Irish journal of medical science
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During a routine post-operative orthopaedic radiograph reading session, repeated unusual radiographic soft tissue and bone appearances became evident. It was discovered that these patients had received biodegradable magnesium implants which have recently been introduced into orthopaedic clinical practice. To the untrained eye, the combination of peri-metallic bone resorption with associated soft tissue gas, could easily be mistaken for post-operative infection. ⋯ In two cases, magnesium implants fractured. As the use of biodegradable metal implants becomes more common, it is important for radiologists to be aware of their imaging characteristics. Prior to reporting a case, it would be prudent to know if biodegradable screws have been utilised and whether there exists a clinical concern for post-operative infection in patients with these particular implants, in which case it would be critical not to dismiss peri-prosthetic radiolucencies and soft tissue gas as merely a sequela of the natural metal degradation process.
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The direct to audiology via ENT referral pathway was designed to enhance patient access to audiology services. The pathway is recommended in the Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery: a model of care for Ireland report, published in 2019. ⋯ The direct to audiology initiative has proven effective at reducing waiting times for ENT patients solely in need of audiological intervention. Approximately one-third of these referrals to the ENT service can be assessed comprehensively in the audiology clinic, thereby reducing the demand for ENT clinics, enhancing service provision and expediting onwards referral for amplification.
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Review
Behaviour, Belief and Impairment (BBI): a diagnostic procedure for eating disorders in primary care.
Eating disorders are becoming increasingly prevalent, especially among adolescents. Recognition and assessment of their clinical presentation can be challenging for clinicians in primary care settings, where consultation time is short and experience with eating disorders is limited. The early detection and appropriate referral of adolescents with eating disorders are essential for timely management. ⋯ The authors propose a unique model of assessment entitled Behaviour, Belief and Impairment or BBI, which provides a simple, time-efficient assessment that can assist in the early detection of an eating disorder. The BBI assessment model conceptualises eating disorders in three domains: the observed behaviour, the underlying belief of the patient that drives the behaviour and the subsequent physical or psychological impairment.
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Observational Study
The DA VINCI study: is Ireland achieving ESC/EAS guideline-directed LDL-C goals?
The EU-wide, cross-sectional observational study of lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) use in secondary and primary care (DA VINCI) assessed the proportion of patients achieving low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goals recommended by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC)/European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) guidelines and provided an insight into regional use of LLT in Europe, including Ireland. ⋯ These results highlight the disparity between dyslipidaemia management in clinical practice in Ireland and guideline recommendations.
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To review the distribution of histopathological diagnoses and visual outcome of orbital biopsy in an Irish tertiary referral centre over a 10-year period. ⋯ Orbital biopsy serves as a safe diagnostic tool in managing orbital diseases. The breakdown of diagnosis in our patients is in line with international studies. No patients in our series suffered vision loss as a result of their orbital biopsy. This emphasises its use as a safe procedure in the diagnosis and management of patients with the orbital disease. Our data provides helpful guidance to clinicians when counselling patients for orbital biopsy.