1/4. Late operative site pain with isola posterior instrumentation requiring implant removal: infection or metal reaction?OBJECTIVES: To elucidate the cause of late operative site pain in six cases of scoliosis managed with Isola posterior instrumentation that required removal of the implants. METHOD: Microbiologic examination of wound swabs and enriched culture of operative tissue specimens was undertaken in all cases. Histologic study of the peri-implant membranes also was conducted. RESULTS: The presentation in all cases was similar: back pain appearing between 12-20 months after surgery, followed by a local wound swelling leading to a wound sinus. In only one of these cases was the discharge positive for bacterial growth. Implant removal was curative. Histologic examination of tissue specimens revealed a neutrophil-rich granulation tissue reaction suggestive of an infective etiology despite the failure to isolate organisms. Within the granulation tissue was metallic debris that varied from very sparse to abundant from fretting at the distal cross-connector junctions. A review of recent literature describing similar problems suggests that late onset spinal pain is a real entity and a major cause of implant removal. CONCLUSIONS: On reviewing the evidence for an infective etiology versus a metallurgic reaction etiology for these cases of late onset spinal pain, it was concluded that a subacute low-grade implant infection was the main cause. Histologic findings would seem to confirm low-grade infection. There may be more than one causative factor for late operative site pain, as it is possible that fretting at cross connection junctions may provide the environment for the incubation of dormant or inactive microbes.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = environment (Clic here for more details about this article) |
2/4. Creating a positive surgical experience for patients.Perioperative nurses strive to provide a positive surgical environment and, thus, a positive surgical experience for all patients. Blending traditional medicine with complementary therapies is one way to accomplish this task. This article presents a brief review of literature about traditional and complementary interventions used successfully in health care settings, along with a case study illustrating how one facility integrated these therapies into surgical patient care. The facility's goal was to increase patient satisfaction and create a positive surgical experience.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = environment (Clic here for more details about this article) |
3/4. A teenager with severe asthma exacerbation following ibuprofen.aspirin-sensitive asthma, aspirin-intolerant asthma, aspirin- (or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug [NSAID]) exacerbated respiratory disease are terms for a disorder commonly described as affecting adults aged > 30y. With this perception, ibuprofen was administered for postoperative pain management to a 17-year-old boy with allergic rhinitis and previous severe asthma (at a time when well controlled), who then had a severe asthma exacerbation. Analysis of the literature in response to this case highlights four points: 1) NSAID-exacerbated asthma is not only a disorder of adults; it occurs in up to of 2% in asthmatic children, approaching probably 30% in older children with severe asthma and nasal disease. 2) The asthmatic reaction is dose-dependent and can occur with sub-therapeutic doses. Oral NSAID/aspirin challenge should be conducted in an environment where a severe asthma exacerbation can be appropriately managed. 3) The therapeutic use of non-selective [COX-1 preferential] NSAIDs should be avoided when sensitivity is known or suspected in adults and teenagers with severe asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis or nasal polyps. Use of these agents in younger children with mild episodic wheeze is probably safe. 4) Paracetamol use is probably safe, but aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease may occur with clinical doses in a subgroup of aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease patients. COX-2 selective inhibitors are probably safe, although this is controversial. Opioids and tramadol are suitable analgesic alternatives for patients with known or suspected susceptibility.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = environment (Clic here for more details about this article) |
4/4. Controlled environment treatment for limb surgery and trauma (a preliminary report).This paper demonstrates a new approach to postsurgical and post-traumatic wound management in the lower limbs. Our own results of 20 below-knee amputations are documented. A less detailed report is then given of experience with an additional 20 amputees: this second group includes experience not only here at Seattle but at five other centers in the united states. The same method for wound management and for control of edema was employed in all cases. The method, Controlled environment Treatment (CET), uses filtered air as a dressing medium, with a control console to maintain the pressure, constant or varying, according to a preset program. temperature and humidity are also controllable, as is gas composition. The limb, together with its controlled environment, is contained with a pliable, transparent, treatment bag, which permits inspection and palpation of the wound site without disturbing the bacteriologically sterile air within the chamber. A special seal reduces air leakage yet avoids constriction of the limb. This CET system was originally developed by the Department of health and social security, Biomechanical research and Development Unit, Roehampton, england. Subsequent developments are also noted of an improved Mark II CET Unit and of simpler, related, management systems for conditions not requiring sterile environments.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 6keywords = environment (Clic here for more details about this article) |