Patient Satisfaction Rate Research Articles

'On-Demand' snack service in a rehabilitation setting: Impact on satisfaction,intake, waste and costs.

To evaluate an 'On-Demand' snack service in a rehabilitation setting for satisfaction, intake, waste and cost. In September 2021, a trial of an 'On-Demand' snack service was conducted on two general rehabilitation wards in a purpose-built rehabilitation hospital. A retrospective comparison of pre-implementation, 1-month and 8-month post-implementation audit data was used to evaluate staff and patient satisfaction, nutritional intake, waste and cost (labour and food). Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed for intake quantitative data and content analysis was conducted for qualitative data. A total of 26 responses from staff and 34 from patients were received. Staff reported higher overall satisfaction with the 'tea-trolley' service (50% vs. 32%; χ2 6.815 [2]; p < 0.05). Patient satisfaction ratings of the original 'tea-trolley' system were higher than the 'On-Demand' snacks system (96% vs. 59%; χ2 41.60 [2]; p < 0.0001). Median daily intake from snack food and drinks was maintained (938 kJ and 6 g protein vs. 925 kJ and 6 g protein) and waste (23.3% vs. 20.9%; p < 0.05) decreased with the 'On-Demand' service. Cost of ordered food was similar ($778.15 'tea-trolley' vs. $746.1 'On-Demand'), however cost of waste ($179.47 'tea-trolley' vs. $128.7 'On-Demand') and labour ($1650.46 'tea-trolley' vs. $926.44 'On-Demand') reduced by 28% and 44%, respectively, with the 'On-Demand' snack service. Implementing an 'On-Demand' snack service in the general inpatient rehabilitation setting resulted in reductions in food waste, foodservice staff labour and waste costs, while intake was maintained. Patient and staff satisfaction decreased warranting further investigation into appropriate implementation methods.

The Level of Satisfaction Among Patients with Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are one of the treatments for tooth loss cases. Dental profession students at the Faculty of Dentistry of Universitas Padjadjaran (Unpad) conducted their first dental bridge treatment on patients. Evaluating patient satisfaction is essential to measure the success of treatments provided by dental students. This study aims to determine patient satisfaction with the dental bridges treatment provided by dental professional students at the Prosthodontics Polyclinic in terms of chewing, aesthetics and phonetics function, maintenance of the denture, and psychological aspects. This type of research is descriptive cross-sectional. Eighty-two dental bridges users were selected using total sampling at the Prosthodontic Polyclinic from September 2022 to February 2023 out of a total population of 86 users. The inclusion criteria included male or female patients using PFM or full metal dental bridges in the upper or lower jaw, worn for at least seven days to 6 months after definitive cementation, and made a control visit after the insertion of dental bridges. The instrument used was a modified questionnaire called the Patient Denture Assessment (PDA) and an Indonesian version of PDA (PDA-ID), with 12 modified Likert scale questions given online. The results of the study showed that 86,6% of the respondents were satisfied with masticatory function, 97,6% were satisfied with aesthetics and phonetics, 82,9% were satisfied with the maintenance of the denture, and 93,9% were satisfied with the psychological aspects of the use of dental bridges. Most patients were satisfied with dental bridges regarding chewing, aesthetics and phonetics function, denture maintenance, and psychological aspects.

From the experience of more than 1000 glue ablation procedures for varicose veins: how to do it

