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Results for “Functional outcome”

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PubMed2003

Functional outcome after modified Blair tibiotalar arthrodesis for talar osteonecrosis.

BACKGROUND: Osteonecrosis of the talar body is a challenging problem for both patient and surgeon. One reconstruction option is an arthrodesis of the tibia to the talar neck, as described by Blair, which has the theoretical advantages of salvaging some hindfoot height and motion of the subtalar joint. A few case series have been published describing outcome after modified Blair fusions, none with validated functional outcomes. The purpose of this article is to describe a modification of Blair's original technique, and report the functional outcomes in a series of patients undergoing this procedure. METHOD: A retrospective review of seven patients with talar osteonecrosis undergoing modified Blair tibiotalar arthrodesis was performed. The median patient age was 51 (range, 39-78). Median follow-up was 20 months (range, 12-112). Two patients required a repeat procedure for delayed/nonunion, with subsequent uneventful union. In all patients the procedure included compression screw fixation of the talar head to the anterior distal tibia, with the two repeat procedures and the most recent patient having an additional anterior compression plate and bone graft. Functional outcome measures using both the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score and the SF-36 global health outcome measure were obtained at latest follow-up. In addition, radiographic assessment of bone union and time to union was determined. RESULTS: Median SF-36 physical and mental component scores were 46 and 61, respectively. The median AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score was 67 out of 100. Median visual analog scales for postoperative pain and function were 7.1 and 6.0 respectively, out of a best possible score of 10. CONCLUSION: Functional outcome scores after modified Blair arthrodesis are lower than similar scores after conventional tibiotalar fusion, and much lower than "normal" values; however, the procedure has similar, if not lower, complication rates to alternative complex hindfoot reconstructions, and this procedure is a valuable alternative in the management of talar osteonecrosis with arthrosis.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Evaluation of the long-term functional outcome assessed by myocardial perfusion scintigraphy following excimer laser angioplasty compared to balloon angioplasty in longer coronary lesions.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of the long-term functional outcome assessed by exercise myocardial perfusion imaging following excimer laser angioplasty compared to balloon angioplasty in coronary lesions > 10 mm in length. BACKGROUND: Previous randomized studies evaluating the effect of coronary interventions mainly focused on the long-term clinical and angiographic outcome. The functional outcome, assessed by myocardial perfusion scintigraphy, has not been evaluated in a randomized setting. METHODS: A total of 308 patients with stable angina and a longer coronary lesion (> 10 mm) were randomized to excimer laser angioplasty or balloon angioplasty. A 99mTechnetium-2-methoxy isobutyl isonitrile (MIBI) single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) study was performed in 139 patients before the initial angioplasty procedure and at 6 months follow-up (73 patients in the laser group versus 66 patients in the balloon group, respectively). Exercise tolerance at follow-up was compared to baseline values by means of exercise duration and double product at peak exercise. Myocardial perfusion of the randomized vascular bed was assessed semi-quantitatively on the MIBI SPECT images. The reversible defects were graded as mild, moderate or severe. Myocardial perfusion at follow-up was expressed as a percentage reduction in incidence and grading of the reversible defects compared to baseline values. RESULTS: Forty-four (61%) patients assigned to laser angioplasty were asymptomatic at 6 months follow-up compared to 34 (52%) patients assigned to balloon angioplasty (p = NS). Improvement in exercise duration and double product were 0.7 +/- 2.1 min and 4.3 +/- 6.2 min/mmHg/l,000, respectively, in the laser group, versus 0.3 +/- 2.5 min and 3.1 +/- 5.5 min/mmHg/1,000, respectively, in the balloon group (both p = NS). The percentage