Update: severe acute respiratory syndrome--Toronto, 2003.
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Cross Infection↗
Biomedical subjects
B Yaffe
Publications and source records attributed to B Yaffe.
BC's liberals promise a revolution, with health care one of the targets.
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British Columbia↗
[Incomplete penile amputation: diagnostic and therapeutic challenge].
Traumatic penile amputation is a severe injury associated with a potential for multidisciplinary dysfunction. Since such injuries are rare, diagnostic and therapeutic experience is minimal. While complete penile amputation is a straight-forward diagnosis, incomplete amputations are not as evident and diagnosis may be delayed. The therapeutic endpoint includes restoration of an acceptable appearance of the phallus and a urethral meatus that allows normal voiding. Other objectives include re-establishment of sexual potency and fertility. As in other amputations, the treatment of choice is meticulous microsurgical replantation, including re-anastomosis of dorsal and cavernosal arteries, the deep dorsal vein, the urethra and nerves, as well as suturing the tunica albuginea. While appropriate cosmetic results and normal voiding can be achieved in most cases, potency is less frequently achieved due to neurological deficit leading to impaired erection and loss of sensation. Penile amputation is thus a complex therapeutic challenge, as meticulous anatomic reconstruction of blood vessels and nerves is essential for restoration of function. Since incomplete penile amputation may be overlooked when other more obvious injuries draw attention, this injury should be suspected in all cases of penetrating injury of the male genitalia. We present a 17-year-old man who sustained an incomplete penile amputation in a traffic accident.
Accidents, Traffic↗
Cytomegalovirus infections in Toronto child-care centers: a prospective study of viral excretion in children and seroconversion among day-care providers.
OBJECTIVES: To prospectively determine the rate of cytomegalovirus shedding in children and the rate of seroconversion to cytomegalovirus in providers at 38 infant-toddler day care centers in Toronto, Canada. METHODS: Urine was collected for shell vial assay in 471 children between the ages of 3 and 42 months. Providers (n = 206) were tested for the presence of cytomegalovirus antibody by latex agglutination. Of the 68 providers who were seronegative, 56 were retested approximately 1 year later. RESULTS: Viruria was documented in 79 (17%) children and antibody in 67% of providers. Seropositivity was significantly related to country of birth outside Canada, presence of children at home < 5 years of age and increased household size. Seroconversion was documented in 12.5% (n = 7). Of these providers 71% worked at centers where workers never wore gloves for diaper changing vs. 33% of those who did not seroconvert (P = 0.06), and all were younger than 30 years vs. 59% of those who did not seroconvert (P = 0.04). In centers with viruria the association of seroconversion with lack of glove use was enhanced (P = 0.04). Seroconversion was marginally more likely in providers working with infants only than with infants and toddlers or with toddlers alone. Logistic regression confirmed that seroprevalence was more likely in providers who were born outside Canada, had children younger than age 5 years in the household and with an increased number of people in the household. Seroconversion was more likely if the provider worked at centers not using gloves for diaper changes, worked with infants only rather than with toddlers and infants and was < 30 years old, with each factor contributing independently to the model. CONCLUSIONS: Cytomegalovirus infection is common in children and providers in Toronto day-care centers.
Adolescent↗
Traumatic arm amputation, an uncommon parachuting injury.
Parachuting is a unique method of deploying troops. Accidents in parachuting are common, but usually carry minimal risk for severe injury. Most accidents occur during landing and injuries often affect the lower limbs and spine. Traumatic amputation of a limb is an extremely rare event in parachuting. We present a case of a parachutist who suffered a traumatic amputation of the left hand during jumping off the plane.
Accidents, Aviation↗
The effect of allopurinol on experimental island skin flap survival under prolonged periods of arterial ischaemia.