Cyanoacrylate adhesive closure (CAC) is currently one of the main non-thermal ablation modalities of incompetent saphenous veins. High efficacy and safety of the method is supported by international clinical practice guidelines as well as the real-world practice. In contrast to thermal ablation, CAC is advantageous in terms of low periprocedural pain and bruising, fast procedure time and postprocedural recovery, high patient comfort and satisfaction rates as well as avoidance of postprocedural compression. This publication summarises the practical tips and tricks of glue ablation procedure based on 5-year experience (2019–2023) at the “SM-Clinic” Phlebology Centre, Moscow. Indications for the preferred use of CAC are formulated, such as: low pain threshold; contraindications (or unwillingness) to postprocedural compression; extensive comorbidity and fragile patients; concomitant morbid obesity; the presence of axial reflux along the saphenous veins; the need for simultaneous ablation of several incompetent truncal veins; below-the-knee incompetence of saphenous veins, including recurrent varicose veins; extensive lipodermatosclerosis and/or venous leg ulcer; patient’s HIV and viral hepatitis positive status. A step-by-step interventional protocol of glue ablation is described, including the modified protocols of the procedure. The immediate and long-term outcomes of the CAC according to current data are discussed. Special attention is paid to adverse events following CAC, as well as technical aspects of their prevention. Despite high efficacy and safety profile, today’s limitations for adoption and wider use of CAC are cost issues and lack of reimbursement.

Patient’s Satisfaction Post-Transurethral Resection of the Prostate with Monopolar and Bipolar for Benign Prostate Hyperplasia

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), either bipolar or monopolar, is a surgical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia, which has similar effectiveness in reducing international prostate symptom score, increasing men peak flow rates, and reducing post-void residual volume. However, bipolar TURP (B-TURP) can reduce the incidence of bleeding and dilutional hyponatremia. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the level of patient satisfaction between Monopolar-TURP (M-TURP) and B-TURP. 82 patients at three hospitals in Denpasar City were eligible as subjects based on inclusion criteria, consisting of 41 patients for each procedure. The recruitment method used consecutive sampling from March to August 2019. The patient’s demographics as baseline data were recorded. The level of patient satisfaction was recorded for one month after surgery through the SF-36 questionnaire. The baseline sample’s characteristics before surgery in both groups were statistically identical. In evaluating patient satisfaction levels, there are significant differences where TURP (B-TURP) is better in the domain of vitality (p=0.001), social function (p=0.005), pain (p=0.002), and general health (p=0.001). B-TURP resulted in an increasing level of patient satisfaction better than M-TURP.

Patient’s Satisfaction Post-Transurethral Resection of the Prostate with Monopolar and Bipolar for Benign Prostate Hyperplasia

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), either bipolar or monopolar, is a surgical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia, which has similar effectiveness in reducing international prostate symptom score, increasing men peak flow rates, and reducing post-void residual volume. However, bipolar TURP (B-TURP) can reduce the incidence of bleeding and dilutional hyponatremia. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the level of patient satisfaction between Monopolar-TURP (M-TURP) and B-TURP. 82 patients at three hospitals in Denpasar City were eligible as subjects based on inclusion criteria, consisting of 41 patients for each procedure. The recruitment method used consecutive sampling from March to August 2019. The patient’s demographics as baseline data were recorded. The level of patient satisfaction was recorded for one month after surgery through the SF-36 questionnaire. The baseline sample’s characteristics before surgery in both groups were statistically identical. In evaluating patient satisfaction levels, there are significant differences where TURP (B-TURP) is better in the domain of vitality (p=0.001), social function (p=0.005), pain (p=0.002), and general health (p=0.001). B-TURP resulted in an increasing level of patient satisfaction better than M-TURP.

Empathy Among Medical Students: An Exploratory Cross-Sectional Survey.

Context In the context of healthcare, effective communication and empathy are fundamental skills for physicians, as empathy correlates positively with patient satisfaction, compliance, treatment adherence, and lower rates of physician burnout, depression and anxiety. This study aimed to assess empathy levels and related factors among undergraduate medical students. Methods A cross-sectional study in a Central Indian medical institute examined empathy levels and factors associated with it among medical students, utilizing various scales and statistical analyses. Results This study found that while empathy levels were relatively high among undergraduate students, there was a decline as they progressed through medical education, particularly after the first year of clinical exposure. The study identified several factors associated with empathy levels, including perceived stress, emotional separation, and social support. Notably, individuals experiencing higher levels of stress and emotional separation tended to have higher empathy levels. Conclusions The study's findings suggest that medical education should incorporate interventions to enhance empathy, including addressing stress, providing social support, and exposing students to the emotional aspects of patient care.

