Research

Older patients (≥65 years old) with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) have a high risk of in-hospital complications. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of the ACTION ICU score for the need for ICU admission in this patient population. This was a retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study of 122 patients ≥65 years old diagnosed with NSTEMI and hemodynamically stable upon admission at Nhan dan Gia Dinh Hospital from January 2022 to December 2023. The primary endpoint was a composite outcome including cardiac arrest, shock, respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation, high-degree atrioventricular block requiring a pacemaker, stroke, or in-hospital death. The predictive value of the ACTION ICU score was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The mean ACTION ICU score in the group with complications was significantly higher than in the group without complications (11.6 ± 3.5 vs. 7.5 ± 3.3; p < 0.001). The ACTION ICU score showed good predictive ability with an area under the ROC curve (AUROC) of 0.792 (95% CI: 0.688–0.896). The optimal cutoff score was ≥11 points, with a sensitivity of 63.6%, a specificity of 82.0%, a positive predictive value of 43.8%, and a negative predictive value of 91.1%; The ACTION ICU score is a simple and clinically useful tool for risk stratification, helping to predict the need for ICU admission in older NSTEMI patients in Vietnam. The use of this score can support clinical decisions, contributing to a more effective use of ICU resources.

Population aging is an inevitable global trend, driven by increased life expectancy and a prolonged decline in the total fertility rate (TFR) below replacement level. This article analyzes the current situation and underlying causes of persistently low fertility in high-income countries and in Vietnam. It points out that once the TFR drops below 2.1 for several decades, almost no country has succeeded in restoring replacement-level fertility, despite implementing numerous supportive policies at great cost. Through the analysis of demographic, economic, and social data from over 40 countries, combined with typical surveys conducted in Ho Chi Minh City and Japan, the author identifies five root causes of fertility decline. Based on these insights, a comprehensive system of solutions is proposed to shift from unsustainable to sustainable aging. Key measures include: ensuring a living wage for a family of four; reforming the social insurance system; expanding public housing and preschool education; promoting gender equality; preserving Vietnamese cultural traditions that value family life; educating citizens on knowledge and skills for building happy families; raising awareness of civic responsibility; and creating a social environment that is friendly to women and children.The article emphasizes that without decisive policy changes during the 2025–2050 period, Vietnam’s population could shrink from a peak of 107 million in 2050 to just 88 million by 2100, with further severe decline thereafter. Conversely, if strategic solutions are comprehensively implemented, Vietnam can fully achieve the goal: happy elderly, a prosperous nation, and a thriving people.

Pheochromocytoma is a rare endocrine cause of secondary hypertension. The definitive diagnosis requires a combination of biochemical testing and imaging studies. Management of pheochromocytoma-induced hypertension involves appropriate pharmacologic therapy followed by surgical resection of the adrenal tumor. In this report, we present the case of an elderly patient who was admitted with chest pain and initially diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome. However, invasive coronary angiography revealed no significant stenosis. Subsequent investigations confirmed the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. The patient underwent successful medical stabilization and surgical removal of the tumor. This case highlights the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in the diagnosis and treatment of pheochromocytoma at Thong Nhat Hospital.

Periprosthetic fractures around the knee are serious complications following total knee arthroplasty, commonly occurring in elderly patients with poor bone quality. The most frequent fracture site is the supracondylar region of the femur, followed by the tibia and patella. Causes may include low-energy trauma, suboptimal surgical technique, or implant loosening. Diagnosis and treatment of periprosthetic fractures around the knee are challenging due to interference from the implant and compromised bone quality. Treatment may be conservative in non-displaced fractures or surgical in cases of displacement, implant loosening, or comminuted fractures. Surgical options include locked plating, retrograde intramedullary nailing, or revision arthroplasty using long-stem components. Fracture classifications by Lewis-Rorabeck and Su are helpful in guiding management. Tibial and patellar periprosthetic fractures may also occur and require careful preoperative planning to avoid complications. Postoperative complications such as non-union, infection, or soft tissue injury are common when not properly managed. Prevention through patient screening, improved surgical technique, and close postoperative monitoring plays a critical role in reducing fracture incidence. Successful treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach involving orthopedic surgery, rehabilitation, and management of comorbidities.