The aim of this study was to assess the effect of allopurinol on rat groin flaps rendered ischaemic by selectively occluding the feeding femoral artery and reperfused by means of microsurgical anastomosis. For the establishment of the critical arterial ischaemia time, the femoral artery of 29 rat groin flaps isolated on the inferior epigastric pedicle was occluded for 10, 12 and 14 h. Following 12 h or more of ischaemia, 5.25% of the flaps survived, compared to 40% survival after 10 h (p = 0.04). In the second stage of the study, 34 rat groin flaps were subjected to arterial ischaemia for 12 h. Of these, 12 rats received allopurinol solution I.V. 30 min prior to reperfusion, 10 received the vehicle solution (control) and 12 underwent no treatment (control). After 7 days, survival of the groin flaps was observed in 41.7%, 0 and 8.3% of the groups, respectively (p = 0.0164). This study suggests that systemic administration of allopurinol has a beneficial effect on rat arterial ischaemic groin flaps and may prolong their critical ischaemia time.
Allopurinol↗
Single artery replantation of totally avulsed scalp.
The treatment of choice for the avulsed scalp is microvascular replantation. After replantation there are numerous arterial anastomoses, with venous congestion. Usually an effort to establish inflow through two arterial anastomoses is made. We elected to anastomose one artery and multiple veins in each of our patients. We present three consecutive successful replantations of total scalp avulsion, using only one arterial anastomosis, and multiple veins. Surprisingly, two of the patients regained their ability to elevate their eyebrows actively.
Accidents, Occupational↗
Postburn peroneal nerve palsy--a report of two consecutive cases.
We report two patients suffering from mixed deep partial and full skin thickness flame burns covering 45 and 95 per cent of the total body surface area respectively. These patients, following sepsis and multisystem failure, developed unilateral peroneal nerve palsy. The possible aetiology of isolated injury to the peroneal nerve in burned and critically ill trauma patients is discussed.
Adult↗
[Lateral arm free flap transfer to cover traumatic hand injuries].
The advantages of free flaps over distant pedicled flaps in hand reconstruction are well documented. They often require only a single operation, do not depend on local conditions of the wound and permit early physiotherapy. The lateral arm free flap is essentially suitable for reconstruction of the hand. It is thin, potentially sensate, and gives nearly perfect skin color and texture match. An additional technical advantage is the possibility of elevating the lateral arm free flap with tourniquet control at the same surgical field as the recipient site. We describe 3 cases of traumatic damage to skin and soft tissue of the hand, in which reconstruction was by both elective and emergency lateral arm, free flap transfer. They demonstrate the merits of this method of reconstruction.
Adult↗
Factors influencing elbow arthrolysis.
Over the period 1982 to 1988, 31 consecutive patients at the Hand Surgery Unit of the Sheba Medical Centre were subjected to elbow joint arthrolysis to treat restriction of range of motion solely due to trauma. This retrospective study aims to evaluate the relative influence of the followings factors on functional outcome: sex, age, type of original injury and initial management, presence of para-articular ossification, delay between injury and arthrolysis, and the use of manipulation and a continuous passive motion device (CPM) following surgery. The range of motion was recorded prior to arthrolysis and after operation (excluding one patient who subsequently underwent arthrodesis for intractable pain). Follow-up averaged 15.3 months (+/- 5.4). In the 24 patients with extension deficit (greater than 20 degrees), the mean improvement was of 26.9 degrees (greater than 23.1 degrees); in the 21 patients with flexion deficit the mean improvement was of 21.2 degrees (greater than 18 degrees). The mean improvement for total range of motion in the series overall was of 35.2 degrees (+/- 23.8 degrees). 90% showed an improvement of at least 10 degrees and 30% attained normal ROM. All of these improvements in range were statistically highly significant (p less than 0.0001). None of the variables had predictive value with regard to improvement of flexion. With regard to improvement in extension, the only variable of value was the use of a continuous passive motion device following surgery; those patients subjected to CPM showed a mean improvement of 32.6 degrees (+/- 19.0 degrees), while those without averaged 12.8 degrees (+/- 27.5 degrees) (p less than 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Adolescent↗
Tissue expansion in reconstruction of postburn contracture of the first web space of the hand.
