Injury
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Displaced proximal humeral fractures (PHF) are frequently treated with locking plates to achieve osteosynthesis. Bone grafts are used as augmentation techniques to improve stability in osteoporotic patients. However, there has been little research into whether bone grafts are necessary for patients younger than 65 years old. This study compared radiographic and clinical outcomes between PHFs augmented with bone grafts or not in a younger population. ⋯ Allografts only provide minor improvements of stability in radiography for patients less than 65 years old after locking plate fixation of PHFs, but don't improve shoulder function, relieve pain or reduce complications. We concluded that allografts are unnecessary for younger patients with displaced PHFs.
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Unintentional childhood injuries are a growing public health concern, and the home is the most common location for non-fatal injuries in children less than 5 years of age. This study describes the long-term effects of two injury prevention educational interventions for caregivers-an educational pamphlet and an in-home tutorial guide-by comparing the change in the prevalence of home injury hazards before and after the interventions. ⋯ An injury prevention tutorial to caretakers of children supplemented with pamphlets could significantly decrease the incidence of falls, drowning, burns, poisoning, and cut injury hazards for children under 5 years of age in their homes in a low-resource setting. This intervention has the potential to be integrated in existing public health programs, such as Lady Health Visitors (LHVs), to disseminate injury prevention information in routine home health visits.
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Around the globe there are 2.4 billion people in need of rehabilitation. Disability and rehabilitation have not gained much importance in the public health arena, possibly due to limited research and awareness regarding the significance of rehabilitation. This study aimed to provide an in-depth understanding of the barriers and facilitators to the provision and utilization of rehabilitation services in public sector tertiary care hospitals of Karachi, Pakistan. ⋯ Rehabilitation services require attention and investment in research and allocation of funds to strengthen the service delivery system. Hospitals, alongside the department of health, need to develop a strategic plan to set future directions and standards of available rehabilitation services.
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Dog bite injuries are a common problem globally; however, little is known about the epidemiology of dog bite injury from a low-and-middle-income country like Pakistan. This study aims to determine the epidemiology of dog bite injuries among children and adults from a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. ⋯ There is a high burden of dog bite injuries from stray dogs in Karachi, Pakistan. Efforts should be made to create awareness among the general public on the risks of dog bites and on seeking appropriate first aid and medical attention for a dog bite injury.