scholarly journals The presentation, diagnosis and management of non-traumatic wrist pain: an evaluation of current practice in secondary care in the UK NHS

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Benjamin J F Dean ◽  
Andrew Carr ◽  
Ryan W Trickett ◽  
Stefan Kluzek ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives The study aims were to assess the burden of non-traumatic wrist pain in terms of numbers of referrals to secondary care and to characterize how patients present, are diagnosed and are managed in secondary care in the UK National Health Service. Methods Ten consecutive patients presenting with non-traumatic wrist pain were identified retrospectively at each of 16 participating hospitals, and data were extracted for 12 months after the initial referral. Results The 160 patients consisted of 100 females and 60 males with a median age of 49 years, accounting for ∼13% of all new hand/wrist referrals. The dominant wrist was affected in 60% of cases, and the mean symptom duration was 13.3 months. Diagnoses were grouped as follows: OA (31%), tendinopathy (13%), ganglion (14%), ulnar sided pain (17%) and other (25%). The OA group was significantly older than other groups, and other groups contained a predominance of females. The non-surgical interventions, in decreasing frequency of usage, were as follows: CS injections (39%), physiotherapy (32%), splint (31%) and analgesics (12%). Of those who underwent surgery, all patients had previously received non-surgical treatment, but 42% had undergone only one non-surgical intervention. Conclusions Non-traumatic wrist pain represents a significant burden to secondary care both in terms of new patient referrals and in terms of investigation, follow-up and treatment. Those presenting with OA are more likely to be older and male, whereas those presenting with other diagnoses are more likely to be younger and female.

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 232596712199455
Author(s):  
Nicola Maffulli ◽  
Francesco Oliva ◽  
Gayle D. Maffulli ◽  
Filippo Migliorini

Background: Tendon injuries are commonly seen in sports medicine practice. Many elite players involved in high-impact activities develop patellar tendinopathy (PT) symptoms. Of them, a small percentage will develop refractory PT and need to undergo surgery. In some of these patients, surgery does not resolve these symptoms. Purpose: To report the clinical results in a cohort of athletes who underwent further surgery after failure of primary surgery for PT. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 22 athletes who had undergone revision surgery for failed surgical management of PT were enrolled in the present study. Symptom severity was assessed through the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment Scale for Patellar Tendinopathy (VISA-P) upon admission and at the final follow-up. Time to return to training, time to return to competition, and complications were also recorded. Results: The mean age of the athletes was 25.4 years, and the mean symptom duration from the index intervention was 15.3 months. At a mean follow-up of 30.0 ± 4.9 months, the VISA-P score improved 27.8 points ( P < .0001). The patients returned to training within a mean of 9.2 months. Fifteen patients (68.2%) returned to competition within a mean of 11.6 months. Of these 15 patients, a further 2 had decreased their performance, and 2 more had abandoned sports participation by the final follow-up. The overall rate of complications was 18.2%. One patient (4.5%) had a further revision procedure. Conclusion: Revision surgery was feasible and effective in patients in whom PT symptoms persisted after previous surgery for PT, achieving a statistically significant and clinically relevant improvement of the VISA-P score as well as an acceptable rate of return to sport at a follow-up of 30 months.


ORL ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Sunil Dutt Sharma ◽  
Ahmad Hariri ◽  
Ravi Kumar Lingam ◽  
Arvind Singh

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Non-echoplanar diffusion-weighted MRI (DWMRI) has a role in the surgical planning for cholesteatoma. <b><i>Aims/Objectives:</i></b> The aim of the study was to assess the use of DWMRI in the management of cholesteatoma across the UK, and measure clinicians’ confidence in the use of DWMRI. <b><i>Materials and Methods:</i></b> Telephone survey in 139 Otolaryngology Departments in the United Kingdom between March 2017 and July 2017, and asking radiology delegates at the British Society of Head and Neck Imaging 2017 meeting. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The response rate was 101 out of 139 Trusts (73%). Of those respondents who did have DWMRI available, 68/88 respondents (77%) use it for cholesteatoma. The mean confidence (±standard deviation) of the respondents with DWMRI in identifying cholesteatoma presence was 7.3 ± 2.1, in identifying volume of cholesteatoma was 6.8 ± 1.8, and in identifying subsites of cholesteatoma was 4.6 ± 2.1. <b><i>Conclusions and Significance:</i></b> DWMRI has a well-defined role in the follow-up of patients after cholesteatoma surgery, and those primary cases of cholesteatoma where the diagnosis is in question. The use of DWMRI for cholesteatoma is variable across the UK, but there are certain clinical scenarios where there is not enough awareness regarding the benefits of imaging (such as petrous apex cases of cholesteatoma).


