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Abstract Background The reliability and validity of the traditional Chinese version of the Cancer Survivors’ Self-Efficacy Scale (CS-SES-TC) has not been assessed. Objective To assess the psychometric properties of the Traditional Chinese version of the CS-SES-TC. Methods Participants were recruited from the outpatient departments of a hospital in Taiwan. A single questionnaire was administered to 300 genitourinary cancer survivors. The scales included in the initial questionnaire were the CS-SES-TC, the General Self-Efficacy Scale, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General scale (FACT-G). Data obtained from 300 survivors were used to confirm the structure through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Results The CFA results indicate that the 11-item CS-SES-TC is consistent with the original scale. Furthermore, it was identified as a unidimensional scale, with the model showing acceptable goodness-of-fit (CFI = 0.99, TLI = 0.97). The factor loading of each item in the CS-SES-TC was above 0.6 and had convergent validity. Based on multiple-group CFA testing, the change (ΔCFI) between the unconstrained and constrained models was ≤ 0.01, indicating that measurement invariance holds for gender. The participants’ CS-SES-TC scores were positively correlated with their FACT-G scores and negatively correlated with their CES-D scores. The scales exhibited concurrent validity and discriminant validity. The CS-SES-TC had a Cronbach’s α in the range of .97–.98. Conclusion The CS-SES-TC had acceptable reliability and validity. Healthcare workers can use this scale for ongoing assessment of the cancer-related self-efficacy of cancer survivors.

Abstract Background Femoral neck fractures in older adult patients are a major concern and often necessitate surgical intervention. This study compared the clinical outcomes of 2 surgical techniques: the femoral neck system (FNS) and cannulated compression screws (CCSs). Methods A total of 40 female patients (mean age 73.50 ± 11.55 years) with femoral neck fractures of Pauwels classification type II and receiving surgical fixation between 2020 and 2022 were enrolled. The patients were categorized into an FNS group (n = 12) or a CCS group (n = 28), and surgical duration, intraoperative blood loss, length of hospital stay, and incidence of postoperative adverse events were analyzed. Results No significant intergroup differences in demographic characteristics were discovered. The mean surgical duration for all patients was 52.88 ± 22.19 min, with no significant difference between the groups. However, the FNS group experienced significantly higher intraoperative blood loss (P = 0.002) and longer hospital stay (P = 0.023) than did the CCS group. The incidence of osteonecrosis was higher in the CCS group, whereas the incidence of nonunion or malunion was higher in the FNS group. The surgical method did not appear to be a significant risk factor. The main risk factor for revision surgery was longer duration until the first adverse event (P = 0.015). Conclusion The FNS does not appear to provide superior surgical outcomes compared with CCSs in older adult women with Pauwels classification type II femoral neck fractures. A longer duration between surgical fixation and the first adverse event before stabilization of the fracture site may be a risk factor for revision surgery.

Abstract Few studies have explored the feasibility and efficacy of a multimedia information intervention for patients with prostate cancer who are undergoing hormone therapy. Thus, the purpose of the study was to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and the preliminary results of a multimedia-based hormone therapy information program (HTIP) on positive thinking and quality of life (QOL; primary outcomes) as well as social support and self-efficacy (secondary outcomes) of patients with prostate cancer. Patients with prostate cancer who were receiving hormone therapy were recruited from hospitals. After completing the pre-test questionnaire, patients were randomly divided into the multimedia information group (MIG; n = 40) and the control group (CG; n = 40). Patients in the MIG received a multimedia-based HTIP once a week for 6 weeks. Data were collected at 8 and 12 weeks after the pre-test. Measurement variables included positive thinking, QOL, social support, self-efficacy, and satisfaction with the program. The recruitment rate and retention rate were calculated for assessment of feasibility. The study had a 96.3% retention rate, and patients in the MIG were satisfied with the program. Preliminary results showed that, compared with those in the CG, patients in the MIG tended to exhibit higher positive thinking, prostate cancer-specific QOL, and social support at 8 weeks and 12 weeks after pre-test; however, the effect did not reach a statistically significant level. A multimedia-based HTIP is considered feasible and acceptable in patients with prostate cancer who underwent hormone therapy. Further research with a larger sample size, patients with high homogeneity in early-stage disease and long-term follow-up is needed to assess the efficacy of the intervention program. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04693910); Registered 05/01/2021.