Periprosthetic fractures of the hip are serious complications following total hip arthroplasty, particularly affecting elderly patients, those with osteoporosis, or individuals with a history of revision surgeries. These fractures may occur intraoperatively or postoperatively, involving the femoral shaft (classified as Vancouver A, B, or C) or the acetabulum (Paprosky classification). Acetabular fractures are less common than femoral fractures. The mechanisms of fracture involve both biological factors (such as stress risers, implant loosening, and poor bone quality) and external forces (such as falls, torsional, and bending loads). Identified risk factors include advanced age, female gender, osteoporosis, implant loosening, use of cementless femoral stems, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple revision surgeries. Studies have reported the incidence of periprosthetic fractures after primary hip replacement ranging from 0.8% to 4.5%, with higher rates observed following revision procedures. Diagnosis relies on both clinical and paraclinical assessments, with plain radiographs and computed tomography (CT) being the primary tools to evaluate implant stability, bone loss, and to guide treatment planning. Treatment depends on the type of fracture and the stability of the prosthesis. Stable Vancouver A fractures may be managed conservatively; Vancouver B1 fractures often require internal fixation with plates and screws; B2 and B3 fractures typically necessitate revision with a long-stem prosthesis and bone grafting if needed. Nondisplaced acetabular fissure fractures may be treated conservatively, but displaced or unstable fractures require surgical reconstruction using plates, screws, bone grafts, or specialized acetabular components. Prognosis is influenced by patient age, the severity of osteoporosis, prosthesis stability, and the number of prior surgeries. The mortality rate following periprosthetic hip fractures ranges from 7% to 18% within the first year postoperatively. Prevention, thorough risk assessment, and appropriate treatment strategies play crucial roles in improving clinical outcomes.

Laparoscopic surgery with totally intracorporeal anastomosis has become an advanced technique for treating colon cancer, especially in elderly patients. However, studies on its feasibility and safety in Vietnam remain limited. To evaluate the outcomes of laparoscopic colectomy with intracorporeal anastomosis in elderly patients, focusing on safety, complications, and recovery time. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 49 patients aged ≥62 who underwent laparoscopic colectomy with intracorporeal anastomosis at Thong Nhat Hospital from January 2021 to February 2025. Data included demographic characteristics, operative time, postoperative complications, and oncological results. The mean age of patients was 73.15 ± 5.26, with 63.26% male. The average operative time was 231.52 ± 49.67 minutes, and the mean blood loss was 73.59 ± 14.67 ml. The postoperative complication rate was 12.24%, including pneumonia/wound infection (6.12%), anastomotic leakage (4.08%), early obstruction (2.04%), and ileus (4.08%). The mean number of harvested lymph nodes was 9.37 ± 2.25, with 69.52% showing nodal metastasis. The average hospital stay was 11.62 ± 7.2 days. Laparoscopic surgery with totally intracorporeal anastomosis is safe and feasible for elderly patients, offering quick recovery and low complication rates.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common neuropathy caused by median nerve compression, leading to pain, numbness, and weakened grip strength. The conventional treatment involves releasing the transverse carpal ligament (TCL), but this may reduce grip strength and biomechanical stability. TCL reconstruction may help maintain carpal tunnel integrity and protect the median nerve. This study aims to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of TCL reconstruction following CTS surgery. A prospective study was conducted on 13 patients diagnosed with CTS and undergoing TCL reconstruction at Thong Nhat Hospital from 12/ 2023 to 12/ 2024. After 12 months of follow-up, VAS scores significantly decreased from 6.4 ± 1.2 to 1.3 ± 0.8. Grip strength increased from 19.7 ± 5.6 kg to 29.4 ± 4.8 kg (p < 0.05). Two-point discrimination improved from 6.8 ± 1.5 mm to 4.3 ± 0.9 mm. The DASH score improved from 55.2 ± 6.7 to 18.4 ± 4.1. EMG findings showed improvement in 76,9% of patients. No cases of infection or recurrence were recorded. One patient (7.7%) had a transient palmar cutaneous branch injury, which resolved within six months. Patient satisfaction was reported at 92%. TCL reconstruction in CTS surgery significantly improves symptoms, preserves grip strength, and enhances hand function while minimizing complications. This method could be considered a standard option for CTS treatment.

