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Biomedical subjects

R O Smith

Publications and source records attributed to R O Smith.

15 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Use of adjunctive modalities in occupational therapy.

This article reminds us that as practice evolves, we must revisit and reaffirm the fundamental philosophy and precepts in which our profession is grounded. The face of practice is fluid. Its superficial appearance is molded by external forces and stresses. These include the changes in the needs of the persons we serve, the emergence of new and different treatment modalities, and the realities of the socioeconomic environment in which we work. Beneath the surface, however, are the basic structures that all of us hold in common. These are our philosophical beliefs that are articulated both in the professional literature and in the ethical principles that we espouse.

Combined Modality Therapy↗
PubMed1989

Effectiveness of a writing system using a computerized long-range optical pointer and 10-branch abbreviation expansion.

Many individuals with limited abilities require specialized technological writing systems. These individuals and the clinicians and engineers who work with them need information regarding the effectiveness of various systems. This study developed a methodology for assessing the effectiveness of a technological writing support system and evaluated its success. The Long-Range Optical Pointer and 10-Branch Abbreviation Expansion System developed at the Trace R&D Center at the University of Wisconsin was used. The study applied a single subject research design: a series of AB replications with naturally-occurring baselines comparing data within subjects across behavior, and across subjects. Behaviors assessed included typing rate, efficiency, and accuracy. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of this system with four individuals with severe physical disabilities and one able-bodied person. Among the data collected, typing rates were found to range from 3 to 15 words per minute, with suspected dependency on familiarity with the system. Discussion highlights the potential benefits of this system and the critical requirement to individually assess a person's needs in order to appropriately select and prescribe these types of technology. The need for further application-oriented single-subject research as well as classical human factors research is emphasized.

Adult↗
PubMed1979

Submucosal cordectomy for laryngeal stenosis.

Submucosal cordectomy, an old procedure first described for the treatment of bilateral abductor vocal cord paralysis, was used to relieve glottic or minimal subglottic stenosis in four patients. Three attained adequate airways with no further procedures; one required subsequent dilations for granulation tissue after which decannulation was successfully effected. Although airway restoration has been successful, the resultant voice has been poor, poorer than that usually achieved with arytenoidectomy. When cricoarytenoid scarring precludes arytenoidectomy and lateral vocal cord fixation, an adequate laryngeal lumen can be restored with submucosal cordectomy if sufficient laryngeal cartilage support remains.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1977

Retrognathia and sleep apnea. A life-threatening condition masquerading as narcolepsy.

The association of sleep apnea with daytime hypersomnolence without obesity, and its potentially lethal cardiopulmonary sequelae, make it crucial that this condition be distinguished from narcolepsy. A patient with retrognathia who had been diagnosed as a narcoleptic for 15 years had the primary complaint of excessive daytime sleepiness. Sleep laboratory evaluation showed severe hypoxemia and a mean of 366 upper airway obstructions per night. The patient was treated with a tracheotomy; this resulted in relief of the sleep-related upper airway obstructions, hypoxemia, and hypersomnolence.

Airway Obstruction↗
PubMed1977

Sleep apnea, hypersomnolence, and upper airway obstruction secondary to adenotonsillar enlargement.

The authors examined four children with substantial adenotonsillar enlargement that caused intermittent severe upper airway obstructive episodes, documented by all-night polygraphic monitoring of sleep and respirations. Previously unreported complications of severe adenotonsillar enlargement that were demonstrated included prolonged obstructive apneic episodes and disturbed sleep patterns. The children also exhibited daytime hypersomnolence. Polygraphic sleep studies after adenotonsillectomy confirmed improved sleep patterns and relief of the obstructive episodes. None of our patienqs had developed pulmonary hypertension, cor pulmonale, or other reported complications of prolonged upper airway obstruction, all of which may have been averted by early diagnosis and treatment.

Adenoidectomy↗
PubMed1977

Rhabdomyoma of the pharyngeal wall.

Rhabdomyoma is a rare benign tumor of skeletal muscle, and the head and neck region is the most common extracardiac area for these tumors to occur. Twenty-one cases have previously been reported, and this report, "A Rhabdomyoma of the Pharyngeal Wall," brings the total to 22. Pathologically, these tumors show abundant polygonal skeletal muscle cells with demonstrable cross striations. Differential diagnosis of these tumors has included granular cell myoblastoma and rhabdomyoscarcoma. Treatment is usually complete excision.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1975

Atraumatic evaluation of myocardial revascularization procedures with 43K1.

Least-squares regression analysis was computerized to provide functional color images of myocardial perfusion patterns. In 8 of the 9 patients studied, changes in pattern indicated that the revascularization procedure speeded the appearance time and/or net rate of 43K uptake. The functional images correlated well with coronary arteriograms made before and after surgery. This noninvasive isotope technique may prove to be clinically useful in (a) evaluating coronary artery disease, (b) defining the remaining viable myocardium when an aneurysm is present, and (c) determining the effectiveness of the revascularization procedure.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Temporal artery-based forehead flap.

The historical development of the forehead flap is reviewed, and an operative experience using delayed and nondelayed techniques in 30 cases is described. The reliability of the forehead flap is evaluated with regard to patient morbidity and correction of deformity and dysfunction in such sites as the cheek, lip, corner of the mouth, floor of the mouth, tongue, pharyngeal wall, and tonsil. Analyses include length of hospital stay and complications, as well as the relationship of these factors to the methods employed in the reconstructive processes. The advantages and disadvantages of the various techniques are illustrated using individual cases.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Demoplastic fibroma of the mandible. A case report.

Case of a 4-year-old boy with a desmoplastic fibroma of the mandible. Desmoplastic fibromas are benign fibrous neoplasms which are easily confused with other fibrous tumors. Although benign, they usually display aggressive local tissue extension and frequently recur when treated conservatively. At the present time, wide, local excision appears to be the treatment of choice.

Child, Preschool↗