Kenneyesbensen5382

Findings from a small EvalPractice pilot suggest that it may be possible to improve foundational situation awareness skills using deliberate practice, but that further research is required to understand strategies for building higher-level situation awareness skills in evaluation. The article presents a mixed-methods evaluation of regional libraries in Namibia, which incorporates three perspectives the patron perspective (library users), the library perspective (library staff, management, and related officials), and the external perspective (including evaluators and monitoring data). Seven data collection methods were used patron surveys, patron panel studies, focus group discussions, key informant and staff interviews, secondary data analysis, media analysis, and observations. The goal of the evaluation was to assess library performance for both formative and summative purposes by addressing evaluation questions on areas such as library services, use, and operations. Building upon the literature review of how mixed-methods approaches can contribute to library evaluation, the aim of this article is to show how a mixed-methods evaluation can be designed to examine multi-faceted library performance and to illustrate how the evaluation design allows information complementarity and can be utilized to present diverse viewpoints of the above three perspectives. The evaluation design, analysis process, and lessons learned from this study may be useful to evaluators engaged in evaluation of public services or programs (including public libraries) that examine multiple aspects of service performance and involve a variety of stakeholders. PURPOSE First metatarsophalangeal (MTPJ1) fusion represents the gold standard treatment for end-stage hallux rigidus (HR). The aim of this study was to assess efficacy and safety of A-PRF in promoting union after MTPJ1 arthrodesis. Our hypothesis was that the use of A-PRF may reduce the non-union rate and the time to fusion in the treatment of HR. METHODS 14 patients that had undergone MTPJ1 arthrodesis with A-PRF adjunction with 21 standard MTPJ1 fusions were retrospectively reviewed. The fusion rate and time to fusion (clinically and radiographically) were assessed at 6, 12 weeks and at the longest follow-up; the clinical status at final follow-up through forefoot AOFAS, EQ5d, SEFAS and VAS-pain scores; the complication rate. RESULTS At 6-weeks, bony union was achieved in 100% of patients in the A-PRF group compared to 70% in the control group, but this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.22). selleck compound At final follow-up (41 months), union rate in the control group reached 92% (one non-union). AOFAS, VAS and EQ-5d scores showed similar results for the two groups (p=0.86, p=0.12 and p=0.61, respectively); only SEFAS score revealed a difference favoring the A-PRF group (p=0.04). No revision surgery or complication was recorded in any group. CONCLUSIONS A tendency for increased union rate was mainly found at 6 weeks in patients treated with MTPJ1 fusion associated to A-PRF compared to isolated fusion. The use of A-PRF was not associated with an increased complication rate at final follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level 3, therapeutic study, retrospective comparative study. Osteonecrosis (ON) is a disabling complication of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment in children and young adults. Isolated talus involvement is thought to be uncommon. A unique case of a 11-year-old female patient with ON in her left talus which developed six months after the completion of chemotherapy that she received for ALL is reported. A conservative treatment protocol was followed including activity modification, analgesia and prevention of weight-bearing. However, the disease significantly progressed during follow-up period. The present study makes an important contribution to the literature with unusual involvement pattern and location of ON after ALL treatment and with a long follow-up duration. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV. BACKGROUND Displaced intraarticular calcaneum fractures are associated with late symptomatic hind foot malalignment and painful arthrosis for which distraction subtalar fusion might be considered. During subtalar distraction arthrodesis, a structural graft is often used to fill gaps. Autograft, the current gold standard, is limited in availabilityand is associated with donor-site morbidity and collapse. Allografts have the risk of infectious disease transmission, rejection and failure to integrate. The clinical outcomes and midterm results of subtalar distraction arthrodesis with biofoamtitanium wedges are presented. METHODS A review of 4 patients (3 male and 1 female) undergoing subtalar bone block distraction arthrodesis using biofoam titanium wedges is reported. Results were evaluated clinically and radiologically Mean time from trauma to surgery was 27.5 months and mean follow up was 12 months. RESULTS The mean FAAM ADL score improved from 31.4% preoperatively to 74.2% postoperatively and mean AOFAS score improved from 23.4 preoperatively to 69.6 postoperatively.There was improvement in all radiographic parameters, with 44% improvement in calcaneal pitch, 23% improvement in talocalcaneal angle, 21% increase in talus-first metatarsal angle, and 13.5% correction of talocalcaneal height. VAS Pain scores wasimproved from a pre-operative mean of 8 to a post-operative mean of 2. Mean time to fusion was 13 weeks. Union was achieved in all cases. CONCLUSION Our data suggest titanium wedges may be used as a structural graft option for subtalar bone block distraction arthrodesis. Fusion rates and time to incorporation are comparable to autogenous bone graft without the associated morbidity. Level IV Case Series. Crown All rights reserved.INTRODUCTION Fractures of the base of the fifth metatarsal bone present one of the commonest fractures of the metatarsal bones. Conventionally intramedullary screws and tension band wiring have been used as internal fixation methods. Lately hook plates have also served as an alternative fixation method. We hereby report on our experience with the hook plate used in treating fractures of the proximal fifth metatarsal. METHODS 21 patients treated with the hook plate for proximal fifth metatarsal fractures were assessed clinically and radiologically. RESULTS Average time to union in primarily treated fractures (n=18) was 7.7 weeks (range 4.5-16 weeks). Average time to return of activities of daily living (ADLs) was 10.3 weeks (range 4.5-37 weeks). The average AOFAS midfoot score was 30.4 preoperatively and 95.2 postoperatively (p less then 0.01). CONCLUSION The ulna hook plate presents a suitable and adequate method of osteosynthesis used to primarily treat proximal fifth metatarsal fractures requiring surgical intervention with satisfactory post-operative outcomes.