Ann Acad Med Singap
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Jan 2002
Percutaneous vertebroplasty in the management of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: initial experience.
Vertebral compression fractures related to osteoporosis may cause persistent pain which impairs mobility and reduces the quality of life. Percutaneous vertebroplasty is a therapeutic interventional radiology procedure which is used in the management of pain relief in such fractures. It involves the injection of bone cement [polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)] into the collapsed vertebrae under radiological guidance. This provides pain relief as well as increases the strength and stability of the vertebra. ⋯ Percutaneous vertebroplasty is a new and minimally-invasive modality of treating pain in patients with osteoporotic compression fractures who are refractory to medical therapy. Under adequate imaging guidance, the risks of complications are minimal while the potential benefit to patients and their care-givers are significant.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Jan 2002
Osteoporotic hip fractures in Singapore--costs and patient's outcome.
Little data are available on costs and outcome associated with osteoporotic hip fractures in Singapore. ⋯ The mortality rates and functional outcome are not very different from published studies in the West. More of our patients returned to their own homes after hospitalisation. Early surgery, close involvement of the medical social worker and intensive physiotherapy or provision of outpatient therapy facilities may help cut cost of treatment.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Nov 2001
Comparative StudyDigital hand-held sonography utilised for the focused assessment with sonography for trauma: a pilot study.
To evaluate the accuracy of the focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) exam performed with a digital hand-held ultrasound machine in the emergency evaluation and resuscitation of trauma victims. ⋯ Digital hand-held sonography by clinicians can accurately allow the early performance of FAST exams. This exam may accurately and safely extend the physical senses of the examining physician.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Sep 2001
The need for collaboration between clinicians and statisticians: some experience and examples.
Very often we see poor communication and collaboration between clinicians and statisticians. Both sides may fail to realise the importance of a truly collaborative effort. In this paper we give examples to illustrate some problems clinicians and statisticians may encounter when they do not have the full support of each other. The aim is to convince both parties the importance of a truly collaborative effort. ⋯ On the one hand, robust statistical practice is vital in many medical research projects. On the other hand, medical thinking is important in the formulation and application of statistical strategies. Statistical inputs should be integrated into medical research projects throughout the whole research process. Sporadic contacts between clinicians and statisticians are not enough. Both parties must learn to communicate more effectively and to be willing to collaborate with each other.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Sep 2001
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialIntravenous regional anaesthesia using lignocaine and tramadol.
This prospective, randomised, double-blind study was designed to assess if the addition of 50 mg tramadol to 30 mL 0.5% lignocaine would improve the efficacy of intravenous regional anaesthesia. ⋯ There is a positive trend that tramadol might improve the quality of intravenous regional anaesthesia.