2018 ◽  
Vol 103 (7) ◽  
pp. 993-1000 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander C Day ◽  
Mukesh Dhariwal ◽  
Michael S Keith ◽  
Frank Ender ◽  
Caridad Perez Vives ◽  
...  

PurposeTo assess the prevalence and severity of preoperative and postoperative astigmatism in patients with cataract in the UK.SettingData from 8 UK National Health Service ophthalmology clinics using MediSoft electronic medical records (EMRs).DesignRetrospective cohort study.MethodsEyes from patients aged ≥65 years undergoing cataract surgery were analysed. For all eyes, preoperative (corneal) astigmatism was evaluated using the most recent keratometry measure within 2 years prior to surgery. For eyes receiving standard monofocal intraocular lens (IOLs), postoperative refractive astigmatism was evaluated using the most recent refraction measure within 2–12 months postsurgery. A power vector analysis compared changes in the astigmatic 2-dimensional vector (J0, J45) before and after surgery, for the subgroup of eyes with both preoperative and postoperative astigmatism measurements. Visual acuity was also assessed preoperatively and postoperatively.ResultsEligible eyes included in the analysis were 110 468. Of these, 78% (n=85 650) had preoperative (corneal) astigmatism ≥0.5 dioptres (D), 42% (n=46 003) ≥1.0 D, 21% (n=22 899) ≥1.5 D and 11% (n=11 651) ≥2.0 D. After surgery, the refraction cylinder was available for 39 744 (36%) eyes receiving standard monofocal IOLs, of which 90% (n=35 907) had postoperative astigmatism ≥0.5 D and 58% (n=22 886) ≥1.0 D. Visual acuity tended to worsen postoperatively with increased astigmatism (ρ=−0.44, P<0.01).ConclusionsThere is a significant burden of preoperative astigmatism in the UK cataract population. The available refraction data indicate that this burden is not reduced after surgery with implantation of standard monofocal IOLs. Measures should be taken to improve visual outcomes of patients with astigmatic cataract by simultaneously correcting astigmatism during cataract surgery.


2002 ◽  
Vol 116 (4) ◽  
pp. 275-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. M. Jones ◽  
O. Hargrove ◽  
J. Lancaster ◽  
J. Fenton ◽  
A. Shenoy ◽  
...  

The waiting times incurred during the management of 75 consecutive head and neck oncology patients attending for post-treatment follow-up were reviewed. Data were gleaned from general practitioner (GP) referral letters, patient case-notes as well as radiology and histology reports. The mean time for GP referral to ENT was 5.1 weeks. From ENT to endoscopy was 3.1 weeks, to histology 3.5 weeks, to computed tomography (CT) scan 5.6 weeks, to magnetic resonance scan (MR) 4.1 weeks, to primary radiotherapy 10.3 weeks and to surgery 5.5 weeks. The mean symptom duration prior to referral was 4.9 months.Our results compare unfavourably with the standards recommended by the BAO-HNS. Local modifiations may improve matters, but significant increases in funding, manpower and equipment are required to achieve the stipulated standards. Moreover, criteria for referral have to be re-emphasized and patient education has to be addressed as these appear to contribute the longest delay in the diagnosis of head and neck tumours.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011420S0022
Author(s):  
Arianna L. Gianakos ◽  
Olasunmbo Okedele ◽  
Sean Flynn ◽  
John G. Kennedy ◽  
Christopher W. DiGiovanni

Category: Ankle; Arthroscopy Introduction/Purpose: Autologous osteochondral transplantation (AOT) is commonly used in the treatment of osteochondral lesions (OCL) of the talus. There is limited data comparing gender differences in the incidence, presentation, and outcomes following AOT. The purpose of this study is to compare these differences between male and female patients. Methods: Eighty-five consecutive patients who underwent AOT were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups based on gender. Demographic data and OCL defect characteristic data were recorded. Functional outcomes were assessed pre- and post-operatively using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS). The Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) score was used to assess cartilage incorporation. The mean clinical follow-up was 47.2 months, with mean MRI follow-up of 24.8 months. Results: Fifty-five (65%) males and 30 (35%) females were included. OCL defect size was significantly larger in men (112.8mm2) when compared with women (88.7mm2) (p<0.0001). Male patients had a significantly longer duration of symptoms (p<0.001) and OCLs were more likely traumatic in nature (p=0.0006) when compared with female patients. Mean FAOS improved pre- to postoperatively from 50 to 81(P < .001) with a statistically significant increase in men (p<0.0001). The mean MOCART score was 82.1 and 86.7 in male and female patients, respectively (p<0.0001). Lesion size was negatively correlated with MOCART score (r = -0.36,P = .004). No differences were found in knee donor site morbidity, complication rate, or revision surgery. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that male patients typically present with talar OCLs that are larger in size, traumatic in nature, and with longer symptom duration when compared with female patients. In addition, male patients had greater improvement in FAOS scores following AOT. Therefore, understanding these differences may influence the management and treatment of talar OCLs in male and female patients.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Jia Yu ◽  
Lei Li ◽  
Chunhui Jiang ◽  
Qing Chang ◽  
Gezhi Xu