The successful release of severe contracture of the first web space depends on addition of a sufficient amount of skin. Because local skin is limited, skin grafts tend to contract, and free and pedicle flaps are bulky, further procedures are often obligatory. Expansion of the tissues of the dorsum of the hand offers an effective and relatively simple approach to generate the excess skin needed. We present a patient in whom an inflatable silicone implant was used to correct recurrent first web space contracture after burns.
Adolescent↗
Successful replantation of both legs in a child--5-year followup: case report.
Replantation of lower extremities is an infrequent procedure, and is rarely indicated, due to the usual severity of the primary injury plus the possibility of good prosthetic substitution. We report a case of successful replantation of both legs in an 8-year-old boy (despite Aspergillus flavus septicemia) with followup of 5 years. This case suggests that leg replantation should be considered in young patients. This appears to be the second reported case of successful replantation of both legs.
Adolescent↗
Successful microvascular replantation of an amputated penis.
Total amputation of the penis is a disfiguring, and functionally and psychologically disabling injury. We report a case of successful microvascular replantation following self-emasculation by a psychotic patient. The need for a multidisciplinary approach combining the expertise of such diverse disciplines as surgery, intensive care and psychiatry is emphasized.
Amputation, Traumatic↗
Ankle instability of the donor site following removal of vascularized fibula bone graft.
We have assessed the donor site of fibula bone graft to detect signs and symptoms of ankle instability in 8 patients. In 1 patient with generalized joint hyperlaxity pain, clinical instability and pathological motion of the proximal end of the distal remaining fibula were encountered. Seven other patients were asymptomatic and had no instability both clinically and on stress radiographs.
Adult↗
Microsurgical replantation of two totally avulsed scalps.
We describe our experience with two patients in whom total avulsion of the scalp occurred. Successful replantation was carried out by microvascular surgery, with 90 and 95% survival of the scalp. Normal hair regrowth and ability to raise the eyebrows was achieved in both cases. A single superficial temporal artery was anastomosed, providing excellent perfusion of the entire scalp. Microvascular replantation should be attempted with all scalp avulsions, regardless of appearance and mechanism of injury. The patient must be transferred to a medical center with comprehensive microvascular surgery capabilities. The avulsed scalp should be cooled to 4 degrees C immediately, but prolonged ischemia time does not preclude a successful result.
Adolescent↗
[Early microsurgical reconstruction of extremities with free microvascular flaps].
The key to successful reconstruction of the extremities after complex trauma is often adequate soft tissue cover of the injured area. In the past, when surgical debridement of wounds was too extensive, or it exposed vital structures such as blood vessels, nerves, tendons or bones, the limb either had to be amputated or reconstructed in multiple surgical procedures. The use of free microvascular flaps in the immediate postinjury period allows single stage reconstruction of wounds including exposed vital tissues. It promotes limb salvage and shortens recovery time after severe trauma. 4 patients with severe complex trauma of the extremities underwent reconstruction with immediate free microvascular flaps, which included latissimus dorsi and rectus abdominis muscle and free scapular flaps. The surgical protocol included debridement of wounds on arrival with primary fixation of fractures and additional debridement procedures in the first week until the wound was stable. Then final fixation of fractures was performed and the wound was covered by a free microvascular flap. With this technique, single stage reconstruction is possible in most cases, with improvement in function and cosmetic outcome, multiple operations are avoided and the recovery period is shortened.
Adult↗
Self-inflicted hand injuries: diagnostic challenge and treatment.
Self-inflicted injuries are probably more common than is generally appreciated. Three patients with self-inflicted hand injuries are described. A delay in making the correct diagnosis resulted in severe hand disability in 2 of the patients. Early diagnosis of this entity, combined with prompt psychotherapy, prevented disability in the third. The pertinent literature is reviewed and the importance of early diagnosis and psychotherapy is stressed.
Adolescent↗
Newfoundland: it's hard to attract specialists, and harder to keep them.
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Health Workforce↗