Orthopedics
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Pedicle screw fixation is frequently used for spinal fusion in elderly patients. The application of pedicle screw fixation for elderly patients with degenerative lumbar disease remains controversial due to problems such as surgical invasion, osteoporosis, and cost performance. Outcomes of spinal fusion using pedicle screw fixation were evaluated in patients older than 70 years with lumbar spinal canal stenosis. ⋯ The grade of independence (Independence [Bedridden] Criteria of the Daily Life of the Impaired Elderly) had been rank J (life independence) in all patients 1 year preoperatively, but deteriorated to rank A1 (capable of going out with a helper) in 51.8% of patients and rank B1 (using a wheelchair) in 19.8% immediately preoperatively. The grade of independence was rank J in 85.6% of patients 3 years postoperatively and remained rank J in 40 (87.0%) of the 46 who were alive 10 years postoperatively. Few complications associated with surgical invasion were found, and the grade of independence tended to remain at a high level for 10 years postoperatively.
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Comparative Study
Primary ceramic-on-ceramic total hip replacement versus metal-on-metal hip resurfacing in young active patients.
The purpose of this study was to compare clinical outcomes between ceramic-on-ceramic total hip replacement and metal-on-metal hip resurfacing arthroplasty in comparable groups of young active patients at a 3- to 6-year follow-up. The first 250 patients (mean age, 49.54 years) of a series of 930 resurfacing arthroplasties were compared clinically and functionally with a series of 190 patients (mean age, 46.76 years) with ceramic-on-ceramic uncemented total hip prostheses. The total Harris hip score was 97.9 in the resurfacing group vs 92.1 in the ceramic group. In the resurfacing group, 60.71% had a strenuous activity level vs 30.43% in the ceramic group.
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Successful postoperative pain management after arthroscopic shoulder surgery allows patients to go home earlier, decreases the potential for hospital readmission, and facilitates rehabilitation. Optimal pain control considers the physiological and psychological states of the patient, the resulting alterations due to the surgery, and the technical and economic resources available during recovery. A comprehensive approach to pain control should include preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative efforts. ⋯ Preoperative analgesia should be administered. Intraoperative efforts should include the administration of anesthetic medication intra-articularly. Postoperative management should include sleep medication, continuous cold-flow therapy, oral analgesics, and, if necessary, the use of narcotics.
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Linezolid is the first in a new group of antibiotics called oxazolidinones. As a potent antimicrobial, it has activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae, and macrolide-resistant streptococci. There are several documented case reports of serotonin toxicity when used with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. ⋯ Patients who commonly require linezolid as an antimicrobial are those with complex infections where other antibiotic treatment has failed. It is therefore important to be vigilant with linezolid use. Physicians should be aware of the nonspecific presentation of serotonin symptoms and the treatment.