reduction of reversible defects was 23% in patients assigned to laser angioplasty vs. 29% in patients assigned to balloon angioplasty (Relative risk [RR]: 0.79, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.40-1.57; p = 0.50). The mild, moderate and severe reversible defects improved in 44.4, 63.6 and 66.6%, respectively, in the laser angioplasty group vs. 66.6, 53.8 and 90%, respectively, in the balloon angioplasty group. None of the comparisons were significantly different. CONCLUSION: Excimer laser angioplasty compared to balloon angioplasty in coronary lesions > 10 mm in length yields a similar long-term functional outcome assessed by anginal status, exercise tolerance and myocardial perfusion.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Hemicraniectomy in elderly patients with space occupying media infarction: improved survival but poor functional outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the survival rate and functional outcome in elderly patients with space occupying supratentorial infarction who underwent hemicraniectomy compared with those who received medical treatment alone. METHODS: All patients older than 55 years with space occupying middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction treated in our clinic between January 1998 and July 1999 were included in this retrospective analysis. Patients were eligible for decompressive surgery if they were younger than 75 and had no severe comorbidity. Hemicraniectomy was performed regardless of the affected hemisphere. All patients were followed up for assessment of functional outcome; data were assessed according to the Barthel index and modified Rankin scale and cover a period of 3 to 9 months after infarction. RESULTS: Twelve out of 24 patients underwent hemicraniectomy. Eight patients who were operated on survived; only one patient died of transtentorial herniation, three other deaths were due to medical complications. None of the survivors had a Barthel score above 60 or a Rankin score below 4. Nine out of 12 medically treated patients died of transtentorial herniation, one patient died of medical complications. The two surviving patients had a Barthel score below 60 and a Rankin score of 4. CONCLUSIONS: Craniectomy in elderly patients with space occupying MCA infarction improves survival rates compared with medical treatment alone. However, functional outcome and level of independence are poor. Craniectomy in elderly patients should not be performed unless a prospective randomised trial proves beneficial.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Functional outcomes following displaced talar neck fractures.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the outcome of displaced talar neck fractures at long-term follow-up in terms of functional outcome and secondary reconstructive surgery. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Academic level 1 trauma center. PATIENTS: Seventy patients with displaced talar neck fractures. INTERVENTION: All patients were treated with open reduction and screw fixation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Functional outcome of patients who did not require secondary surgery was assessed using the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment, Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale score, and the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Score. The incidence of secondary reconstructive hindfoot surgery, including arthrodesis or talectomy, was measured using life table analysis. RESULTS: Mean Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment score was 20 +/- 18 out of 100, with a lower score indicative of better outcome; mean Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale score was 3.8 +/- 2.4 out of 10 (lower score better); and mean Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Score was 71 +/- 19 out of 100 points (higher score better). The incidence of secondary reconstructive surgery increased from 24 +/- 5% at 1 year to 48 +/- 10% at 10 years postinjury. CONCLUSIONS: Functional outcome varied and was most dependent upon the development of complications. The incidence of secondary reconstructive surgery following talar neck fractures increased over time and was most commonly performed to treat subtalar arthritis or misalignment.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Clavicular nonunions treated with compression plate fixation and cancellous bone grafting: the functional outcome.

