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Objective: To identify the best-suited cephalometric parameter for assessing the sagittal skeletal discrepancy in the Indian population., Design: An in vitro, observational, single-blinded, retrospective study., Setting: Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics., Methods: A total of 94 lateral cephalograms were used in this study. The study involved one key person and two examiners. The key person collected the radiographs, coded, analysed and classified them into three groups (skeletal classes I, II and III). Subsequently, the coded radiographs were independently analysed by the two examiners. They classified the cases by matching a minimum of 6 out of 11 parameters. On completion of diagnosis by the examiners, the samples were decoded and matched with the original diagnosis given by the key person. The samples in which identification of a particular cephalometric parameter matched the original evaluation as given by the key person was regarded as correctly diagnosed. The number of correctly assessed cases was used to judge the diagnostic performance of all the parameters in all the cases. Cross-validation of the method was performed, and a diagnostic algorithm was developed for diagnosis., Results: β angle and Pi angle showed a positive predictive value of 1 in both skeletal class I and II cases. ANB angle, W angle and HBN angle showed a positive predictive value of 1 in skeletal class III cases., Conclusion: No single cephalometric parameter can independently be used to diagnose sagittal skeletal discrepancy in all cases. However, a conclusive diagnosis on the type of sagittal skeletal malocclusion can be made by using a simple and easy to use diagnostic algorithmic process having a combination of cephalometric parameters.

Aim and Objective: To predict and correlate mandibular growth pattern using palatoscopy (average, horizontal, and vertical)., Materials and Methods: This retrospective study includes 120 archived maxillary casts. One key person and two examiners performed the study; the key person was responsible for coding and collecting casts and radiographs, as well as calibration of the examiners. The key person divided the samples into three craniofacial growth pattern groups (average, horizontal, and vertical) based on Frankfort-mandibular plane angle (FMA), SN-GoGn, and facial axis angle and distributed them to the blinded examiners. Rugae were studied using a modified Thomas and Kotze classification system. After the analysis, the results were decoded and analyzed with the corresponding cephalometric radiographs., Results: Multinomial logistic regression was employed to predict the mandibular growth patterns with the following independent variables: Forwardly directed rugae, number of divergent rugae, predominant shape circular, predominant shape curved, primary rugae, predominant shape wavy, number of convergent rugae, and horizontally directed rugae., Conclusion: Palatal rugae patterns predict the growth pattern of the mandible., Clinical Significance: Considering the significant parameters and their correlation with mandibular growth pattern, prediction of mandibular growth patterns can be done noninvasively.

Background: Post-transplant maintenance provides progression-free survival benefit in multiple myeloma (MM). Here we report our institution's experience with elotuzumab-based maintenance following autologous stem cell transplant., Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the outcomes of MM patients who were started on elotuzumab-based maintenance (elotuzumab/lenalidomide/dexamethasone, elotuzumab/bortezomib/dexamethasone, or elotuzumab/bortezomib/methylprednisolone) following transplant (N = 7). Baseline characteristics, treatment response, survival, and adverse events were reviewed., Results: Median age was 68 (56-81) years at the time of transplant, and median lines of induction therapy was 2 (1-6). Three patients (42.9%) had high-risk cytogenetics and five (71.4%) had stage II or greater disease at diagnosis. At a median follow-up of 24 months (12-50), five patients (71.4%) had improvement of quality of response, with a combined CR or VGPR rate increasing from 57.1% to 100% (CR = 3, VGPR = 4). All patients were alive without relapse or progression at the time of this analysis. Grade 3-4 adverse events were observed in three (42.9%) patients. None of the patients discontinued the treatment due to intolerance., Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that elotuzumab-based maintenance may deepen response post-transplant in MM and can be safely administered even in older patients. Given its unique action and rare side effects, further studies of elotuzumab in the post-transplant setting are warranted., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