Osteoporosis is a common complication in elderly patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), particularly at fracture-prone sites such as the femoral neck. However, osteoporosis screening in this population remains insufficient in routine clinical practice, especially in Vietnam. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of osteoporosis and its associated factors in patients aged ≥70 years with CKD. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 76 patients aged ≥70 years with stage 3–5 CKD (including 47 predialysis and 29 maintenance hemodialysis patients) at Thong Nhat Hospital from September 2022 to June 2024. Clinical and laboratory data were collected, and bone mineral density (BMD) was measured using DXA at three sites: lumbar spine (LS), total hip (TH), and femoral neck (FN). Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of osteoporosis, with model accuracy evaluated by AUC. The overall prevalence of osteoporosis was 43.4%, highest at the femoral neck (40.8%). Mean BMD at the femoral neck (0.559 ± 0.147 g/cm²) was significantly lower than at the total hip (0.713 ± 0.168) and lumbar spine (0.901 ± 0.209; p < 0.001). Independent protective factors included male sex (OR = 0.082; p < 0.001) and higher BMI (OR = 0.670; p = 0.004). Maintenance hemodialysis was identified as an independent risk factor (OR = 4.368; p = 0.027). The predictive model incorporating these three variables achieved good accuracy (AUC = 0.89). Patients aged ≥70 years with CKD—particularly women, those with low BMI, and those on maintenance hemodialysis—are at high risk of osteoporosis, especially at the femoral neck. Routine BMD screening should be implemented for early detection and timely intervention.

The rapid aging of the global population has led to a substantial rise in the demand for orthopedic surgery among elderly patients, particularly for hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty. However, age-related physiological decline, comorbidities, and frailty increase the risk of complications and present unique clinical challenges. This review aims to summarize current evidence regarding indications, risks, and evolving strategies in orthopedic surgery for patients aged ≥65 years; We conducted a focused narrative review of the literature published between 2015 and 2025 using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Search terms included “orthopedic surgery,” “geriatric patients,” “frailty,” “osteoporosis,” “arthroplasty,” “comprehensive geriatric assessment,” and “enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS)”. Priority was given to original studies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and international guidelines relevant to orthogeriatric care; Evidence synthesis indicates that while elderly patients face higher rates of perioperative complications, successful orthopedic surgery can substantially improve functional recovery and quality of life. Key risk factors include osteoporosis, malnutrition, and frailty, which correlate with delayed healing and increased morbidity. Strategies such as prehabilitation, Comprehensive geriatric assessment, and ERAS protocols have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing hospital stays, lowering complication rates, and enhancing postoperative outcomes; Orthopedic surgery in the aging population offers both opportunities and challenges. Optimal outcomes require a multidisciplinary approach, preoperative optimization, and the integration of evidence-based perioperative strategies. Wider adoption of orthogeriatric care models may improve both safety and sustainability of orthopedic interventions in elderly patients.

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) plays an essential role in detecting left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), aiding clinical decisions regarding catheter ablation. However, this procedure may induce anxiety, discomfort, and sore throat in patients. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate patient experiences related to TEE and its economic implications in AF management. A total of 108 patients with AF undergoing TEE at the Department of Cardiology, Thong Nhat Hospital, were enrolled. The prevalence of LAA thrombus was 13.8%. Patients with thrombus had significantly higher body mass index (BMI) and lower LAA emptying velocity (p < 0.05). Moderate-to-severe anxiety was observed in 38.9% of patients, while 41.6% reported moderate-to-severe sore throat. Factors significantly associated with anxiety included current employment status, hemodynamic control, and coexisting cardiovascular diseases. Higher educational level and cardiovascular comorbidities were associated with less severe sore throat. Discomfort in the oropharyngeal region was reported by 76.9% of patients, though no significant predictors were identified. Outpatient TEE was associated with a statistically significant reduction in hospital stay by an average of 2.8 days (p = 0.048). Although TEE is a necessary diagnostic tool, it may cause considerable discomfort for patients. Adequate hemodynamic control, patient counseling, and implementing outpatient TEE strategies may improve patient experience and healthcare efficiency.

May-Thurner syndrome is a vascular compression syndrome in which the left common iliac vein is compressed between the lower lumbar spine and the right common iliac artery. This condition can cause lower extremity venous thrombosis, and profound venous thrombosis, leading to life-threatening complications. The treatment of May–Thurner syndrome differs from other causes of non-compressive lower extremity thrombosis. Therefore, radiologists must recognize this condition to help patients receive accurate and timely treatment. Among diagnostic imaging methods, computed tomography is the superior imaging method, providing useful information for the treatment of May–Thurner syndrome. This essay aims to assist radiologists in maximizing the advantages of MDCT, from protocol to image interpretation, in a comprehensive examination of a patient with suspected May-Thurner syndrome.

