Strength, bulk and surgery time of ex situ versus in situ flexor tendon repair in a cadaveric model.

The purpose of this study was to compare strength, bulk and time of repair of human cadaveric flexor digitorum profundus tendons repaired in situ versus ex situ. Ninety-six human cadaveric flexor digitorum profundus tendons were transected 5 mm distal to the A2-pulley and randomized to 2-strand, 4-strand or 6-strand repairs. We found no significant differences in repair strength between in situ and ex situ repairs, but repair strength increased with increasing number of strands.

A Novel Prescription Method Reduces Postoperative Opioid Distribution and Consumption: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: Prescription opioid abuse in the United States has risen substantially over the past 2 decades. Narcotic prescription refill restrictions may paradoxically be contributing to this epidemic. We investigated a novel, refill-based opioid prescription method to determine whether it would alter postoperative narcotic distribution or consumption.

Unstable Lumbar Spine Osteomyelitis Caused by Trans-Foraminal Migration of Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band Connection Tubing: A Case Report.

Background: Disconnection of the tubing between the port and LAGB is a well-known complication in general surgery and accounts for up to 17% of LAGB complications. Typically, when this complication occurs patients present with abdominal or pelvic complaints. A complication of spinal infection due to trans-foraminal migration has not been previously reported.

Rapid Recovery Total Joint Arthroplasty is Safe, Efficient, and Cost-Effective in the Veterans Administration Setting.

Background: Institutional pathways in total joint arthroplasty (TJA) have been shown to reduce costs and improve patient care, but questions remain regarding their efficacy in certain populations. We sought to evaluate the comprehensive effect of a rapid recovery perioperative TJA protocol in the Veterans Health Administration (VA) setting.

Methods: In a VA hospital, a rapid recovery protocol was implemented for all patients undergoing primary total hip or knee arthroplasty.