Application of Antibiotic-Impregnated Polymethyl-Methacrylate Bone Cement for the Treatment of Infected Cranioplasties: Initial Experience.

Background: Management of infected cranioplasty implants remains a surgical challenge. Surgical debridement, removal of the infected implant, and prolonged antibiotic therapy are part of the acute management. In addition, cranioplasty removal poses the risk of dural tear.

Quantitative Assessment of Scalene Muscle Block for the Diagnosis of Suspected Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.

Purpose: To measure changes in upper limb work and power capacity before and after anterior scalene muscle block (ASMB) to suggest thoracic outlet syndrome caused by costoclavicular space compression.

Methods: We evaluated 34 patients disabled by symptoms suggesting thoracic outlet syndrome. An ASMB was performed via a supraclavicular injection.

Pulse oximetry measurements in the evaluation of patients with possible thoracic outlet syndrome.

Purpose: We present our experience in using pulse oximetry as an aid in the diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). Our attention was given to those symptomatic patients without objective confirmatory data on imaging or electrodiagnostic evaluation.

Methods: Using a pulse oximeter, we measured the oxygen saturation and the pulse rate during a provocative extremity abduction stress test exercise maneuver in 18 patients with symptoms and signs consistent with a diagnosis of nonspecific neurogenic TOS.

Salvage reconstruction of failed interposition arthroplasty at the base of the thumb.

We present an operative procedure designed to revise a failed arthroplasty at the base of the thumb. This report describes a reliable operation that corrects residual instability and malignment which results in thumbs that are weak and painful despite a previous procedure. The operation has also been used as a primary procedure for arthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint where instability and subluxation was a major component of the problem requiring joint reconstruction.