Objective To compare the long-term results between theMckay procedure and the musclestrength balancing procedure in treatment of congenital clubfoot (CCF).Methods Thirty-seven children with 54 clubfeet were treated by the muscle-strength balancing procedure (31 feet) or the Mckay procedure (23 feet).There were 27 males (38 feet) and 10 females (16 feet). The average age at the time of surgery was 1.2 years (range, 5 months to 3.5 years). The deformity occurred on the left side in 7 patients, on the right side in 13, and on both sides in 17. During the musclestrength balancing procedure, the anterior tibial tendonwas transplanted to the middle or the lateral cuneiform, and the Achilles tendon was lengthened. During the Mckay procedure, the complete releasing of the softtissues and the lengthening of the tendons were performed routinely; in addition, the abductor hallucis was also excised. The clinical outcomes were evaluated with the Diméglio classification method. According to the Diméglio scoring system, 3 clubfeet were at Grade Ⅱ (score, 6-10); 26 clubfeet at Grade Ⅲ (score, 11-15); 25 clubfeet at Grade Ⅳ (score, 16-20). Based on the Diméglio grading system, all the patients were divided into two groups before operation. Group Aconsisted of 29 feet at Grade Ⅱ or Ⅲ (score, 12.55±1.84); Group B consistedof 25 feet at Grade Ⅳ (score, 17.20±1.08). The score in the group undergoingthe musclestrength balancing procedure was 14.16±2.83, and the score in the group undergoing the Mckay procedure was 15.43±2.63. Results All the patients were followed up for an average of 8.2 years (range, 5.0-10.5 years). According to the Diméglio grading system, 32 patients were at Grade Ⅰand 22 patients at Grade Ⅱ, and none of the patients at Grade Ⅲ or Ⅳ. Two patients undergoing the Mckay procedure developed the postoperative incision infection, but the incision wound healed after the dressing changes. The Diméglio score was 4.07±1.25 in Group A and 6.52±1.74 in Group B after operation, with a significant difference when compared with before operation (Plt;0.05). In Group A the two procedureshad no significant difference in effectiveness (Pgt;0.05); however, in Group B they had a significant difference (Plt;0.05). Judging by the correction degrees for the deformity on the different planes, the two procedures had no significant difference for correcting the equinus of hind foot (Pgt;0.05); however, in the correction degrees for the cross-foot and supination or adduction of the anterior foot, the Mckay procedure was significantly finer than the muscle-strength balancing procedure. It has a good biocompatibility. The mechanical test has showed that the Mckay procedure had the best result in the correction of the forefoot adduction. Conclusion For treatment of congenital clubfoot at Grades Ⅰ-Ⅲ, the musclestrength balancing procedure can achieve an excellent correction result; for treatment of congenital clubfoot at Grade Ⅳ, the Mckay procedure should be performed. No matter whichprocedure, the abductor hallucis excision is recommended to prevent poor correction for the anterior foot adduction.
ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy of an innovative approach of follow-up in patients implanted with permanent pacemaker (DDD). MethodsA total of 400 patients who underwent permanent pacemaker (DDD) implantation between June 2011 and June 2013 were included in the present study. Patients were randomly assigned to the innovative and conventional follow-up groups in a 1：1 manner (200 patients in each group). The baseline characteristics were well balanced with no statistically significant differences in the mean age, proportion of male sex, prevalence of hypertension, position of the electrode or the device used between the two groups. At the end of the follow-up, patient outcomes were compared between the two groups. ResultsThe outcomes of patients were better in the innovative follow-up group, with higher degree of satisfaction, better state of health, lower incidence of complications, and less frequent readmission and follow-up visits (all P<0.05). ConclusionThe innovative approach of follow-up considerably improves patient outcomes, and can be useful in future clinical practice.