Technology and Health Care - Volume 25, issue 2

Authors: Zhu, Jin | Wang, Kai-Ming | Li, Shu | Liu, Hai-Yan | Jing, Xiao | Li, Xiao-Fang | Liu, Yi-He

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To establish a three-dimensional finite element model of the human chest for engineering research on individual protection. METHOD: Computed tomography (CT) scanning data were used for three-dimensional reconstruction with the medical image reconstruction software Mimics. The finite element method (FEM) preprocessing software ANSYS ICEM CFD was used for cell mesh generation, and the relevant material behavior parameters of all of the model's parts were specified. The finite element model was constructed with the FEM software, and the model availability was verified based on previous cadaver experimental data. RESULTS: A finite element model …approximating the anatomical structure of the human chest was established, and the model's simulation results conformed to the results of the cadaver experiment overall. CONCLUSION: Segment data of the human body and specialized software can be utilized for FEM model reconstruction to satisfy the need for numerical analysis of shocks to the human chest in engineering research on body mechanics. Show more

Keywords: Human chest, finite element model, availability check

DOI: 10.3233/THC-161267

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. 2, pp. 311-318, 2017

Authors: Bornemann, Rahel | Roessler, Philip P. | Strauss, Andreas C. | Sander, Kirsten | Rommelspacher, Yorck | Wirtz, Dieter C. | Pflugmacher, Robert | Frey, Sönke P.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) syndrome can cause various symptoms and may also be one reason for persistent low back pain, especially in patients with prior spinal fusions. If conservative treatments fail to improve symptoms, arthrodesis surgery can be considered. Minimally invasive approaches have emerged recently providing a good alternative to conventional methods. A novel triangular implant system (iFuse) can achieve an arthrodesis of the SIJ without the use of additional screws or bone material. OBJECTIVE: Aim of the present study was an evaluation of short-term safety and efficacy of the implant system. METHODS: …Twenty-four patients were included in the study and treated with the iFuse system. In addition to demographic data, pain intensity (visual analogue scale) and functional impairment (Oswestry-disability index) were assessed prior to surgery and 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months and 24 months thereafter. During surgery and the follow up period all adverse events were documented and the correct implant position was controlled via plain radiographs. RESULTS: VAS scores and ODI improved significantly directly after surgery from 84.3 ± 9.2 mm to 40.7 ± 9.2 mm and from 76.8 ± 9.2% to 40.7 ± 9.2 % (p < 0.001). The ODI improved further to 31 ± 5.4% after 24 months whereas the VAS improved until the 3 months examination and ten stayed constant between 27.7 mm and 26.5 mm to 27 ± 6.6 mm at 24 months. No adverse events, intraoperative complications, implant malpositioning or loosening could be recorded at any time. CONCLUSIONS: The iFuse system is an effective and safe treatment for minimally invasive surgical arthrodesis of the SIJ. Pain and functional impairment can be significantly improved. However, in addition to this case series, further controlled studies are necessary, particularly in terms of a previous spinal fusion history. Show more

Keywords: Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) syndrome, arthrodesis, minimal invasive implant

DOI: 10.3233/THC-161272

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. 2, pp. 319-325, 2017

Authors: Karius, T. | Deborre, C. | Wirtz, D.C. | Burger, C. | Prescher, A. | Fölsch, A. | Kabir, K. | Pflugmacher, R. | Goost, H.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: PMMA-augmentation of pedicle screws strengthens the bone-screw-interface reducing cut-out risk. Injection of fluid cement bears a higher risk of extravasation, with difficulty of application because of inconsistent viscosity and limited injection time. OBJECTIVE: To test a new method of cement augmentation of pedicle screws using radiofrequency-activated PMMA, which is suspected to be easier to apply and have less extravasations. METHODS: Twenty-seven fresh-frozen human cadaver lumbar spines were divided into 18 osteoporotic (BMD ≤ 0.8 g/cm2 ) and 9 non-osteoporotic (BMD > 0.8 g/cm2 ) vertebral bodies. Bipedicular cannulated pedicle screws were implanted …into the vertebral bodies; right screws were augmented with ultra-high viscosity PMMA, whereas un-cemented left pedicle screws served as negative controls. Cement distribution was controlled with fluoroscopy and CT scans. Axial pullout forces of the screws were measured with a material testing machine, and results were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Fluoroscopy and CT scans showed that in all cases an adequately big cement depot with homogenous form and no signs of extravasation was injected. Pullout forces showed significant differences (p < 0.001) between the augmented and non-augmented pedicle screws for bone densities below 0.8 g/cm2 (661.9 N ± 439) and over 0.8 g/cm2 (744.9 N ± 415). CONCLUSIONS: Pullout-forces were significantly increased in osteoporotic as well as in non-osteoporotic vertebral bodies without a significant difference between these groups using this standardized, simple procedure with increased control and less complications like extravasation. Show more

Keywords: Osteoporosis, pedicle screw, biomechanical analysis, polymethylmethacrylate, PMMA, spinal fractures, spondylodesis