We evaluated fracture healing and functional outcome after surgery in 16 patients with midshaft clavicular nonunion. The operative treatment consisted of compression plate fixation and autologous cancellous bone graft. The follow-up examination took place at an average of 54 months (range 26 to 90 months) after surgery. Radiographs were reviewed, and 12 patients underwent clinical review. All fractures united successfully. Two patients had a second operation because of loosening of the screws shortly after the first operation. Eleven of 12 patients had a good or excellent Constant score (>70 points). Nine of 12 patients returned to their preinjury activity level. Treatment with compression plate and autologous cancellous bone graft yields a high rate of healing and an acceptable functional outcome.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

Prediction of functional outcomes in stroke inpatients receiving rehabilitation.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Early identification of predictive factors relevant to functional outcomes for stroke patients is important to the establishment of an effective continuing care program. The objective of this study was to identify the predictive factors related to functional outcome at discharge after stroke rehabilitation therapy. METHODS: 105 first-time stroke patients admitted to the inpatient rehabilitation department of a university-based medical center were recruited for this prospective study. The functional outcomes of the patients were assessed at admission and at discharge using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). Severity of stroke was determined using the Canadian Neurological Scale (CNS). Age, gender, side of hemiplegia (SIDE), type of stroke (TYPE), onset to admission interval (OAI), and length of rehabilitation stay (LORS) were also included as predictor variables. RESULTS: The mean (+/- SD) FIM score at discharge (76.6 +/- 26.4) correlated strongly (r = 0.78, p < 0.001) with the admission FIM score (56.3 +/- 24.1), moderately (r = 0.46, p < 0.001) with the admission CNS score (6.1 +/- 2.2), negatively (r = -0.38, p < 0.001) with age (63.2 +/- 12.3 years), negatively (r = -0.26, p = 0.009) with OAI (24.2 +/- 16.0 days), and negatively (r = -0.29, p = 0.002) with LORS (34.7 +/- 16.8 days). Stepwise regression analyses indicated that admission FIM score, age, and admission CNS score were the strongest predictors of functional outcome and accounted for 66% of the total variation in discharge FIM total score. The admission FIM score was the best predictor and accounted for 61% of the variation. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study imply that the admission FIM scores for inpatients receiving stroke rehabilitation can be used to predict functional outcomes at discharge from hospital.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed2006

Symptomatic and functional outcome 12 months after a first episode of psychotic mania: barriers to recovery in a catchment area sample.

OBJECTIVE: Recent studies have shown that outcome in mania is worse than previously thought. Such studies have been conducted in selected samples with restrictive measures of outcome. We aimed to explore outcome and its predictors in a catchment area sample of first-episode psychotic mania of DSM-III-R bipolar I disorder. METHODS: Prospective 6 and 12 months follow-up was conducted with 87 DSM-III-R first-episode psychotic mania patients admitted to Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre between 1989 and 1997. Syndromic and symptomatic outcome were determined with the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale; functional outcome with the Quality of Life Scale and Premorbid Adjustment Scale subitems. RESULTS: Symptomatic outcome was assessed in 67 patients at 6 months and 61 patients at 12 months, and functional outcome in 56 patients at 6 months and 49 patients at 12 months. Logistic regressions were conducted on 46 and 43 patients, respectively, to explore predictors of outcome. While 90% of patients achieved syndromic recovery at 6 and 12 months, 40% had not recovered symptomatically at 6 and 12 months, still presenting with anxiety or depression. A total of 66% of patients at 6 months and 61% of patients at 12 months failed to return to previous level of functioning. Age at intake, family history of affective disorder, illicit drug use and functional recovery at 6 months predicted functional outcome at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms poor symptomatic and functional outcome after first-episode psychotic mania. It suggests possible usefulness of early intervention strategies in bipolar disorders and need for developing specific interventions addressing anxiety, depression and substance abuse comorbidity.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Changes in functional outcome and quality of life in patients and caregivers after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

OBJECT: Although the case-fatality rate after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) does not change considerably after the first 4 weeks, functional outcome and the quality of life (QOL) may. To assess the extent of changes in functional outcome and QOL after SAH, the authors conducted a follow-up study at 18 months in patients and caregivers who had participated in a previous study of QOL 4 months after SAH. METHODS: In a consecutive series of 98 patients admitted with SAH, 68 had survived until 4 months postbleed, at which time an initial outcome assessment had been performed in 64 of them. This series of 64 patients was contacted again at a median of 18 months after SAH. In all patients, functional outcome was assessed by means of the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). In 48 patients and 35 caregivers QOL was assessed using the SF-36, the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP), and a visual analog scale. The results were compared with the scores that had been obtained at 4 months after SAH. Thirty-two patients (50%) had improved at least one point on the mRS, in 23 patients functional outcome had remained unchanged, six patients had deteriorated one point on the mRS, and three had died. No major changes in the QOL of patients and caregivers could be found on the SIP, but on the SF-36 an improved QOL was detected in patients with better Rankin grades. On both instruments, the QOL at 18 months was still reduced compared with the reference population in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Functional outcome improves significantly between 4 months and 18 months post-SAH; studies on functional outcome after SAH can be compared only if outcome is assessed at the same time interval. The improved functional outcome seems to be accompanied by an improved QOL.

