Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Procalcitonin in Sepsis Patients: Do They Have Any Prognostic Significance?

INTRODUCTION: Biomarkers like white blood cells, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, and interleukin-1 are used in patients with sepsis for early diagnosis, differentiating various infections, making decisions to start antibiotics and evaluate their response, and to prognosticate morbidity and mortality. Despite the availability of these biomarkers, the prognosis of patients with sepsis in the ICU remains poor. Hence, this study was carried out to test the efficacy of procalcitonin and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) to prognosticate mortality and morbidity in terms of incidence of organ dysfunction and length of ICU stay in sepsis patients. METHODS: In this prospective observational study, we measured NLR and procalcitonin at days one, three, and seven of sepsis patients and divided them into four groups: low NLR and high procalcitonin (LNHP), high NLR and high procalcitonin (HNHP), high NLR and low procalcitonin (HNLP), and low NLR and low procalcitonin (LNLP). Mortality at 28 days was noted as the primary outcome. RESULTS: Out of 85 patients included in the study, five were lost to follow-up. Although no statistically significant difference was found in the primary outcome between all four groups, regression analysis showed that rising NLR and procalcitonin values were associated with a significant increase in mortality. CONCLUSION: Serial values of NLR and procalcitonin are more important in predicting severity in comparison to a single value at presentation and can be used as a prognostic marker in sepsis patients.

Lack of Public Awareness and Prehospital Care in Severe Trauma Patients: The Weakest Link in the Indian Healthcare System.

INTRODUCTION: Management of trauma involves both in-hospital and prehospital care. The level of prehospital care plays a vital role in trauma management. Low- and middle-income countries are still in the nascent stages of development of their emergency medical services (EMS) systems. Also, there have been insufficient studies assessing the availability and level of prehospital care in developing nations such as India. Therefore, we decided to study the level of awareness and prehospital care given to severe trauma patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted this prospective observational study at the emergency department of Fortis Hospital, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, in Northern India. All adults between ages 18 and 85 years presenting with severe trauma (immediate life- or limb-threatening conditions requiring emergent intervention) were included. We measured the primary outcome in terms of why people did not avail EMS. We measured secondary outcomes in terms of intervention done in patients coming to us via EMS. RESULTS: Out of 101 patients, 89 (88.12%) were transported to Fortis Hospital through non-EMS, whereas only 12 (11.88%) patients were transported by EMS. We found the difference to be statistically significant. The major reason given for not summoning advanced trauma care services in patients was a lack of awareness about the potential benefits of EMS (n = 64 [72%]), followed by a lack of availability (n = 24 [27%]), and financial reasons (n = 1 [1.1%]). CONCLUSION: We conclude that the level of awareness about EMS for severe trauma patients was found to be low in our study. There is a need for an awareness-creation program across the nation to fill this gap.

Feeding Outcomes in Preterm Neonates with Antenatal Abnormal Umbilical Artery Doppler Profile: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Neonates with absent-or-reversed umbilical artery end-diastolic flow (AREDF) are at an increased risk of feeding problems. In this retrospective study, authors evaluated the incidence of feed intolerance in 213 preterm neonates (January 2017-May 2022) with AREDF. The median (IQR) gestation and birth weight were 32 (30, 33) wk and 1120 (840, 1425) g, respectively. Of 213 neonates, 103 (48.4%; 95% CI 41.5%, 55.3%) neonates developed feed intolerance. Twelve of 213 neonates developed any stage necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) (5.6%; 95% CI 2.9%, 9.6%) at a median age of 10 d. On multivariate regression, gestation was the only independent predictor of feed intolerance (OR 1.48; 95% CI 1.28, 1.70; for every 1 wk decrease below 36 wk). Almost 50% of preterm neonates with AREDF develop feed intolerance. Alternative feeding strategies warrant exploration to optimise nutrition in these neonates.

Narrow Notch Width and Low Anterior Cruciate Ligament Volume Are Risk Factors for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Study.

Background: The relationship between anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and anatomical structures is still a topic of debate. Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare knee geometry in demographically matched ACL-injured and ACL-intact athletes. Methods: We conducted a case-control study comparing 2 groups, each consisting of 55 professional athletes (44 men and 11 women): 1 group with complete ACL tears (cases) and 1 group with intact ACLs (controls). The groups were compared using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in terms of intercondylar notch geometry, tibial plateau characteristics, and ACL volume. Results: Among cases and controls, we found the cases had lower notch width (20.24 ± 2.68 mm vs. 22.04 ± 2.56 mm, respectively) and notch width index (0.29 ± 0.03 vs. 0.31 ± 0.03, respectively). The mean ACL volume in the cases (1181.63 mm3 ± 326 mm3) was also lower than in controls (1352.61 mm3 ± 279.84 mm3). The parameters of tibial slope geometry were comparable between groups. In addition, women had lower ACL volume than men (1254 ± 310 mm3 vs. 890 ± 267 mm3, respectively) and higher medial posterior tibial slope (4.76 ± 2.6 vs. 6.63 ± 1.83, respectively). Among cases, women had narrower notch width than men (16.9 ± 2.42 mm vs. 21.08 ± 2.03 mm). However, notch width index was comparable between male (0.3 ± 0.02) and female (0.28 ± 0.03) cases. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that narrow notch width and low ACL volume may enhance the risk of ACL injury among athletes. There was no association found between posterior tibial slope and ACL injury between athletes with injured ACLs and controls. Further study is indicated.