Purpose. To investigate the clinical characteristics of pregnancy-associated central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) in the Chinese population. Methods. The medical records of patients diagnosed with pregnancy-associated CSC from February 2012 to October 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), symptom duration, pregnancy-related medical information, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) images were collected. Results. Nine patients (11 eyes) were included. Five women were in their first pregnancy and four were in their second pregnancy, two of whom experienced CSC in their first pregnancy as well. The mean age was 35.00 ± 3.97 years. The mean symptom duration at the initial visit was 19.73 ± 13.65 days. The mean gestational age at the time of development of CSC was 27.11 ± 2.09 weeks. The mean BCVA (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR)) at the initial visit was 0.36 ± 0.18 (Snellen 20/45, range 20/100–20/25). All eyes showed subretinal hyperreflective fibrin on OCT images at the initial visit. Four patients (4 eyes) were lost to follow-up before fluid resolution. The mean BCVA at the final visit was logMAR 0.10 ± 0.15 (Snellen 20/25, range 20/50–20/20)). One eye in the oldest patient had persistent subretinal fluid at 26 months postpartum. The subretinal fluid resolved completely after half-dose photodynamic therapy (PDT); however, the ellipsoid zone at the fovea remained discontinuous at 30 months after half-dose PDT. The remaining six eyes all showed spontaneous resolution of subretinal fluid around delivery and regained intact ellipsoid zone. Conclusions. Pregnancy-associated CSC in Chinese developed mostly in the third trimester and usually recovered spontaneously around delivery with good final visual acuity. However, patients might require long-term follow-up until complete resolution of subretinal fluid and to detect recurrences. Half-dose PDT can be administered early if there is little reduction in the amount of subretinal fluid after delivery.


2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 01-07
Author(s):  
Ashfaq Chandio

Background: Colorectal cancer is a common and lethal cancer worldwide, In the UK, it is the second most common cause of cancer death. 5% of UK population is at risk of colorectal carcinoma during lifetime. 30% of patients with colorectal cancer present with a metastatic disease. Detecting colorectal cancer is challenging patients may present with slight symptoms or asymptomatic. By the time patients becomes symptomatic, the cancer may be more advanced. Therefore, screening for colorectal cancer is recommended for people at average risk. Method: All patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer at the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital UK from January 2015 through December 2019 were retrospectively identified from the referral database created by colorectal specialist nurses in the colorectal service. Data were retrieved by detailed review of the hospital case notes, ICE/Evolve (Computer database for investigations and correspondence) including endoscopy; radiographic imaging; operative course and cancer follow up. Results: In the study period 976 patients were diagnosed with colorectal cancer, Male 52.6% (513) Female 47.4% (463). The mean age of 74.14 years (range, 25 to 101). Sixty six 6.76% patients were excluded from the study, therefore the percentages of studied participant were Male 53 % (482) and Female 47 % (428) ratio 1: 1.12. Incidence of colorectal cancer among young adult was low 1.75% (16) up to 39 years of age) and 94.61% are diagnosed in people over the age of 50 years, 60.43% are diagnosed in people aged 70 or over. Conclusion: Increasing awareness of the symptoms and signs of colorectal cancer be helpful and beneficial. Establish integrated care pathways, centralization of complex procedures and comparison of international cancer outcomes.


