (range: 8 - 15 min). In cases where IOC took longer time was mainly due to technical issues (operability of C-arm). No IOC related complications occurred in any of the patients. Hospital stay was not prolonged in any of the patients due to IOC. None of the patients had any filling defect in CBD. All cases followed till date are asymptomatic. CONCLUSIONS It is a technically feasible procedure that can be performed with limited addition to OT time, minimal failure rate, and complications. All patients with limited criteria for intermediate risk of choledocholithiasis had a normal IOC with no evidence of biliary obstruction in follow up. KEYWORDS Laparoscopic Intraoperative Cholangiogram, Intermediate Risk, CBD Stones

Why University Students Fail in Most Computer Programming Courses: The Case of Wachemo University-Student-Teacher Perspective

In this research, a study was conducted to investigate and explore the views of students for the failure and difficulties they faced in learning fundamental programming courses. There are many factors that influence the high rate of failure of students in most computer programming courses. This paper focuses on the teaching and learning methodologies and strategies that are implemented in teaching of all computer programming courses. This is a major factor for consideration; hence an investigation into the causes of failure of students in most computer programming courses from all perspectives with regard to the teaching methodology used by teachers to teach these courses is relevant and very important concept. Most computer programming courses form part of the core concentration areas for students especially studying in school of computing and informatics as an undergraduate degree program. All computer programming students are expected to prove capabilities in the principles of programming and logic that are being taught in the courses; even though some of these concepts are highly intellectual and multifaceted. Their opinions to the usefulness of the teaching methods being implemented in computer programming courses were required for. The needs and concerns about the teaching and learning methods are highlighted in the study and discussed thereby leading to the making of suggestions about the ways to improve the teaching and learning methods that are used in computer programming courses in order to advance understanding of computer programming, when studied by students thereby minimizing failure rates of those students. Keywords: Computer programming; Failure; School of Computing and Informatics; Student and Teacher Perspective DOI: 10.7176/CEIS/11-2-02 Publication date: February 29 th 2020

Causes of Failure of University Students in Computer Programming Courses : The Case of Wachemo University

Computer programming courses are among the important components of the curriculum to be studied, not only in the school of Computing and Informatics, but also in most of the field including Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Engineering Science departments. In this research, a study was conducted to investigate and explore the views of students for the failure and difficulties they faced in learning fundamental programming courses. There are many factors that influence the high rate of failure of students in computer programming courses. This paper focuses on the teaching and learning methodologies and strategies that are implemented in teaching of programming courses. This is a major factor for consideration; hence an investigation into the causes of failure of students in computer programming courses from the learner perspective with regard to the teaching methodology used by teachers to teach these courses is relevant and very important concept. Computer programming courses form part of the core concentration areas for students especially studying in school of computing and informatics as an undergraduate degree program. Computer programming students are expected to prove capabilities in the principles of programming and logic that are being taught in the course; even though some of these concepts are highly intellectual and multifaceted. Their opinions to the usefulness of the teaching methods being implemented in computer programming courses were required for. The needs and concerns about the teaching and learning methods are highlighted in the survey and discussed thereby leading to the making of suggestions about the ways to improve the teaching and learning methods that are used in computer programming courses in order to advance understanding of computer programming, when studied by students thereby minimizing failure rates of those students.

