Evaluation of a single preoperative dose of etoricoxib for postoperative pain relief in therapeutic knee arthroscopy: a randomized trial.

Unlabelled: BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Analgesics can have undesirable effects. We assessed whether a single preoperative dose of 120 mg etoricoxib reduces the need for additional opioids after therapeutic arthroscopic knee surgery. METHODS A double-blind, placebo-controlled study was performed at a single center.

Changes in the use of the methylprednisolone protocol for traumatic spinal cord injury in Switzerland.

Study Design: A retrospective cohort study.

Objective: To examine the differences in the use of the methylprednisolone protocol for traumatic spinal cord injury before and after the publication of new guidelines in Switzerland.

Summary Of Background Data: The use of the methylprednisolone protocol for traumatic spinal cord injury changed after the publication of new guidelines.

Avian influenza virus risk assessment in falconry.

Background: There is a continuing threat of human infections with avian influenza viruses (AIV). In this regard falconers might be a potential risk group because they have close contact to their hunting birds (raptors such as falcons and hawks) as well as their avian prey such as gulls and ducks. Both (hunting birds and prey birds) seem to be highly susceptible to some AIV strains, especially H5N1.

Percutaneous lumbar discectomy using the Dekompressor system under CT-control.

In recent years, new minimally invasive therapies for the treatment of radicular pain associated with contained disc herniation have been introduced. These techniques have changed the field of interventional pain management. In a prospective, nonrandomized case study, we treated patients using the Dekompressor system guided by computed tomography instead of fluoroscopy.

[Continuous intrathecal administration of medication. Special features in anaesthesiology and intensive care].

In anaesthesiological and intensive care practice patients are increasingly being treated with implanted medication pumps. Basic knowledge on the special aspects of this form of therapy is therefore important. During the preanasthesiology visit, information on the pump, the intrathecal catheter, type and dosage of the medication as well as the next scheduled refilling must be collected and documented.