scholarly journals Effect of Germanium-Embedded Knee Sleeve on Osteoarthritis of the Knee

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (10) ◽  
pp. 232596711987912 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine Marino ◽  
Rachel Lee ◽  
Paul Lee

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) affects an estimated 1 in 5 individuals older than 45 years of age in the United Kingdom. Previous studies have suggested that germanium-infused garments may provide improved clinical outcomes in OA. Germanium-embedded (GE) knee sleeves embrace this fabric technology. Purpose: To assess the outcomes of GE knee sleeves for patients with knee OA. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: This study was undertaken at a hospital in the United Kingdom. Patients who had radiographic features of OA, experienced knee pain for at least 6 months, and opted for nonsurgical intervention were included. Patients were recruited over 3 months. The University of California, Los Angeles activity score, Lysholm score, visual analog scale (VAS) score, and Oxford Knee Score (OKS) were collected at monthly intervals for 6 months. Patients were followed to determine their compliance with wearing the knee sleeves at all times, as advised, and whether any adverse effects had occurred. Results: A total of 50 participants were recruited for the study; 4 participants were excluded due to pain and were converted to surgical management. Therefore, 46 patients were analyzed and placed into 2 groups according to severity of OA, as classified by the Kellgren-Lawrence system: group A had grade 1 or 2 OA, and group B had grade 3 or 4 OA. There were 25 patients in group A and 21 in group B. Improvements were seen in OKS, VAS, and Lysholm scores in both groups. Clinically significant improvements were seen in group A only for OKS (mean increase, 14), VAS (mean decrease, 4.1), and Lysholm (mean increase, 17.2) scores. These results were also statistically significant (OKS, P = 5.8 × 10-7; VAS, P = 7.7 × 10-12; Lysholm, P = 4.2 × 10-11). The data from this study demonstrated that GE knee sleeves gave better outcomes for patients with grades 1 and 2 OA compared with patients with more advanced disease, which is consistent with previous studies. A total of 3 patients reported skin irritation, which resolved with simple skin ointment application. No patients reported infection, deep vein thrombosis, or circulation problems. Conclusion: GE knee sleeves could play an important role in optimizing nonsurgical management of patients with knee OA, especially patients with grades 1 and 2 OA, as demonstrated by the clinically significant improvements.

Author(s):  
J.A. Kirk ◽  
S.E. Alsop

In recent years there has been a considerable increase in the housing of sheep in the United Kingdom. This has taken place primarily pre-lambing and to a lesser extent for the finishing of lambs.Drinan and Ferguson (1981) found significantly faster growth rates and heavier carcass weights from lambs shorn 10-12 weeks prior to slaughter. Younis et al. (1977) and Salmon and Owen (1981) found increases in voluntary feed intakes and improved rates of liveweight gain in shorn as compared to unshorn lambs. Food conversion ratios have been found to improve in some trials but not others.The effects of shearing store lambs that were being finished indoors was investigated using 24 April born Suffolk X Mule lambs housed in individual pens from the 17 October 1985. Lambs were randomly assigned to one of three treatments. Group A and B were shorn at housing; Group C was left fully fleeced. Five weeks after the start of the trial Group B was shorn for a second time. The lambs were fed ad-libitum on a silage-based complete ration containing 6.1 MJ NE/kg. of Dry Matter.


2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Antonio Granata ◽  
Fulvio Floccari ◽  
Angelo Ferrantelli ◽  
Ugo Rotolo ◽  
Luca Di Lullo ◽  
...  