The presence of high-grade pivot shift test preoperatively is associated with inferior functional outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The effect of high-grade preoperative pivot shift test on outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery is not very well established. The present study was conducted to study the factors associated with high-grade pivot shift test and effect of high-grade preoperative pivot shift test on functional outcomes after ACL reconstruction surgery. METHODS: Three hundred and sixty-two patients who underwent primary ACL reconstruction surgery were enrolled in the study. The pivot shift test was performed preoperatively under anesthesia in all patients. Side of the meniscal tear, if present at the time of ACL reconstruction, was documented. Patients were divided into two groups depending upon the grade of pivot shift test: group H, high-grade pivot shift (n = 84/362; 23%); and group L, low-grade pivot shift (n = 278/362; 77%). Patients were further divided into two groups depending upon the duration of injury: acute (<6 months) and chronic (>6 months). The functional assessment was done using Lysholm score and Tegner activity scale. RESULTS: The presence of lateral meniscus tear (27/84 vs. 53/278) or both menisci tear (29/84 vs. 60/278) was associated with high-grade pivot shift (p < 0.05). Chronic ACL tears were also observed to be associated with high-grade pivot shift (p = 0.03). The mean Lysholm score in group H and group L patients was 93.8 ± 5.1 and 95.2 ± 5.3, respectively (p = 0.04). The mean post-op Tegner activity scale in group H was 6.8 and in group L was 7.3 (p = 0.0001). Also, 181/253 (71.5%) patients returned to same or higher level of sports activity in group L as compared to 33/72 (46%) patients in group H. The incidence of graft failure in groups H and L was 6.5% (5/77) and 1.6% (4/257; p = 0.03), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The high-grade pivot shift is associated with chronic ACL tear (>6 months) and concomitant lateral meniscus tear. The presence of high-grade pivot shift preoperatively is associated with inferior clinical outcomes and lower rate of return to sports. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case-control study.

Concepts in wound irrigation of open fractures: 'Where we came from, and where are we now?

Wound irrigation is described as the flow of a solution through an exposed fracture surface to reduce the microbial colonization, to remove apparent foreign particles and wound exudates. . While recent literature and various in-vitro and in-vivo trials have cleared some clouds of doubt from the mind, it still remains a topic of debate. Normal saline remains the standard irrigation solution as it is non tissue toxic and has the same tonicity as body fluids. The quantity and duration of washing though is not standardized and is the surgeon's choice. This adds to the dilemma in the minds of the surgeon, with the timing of the debridement and the duration of wound irrigation depending on the surgeon's discretion. Future studies should aim to regulate the duration of the wound irrigation besides guiding about the ideal fluid volume to be used for the irrigation. Further, secondary end-points like the duration of hospital stay, rate of infections and use of hospital resources, should be computed to know about the adequacy of the wound debridement and irrigation. Antimicrobial solutions can kill microorganisms in the wound but are toxic to the host tissues as well, which limits their use. In addition, pulsatile (high pressure) lavage has not been seen to increase overall effectiveness. Recent research trials have found cumulative use of innovative solutions like phenols and EDTA along with enzymes to be encouraging though large randomized controlled trials are lacking.

High Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency among North Indian Athletes.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency is high in athletes and has an impact on athletes' performance. INTRODUCTION: Assessment of serum Vitamin D levels in healthy North Indian sportspersons and its correlation with serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels and bone mineral density (BMD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three-hundred and sixty-nine healthy athletes' aged 18-45 years were enrolled. Depending upon Vitamin D levels athletes were categorized into three groups: deficient (<20 ng/ml), insufficient (20-30 ng/ml), and sufficient (>30 ng/ml). BMD and serum PTH levels were assessed in all athletes and correlation was seen with Vitamin D levels. RESULTS: Two-hundred and fifty-eight (69.9%) athletes were Vitamin D deficient, 51/369 (13.8%) were Vitamin D insufficient, and 60/369 (16.3%) athletes were Vitamin D sufficient. There was a direct correlation between low serum Vitamin D levels and low BMD (r = 0.473; P < 0.05). Overall, 114/369 (30%) athletes had low BMD and out of these 114 athletes, 108 (95%) were Vitamin D deficient. Serum PTH levels were found to have inverse relations with both Vitamin D (r= -0.629) and BMD (r=-0.267). CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent among the North Indian athletes and the presence of low Vitamin D (<20 ng/ml) levels is associated with low BMD and high PTH levels.