Comparative study of graft materials used in myringoplasty

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Various graft materials are used for myringoplasty in practice. Present study was done to compare the hearing improvement and graft uptake rate in patients with inactive mucosal type chronic otitis media with central perforation undergoing myringoplasty using either of the two graft materials: temporalis fascia and conchal perichondrium.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; Patients with tubotympanic type of chronic suppurative otitis media were selected from patients attending the ENT OPD of SMGS Hospital, Government Medical College, Jammu between July 2016 to March 2018. This study included 100 patients out of which 50 were subjected to myringoplasty with temporalis fascia grafting (Group 1) and remaining 50 to conchal perichondrium grafting (Group 2) using underlay technique. The comparative study was done on following parameters-graft uptake and audiological outcome. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; 82% patients were of age less than 30 years. The overall male: female ratio was 1.3:1. In Group 1, 76% had gain of 15 db while 12% had gain of &amp;gt;15 db. In Group 2, 72% had gain of 15 db and 8% had gain of &amp;gt;15 db. The graft was intact in 84% patients. 12% of Group 1 patients, showed residual perforation whereas it was 20% in Group 2 patients.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; The study showed that: the temporalis fascia graft is better than conchal perichondrial graft for closure of perforations in inactive mucosal type of chronic otitis media with central perforation because of maximum hearing improvement and minimal failure rate in group receiving temporalis fascia graft.&lt;/p&gt;

Clinical features and treatment outcomes of airway foreign body aspiration in adults.

There are few reports comparing flexible and rigid bronchoscopy in adult foreign body (FB) aspiration. The aim of this retrospective study was to review the clinical characteristics, outcomes and factors associated with success in adult patients who underwent flexible or rigid bronchoscopy for airway FB removal. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 103 patients who underwent bronchoscopy to remove airway FB at Samsung Medical Center, South Korea from January 1999 to March 2017. The median patient age was 64 years, and 70% were males. Among the 54 patients who underwent flexible bronchoscopy as first-line treatment, 43 (80%) patients had their FB successfully removed. Previous attempts at other hospitals was significantly associated with failed flexible bronchoscopy [9/11 (82%) vs. 3/43 (7%), P<0.001]. Delayed diagnosis (median 29 vs. 5 days, P=0.074) and peripherally located airway FB [9/12 (75%) vs. 23/48 (48%), P=0.115] were factors that trended towards flexible bronchoscopy failure. All of the 59 patients who underwent rigid bronchoscopy had their FB successfully removed. Rigid bronchoscopy was preferred to flexible bronchoscopy in patients with no comorbidities [38/59 (64%) vs. 18/44 (41%), P=0.018], previous attempts at other hospitals [34/59 (58%) vs. 4/44 (9%), P<0.001], delayed diagnosis (median 162 vs. 5 days, P<0.001), and hard FBs [48/62 (77%) vs. 21/49 (43%), P<0.001]. Our data suggest that previous failed attempts and delayed diagnosis are associated with flexible bronchoscopy failure. However, rigid bronchoscopy could be effective in removing an airway FB even in these cases. Further studies to identify factors to facilitate optimal patient selection will minimize failure rates and optimize resource utilization.

Glutamic acid\u2013valine\u2013citrulline linkers ensure stability and efficacy of antibody\u2013drug conjugates in mice

Valine–citrulline linkers are commonly used as enzymatically cleavable linkers for antibody–drug conjugates. While stable in human plasma, these linkers are unstable in mouse plasma due to susceptibility to an extracellular carboxylesterase. This instability often triggers premature release of drugs in mouse circulation, presenting a molecular design challenge. Here, we report that an antibody–drug conjugate with glutamic acid–valine–citrulline linkers is responsive to enzymatic drug release but undergoes almost no premature cleavage in mice. We demonstrate that this construct exhibits greater treatment efficacy in mouse tumor models than does a valine–citrulline-based variant. Notably, our antibody–drug conjugate contains long spacers facilitating the protease access to the linker moiety, indicating that our linker assures high in vivo stability despite a high degree of exposure. This technology could add flexibility to antibody–drug conjugate design and help minimize failure rates in pre-clinical studies caused by linker instability.

