Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Google set to revolutionize mHealth and medicine with Google Glasses?
New Journal: Bone & Joint360 from publisher of JBJS (Br)
Bone & Joint360 provides a snapshot overview of the most important developments in orthopaedic research and practice, drawn from the global literature and assessed for relevance and impact by an international panel of experts. The journal is presented in an easy-to-read layout that aids fast reading and easy absorption of information. NewsWise
No workout? No worries: Scientists prevent muscle loss in mice, despite disease and inactivity
If you want big muscles without working out, there's hope. In the March 2012 print issue of the FASEB Journal, scientists from the University of Florida report that a family of protein transcription factors, called "Forkhead (Fox0)" plays a significant role in the regulation of skeletal muscle mass. Specifically, they found that interfering with the activity of these transcription factors prevents muscle wasting associated with cancer and sepsis. Eurekalert!
Researchers find safer way to use common but potentially dangerous medication
A team of global scientists, led by researchers at Intermountain Medical Center in Salt Lake City, has developed a safer and more accurate way to administer warfarin, one of the most commonly prescribed but also potentially dangerous medications in the United States.
As part of a worldwide study, the research team developed and tested a new formula that combines individual genetic data with a mathematical model to help physicians more accurately predict patient response to the popular blood-thinning drug.
Researchers found that the formula was safer and more accurate than current methods used to dose for warfarin patients. They're hopeful that the more accurate dosing will eliminate many emergency hospitalizations among warfarin users. Results of the team's study are published in the February edition of the journal, Thrombosis and Haemostasis. Eurekalert!
As part of a worldwide study, the research team developed and tested a new formula that combines individual genetic data with a mathematical model to help physicians more accurately predict patient response to the popular blood-thinning drug.
Researchers found that the formula was safer and more accurate than current methods used to dose for warfarin patients. They're hopeful that the more accurate dosing will eliminate many emergency hospitalizations among warfarin users. Results of the team's study are published in the February edition of the journal, Thrombosis and Haemostasis. Eurekalert!
Foot bones allow researchers to determine sex of skeletal remains
Law enforcement officials who are tasked with identifying a body based on partial skeletal remains have a new tool at their disposal. A new paper from North Carolina State University researchers details how to determine the biological sex of skeletal remains based solely on measurements of the seven tarsal bones in the feet.
"Tarsals are fairly dense bones, and can be more durable than other bones – such as the pelvis – that are used to determine biological sex," says Dr. Troy Case, an associate professor of anthropology at NC State and co-author of a paper describing the research. "Also, the tarsal bones are often enclosed in shoes, which further protects them from damage. That's particularly useful in a forensic context." The tarsals are the seven bones that make up the ankle, heel and rear part of the arch in a human foot. Eurekalert!
"Tarsals are fairly dense bones, and can be more durable than other bones – such as the pelvis – that are used to determine biological sex," says Dr. Troy Case, an associate professor of anthropology at NC State and co-author of a paper describing the research. "Also, the tarsal bones are often enclosed in shoes, which further protects them from damage. That's particularly useful in a forensic context." The tarsals are the seven bones that make up the ankle, heel and rear part of the arch in a human foot. Eurekalert!
Smart Partial Knee Replacement System Receives European Clearance
Blue Belt Technologies, Inc., a developer of surgical devices out of Pittsburgh, PA, has received CE Mark for the Navio PFS System. The system comprises a robotic handheld cutting tool and a camera system interfaced to planning and navigation software. The software platform provides virtual cutting guides for the surgeon by visually tracking the motion of the cutting tool in real time using the stereoscopic camera system. The system aims to improve the precision and effectiveness of orthopedic procedures. MedGadget
World’s First Biodegradable Joint Implant Targets Arthritis
Researchers at Tampere University of Technology (TUT), Finland, have developed what they believe to be the first biodegradable joint implant. The implant, called RegJoint, is used in the treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
The RegJoint is fabricated from biodegradable polylactide copolymer and is placed inside the capsule that surrounds the joint. It is designed to stimulate growth of connective tissue and soft tissue around the joint in order to replace cartilage lost to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. MedGadget
The RegJoint is fabricated from biodegradable polylactide copolymer and is placed inside the capsule that surrounds the joint. It is designed to stimulate growth of connective tissue and soft tissue around the joint in order to replace cartilage lost to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. MedGadget
Muscle System Pro III is an impressive update to 3D4Medical NOVA anatomy app
The Muscle System Pro II app by 3D4Medical was one of the outstanding NOVA apps when we reviewed our Top Anatomy apps for iPad.