While ultrasonography is widely performed prior to biopsy, colour Doppler examination is often used only to discover post-biopsy complications. Aim of this paper was to evaluate the usefulness of colour Doppler examination in planning the optimal site of puncture for renal biopsy. Present analysis includes 561 consecutive percutaneous renal biopsies performed from the same operator. Until August 2000 332 biopsies were performed after a preliminary ultrasonography (Group A). From September 2000, 229 patients underwent even a preliminary colour Doppler study (Group B). Postbioptic bleeding were categorized as minor (gross hematuria or subcapsular perinephric hematoma < 4 cmq of greater diameter) or major (hematoma >4 cmq of greater diameter; requiring blood transfusion or invasive procedures; leading to acute renal failure, urine tract obstruction, septicaemia, or death). Major complications were seen in 2.1% in Group A while in Group B only one case was reported (0.43%). Minor clinically significant complications occur in 7.8% in Group A and in 3.4% of cases of Group B. Colour Doppler reduced drastically the incidence of complications observed before the introduction of routine colour Doppler examination prior to biopsy. In our opinion, these data support the use of preliminary colour Doppler study when a biopsy is planned.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 232596712199042
Author(s):  
Hyungsuk Kim ◽  
Chu Hwan Byun ◽  
Sung Bin Han ◽  
Hyun Seok Song

Background: Although everted bursal flaps of delaminated tears have been reported, few studies have reported radiologic images, arthroscopic findings, and clinical results after repair. Purpose: To compare the repair outcomes of everted delaminated tears with those of classic delaminated supraspinatus tears. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Among 153 patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for a delaminated supraspinatus tear, everted bursal flap tears were observed in 24 patients upon arthroscopy (group A). Another 24 patients with classic delaminated supraspinatus tears, matched for age and sex, were selected for group B. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasonography were performed preoperatively and postoperatively. Patients were evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain as well as functional scores (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES] score, Constant score, and University of California Los Angeles shoulder score). Scores were compared preoperatively and at final follow-up (mean follow-up, 32 months). Results: Patients in both groups A and B reported improved VAS and functional scores at the final follow-up. In group A, preoperative VAS scores were higher and functional scores were poorer than in group B. Subacromial effusions with tendon swelling on preoperative MRI were more common in group A. During follow-up ultrasonography, group A patients exhibited persistent subacromial effusion. However, VAS scores at final follow-up were significantly better in group A (0.4 ± 0.7) than in group B (1.6 ± 1.4) ( P < .001), and ASES scores at final follow-up were better in group A (84.3 ± 4.3) than in group B (77.0 ± 10.2) ( P = .005). Conclusion: Everted bursal flap delaminated tears were associated with higher VAS scores and poorer functional scores preoperatively. Although subacromial effusions were experienced by group A during the early postoperative period, clinical outcomes at final follow-up were significantly better for everted delaminated tears compared with classic delaminated tears.


KYAMC Journal ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 750-757
Author(s):  
Md Firoze Hasan ◽  
Muhammad Alamgir Mandal ◽  
Md Afzalur Rahman ◽  
Mohammad Moniruzzaman ◽  
Md Jahidul Islam ◽  
...  

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis accounting for about 30% of general physician visits. Objectives: To detect the effects of ultrasound therapy on patients with osteoarthritis of the knee joint.Methodology: It was a prospective non randomized clinical study, conducted in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Shahbagh, Dhaka during the periods of 1st March, 2012 to 31st August, 2012. Fifty four patients between 35-75 years of age without consideration of gender with a history of not less than three months knee pain with radiographic confirmation of primary osteoarthritis were selected purposefully. Then they were divided randomly in group A & group B. Group A received g NSAID [Aceclofenac 100mg B.D.-10 days]+Omeprazol (20mg B.D.-10days) + Therapeutic exercise + ADL and Group B received gUST+NSAID [Aceclofenac 100mg B.D.-10 days]+ Omeprazol (20mg B.D.-10days) + Therapeutic exercise + ADL. In both groups the patients were observed for six weeks. Outcome measured by VAS, ROM, 50 feet walking time and WOMAC index.Results: Mean ± SD of age in group A and group B were 52.33 ± 9.62 years and 52.29 ± 9.67 years respectively. Among the 27 patients in group A 9 (33.3%) were male and 18 (66.7%) were female. Among the 27 patients in group B 10 (37.0%) were male and 18 (63.0%) were female. Mean ± SD of VAS during pre treatment in group A and group B were 6.22 ± 1.60 and 7.15 ± 1.56 respectively. Mean ± SD of ROM during pre treatment in group A and group B were 117.33 ± 13.05 and 112.37 ± 19.01 respectively. Mean ± SD of time taken to walk 50 feet during pre treatment in group A and group B were 18.22 ± 2.39 and 18.81 ± 2.13 minutes respectively. Mean ± SD of WOMAC index in group A and group B were 60.85 ± 15.86 and 67.33 ± 16.33 minutes respectively. After treatment in both groups VAS, time taken to walk 50 feet and WOMAC index gradually decreased and ROM gradually increased.Conclusion: Although the study conducted with small sample size in a single centre in Dhaka city which may not be representative for the whole country it was found that there was statistically significant difference found in VAS, ROM, and time taken to walk 50 feet and WOMAC index between the groups.KYAMC Journal Vol. 7, No.-2, Jan 2017, Page 750-757


