Mechanical means to improve bone strength: ultrasound and vibration.

Not all fractures heal well. One method that has been used to improve fracture healing is low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS). LIPUS has been US Food and Drug Administration approved for several years, and some preclinical and clinical evidence indicates that fracture healing can be improved by this technique, which appears to be generally safe.

Osteoporosis: nonpharmacologic management.

Osteoporosis is a chronic disorder of the skeleton causing increased bone fragility and fractures. In the second of our 3-part series, we discuss the beneficial effects of nonpharmacologic agents in the management of osteoporosis. We review the evidence supporting the use of exercise, whole-body vibration, hip protectors, low-intensity pulsed ultrasound, bracing, and vertebral augmentation procedures.

The extent of diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis in a Veterans Affairs population undergoing vertebral augmentation.

Objective: To investigate whether patients with vertebral fracture who underwent an augmentation procedure had pre- or postaugmentation osteoporosis evaluation and treatment.

Design: Retrospective chart review.

Setting: An academic, tertiary Veterans Affairs Medical Center with an active osteoporosis program, easy access to bone density testing by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), few barriers to treatment, and an excellent electronic medical record.

A review of osteoporosis: part I. Impact, pathophysiology, diagnosis and unique role of the physiatrist.

Osteoporosis is characterized by decreased bone quantity and quality, leading to increased fracture risk. Despite important strides in understanding and treating this disorder, there is a large gap between knowledge and practice. In this first section of a 3-part review, the impact, pathophysiology, and diagnosis of osteoporosis are discussed.

Hepatoprotective effect ofHygrophila spinosa andCassia occidentalis on carbon tetrachloride induced liver damage in experimental rats.

The present study was undertaken to analyze the levels of some known antioxidant (both enzymic and non enzymic) activities in the rootsof Hygrophila spinosa andCassia occidentalis also to find out the hepatoprotective effect of the same in carbon tetrachloride induced liver damage in albino rats. The roots were found to be rich in antioxidants. Liver damage in rats were induced by carbon tetrachloride.

Cardiorespiratory fitness and short-term complications after bariatric surgery.

Background: Morbid obesity is associated with reduced functional capacity, multiple comorbidities, and higher overall mortality. The relationship between complications after bariatric surgery and preoperative cardiorespiratory fitness has not been previously studied.

Methods: We evaluated cardiorespiratory fitness in 109 patients with morbid obesity prior to laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.