We have previously reviewed Muscle System Pro II and thought it was an impressive app for those purely focused on the muscular system.
Since then, the NOVA series has undergone a significant update to version III and the new Muscle System Pro III app is even more impressive. We have reviewed a number of these latest updates to Skeleton System Pro III and Heart Pro III. iMedicalApps
We have previously reviewed Muscle System Pro II and thought it was an impressive app for those purely focused on the muscular system.
Since then, the NOVA series has undergone a significant update to version III and the new Muscle System Pro III app is even more impressive. We have reviewed a number of these latest updates to Skeleton System Pro III and Heart Pro III. iMedicalApps
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Altering Path Boosts Benefit of Spinal Injection
The parasagittal approach for interlaminar spinal steroid injections proved more effective than the midline approach for reducing pain scores in patients with unilateral lumbar pain, researchers said here.
While pain scores fell for all patients with radiculopathic back pain from lumbar disc disease who were given interlaminar injections, the differences from baseline were only significant in the parasagittal group (P=0.037), Kenneth Candido, MD, of the University of Illinois in Chicago, and colleagues reported at the American Academy of Pain Medicine meeting. MedPage Today
While pain scores fell for all patients with radiculopathic back pain from lumbar disc disease who were given interlaminar injections, the differences from baseline were only significant in the parasagittal group (P=0.037), Kenneth Candido, MD, of the University of Illinois in Chicago, and colleagues reported at the American Academy of Pain Medicine meeting. MedPage Today
Preventable nerve injuries from treatments need attention: research
In the first study of its kind in this country, Department of Anatomy researchers analysed 5227 treatment injury claims accepted by the Accident Compensation Corporation of New Zealand (ACC) in 2009.
The research, led by PhD student Abigail Moore and Professor Mark Stringer, identified 313 ACC claims involving inadvertent nerve injuries occurring during medical treatment and diagnosis. They found that two-thirds of these occurred in patients undergoing surgery.
Ms Moore says the research found that the most common cause of nerve injury was when a patient was incorrectly positioned on the operating table under general anaesthesia. Other situations in which nerve injury occurred commonly were when drawing blood for testing and during hip replacement. MedicalXpress
The research, led by PhD student Abigail Moore and Professor Mark Stringer, identified 313 ACC claims involving inadvertent nerve injuries occurring during medical treatment and diagnosis. They found that two-thirds of these occurred in patients undergoing surgery.
Ms Moore says the research found that the most common cause of nerve injury was when a patient was incorrectly positioned on the operating table under general anaesthesia. Other situations in which nerve injury occurred commonly were when drawing blood for testing and during hip replacement. MedicalXpress
Implantable Sensor Keeps an Eye on Healing of Bones Post Surgery
Leeching: Ortho and Rehab articles from PubMed over past 10 years
1. Experience with distal finger replantation: a 20-year retrospective study from a major trauma center. Nazerani S, Motamedi MH, Ebadi MR, Nazerani T, Bidarmaghz B. Tech Hand Up Extrem Surg. 2011 Sep;15(3):144-50. PMID: 21869644
2. Effectiveness of leech therapy in chronic lateral epicondylitis: a randomized controlled trial. Bäcker M, Lüdtke R, Afra D, Cesur O, Langhorst J, Fink M, Bachmann J, Dobos GJ, Michalsen A. Clin J Pain. 2011 Jun;27(5):442-7. PMID: 21368667
3. Standardized protocol for artery-only fingertip replantation. Buntic RF, Brooks D. J Hand Surg Am. 2010 Sep;35(9):1491-6. PMID: 20807626
4. Microsurgical complications in the upper extremity. Shores JT, Andrew Lee WP. Hand Clin. 2010 May;26(2):291-301. Review. PMID: 20494754
5. Medicinal leech use in microsurgery. Green PA, Shafritz AB. J Hand Surg Am. 2010 Jun;35(6):1019-21. Epub 2010 May 7. No abstract available. PMID: 20452147
6. Leech therapy for symptomatic relief of cancer pain. Kalender ME, Comez G, Sevinc A, Dirier A, Camci C. Pain Med. 2010 Mar;11(3):443-5. PMID: 20447313
7. Plantar reconstruction using the medial sural artery perforator free flap. Kim ES, Hwang JH, Kim KS, Lee SY. Ann Plast Surg. 2009 Jun;62(6):679-84. PMID: 19461285
8. [Leeches, phytotherapy and physiotherapy in osteo-arthrosis of the knee--a geriatric case study].