Abstract The passive stiffness and strength of periscapular muscles may affect scapulohumeral control, especially in overhead athletes due to sports-specific training. This study tried to assess the relationship between the passive stiffness and strength of periscapular muscles, scapulohumeral kinematics and neuromuscular control during scaption in swimmers. Ten male adolescent competitive front-crawl swimmers were recruited. The passive stiffness and strength of periscapular muscles were measured in standard postures by a hand-held myotonometer and dynamometer, respectively. Surface electromyography and electromagnetic tracking systems were synchronized to record the muscle activities and scapulohumeral kinematics during scaption. Correlations between the passive stiffness or strength of periscapular muscles and the kinematics or muscle activity were examined by Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. The maximal strength of periscapular muscles correlated positively with the ranges of upward and external rotation of the scapula and negatively with muscle activity during scaption. Passive stiffness of periscapular muscles was associated with the downward rotation of the scapula and triggered an increase in muscle activity. Increased passive stiffness or decreased strength in the periscapular muscles may affect their role in controlling the scapular rotation and contribute to compensation from adjacent muscles. Our findings suggest that when attempting to evaluate scapular behavior, it may be beneficial to examine muscle strength and passive stiffness of periscapular muscles.

Background: Patients with end-stage renal disease who receive dialysis are considered a high-risk group for perioperative complications following anesthesia and surgery. However, for patients with anuria who will undergo radical cystectomy (RC), a urinary diversion is unnecessary. This study aimed to identify a safe surgical strategy by comparing oncologic outcomes and early complication rates in dialysis and nondialysis patients after RC. Materials and Methods: This study included 85 patients with primary urothelial cell carcinoma of the bladder who underwent RC at the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan. Twenty-eight of these patients underwent regular hemodialysis. Overall survival and recurrence-free survival were compared to evaluate the oncologic outcomes. Complications at 3 months were graded using the Clavien–Dindo classification. Results: The overall survival and recurrence-free survival differences between dialysis and nondialysis patients were not significant (P = 0.686; P = 0.528). The degree of muscle-invasive disease was an independent factor affecting overall survival. The overall complication rates in the dialysis and nondialysis groups were 36% and 84%, respectively (P < 0.001). The major complication (Grades III–V) was 16% in the dialysis group and 28% in the nondialysis group (P = 0.241). The most common early complications were urinary tract infection and bowel kinetics change, and both were significantly lower in the dialysis group. A lower re-admission rate was also observed in the dialysis group. Conclusion: Lower rates of early complications and acceptable survival outcomes were observed in dialysis patients. Surgery can be conducted more aggressively, with confidence in suitable cases.

Abstract Osteoarthritis is the main cause for total knee arthroplasty (TKA), followed by rheumatoid arthritis. Previous studies have reported conflicting results concerning the risk of surgical site infection after TKA for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis patients. Thus, this study aimed to examine whether rheumatoid arthritis patients had a higher risk of acute surgical site infection after TKA compared to osteoarthritis patients. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database of the whole population from 2012 to 2015, and collected the medical records of osteoarthritis patients or rheumatoid arthritis patients who underwent TKA. To evaluate the risk of acute surgical site infection in rheumatoid arthritis patients, propensity score matching was implemented for osteoarthritis patients. Acute surgical site infection was observed in 2.58% of TKA cases in rheumatoid arthritis patients and 2.66% of TKA cases in osteoarthritis patients. Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis patients had comparable risk for 90-day (odds ratio = 0.81, 95% confidence interval: 0.371–1.768) and 1-year (odds ratio = 0.463, 95% confidence interval: 0.121–1.766) surgical site infection. In conclusion, patients with rheumatoid arthritis were not at higher risk of acute surgical site infection after TKA compared to osteoarthritis patients. The current treatment strategy for patients with RA is safe and appropriate if they require TKA.