Caregivers↗

PubMed2003

Introducing a new, simple scoring system to evaluate oncological and functional outcome after radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To create a scoring system which takes into account oncological outcome and functional results (continence and erectile function) of patients after radical prostatectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 146 consecutive men underwent radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer and were evaluated 1 year after surgery. Biochemical recurrence was defined as a single postoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level of > 0.2 ng/ml. Continence, defined as not using a pad, and potency, defined as the ability to achieve and maintain an erection suitable for sexual intercourse, were evaluated by means of a prospective, self-administered questionnaire. Each patient received 4 points (if PSA was <0.2 ng/ml) or 0 points (if PSA was >0.2 ng/ml) for oncological outcome, 2 points (if continent) or 0 points (if incontinent) for urinary continence and 1 point (if potent) or 0 points (if impotent) for erectile function. The total score was calculated, with higher scores indicating a better outcome. The unique feature of this scoring system is that each individual score represents a particular clinical status regarding oncological and functional outcome. RESULTS: One year after surgery, 121 (82.8%) patients had PSA levels of <0.2 ng/ml, 103 (70.5%) were continent and 53 (36.3%) were potent. Patients with a total score of > or =4 points had good cancer control and could be further subdivided into those who were continent and potent (7 points; 22.6%), those who were continent but had erectile dysfunction (ED) (6 points; 34.2%), those who were incontinent and potent (5 points; 8.2%) and those who were incontinent and had ED (4 points; 17.8%). Similarly, patients with a score of <4 points had no cancer control and could be further subdivided into those who were continent and potent (3 points; 3.4%), those who were continent but had ED (2 points; 10.3%), those who were incontinent and potent (1 point; 2.1%) and those who were incontinent and had ED (0 points; 1.3%). CONCLUSIONS: This scoring system includes the three most important outcomes after radical prostatectomy, namely cancer control, continence and erectile function. It may allow us to better evaluate, communicate and compare the results of radical prostatectomy in a multinational, multicenter setting.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Functional outcome of paediatric stroke survivors.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the medical and functional outcome of paediatric stroke survivors. PATIENTS: Patients aged 1 month to 18 years diagnosed with stroke over a 10 year period. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Discharge functional outcome data were collected by reviewing therapy, nursing, and other chart notes relating to specific functional tasks. Current functional information, living situation, school placement, and medical outcome data were obtained in the telephone survey. RESULTS: Fifty patients responded. The mean age at event was 8.0 years (range: 7 months to 17 years, 7 months). The mean follow-up time was 70 months. Diagnoses included: haemorrhagic (30%), thrombotic/embolic (46%), and undiagnosed (24%). At follow-up, 76% of the patients were independent in all activities of daily living (ADL), compared to 64% at hospital discharge. Younger age at onset, female gender, history of cardiac disease, and presentation with hemiparesis were significant risk factors for dependence in ADL (p < 0.05), while thrombotic/embolic aetiology demonstrated a trend (p = 0.06). Eighty-four per cent were independent in mobility, compared to 74% at discharge. Forty per cent of the patients had speech and language deficits. Of the school age children, only 50% were in a regular classroom. CONCLUSIONS: Children and adolescents who survive stroke have good outcome for mobility and ADL skills, but more difficulty with language and cognitive recovery. Functional recovery is maintained after discharge, and functional gains occur over time with very little evidence of functional regression. Comorbidities are relatively low. All children in the group returned to a home setting.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed2002

Functional outcome and radiographic correction after spinal osteotomy.