Enhancing Buttock Contours: A Safer Approach to Gluteal Augmentation with Ultrasonic Liposuction, Submuscular Implants, and Ultrasound-Guided Fat Grafting.

Background: The global popularity of gluteal augmentation has risen significantly, driven by the desire for enhanced buttocks size and shape to align with individual patient preferences. This increased demand has prompted extensive research into diverse techniques and their safety. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted to evaluate the outcomes of a gluteal augmentation technique involving ultrasound-assisted liposuction, submuscular implants, and ultrasound-guided fat grafting. Our study involved a review of the medical records of 50 consecutive patients who underwent this procedure between February 2020 and July 2023. Results: Data related to patient demographics, the quantity of fat grafts, and any complications were analyzed. Additionally, a brief survey was conducted to evaluate patient satisfaction. The Polytech implants were used in forty-four patients, and Sebbin implants in six. The implant size varied from 285 to 560. Most of the Polytech implants were 390 cc (25/44; 56.8%). Two patients had a minor infection at the incision sites and subsequent wound dehiscence. No revision surgeries were needed. Conclusions: The presented technique incorporates ultrasonic liposuction, submuscular silicone implants, and ultrasound-guided fat grafting to achieve safe and aesthetic gluteal enhancements. This method is especially suitable for patients looking to augment both the central and lateral areas of the buttocks, particularly when they lack adequate fat tissue for augmentation through fat grafting. With the addition of ultrasound guidance, the fat grafting step is significantly safer.

The video window: How video consultation technology reveals and redefines the art of medicine in Danish specialist practice

In the contemporary landscape of technologically mediated healthcare, video consultations introduce a dynamic interplay of challenges and opportunities. Taking the notion of 'the art of medicine' as an analytical frame, and drawing on interviews with medical specialists as well as participant observation of video consultations with patients (carried out between February 2022 and January 2023), this article investigates how video consultation technology changes the practices of medical specialists in the Danish healthcare system. Informed by post-phenomenology, we approach video consultations metaphorically as 'windows' between medical specialists and patients, unveiling three pivotal dimensions characterizing these changes. First, the shift from a physical to a virtual consultation room requires a reevaluation of the authoritative nature of the clinic, emphasizing the need for negotiating and staging the clinical space online. Second, while video consultations limit doctors' ability to rely on traditional non-verbal cues such as body language, they offer glimpses into patients' home environments, exposing the influence of social preconceptions on medical evaluations. Third, the adoption of video consultations introduces new conditions for doctors' use of senses, accentuating the importance of reflecting on the roles of different sensory impressions in the art of medicine. Our study illuminates how video consultation technology simultaneously expands and constrains the engagement between medical specialists and patients. Despite their inherent limitations, video consultations bring medical specialists closer to some of the intricacies of patients' lives. This proximity offers new insights and renders visible the roles of caregivers and relatives in the patient's care. The metaphor of 'the video window' encapsulates this tension between distance and closeness in video consultations, portraying the patient as both fragmented and socially situated. Our study extends beyond traditional patient and provider satisfaction evaluations, providing nuanced insights into how video consultations reconfigure the art of medicine.

Evaluation of patient satisfaction of receiving Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy prescribed by nurse Non-Medical Prescribers

PurposeTo evaluate patient satisfaction of patients receiving Systemic Anti-Cancer Treatment prescribed by nurse Non-Medical Prescribers as a new model of care at a Cancer Unit in Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. MethodsA cross-sectional survey design, with a convenience sample of patients from five tumour groups who received Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy by nurse Non-Medical Prescribers, across a 3-month period in 2022 was employed. Anonymised data were collected via postal survey, which incorporated a minimally modified version of the 45-item Leeds Satisfaction Questionnaire (LSQ). ResultsOne-hundred and sixteen surveys were returned, yielding a 36% response rate. Overall patients’ satisfaction levels with nurse non-medical prescribing of systemic anti-cancer therapy were high across all six subscales of the modified LSQ corroborated by qualitative free-text comments. Eighty-five percent of participants indicated they were happy to continue being prescribed systemic anti-cancer therapy by the nurse non-medical prescribers. ConclusionOverall patient satisfaction of Systemic Anti-Cancer Treatment prescribed by nurse Non-Medical Prescribers was positively rated; with high standards of compassionate, person-centred care reported, demonstrating an acceptable transformation in care delivery from a consultant-led model. Nonetheless, there was scope for improved health literacy to enhance patients’ understanding and compliance with treatment.