There are currently no guidelines on the long-term management of patients after an episode of acute ischaemic colitis. Our aim was to review the literature on the pattern of presentation and the pathophysiology of this condition and to understand the current status of the acute and long-term management of ischaemic colitis. Furthermore, we aim to provide recommendations for the clinicians in regard to the acute and long-term management of ischaemic colitis. A review of the English literature over the last 15 years was performed using Embase and Medline. Search terms were ischaemic OR ischemic, colitis OR colon. Two reviewers screened the papers against pre-determined eligibility criteria. A senior consultant surgeon performed a final overview. Three hundred sixty-eight papers were identified on the initial search; 318 were irrelevant and 17 were conference abstracts; both were excluded. Thirty-three full articles were assessed for suitability; nine were further excluded. Twenty-four articles were included in the final analysis and cross-referenced against those listed in the systematic reviews. There is a large clinical heterogeneity in inclusion criteria (histological, radiological, endoscopic, surgical specimen). Twelve out of 24 articles included patients only based on histological diagnosis. The definition of right and left (or nonright) ischaemic colitis was variable based on whether hepatic or splenic flexure was used as the cut-off point. Five retrospective case series highlighted that patients with isolated right-sided ischaemic colitis had a worse prognosis than those with left-sided colitis (higher mortality, need for surgery, length of hospital stay). The overall recurrence was 9%. There is a need for a higher-level evidence to guide clinicians on the long-term management of patients following an episode of acute colonic ischaemia. Further evidence is required to determine whether right colonic ischaemia should be managed differently from left.

Aims: Tunnelled venous catheters are a well-established method of long-term venous access for total parental nutrition, chemotherapy and antimicrobial treatment. Removal of these catheters is a simple procedure; however, there are some significant risks., Methods: We report a case in which a serious complication occurred. A simple technique for the safe removal of long-term venous catheters is described., Conclusion: A direct surgical removal is now generally favoured for safe line removal. However, this still carries the same complications and care must be taken in the technique., (© The Author(s) 2014 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.)

Purpose: To evaluate the outcome of the management of iatrogenic arterial injuries following knee arthroplasty using a primary endovascular approach., Methods: A detailed review of the management of all iatrogenic arterial injuries to the lower limb following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) referred to the Vascular Surgical Unit of a tertiary referral hospital between July 2005 and December 2007 identified from a prospectively maintained database., Results: Of the seven cases referred over a 30-month period, six patients underwent endovascular treatment with successful limb salvage. All seven injuries were related to the popliteal artery behind the knee: pseudoaneurysm (4), intimal flap occlusion (2) and stenosis (1). One patient underwent above-knee amputation. The presentation and pattern of arterial injuries, potential risk factors for their occurrence, measures to reduce their risk and factors that aid in their early recognition are discussed., Conclusions: An endovascular approach may be considered for the management of these injuries, although it is likely to involve long-term surveillance and may not be appropriate for all cases. Surgeons performing TKA should be aware of the potential risk factors for arterial injury and maintain a high index of suspicion for these infrequent injuries during the post-operative period.

A 75-year-old man presented with a fungating peri-anal mass which appeared malignant at presentation and required a defunctioning colostomy due to abdominal distension. Multiple biopsies were negative for malignancy and CT/MRI scans showed no malignant mass. A provisional diagnosis of prolapsed haemorrhoids was made and the mass was treated with sugar and charcoal dressings. There was a dramatic resolution of the mass with this treatment and the patient was discharged 1 month post-admission. The patient then underwent an elective haemorrhoidectomy by which time the mass had decreased to a perianal skin tag. The only clues in this case were the acute presentation of the mass, the fact that the mass had appeared post-defecation and that the patient had been diagnosed with haemorrhoids 2 years previously on colonoscopy. This case highlights the importance of evaluating all investigations and considering all differential diagnoses before embarking on definitive management.