In-hospital airway management training for non-anesthesiologist EMS physicians: a descriptive quality control study

BackgroundPre-hospital airway management is a major challenge for emergency medical service (EMS) personnel. Despite convincing evidence that the rescuer’s qualifications determine efficacy of tracheal intubation, in-hospital airway management training is not mandatory in Austria, and often neglected. Thus we sought to prove that airway management competence of EMS physicians can be established and maintained by a tailored training program.MethodsIn this descriptive quality control study we retrospectively evaluated all in- and pre-hospital airway cases managed by EMS physicians who underwent a structured in-hospital training program in anesthesia at General Hospital Wiener Neustadt. Data was obtained from electronic anesthesia and EMS documentation systems.ResultsFrom 2006 to 2016, 32 EMS physicians with 3-year post-graduate education, but without any prior experience in anesthesia were trained. Airway management proficiency was imparted in three steps: initial training, followed by an ongoing practice schedule in the operating room (OR). Median and interquartile range of number of in-hospital tracheal intubations (TIs) vs. use of supra-glottic airway devices (SGA) were 33.5 (27.5–42.5) vs. 19.0 (15.0–27.0) during initial training; 62.0 (41.8–86.5) vs. 33.5 (18.0–54.5) during the first, and 64.0 (34.5–93.8) vs. 27 (12.5–56.0) during the second year. Pre-hospitaly, every physician performed 9.0 (5.0–14.8) TIs vs. 0.0 (0.0–0.0) SGA cases during the first, and 9.0 (7.0–13.8) TIs vs. 0.0 (0.0–0.3) SGA during the second year. Use of an SGA was mandatory when TI failed after the second attempt, thus accounting for a total of 33 cases. In 8 cases, both TI and SGA failed, but bag mask ventilation was successfully performed. No critical events related to airway management were noted and overall success rate for TI with a max of 2 attempts was 95.3%.DiscussionNumber of TIs per EMS physician is low in the pre-hospital setting. A training concept that assures an additional 60+ TIs per year appears to minimize failure rates. Thus, a fixed amount of working days in anesthesia seems crucial to maintain proficiency.ConclusionsIn-hospital training programs are mandatory for non-anesthetist EMS physicians to gain competence in airway management and emergency anesthesia.Our results might be helpful when discussing the need for regulation and financing with the authorities.

Quadruple-Bundle Semitendinosus-Gracilis Graft Technique for All-Inside Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Hamstring tendon autograft has been shown to be an excellent option for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Adequate graft size can usually be achieved through either a double-bundle technique of semitendinosus and gracilis tendons or a quadruple-bundle technique using a single tendon. To minimize failure rates that result from graft insufficiency, a minimum graft thickness of 8 mm is recommended for reconstruction. However, certain patients possess small native hamstring tendons that do not allow for recommended graft thickness using either of these traditional techniques. Although patient characteristics such as gender, height, and weight have all been associated with hamstring tendon size, accurately predicting which patients will possess inadequate autograft size is not possible. Recognizing this problem intraoperatively after harvesting the tendon presents a difficult scenario for the surgeon. In this technical note, we describe an alternative technique for preparing hamstring tendon autograft that results in significantly increased thickness by essentially utilizing a quadruple-bundle technique with both tendons. We proceed to reconstruct the ACL using an all-inside technique with suture buttons on both the femoral and tibial tunnels. The technique can serve as a rescue method for patients with insufficient hamstring tendon thickness.

Interpretive structural modelling of critical risk factors in software engineering project

Purpose – Success of software projects depends on identification of project risks and managing the risks in a proactive manner. Risk management requires thorough insights into interrelationship of various risk factors for proposing strategies to minimize failure rate. The purpose of this paper is to develop a comprehensive structural model to interrelate important risk factors affecting the success of software projects. Design/methodology/approach – Specifically, this study reveals how interpretive structural modelling helps the risk managers in identifying and understanding the interrelationship among various risk factors. A total of 23 risk factors (or risk sources) have been identified through an extensive literature review. Findings – Necessary modelling information has been gathered from expert through a structured questionnaire survey. Matrice d’Impacts croises-multipication appliqué an classment analysis has been employed to classify the risk factors into four clusters such as autonomous, dependent, linkage and independent based on their driving and dependence power. Risk factors with strong dependence and weak driving power need urgent attention from managerial perspective. Originality/value – The proposed model is useful for software managers/practitioners to address risk factors associated with complicated projects.