Background and Objectives: Hip fractures are associated with mortality and poor functional outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected patterns of care and health outcomes among fracture patients. This study aimed to determine the influence of COVID-19 infection on hip fracture recovery. Materials and Methods: We prospectively collected data on patients with hip fractures who presented at Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital between 9 March 2022 and 9 September 2022. The data included demographic information and functional scores taken before, during, and after surgery. The patients were divided into two groups: COVID-19 (+) and COVID-19 (−). Results: This study recruited 85 patients, 12 of whom (14.12%) were COVID-19 (+). No significant differences in preoperative or perioperative parameters between the two groups were observed. The postoperative Barthel index score was significantly impacted by COVID-19 infection (p = 0.001). The incidence of postoperative complications was significantly correlated with general anesthesia (p = 0.026) and the length of stay (p = 0.004) in hospital. Poor postoperative functional scores were associated with lower preoperative Barthel index scores (p < 0.001). Male sex (p = 0.049), old age (p = 0.012), a high American Society of Anesthesiologists grade (p = 0.029), and a high Charlson comorbidity index score (p = 0.028) were associated with mortality. Conclusions: Hip fracture surgeries were not unduly delayed in our hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the patients’ postoperative Barthel index scores were significantly influenced by COVID-19 (+). The preoperative Barthel index score may be a good predictive tool for the postoperative functional recovery of these patients.

Abstract Background People living with dementia seem to be more likely to experience delirium following hip fracture. The association between mental disorders (MD) and hip fracture remains controversial. We conducted a nationwide study to examine the prevalence of MD in geriatric patients with hip fractures undergoing surgery and conducted a related risk factor analysis. Material and methods This retrospective cohort study used data from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database between 2000 and 2012 and focused on people who were older than 60 years. Patients with hip fracture undergoing surgical intervention and without hip fracture were matched at a ratio of 1:1 for age, sex, comorbidities, and index year. The incidence and hazard ratios of age, sex, and multiple comorbidities related to MD and its subgroups were calculated using Cox proportional hazards regression models. Results A total of 1408 patients in the hip fracture group and a total of 1408 patients in the control group (no fracture) were included. The overall incidence of MD for the hip fracture and control groups per 100 person-years were 0.8 and 0.5, respectively. Among MD, the incidences of transient MD, depression, and dementia were significantly higher in the hip fracture group than in the control group. Conclusions The prevalence of newly developed MD, especially transient MD, depression, and dementia, was higher in the geriatric patients with hip fracture undergoing surgery than that in the control group. Prompt and aggressive prevention protocols and persistent follow-up of MD development is highly necessary in this aged society.

Abstract Although urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common perioperative complication among elderly patients with hip fracture, its incidence and effects are often underestimated. This study investigated the effects of severe UTI (S-UTI) on elderly patients with hip fracture and the risk factors for this condition. In this retrospective nationwide cohort study, we searched Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database from 2000 to 2012 for data on patients aged ≥ 50 years with hip fracture who underwent open reduction and internal fixation or hemiarthroplasty for comparison with healthy controls (i.e. individuals without hip fracture). The study and comparison cohorts were matched for age, sex, and index year at a 1:4 ratio. The incidence and hazard ratios of age, sex, and multiple comorbidities associated with S-UTI were calculated using Cox proportional hazard regression models. Among the 5774 and 23,096 patients in the study and comparison cohorts, the overall incidence of S-UTI per 100 person-years was 8.5 and 5.3, respectively. The risk of S-UTI was cumulative over time and higher in the study cohort than in the comparison cohort, particularly in those who were older, were female, or had comorbidities of cerebrovascular accident or chronic renal failure.

Rodent infestations are a common problem that can result in several issues, including diseases, damage to property, and crop loss. Conventional methods of controlling rodent infestations often involve using mousetraps and applying rodenticides manually, leading to high manpower expenses and environmental pollution. To address this issue, we introduce a system for remotely monitoring rodent infestations using Internet of Things (IoT) nodes equipped with Long Range (LoRa) modules. The sensing nodes wirelessly transmit data related to rodent activity to a cloud server, enabling the server to provide real-time information. Additionally, this approach involves using images to auxiliary detect rodent activity in various buildings. By capturing images of rodents and analyzing their behavior, we can gain insight into their movement patterns and activity levels. By visualizing the recorded information from multiple nodes, rodent control personnel can analyze and address infestations more efficiently. Through the digital and quantitative sensing technology proposed at this stage, it can serve as a new objective indicator before and after the implementation of medication or other prevention and control methods. The hardware cost for the proposed system is approximately USD 43 for one sensor module and USD 17 for one data collection gateway (DCG). We also evaluated the power consumption of the sensor module and found that the 3.7 V 18,650 Li-ion batteries in series can provide a battery life of two weeks. The proposed system can be combined with rodent control strategies and applied in real-world scenarios such as restaurants and factories to evaluate its performance.