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective clinical trial to study the radiographic parameters and functional outcome in patients undergoing spinal osteotomy. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether correction of specific radiographic parameters is associated with improved functional outcome. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Although vertebral osteotomies have been shown to improve functional outcome in patients with spinal deformity, no prospective reports have studied whether correction of specific radiographic parameters is associated with improvement in functional outcome. METHODS: Eighty-three patients with fixed sagittal and/or coronal deformity were followed over a 7-year period. Patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically and completed a SF-36 Health Survey and American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Modems Instrument questionnaire. Spearman correlation analysis was used to determine the association between correction of radiographic parameters and functional outcome. RESULTS: Mean preoperative lumbar lordosis measured -14.2 degrees (i.e., kyphosis) with an average postoperative correction of 27.9 degrees. Mean preoperative lumbar scoliosis measured 40.1 degrees with an average postoperative correction of 15.1 degrees. Mean preoperative plumb sagittal and coronal plane alignment was 8.37 cm and 4.22 cm, respectively; after surgery they improved to 3.33 cm and 2.31 cm, respectively. A significant association was found between sagittal angular correction and physical function (P = 0.034) and role-physical (P = 0.01) when postoperative lumbar lordosis was >25 degrees. A significant association was also found between plumb coronal correction and physical function (P = 0.041), vitality (P = 0.05), and social function (P = 0.047) when postoperative plumb coronal alignment was <2.5 cm. CONCLUSIONS: Correction of sagittal and coronal deformity is important in the treatment of spinal deformity. A significant association was found between outcomes and radiographic correction of coronal and/or sagittal deformity if postoperative sagittal lordosis was >25 degrees and if postoperative plumb coronal alignment was <2.5 cm. Therefore, these radiographic parameters should be the goal of a spinal osteotomy. The surgery has a relatively high complication rate.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Impact of neglect on functional outcome after stroke: a review of methodological issues and recent research findings.

PURPOSE: This study provides an update on recent research findings concerning neglect and its impact on functional outcome. The review covers studies published during the past ten years. METHODS: A systematic review was carried out on reports drawn from electronic databases (MEDLINE and PSYCHLIT, January 1996 - August 2005) and identified from the lists of references in these reports. Unpublished reports, articles in other than the English language, and studies with non-human and non-adult subjects were excluded. The selection criteria were met by 26 articles. RESULTS: 15 of the 26 studies recruited heterogeneous patient groups (patients with right and left and/or unspecified lesions). The results from homogeneous groups (right hemisphere patients) were more consistent, emphasizing neglect as an independent predictor of functional outcome. Studies with homogeneous patient groups used consecutive series of patients, standardized measures of neglect, and a broader concept of functional outcome (both motor and cognitive items) than those with heterogeneous patient groups. Follow-ups longer than one year were very rare. CONCLUSIONS: Neglect has a significant negative impact on functional outcome, either as an independent predictive factor or in connection with other variables. The results, however, are inevitably affected by differences in patient samples and in the methods used in assessing neglect and functional outcome. Research focusing on homogeneous patient groups and especially on left hemisphere patients is needed. Neglect should be assessed with a standardized test battery rather than a single test, and functional outcome should be measured with scales consisting of cognitive, social and motor items. Also longer follow-ups are needed to verify the long-term functional outcome of neglect patients.

Aged↗

PubMed2005

Functional outcome of the foot and ankle after free fibular graft.

