Timing of tourniquet release in total knee arthroplasty when using a postoperative blood salvage drain.

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of a postoperative blood salvage drain and timing of tourniquet release on the maximal hematocrit drop after total knee arthroplasty. Thirty-seven total knees were prospectively randomized into either an early or late tourniquet release group. Hematocrit drop and drainage amounts were recorded.

Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus hand infections in an urban setting.

Purpose: The prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection appears to be increasing. The purpose of this study was to determine prospectively the incidence of MRSA in community-associated hand infections in an urban hospital.

Methods: Sixty-one patients presented to our institution over a 9-month period with community-acquired hand infections that were evaluated and treated by the hand service.