Articles tagged with Orthopedics
A new CT-based classification system has been proposed to improve surgical planning and outcomes for patients with acetabular fractures. The system can clearly define the type of fracture, location, and position of principal fragments, enabling preoperative surgical planning that leads to shorter operating times and recovery periods.
A new, low-cost hand-held magnetic surgical tool has been developed to reduce X-ray exposure during long bone repair surgeries. The device uses electronic sensors instead of X-rays to locate screw holes, making the process precise and reducing radiation exposure for surgeons.
The NIH consensus panel confirms the effectiveness of total knee replacement surgery, highlighting the importance of surgeon volume and proper prosthesis alignment to minimize long-term complications. Computer navigation technology may eventually reduce malalignment risks but is currently unproven and costly.
A UCLA study reveals a significant shortage of surgeons is looming due to an aging population. The study finds that surgeries performed on older adults will have the highest increase in demand by 2020, with ophthalmology leading the way.
Researchers have developed new diagnostic tools to assess injury risk in wheelchair users, measure hand movement, and improve tinnitus rehabilitation. A computerized glove and instrumented globe system enhance hand-function assessment and shoulder rehabilitation, while shock-absorbing prostheses promote active lifestyles for amputees.
A Mayo Clinic study found that total hip replacement surgery can significantly improve the quality of life for patients over 90 years old. The study, which reviewed medical records from 1970 to 1997, showed that patients experienced substantial relief of pain and functional improvement after surgery.
Robeson, a chemical engineer, has developed numerous polymers to solve problems, including an orthopedic splint compound that molds at body temperature and reduces scarring by 95 percent. His work also includes flame-retardant materials for televisions, aircraft interiors, and camera housings.
Researchers use bio-ferrography to capture tiny particles in synovial fluid, enabling the creation of a diagnostic atlas for orthopedic surgeons. The atlas will help identify potential problems with implants prior to revision surgery.
Researchers found metal bats produced faster batted ball speeds due to faster swing speeds and elastic properties. The study's findings contribute to ongoing discussions about the potential health risks of metal bats and may influence future regulations.
Researchers aim to enhance understanding of artificial and natural knee joint failures, improve surgical procedures, and create longer-lasting implants. They are developing computational wear models that make quantifiable predictions of deterioration, enabling surgeons to select individualized knee designs.
The Prodisc implant aims to alleviate lower back pain and maintain spine mobility by replacing damaged discs. Researchers will compare its safety and effectiveness to spinal fusion surgery in a randomized clinical trial.
Researchers found that a simpler fibular-based reconstruction method is more effective in restoring knee stability than the combined tibial and fibular-based approach. The study used 12 pairs of fresh cadaveric knees to compare the benefits of both procedures, and results showed that the fibular-based method takes less time in the oper...
Researchers at Tufts University have engineered custom-made human knee ligaments using adult stem cells, offering a potential solution to the costly and debilitating ACL reconstruction process. The new tissue engineering strategy could significantly reduce recovery time for professional athletes and sports enthusiasts.
A study of 4535 medical records found that autologous blood donation programs were used in only 18.6% of patients, despite being eligible, and reinfusion of blood was used in just 2.4% of all cases. Experts recommend greater cooperation among anesthetists, surgeons, and transfusionists to improve blood conservation techniques.
Dr. Waddell presents two studies showing viscosupplementation is safe and effective for patients with advanced osteoarthritis, delaying total knee replacements by up to 1 year.
A study by Dr. Keith Berend found that fly fishermen experience lower back pain, hand and wrist pain, shoulder and knee pain, and elbow pain due to repetitive arm motions and standing for long periods. Improper casting techniques and carrying heavy gear can exacerbate these issues.
Exanta, a novel oral anticoagulant, has demonstrated comparable efficacy to warfarin or low molecular weight heparin in preventing blood clots. The European phase III trial showed that Exanta is effective and well-tolerated for VTE prophylaxis in orthopaedic surgery.
The METHRO II study found that H 376/95 was effective in preventing venous thrombo-embolism in patients undergoing total hip or total knee replacement surgery. The incidence of venous thrombo-embolism was significantly lower with the highest dosage of H 376/95 compared to dalteparin.
A two-year study of 741 elderly patients found that those receiving general anesthesia had improved mobility and daily functioning compared to those with spinal anesthesia. The researchers are unclear about the underlying reason for this difference, but suggest potential nerve damage may be involved.
A recent University of Iowa Health Care study calls into question the reliability of a classification system used to evaluate treatment outcomes in children with Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease. The Stulberg Classification System, developed in 1981, predicts long-term patient outcomes but has poor reliability among surgeons.
A study at Washington University School of Medicine found that 3-D models of the pelvis are more accurate than X-ray images in preparing surgeons to revise hip replacements. This added information helps with crucial planning stages for complicated surgeries, reducing complications and improving patient outcomes.
A Johns Hopkins study found that motor nerve grafts were more effective in regrowing nerve fibers than sensory nerve grafts. This breakthrough may lead to improved treatments for individuals with facial nerve injuries and other nerve damage, allowing for the restoration of movement while minimizing numbness or paralysis.