Formulating a clear and structured research question is a critical first step for the success of a medical study. However, many clinicians struggle with this initial phase, leading to unfocused research with little potential for significant impact on practice. In this paper, I introduce the PICOT framework, which can transform vague curiosities into precise, answerable questions suitable for practical research methodologies.However, a well-structured question is insufficient if it does not lead to outcomes that are meaningful to patients. The POEM (Patient-Oriented Evidence that Matters) principle provides a filter for evaluating research questions, ensuring that studies focus on outcomes relevant to patient health, rather than solely on biochemical markers. PICOT and POEM are two core principles of evidence-based medicine that help clinicians prioritize research that will positively change clinical practice and directly benefit patients. This ensures that time and resources are invested in research that generates evidence truly applicable at the bedside.

Left ventricular noncompaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC) can lead to ventricular arrhythmias and may be misdiagnosed as arrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathy (AiCM). While LVNC is associated with genetic abnormalities, AiCM is triggered by arrhythmias and is typically reversible once the arrhythmia is eliminated. We report the case of a 59-year-old woman with LVNC carrying three TTN gene variants: c.100804A>T (p.Met33602Leu, exon 358), c.59200C>G (p.Pro19734Ala, exon 300), and c.52052T>C (p.Val17351Ala, exon 273). The patient was initially diagnosed with AiCM but showed no recovery of left ventricular function after successful catheter ablation of ventricular arrhythmias. Echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the LVNC phenotype. This case highlights the importance of distinguishing between these two entities in clinical practice.

 Laparoscopic restoration of intestinal continuity after Hartmann’s procedure offers significant benefits but remains a considerable challenge for gastrointestinal surgeons. To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of laparoscopic colostomy closure after Hartmann’s procedure at Thong Nhat Hospital. A retrospective descriptive analysis was conducted on 35 cases from February 2017 to May 2025. Patients who had undergone Hartmann’s procedure with an end colostomy and received laparoscopic intestinal continuity restoration were included. The laparoscopic success rate was 85.71%. Major complications included surgical site infection (30%), anastomotic leakage, and intestinal obstruction (3% each). The average operative time was 162 minutes, and the mean hospital stay was 9.3 days. There were no mortality cases. Laparoscopic reversal of Hartmann’s procedure is a feasible, safe, and effective method with a high success rate and low complication rate.

To assess patients’ average level of knowledge regarding coronary artery disease and its associated factors at Tra Vinh Provincial General Hospital in the year 2024. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 128 patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease who came for examination and surgical treatment at the Cardiology Clinic at Tra Vinh Provincial General Hospital from May 2024 to July 2024 using the CADE-Q SV questionnaire. Our research results showed that 76.6% of patients had average knowledge and 23.7% of patients had poor knowledge; no patients had good knowledge; the rate of patients answering correctly for all questions was 45.04%; there was no correlation found between the knowledge of patients with coronary artery disease at Tra Vinh General Hospital and the factors surveyed at the time of the survey. Our research results showed that the knowledge of patients with coronary artery disease at Tra Vinh General Hospital in this study was still low, and there was no factors related to the rate of patients’ knowledge about coronary artery disease have been found.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of mortality and disability worldwide. Among elderly patients, COPD not only reduces quality of life but also places a significant burden on healthcare systems. Chronic inflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of COPD. In recent years, peripheral blood inflammatory markers such as the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) have gained attention as useful tools for assessing inflammation and predicting disease prognosis. However, in Vietnam, especially among elderly patients- research on the role of NLR in monitoring and managing COPD remains limited. Therefore, we conducted the study titled: “Investigation of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Elderly Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease at Thong Nhat Hospital”. To determine the NLR levels in elderly patients with COPD and evaluate the relationship between NLR and disease severity. Additionally, to compare NLR values across different patient subgroups based on factors such as age, gender, BMI, medication usage, comorbidities, and to investigate the correlation between NLR and the inflammatory marker               CRP. Sectional descriptive study conducted on elderly COPD patients visiting the respiratory outpatient clinic at Thong Nhat Hospital. From January 2025 to May 2025, we collected data from 221 elderly COPD patients. The mean age was 71 (65-77) years, Males accounted for a higher proportion than females. The mean NLR was 3,3 (2,2 – 6,2), CRP (mg/L)  4,3 (2,6 - 9,5), NLR showed a weak but statistically significant negative correlation with FEV1 (r = -0.147, p < 0,029) and a statistically significant positive correlation with CRP (r = 0,5012, p < 0,0001). Our study demonstrates that NLR is weakly but significantly inversely correlated with pulmonary function (FEV1), and positively correlated with CRP levels, indicating its potential role in assessing disease severity and inflammatory status.

