Retrospective evaluation of cervical fusion with DTRAX (R) cervical cage.

Background: Cervical radiculopathy is a relatively common problem that often affects individuals in their 5 decade. Most cases resolve with conservative treatment, but when unsuccessful, many opt for surgical intervention. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion is currently considered the gold standard for the surgical management of cervical radiculopathy.

Introducing a Novel Combined Acetabuloplasty and Chondroplasty Technique for the Treatment of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip.

Background: The aim of the treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is to maintain a concentric reduction. We describe a novel approach to treat DDH that involves improvement of cartilaginous acetabular coverage, involves the preservation of the secondary ossification center of the acetabulum, and is adjunctive to early open reduction.

Methodology: Thirty-nine children (40 hips) aged six to 18 months were included in the study.

Introducing and Prospective Efficacy Comparison of an Innovative and Affordable Technique for the Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures.

Background: There are different treatments as well as controversies surrounding the adequate treatment for Distal Radius Fractures (DRF). In the absence of enough evidence[HYPHEN]base data regarding clinical effectiveness of available treatments, cost should be considered as an essential factor in selecting the surgical technique for DRF treatment. The goal of this study is introducing an improved and modified pin[HYPHEN]and[HYPHEN]plaster (MP&P) technique as an affordable alternative for treatment of DRF.

Effectiveness of titanium plate usage in laminoplasty.

Background: Laminoplasty is an established technique for the treatment of cervical stenosis. However, the usage of plates to maintain patency of the laminoplasty door has not been well reported. This study plans to compare the clinical outcomes of laminoplasty with the usage of Sofamor-Danek laminoplasty plates versus techniques without plate usage.

Non-adherence to medication regimens among older African-American adults.

Background: Despite concerns about racial differences on adherence to prescribed medication rigimens among older adults, current information about nonadherence among underserved elderly African Americans with co-morbidities is limited. This study examines the association between adherence to drug regimens and an array of medication-related factors, including polypharmacy, medication regimen complexity, use of Potentially Inappropriate Medications (PIM), and knowledge about the therapeutic purpose and instructions of medication use.

Methods: Four-hundred African Americans, aged 65 years and older, were recruited from South Los Angeles.

Polypharmacy among Underserved Older African American Adults.

The purpose of the present study was to examine correlates of polypharmacy among underserved community-dwelling older African American adults. . This study recruited 400 underserved older African Americans adults living in South Los Angeles.

Chondrosarcoma of the Osseous Spine: An Analysis of Epidemiology, Patient Outcomes, and Prognostic Factors Using the SEER Registry From 1973 to 2012.

Study Design: Retrospective analysis.

Objective: To determine the epidemiology and prognostic indicators in patients with chondrosarcoma of the osseous spine.

Summary Of Background Data: Chondrosarcoma of the spine is rare, with limited data on its epidemiology, clinicopathologic features, and treatment outcomes.

Long-term safety and efficacy of human bone morphogenetic protein (HBMP) in the treatment of resistant non-unions and failed arthrodesis.

The bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) has emerged as a suitable alternative to autogenous cancellous bone grafting and despite current knowledge about its mechanism; few studies provide evidence about the long-term safety of BMP. The aim of this investigation is to determine if BMP implantation is a safe and effective agent in a long-term setting for the treatment of patients with resistant non-unions and failed arthrodesis. This study is a retrospective case series study that was conducted on 55 patients who had received BMP.

Treatment and Postsurgery Functional Outcome of Spaghetti Wrist.

 The outcomes of treating severe wrist injuries are not well understood and despite their complexity and prevalence, particularly among young adults, spaghetti wrist is rarely investigated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the postsurgery, functional outcome of spaghetti wrist injuries.  In this prospective cross-sectional study, 153 patients with spaghetti wrist injuries were followed up for approximately 20 months and were assessed regarding returning to work and postsurgical functional outcomes that included tendon functionality, opposition, intrinsic function, deformity, sensation, and grip strength.

Prognostic determinants and treatment outcomes analysis of osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma of the spine.

Background Context: Osteosarcoma (OGS) and Ewing sarcoma (EWS) are the two classic primary malignant bone tumors. Due to the rarity of these tumors, evidence on demographics, survival determinants, and treatment outcomes for primary disease of the spine are limited and derived from small case series.

Purpose: To use population-level data to determine the epidemiology and prognostic indicators in patients with OGS and EWS of the osseous spine.

Engaging Gatekeeper-Stakeholders in Development of a Mobile Health Intervention to Improve Medication Adherence Among African American and Pacific Islander Elderly Patients With Hypertension.

Background: Approximately 70 million people in the United States have hypertension. Although antihypertensive therapy can reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with hypertension, often patients do not take their medication as prescribed.

Objective: The goal of this study was to better understand issues affecting the acceptability and usability of mobile health technology (mHealth) to improve medication adherence for elderly African American and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander patients with hypertension.

Pain Treatment of Underserved Older African Americans.

