Evaluation of the treatment of hallux rigidus by percutaneous surgery.

This longitudinal prospective study of 22 patients (26 feet) aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of percutaneous surgery in the treatment of hallux rigidus, and to assess patient satisfaction with the result of this surgical approach. Pain levels (VAS), quality of life (SF-12) and clinical stage (AOFAS) were scored prior to surgery and 18 months after surgery. Pain relief was noted in all cases, with mean pain scores falling from 7.

Predictors for blood transfusion following total knee arthroplasty: a prospective randomised study.

A prospective randomised study was conducted on 121 patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty, to identify factors predicting the need for postoperative transfusion. Patients were additionally distributed into two groups, one of which received local adrenaline into the surgical field before wound closure, while the other served as control. A statistically significant correlation was noted between preoperative haemoglobin level, haematocrit and erythrocyte count and the need for transfusion; haemoglobin level emerged as the main predictor.