Background and Objectives: Distal femoral fracture is a severe injury that makes surgery challenging, particularly comminuted fractures in the supracondylar region. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of distal femoral fracture treated with the application of an intramedullary fibular allogenic bone strut in open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with precontoured locking plates in patients over 50 years of age. Materials and Methods: The study retrospectively enrolled 202 patients over 50 years of age with traumatic comminuted distal femoral fracture (AO/OTA 33-A3, 33-C2 and 33-C3) treated with ORIF with a locking plate from January 2016 to December 2019. The two groups were divided into patients who received an intramedullary allogenic bone strut and those who did not. Patients were followed for at least 1 year, with their function scores and radiographic data recorded. Results: A total of 124 patients were recruited, comprising 60 men and 64 women with an average age of 62.4 ± 8.5 years. The 36 patients who had received an intramedullary allogenic fibular bone strut reported lower postoperative pain scores at 1 month and lower postoperative Knee Society Scores (KSS) at 3 months than the control group. The application of an intramedullary allogenic fibular bone strut appeared to be significantly correlated with better 3-month postoperative KSS. Conclusions: The ORIF of distal femoral comminuted fracture with an intramedullary allogenic fibular bone strut can reduce pain and improve knee function in the early stages of postoperative rehabilitation and may reduce the time to union in patients over 50 years of age.

Abstract Background The adductor tubercle (AT) has been used intraoperatively as a landmark to evaluate the joint line position in knee arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the AT could be clearly identified on radiographic imaging as well as if the AT to joint line distance could be accurately measured for use as a radiographic landmark. Methods The distance from the AT to the joint line was measured on each of 78 knees during total knee arthroplasty. Next, the AT was marked with a metal marker for radiographic analysis. On the postoperative radiograph, the location of the AT was determined by tracing the metal marker. Subsequently, the radiographic joint line distance (RJLD) was measured and compared with the intraoperative joint line distance (IJLD) to test the agreement of the measurements. Results Location analysis indicated that the inflection point on the radiographic contour of the distal femur was the predicted location for the AT. The mean IJLD was 45 ± 3 mm and the RJLD was 45 ± 4 mm. The intraclass correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the inter-rater reliability between the two methods; that coefficient was 0.751, indicating good agreement between them. Measurements on the radiograph were comparable to the intraoperative measurements of the operated knees. Conclusions In addition to being an intraoperative landmark, the AT may also be an eligible radiographic landmark for analyzing joint line level. The RJLD measurement may be obtained to plan the joint line position in knees with significant bone loss preoperatively and to follow up the results of surgery postoperatively.

When coral species become extinct, their genetic resources cannot be recovered. Coral cryobanks can be employed to preserve coral samples and thereby maintain the availability of the samples and increase their potential to be restocked. In this study, we developed a procedure to determine coral species-specific requirements for cryobank freezing through determining suitable cryoprotective agents (CPAs), CPA concentrations, equilibration times, holding durations, viability rates, and cell amounts for banked coral cells, and we established the first ever coral cell cryobank. Coral cells, including supporting and gland cells, epidermal nematocysts, Symbiodiniaceae and symbiotic endoderm cells (SEC) were found from the extracted protocol. Approximately half of the corals from the experimental corals consisted of spindle and cluster cells. Gastrodermal nematocysts were the least common. The overall concentration of Symbiodiniaceae in the coral cells was 8.6%. Freezing using DMSO as a CPA was suitable for approximately half of the corals, and for the other half of species, successful cell cryopreservation was achieved using MeOH and EG. EG and DMSO had similar suitabilities for Acanthastrea, Euphyllia, Favites, Lobophyllia, Pavona, Seriatopora, and Turbinaria, as did EG and MeOH for Acropora, Echinopyllia, and Sinularia and MeOH and DMSO for Platygyra after freezing. At least 14 straws from each species of coral were cryobanked in this study, totaling more than 1884 straws (0.5 mL) with an average concentration of 6.4 × 106 per mL. The results of this study may serve as a framework for cryobanks worldwide and contribute to the long-term conservation of coral reefs.

