Cannabinoids in the Orthopedic Setting: A Literature Review.

Public interest in the analgesic potential of cannabinoids has grown, but there is no consensus regarding orthopedic applications. Available evidence was identified for cannabinoid use in arthritis, neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, and postoperative pain. Extracted information included the risks of preoperative use, associations with opioid dependence, and surgical complications. There is limited evidence for therapeutic benefit of cannabinoids in rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. Cannabinoids are not indicated for postoperative pain. Preoperative unregulated use has been linked with postoperative opioid dependence. Cannabinoids may be considered a second- or third-line treatment for analgesia for some orthopedic pathologies. [Orthopedics. 2022;45(4):e183-e189.].

Operative Approaches to Ankle and Hindfoot Arthroscopy.

The role of arthroscopy in the management of ankle and hindfoot pathology management has increased greatly in recent years with the potential for lower complication rates, faster recovery, improved access, and improved outcomes when compared to open techniques. Procedural variations exist as techniques aim to optimize lesion access, decrease operative time, and improve patient safety. Our goal is to summarize the described approaches and patient positionings common in minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery for anterior, lateral, and posterior ankle pathologies. A survey of pathology organized by arthroscopic approach and a review of recent advances in concomitant lesion management may be useful when planning arthroscopic foot and ankle surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V, expert opinion.

A fluorescent coagulation assay for thrombin using a fibre optic evanescent wave sensor.

A fibre optic evanescent wave sensor is used for the rapid detection of thrombin. Coagulation of solution phase fluorescently labelled fibrinogen to unlabelled fibrinogen bound to the surface of the fibre optic is observed in real time by the evanescent wave sensor. Thrombin concentrations down to 0.01 NIHml(-1) are detectable within 5 min. The potential application of this technique for rapid amplified immunosensing is discussed.