Влияние эффективности исходных материалов на показатели надежности термоэлектрических охлаждающих устройств. Часть І: Однокаскадные ТЭУ

Increase of the reliability of information systems depends on the reliability improvement of their component elements, including cooling devices, providing efficiency of thermally loaded components. Thermoelectric devices based on the Peltier effect have significant advantages compared with air and liquid systems for thermal modes of the radio-electronic equipment. This happens due to the absence of moving parts, which account for the failure rate. The article presents research results on how thermoelectric efficiency modules affect the failure rate and the probability of non-failure operation in the range of working temperature of thermoelectric coolers. The authors investigate a model of relative failure rate and the probability of failure-free operation single-stage thermoelectric devices depending on the main relevant parameters: the operating current flowing through the thermocouple and resistance, temperature changes, the magnitude of the heat load and the number of elements in the module. It is shown that the increase in the thermoelectric efficiency of the primary material for a variety of thermocouple temperature changes causes the following: maximum temperature difference increases by 18%; the number of elements in the module decreases; cooling coefficient increases; failure rate reduces and the probability of non-failure operation of thermoelectric cooling device increases. Material efficiency increase by 1% allows reducing failure rate by 2,6—4,3% in maximum refrigeration capacity mode and by 4,2—5,0% in minimal failure rate mode when temperature difference changes in the range of 40—60 K. Thus, the increase in the thermoelectric efficiency of initial materials of thermocouples can significantly reduce the failure rate and increase the probability of failure of thermoelectric coolers depending on the temperature difference and the current operating mode.

Pediatric polysomnographic studies at a tertiary-care hospital in Singapore.

To investigate the indications for conducting polysomnography studies and their outcomes. Retrospective analysis of pediatric polysomnography studies performed over a four-year period (2009-2012). 425 diagnostic studies and 100 non-invasive positive-pressure ventilation titration studies were conducted. Of these, 389 were performed in male children. Obstructive sleep apnea was the most common diagnosis; 49.6% (211 studies). Other diagnoses included central apnea, narcolepsy, and periodic limb movement disorder. Night time symptoms (snoring, frequent night awakenings, restless sleep) were present in 294 children, and 161 children had daytime symptoms (excessive daytime sleepiness, early morning fatigue, poor concentration at school). 13 studies (2.5%) were inadequate for analysis, reflecting the challenges of conducting studies in children. Dedicated pediatric sleep laboratories with properly trained staff are important to minimize failure rates and diagnose these conditions accurately.

Clinical Outcome Following Treatment Of Pertrochanteric Fractures With Dynamic Hip Screw In A Nigerian Rehabilitation Hospital

Pertrochanteric fracture is a severe and frequent injury with consequent high morbidity and mortality. Dynamic hip screw is an effective treatment modality for stable intertrochanteric hip fractures. It is based on tension band principle which allows compression of fracture fragment when the patient bears weight with consequent high rates of union and restoration of hip function to pre injury level. This study determined the epidemiological pattern, care, complications and functional outcome of pertrochanteric fractures following treatment with dynamic hip screw. Retrospective data was obtained over a 5 year period from January, 2007 to December, 2012. All patients with pertrochanteric hip fractures treated with dynamic hip screw were consecutively selected. Data was analysed using SPSS version 21. The total number of patients was 48 of whom were 28 males and 20 females with a mean age of 63.8±15years. The commonest mechanical complication encountered was lag screw cut through in 4 (8.3%) patients. Post-operative hip functional status done according to Postel and Merle d Aubigne scoring system at 4 - 6 months postop revealed that majority (90.0%) of patients had satisfactory hip function with minimal morbidity. Careful patient selection, proper training of surgeons as well as attention to detail is vital and may minimize failure rates.