Efficacy and Safety of Paragastric Neural Blockade in Controlling Pain, Nausea, and Vomiting After Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundThere are difficulties in controlling the symptoms of pain, nausea, and vomiting after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PGNB on pain and nausea and vomiting in the early postoperative period in patients who underwent LSG.MethodsIn this prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind study, the patients were divided into two equally formed groups: patients who underwent PGNB after LSG and the control group. Postoperative pain symptoms were evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS) scores, and nausea and vomiting symptoms were evaluated using the postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) scores.ResultsThe study was completed with 90 patients, 45 patients in each group. The VAS scores measured at postoperative hours 1, 6, and 12 were statistically significantly lower in the PGNB group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the 24th hour VAS scores. The mean PONV scores of the PGNB and control groups were 0.47 ± 0.89 and 1.67 ± 1.95, respectively, revealing a significantly higher value for the controls. The mean time to first mobilization in the postoperative period was significantly shorter in the PGNB group. Upon the evaluation of patient satisfaction, it was determined that the satisfaction score of the PGNB group was significantly higher.ConclusionsPGNB is an effective and safe method for managing pain, nausea, and vomiting that occur in the early period after LSG.Graphical

Price transparency at the point of prescribing with real-time prescription benefits.

Real-time prescription benefits (RTPB) shows prescribers patient-, medication-, and pharmacy-specific information on medication pricing, prior authorization requirements, and lower-cost alternatives. RTPB is intended to improve patient satisfaction and prescription fill rates by decreasing out-of-pocket costs for prescriptions. Therefore, we evaluated how RTPB affects prescribing patterns by examining acceptance and subsequent fill rates for RTPB alternative suggestions. RTPB was implemented in February 2022 using external vendor interfaces. Prescribing data from March 2022 to March 2023 were analyzed. RTPB displayed alerts for medications requiring prior authorization or when alternative medications would result in cost savings. Patients were included if their prescription received an RTPB response and they had a subsequent encounter with pharmacy fill data. Primary outcomes were alert acceptance rates and prescription fill rates across RTPB alert groups, with a secondary outcome of monthly copay savings for accepted alerts. RTPB requests received a response for 88% of prescriptions, with price estimates provided for 77.9% of them. Lower-cost alternatives accounted for 67.2% of alerts, while prior authorization requirements represented 15% of alerts. Prescribers selected a lower-cost alternative 32% of the time. For those with an RTPB alert, patients filled prescriptions 68% of the time when an alternative was chosen, compared to 59% of the time when the original prescription was retained (odds ratio, 1.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-1.6; P < 0.001). Patients saved an average of $27.77 per month on copay costs when alternatives were selected. Implementation of RTPB was found to result in significant improvements in prescription fill rates and decrease patient copay costs, despite low alert acceptance rates.

Aesthetic Rib Cage Remodeling with Osteosynthesis: Body Structural High-Definition Reshaping (RIBOSS).