An 80-year-old man was admitted with an L5 compression fracture, L4/5 spondylolisthesis, and L5 radiculopathy and underwent a TLIF procedure. Refractory hypotension occurred, though it indicated a possible great vessel injury with vasopressor and fluid infusion. Emergent intraoperative angiography was performed, which showed extravasation at the right common iliac artery. Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta followed by right common iliac artery stenting was successfully performed to arrest the bleeding. The iatrogenic right common iliac artery laceration was complicated with abdomen compartment syndrome and acute kidney injury. The patient received supportive care, including continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) for a week, after which the patient’s condition improved. The patient did not have any residual complications at the one-month follow-up. Great vessel injury during the TLIF procedure is rare but fatal. Refractory hypotension is indicative of a great vessel injury. Endovascular intervention is a fast and promising method to diagnose and treat arterial injury.

Objectives: Expansive open-door laminoplasty (EOLP) is effective for multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy (MCSM). When MCSM is combined with one- or two-level segmental kyphosis, instability, or major anterior foci, EOLP with short-segment anterior cervical fusion (ACF) results in good short-term neurological recovery and can preserve postoperative range of motion (ROM). The objective of this study was to evaluate the medium-term clinical outcomes of this procedure and to analyze the risk factors affecting the neurological function at the last follow-up. Materials and Methods: A total of 87 patients were enrolled in this retrospective study conducted from January 2007 to May 2011. These patients exhibited MCSM with combined short segmental kyphosis, instability, or major anterior pathology, and received EOLP and short-segment anterior fusion. The follow-up period lasted at least 60 months. The radiographic outcomes were collected from plain radiographs with dynamic views checked preoperatively and at the last follow-up. Neurological status and visual analog scale scores for neck pain were evaluated. Logistic regression analysis was then applied to determine the correlation between radiographic parameters and rates of neurological recovery. Results: The mean Japanese Orthopedics Association recovery rate at the last follow-up was 77.8%. The improvement in functional scores and reduction in neck pain were statistically significant. The most influential risk factor affecting neurologic recovery was preoperative functional status. Conclusions: EOLP followed by short-segment ACF is a favorable treatment for patients with MCSM with concomitant short-segment kyphosis, instability, or major anterior pathology.

Objectives: Midshaft clavicular fractures are increasingly treated operatively rather than nonoperatively. Studies have shown mixed results for both types of treatment. The aim of this study was to compare the early-stage functional status associated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with plating and that associated with conservative treatment for displaced midshaft clavicular fractures. Materials and Methods: A single-center retrospective review of the results of 120 cases of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures in patients aged 30–65 years old was conducted. The primary outcome was fracture union status at 6 months. Other outcomes were subjective shoulder value (SSV) scores, visual analog scale (VAS) scores, and radiographic shortening at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. The complication rates in the operative and nonoperative groups were recorded. Results: The delayed union rate at 6-month postoperatively and VAS scores at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months postinjury were significantly higher in the conservative treatment group than in the ORIF group. SSV scores were significantly improved at 6-month postinjury in the ORIF group. Conclusions: This is the first study to discuss the importance of early-stage functional restoration after ORIF with plating for displaced midshaft clavicular fractures. This surgery leads to lower pain complications in the earlier stages of bone healing and lower delayed union rates compared with conservative treatment, in patients aged 30–65 years old.

Objectives: Lumbosacral fusion through either an anterior or a posterior approach to achieve good lordosis and stability is always a challenging surgical operation and is often accompanied by a higher rate of pseudarthrosis than when other lumbar segments are involved. This study evaluated the clinical and radiological results of lumbosacral fusions achieved through a combined anterior and posterior approach. Materials and Methods: From June 2008 to 2012, 20 patients who had L5–S1 instability and stenosis were consecutively treated, first by anterior interbody fusion using an allogenous strut bone graft through the pararectus approach and then by posterior pedicle screw fixation. A minimum of 1-year of clinical and radiological follow-up was conducted. Intraoperative blood loss, surgical time, and any surgery-related complications were recorded. Clinical outcomes were assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) and the patient's Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score. After 1 year, radiological outcomes were assessed by analyzing pelvic incidence, lumbar lordosis, and segmental lordosis using static plain films, while fusion stability was assessed using dynamic plain films. Results: The mean operative time and blood loss were 215 min and 325 cc, respectively. After 1 year, the VAS and ODI scores had significantly improved, and stable fusion with good lordotic curvature was obtained in all cases. Conclusion: The surgical results of the combined procedure are satisfactory in terms of the functional and radiological outcomes. Our method offers advantages regarding both anterior fusion and posterior fixation.

