Singap Med J
-
Mammography has been in general use as a breast imaging procedure for many years. More recently, it has taken on another important role, as a screening procedure for breast cancer. This article reviews its effectiveness in reducing morbidity and mortality resulting from the disease.
-
A retrospective study of the use of autologous bone marrow injection for the treatment of delayed and non-union of long bones in an Orthopaedic Department, Singapore General Hospital from 1990-1991 is presented. There were 10 patients with 11 fractures (8 tibia and one each of humerus, femur and radius-ulna) available for study. Percutaneous injection of autologous marrow alone was used to stimulate healing of delayed and non-unions treated initially by plating, external fixation and in one case, by plaster cast. ⋯ There was one case of infection but none of the significant donor site morbidity was associated with standard open autologous grafting. Bone marrow injection was effective in stimulating bony union, with numerous advantages and considerably lower morbidity compared with standard open autologous grafting. Shorter inpatient stay was a significant feature.
-
Comparative Study
Factors influencing pulse oximetry as compared to functional arterial saturation in multi-ethnic Singapore.
Noninvasive oximetry provides continuous monitoring of arterial oxygen saturation and hence, early detection of hypoxia. This has proved to be a useful adjunct to patients' safety, and is considered indispensable in certain settings. However, errors may be present in the pulse oximeter estimation (SpO2) of arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), which may be due to various parameters. ⋯ Our results showed that SpO2 estimation of SaO2 amongst the three racial groups (Chinese, Malays, and Indians) varied significantly (ANOVA, p < 0.05). The over-estimation was more pronounced by hypoxic conditions and jaundice. Haemoglobin and systolic blood pressure did not affect the difference between SpO2 and SaO2.
-
Tibial tuberosity fracture is uncommon. We reviewed five patients with the injury, presenting over a two-year period. ⋯ They were treated with open reduction and internal fixation using cancellous screws with additional tension band wiring for comminuted fragments. Results were excellent, with complete union of fracture site, full range of movement by three to five months and no evidence of complication on follow-up for thirty months.
-
A 19-year-old Malay male succumbed to a septicaemia caused by Chromobacterium violaceum 11 days after onset of illness. The organism is a common soil saprophyte and may be considered as contaminant on culture. It is essential to recognise its clinical significance in purulent processes so that appropriate therapy can be instituted. We report the first fatal case of Chromobacterium violaceum infection in the University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur.