In this issue of Thoracic Surgery Clinics, Guest Editor Cherie Erkmen brings considerable expertise to the topic of social disparities in thoracic surgery. Top experts in the field cover key topics such as social disparities in lung cancer, population health, esophageal cancer, benign lung diseases, and more. Provides in-depth, clinical reviews on social disparities in thoracic surgery, providing actionable insights for clinical practice. Presents the latest information on this timely, focused topic under the leadership of experienced editors in the field; Authors synthesize and distill the latest research and practice guidelines to create these timely topic-based reviews. Contains 12 relevant, practice-oriented topics including Social Disparities Database and Big Data; Health Disparities in Recruitment and Enrollment in Research; Social Disparities in Lung Cancer Risk and Screening; and more.

From a background in ethnography, Israeli teacher Ben-David aims to understand the meaning of organ donation and transplantation from the perspectives of the three major partners involved: donors, recipients, and the medical teams. The participation of all partners, each with specific interests, enables human organs to become an exchangeable commodity with social significance. Applying the resulting information from her comprehensive study, Ben-David assesses the roles played by life and death in organ donation within the Israeli Jewish community. She also examines issues of social legitimacy connected to organ donation in the Israeli society, institutionalization of transplantations, and transplantation as a trigger for transformation to hero status.

Epilepsy surgery is defined as any neurosurgical intervention whose pri- mary objective is to relieve medically intractable epilepsy (European Fed- eration of Neurological Societies Task Force 2000). The aim of epilepsy surgery is to reduce the number and intensity of seizures, minimise neuro- logical morbidity and antiepileptic drug (AED) toxicity, and improve quality of life. By definition, epilepsy surgery does not include normal surgical treatment of intracranial lesions where the primary goal is to di- agnose and possibly remove the pathological target, often an advancing tumour. In these patients, epileptic seizures are only one symptom of the lesion and will be treated concomitantly as part of the procedure. Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is recognised as the most common type of refractory, focal epilepsy. In one third of all cases the neuronal systems responsible for the seizures that characterise this form of epilepsy fail to respond to currently available AEDs (Andermann F 2002). New imaging methods, especially magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), identify localising abnormalities in an increasing proportion of patients with intractable focal epilepsy. Consequently, the accuracy of the preoperative diagnostic pro- cedures has been significantly improved during the last decade; and suit- able candidates for surgery can be selected more reliably. Currently the main resources in most epilepsy surgery centres have been used to evaluate candidates for TLE surgery.

In this issue of Atlas of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinics, guest editors Drs. Mark A. Miller and David M. Yates bring their considerable expertise to the topic of Common Procedures in Cleft and Craniofacial Surgery. Articles from top experts in the field include coverage of cleft lip surgery, different surgical approaches to craniosynostosis, and other craniofacial syndromes, as well as reconstruction and bone grafting. Contains 12 relevant, practice-oriented topics including primary cleft lip deformity; cleft nasal deformity; endoscopic approaches to craniosynostosis; open approaches to craniosynostosis; cranial deformities; and more. Provides in-depth clinical reviews on common procedures in cleft and craniofacial surgery, offering actionable insights for clinical practice. Presents the latest information on this timely, focused topic under the leadership of experienced editors in the field. Authors synthesize and distill the latest research and practice guidelines to create clinically significant, topic-based reviews.

Work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are the leading cause of worker impairment, disability, compensation costs and loss of productivity in industrialized countries. The aging of the workforce and the increased diffusion of physically demanding jobs contribute to the widespread concern about musculoskeletal disorders.
The effective prevention of work related musculoskeletal disorders needs a multidisciplinary approach, drawing together experience from backgrounds in engineering, mechanics, physiology, occupational medicine and psychology; all considered in the context of ergonomics.
This book is a collection of lectures on both back and upper limb musculoskeletal disorders presented at an International Course sponsored by the Nordic Institute for Advanced Training in Occupational Health (NIVA), and the University of Bologna in September 1999. The lectures were given by renowned international researchers on the subject and therefore the book provides a comprehensive overview of all critical issues related to musculoskeletal disorders at work. The book forms an update to the latest research in the field and will interest a wide range of professionals and researchers in ergonomics as well as in the fields from which the material is drawn.
The book covers the main topics addressed in dealing with occupational ergonomics including:
* occupational biomechanics
* physiology
* epidemiology
* psychosocial issues
* medical diagnosis and management
* ergonomic solutions


eBook available with sample pages: 0203484916

Despite the significant decline in heart disease mortaht>' rates over the last 25 years, heart failure has remained a significant problem. We are now confronted with large numbers of terminally ill patients for whom conventional therapies for heart failure have been exhausted and for whom repeated hospital visits are necessary. There now is a major thrust towards a management strategy which embraces a comprehensive approach including vigorous preventive measures and earlier surgical interventions. This book outlines the major surgical options for the treatment of heart failure and brings together a very broad base of opinions with contributions from several outstanding individuals. With the improved knowledge and techniques to control rejection, transplantation has become the central pillar in the surgical management of this group of patients. Unfortunately, because of limited donor supply the teclmique cannot be applied to large numbers of patients. A great deal of excitement, however, exists in the potential for xenotransplantation as a supplement to homotransplantation. The use of cardiac assist devices has become a reality with several hundred LVADS and BiVADS implanted throughout the world and cardiac replacement with total artificial hearts continues to be used successfully as a bridge to transplantation. We are on the thieshold of the broad application of assist devices to provide prolonged relief of heart failure and restore patients to an ambulatoiy home environment and hopefully return to the work force in significant numbers.

