Radiofrequency ablation of liver and lung tumors.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a procedure in which radiofrequency energy is used to heat and destroy abnormal tissue. This article discusses the evolution of RFA and its use to treat liver and lung tumors.

Results following trapeziometacarpal arthroplasty of the thumb.

A retrospective follow-up study was performed on patients with degenerative joint disease (DJD) who underwent trapeziometacarpal arthroplasty of the thumb with 3-week immobilization and without the use of K-wire fixation. Pre- and post-operative pain, activities of daily living (ADLs), grip strength, and pinch strength were compared. Data were collected on 25 hands in 23 patients, 7 hands with full trapezium resections and 18 with hemi-trapezium resections.

A study of sensory recovery following carpal tunnel release.

The purpose of this study was to define the testing parameters that are most sensitive to sensory loss in carpal tunnel syndrome and then to track recovery of these sensations postoperatively. Two dozen patients underwent standard nerve decompression and were subsequently re-evaluated at six weeks, three months, and six months. The test battery included provocative maneuvers, light-touch threshold determined by manually applied monofilaments and skin indentation with the Automated Tactile Tester (ATT), manual two-point discrimination, manual high-frequency vibration and ATT low-frequency vibration, and ATT warmth detection.

The biology of scar formation.

Scar, our body's "glue," is formed through a highly organized sequence of physiologic events. The ability of one type of collagenous tissue to weld various tissues, adapt to their structural integrity, impart tensile strength, and permit return of function is reviewed. A knowledge of wound healing enables the clinician to design and implement treatment strategies based on scar biology.