Despite the high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders seen by primary care physicians, numerous studies have demonstrated deficiencies in the adequacy of musculoskeletal education at multiple stages of medical education. The aim of this study was to assess a newly developed undergraduate module in musculoskeletal medicine. A two-week module in musculoskeletal medicine was designed to cover common musculoskeletal disorders that are typically seen in primary care. A previously validated examination in musculoskeletal medicine was used to assess the cognitive knowledge of ninety-two students on completion of the module. A historical control group (seventy-two students) from a prior course was used for comparison. The new module group (2009) performed significantly better than the historical (2006) control group in terms of score (62.3% versus 54.3%, respectively; p < 0.001) and pass rate (38.4% versus 12.5%, respectively; p = 0.0002). In a subgroup analysis of the new module group, students who enrolled in the graduate entry program (an accelerated four-year curriculum consisting of students who have already completed an undergraduate university degree) were more likely to perform better in terms of average score (72.2% versus 57%, respectively; p < 0.001) and pass rates (70.9% versus 21.4%, respectively; p < 0.001) compared with students who had enrolled via the traditional undergraduate route. In terms of satisfaction rates, the new module group reported a significantly higher satisfaction rate than that reported by the historical control group (63% versus 15%, respectively; p < 0.001).Methods
Results
Abduction braces are commonly prescribed following the closed reduction of a dislocated prosthetic hip joint. Their use is controversial with limited evidence to support their use. We have conducted a retrospective review of dislocations in primary total hip replacements over a nine year period and report redislocation rates in patients braced, compared to those who were not. 67 patients were identified. 69% of those patients who were braced had a subsequent dislocation. Likewise 69% of those who did not receive a brace re-dislocated. 33% of patients that were braced dislocated whilst wearing the brace. Bracing was associated with patient discomfort, sleep disturbance, skin irritation and breakdown. Small femoral head size, monoblock femoral components and poor biomechanical reconstruction was prevalent amongst dislocators. Abduction bracing following closed reduction of a total hip replacement is costly(e950), does not prevent redislocation and may be the cause of considerable morbidity to the patient.
Conservative management remains the gold standard for many fractures of the humeral diaphysis with union rates of over 90% often quoted. Success with closed management however is not universal. A retrospective review of all conservatively managed fractures between 2001 and 2005 was undertaken to investigate a suspected high non-union rate and identify possible causes. The overall non-union rate was 39.2% (11 of 28 cases). There was no difference in axial distraction at presentation, however following application of cast there was significantly more distraction in the non-union group (1.2 v 5.09mm, p<0.01). All humeral fractures were admitted, lightweight U-slabs were applied by a technician, distraction was avoided, patients abstained from NSAIDS, consultant reviewed radiographs before discharge and patients were converted early to functional brace.Phase 1
Changes to practise
