Level III retrospective case control study.

SUMMARYA latent heat thermal energy storage system using a phase change material (PCM) is an efficient way of storing or releasing a large amount of heat during melting or solidification. It has been determined that the shell-and-tube type heat exchanger is the most promising device as a latent heat system that requires high efficiency for a minimum volume. In this type of heat exchanger, the PCM fills the annular shell space around the finned tube while the heat transfer fluid flows within the tube.One of the methods used for increasing the rate of energy storage is to increase the heat transfer surface area by employing finned surfaces. In this study, energy storage by phase change around a radially finned tube is investigated numerically and experimentally. The solution of the system consists of the solving governing equations for the heat transfer fluid (HTF), pipe wall and phase change material. Numerical simulations are performed to investigate the effect of several fin parameters (fin spacing and fin diameter) and flow parameter (Re number and inlet temperature of HTF) and compare with experimental results. The effect of each variable on energy storage and amount of solidification are presented graphically.

The aim of this retrospective study was to determine whether traumatic mallet fractures had better outcomes when treated by hook plate fixation (13 patients) or extension block pinning (19 patients). We assessed outcomes using Crawford's criteria; distal interphalangeal joint range of motion; the DASH score; and a visual analogue scale score for pain. We measured radiological parameters. No significant differences were observed in functional and clinical outcomes and in complications. Whereas the operative time was longer in the hook plate group, intraoperative fluoroscopy use, time to bone union and time to return to work were greater in the extension block group. Although the hook plate method is more technically demanding, it provides good stable reduction, earlier mobilization and an earlier return to work. The extension block pinning technique is easier and as effective but it requires greater peri-operative fluoroscopy. Level of evidence: Level III.

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Introduction: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and trigger finger may be seen simultaneously in the same hand. The development of trigger finger in patients undergoing CTS surgery is not rare, but the relationship between these conditions has not been fully established.The aims of this prospective randomized study were to investigate the incidence of trigger finger in patient groups undergoing transverse carpal ligament releasing (TCL) or TCL together with distal forearm fascia releasing and to identify other factors that may have an effect of these conditions. Materials and Method: This prospective randomized study evaluated 159 hands of 113 patients for whom CTS surgery was planned. The patients were separated into 2 groups: group 1 (79 hands of 57 patients) undergoing TCL releasing only and group 2 (80 hands of 56 patients) undergoing TCL and distal forearm fascia releasing together. The age and gender of the patients, dominant hand, physical examination findings, visual analogue scale (VAS), and electromyography (EMG) results were recorded. Follow-up examinations were made at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months for all patients. We noted development of trigger finger in the surgical groups, and its location and response to treatment. Results: The incidence of trigger finger development was statistically significantly different between group 1 and group 2 (13.9% and 31.3%, respectively). The logistic regression analysis of factors affecting the development of trigger finger posttreatment found that the surgical method and severity of EMG were significant, whereas the effects of the other factors studied were not found to have any statistical significance. Conclusion: There was an increased risk of postoperative trigger finger development in patients undergoing TCL and distal forearm fascia releasing surgery for CTS compared to those undergoing CTL only. There is a need for further studies to support this result and further explain the etiology.