Strong association of meniscus tears with complete Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries relative to partial ACL injuries.

BACKGROUND: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries are often associated with meniscus tears. These meniscus tears in long term may affect the functional outcomes after ACL reconstruction. The present study aims to identify the incidence and relative association of meniscus injuries in complete and partial ACL injuries. METHODS: This was a retrospective study. Patients were divided into 2 groups; group I: partial ACL tear and group 2: complete ACL tear. Both groups were assessed for meniscal tears; either isolated medial/lateral or combined and odds ratio was measured between two groups. RESULTS: A total of 43 and 219 patients were enrolled in group I and II respectively. The mean age (years) in group I and II were 25.32 ± 7.12 and 28.64 ± 10.84 respectively. There were a total of 5 and 28 females in group I and II respectively. Mean pre-injury Tegner score in group I and II was 7.02 ± 2.87 and 6.82 ± 3.14 respectively. Mean time from injury to surgery (months) in group I and II was 8.04 ± 6.43 and 7.62 ± 4.83 respectively. In group 1 There were a total of 6 with lateral meniscus tears, 9 with medial meniscus tears And 3 with combined meniscal tears in group 1 while in group 2, 47 had lateral meniscal tears, 71 had medial meniscal tears and 71 had combined tears. Group II patients had stronger association for isolated meniscal tears compared to group I, with an odds ratio of 5.05(p < 0.05). Combined meniscal tears had non-significant relation in two groups (p = 0.58). CONCLUSION: Partial ACL injuries present with less risk of acquiring isolated meniscus tears, compared to complete ACL injuries.

Epidemiologic characteristics and pre-hospital care of traumatic injuries during the COVID-19 pandemic in an emerging and developing country: A single tertiary centre experience.

BACKGROUND: Pre-hospital care has been shown to reduce the mortality in trauma patients. The present study is an attempt to identify the status of pre-hospital orthopaedic trauma care in developing countries during COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study carried out in a tertiary care setup from March 25th, 2020 to January 31st, 2021. All the data pertaining to the traumatic injuries including demographic details and epidemiologic characteristics were recorded in an electronic database. RESULTS: A total of 1044 patients were included in the study for evaluation. The mean age was 35.24 ± 19.84 years. There were 873 males and 171 females. A total of 748 presented from nearby states, with 401 being the referrals and 347 cases coming directly to hospital. A total of 141 open fractures presented directly and 269 were referred from nearby states. Out of 269 cases of open fractures, only 67 and 139 were given intravenous antibiotics and had wound dressing done respectively at the periphery site. A total of 125, 112, 92 and 84 patients were received without traction/splintage, intravenous fluids, dose of analgesics and recording of vitals respectively. Delay from injury to presentation in emergency/administration of antibiotic (Hours) was 7.06. Road side accidents were main cause comprising of 52.58% cases. Gustilo Anderson classification grade-2 comprised of majority of the open fractures (51.63%). Lower limb fractures comprised of majority of the injuries (70.59%). Majority were adults and conservative management was the most common mode of treatment. A total of 197 and 265 patients had associated head injuries and blunt trauma chest/blunt trauma abdomen respectively. CONCLUSION: Emphasizing on pre-hospital care measures, with special focus on co-ordination between primary, secondary and tertiary health care facilities is the need of the hour and can prevent additional morbidities, avoiding overburden of the already compromised healthcare centres.

Similar functional outcomes of arthroscopic reconstruction in patients with isolated Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) and combined Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and PCL tears.

BACKGROUND: Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) injuries seldom occur in isolation and majority occurs in conjugation with other ligament injuries. Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) reconstruction continues to be taken into consideration as a complicated surgical procedure, with heterogeneity in literature regarding clinical and functional outcomes in isolated PCL and combined ACL and PCL injuries. METHODS: The retrospective evaluation of patients with isolated PCL reconstruction (group 1) and combined Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and PCL reconstruction (group 2) was performed. A total of 66 patients with either isolated PCL or combined ACL and PCL reconstruction surgeries that met the inclusion criteria, were included in the study. These patients were assessed for functional outcome scores including Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Tegner activity score at a minimum follow-up of 5 years. RESULTS: The mean follow-up of patients was 82.09 ± 12.43 months in group 1 and 79.36 ± 11.24 months in group 2, with a total of 29 patients in group 1 and 21 patients in group 2. Both the groups were found to be comparable in terms of age, gender, duration of injury and pre-injury Tegner activity level. Post-surgical functional outcome scores (WOMAC score, Lysholm score and Tegner score) were found to be comparable between 2 groups at a mean follow-up of 5 years. Further, 22 patients in group 1 and 16 patients in group 2 had normal or near normal objective IKDC outcome scores at a mean follow-up of 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: No differences were observed in functional outcome scores (WOMAC score, Lysholm score, Tegner score and IKDC score) between isolated reconstructed PCL and combined ACL and PCL reconstructed patients.

