Total knee arthroplasty with use of computer-assisted navigation compared with conventional guiding systems in the same patient: radiographic results in Asian patients.

Background: The value of computer-assisted surgery in total knee arthroplasty for arthritic knees continues to be debated. We hypothesized that the usefulness of computer assistance is related to the magnitude of the deviation from the preoperative mechanical axis and that computer-assisted surgery may be beneficial under certain circumstances.

Methods: Patients with bilateral knee osteoarthritis and genu varus deformity who were to have staged bilateral total knee arthroplasty were enrolled.

Effect of preoperative deformity on postoperative leg axis in total knee arthroplasty: a prospective randomized study.

Computer-assisted surgery-total knee arthroplasty (CAS-TKA) has been suggested to afford greater precision than conventional TKA; however, it is unclear whether this is influenced by preoperative angular deformity. This prospective study was conducted to determine the effect of preoperative angular deformity on the postoperative mechanical axis. Sixty patients underwent stage bilateral TKA; CAS-TKA was performed on one side and conventional TKA on the other side.

Management of giant pseudomeningoceles after spinal surgery.

Background: Pseudomeningoceles are a rare complication after spinal surgery, and studies on these complex formations are few.

Methods: Between October 2000 and March 2008, 11 patients who developed symptomatic pseudomeningoceles after spinal surgery were recruited. In this retrospective study, we reported our experiences in the management of these complex, symptomatic pseudomeningoceles after spinal surgery.

Actin-free Gc-globulin after minimal access and conventional anterior lumbar surgery.

Background: Minimally invasive total knee or hip replacement has been increasingly adopted in recent years. However, literature indicates that minimally invasive joint arthroplasty may not always reduce pain or tissue trauma. We hypothesized that the tissue damage would be reduced in minimal access surgery (MAS) than the conventional open surgery (OS) for anterior lumbar disorders through quantifying measurement of serum actin-free Gc-globulin (Af-Gc), myoglobin (MG), and total creatine kinase (CK).

Necrotizing soft-tissue infections and primary sepsis caused by Vibrio vulnificus and Vibrio cholerae non-O1.

Background: Vibrio species are a rare cause of necrotizing soft-tissue infections and primary septicemia, which are likely to occur in patients with hepatic disease, diabetes, adrenal insufficiency, and immunocompromised conditions. These organisms thrive in warm seawater and are often present in raw oysters, shellfish, and other seafood. This study examined fulminating clinical characteristics of Vibrio vulnificus and Vibrio cholerae non-O1 soft-tissue infections and identified outcome predictors.

Comparison of computer-assisted navigation and conventional instrumentation for bilateral total knee arthroplasty.

This prospective study analyzed computer-assisted surgery (CAS) navigation and conventional instrumentation in bilateral total knee arthroplasty. Sixty patients underwent CAS navigation in 1 knee and conventional instrumentation in the contralateral knee randomly. The target zone resided in the reconstructed mechanical axis within a range of 3 degrees varus or valgus.

Interleukin-6 protein expression is more important than interleukin-6 mRNA levels in assessing surgical invasiveness.

Background: Interleukin-6 (IL-6) protein has been recognized as a sensitive marker of surgical stress response. However, little is known about the clinical significance of IL-6 mRNA levels as a marker of surgical stress. This study aims to examine the role of IL-6 mRNA expression in comparing the tissue invasiveness of microendoscopic discectomy (MED) and open discectomy (OD).