BACKGROUND: The vascularized fibular bone graft (VFBG) is one of most common grafts used for free flap transfer. There have been no reports in the literature evaluating the functional outcome of the foot and ankle after a VFBG using validated functional outcome measures. In addition, most of the patients in published studies have had contralateral or ipsilateral lower limb pathology. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional outcome of the foot and ankle after a VFBG using validated functional outcome measures in patients with no preexisting lower limb pathology. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of our health center database and identified 28 patients who underwent free flap transfer for maxillofacial reconstruction. Patients were contacted by phone and mailed functional questionnaire packages. Functional outcome assessments were obtained through the use of the following validated functional outcome instruments: the Short Form-36 (SF-36), the Functional Foot Index (FFI), and the lower limb component of the Musculoskeletal Outcomes Data Evaluation and Management System (MODEMS). A matched student t-test was used to compare the experimental limb to the appropriate control group. RESULTS: The response rate was 77%. The incidence of wound complications was 23% (five of 22). Two of the five were caused by wound dehiscence, and three were caused by infection. There was an 18% incidence of clawing of the great toe. The SF-36 scores were not significantly different between the VFBG cohort and the control group. There was a statistically significant difference in FFI scores for all three categories: pain (p = 0.01), disability (p = 0.03), and activity limitation (p = 0.01). Nine patients (41%) were dissatisfied with their foot and ankle function at 3.1 years. CONCLUSIONS: The VFBG is an ideal source for a free flap. The impact of the procedure on overall patient health is relatively minimal. However, there is a significant deleterious effect on foot and ankle function.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Three measures of functional outcome for lower limb amputees: a retrospective review.

Outcome measures are becoming increasingly important in health care. Functional outcome measures are of particular importance for lower limb amputees since much of the rehabilitation process is concerned with increasing mobility and personal independence. The Scottish Physiotherapy Amputee Research Group (SPARG) has used three measures of functional outcome: the Barthel Index, Russek's classification and the Locomotor Index. The review reported here involves 938 patients having a primary amputation at the transtibial or transfemoral level between October 1992 and July 1997. Differences in function due to age and level of amputation are well known clinically and the measures were compared by looking at their ability to detect these differences. The Barthel Index lacked sensitivity because of ceiling effects and should not be considered as a suitable functional outcome measure for amputee patients. Russek's classification does detect significant differences but requires a large number of patients making it unsuitable for single hospital investigations. The Locomotor Index demonstrates significant differences due to age and amputation level despite fewer patients being assessed by this measure during the period covered by this paper. The range of the Locomotor Index can be extended to cover more active amputees by considering its 'advanced activities' subscale separately. The Locomotor Index is a promising measure and should be considered by rehabilitation teams looking for a valid, reliable and sensitive functional outcome measure for use with lower limb amputees.

Aged↗

PubMed2002

Functional outcome of total knee arthroplasty after high tibial osteotomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the functional outcome for patients who undergo total knee arthroplasty (TKA) after high tibial osteotomy (HTO). DESIGN: Retrospective matched cohort study. SETTING: University of Toronto affiliated hospital. PATIENTS: Twenty patients who underwent TKA after HTO and 20 matched patients who received a primary TKA. INTERVENTION: TKA. OUTCOME MEASURES: The Medical Outcomes Study Short Form (SF-36) health survey score and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index. Univariate analyses were used to compare the case and control groups with respect to baseline variables using the t-test, chi2 test or Fisher's exact test. Functional outcomes were assessed by multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Operative problems were more frequently encountered in the study group, which had longer operative times (p < 0.0001), more difficulties with patellar eversion (p = 0.021) and an increased number of lateral releases performed (p = 0.0089). There were trends toward a significant difference in the pain (p = 0.07), function (p = 0.18) and stiffness (p = 0.14) categories of the WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index between the 2 groups, suggesting poorer functional outcomes of TKA after HTO, but the results did not reach statistical significance. A previous HTO does not affect the general health of patients after TKA, as there was no difference between the 2 groups in SF-36 scores. CONCLUSIONS: TKA after HTO is a technically more challenging procedure than primary TKA. The functional outcomes at a mean follow-up of 5 years after TKA in patients with a previous HTO tended to be inferior but the differences were not significant (p > or = 0.05).

Aged↗

PubMed1996

The impact of internal and external resources on functional outcomes in chronic illness.