2016 ◽  
Vol 130 (5) ◽  
pp. 482-489 ◽  
Author(s):  
S D Sharma ◽  
H Kanona ◽  
G Kumar ◽  
B Kotecha

AbstractObjective:To investigate the assessment and management of paediatric snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea in UK otolaryngology departments.Method:A telephone questionnaire survey of UK otolaryngology departments was conducted over a 16-week period.Results:The response rate was 61 per cent (85 out of 139 trusts). Use of pre-operative pulse oximetry was reported by 84 per cent of respondents, mainly to diagnose obstructive sleep apnoea (73 per cent) or stratify post-operative risk (46 per cent). Thirty-one per cent of respondents reported using post-operative pulse oximetry. Twenty-five per cent of respondents have a dedicated management protocol for paediatric obstructive sleep apnoea and snoring. Thirty-four per cent require prior clinical commissioning group approval before performing surgery. Fifty-eight per cent of respondents reported following up their obstructive sleep apnoea patients after surgery. The mean follow-up period (±standard deviation) was 6.8 ± 1.2 weeks.Conclusion:There is variation in the assessment and management of paediatric snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea across the UK, particularly in the use of pre- and post-operative pulse oximetry monitoring, and further guidelines regarding this are necessary.


2016 ◽  
Vol 125 (5) ◽  
pp. 1143-1154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Da Li ◽  
Xiao-Jun Zeng ◽  
Shu-Yu Hao ◽  
Liang Wang ◽  
Jie Tang ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to analyze the neurological functional outcome and recurrent risks in surgically treated jugular foramen paragangliomas (JFPs) and to propose an individualized therapeutic strategy. METHODS Clinical charts and radiological information were reviewed retrospectively in 51 consecutive cases of JFPs. Less-aggressive surgical interventions were adopted with the goal of preserving neurovascular structures. Scheduled follow-up was performed. RESULTS The mean age of the patients in the cases reviewed was 41.6 years, and the group included 27 females (52.9%). The mean preoperative Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) score was 78.4. The mean lesion size was 3.8 cm. Forty-three cases (84.3%) were Fisch Type D, including 37 cases (72.5%) of Type Di1 and Di2. Thirty-seven cases (72.5%) were Glasscock-Jackson Type III–IV. Gross-total resection and subtotal resection were achieved in 26 (51.0%) and 22 (43.1%) cases, respectively. Surgical morbidities occurred in 23 patients (45.1%), without surgery-related mortality after the first operation. The mean postoperative KPS scores at discharge, 3 months, 1 year, and most recent evaluation were 71.8, 77.2, 83.2, and 79.6, respectively. The mean follow-up duration was 85.7 months. The tumor recurrence/regrowth (R/R) rate was 11.8%. Compared with preoperative status, swallowing function improved or stabilized in 96.1% and facial function improved or stabilized in 94.1% of patients. A House-Brackmann scale Grade I/II was achieved in 43 patients (84.3%). Overall neurological status improved or stabilized in 90.0% of patients. Pathological mitosis (HR 10.640, p = 0.009) was the most significant risk for tumor R/R. A 1-year increase in age (OR 1.115, p = 0.037) and preoperative KPS score < 80 (OR 11.071, p = 0.018) indicated a risk for recent poor neurological function (KPS < 80). Overall R/R-free survival, symptom progression–free survival, and overall survival at 15 years were 78.9%, 86.8%, and 80.6%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Surgical outcomes for JFPs were acceptable using a less-aggressive surgical strategy. Most patients could adapt to surgical morbidities and carry out normal life activities. Preserving neurological function was a priority, and maximal decompression with or without radiotherapy was desirable to preserve a patient's quality of life when radical resection was not warranted. Early surgery plus preoperative devascularization was proposed, and radiotherapy was mandatory for lesions with pathological mitosis.


2019 ◽  
Vol 161 (6) ◽  
pp. 993-995
Author(s):  
Ramandeep Singh Virk ◽  
Sandeep Bansal ◽  
Gyanaranjan Nayak ◽  
Lokesh P

The current study was conducted to highlight the use of plasma ablation as a promising method in management of adult laryngotracheal stenosis. We present our institutional experience with a minimum follow-up of 6 months. Seventy adult patients with acquired postintubation laryngotracheal stenosis were included. Efficacy and clinical outcomes of plasma ablation in endoscopic management and eventual decannulation rate were studied. Number of patients with Myer-Cotton stenosis grades 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 20, 25, 18, and 7, respectively. The mean number of surgical interventions required in each grade of stenosis were 1, 2, 3.8, and 4, respectively. Overall, 47 patients (67%) were without tracheotomy by the end of 6 months. Plasma ablation is an effective treatment option for adult laryngotracheal stenosis, with a better success rate for lower-grade stenosis. It has lesser complications and requires fewer surgical interventions.


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