1.Cement Vertebroplasty In The Elderly With Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures. A Preliminary Study On The Change In Activity Of Daily Living After Treatment
International e-Journal of Science, Medicine and Education 2009;3(2):8-13
Background: To assess the effect of cement
vertebroplasty on the activity of daily living of elderly
patients who have sustained a vertebral osteoporotic
fracture.
Patients and Methods: Seven patients with clinically
significant and radiologically proven osteoporotic
vertebral compression fractures suitable to be treated
with percutaneous cement vertebroplasty were
recruited. Evaluation was based on pre- and postprocedure
activity by clinical documentation (including
interview) and by a self-developed questionnaire
(including quality of life).
Results: Following the procedure, 54% of patients
resumed their activities of daily living with minimal
pain while 46% of patients were able to do so without
any pain (p<0.05). Up to 85% of patients did not
require any form of medication (p<0.05) and 77% of
patients were found to have no pain. In addition to that,
almost 62% of patients were able to ambulate normally.
Conclusion: Percutaneous cement vertebroplasty
appears to significantly improve the activities of daily
living of elderly patients who have sustained vertebral
osteoporotic fractures. It is also found to be a safe
procedure which contributes to reduced usage of
medication, immediate pain reduction and
improvement in functional status of the patient.
2.Acrometastases: The nasty alter ego of fingertip infections
Collin Looi Seng Kim ; Manohar A/L Arumugam
Malaysian Family Physician 2021;16(2):86-89
Fingertip infections are commonly diagnosed in primary care. There is a serious condition, acrometastases, that is often mistaken for these infections. Acrometastases are defined as metastases located distal to the elbow or knee. We present a case of a malignant phyllodes tumour with acrometastases to the distal phalanx of the left middle finger that was misdiagnosed as a fingertip infection on 2 separate occasions, highlighting the need for vigilance regarding acrometastases.