Anatomy of the Sural Nerve in the Posterolateral Approach to the Ankle: A Cadaveric Study.

Sural nerve injury may occur during the posterolateral approach to the ankle during fracture fixation. We aimed to map its location in a posterolateral approach in cadaveric specimens. A posterolateral approach was used in 28 cadaver legs with the incision made halfway between the medial border of the fibula and the lateral border of Achilles tendon, extending proximally from the tip of the lateral malleolus.

Calcaneus fractures: An evaluation of the quality and reliability of online resources.

Aim: To evaluate the reliability and quality of only resources available online on Calcaneal fractures.

Methods: 70 websites were identified using the search term 'Calcaneus fractures'. Google, Yahoo! and Bing were the three major search engines used for the study.

Value of procalcitonin as a marker of surgical site infection following spinal surgery.

Aim: To compare the value of Procalcitonin (PCT) as a marker of surgical site infection to other inflammatory markers, including C-Reactive Protein (CRP), White Cell Count (WCC) and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) in patients undergoing a number of spinal procedures. This study also aims to describe the biokinetic profile of the above-named markers in patients developing surgical site infection and those remaining infection-free post-operatively.

Methods: 200 patients undergoing four routine elective spinal procedures were included for analysis.

Surfing Behind a Boat: Quality and Reliability of Online Resources on Scaphoid Fractures.

Background: Patients seeking information and advice on treatment of scaphoid fractures unknowingly confront longstanding medical controversies surrounding the management of this condition. However, there are no studies specifically looking into the quality and reliability of online information on scaphoid fractures.

Methods: We identified 44 unique websites for evaluation using the term "scaphoid fractures".

Effect of epidural methylprednisolone on post-operative pain and length of hospital stay in patients undergoing lumbar microdiscectomy.

Background & Aim: Intraoperative epidural corticosteroids have been used to decrease post-operative pain post-discectomy. The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of epidural corticosteroids on post-operative pain and length of post-operative hospital stay in patients undergoing unilateral lumbar microdiscectomy.

Methods: 150 consecutively treated, comparable patients with unilateral lumbar disc herniation were prospectively allocated randomly to receive either a sponge soaked in epidural corticosteroids or saline at the end of the operative procedure.

Value of C-reactive protein after neurosurgery: a prospective study.

Aim: The aim of this manuscript is to review the current state of knowledge regarding C-reactive protein (CRP) kinetics after standard neurosurgical procedures, and to determine the value of CRP as a screening test for early post-operative infectious complications as opposed to other more commonly used tests, and as a marker of peri-operative surgical insult.

Methods: Over 18 months period, CRP levels, alongside with ESR and WCC were assessed pre-operatively (at day 0) and post-operatively (at days 1,2,3,4 and 5) in 50 consecutive female patients and 50 consecutive male patients undergoing seven neurosurgical procedures. Each of the seven procedures involved a different level of intra-operative trauma.