Database

The study examined the outcomes of lumbar fusion surgery in Worker’s Compensation supported patients. Evidence from: MScott et al. Spine. April (2001) Vol. 26 #7 p 738 Improved quality of life was detectable in half of cases that had the surgery. Litigation was a strong but imprecise predictor of post-operative disability. The Radar report is available to subscribers: 1#4 7

The study focussed on a specific identifiable source of emf exposure at 16.7 Hz: electrified railways. Evidence from: JSchuz et al. British Journal of Cancer. Mar (2001) Vol.84 #5 p 697. 16.7 Hz is one third of mains frequency in the UK. Contributing exposures at this frequency are likely to be very small. The Radar report is available to subscribers: 1#4 6

This research explored the association between occupational exposure to emfs and health outcomes as measured by cause of death. Employees worked for a power generation company. Evidence from: JMHarrington et al. Occupational and Environmental Medicine. May (2001) Vol.58 #5 p 307. Some exposures were well above those typically seen in the domestic setting. Overall, those who worked at this company had a reduced mortality rate compared with the equivalent average population. The Radar report is available to subscribers: 1#4 5

The research suggests that people with RA are much more vulnerable to hip fracture and would benefit from a higher standard of the duty of care. Evidence from: TM Huusko et al. Annals of Rheumatic Diseases May (2001) Vol. 60 #5 It is possible that the cause is related to greater use of steroids. This could then be relevant for asthmatics. The Radar report is available to subscribers: 1#4 4

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy can be a devastating condition. This report provides data for reserving and cost benefit calculation of mitigation measures. Evidence from: A Zyluk. Journal of Hand Surgery. April (2001) Vol. 26B #2 p 151 A study of outcomes, following treatment for Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy. 146 cases were assessed for functional capacity and pain, both before treatment and again at 11 months after treatment. Diagnosis was confirmed in the presence of diffuse pain and at least three of: swelling, discolouration, abnormal skin temp, limited ROM. 64% of cases were described as having a good outcome. Of these only a third were completely free of pain, but 100% had full range of motion restored and 80% had some reduction in grip strength compared to normal values. Comment Of the 46% with poor outcomes it is not known how many were misdiagnosed. Patient attitudes were not recorded. Some loss of comfort can be expected a year after treatment even for good outcomes. However it

Does surgery have a useful role in mitigating carpal tunnel syndrome? Evidence from: AJ Rege et al. Journal of Hand Surgery. April (2001) Vol. 26B #2 p 148 A study of the effectiveness of carpal tunnel release in the restoration of normal life. Prospective study on 96 release patients compared with healthy normal controls. Quality of life assessment by Nottingham Health Profile, before, and 4 months after, surgery. Only 58% of the initial cohort completed the study. Completers were mainly between 30 and 60 yr. old. The authors conclude that outcome (quality of life) after surgery was not dependent on physical parameters but was associated with attitude before surgery. They question the value of surgery for people with a grumbling, dissatisfied view of life. Comment Patient satisfaction and return to normal life after carpal tunnel release was once (30 years ago) regarded as a given. Non-organic factors now provide an increasing challenge to surgeons and, to those who pay for surgery.