Measuring Results After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Posted 14 days ago
There are many ways to measure the results of surgery for a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Pain, stability of the knee, and range-of-motion are commonly used. In this study, quality of life (QOL) is the main measure used to assess outcomes. And for the first time, the two main repair methods are compared using quality of life as the primary measure of results. Reference: Björn Barenius, MD, et al. Quality of Life and Clinical Outcome After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Patellar Tendon Graft or Quadrupled Semitendinosus Graft. In The American Journal of Sports Medicine. August 2010. Vol. 38. No. 8. Pp. 1533-1541. read more [Link]

Treating Unstable Elbow Injuries
Posted 14 days ago
The elbow is normally a very stable, solid joint. It doesn't dislocate easily. But when a traumatic injury occurs and enough force is placed on it, fracture and dislocation can be the result. In this continuing medical education (CME) article, orthopedic surgeons from the Hand and Upper Extremity Service at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston present an update on the surgical repair of traumatic elbow instability. Reference: Mohamed H. Ebrahimzadeh, MD, et al. Traumatic Elbow Instability. In The Journal of Hand Surgery. July 2010. Vol. 35-A. No. 7. Pp. 1220-1225. read more [Link]

Hand Infection in Fish Handlers
Posted 14 days ago
Every job has its ups and downs. Men and women who handle fish (fresh or frozen) with their bare hands are at risk for hand infections. Fish, shrimp, and other seafood products have sharp fins or claws that can cause small cuts in the fingers or palms of the hand. The tiny opening is big enough for bacteria to enter and cause damage to the tendons and tendon sheaths (covering around tendons). Reference: Gavin C. W. Kang, MD, et al. Mycobacterium abscessus Hand Infections in Immunocompetent Fish Handlers: Case Report. In Journal of Hand Surgery. July 2010. Vol. 35-A. No. 7. Pp. 1142-1145. read more [Link]

Effect of Meniscal Surgery on Sports Activity
Posted 14 days ago
If you enjoy participating in sports but need surgery to repair or remove a damaged meniscus , this report may interest you. Experts in the surgical treatment of meniscal tears compared the effect of arthroscopic repair versus (partial) removal of the meniscus. The main area of interest was the effect of these two procedures on sports activity after surgery. Reference: Thomas Stein, MD, et al. Long-Term Outcome After Arthroscopic Meniscal Repair Versus Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy for Traumatic Meniscal Tears. In The Journal of Sports Medicine. August 2010. Vol. 38. No. 8. Pp. 1542-1548. read more [Link]

Simple Surgery for Thumb Arthritis Yields Good Results
Posted 14 days ago
Osteoarthritis of the thumb can be a very debilitating problem. Without a good, strong, stable thumb, it is difficult to hold a key and turn it in the door or open a jar. Pain and limited motion can make even simple motions like picking up a penny impossible. When conservative (nonoperative) care fails to provide relief from symptoms, the hand surgeon considers the need for surgery. Reference: Douglas M. Sammer, MD, and Peter C. Amadio, MD. Description and Outcomes of a New Technique for Thumb Basal Joint Arthroplasty. In The Journal of Hand Surgery. August 2010. Vol. 35-A. No. 7. Pp. 1198-1205. read more [Link]

Is Heavy Lifting a Risk Factor for Low Back Pain?
Posted 21 days ago
Everyone believes that lifting heavy objects or even lifting light to moderately heavy objects when done repeatedly can cause low back pain. But does it really? Or is it more a matter that the back pain would have happened anyway and it was just noticed for the first time while lifting? Reference: Eugene K. Wai, MD, MSc, FRCSC, et al. Causal Assessment of Occupational Lifting and Low Back Pain: Results of a Systematic Review. In The Spine Journal. June 2010. Vol. 10. No. 6. Pp. 554-566. read more [Link]

Most Common Risk Factor for Antibiotic Resistant Hand Infection
Posted 21 days ago
The overuse of antibiotics has led to bacteria that have become resistant to the effects of antibiotics. You may have heard of this problem. The term superbugs has been used to describe staphylococcus aureus ("staph") bacteria that are no longer killed off by drugs. The infection that can develop is called methicillin-resistant S. aureus or MRSA (pronounced Mer'-suh). Reference: Ali Nourbakhsh, MD, et al. Stratification of the Risk Factors of Community-Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Hand Infection. In The Journal of Hand Surgery. July 2010. Vol. 35A. No. 7. Pp. 1135-1141. read more [Link]

Do the Benefits of Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty Outweigh the Risks?
Posted 21 days ago
Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) are a bad deal all the way around. They cause pain, disability, and even death. The patient can end up with a stooped posture, which then cuts down on their air flow and lung function. The pain keeps them on the couch, in the recliner, or in bed. The resultant immobility can put the person at risk for pneumonia and deadly blood clots. Reference: Vishal C. Patel and Franco P. Cerabona, MD. The Role of Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty for the Treatment of Osteoporotic Compression Fractures. In Current Orthopaedic Practice. July/August 2010. Vol. 21. No. 4. Pp. 375-377. read more [Link]

Understanding the Sacroiliac Joint
Posted 21 days ago
The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) formed by the sacrum wedged between the spine and the hip is the subject of ongoing controversy and debate. Some experts refuse to believe the sacroiliac joint is a true synovial joint that moves. They base this opinion on the fact that there is very little sacroiliac motion that can be detected or directly measured. Reference: John G. Stark. The Diagnosis and Treatment of Sacroiliac Joint Abnormalities. In Current Orthopaedic Practice. July/August 2010. Vol. 21. No. 4. Pp. 336-347. read more [Link]

Is There a Fast Yet Safe Way to Recover from Total Hip Surgery?
Posted 21 days ago
Many seniors put off having a total hip replacement despite the pain and loss of function that the arthritic joint is causing. They are afraid that it will hurt even more after the surgery and that it will take a long time to recover. At least right now, they can walk without a walker. After surgery, the thought of using a walker or cane is enough to keep them away. Reference: John Bottros, et al. A Rapid Recovery Program After Total Hip Arthroplasty. In Current Orthopaedic Practice. July/August 2010. Vol. 21. No. 4. Pp. 381-384. read more [Link]