Clinical Evaluation of Synovial Alpha Defensin and Synovial C-Reactive Protein in the Diagnosis of Periprosthetic Joint Infection.

Background: Diagnosing periprosthetic joint infection after total joint arthroplasty is often challenging. The alpha defensin test has been recently reported as a promising diagnostic test for periprosthetic joint infection. The goal of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of alpha defensin testing.

Paget Disease of Bone.

The current understanding of Paget disease of bone (PDB) has vastly changed since Paget described the first case in 1877. Medical management of this condition remains the mainstay of treatment. Surgical intervention is usually only used in fractures through pagetic bone, need for realignment to correct deformity in major long bones, prophylactic treatment of impending fractures, joint arthroplasty in severe arthritis, or spinal decompression in cases of bony compression of neural elements.

Periosteal nerve blocks for distal radius and ulna fracture manipulation--the technique and early results.

Background: We present a pilot series of patients with distal forearm fractures manipulated following a proximal periosteal nerve block with local anaesthesia. This is a novel technique which can be utilised in adults and children and is described herein.

Methods: With a median of 40 years (range 10-81 years), 42 patients (16 children) with distal radial and ulnar fractures were included.

The role of cytokines in posttraumatic arthritis.

The development of arthritis after joint injury is commonly known as posttraumatic arthritis (PTA). The inciting traumatic event may range from cartilage contusion and bone bruise combined with meniscus or ligament tear, to intra-articular fracture. End-stage PTA is often indistinguishable from primary osteoarthritis.

Tissue engineering for the meniscus: a review of the literature.

The menisci disperse the load at the knee joint. Removal of the menisci can lead to osteoarthritis due to the higher load placed on the underlying cartilage. If they become injured it is therefore important to replace or regenerate the meniscus to prevent the progression of osteoarthritis.

Principles of fracture fixation in orthopaedic trauma surgery.

Fractures are common injuries and their management has evolved over the last 30 years with a greater propensity to treat fractures surgically. There have also been advances in the understanding of the principles of bone healing and the implications on implant choice. This article highlights the various surgical fixation devices available for the management of fractures and their underlying principles of action.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in orthopaedic and perioperative practice.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are powerful and effective anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-pyretic drugs. They are routinely used in orthopaedic conditions and in the perioperative setting. They are however associated with potentially life-threatening side-effects and it is important to appreciate these before these medicines are administered.

Anticoagulation management in hip fracture patients on warfarin.

The management of patients admitted with a fracture requiring surgery who are taking warfarin anticoagulation is unclear. We examined the anticoagulation management for 33 hip fracture patients on warfarin at the time of admission. Hospital course and complications were recorded on all patients.