This study was conducted to assess the optimum period for Kirschner wire fixation and cast immobilization for displaced lateral condylar fracture of the humerus in children. We retrospectively reviewed 12 patients with displaced lateral condyle humerus fracture, ranging in age from 3-9 y, with injuries that occurred between Jan 2005 and Dec 2006. All patients were treated with two Kirschner wire fixation and elbow immobilization. In all except 2 patients, the Kirschner wires were maintained for 3 to 4 weeks. Mean time for union was 3.78 weeks and mean humeroulnar arch motion at last review was 138.7 degrees. Only one patient had a 5 degree increased carrying angle in valgus as compared to the non-injured side, and 50% had prominent scars > 4mm. We conclude that fracture union can be expected within three to four weeks for most children after open reduction and fixation with 2 Kirschner wires.

INTRODUCTIONThe aim of this study was to compare the knowledge and practices of household mosquito-breeding control measures between a dengue hotspot (HS) and a non-hotspot (NHS).

MATERIALS AND METHODSEight hundred households were randomly sampled from HS and NHS areas, and an National Environment Agency (NEA) questionnaire was administered to heads of the households. Interviewers were blinded to the dengue status of households. We included subjects aged above 16 years, who were communicative and currently living in the household. Chi-square test was used to compare proportions and multiple logistic regression was used to adjust for socio-demographic differences between both areas.

RESULTSThe overall response rate was 59.0% (n = 472). There were significant differences in gender, educational level, employment status and housing type between HS and NHS (all P <0.05). NHS residents were less knowledgeable in 6 out of 8 NEA-recommended anti-mosquito breeding actions: changing water in vase/bowls [AOR (adjusted OR), 0.20; CI, 0.08-0.47; P <0.01], adding sand granular insecticide to water [AOR, 0.49; CI, 0.31-0.71; P <0.01], turning over pails when not in use [AOR, 0.39; CI, 0.17-0.89; P = 0.02], removing flower pot/plates [AOR, 0.35; CI, 0.18-0.67; P <0.01], removing water in flower pot/plates [AOR, 0.36; CI, 0.17-0.75; P <0.01] and putting insecticide in roof gutters [AOR 0.36; CI, 0.13-0.98; P = 0.04]. Hotspot residents reported better practice of only 2 out of 8 NEA-recommended mosquito-breeding control measures: changing water in vases or bowls on alternate days [AOR, 2.74; CI, 1.51-4.96; P <0.01] and removing water from flower pot plates on alternate days [AOR, 1.95; CI, 1.01-3.77; P = 0.05].

CONCLUSIONMore HS residents were knowledgeable and reported practicing mosquito-breeding control measures compared to NHS residents. However, a knowledge-practice gap still existed.

Adult ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Dengue ; epidemiology ; prevention & control ; Female ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; Housing ; Humans ; Male ; Mosquito Control ; methods ; Singapore ; epidemiology