This study investigated the effect of local anaesthetic temperature on block of the first sacral segment. Twenty-four patients undergoing lumbar epidural anaesthesia at L2-3 or L3-4 were randomly divided in double-blind fashion into two groups to receive 22 ml of lignocaine 2% with adrenaline 1:200,000, sodium bicarbonate and fentanyl, at ...

Two experimental studies were undertaken to determine if blood flow rate changes and/or red blood cell damage occurs during red cell transfusion via a single blood filter. In the first study, 12 experiments were performed in each of which four units of group specific human red blood cells, followed by ...

Peripheral arterial catheters are used for the continuous monitoring of blood pressure and repeated blood sampling in critically ill patients, but can be a source of catheter-related bloodstream infection. A common assumption is that the more frequently an arterial catheter is accessed, the greater the likelihood of contamination and colonisation ...

We investigated whether there was an association between recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) use in cardiac surgery and thromboembolic events by comparing cases in two medical registries. The incidence of thromboembolic events in patients undergoing cardiac surgery (except isolated coronary artery bypass grafts) who had received rFVIIa and were entered ...

The efficacy of dexamethasone alone or in combination with a serotonergic antagonist to prevent nausea and vomiting in laparoscopic cholecystectomy is well established, but few data exist regarding its effects on perioperative cortisol and glucose levels. Fourteen non-diabetic subjects having elective laparoscopic choleycystectomy and standardised general anaesthesia were randomised to ...

Dexamethasone is an effective prophylaxis against postoperative nausea and vomiting but is immunosuppressive and may predispose patients to an increased postoperative infection risk. This matched case-control study examined the association between the administration of a single intraoperative anti-emetic dose of dexamethasone (4 to 8 mg) and postoperative infection in patients ...

Nausea and vomiting are common complications of anaesthesia. Dexamethasone is an effective prophylaxis but is immunosuppressive and may increase postoperative infection risk. This retrospective cohort study examined the association between the administration of a single intraoperative anti-emetic dose of dexamethasone (4 to 8 mg) and postoperative infection in 439 patients ...

There is a lack of cohesive reports on the systemic levels of local anaesthetic after intraperitoneal application. A comprehensive systematic review with no language restriction was conducted. Eighteen suitable articles were identified. Data were compiled and presented according to local anaesthetic agent. Intraperitoneal local anaesthetic has been studied in many ...

Objective: To present recommendations for the prevention, education, and management of skin infections in athletes.

Objective: To present the case of a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I men's lacrosse athlete with fourth cranial nerve injury as the result of a minor traumatic blow.

Reference: Hegedus E J, Goode A, Campbell S, et al. Physical examination tests of the shoulder: a systematic review with meta-analysis of individual tests. Br J Sports Med. 2008;42(2):80-92.

Objective: As a result of inconsistencies in reported findings, controversy exists regarding the effectiveness of balance training for improving functional performance and neuromuscular control. Thus, its practical benefit in athletic training remains inconclusive. Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of training interventions in enhancing neuromuscular control and functional performance.

Context: Previous researchers have demonstrated that male and female athletes feel more comfortable with treatment by a same-sex athletic trainer for sex-specific injuries and conditions.

Context: The concept of culture and its relationship to athletic training beliefs and practices is virtually unexplored. The changing demographics of the United States and the injuries and illnesses of people from diverse backgrounds have challenged health care professionals to provide culturally competent care.

Context: Social support has been identified as an important factor in facilitating recovery from injury. However, no previous authors have prospectively assessed the change in social support patterns before and after injury.

Context: Sweat sodium losses have never been reported in a large cohort of American football players.

Context: Recommendations on the positioning of the tibiofemoral joint during a valgus stress test to optimize isolation of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) from other medial joint structures vary in the literature. If a specific amount of flexion could be identified as optimally isolating the MCL, teaching and using the ...

Context: Insufficient lower extremity strength may be a risk factor for lower extremity injuries such as noncontact anterior cruciate ligament tears. Therefore, clinicians need reliable instruments to assess strength deficiencies.

Context: The Ober and Thomas tests are subjective and involve a "negative" or "positive" assessment, making them difficult to apply within the paradigm of evidence-based medicine. No authors have combined the subjective clinical assessment with an objective measurement for these special tests.

Context: Thermocouples and electrothermometers are used in therapeutic modality research. Until recently, researchers assumed that these instruments were valid and reliable.

Context: Although originally manufactured for use in diagnostic imaging of internal structures, 2-cm-thick gel pads are also used as conducting media for therapeutic ultrasound over areas with bony prominences. Research on the ability of these pads to conduct enough energy to adequately heat tissues has provided mixed results. However, this ...

Context: Evidence suggests that concussion prolongs reaction time (RT). We have developed a simple, reliable clinical tool for measuring reaction time that may be of value in the assessment of concussion in athletes.