This study's purpose was to determine if internal and/or external resources could deter negative consequences of physiologic stress in chronic illness. Resource theory was used to test relationships over time among stress (physiologic), distress (functional outcome), and resources (internal-well-being; external-social network). A secondary analysis was done on data from 112 persons with end stage renal disease, collected yearly over 3 years. Physiologic stressors were strongly associated with higher levels of physical dysfunction. Resources were generally unable to reduce deleterious effects of physiologic stress on functional outcomes; functional outcomes were largely determined by preexisting levels of function.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Four-channel electromyography of the facial nerve in vestibular schwannoma surgery: sensitivity and prognostic value for short-term facial function outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the short-term facial prognostic value of a four-channel facial electromyographic device in vestibular schwannoma surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Eighty-nine vestibular schwannomas operated on and intraoperatively monitored by a four-channel facial electromyographic device between October 2002 and September 2003 were included in this prospective study. Detection was performed in frontal, orbicularis oculi, orbicularis oris, and platysma muscles. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Facial function grading at postoperative Days 1, 8, 30, and 180 (House-Brackmann classification). SETTING: Tertiary referral center. RESULTS: Postoperative facial function at Day 180 was assessed as Grade 1 or 2 in 80%, as Grade 3 or 4 in 16%, and as Grade 5 or 6 in 4% (n=80). The postoperative facial function was related to the intraoperative nerve stimuli thresholds (range, 0.01-3 mA for a response >100 microV) near the brainstem and the proximal-to-distal ratio of the stimulation threshold. A proximal threshold between 0.01 and 0.04 mA had a positive predictive value of 94% for good facial function (Grade 1 or 2). The proximal threshold was lower in patients with improving or stable facial function in comparison with those with a delayed deterioration between Days 8 and 30. The stimulation threshold at the adhesion zone was related to the immediate facial function outcome. The maximal electromyographic response was detected in the frontal muscle or the platysma in 27% of cases and in orbicularis oris and oculi in 73% of cases. CONCLUSION: A four-channel device may enhance electromyographic sensitivity. Determination of stimulation threshold below 0.05 mA yields facial prognostic information.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Morbidity and functional outcome after restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis.

OBJECTIVE: To find out whether a threefold increase in follow up (median 108 compared with 36 months) influenced major morbidity and functional outcome between the first 32 and the last 32 patients consecutively operated on with J-pouch ileoanal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis from 1984 to 1997. DESIGN: Retrospective and prospective study. SETTING: University hospital, Norway. PATIENTS: 64 patients with ulcerative colitis who had proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomoses. INTERVENTIONS: The pouches were mainly hand anastomosed (n = 61) to the dentate line after mucosectomy or anastomosed by double stapling technique without mucosectomy (n = 3). The 58 patients who still had their pouches responded to a questionnaire on functional outcome and satisfaction. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Morbidity, functional outcome, and patients' satisfaction. RESULTS: Major morbidity in these 64 patients comprised pelvic sepsis in 3 (5%), operation for intestinal obstruction in 5 (8%), pouchitis in 12 (19%), fistulas in 7 (11%) and pouch excision in 6 (9%). Thirteen patients (20%) had 35 reoperations and 11 patients (17%) had 22 re-laparotomies. There were more complications among the first 32 patients with the longest follow up than among the last 32 patients, but this difference was significant only concerning the rate of reoperations (31% compared with 9%) because of the higher number of pouch excisions (5 compared with 1) in this group. There were no significant differences in the functional outcome and degree of patient satisfaction between the first 29 and the last 29 patients. Respective values for 24 hour median stool freqency were 7.0 and 6.3, leakage of stool 48% and 38%, ability to defer defaecation 86% and 97%, perineal irritation 59% and 48%, use of antidiarrhoeal medication 55% and 52%, and wearing of pad 28% and 38%. Sexual life (n = 57) was improved in 11 (19%) and reduced in 7 (12%). Potency was reduced in 5 (15%) and ejaculation in 4 (12%), one of whom (3%) had retrograde ejaculation. Three (5%) received disability pensions and five (9%) had reduced workload. After the pouch operation 48 (91%) felt better and 3 (6%) felt worse because of frequent bowel emptying, perineal eczema, or pouch fistula. CONCLUSION: Continence-preserving proctocolectomy carries considerable morbidity, but the long term functional outcome is satisfactory and does not seem to deteriorate substantially.

Adolescent↗