Cardiac surgery patients with elevated serum procalcitonin (PCT) levels are associated with postoperative complications. The use of extracorporeal circulation is linked to an increase in PCT levels within the first 24 hours after cardiac surgery. We conducted this study with the aim of investigating serum procalcitonin levels in patients after cardiac surgery. A cross-sectional, 52 cardiac surgery patients meeting the inclusion criteria for the study. The median serum PCT level was 3.2 pg/ml. The highest value was 175 pg/ml, and the lowest was 0.03 pg/ml. Serum procalcitonin levels between the group of cardiac surgery patients with and without the use of extracorporeal circulation were 20.7 (95% CI: 9.5-31.8) and 2.8 (0.03-5.7), respectively, p=0.15. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.42 indicates poor significance when relying on serum PCT to diagnose infection. Serum procalcitonin levels are elevated in patients after cardiac surgery. An elevated PCT value alone is not sufficient evidence to diagnose infection for clinical decision-making.

This study aim to investigate and characterize the imaging features of knee osteoarthritis (OA) using high-field 3.0 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in a cohort of patients at Thong Nhat Hospital. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 156 patients with radiographically confirmed knee OA who underwent 3.0T MRI between November 2024 and May 2025. Pathologies of the menisci, cruciate ligaments, collateral ligaments, subchondral bone and joint space were systematically evaluated. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to identify imaging features associated with OA. The study included 156 patients (mean age 55.8±10.6 years; 73 males). The majority of patients were classified radiographically as Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grade I (n=99, 63.46%). Despite the prevalence of early-stage radiographic disease, 3.0T MRI revealed a high burden of soft-tissue pathology. The most common ligamentous injury was a partial tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in 42 patients (27%), while medial meniscal tears were identified in 56 patients (35.9%). Mild joint effusion was a frequent finding, present in 107 patients (68.6%). In the multivariable model, age (Odds Ratio 1.03, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.02–1.04), ACL injury (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.02–1.28), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.02–1.50), collateral ligament injury (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.02–1.49) and lateral meniscal injury (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.00–1.29) were identified as significant independent predictors of OA. High-field 3.0T MRI is a pivotal tool for the comprehensive assessment of knee OA, detecting a wide spectrum of radiographically occult soft tissue and bone marrow pathologies. These findings, particularly those related to ligamentous and meniscal integrity, are critical to understanding the disease's biomechanical underpinnings and may be present despite minimal radiographic changes.

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are a major challenge, especially in intensive care units (ICUs), where they lead to increased morbidity, mortality, prolonged stays, and higher healthcare costs. This study aimed to determine HAI rates, identify causative microorganisms, and assess associated risk factors among inpatients at Thong Nhat Hospital's ICU in 2024. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted from January to June 2024, including all eligible ICU inpatients. Data collection utilized medical records. The prevalence of HAIs was 4.9%, with the most common types being hospital-acquired pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and urinary tract infections. The primary causative agents were Gram-negative bacteria such as Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Factors associated with HAIs included age, underlying medical conditions, duration of endotracheal intubation, tracheostomy, duration of tracheostomy, urinary catheterization, duration of urinary catheter use, duration of central venous catheter use, duration of nasogastric tube placement, and length of stay in the. The HAI rate was 4.9%. Factors associated with HAIs included age, comorbidities, invasive procedures, and length of ICU-PCU stay. Strengthening infection control measures is essential to reduce HAIs and improve patient outcomes.

Dysphagia is increasingly recognized due to higher survival rates after central nervous system injuries, head and neck cancer treatment, and in some cases in healthy elderly individuals. It leads to severe consequences including prolonged hospitalization, delayed recovery, recurrent pneumonia, and even mortality. Bedside clinical tests alone are insufficient for diagnosis. Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) is one of the gold standards in dysphagia assessment, proven to be safe, effective, and feasible worldwide. However, FEES has not been widely adopted in Vietnam. This paper reports the implementation and clinical experience of FEES at the National Rehabilitation Hospital between 2019 and 2025. Literature review and clinical experience were combined. More than 700 FEES procedures were performed between April 2019 and July 2025. FEES allowed direct visualization of swallowing physiology, identification of penetration/aspiration, and guided compensatory strategies. No serious complications were reported, apart from mild discomfort. FEES is an effective and safe diagnostic tool for dysphagia, supporting individualized management strategies and should be expanded in Vietnam.

