Effects of Premixing Betamethasone and Lidocaine on Chondrocyte Inflammation in an Model.

Background: It is common practice for hand surgeons to premix corticosteroids with a local anesthetic and store the mixture in pre-loaded syringes for rapid use during clinic. However, any possible loss of efficacy with this practice has never been studied. The purpose of this study, therefore, is to determine whether premixing betamethasone sodium phosphate/betamethasone acetate (BSP) and lidocaine (L) at different time intervals from injection has diminishing anti-inflammatory effects on chondrocytes .

Hip Fracture Trends and Outcomes During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) rapidly changed the landscape of health care, particularly in the New York City area. The elderly population is particularly vulnerable to both the novel coronavirus and the effects of a fracture. The goal of this study was to compare trends and outcomes of hip fracture patients during the pandemic.

Ulnar Neuropathy After Intermittent Prone Positioning for COVID-19 Infection: A Preliminary Report of 3 Cases.

Case: We describe a preliminary report of 3 cases of ulnar neuropathy after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and treatment with intermittent prone positioning.

Conclusion: Ulnar neuropathy may be associated with recent COVID-19 infection. The natural process of the disease and intermittent prone positioning are likely risk factors contributing to this finding.

The impact of confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection on ambulatory procedures and associated delays in care for asymptomatic patients.

Background: Since the reopening of ambulatory centers, minimal data has been reported regarding positive tests among patients undergoing ambulatory procedures, associated delays in care, and outcomes of patients previously positive for coronavirus disease 2019.

Methods: A retrospective observational case series of ambulatory procedures was performed. Records since the reopening of ambulatory centers in New York were searched for patients with positive coronavirus disease 2019 nasal swab results who underwent ambulatory procedures.

Antibiotic Management and Antibiotic Resistance in Hand Infections.

The rates of methicillin-resistant infections in the hand and upper extremity approach 50% in many facilities. In addition, multidrug resistance is beginning to include clindamycin. This article discusses the history, prevalence, and treatment of both community-acquired and health care-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in regard to hand infections.

Carpal Translocation Following Dorsal Bridge Plate Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures: A Cadaveric Study.

 Dorsal bridge plate fixation is an effective technique for stabilization of highly comminuted, complex distal radius fractures. However, it is unknown whether fixation to the second or third metacarpal is optimal. Given dorsal bridge plating spans the radiocarpal joint, it is unclear if the dorsal spanning plate affects carpal position.

The Declining Use of Wrist-Spanning External Fixators.

External fixation has been traditionally used to treat comminuted or open distal radius fractures that are not amenable to open reduction internal fixation. This procedure is associated with a relatively high complication rate and has been used with decreasing frequency in recent years. However, trends in external fixation utilization for the treatment of distal radius fractures have not been described.

Evaluation of blunt abdominal trauma.

Sports medicine physicians should be aware of the many injuries that are associated with blunt abdominal trauma. From benign diaphragmatic spasms and rectus abdominis hematomas to the more concerning liver, splenic, renal, and pancreatic injuries, the sideline physician needs to be able to triage athletic-related injuries. Furthermore, many athletes will ask their physician about return-to-play recommendations and continuing care following blunt abdominal trauma.