2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 67-67
Author(s):  
Kazuto Tsuboi ◽  
Nobuo Omura ◽  
Fumiaki Yano ◽  
Masato Hoshino ◽  
Se-Ryung Yamamoto ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Erosive gastro-esophageal reflux disease (e-GERD) is associated with various symptoms caused by reflux of acid and gastric contents from the stomach to the esophagus. In general, it seems that as the duration of the disease is longer, surgical outcomes are inferior because of disease progression. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between the disease duration and surgical outcomes of laparoscopic fundoplication (LF). Methods Two hundred and fifty-one (mean age was 53.4 years, male in 166) patients with e-GERD who underwent LF as an initial operation at our institution were extracted from the database. E-GERD was defined as equal to or more than grade A esophagitis by Los Angeles classification. These patients were divided into three groups by the length of disease duration: less than two years in Group A (n = 104), two to 5 years in Group B (n = 68) and equal to or more than 5 years in Group C (n = 79). We analyzed patients’ background, pre-operative symptoms, surgical outcomes, patients’ satisfaction and post-operative course. Before surgery, a standardized questionnaire was used to assess the degree of frequency and severity of symptoms (heartburn, regurgitation, dysphagia, vomiting and chest pain). Moreover, satisfaction with the operation was evaluated using the standardized questionnaire. Results Age and degree of acid reflux by pH-metry were significantly different among the three groups (P = 0.0054 and 0.0345, respectively). As to the pre-operative symptom score, the severity score of heartburn and the frequency score of regurgitation were significantly lower in Group A (P = 0.0225 and 0.031, respectively). Although operation time was significantly difference among the three groups (P = 0.0423), there were no differences in intraoperative blood loss, occurrence of peri-operative complications, post-operative course and patients’ satisfaction. Conclusion Although the patients who suffered equal to or over two years had more severe heartburn and regurgitation because of prolonged acid reflux, the duration of the disease does not seem to affect the surgical outcomes. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 232596712091112
Author(s):  
Jianda Xu ◽  
Yuxing Qu ◽  
Huan Li ◽  
Aixiang Zhu ◽  
Tao Jiang ◽  
...  

