The Fate of Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty With Preoperative Abnormalities in Either Sedimentation Rate or C-Reactive Protein.

Background: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are important markers in the evaluation and treatment of painful total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Elevation of both markers usually occurs with infected TKAs while a normal ESR and CRP usually point to aseptic causes for failure. The purpose of this study is to compare (1) rate of revision, (2) infection, and (3) reason for reoperation in a group of patients undergoing revision TKA with a single abnormality in either ESR or CRP in an otherwise negative conventional infection work-up compared to patients with normal preoperative ESR and CRP.

Quality and safety requirements for sustainable phage therapy products.

The worldwide antibiotic crisis has led to a renewed interest in phage therapy. Since time immemorial phages control bacterial populations on Earth. Potent lytic phages against bacterial pathogens can be isolated from the environment or selected from a collection in a matter of days.

Location of civilian ballistic femoral fracture indicates likelihood of arterial injury.

Background: We evaluated whether the location of a ballistic femoral fracture helps predict the presence of arterial injury. We hypothesized that fractures located in the distal third of the femur are associated with a higher rate of arterial injury.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of electronic medical records at our level I trauma centre and found 133 consecutive patients with femoral fractures from civilian gunshots from 2002 to 2007, 14 of whom sustained arterial injury.

Fracture of the distal radius with radial artery injury: injury description and outcome of vascular repair.

Introduction: The ideal treatment of an isolated radial artery injury that is associated with a fracture of the distal radius is unknown. Our purposes were to assess the incidence of this injury pattern and to describe the outcomes of our treatment protocol. We hypothesised that combined routine repair of the artery during operative treatment results in a satisfactory outcome.

Are certain fractures at increased risk for compartment syndrome after civilian ballistic injury?

Background: Compartment syndrome after ballistic fracture is uncommon but potentially devastating. Few data are available to help guide clinicians regarding risk factors for developing compartment syndrome after ballistic fractures. Our primary hypothesis was that ballistic fractures of certain bones would be at higher risk for development of compartment syndrome.

Using the human patient simulator to educate students of veterinary medicine.

Introduction: The human patient simulator has proved to be an effective educational device for teaching physicians and paramedical personnel.

Methodology: To determine whether veterinary medicine students would benefit from similar educational sessions, 90 students each took a turn being the patient's clinician as real-life scenarios were played out on the simulator. The students induced and maintained anesthesia on their patient and monitored vital signs.