When I first proposed this book, one of the hopes was that it would be the stage upon which would be conducted a quiet, well reasoned discussion of the various techniques of stereotactic radio surgery. At that time, there was quite a bit of rancorous debate that tended to obscure the scientific and medical merits of each of the separate methods. At the present time, I am happy to report that the field of stereotactic radiosurgery is much less riven by such inappropriate posturing. The field has taken many steps towards maturity, both technically and medically. In the course of this mat uration process, there have been many grandiose plans and speeches made on behalf of stereotactic radiosurgery. Inevitably, the reality will not live up to the hype, but such is the natural course of devel opment in these sorts of matters. However, even though events may not match our hopes, we should keep in mind the words of Herbert Parker. Recognizing that new modalities for the treatment of cancer do not stand much chance of revolutionary success, nevertheless, he quite correctly pointed out that " . . . with any type of radiatiQn, the margin between success and failure is small. If the chance of success is a little greater . . . thi might well be classed as a great advance. " Mark H."

The mechanical properties of whole bones, bone tissue, and the bone-implant interfaces are as important as their morphological and structural aspects. Mechanical Testing of Bone and the Bone-Implant Interface helps you assess these properties by explaining how to do mechanical testing of bone and the bone-implant interface for bone-related research.
Articles explore the basic mechanical principles of bone-related study and how to conduct mechanical testing of bone specimens. More practical than theoretical, the text includes 42 chapters in three sections that cover mechanical properties of bone, general considerations of mechanical testing, basic facilities and instruments for mechanical testing; mechanical testing procedures on bone tissues; and mechanical testing procedures on the implant-bone interface. There are approximately three hundred illustrations, including line drawings, diagrams, tables, and photographs.
Mechanical Testing of Bone and the Bone-Implant Interface is the most concise, straightforward, and in-depth treatment ever to be published - long needed by the orthopedic and bone research communities.

Attachment of dissimilar materials in engineering and surgical practice is a perennial challenge. Bimaterial attachment sites are common locations for injury, repeated injury, and mechanical failure. Nature presents several highly effective solutions to the challenge of bimaterial attachment that differ from those found in engineering practice. "Structural Interfaces and Attachments in Biology "describes the attachment of dissimilar materials from multiple perspectives. The text will simultaneously elucidate natural bimaterial attachments and outline engineering principles underlying successful attachments to the communities of tissue engineers and surgeons. Included an in-depth analysis of the biology of attachments in the body and mechanisms by which robust attachments are formed, a review of current concepts of attaching dissimilar materials in surgical practice and a discussion of bioengineering approaches that are currently being developed.

Progress in the development of surgical implant materials has been hindered by the lack of basic information on the nature of the tissues, organs and systems being repaired or replaced. Materials' properties of living systems, whose study has been conducted largely under the rubric of tissue mechanics, has tended to be more descriptive than quantitative. In the early days of the modern surgical implant era, this deficiency was not critical. However, as implants continue to improve and both longer service life and higher reliability are sought, the inability to predict the behavior of implanted manufactured materials has revealed the relative lack of knowledge of the materials properties of the supporting or host system, either in health or disease. Such a situation is unacceptable in more conventional engineering practice: the success of new designs for aeronautical and marine applications depends exquisitely upon a detailed, disciplined and quantitative knowledge of service environments, including the properties of materials which will be encountered and interacted with. Thus the knowledge of the myriad physical properties of ocean ice makes possible the design and development of icebreakers without the need for trial and error. In contrast, the development period for a new surgical implant, incorporating new materials, may well exceed a decade and even then only short term performance predictions can be made.

This concise, educational, and thorough reference will educate women who are contemplating, undergoing, or recovering from plastic surgery. In Outsmarting Mother Nature: A Woman's Complete Guide to Plastic Surgery in the 21st Century, a female plastic surgeon explains all the major procedures in cosmetic surgery, offering frank insights into both physical and psychological issues and expectations. Dr. Iliana Sweis, who not only performs but has undergone cosmetic procedures, details the stages most women will go through from the time they begin to contemplate plastic surgery. The book explains how one can best prepare for a procedure, what to expect during the actual surgery, and how to handle the healing phase. The first several chapters discuss the emotional aspects underlying the desire to undergo plastic surgery, including its social and professional impacts. Each of the subsequent chapters is devoted to individual plastic surgery procedures in significant detail, using a question-and-answer format. Case studies illustrate what cosmetic procedures can, and cannot, accomplish—and the reality checks that need to be in place as part of the decision to proceed.