Rib cage remodeling has shown promising aesthetic results as a new technique for body contouring yet risks and complications associated with the procedure have not been well established. The aim of our study is to assess safety, efficacy and patient satisfaction rate associated with a new surgical technique for waistline definition. We looked into our records for patients who underwent waist narrowing through a new rib remodeling procedure with osteosynthesis of the 11th and 12th ribs; from October 2022 to June 2023. Follow up was carried out at 1 and 3 months after surgery. Outcomes were evaluated based on waist and hip measures, body images, pain and a patient satisfaction survey. A total of 27 consecutive patients were included in the analysis. Our technique resulted in a significant reduction in waist circumference, as evidenced by a decrease of 12.1 cm and 13.0 cm at the first and third month respectively (p<0.005). A reduction of hip circumference of 6.2 cm and 8.7 cm was also reported. A high patient satisfaction rate was reported. Postoperative complications included only one case of wound dehiscence and one case of mild pain. Pain levels were also reduced, with a mean pain score of 2.4 at week 1 and 0.26 at month 1. Rib osteotomy with osteosynthesis emerges as an innovative, safe, and reliable approach for waist narrowing. Our results suggest that this technique can be applied to a wide variety of patients and presents might entail significant advantages compared to those from other techniques. Retrospective cohort. Level of Evidence: III.

Robotic assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) is not associated with increased patient satisfaction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common orthopedic surgery, yet postoperative dissatisfaction persists in around 20% of cases. Robotic total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) promises enhanced precision, but its impact on patient satisfaction compared to conventional TKA remains controversial (cTKA). This systematic review aims to evaluate patient satisfaction post-rTKA and compare outcomes with cTKA. Papers from the following databases were identified and reviewed: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Online Library, using keywords like "Knee replacement," "Total knee arthroplasty," "Robotic," and "Patient satisfaction." Extracted data included patient satisfaction measures, Knee Society Score, Oxford Knee Score, Forgotten Joint Score, SF-36, HSS, and KOOS. Statistical analysis, including odds ratio and 95% CI was performed using R software. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochrane's Q test. The systematic review included 17 articles, involving 1148 patients (571 in the rTKA group and 577 in the cTKA group) assessing patient satisfaction following rTKA. An analysis of proportions reveals rTKA satisfaction rate was 95%, while for cTKA, it was 91%. A meta-analysis comparing rTKA and cTKA found no statistically significant difference in patient satisfaction. Additionally, various patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were examined, showing mixed results across different studies and follow-up periods. The results of this study found no difference in patient satisfaction outcomes in the short to mid-term for rTKA compared to conventional methods. This study does not assert superiority for the robotic approach, highlighting the need for careful consideration of various factors influencing outcomes in knee arthroplasty.

Patient satisfaction and sexual issues in vulvar lichen sclerosus treatment: a monocentric certified dysplasia unit survey analysis

ObjectiveVulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) is an underestimated chronic disease. It can cause significant symptom burden and sexual dysfunction. This study aimed to evaluate patient satisfaction and current challenges in the management of VLS in a certified dysplasia unit, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThis survey analyzed patients who had been diagnosed with VLS and treated at our DKG-certified dysplasia unit. The study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at the University of Aachen. The questionnaire contained 43 questions on general treatment, diagnostic delays, disease education, psychologic and sexual issues, and specific questions regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaires were distributed between January 2021 and September 2023.ResultsThis study included 103 patients diagnosed with VLS, who were treated at our certified dysplasia unit. Overall, 48% of the patients were satisfied with the success of the therapy. Most participants reported psychologic problems (36.8%), fear of cancer (53.3%), or sexual restrictions (53.3%). Among the patients, 38% were bothered by the regular application of topical cortisone. However, 72% were willing to undergo treatment for more than 24 months. The COVID-19 outbreak in March 2020 had a significant negative impact on general VLS care from the patient’s perspective (3.83/5 before vs. 3.67/5 after; p = 0.046). There was a general request for booklets to inform and educate the patients about their disease. Furthermore, the respondents demanded a telephone hotline to answer the questions and wished for follow-up visits via e-mail to cope better with their current situation.ConclusionThis study highlights the need for more effective treatments for VLS and an increased awareness of psychologic and sexual distress. To ensure patient well-being and satisfaction, it is imperative to offer individualized care with adequate disease education in a team of specialists from various disciplines.

Management of Cowlick in Female Hairline Correction Surgery.