Background: Intra-articular corticosteroid injections have been widely used and are considered a mainstay in the nonoperative treatment of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA). However, their increased use can have negative implications, including chondral toxicity and a high risk of infections. As a result, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been considered as an alternative. Purpose: To determine the pain relief and safety of ketorolac versus a corticosteroid to supplement an intra-articular sodium hyaluronate injection for the treatment of symptomatic knee OA. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 84 patients with unilateral symptomatic knee OA receiving 5 weekly injections were enrolled in this retrospective study. Group A (n = 42) received 3 weekly intra-articular corticosteroid injections (0.5% lidocaine, 25 mg of triamcinolone acetonide, and 25 mg of sodium hyaluronate, followed by 2 weekly injections of 0.5% lidocaine and 25 mg of sodium hyaluronate), while group B (n = 42) received 5 weekly ketorolac injections (0.5% lidocaine, 10 mg of ketorolac, and 25 mg of sodium hyaluronate). The following parameters were used to evaluate pain relief and safety: visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and side effects before the injection and at 1, 2, and 5 weeks after treatment commencement as well as 3 months after the last injection. Results: Patients from both groups had a significant improvement in VAS and WOMAC scores from the first injection to final follow-up at 3 months. In the first week, the VAS score was lower in group A ( P = .041), but no significant between-group differences were found for either the VAS or the WOMAC score at the other time points. Of the 42 patients in group A, 34 (81.0%) and 25 (59.5%) achieved successful outcomes at 5 weeks after treatment commencement and 3 months after the last injection, respectively. In group B, 32 (76.2%) and 24 (57.1%) patients achieved successful outcomes at 5 weeks after treatment commencement and 3 months after the last injection, respectively. At final follow-up, no significant difference was found in the successful treatment rate between the groups ( P = .825). Conclusion: The current study demonstrated that intra-articular ketorolac and corticosteroid injections produce the same pain relief and functional improvement.


Folia Medica ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 54 (2) ◽  
pp. 27-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria N. Negreva ◽  
Atanas P. Penev

ABSTRACT The incidence of atrial fibrillation has been rapidly increasing in recent years. The increased tonus of the sympathetic nervous system is related to the development of atrial fibrillation. OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of bisoprolol, a highly selective beta-blocker, on patients with recent-onset atrial fibrillation (< 48 hours) for regularization of the rhythm using propafenone. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study includes 164 patients (81 women, 83 men, age 59.09 ± 10.81) with successfully restored sinus rhythm in recent-onset atrial fibrillation. The patients received either propafenone (group A, n = 82) or a combination of propafenone and bisoprolol (group B, n = 82). The studied patients were randomly allocated to the groups. Propafenone was administered intravenously as a 2 mg/kg bolus followed by infusion of 0.0078 mg/kg/min for 120 min and orally in dosage of 300 mg three times every 8 hours if arrhythmia persisted. Bisoprolol was administered in a single dose at the very beginning of propafenone treatment and only in patients from group B at a dose of 5 or 10 mg. Regularization of the rhythm was assessed at the 3rd, 6th, 12th and 24th hour. RESULTS: In the initial stages of regularization the combined therapy restored the sinus rhythm in a greater number of patients in comparison with the monotherapy (at the 6th hour 67.07% in group B versus 48.78% in group A, P < 0.05; at the 12th hour it was 87.80% versus 75.60%, respectively, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Early regularization of rhythm in patients with recent-onset atrial fibrillation reduces the likelihood of recurrent episodes of arrhythmia. This makes the application of selective beta-blockade clinically significant.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard John Drew ◽  
Zara Fonseca-Kelly ◽  
Maeve Eogan

Maternal sepsis is a significant problem in obstetrics, with almost one in four maternal deaths related to severe sepsis. We carried out a retrospective review of clinically significant bacteraemia in obstetric patients attending Rotunda Hospital over 14 years. From 2001 to 2014, there were 252 clinically significant positive blood culture episodes in obstetric patients. There were 112,361 live births >500 g during the study period giving an overall rate of 2.24 clinically significant positive maternal blood culture episodes per 1000 live births >500 g. The median rate over the 14 years was 2.12 episodes per 1000 live births >500 g, with an interquartile range of 1.74–2.43 per 1000 live births >500 g. There was no discernable increasing or decreasing trend over the 14 years.E. coliwas the most commonly isolated organism (n= 92/252, 37%), followed by group BStreptococcus(n= 64/252, 25%),Staphylococcus aureus(n= 28/252, 11%), and anaerobes (n= 11/252, 4%). These top four organisms represented three-quarters of all positive blood culture episodes (n= 195/252, 77.3%). Of note, there were only five cases of listeriosis, representing a rate of 4.4 cases per 100,000 live births >500 g. The rate of invasive group A streptococcal infection was also very low at 5.3 cases per 100,000 live births >500 g.


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