Moving beyond the debate over whether and to what degree mild head injury has lasting neuropsychological sequelae, this book is predicated on the assumption that it does cause some problems in some circumstances for some people. It focuses on the practical questions of who is injured, how injuries manifest themselves, and what evaluation and treatment strategies are optimal, for families as well as patients. The distinguished authors bring to their task not only scientific expertise but extensive day-to-day clinical experience. This book will be widely welcomed as the first comprehensive overview of what we have learned from research and clinical experience about these difficult cases.

On Call in Trauma and Orthopaedics is aimed at junior trainees working with the specialty of Trauma and Orthopaedics. It is written in a clear and concise method, covering all common injuries that a junior trainee would expect to see during their shifts. With essential imaging, schematic diagrams and 'top tips' sections, this book is written as a 'survival guide' to allow the reader to manage patients in the emergency, ward and clinic setting. Why buy On call in Trauma and Orthopaedics? This book not only provides a comprehensive guide to common injuries, but also includes a basic examination and technical skills section. The more advanced sections such as classification of common fractures and consenting for common operations will career Trauma and Orthopaedic trainees a higher insight into the specialty. What's inside: Essentials: History, examination and classification Emergency Department: Limb threatening conditions, Adult Upper/Lower limb injuries, paediatrics and more Operating theatre: How to prepare your patient for theatre Ward: Pre and post operative management of your patients Clinic: What to say, ask and do when admitting a patient from clinic Procedures: Step by step guide to simple procedures such as aspiration of joints and reduction of fractures/joint dislocations

The permanent effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) are not limited to the person who suffers the injury. People who care for the individual, particularly family members, suffer in various ways. Family members are often confused as to the behavioral and neuropsychological changes that they see in a brain-injured rela tive. They can become frustrated and angry when the individual does not return to premorbid levels of functioning. They can become tired and worn down from repeated problems in trying to manage the individual's difficulties while having only fragmented information regarding them. Drs. Smith and Godfrey have provided a useful service for family members by summarizing important neuropsychological changes associated with TBI and providing practical guidelines for coping with these problems. While the neuropsychological problems they describe are not completely understood, the authors provide a useful description of many of the neuro behavioral problems seen following TBI in young adults. They attempt to provide guidelines for family members that have practical utility in understanding and managing these patients. Theirs is a cognitive-behavioral approach that can have utility for this group of individuals. I applaud their efforts to provide something systematic and practical for family members."

Surgery for the treatment of deformities such as scoliosis carries a small but significant risk of damage to the spinal cord through inadvertent compression or interference with the blood supply. Electrophysiological techniques, principally those for recording sensory and motor evoked potentials, offer a means of continuously assessing the conduction of nerve signals up and down the spinal cord and hence the possibility of detecting a defect at an early stage, when the cause may be reversible. This form of monitoring is now accepted practice in many countries. The main contributors to the Handbook are surgeons, neurophysiologists and anaesthetists at the forefront of research. From the United States, where practice has been most widespread, come the results of the first large-scale, multi-centre survey into monitoring methods and their effectiveness. The research papers forming the remainder of the text provide an indication of the high level of current interest and the likely direction of future developments.

A pioneer in organ transplantation discusses the amazing advances in the field One of the most spectacular medical advances of the twentieth century, organ transplantation has become a generally effective and routine treatment for patients with organ failure. In this riveting book, a well-known expert in the fields of clinical transplantation and transplantation research traces the evolution of organ transplantation from its initial stirrings in the imaginations of the ancients to its current status as accepted treatment for nearly 40,000 patients each year. Drawing often on his own firsthand experience, Dr. Nicholas L. Tilney tells the story of the advances in organ transplantation, discusses how societal forces have driven its development, and reveals how its current success is marred by commercialism and exploitation of the less fortunate. Dr. Tilney describes early transplantation attempts, the first successful kidney transplant in 1954 between identical twins, the scientific advances for suppressing the immune system, the introduction of the concept of host tolerance, the new research on donor matching, and the issue of donor brain death. He explores innovations in heart, lung, liver, and other abdominal transplants and reflects on the attempts to make transplants between species. Finally he explains how organ transplantation has become a vast business, creating ethical and logistical conflicts about organ donations.

This issue of Neurosurgery Clinics, guest edited by Dr. John Hurlbert, is devoted to Current State of the Art in Spinal Cord Injury. This is one of four issues selected each year by the series Consulting Editors, Russell R. Lonser and Daniel K. Resnick. Articles in this issue are dedicated to basics of spinal cord injury and emerging therapy and include topics such as: Pathophysiology of spinal cord injury, Natural history of spinal cord injury, Diagnostic imaging in spinal cord injury, Spinal cord injury clinical assessment tools, Spinal cord injury management on the front line, Central Cord Syndrome redefined, Compartment Syndrome, Hypothermia, Pharmaceutical, Regeneration, and Neural interfacing and modulation.