To investigate the results of two grafting methods to manage CLs in the FHL of women. The present study was performed to investigate the results of two grafting methods to manage cowlicks (CLs) in the frontal hairline of women. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the grafting method: the matching with the original hair direction (MOD) group and the matching with the CL hair direction (MCD) group. Satisfaction ratings were compared between the two groups. Among 80 patients, 77 had a single CL and 3 had a double CL. In the MOD group, 7 of 12 (58.3%) patients underwent a touch-up procedure for density enhancement with an average of 123 follicular units; the average patient and physician satisfaction ratings were 4.84 and 4.60, respectively. In the MCD group, 7 of 68 (10.3%) patients underwent a touch-up procedure for density enhancement around the CL; the average patient and physician satisfaction ratings were 4.64 and 4.50, respectively. In female hairline correction surgery, the surgeon must choose between MOD and MCD by considering the location, shape, and pattern of the CL; the facial shape; and the patient's preference. Delicate graft placement is required to obtain natural-looking results. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors. www.springer.com/00266 .

Long-term outcome of percutaneous vertebroplasty versus conservative treatment for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: a retrospective cohort study with three-year follow-up.

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) appear to be more common as the population ages. Previous studies have found that percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) can achieve better short-term clinical outcomes than conservative treatment (CT) for OVCF. However, the long-term outcomes of PVP compared with CT for OVCF has been rare explored. This study was designed to explore the clinical outcomes of PVP or CT within 3 years after OVCF. This study reviewed the clinical outcomes of patients who underwent PVP or CT for OVCF in a single center from January 2015 to December 2019. The back pain visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI) and satisfaction rate were compared between the two groups at baseline, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, 24 months and 36 months after treatment. The baseline data including gender, age, bone mineral density, body mass index, back pain VAS, and ODI were not significantly different between the two groups. The back pain VAS and ODI of CT patients were significantly higher than those of PVP group at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after treatment. The satisfaction rate in the PVP group were significantly higher than those in the CT group at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after treatment. Subsequently, the back pain VAS and ODI showed no significant difference between the two groups at 24 and 36 months. In addition, there was no significant difference in treatment satisfaction between the two groups at 36 months. There was no significant difference in the rate of new vertebral compression fractures between the two groups within 36 months after treatment. The clinical outcomes within 12 months after PVP and patient satisfaction rate within 6 months after PVP were significantly higher than CT. However, during 12 months to 36 months, this advantage generated by PVP was gradually diluted over time. Compared with CT, the long-term effect of PVP on OVCF should not be overestimated.

Optimizing patient outcomes: the impact of multimodal preemptive analgesia in video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a multimodal preemptive analgesia management approach, specifically incorporating ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral block (UG-TPVB) in conjunction with intravenous analgesia, after video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) lobectomy under the guidance of enhanced recovery after surgery. A total of 690 patients who underwent VATS lobectomy between October 2021 and March 2022 were divided into the UG-TPVB group (group T, n = 345) and the control group (group C, n = 345). Patients in group T received UG-TPVB prior to the induction of general anaesthesia, while group C did not undergo nerve block. A comparison was conducted between the 2 groups regarding various indicators, including postoperative sedation, static/dynamic numeric rating scale scores, intraoperative fentanyl consumption, duration of mechanical ventilation/anaesthesia recovery/hospitalization, postoperative complications and other relevant factors. The static/dynamic numeric rating scale scores of group T were lower than those of group C after surgery. Intraoperative fentanyl consumption in group T (0.384 ± 0.095 mg) was lower than that in group C (0.465 ± 0.053 mg). The duration of mechanical ventilation, anaesthesia recovery and hospitalization were significantly shorter in group T compared to group C. Patient satisfaction rate in group T (70.1%) was higher than that in group C (53.6%). All differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The multimodal preemptive analgesia management strategy effectively reduces postoperative pain, decreases opioid consumption and promotes faster recovery in patients undergoing VATS lobectomy.

Association of Preoperative Subchondral Bone Marrow Oedema with Outcomes after Lateral Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty.