Previous reports, mostly small clinical trials conducted in USA or Europe, indicated that tranexamic acid (TXA) would be effective for reducing blood transfusions after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, large scale studies are needed regarding the effectiveness and safety issue of complication events following TKA, especially for the Asian population. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TXA use based on data from an elderly population in Taiwan. Methods: This was a retrospective population-based study using an inpatient dataset from the nationwide health insurance research database in Taiwan. Patients aged >65 years with a diagnosis of osteoarthritic knee in 2012 were included (n = 10,321). A low-dose intravenous form of TXA (250–1000 mg) was identified perioperatively during the TKA. The surgical outcomes of interest were allogeneic red blood cell transfusion and postoperative 30-day complications. Results: A total of 1205 (11.7%) patients received TXA. Based on a multilevel logistic regression model, we found a 47% odds reduction of blood transfusion without elevating the complications of infection and vascular-related diseases. Furthermore, the drug effect in reducing transfusion was different among hospital levels, and medical centers had a relatively lower transfusion rate. Conclusion: The use of perioperative TXA was an efficient strategy to prevent blood loss after TKA.

Objective: Despite its possible role in knee arthroplasty, the proximal-distal condylar length (PDCL) of the femur has never been reported in the literature. We conducted an anatomic study of the proximal aspect of the medial femoral condyle to propose a method for measuring the PDCL. Materials and Methods: Inspection of dried bone specimens was carried out to assure the most proximal condylar margin (MPCM) as the eligible starting point to measure the PDCL. Simulation surgery was performed on seven pairs of cadaveric knees to verify the clinical application of measuring the PDCL after locating the MPCM. Interobserver reliability of this procedure was also analyzed. Results: Observation of the bone specimens showed that the MPCM is a concavity formed by the junction of the distal end of the supracondylar ridge and the proximal margin of the medial condyle. This anatomically distinctive structure made the MPCM an unambiguous landmark. The cadaveric simulation surgical dissection demonstrated that the MPCM is easily accessed in a surgical setting, making the measurement of the PDCL plausible. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.78, indicating good interobserver reliability for this technique. Conclusion: This study has suggested that the PDCL can be measured based on the MPCM in a surgical setting. PDCL measurement might be useful in joint line position management, selection of femoral component sizes, and other applications related to the proximal-distal dimension of the knee. Further investigation is required.

Understanding failure modes, time to revision, and vulnerable components in revision hips could help reduce the risk of revision surgeries. Our aim was to investigate the association between the index diagnosis and the failure mode in patients undergoing revision surgeries. Methods: A total of 402 patients who underwent a first revision surgery in a single hospital between 2000 and 2012 were recruited in a retrospective study. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association of the index diagnosis of the primary total hip arthroplasty and short-term failure, as well as specific failure mode that occurred early, while controlling for sex, age, and the type of prosthesis. Results: The mean time to revision due to all failure modes was 9.48 (standard deviation = 6.08) years. Defining short-term failure as a time to revision

Expansive open-door laminoplasty (EOLP) is a useful technique for multiple-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy. The common postoperative complications of EOLP include moderate to severe neck pain, loss of cervical lordosis, decrease of cervical range of motion, and C5 palsy. We modified the surgical technique to lessen these complications. This study is aimed to elucidate the efficacy of modified techniques to lessen the complications of traditional procedures. Methods: We collected data from 126 consecutive patients treated at our institution between August 2008 and December 2012. Of these, 66 patients underwent conventional EOLP (CEOLP) and the other 60 patients underwent modified EOLP (MEOLP). The demographic and preoperative data, axial pain visual analog scale scores at 2 weeks and 3 months postoperatively, clinical outcomes evaluated using Nurick score and Japanese Orthopedic Association recovery rate at 12 months postoperatively, and radiographic results assessed using plain films at 3 months and 12 months postoperatively for both groups were compared and analyzed. Results: There were no significant differences regarding the preoperative condition between the CEOLP and MEOLP groups (p > 0.05). The Japanese Orthopedic Association recovery rate of the MEOLP group was 70.3%, comparable to the result of the other group (70.2%). Postoperative axial neck pain, loss of range of motion, and loss of lordosis of cervical curvature decreased significantly in the MEOLP group (p