Teut M, Warning A. Forsch Komplementmed. 2008 Oct;15(5):269-72. Epub 2008 Oct 15. German. PMID: 19001824
9. Reconstruction of circulation in the fingertip without vein repair in zone I replantation. Zhang X, Wen S, Wang B, Wang Q, Li C, Zhu H. J Hand Surg Am. 2008 Nov;33(9):1597-601. PMID: 18984343
10. Assessment of leech therapy for knee osteoarthritis: a randomized study. Andereya S, Stanzel S, Maus U, Mueller-Rath R, Mumme T, Siebert CH, Stock F, Schneider U. Acta Orthop. 2008 Apr;79(2):235-43. PMID:
18484250
11. Effectiveness of leech therapy in women with symptomatic arthrosis of the first carpometacarpal joint: a randomized controlled trial. Michalsen A, Lüdtke R, Cesur O, Afra D, Musial F, Baecker M, Fink M, Dobos GJ. Pain. 2008 Jul 15;137(2):452-9. Epub 2008 Apr 14. PMID: 18407413
12. Innovative techniques in preventing and salvaging neurovascular pedicle flaps in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery. Zgonis T, Stapleton JJ. Foot Ankle Spec. 2008 Apr;1(2):97-104. Review. PMID: 19825700
13. Forgotten digital tourniquet: salvage of an ischaemic finger by application of medicinal leeches. Durrant C, Townley WA, Ramkumar S, Khoo CT. Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2006 Sep;88(5):462-4. PMID: 17002851
14. Complementary or alternative therapies for osteoarthritis. Ernst E. Nat Clin Pract Rheumatol. 2006 Feb;2(2):74-80. Review. PMID: 16932660
15. Leech therapy in the treatment of median nerve compression due to forearm haematoma. Schenker M, Murray A, Kay SP. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2006 Jun;77(6):799; author reply 799-800. No abstract available. PMID: 16705206 Free PMC Article
16. The value of medical leeches in the treatment of class IIC ring avulsion injuries: report of 2 cases. Tuncali D, Terzioglu A, Cigsar B, Aslan G. J Hand Surg Am. 2004 Sep;29(5):943-6. PMID: 15465249
17. Leech therapy in penile replantation: a case of recurrent penile self-amputation. Mineo M, Jolley T, Rodriguez G. Urology. 2004 May;63(5):981-3. Review. PMID: 15134999
18. Summaries for patients. Leeches to treat knee osteoarthritis. [No authors listed] Ann Intern Med. 2003 Nov 4;139(9):I22. No abstract available. PMID: 14597473 Free PMC Article
19. Multidisciplinary integrative approach to treating knee pain in patients with osteoarthritis. Hochberg MC. Ann Intern Med. 2003 Nov 4;139(9):781-3. No abstract available. PMID: 14597463
20. Effectiveness of leech therapy in osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized, controlled trial. Michalsen A, Klotz S, Lüdtke R, Moebus S, Spahn G, Dobos GJ. Ann Intern Med. 2003 Nov 4;139(9):724-30. PMID: 14597456
Michalsen A, Moebus S, Spahn G, Esch T, Langhorst J, Dobos GJ. Altern Ther Health Med. 2002 Sep-Oct;8(5):84-8. PMID: 12233807
22. Efficacy and safety of topical hirudin (Hirudex): a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Stamenova PK, Marchetti T, Simeonov I. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2001 Mar-Apr;5(2):37-42. PMID: 11863317
23. Evaluation of performance characteristics of the medicinal leech (Hirudo medicinalis) for the treatment of venous congestion. Conforti ML, Connor NP, Heisey DM, Hartig GK. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2002 Jan;109(1):228-35. PMID: 11786816
24. The use of medicinal leeches to treat macroglossia secondary to blunt trauma. Byrne PJ, Bernstein PE.
Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2001 Dec;125(6):649-50. No abstract available. PMID: 11743470
25. Effect of leeches therapy (Hirudo medicinalis) in painful osteoarthritis of the knee: a pilot study.
Michalsen A, Deuse U, Esch T, Dobos G, Moebus S. Ann Rheum Dis. 2001 Oct;60(10):986. No abstract available. PMID: 11589179 Free PMC Article
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Rib fractures linked to circulatory disorder often seen in athletes
Surgeons at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have identified tiny fractures and other rib abnormalities in patients treated for a circulatory condition called venous thoracic outlet syndrome. The findings come from a study of 37 patients who underwent surgery for the syndrome at Barnes-Jewish Hospital.
