Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown

About: Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown is a healthcare organization based out in Dublin, Ireland. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Ambulatory blood pressure. The organization has 302 authors who have published 213 publications receiving 3858 citations. The organization is also known as: James Connolly Memorial Hospital.

Correlation of intra-articular osseous measurements with posterior cruciate ligament length on MRI scans

Abstract: Six patients with a clinical diagnosis of chronic posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) rupture, based on a positive posterior drawer test, had a normal appearance of the PCL on an MRI scan. It is postulated that the PCL had been ruptured but healed in a lengthened state. 12 volunteers with no history of knee trauma underwent an MRI scan of the knee. In this control group (n _ 12), there was a close correlation between the lateral femoral condylar width in the sagittal plane and the PCL length, with a ratio of 2:1 (95% confidence interval (CI) _ 1.817–2.095). In the clinically abnormal group (n _ 6), the ratio was 1.49:1 (95% CI _ 1.206–1.782) (p< 0.0005). In conclusion, the ratio of the lateral femoral condylar width in the sagittal plane to the PCL length is a useful index for diagnosing PCL attenuation and lengthening in the presence of a normal morphological MR appearance.

The association of night-time systolic blood pressure with ultrasound markers of subclinical cardiac and vascular disease.

Abstract: Introduction The aim of this study was to examine the association of night-time systolic blood pressure (BP) with subclinical cardiac dysfunction measured by global longitudinal strain (GLS) and subclinical vascular damage measured by carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and carotid plaques. Methods GLS was measured by speckle-tracking analysis of echocardiogram images. CIMT was measured at the distal 1 cm of the common carotid artery. The presence of carotid plaques was recorded. Philips QLAB cardiac and vascular ultrasound quantification software was used for analysis. The association of night-time systolic BP with GLS, CIMT and carotid plaques was assessed using linear and logistic regression. Results Fifty (response rate 63%) individuals took part in this study. In univariable models, night-time systolic BP was significantly associated with GLS [β coefficient 0.85 for every 10 mmHg increase, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.3-1.4] and carotid plaques (odds ratio 1.9 for every 10 mmHg increase, 95% CI: 1.1-3.2). Univariable analysis of daytime systolic BP did not show any statistically significant associations. In age-adjusted and sex-adjusted models, the association for night-time systolic BP and GLS remained significant (β coefficient 0.68 for every 10 mmHg increase, 95% CI: 0.1-1.3). The association for carotid plaques was no longer statistically significant. In multivariable models, findings were diminished. Discussion Our results suggest a trend towards an association between night-time systolic BP and subclinical cardiac and vascular disease. When assessing ambulatory blood pressure monitoring results, the absolute night-time systolic BP seems to be a better prognostic parameter than daytime systolic BP, but ultimately a large randomised controlled trial involving chronotherapy is necessary to fully address this.

The Irish National Joint Registry: where are we now?

Abstract: Ireland is currently in the process of establishing a National Joint Registry. We aim to determine which implants and surgical techniques are currently being used by Irish orthopaedic surgeons and to examine the impact that a National Joint Registry may have on arthroplasty practice in Ireland. The study consisted of a postal questionnaire sent to all public service consultant orthopaedic surgeons in The Republic of Ireland. We had a response rate of 76.6 %. Of this 76.6, 86.4 % regularly perform total hip arthroplasty (THA) and 84.7 % perform total knee arthroplasty. Of those who perform THA, 86.3 % use different implants in younger patients. Thirteen different femoral implants are used, and seven different knee implants. We conservatively estimate that at least 3,918 total hip arthroplasties and 2,604 total knee arthroplasties are performed in Ireland each year. At present we have no way to precisely monitor the number of arthroplasty procedures being performed, and we have no way of accurately monitoring the short- or long-term outcomes of the many implants used. The establishment of a National Joint Registry for Ireland would benefit the Irish orthopaedic community, and given the large number of procedures being performed, may also be of benefit to the international orthopaedic community.

Tailored ultrasound learning for acute care surgeons: a review of the MUSEC (Modular UltraSound ESTES Course) project

Abstract: The European Society for Trauma and Emergency Surgery (ESTES) identified the need for general and trauma surgeons involved in the management of critically ill surgical patients to embrace and learn both basic and advanced US skills. A steering group was created to address this deficit. Modular UltraSound ESTES Course (MUSEC) is a modular blended-learning course. It incorporates pre-test/post-test examinations, pre-course online materials, didactic and interactive lectures, interactive case scenarios discussion with pathological US clips, hands-on practice on healthy volunteer models, and on original phantoms for simulating both pathological US findings and practicing US-guided interventional maneuvers. Four independent modules were provided. Surgical decision-making didactics were also included in the course curriculum. Learning gain (Δ of the rating of pre-test and post-test) was calculated for each module. An anonymous post-course satisfaction survey was also administered (16 questions with a Likert’s 5-point scale of evaluation). Twenty-three MUSEC Courses were run in a 30 months period, training 416 doctors from 29 countries. A total of 52 modules were delivered. The mean pre-test and post-test grades were 8.3/12 and 10.7/12, respectively, yielding a significant mean learning gain of 28.9 % (p = 0.001). Post-course satisfaction survey got an overall ranking of 4.5/5. MUSEC is an effective and original educational format, enjoyed by candidates, that fills an educational gap for tailored US education as a procedural skill to acute care surgeons. Ongoing revisions should reduce the current limitations and increase the educational value, in terms of number of modules and post-course credentialing.

Assessing the Attitudes, Awareness, and Behavioral Alterations of Patients Awaiting Total Hip Arthroplasty During the COVID-19 Crisis

Abstract: Background:COVID-19 has placed a huge burden on healthcare systems which has led to widespread cancellation elective surgical care. Ireland is recovering from the first wave of COVID-19 and as such...