Older African Americans who experience pain are especially at high risk of underassessment and undertreatment. This study examined patterns and correlates of pain medication use: severity of pain, medical conditions, and access to care. African Americans aged 65 and older were recruited from 16 churches located in south Los Angeles (N = 400).

Neurovestibular Compensation following Ototoxic Lesion and Labyrinthectomy.

Introduction Unilateral labyrinthectomy and intra-tympanic gentamycin have been employed in the treatment of Ménière's disease, but the efficacy of these techniques has not been well established. Objective The objective of this study is to measure the time course of recovery from a unilateral labyrinthectomy either after ipsilateral topical treatment with gentamicin to the inner ear or without the previous insult. Methods Twenty-nine adult Mongolian gerbils were randomized into two experimental groups.

A new method for tibial torsion measurement by computerized tomography.

Background: Computerized tomography (CT) is the gold standard technique for tibial torsion assessment. This study compared two methods of tibial torsion assessment and proposed a new method, which could be of value in cases of abnormal fibular changes.

Methods: The CT-scanograms of 60 participants were assessed by using two different techniques, differed in determination of the distal tibial axis.

Senior Managed Care System for Hip Fracture in the United States.

Background: It is debatable whether a managed care model would affect the quality of care and length of hospital stay in the treatment of hip fractures in elderly patients.

Methods: This prospective study was undertaken to determine whether or not a managed care critical pathway tool shortened hospital stay in a group of 102 senior patients with fractures of the hip during follow-up. We compared our study findings with two equivalent populations of senior hip fracture patients not treated using a critical care pathway concerning specific markers of quality.

Epidemiology of musculoskeletal injury in the California film and motion picture industry.

Introduction: Musculoskeletal injury exerts a significant burden on US industry. The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency and characteristics of musculoskeletal injuries in the California (CA) film and motion picture (FMP) industry which may result in unforeseen morbidity and mortality.

Methods: We reviewed the workers' compensation (WC) claims database of the Workers' Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California (WCIRB) and employment statistics through the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Patellar tendon donor-site healing during six and twelve months after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Background: Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone Graft is one of the most acceptable methods of treatment for Anterior Cruciate Ligament rupture (ACL). This study evaluates the recovery process of the graft donor site.

Methods: This study evaluates the graft donor site recovery in 23 patients with ACL reconstruction, 6 and 12 months after the patellar tendon graft surgery.

Inappropriate Medication Use Among Underserved Elderly African Americans.

Objective: The goal of this study is to identify correlates and the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use among underserved elderly African Americans.

Method: This cross-sectional study recruited 400 elderly African Americans living in South Los Angeles, and used structured, face-to-face surveys. These elicited data pertaining to the type, frequency, dosage, and indications of all medications used by participants.

Pain in Community-Dwelling Elderly African Americans.

Objective: This study examines the type, severity, and correlates of pain among underserved elderly African Americans.

Method: This cross-sectional study includes 400 non-institutionalized underserved aged African Americans, recruited from 16 African American churches located in South Los Angeles.

Results: Two thirds of our participants reported a level of pain of 5 or higher (on a scale of 0-10) for at least one of the pain items.

Prescribing patterns in the treatment of hypertension among underserved African American elderly.

Introduction: Hypertension among African Americans is higher compared to Whites and has an early onset, greater severity, and is associated with more organ damage. We examined whether pharmaceutical treatment of hypertension among underserved African American elderly is consistent with the current treatment guidelines and whether treatment variations occur due to existing co-morbidities among the hypertensive.

Methods: Our study surveyed 400 African Americans, aged ≥ 65 years, recruited from 16 predominantly African American churches located in South Los Angeles.

Correlates of perceived risk of developing cancer among African-Americans in South Los Angeles.

There are differences in cancer-risk perception among racial/ethnic groups that may affect health risk behaviors. Using a community partnered-participatory research approach, we conducted a survey on cancer screening, risk behaviors, and related knowledge/attitudes within 11 churches in South Los Angeles with predominantly African-American parishioners. This analysis examines correlates of perceived risk of developing cancer among 755 African American adults.

Double acetabular wall--a misleading point for hip arthroplasty: an anatomical, radiological, clinical study.

Purpose: Despite the great attention focused on cup positioning in primary total hip arthroplasty (PTHA), it is surprising to find so few studies that have dealt with cup placement. A common thwarting problem for correct cup placement during PTHA is the existence of osteophytes, which obscure the anatomical landmarks. In this study we aimed to evaluate the morphology of acetabular osteophyte formation in patients with osteoarthritis.

Can elimination of epinephrine in rhinoplasty reduce the side effects: introduction of a new technique.

Background: We aim to provide evidence that despite not administering epinephrine, (1) the amount of hemorrhaging during surgery will not change, (2) surgery time will not increase and may even be shorter, and (3) there would be fewer cardiovascular-related consequences.

Methods: One hundred thirteen patients were enrolled and randomized into the control (n = 74) and intervention groups (n = 39). During the primary open or closed rhinoplasty operation, anesthesia was managed by continual infusion of remifentanil (14-20 μg/h) and propofol (4-6 mg/kg/h) with an infusion pump, in addition to N(2)O-O(2) (50%).