Background: This randomized clinical trial compared early outcomes after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and conventional surgery for varicose veins., Methods: Consecutive patients with symptomatic varicose veins due to isolated great saphenous vein (GSV) incompetence and suitable for RFA were randomized to either RFA or conventional surgery (saphenofemoral disconnection and stripping). Clinical, radiological and patient-based outcomes were recorded at 1 and 5 weeks after intervention., Results: RFA resulted in successful obliteration of the GSV in all 47 patients. Complete above-knee stripping was unsuccessful in seven of 41 patients. RFA took longer than conventional surgery: median interquartile range 76 (67-84) versus 48 (39-54) min; P < 0.001. Patients returned to their normal activities significantly earlier after RFA (median 3 (2-5) versus 12.5 (4-21) days; P < 0.001). Postoperative pain was significantly less after RFA (median score on visual analogue scale 1.70 (0.50-4.30) versus 4.0 (2.35-6.05); P = 0.001). Patient satisfaction, quality of life improvement and analgesic requirements significantly favoured RFA., Conclusion: RFA took longer to perform but resulted in a significantly better early outcome than conventional surgery in suitable patients with great saphenous varicose veins., ((c) 2009 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Objective: To compare the costs involved (from procedure to recovery) following radiofrequency ablation and conventional surgery for lower limb varicose veins in a selected population., Design: Prospective randomised controlled trial., Methods: Patients with symptomatic great saphenous varicose veins suitable for radiofrequency ablation were randomised to either RF ablation or surgery (sapheno-femoral ligation and stripping). The hospital, general practice and patient costs incurred until full recovery and the indirect cost to society, due to sickness leave after surgery, were calculated to indicate mean cost per patient under each category., Results: Ninety three patients were randomised. Eighty eight patients (47 - RF ablation, 41 - surgery) underwent the allocated intervention. Ablation took longer to perform than surgery (mean 76.8 vs 47.0 min, p<.001). Ablation was more expensive (mean hospital cost per patient 1275.90 pounds vs 559.13 pounds) but enabled patients to return to work 1 week earlier than after surgery (mean 12.2 vs 19.8 days, p=0.006). Based on the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (Office of National Statistics, UK) for full time employees, the cost per working hour gained after ablation was 6.94 pounds (95% CI 6.26, 7.62)., Conclusion: The increased cost of radiofrequency ablation is partly offset by a quicker return to work in the employed group (ISRCTN29015169http://www.controlled-trials.com)., (Copyright 2009 European Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: We aimed to study outcome in patients with an open abdomen in whom the abdominal vacuum-assisted closure system (V.A.C.((R)) Therapy()) was used to provide temporary cover and achieve wound closure., Methods: All patients in whom V.A.C. Therapy was used to manage laparotomy wounds between February 2006 and May 2007 at a University Teaching Hospital were followed up prospectively until successful completion or stoppage of V.A.C. Therapy., Results: Of the 51 consecutive patients (33 male), V.A.C. Therapy was used to manage a laparostomy in 10 patients and abdominal wound dehiscence in 41. Median (IQR) duration of V.A.C. Therapy was 17 (7-26) days. Wound healing was achieved in 31 (61%) patients, four of whom had additional surgery to assist wound closure. The rest healed by secondary intention. Treatment was withdrawn due to therapy-related complications in nine patients and due to medical or logistical reasons in seven. Four patients died while on therapy. While most V.A.C. Therapy-related problems were minor, two patients developed enteric fistulae that necessitated surgical repair. At a median (IQR) follow-up of 8 (4-13) months, 18 patients had stable cutaneous coverage with no incisional hernia, 12 developed an incisional hernia, 9 were lost to follow-up, and 12 died., Conclusions: V.A.C. Therapy is a useful adjunct in the management of the open abdomen and should be considered in the treatment of this problem. Restoration of cutaneous and fascial integrity of the abdominal wall, the risk of fistulisation, and the cost-effectiveness of this therapy require further evaluation.

A 48-year-old woman presented with a 2-week history of diarrhoea and abdominal pain. No overt gastrointestinal bleeding was reported and there was no history of loss of weight or loss of appetite. General and abdominal examination was unremarkable except for subconjunctival pallor. The haemoglobin was 7.1 g/dl at presentation with the peripheral blood film indicating iron deficiency anaemia. An urgent colonoscopy revealed two strictures within a 5 cm segment of transverse colon. The distal stricture showed significant ulceration and inflammation, while the proximal one showed an impassable "diaphragm-like" stricture. Biopsies from both of the strictures showed chronic inflammatory infiltrate with numerous eosinophils and no evidence of malignancy. The patient had been taking enteric-coated diclofenac tablets 50 mg three times daily over the past 10 years for chronic backache. Her bowel symptoms resolved significantly within 4 weeks of stopping diclofenac and she continued to remain relatively asymptomatic at 3 months follow-up.