DOI: 10.3233/THC-161273

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. 2, pp. 327-342, 2017

Authors: Zarghooni, K. | Westermann, L. | Sobottke, R. | Röllinghoff, M. | Bredow, J. | Siewe, J. | Eysel, P. | Scheyerer, M.J.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Due to spinal instability and compressive neurologic deficits surgical management is sometimes necessary in patients with metastatic spinal lesions. However, in some cases open surgery is not possible and minimally invasive procedures, like cryoablation, are needed. The aim of the current study was to investigate whether a miniature cryoprobe provides adequate tissue cooling in vertebrae and to evaluate the direct impact of cryosurgery on vertebral body stability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve thoracic vertebral bodies were harvested from fresh cadavers. After documenting bone density cryoablation was performed in six vertebral bodies according to a standardized …procedure. Afterwards temperature inside the vertebral body and maximum breaking force were measured in the control and experimental groups. RESULTS: Required temperature of -50° was reached in all areas. There was a significant correlation between maximum breaking force and measured bone density (p= 0.001). Mean breaking force within the experimental group was 5047 N (SD = 2955 N) compared to 4458 N (SD = 2554 N) in the control group. There were no observable differences in maximum breaking force between both groups. CONCLUSION: Miniature cryoprobe can deliver adequate tissue cooling to -50°C in vertebral bodies. The procedure does not seem to influence breaking force of the treated bones in-vitro . Therefore, using miniature probes cryosurgery may provide a valuable alternative to conventional surgical resection of neoplastic diseases as well as of benign locally aggressive bone tumors. Show more

Keywords: Cryoablation, miniature cryoprobes, metastatic spinal lesion, breaking force

DOI: 10.3233/THC-161277

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. 2, pp. 343-351, 2017

Authors: Huttin, Christine C.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This paper discusses what can ensure the performance of judgment studies with an information design that integrates economics of medical systems, in the context of digitalization of healthcare. It is part of a series of 5 methodological papers on statistical procedures and problems to implement judgment research designs and decision models, especially to address cost of care, and ways to measure conversation on cost of care between physicians and patients, with unstructured data such as economic narratives to complement billing and financial information (e.g. cost cognitive cues in conjoint or reversed conjoint designs). The paper discusses how congruence of tasks …can increase the reliability of data. It uses some results of two Meta reviews of judgment studies in different fields of applications: psychology, business, medical sciences and education. It compares tests for congruence in judgment studies and efficiency tests in econometric studies. Show more

Keywords: Judgment studies, decision models, congruence of clinical tasks, cost sharing research

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171299

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. 2, pp. 353-365, 2017

Authors: Zhang, Melvyn W.B. | Ho, Roger C.M.

Article Type: Short Communication

Abstract: There have been rapid advances in technologies over the past decade and virtual reality technology is an area which is increasingly utilized as a healthcare intervention in many disciplines including that of Medicine, Surgery and Psychiatry. In Psychiatry, most of the current interventions involving the usage of virtual reality technology is limited to its application for anxiety disorders. With the advances in technology, Internet addiction and Internet gaming disorders are increasingly prevalent. To date, these disorders are still being treated using conventional psychotherapy methods such as cognitive behavioural therapy. However, there is an increasing number of research combining various other …therapies alongside with cognitive behavioural therapy, as an attempt possibly to reduce the drop-out rates and to make such interventions more relevant to the targeted group of addicts, who are mostly adolescents. To date, there has been a prior study done in Korea that has demonstrated the comparable efficacy of virtual reality therapy with that of cognitive behavioural therapy. However, the intervention requires the usage of specialized screens and devices. It is thus the objective of the current article to highlight how smartphone applications could be designed and be utilized for immersive virtual reality treatment, alongside low cost wearables. Show more

Keywords: M-Health, smartphones, virtual reality therapy, internet addiction, internet gaming disorder

DOI: 10.3233/THC-161282

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. 2, pp. 367-372, 2017

Authors: Zhang, Melvyn W.B. | Ho, Roger C.M.

Article Type: Other

Abstract: Smartphones and their accompanying applications are currently widely utilized in various healthcare interventions. Prior to the deployment of these tools for healthcare intervention, typically, proof of concept feasibility studies, as well as randomized trials are conducted to determine that these tools are efficacious prior to their actual implementation. In the field of psychiatry, most of the current interventions seek to compare smartphone based intervention against conventional care. There remains a paucity of research evaluating different forms of interventions using a single smartphone application. In the field of nutrition, there has been recent pioneering research demonstrating how a multi-phasic randomized controlled …trial could be conducted using a single smartphone application. Despite the innovativeness of the previous smartphone conceptualization, there remains a paucity of technical information underlying the conceptualization that would support a multi-phasic interventional trial. It is thus the aim of the current technical note to share insights into an innovative server design that would enable the delivery of multi-phasic trials. Show more

Keywords: M-health, smartphones, randomized interventional, trials, server design

DOI: 10.3233/THC-161287

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. 2, pp. 373-375, 2017

Authors: Zhu, Jiemin | Ebert, Lyn | Xue, Zhimin | Shen, Qu | Chan, Sally Wai-Chi

Article Type: Other

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy experience a variety of physical and psychosocial symptoms, which have negative effect on women's quality of life and psychological well-being. Although M-health technologies provides innovative and easily accessible option to provide psychosocial support, mobile phone based interventions remain limited for these women in China. OBJECTIVE: To develop a new mobile application to offer information as well as social and emotional support to women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy to promote their self-efficacy and social support, thus improving symptom management strategies. METHODS: Basing on previous theoretical framework …which incorporated Bandura's self-efficacy theory and the social exchange theory, a new mobile application, called Breast Cancer e-Support Program (BCS) was designed, with the content and functionality being validated by the expert panel and women with breast cancer. RESULTS: BCS App program has four modules: 1) Learning forum; 2) Discussion forum; 3) Ask-the-Expert forum; and 4) Personal Stories forum. BCS program can be applied on both android mobile phones and iPhones to reach more women. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first of its kind developed in China for women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. A randomized controlled trial is undertaking to test the effectiveness of BCS program. Show more

Keywords: M-health, mobile phone, application, breast cancer, chemotherapy, symptom management

DOI: 10.3233/THC-161292

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. 2, pp. 377-382, 2017

Authors: Souri, Abouzar | Haghi, Mehdi

Article Type: Letter

DOI: 10.3233/THC-160806

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. 2, pp. 383-384, 2017