Patient knowledge of immunotherapy before and after an educational intervention: a comparison of 2 methods.

Background: Immunotherapy is an invaluable therapy for allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis, and hymenoptera hypersensitivity. It is, however, not without risks.

Objectives: To examine patient knowledge regarding immunotherapy and to determine the most effective educational method to improve their knowledge by answering the following questions: Before educational intervention, what is the current knowledge level regarding allergy vaccinations of patients receiving immunotherapy? What effect does an educational encounter have on that level of knowledge? Which educational intervention--a one-on-one session vs a handout--if either, increases patient knowledge more?

Methods: An original, self-administered patient questionnaire was distributed to all patients receiving immunotherapy.

Biomechanical assessment of the healing response of the rabbit patellar tendon after removal of its central third.

The objective of this study was to determine the biomechanical properties of the healing patellar tendon after removal of its central third. This was accomplished by removing the central third of the patellar tendon from the right limb of 30 mature New Zealand White rabbits. The tendon of the contralateral normal limb served as the unoperated control.

Nonunion of a first rib fracture in a gymnast.

Isolated fracture of the first rib is uncommon, but has been reported to occur in sports such as basketball, baseball, and dancing. It has not been reported to occur in gymnasts. Usually, these fractures heal with an adequate period of rest.

Synovial fistula of the knee: a complication of arthroscopy.

The occurrence of a synovial fistula after knee arthroscopy is uncommon. In a retrospective review of 976 arthroscopies of the knee over 3 years, six patients developed synovial fistulae (incidence 6.1/1,000).

Sports medicine for wheelchair athletes.

Participation in wheelchair athletic competitions has increased, and a growing number of sports have become available for disabled athletes. Benefits of participation include increased mobility and improved self-image. Common problems include soft tissue injuries, blisters, pressure sores and temperature regulation disorders.