Introduction: Over the past few years, there has been a move to less invasive endoluminal methods in the treatment of lower limb varicose veins combined with a renewed interest in sclerotherapy, with the recent addition of foam sclerotherapy. The development of these new techniques has led many to question some of the more conventional teaching on the treatment of varicose veins. This review examines these new treatments for lower limb varicose veins and the current evidence for their use., Materials and Methods: An extensive search of available electronic and paper-based databases was performed to identify studies relevant to the treatment of varicose veins with particular emphasis on those published within the last 10 years. These were analysed by both reviewers independently., Results: There is no single method of treatment appropriate for all cases. Conventional surgery is safe and effective and is still widely practised. Whilst the new treatments may be popular with both surgeons and patients, it is important that they are carefully evaluated not only for their clinical benefits and complications when compared to existing treatments but also for their cost prior to their wider acceptance into clinical practice.

Purpose: Array-based comparative genomic hybridization is increasingly being used in patients with learning disability, in addition to existing cytogenetic techniques. This paper reports the results of an evaluation of this emerging technology and discusses the challenges faced in conducting the evaluation., Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies investigating patients with learning disability and dysmorphic features in whom conventional cytogenetic analysis has proven negative. Conventional indices of clinical validity could not be calculated, and we use an alternative, based on the extent to which array-based comparative genomic hybridization met its clinical objectives., Results: Seven studies (462 patients) were included. The overall diagnostic yield of causal abnormalities was 13% (95% confidence interval: 10-17%; heterogeneity test statistic I = 0%), and the overall number needed to test was eight (95% confidence interval: 6-10). The false-positive yield of noncausal abnormalities ranged from 5% to 67%, although this range was only 5% to 10% in six of the studies., Conclusion: Although promising, there is insufficient evidence to recommend introduction of this test into routine clinical practice. A number of important technical questions need answering, such as optimal array resolution, which clones to include, and the most appropriate platforms. A thorough assessment of clinical utility and cost-effectiveness compared with existing tests is also required.

Background: We assessed the impact of postoperative sensory abnormalities and bruising after long saphenous vein (LSV) stripping on short-term quality of life (QOL)., Methods: Seventy patients with LSV incompetence were recruited before surgery. Surgery involved saphenofemoral disconnection, stripping of the LSV in the thigh, and multiple stab avulsions in all patients. Sensory abnormalities (subjective and objective) and bruising were recorded at two follow-up visits (mean, 8 and 47 days). The bruised area was traced manually, and the surface area was estimated by placing the tracing on a square chart. A QOL assessment was performed before surgery and repeated during the second visit by using the Aberdeen Varicose Veins Questionnaire. Minitab version 13.32 was used for statistical analysis., Results: Eight patients either did not complete follow-up or were excluded from the final analysis. Final analysis was performed on 63 limbs in 62 patients (27 men and 35 women; age, 19-75 years). The overall incidence of postoperative sensory abnormality was 40% (25/63 limbs). This included numbness or decreased sensation in 36.5% (23/63), paresthesia in 8% (5/63), and dysesthesia in 1.6% (1/63). Irrespective of the presence of sensory abnormalities, QOL scores improved after surgery (mean change in QOL score, -7.58 and -7.52; SE, 1.1 and 1.3 in those with and without sensory abnormalities, respectively). There was no significant difference either in the degree of improvement in the QOL score (P = .972; t test) or in the proportion of patients with an improved score (P = .69; Fisher exact test) between the groups with and without sensory abnormalities. Postoperative bruising at first follow-up ranged from 28 to 1419 cm(2) (mean, 500.7 cm(2); median, 438 cm(2)). Both groups--those who bruised less than the median value (438 cm(2)) and those who bruised more than the median value--showed improved postoperative QOL scores (mean change in QOL score, -7.64 and -7.46; SE, 1.3 and 1.3, respectively). There was no significant difference either in the degree of improvement in the QOL score (P = .924; t test) or in the proportion of patients with an improved score (P = .422; Fisher exact test). All patients with persistent bruising at the second follow-up (26%) also showed an improvement in the QOL score (mean change in QOL score, -10.29)., Conclusions: Conventional surgery for varicose veins with stripping of the LSV is associated with significant morbidity of sensory abnormalities and bruising. However, this does not adversely affect postoperative improvement in short-term QOL.