Novel Bioactive Peptides Promote Wound Healing In Vivo
Researchers have combined bioactive peptides to successfully stimulate wound healing. The in vitro and in vivo study, published today in PLoS ONE, demonstrates that the combination of two peptides stimulates the growth of blood vessels and promotes re-growth of tissue. Further development of these peptides could lead to a new treatment for chronic and acute wounds. Newswise
Skeletal System Pro III app develops anatomical understanding through strong visuals
The popular NOVA series by 3D4Medical cover a range of systems and anatomical areas and have all recently been upgraded to version III.
This significant update has brought better quality visuals, integrated animations, and audio features among a range of other features.
Skeleton System Pro III has been updated in collaboration with Stanford University School of Medicine and features an in depth look at the skeletal system. This app will appeal to a range of medical professionals ranging from student to educator. iMedicalApps
This significant update has brought better quality visuals, integrated animations, and audio features among a range of other features.
Skeleton System Pro III has been updated in collaboration with Stanford University School of Medicine and features an in depth look at the skeletal system. This app will appeal to a range of medical professionals ranging from student to educator. iMedicalApps
iPads show the way forward for medical imaging
Results of the University of Sydney study, presented this month at the International Society for Optical Engineering (SPIE) Medical Imaging conference in San Diego, show tablet computers such as the iPad are as good as standard LCD computer screens when used as secondary display devices for viewing medical imaging. Secondary display devices can be used by doctors who move from patient to patient in hospital wards. MedicalXpress
Allergy Tests Needed Before New Knee or Hip (CME/CE)
Preoperative skin patch testing for metal allergy influenced treatment planning in two-thirds of a small cohort of patients scheduled to receive metal-containing prosthetic devices, a retrospective chart review showed.
All 21 patients with positive tests received allergen-free prostheses and had no complications associated with hypersensitivity.
Post-implantation patch testing led to prosthesis removal in 10 additional patients, and six had resolution of hypersensitivity-associated symptoms.
"The findings of this study support a role for patch testing in patients with a clinical history of metal hypersensitivity before prosthetic device implantation," Natasha Atanaskova Mesinkovska, MD, PhD, of the Cleveland Clinic, and co-authors wrote in an article published online in Archives of Dermatology. MedPage Today
All 21 patients with positive tests received allergen-free prostheses and had no complications associated with hypersensitivity.
Post-implantation patch testing led to prosthesis removal in 10 additional patients, and six had resolution of hypersensitivity-associated symptoms.
"The findings of this study support a role for patch testing in patients with a clinical history of metal hypersensitivity before prosthetic device implantation," Natasha Atanaskova Mesinkovska, MD, PhD, of the Cleveland Clinic, and co-authors wrote in an article published online in Archives of Dermatology. MedPage Today
Guideline: Monitoring Spinal Cord During Surgery May Help Prevent Paralysis
The American Academy of Neurology is issuing an updated guideline that recommends monitoring the spinal cord during spinal surgery and certain chest surgeries to help prevent paralysis, or loss of muscle function, related to the surgeries. The guideline, which was developed with the American Clinical Neurophysiology Society, is published in the February 21, 2012, print issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology and also in the Journal of Clinical Neurophysiology. Newswise
A step forward in effort to regenerate damaged nerves
The carnage evident in disasters like car wrecks or wartime battles is oftentimes mirrored within the bodies of the people involved. A severe wound can leave blood vessels and nerves severed, bones broken, and cellular wreckage strewn throughout the body – a debris field within the body itself.
It's scenes like this that neurosurgeon Jason Huang, M.D., confronts every day. Severe damage to nerves is one of the most challenging wounds to treat for Huang and colleagues. It's a type of wound suffered by people who are the victims of gunshots or stabbings, by those who have been involved in car accidents – or by soldiers injured on the battlefield, like those whom Huang treated in Iraq.