Background: Urolithiasis is a common disease with high prevalence and recurrence. Its incidence varies in different geographic locations, and there are evidences that meteorological factors also affect urinary stone formation. The aim of this study is to analyze the effects of climate parameters on the numbers of shockwave treatments for urinary stones in our hospital, in order to understand the effects of these parameters on the prevalence of urolithiasis in northern Taiwan. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) performed in our hospital from December 2006 to November 2011. Repeated ESWL performed in the same patient within 1 month was excluded, and we only counted as one ESWL in our study. Climate data of the corresponding months were collected from Central Weather Bureau. The available monthly meteorological data included highest, lowest, and average temperatures, humidity, rainfall, total rain days, sunshine hours, average atmospheric pressure, and wind speed. Results: Monthly ESWL number was positively correlated to temperature (r = 0.696), sunshine hours (r = 0.515), and wind speed (r = 0.369), while it was negatively correlated to humidity (r = -0.441) and atmospheric pressure (r = -0.568). Average monthly temperature had the strongest correlation to ESWL number (r2 = 0.484). Monthly rainfall and rain days were not significantly correlated to ESWL number. To investigate the climate parameters together, we introduced these correlated factors into the multivariate linear regression model which demonstrated only temperature (ß = 1.438, 95% CI: 3.703-9.144, p < 0.001) and atmospheric pressure (ß = 0.803, 95% CI: 0.790-5.428, p = 0.010) to be independently related to monthly ESWL number. Conclusion: Temperature and atmospheric pressure are associated with monthly ESWL number. Ambient temperature is the most important climate factor affecting the prevalence of urolithiasis in northern Taiwan.

Anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) is one of the main surgical strategies for the management of multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy (MCSM). High complication rates of graft bone fracture, resorption, displacement, and fusion collapse or pseudarthrosis have been previously reported. The strategies to prevent the aforementioned complications include using fresh frozen cortical strut allograft (FFCSA) to keep most of the original bone quality and using additional anterior plate fixation to improve the fusion stability and union rate. In this study, we evaluated 4-year follow-ups for surgical outcomes and analyzed the risk factors of MCSM patients who received 2-level ACCF with FFCSA and titanium dynamic plate fixation. We retrospectively collected preoperative and postoperative radiographic and clinical data of patients from 2005 to 2009; the inclusion criteria were having been diagnosed as MCSM and having received 2-level ACCF with an FFCSA fibular shaft and an anterior dynamic plate. The cervical curvature lordosis improved and the neurogenic function recovered well postoperatively. Visual analog scale for neck pain and neck disability index scores both decreased after 12 and 48 months following surgery. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association score recovery rate at postoperative 4 years was 87.5%. Fusion rates achieved 100% at 12 months. The preoperative Nurick score seemed to be the only significant risk factor correlated with the functional recovery rate at 4 years after the surgery. In conclusion, based on a minimum 4-year follow-up of 2-level ACCF with FFCSA and dynamic titanium plates for patients with MCSM, the surgical results were satisfying and the complication rates were low.

Purpose: Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a common disease affecting older males. As obesity becomes an increasing problem worldwide, its role in prostatic hypertrophy has been discussed recently. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between waist circumferences and prostatic hyperplasia in Taiwan. Methods: There were 539 men enrolled in the study who had health examinations at the Healthcare Center of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital; 53 were excluded because of history of conditions affecting prostatic volume. Their anthropometry was measured and serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels as well as lipid profiles were analyzed. Prostate volume was measured by transrectal ultrasonography performed by experienced urologists. Results: The mean prostate volume was 26.43 mL, whereas mean body mass index (BMI) was 25.27 kg/m2 and mean waist circumference (WC) was 90.81 cm. By age-adjusted logistic regression, PSA > 4 ng/mL, WC ≥ 90 cm, and BMI > 24 kg/m2 are associated with increased risk of developing prostatic hyperplasia; only WC ≥ 90 cm can be validated by multiple logistic regression. Further analysis of obesity patterns showed that abdominal overweight/obesity places patients at increased risk independently rather than high WC or high BMI alone. Conclusions: Study results showed that waist circumference ≥ 90 cm is an independent risk factor of prostatic hyperplasia in Taiwan. Men with abdominal overweight/obesity (WC ≥ 90 cm and BMI > 24 kg/m2) have a twofold risk of developing prostatic hyperplasia.