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Reform to resident physicians' work hours does not improve surgical patient safety

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that the 2011 duty hour reform did not decrease serious postoperative complications in surgical patients. The researchers evaluated outcomes in five surgical specialties, including neurosurgery, obstetrics/gynecology, and vascular surgery, and found no signi...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJul 8, 2015

Survival from rare bone cancer remains low

A Loyola University Medical Center study found that among 205 cases of mesenchymal chondrosarcoma, more than half survived at least five years and 43 percent survived at least 10 years. Survival rates varied depending on tumor location, with axial tumors showing worse outcomes.

ACL injuries in female athletes traced to genes

Researchers discovered 32 genes expressed differently in female compared to male ACL tissues, affecting ligament structure and integrity. Genetic counseling may guide personal decisions about participating in athletics, while strengthening core and technique could reduce injury risk.

SourceUniversity of Akron·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateMar 10, 2015

Is surgery a viable treatment option for patients age 80+ with acute spinal conditions?

A new study found that surgical treatment provides significant benefit for lumbar spinal stenosis and degenerative spondylolisthesis in patients over 80, with comparable complication rates to younger patients. The benefits of surgery were similar to those in younger patients, except for pain and physical function outcomes.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateFeb 4, 2015

Ouch! When teeth and hands connect, bites may be beastly

Human bites can transmit over 600 bacterial species through oral flora, posing a significant risk of infection. Prompt treatment within 24 hours of an animal or human bite is crucial to prevent serious injury or infection, with antibiotic treatment recommended for hand bites to reduce the risk of infection and disability.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateJan 5, 2015