Introduction: Praying represents a fundamental activity of daily living in Muslim community. Muslims need to adopt several postures that require deep flexion of the knee and hip to perform this daily obligation. This is a preliminary report of the study on hip and knee range of motion conducted to obtain normative passive and functional range of flexion data during Muslim prayers in both weight-bearing joints of normal Muslim adults. Methods: A cohort of Malay men aged between 20 to 30 years was recruited in this cross-sectional study. Passive range of motion and flexion angles of the joints in various postures during prayer were measured using a standard goniometer. The difference against existing normative range of motion database available and the influence of various factors were analysed. Factors analysed include body mass index and other anthropometric measurements. Results: Sixty participants recruited for the preliminary phase of this study. The mean (SD) of passive hip and knee flexions were higher compared to other existing normative range of motion database. A unit increase in body mass index will have 0.782 units lower of knee range of motion. The hip and knee flexion arc were from 74.1° to 119.0° and from 3.3° to 119.7° respectively. Conclusion: The range of motion involved for prayers was more for the knee but less for the hip as compared to the measured passive range of motion. Body mass index has a significant linear negative relationship with the passive range of motion of the knee, but not the hip.
Fat embolism syndrome is a well-recognised sequela of long bone trauma as well as intramedullary orthopaedic procedures. However, it has rarely been described following manipulation, reduction of fracture, and application of external fixator. Furthermore, bilateral ocular blindness is seldom the first manifestation; instead respiratory and other cerebral symptoms being most common. We describe a case with this rare presentation in a patient who underwent a trial of closed reduction, then open reduction of a femur fracture, followed by external fixation performed at day 47 post-initial trauma.
Ewing sarcoma is a primary bone malignancy that rarely occurs in the hand. Resection and reconstruction will usually result in reduced or loss of thumb function. We describe a case of successful transplantation of non- vascularized osteoarticular second metatarsal autograft following wide resection of Ewing sarcoma of first metacarpal in an 11-year-old girl. The capsule of the graft’s metatarso-phalangeal joint was repaired to achieve mobility of the joint. This enabled preservation of thumb function by a relatively simple surgical technique. Detailed surgical procedures and excellence function after 2 years following surgery are described.
Introduction: Burst fracture results from compression failure of both the anterior and middle columns under
substantial axial loads. Conservative treatment was a method of treatment for fractures without
neurological deficit. This cross sectional study was designed to evaluate the functional and radiological
outcome of patient with thoracolumbar burst fracture treated conservatively. Methods: 40 cases were
recruited from January 2013 till December 2015. They were followed-up with minimum period of 1 year and
evaluated for the functional (Oswetry Disbility Index) and radiological outcomes (kyphotic angle deformity
and anterior body compression). Results: 20 patients were treated with body cast made form plaster of
Paris and remaining 20 patients with fiberglass cast. In plaster of Paris group, mean kyphotic angle
deformity at last follow up was 16.60 ± 2.95 with a mean improvement 4.45 degree and anterior body
compression at last follow up was 30.35% ± 10.2 with mean improvement of 9.30%. In fiberglass group, mean
kyphotic angle deformity at last follow up was 15.55 ± 3.38 with a mean improvement 7.25 degree and
anterior body compression at last follow up was 25.90% ± 7.81 with mean improvement of 3.45%. The
functional outcome showed Oswetry Disability Index (ODI) score in plaster of Paris group was 23.70 (SD =
7.82) and in fiberglass group was 18.50 (SD = 5.94). Conclusions: Application of body cast using a fiberglass
material give better radiological outcome hence less pain, more functional and higher patient’s satisfaction
as compared to plaster of Paris.
Qur’anic verses recitations to ill patients are practiced by many Muslims as a form of healing and worship. The effectiveness has been observed in many medical institutions; however, it has never been objectively measured and documented. This pilot study was conducted to construct a methodological approach to evaluate the therapeutic effects of Yasiin recitation on the haemodynamics of critically ill patients. Methods: Ventilated Muslim patients in coronary care unit of a teaching hospital were evaluated. Yasiin was recited twice; by one of the researchers and then by the patients’ relatives. Mean arterial blood pressure, pulse rate, oxygen saturation level and electrocardiographic changes, were observed. The difference of the parameters before and during recitation was analysed. Results: Five patients fulfilling the selection criteria were selected; two acute myocardial infarctions, two congestive cardiac failures, and a third-degree atrioventricular block. Based on a non-parametric two-related-sample test, the haemodynamic parameters were not significantly affected by Yaasiin recitation. At the end of the study, two of the patients passed away, one patient was extubated and survived. Two patients were still on ventilators when the study had been completed. Limitations in the study were observed and highlighted in explaining the equivocal results. Conclusions: The effect of Yasiin recitation on heamodynamics of patients was not proven in this study. Further refinements might be needed based upon the observation on limitations encountered. It is hoped that this humble effort would pave the way for further studies to explore this field.