To determine whether the presence of preoperative subchondral bone marrow oedema (SBME) is associated with inferior outcomes after lateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (LUKA). Descriptive study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chongqing Orthopaedic Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, China, from January 2019 to June 2022. Data on patients treated with LUKA were obtained from the Medical Registry Database. Two groups were made based on the presence and absence of SBME on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The visual analogue scale (VAS), American Knee Society Scores (AKSS), and rate of patient satisfaction were compared between the two groups. A total of 20 patients treated with LUKA were reviewed. The SBME was present in 9 cases and absent in 11 cases. Patients with SBME had inferior scores at preoperative evaluation and at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. However, there was no significant difference between the groups at the 12-month follow-up. Eight (88.9%) patients with SBME were satisfied with the LUKA surgery versus 9 (81.8%) patients without SBME, showing no significant differences between groups. Presence of preoperative SBME is associated with inferior functional outcomes after LUKA within six months of follow-up. Bone marrow, Oedema, Knee, Arthroplasty, Outcome, Patient satisfaction.

Advancing treatment strategies for posterior malleolar malunion: The ankle dislocation method

BackgroundThis study aimed to assess the radiological and clinical outcomes of treatment using the ankle dislocation method for posterior malleolar malunion. MethodThirty-one patients with posterior malleolar malunion who underwent treatment using the ankle dislocation method from May 2015 to October 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Key outcome measures were radiographic parameters (articular step-off, tibiofibular clear space, fibular length, tibial lateral surface angle, and ankle osteoarthritis), clinical scores (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scale and Visual Analogue Scale), and patient satisfaction rate. ResultPreoperative computed tomography revealed that Bartoní ček types 3 and 4 accounted for 64.5 % (n = 20) of total cases. Most posterior malleolar malunions were accompanied by depressed intercalary fragments (61.2 % [n = 19]). At the final follow-up, radiographic parameters and clinical scores showed significant improvements postoperatively (P < 0.05), with a high patient satisfaction rate of 77.4 %. Subgroup analysis revealed that the posterior malleolar fracture morphology significantly affected postoperative pain, particularly in more complex fractures (P < 0.001). ConclusionThe ankle dislocation method effectively exposes the distal tibial articular surface and facilitates the anatomical restoration of joint congruity under direct vision. This approach substantially improves the clinical and imaging outcomes in patients with complex posterior malleolar malunion. Levels of EvidenceLevel IV, retrospective case series.

Platelet rich plasma use for treatment of acne scars: an overview of systematic reviews.

A reappraisal of the conclusions of systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses validity related to Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), alone or in combination with other treatments, compared to regimens PRP-free for the treatment of acne scars. An overview of SRs. The methodological quality of the reviews was assessed using AMSTAR-2 checklist; quality of the evidence of primary studies was appraised following the GRADE approach. Fifteen SRs were included in this overview. Data were from 124 overlapping reports, based on 34 individual primary studies (10 parallel arm randomized trials, 21 split-face studies, and 3 uncontrolled studies). Most of the studies evaluated combination of PRP with microneedling or with laser therapy compared to microneedling or laser therapy without PRP. Clinical improvement (reported as degree of improvement or improvement score) and patient's satisfaction rate were significantly higher in PRP recipients compared to controls. Crusting time and duration of erythema were significantly shorter in PRP recipients compared to controls. Most of the reviews considered in this overview can be considered of low methodological quality due to the fact that several critical methodological requirements of AMSTAR-2 checklist were unmet or partially met; only 6 of the 15 reviews incorporated study quality in their conclusions, and no GRADE assessment was performed for the reported outcomes in any of the SRs. With the GRADE approach, the quality of the evidence for the outcomes analysed ranged from very low to low due to risk of bias in the primary studies, inconsistency between the studies, and imprecision. The low or very low certainty of evidence does not support clear clinical decision about the PRP use in combination with microneedling or laser therapy for the treatment of acne scars. Further well-designed studies are required to improve the evidence base for PRP combination therapy for acne scars.