Now, back in his university laboratory, Huang and his team have taken a step forward toward the goal of repairing nerves in such patients more effectively. In a paper published in the journal PLoS One, Huang and colleagues at the University of Rochester Medical Center report that a surprising set of cells may hold potential for nerve transplants. Eurekalert!
It's scenes like this that neurosurgeon Jason Huang, M.D., confronts every day. Severe damage to nerves is one of the most challenging wounds to treat for Huang and colleagues. It's a type of wound suffered by people who are the victims of gunshots or stabbings, by those who have been involved in car accidents – or by soldiers injured on the battlefield, like those whom Huang treated in Iraq.
Now, back in his university laboratory, Huang and his team have taken a step forward toward the goal of repairing nerves in such patients more effectively. In a paper published in the journal PLoS One, Huang and colleagues at the University of Rochester Medical Center report that a surprising set of cells may hold potential for nerve transplants. Eurekalert!
'Mirror therapy' reduces chronic phantom pain
A team of researchers led by Stefan Seidel from the University Department of Neurology at the MedUni Vienna has demonstrated that – and how – mirror therapy, as it is known, can help patients reduce the symptoms of phantom pain following limb amputations. This is achieved by stimulating a "motor network” in the brain that "substitutes for" the original motor centre. MedicalXpress
Improved assessment of cartilage repair tissue using fluid-suppressed (23)Na inversion recovery MRI at 7 Tesla: preliminary results.
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate cartilage repair and native tissue using a three-dimensional (3D), radial, ultra-short echo time (UTE) (23)Na MR sequence without and with an inversion recovery (IR) preparation pulse for fluid suppression at 7 Tesla (T). Chang G, Madelin G, Sherman OH, Strauss EJ, Xia D, Recht MP, Jerschow A, Regatte RR. Eur Radiol. 2012 Feb 18. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 22350437
Superior Labral Anterior-to-Posterior Lesions: Comparison of External Rotation and Active Supination CT Arthrography with Neutral CT Arthrography
Purpose: To compare the diagnostic performance of computed tomographic (CT) arthrography performed with external rotation and active supination (ERAS) with that of CT angiography performed in the neutral position for superior labral anterior-to-posterior (SLAP) lesions. Choi JY, Kim SH, Yoo HJ, Shin SH, Oh JH, Baek GH, Hong SH. Radiology. 2012 Feb 17. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 22344405
Lumbar MR Imaging and Reporting Epidemiology: Do Epidemiologic Data in Reports Affect Clinical Management?
Purpose: To retrospectively examine the association between the inclusion of epidemiologic information in lumbar spine magnetic resonance (MR) imaging reports regarding findings in asymptomatic individuals and the rates of subsequent cross-sectional imaging and treatments in patients with low back pain or radiculopathy referred for imaging by primary care providers. McCullough BJ, Johnson GR, Martin BI, Jarvik JG. Radiology. 2012 Mar;262(3):941-6. PMID: 22357893
Two new Ortho lectures from Audio Digest
NEUROLOGY OF THE SPINE
Orthopaedics
Volume 35, Issue 05
March 7, 2012
Optimizing anesthesia to reduce postoperative pain – Jeremy A. Lieberman, MD
Intracranial hypotension and headache with cerebrospinal fluid leaks – John W. Engstrom, MD
Minimally invasive approaches for spinal tumors – Valli P. Mummaneni, MD
Neurologic cases with difficult differential diagnoses – Dr. Engstrom
________________________________________
SPORTS INJURIES
Orthopaedics
Volume 35, Issue 04
February 21, 2012
Update on osteochondritis dissecans – Robert E. Hunter, MD
Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction – Robert A. Arciero, MD
Pearls and pitfalls of multiple–ligament knee surgery – Dr. Arciero
Orthopaedics
Volume 35, Issue 05
March 7, 2012
Optimizing anesthesia to reduce postoperative pain – Jeremy A. Lieberman, MD
Intracranial hypotension and headache with cerebrospinal fluid leaks – John W. Engstrom, MD
Minimally invasive approaches for spinal tumors – Valli P. Mummaneni, MD
Neurologic cases with difficult differential diagnoses – Dr. Engstrom
________________________________________
SPORTS INJURIES
Orthopaedics
Volume 35, Issue 04
February 21, 2012
Update on osteochondritis dissecans – Robert E. Hunter, MD
Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction – Robert A. Arciero, MD
Pearls and pitfalls of multiple–ligament knee surgery – Dr. Arciero
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