Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty in Patients Older Than Age 80 Years.

A rapidly aging population is currently reshaping the demographic profile of the United States. Among older patients, the cohort aged >80 years is not only living longer but also is electing to undergo more total hip and knee arthroplasties. To improve perioperative safety, orthopaedic surgeons should understand the risks and clinical outcomes of arthroplasty in patients of advanced age.

Metacarpophalangeal collateral ligament reconstruction after band saw amputation: case report with review of MCP anatomy and injury.

Reconstruction of the radial border of the index metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint after band saw amputation is described. The entire radial MCP collateral ligament unit was cleanly retained within the amputated segment, still attached to wafers of corticocancellous bone from the radial aspect of the metacarpal head and base of the proximal phalanx. Acute bone to bone osteosynthesis of the amputated segment led to successful osseous integration of both bone fragments and restoration of stability of the joint.

Band saw injury in a butcher.

Background: While treating an unusual amputation caused by a meat band saw in a 35-year-old butcher, we sought information from the medical literature that would be useful to other physicians who might encounter similar occupational injuries.

Methods: Using the Medline database and relevant search terms, we reviewed the literature concerning occupational saw blade injuries and porcine microbiology as they related to this injury.

Results: Among meat workers using powered cutting equipment, hand injuries and distal fingertip amputations appear to be common.

Spontaneous septic arthritis caused by Burkholderia cepacia.

We describe the first reported case of a spontaneous septic arthritis caused by Burkholderia cepacia, the organism responsible for onion skin rot. The source of infection was most likely from hematogenous spread, as the patient's blood cultures were positive for B. cepacia.

Pediatric trauma caused by personal watercraft: a ten-year retrospective.

Background/purpose: Evidence indicates that young adults are at significant risk for powered personal watercraft (PWC)-related injuries. This article examines the nature of PWC injuries sustained in the pediatric population over a 10-year period.

Methods: Retrospective analysis was conducted of trauma registry charts on 66 pediatric patients, aged 5 to 19 years, hospitalized for PWC-related injuries between 1990 and 1999.