Noise Evaluation of Arthroplasty Theaters: Results From the NEAT Study.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to define the levels of noise exposure for the surgeon, assistant, scrub nurse, and anesthetist during total hip and knee arthroplasty surgery. In addition, we sought to determine whether the noise exposure during these procedures reaches or exceeds the action values set out by the U.K. Noise at Work Regulations (2005). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Individual noise exposure during arthroplasty hip and knee surgery was recorded using a personal noise Dosemeter System model 22 (DM22) (Pulsar instruments, Filey, U.K.). Recordings were taken in real-time during five separate theater sessions. Each theater session included two arthroplasty procedures and lasted approximately 4 hrs. Personal noise exposure was expressed in terms of peak sound pressure and an average noise exposure over an 8-hour time-period to reflect the noise experienced by the ear over a working day. RESULTS: In all three sessions involving total hip replacement surgery, the peak sound pressure, for the operating surgeon exceeded the exposure action values set out by the U.K. Noise at Work Regulations. Theater sessions involving total knee replacement surgery did not exceed any exposure action values for LCPeak or LEPd. CONCLUSION: Arthroplasty surgery is a working environment with significant noise exposure. We recommend any surgeon or theater member who is concerned about the noise generated in their theater to have noise levels formally assessed using appropriately positioned recording devices.

Femoral revision in hip resurfacing compared with large-bearing metal-on-metal hip arthroplasty.

It has been suggested that revision of the femoral component of hip resurfacing after femoral failure would be straightforward and have an outcome comparable to primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). We have compared the outcome of femoral side-only revision resurfacings to the results of primary modular large-bearing metal-on-metal THA. Fourteen consecutive patients underwent revision surgery of the failed femoral component, to a cemented tapered stem (CPT, Zimmer, Warsaw, Indiana) with a large modular metal head (Smith and Nephew Orthopaedics Ltd, Memphis, Tennessee, or Adept, Finsbury Orthopaedics, Surrey, England). The acetabular component was found to be well fixed, well orientated, and was left in situ. The 14 matched patients in the primary THA group received the same components. At a mean follow-up of 49 months (range, 30-60 months), clinical outcome measured using the Oxford and Harris Hip Scores showed no significant difference (P = .11, P = .45, respectively). Operative time and blood loss were comparable for both groups. We conclude that revision of the failed femoral resurfacing component gives excellent results.

Osseous ankylosis of the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints of a finger following a snakebite.

We present a previously unreported case of osseous ankylosis of both the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints of a finger, as a result of a snakebite.

Primary multifocal osseous Hodgkin's lymphoma.

BACKGROUND: Hodgkin's disease (HD) most commonly presents with progressive painless enlargement of peripheral lymph nodes, especially around the cervical region. A few children have systemic symptoms and weight loss. At the time of diagnosis, osseous involvement is uncommon CASE PRESENTATION: A case is described of Primary Multifocal Osseous Hodgkin's Lymphoma in a seven-year-old boy. He presented with a painful swelling in the sternum, and further investigations revealed deposits in his L1 vertebra, the left sacro-iliac joint and the right acetabulum. CONCLUSION: The clinical, radiological and histological features of this disease can mimic other medical conditions, including Tuberculosis, making the diagnosis difficult and often leading to delays in treatment. This is a very rare condition and we believe this to be the youngest reported case in the literature.