Superinfections of the Spine: A Single-Institution Experience.

A superinfection occurs when a new, secondary organism colonizes an existing infection. Spine infections are associated with high patient morbidity and sometimes require multiple irrigations and debridements (I&Ds). When multiple I&Ds are required, the risk of complications increases.

Utility of Removable Rigid Dressings in Decreasing Discharge Narcotic Use and Improving Ambulation Following Below-Knee Amputation.

Background: Lower extremity amputations are often associated with limited postoperative functionality and postoperative complications. Removable rigid dressings (RRDs) have been used following below-knee amputation (BKA) to improve limb maturation, decrease postoperative complications, reduce time to prosthesis casting, and limit conversion rates to above-knee amputation (AKA). We hypothesized that usage of RRD following BKA will correlate with decreased prescription narcotics required at discharge and improved ambulatory status at follow-up.

Intraoperative Sensory Signals Predict Prognosis for Patients with Traumatic Cervical Spinal Cord Injury.

Objective: In patients with traumatic cervical spinal cord injury (tCSCI), the potential role of intraoperative neuromonitoring as a prognostic tool has been insufficiently studied. This study aimed to determine if detectable signals during intraoperative neuromonitoring portend a greater likelihood of recovery for patients with tCSCI.

Methods: Patients who underwent decompression and surgical fixation following tCSCI were retrospectively reviewed through previously prospectively collected data from the Surgical Timing in Acute Spinal Cord Injury Study.

Utilizing of Removable Rigid Dressing to Decrease Below the Knee Amputations to Above the Knee Amputations Conversion Rates.

Introduction/objective: Below the knee amputations (BKAs) are preferred to above the knee amputations (AKAs) due to better rehabilitation and functional outcomes. Assessment of literature for best practice identified that utilization of a removable rigid dressing (RRD) improves post-operative BKA care by expediting wound healing and reduces the hospital length of stay compared to a soft dressing. We hypothesized that there would be a decrease of conversions from BKA to AKA following utilizing of RRD device.