Toward a Differential Diagnosis of Hidden Hearing Loss in Humans.

Recent work suggests that hair cells are not the most vulnerable elements in the inner ear; rather, it is the synapses between hair cells and cochlear nerve terminals that degenerate first in the aging or noise-exposed ear. This primary neural degeneration does not affect hearing thresholds, but likely contributes to problems understanding speech in difficult listening environments, and may be important in the generation of tinnitus and/or hyperacusis. To look for signs of cochlear synaptopathy in humans, we recruited college students and divided them into low-risk and high-risk groups based on self-report of noise exposure and use of hearing protection.

Basal joint osteoarthritis of the thumb: ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition versus hematoma distraction arthroplasty.

Purpose: Thumb basilar osteoarthritis is common. Several surgical options exist. Studies have evaluated outcomes in separate cohorts but have not compared methods.

Risk factors for compartment syndrome in traumatic brachial artery injuries: an institutional experience in 139 patients.

Background: The brachial artery is the most common vascular injury encountered in upper extremity trauma. If not treated promptly, it can result in compartment syndrome (CS) and long-term disability. Here, we report an institutional experience of traumatic brachial artery injuries and establish risk factors for the development of upper extremity CS in this setting.