The Utility of Acid-Fast Bacillus (AFB) and Fungal Cultures in Orthopaedic Infections.

Introduction When diagnosing suspected orthopaedic-related infections, fungal and acid-fast bacilli (AFB) cultures are often obtained intraoperatively. These cultures are difficult and time-consuming to grow and increase healthcare costs. This study aimed to quantify the rate of positive AFB and fungal cultures in orthopaedic infections and to compare potential risk factors for a positive result.

Symptomatic carpal coalition: scaphotrapezial joint.

Carpal coalition is an uncommon congenital abnormality that arises from incomplete cavitation of the common cartilaginous precursor that forms the carpal bones. When carpal coalition is discovered, it is typically an asymptomatic incidental radiographic finding, and is often bilateral. We present a case of symptomatic unilateral carpal coalition of the scaphotrapezial joint, which was treated by excising the fibrous coalition and placing an interposition fat graft.