published_or_final_version / Medical Sciences / Master / Master of Medical Sciences

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Bibliography: leaves 186-209. / xiii, 218 leaves : ill. (some col.), 1 col. map ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Adelaide University, Dept. of Agronomy and Farming Systems, 2000

In this dissertation, two areas of creativity are reviewed. “Fixation” refers to the inability to solve a problem or retrieve a memory due to prior experience or an inappropriate solution path. Brainstorming is the process of generating as many possible ideas on a topic as possible. From this synthesis, it was hypothesized that fixation occurs in brainstorming. Three experiments tested the predictions of this theory. It was revealed that the exchanging of ideas in a group setting leads to members exploring fewer domains of ideas. Through a controlled setting, it was also found that people conform their ideas to ideas suggested by others. The last experiment tested incubation as a mechanism by which to reduce fixation in brainstorming. Findings were mixed but show that taking breaks can be effective in increasing brainstorming efficiency. The dissertation added several new findings to the field. Fixation was found to occur in brainstorming. The induced fixation led to participants decreasing the novelty of their ideas. Temporal analyses provided insight into how various measures (quantity, variety, novelty) fluctuate over the course of a brainstorming session. Lastly, this study showed that taking a break could lead to increasing the effectiveness of a brainstorming session.

Introduction Mallet finger is a common injury involving either an extensor tendon rupture at its insertion or an avulsion fracture involving the insertion of the terminal extensor tendon. It is usually caused by a forceful blow to the tip of the finger causing sudden flexion or a hyperextension injury. Fracture at the dorsal aspect of the base of the distal phalanx is commonly associated with palmar subluxation of the distal phalanx. Most mallet finger injuries are recommended to be treated with immobilization of the distal interphalangeal joint in extension by splints. However, surgical fixation is still indicated in certain conditions such as open injuries, avulsion fracture involving at least one third of the articular surface with or without palmar subluxation of the distal phalanx and also failed splinting treatment. This study was designed to identify the strongest peak load resistance among four mallet finger fracture fixation methods, namely Kirschner wire fixation, pull-out wire fixation, tension-band wire fixation and the JuggerKnot? (Biomet) soft anchor fixation and to assess the role of the JuggerKnot? technique in mallet finger fixation. Materials and method Four different fixation techniques were assigned among twenty-four specimens (all fingers, no thumbs) from six cadaveric human hands in a randomized block fashion. Only one technique was performed on each finger. A downward load was applied to flex the distal phalanx and the maximum loading force was recorded. The load was tested at 30 degrees, 45 degrees and 60 degrees of flexion of the distal interphalangeal joint. Two separate data sets were performed for each finger before and after the osteotomy and fixation. The data underwent Shapiro-Wilk normality testing before analysis. The values of the mean peak load of the four groups were compared using the one-way analysis of variance test in SPSS version 19.0. Result All data points passed the Shapiro-Wilk test for normality. The mean peak load of the tension-band wiring group was 67.8N at 60 degrees of flexion which was significantly higher than the other three groups (p=0.008). The JuggerKnot? fixation had mean peak loads of 13.35N (30°), 22.51N (45°) and 32.96N (60°) which were all above the required load for mobilization. No complications of implant failure or fragmentation of the dorsal fragment was noted. Discussion The tension-band wire fixation was the strongest fixation method among the four. However it was cumbersome and it had the most soft tissue trauma among the four. No major difficulty was encountered during the testing. No fragmentation of the dorsal fragment was encountered during the procedures. The JuggerKnot? soft anchor fixation was a simple and easy technique and did not require trans-articular Kirschner wire fixation for protection. It could reduce and immobilize a grossly displaced dorsal fragment easily and allowed for safe immediate mobilization of the joint after operation as indicated by the peak load results. This fixation technique was a viable option for treating mallet finger injuries with a dorsal bony fragment size at least one-third of the articular surface with or without palmar subluxation of the distal phalanx. / published_or_final_version / Orthopaedics and Traumatology / Master / Master of Medical Sciences

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Thesis (M. Med. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 38-42)

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A research report submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Medicine Johannesburg, 2019 / Hand infection is the most common condition seen at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital Orthopaedic casualty. In 2017, 31% of orthopaedic admissions at our institution were patients with hand sepsis. Failure to adequately treat these infections results in severe loss of hand function and disability, and this leads to a significant socioeconomic impact in our population. The infected patients are usually started on empiric antibiotics (amoxicillinclavunate (Augmentin)) on admission, and prior to surgical drainage. The purpose of this study was to identify the microbiology profile of hand infections and their antibiotic sensitivity at our institution. The laboratory results of antimicrobial sensitivity were compared with the antibiotics started empirically. The impact of associated co-morbidities on the microbiology profile was also assessed. The results showed that Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is the most common cultured organism. Most organisms were sensitive to cloxacillin. The culture results in HIV infected patients did not differ to those in the uninfected population. Acquired Methicillin-Resistant S. Aureus remains low in our population setting. / E.K. 2019