The Pan African medical journal
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Motorcycle users involved in crashes are likely to die or be severely injured due to high frequency of head, chest and leg injuries. We carried out a descriptive cross sectional study to determine crash characteristics and injury patterns among motorcycle users attending Kitale district hospital, Kenya. ⋯ Head injuries and lower extremity injuries accounted for the major proportion of injuries sustained by motorcycle users. Non helmet use was associated with increased risk of head injuries. Morbidity can be mitigated by encouraging use of protective gear like helmets.
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This study report the results in 28 patients affected by closed fractures of the neck of the fifth metacarpal bone (boxer's fracture), treated with percutaneous elastic intramedullary nailing using a single wire, to verify the effectiveness of this surgical treatment. We reviewed the results of 28 patients treated with A single Kirschner wire (K-wire) pre-bent in a lazy-S fashion with a mild bend at approximately 5 millimeters, The K-wire is inserted blunt end first in an antegrade manner and the fracture reduced as the wire is passed across the fracture site The wire is usually removed with pliers post-operatively at four weeks in the fracture clinic. The follow-up period averaged of 20,75 months. ⋯ All the patients were reviewed clinically and radiologically at an average of 20,75 months after surgery. At the final follow-up, no patient reported residual pain and All fractures proceeded to bony union but we have one fracture had to be revised for failed fixation and three superficial wound infections needed antibiotic treatment. We recommend that this minimally invasive: percutaneous intramedullary nailing using a single k-wire in all metacarpal neck fracture (boxers' fractures), especially when severe swelling of the hand is present, with good functional results and low morbidity.
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Case Reports
Pericardial tamponade and coexisting pulmonary embolism as first manifestation of non-advanced lung adenocarcinoma.
Pericardial effusion and pulmonary embolism are relatively common complications of malignancy and are uncommon as its initial manifestation. This report describes a case of a patient, who presented with this association, due to an underlying pulmonary adenocarcinoma. When a major pericardial effusion is associated with pulmonary hypertension, some echocardiographic signs may redress the diagnosis. This case emphasizes a challenge diagnostic which may be guided by high right ventricular pressure and on the other hand the importance of keeping both these conditions in mind when dealing with context of malignancy.
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To assess the level of knowledge of CPR among House-Officers (HO) and some factors determining accuracy of knowledge. ⋯ There was a general poor knowledge of the performance of basic CPR amongst HOs. However, previous experience of having performed CPR in real setting, or the use of mannequins, improved their theoretical knowledge of CPR.
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Medical service in many African countries is affected by the limited infrastructure and the lack of economic and human potentials. Uganda is one the countries that suffers from lack of physicians as well as shortage of many medical facilities with many endemic health problems such as Goiter. A surgical camp was done by an Egyptian team of 8 physicians; three general surgeons, one pediatric surgeon, two gynecologists and one anesthetist. ⋯ General surgery procedures were 45 operations (50%), Pediatric procedures were 23 operations (26%) and Gynecological operations were 21 operations (24%) In conclusion Humanitarian relief for poor population in the developing world countries needs vigilant international collaboration. Special attention should be given to goiter in African countries. Training doctors from sub-Saharan African nations should be on the top of the agenda of the international medical community in order to reach a definitive solution for their health problems.