Thoracolumbar Sacral Orthosis for Spinal Fractures: What's the Evidence and Do Patients Use Them?

Introduction The general consensus regarding the non-operative management of thoracolumbar (TL) spine fractures revolves around the use of thoracolumbar spine orthosis (TLSO). The efficacy of TLSO bracing remains controversial within the current literature, with several studies showing that prolonged brace use is associated with diminished lung capacity, skin breakdown, and paraspinal muscular atrophy, with no significant difference in pain and functional outcomes between patients treated with or without TLSO. Aims The aim of this study was to identify the number of braces issued over the duration of the study and understand the cost implication, added length of stay, and patient satisfaction based on a questionnaire and reflect on whether we need to change our practice on the use of TLSO.

Familial Mediterranean fever: a differential diagnosis for the surgical abdomen.

FMF is characterised by dysregulation of the inflammatory process in the body, presenting as recurrent episodes of serositis. Patients with FMF commonly present with episodes of fever, peritonitis, synovitis, pleuritis, arthritis, and occasionally pericarditis. We present a case of a young 19-year old female, who presented to hospital four times over several months with intermittent fevers, abdominal pain and pleuritic chest pain.

Barista's fracture: a new occupational hazard.

Stress fracture of the clavicle is a rare injury usually occurring in high-level athletes. It is typically a result of repetitive sporting activity or unusual strain. We present the first case of an occupational clavicle stress fracture in a young female barista.

Manipulation Under Anesthetic After Primary Knee Arthroplasty Is Associated With a Higher Rate of Subsequent Revision Surgery.

Aim: To determine the association between manipulation under anesthetic (MUA) after primary knee arthroplasty and subsequent revision surgery.

Methods: Patients undergoing primary knee arthroplasty from April 2011 to April 2016 with minimum 1-year follow-up to April 2017 were identified from the national hospital episode statistics for England. The first arthroplasty per patient, per side, was included; cases with a record of subsequent infection or periprosthetic fracture were excluded.