To assess the clinical effectiveness of 3D-printed models in minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) for ankle fractures, compared with conventional surgical planning. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted at Thong Nhat Hospital from January 2024 to January 2025. Twenty-eight patients with ankle fractures were enrolled and divided equally into two groups (n = 14 each): one managed with 3D-assisted preoperative planning and the other with conventional methods. Results: The 3D-assisted group demonstrated significantly better intraoperative and postoperative outcomes. Mean operative time was shorter (55.3 ± 6.6 vs. 68.1 ± 5.3 minutes, p = 0.001), blood loss was lower (75.5 ± 10.2 vs. 110.3 ± 15.7 ml, p < 0.001), and C-arm exposure was reduced (10.8 ± 1.1 vs. 17.2 ± 1.5 shots, p = 0.003). Functional recovery was superior, with higher Rasmussen scores at 3 months (26.7 ± 1.3 vs. 23.4 ± 2.1, p = 0.002). Postoperative complications were also less frequent in the 3D group. Conclusion: Preoperative 3D printing significantly enhanced surgical accuracy and clinical outcomes in ankle fracture management. Patients treated with 3D assistance experienced shorter operations, reduced intraoperative blood loss, fewer fluoroscopic exposures, improved functional recovery, and a lower complication rate.

Open tibial shaft fractures are common injuries, accounting for the highest proportion of open long bone fractures. External fixation, particularly the FESSA frame, is highly valued for its safety, ease of application, and convenience in soft tissue wound care. To evaluate the outcomes of treating open tibial shaft fractures using the FESSA external fixation system at Thong Nhat Hospital. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 53 patients with open tibial shaft fractures treated with the FESSA frame. Bone healing was assessed using the RUST scoring system, and functional recovery was evaluated using the Karlström-Olerud criteria. The bone union rate was 92.3%, with an average healing time of 6.75 ± 3.44 months. Good and excellent functional recovery outcomes accounted for 87.5%. The FESSA external fixation system is an effective method for managing open tibial shaft fractures.

Evaluation of the analgesic effect of low-power intravascular laser combined with electroacupuncture compared to electroacupuncture alone in patients with chronic low back pain treated at the Traditional Medicine Department of Thong Nhat Hospital. 60 patients with confirmed diagnosis of chronic back pain at the Department of Traditional Medicine, Thong Nhat Hospital. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups. The control group (n=30) was treated with electroacupuncture; the intervention group (n=30) was treated with low-power intravascular laser combined with electroacupuncture similar to the control group. The treatment course was continuous for 10 days, once a day. Treatment effectiveness was assessed based on the VAS pain scale assessed after 5 and 10 days of treatment. After 10 days of treatment, the VAS pain score was 2,42 ± 1,67 in the control group and 1,57 ± 1,48 in the intervention group. Both groups experienced a reduction in pain to the levels of no pain (0–2 points) or mild pain (2–4 points). The intervention group demonstrated superior pain relief starting from day 5, reaching statistical significance by day 10 (p = 0.03 < 0.05). Combining electroacupuncture with intravascular low-level laser therapy  enhance effeciency in relive pain due to lumbago. No significant side effects were noted.

To evaluate the treatment outcomes of using radiofrequency ablation for chronic lumbar facet joint pain. This was a non randomized, interventional study conducted on patients with chronic lumbar facet joint pain who were treated with radiofrequency ablation at the Department of Neurosurgery, Thong Nhat Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, from September 2024 to April 2025. We included 15 patients who met the study criteria. The mean VAS scores after the intervention at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months were 3.4 ± 1.05; 1.7 ± 1.1; and 1.4 ± 0.91, respectively. The application of radiofrequency ablation for treating chronic lumbar facet joint pain is a method that initially shows effectiveness and safety.

46 patients (patients) with proximal humerus fractures were operated on at Thong Nhat Hospital from January 2019 to April 2024. They were divided into 2 groups, group 1: 22 patients with the support of 3D printing models and group 2: 24 patients without 3D models. All patients were open reduction and internal fixation with a locking plate on the proximal humerus. The patients were evaluated for bone healing and deformity on X-ray, and shoulder function was assessed according to the Constant scale. Surgical time of group 1 (90.68 ± 13.029) was shorter than group 2 (105.25 ± 12.037). Mean blood loss of group 1 (164.55 ± 50.042) was less than group 2 (218.75 ± 28.789). Shoulder function were very good and good, accounting for a high rate of 82.6%, and there was no difference between the 2 groups. Postoperative complications had a low rate and there was no difference between the 2 groups in wound surface infection and subacromial conflict. Complications of screw perforation, osteomyelitis, and bone nonunion have not been observed.