Femoral tunnel length has no correlation with graft rupture: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Literature is controversial on femoral tunnel length as a risk factor for graft injury if the graft length in the tunnel is kept constant at ≥15 mm. METHODS: A total of 1079 sportspersons, meeting our inclusion criteria, were assessed for graft rupture. Patients with femoral tunnel length (FTL) ≤30 mm were labeled as Group 1, while those with FTL > 30 mm were labeled as Group 2. Both groups were compared for potential risk factors for graft injury keeping graft length in the tunnel at ≥15 mm and statistical analysis was performed to study whether the femoral tunnel length acted as an additional risk factor. RESULTS: Of 1079 sportspersons, 37 suffered from graft rupture. Patients with FTL > 30 mm were included in Group 1(n = 22) and patients with FTL ≤ 30 mm (n = 15) were included in Group 2. Both groups were comparable for risk factors for ACL injury: age (P = 0.37), gender (P = 0.53), mode of re-injury (P = 0.38), graft diameter (P = 0.71), level of sports activity (P = not significant), duration from injury to index surgery (P = 0.74), duration from index surgery to re-injury (P = 0.52), timing of return to sports after index surgery (P = 0.30), duration of sporting activity before second injury (P = 0.31), Tegner's level (P = not siginificant), Notch width index (P = 0.12) posterior slope (P = 0.77) and height (P = 0.41). CONCLUSION: Because the graft length in the tunnel was kept at optimum and the risk factors for ACL injury were comparable in both groups at a follow up period, we suggest that femoral tunnel length is not a risk factor for graft failure.

Vitamin D deficiency in athletes and its impact on outcome of Anterior Cruciate Ligament surgery.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency is a worldwide pandemic problem. With vitamin D having some role in exercise-induced inflammation, skeletal muscle mass and endurance, we studied its effect on functional outcome of athletes' post-Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction. METHODS: A total of 153 patients who underwent primary ACL reconstruction were enrolled in the study. All patients were screened for vitamin D levels preoperatively. Patients were divided into 3 groups on basis of vitamin D levels; Group 1 patients had < 20 ng/ml, group 2 patients 20-30 ng/ml and group 3 > 30 ng/ml. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 2 years. RESULTS: A total of 153 patients were enrolled in study. The average age of the patients was 24.12 ± 2.12 years in group 1, 25.24 ± 3.20 years in group 2 and 24.74 ± 2.86 in group 3. The mean follow-up of patients was 2.8 ± 1.2 years. At 2 years, the mean Lysholm score was 96.12, 96.49 and 97.0, respectively (p = 0.75); mean WOMAC score was 3.33, 3.38 and 3.20, respectively (p = 0.91); mean difference between the pre-injury and post-surgery Tegner level of sports activity at 2 years follow-up was 0.78, 0.78 and 0.85, respectively (P = 0.51) and graft failure rate was 5.88%, 1.96% and 1.96%, respectively (p = 0.43). CONCLUSION: Vitamin D has no effect on functional outcome and graft rupture rates in patients' post-primary ACL reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prospective Cohort Study (Level III).

An Unusual Occurrence of Scaphoid Fracture Fragment in the Volar Compartment of the Forearm: A Case Report with Review of Literature.

Introduction: Scaphoid fractures are common wrist injuries and are commonly missed. Patients present with radial-sided wrist pain. Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging help in better planning, with analysis of comminution, torn ligaments, timely diagnosis, and intricate fixation prevent avascular necrosis, non-union, and carpal collapse. Case Presentation: We present a rare scenario of right hand dominant 42 years male with scaphoid waist fracture, where the fracture fragment was unusually displaced 4 cm proximal to the wrist in the volar compartment of the forearm. Urgent open reduction and internal fixation with a Herbert screw was done. At 1 year follow-up, fracture united, with satisfactory range of motion and functional outcomes of the wrist. Conclusion: Timely diagnosis and urgent operative intervention for unstable displaced scaphoid fractures with rigid fixation provides long-term satisfactory outcomes and prevents complications.

Unusual Combination of Hip Dislocation with Ipsilateral Femoral Neck and Acetabulum Fracture: A Rare Case Report.

Introduction: Traumatic dislocation of hip associated with ipsilateral femur neck and acetabulum fracture is a rare and devastating injury as a result of high-energy trauma, with potential complications of femur head aseptic necrosis and hip joint degenerative arthritis. Patients, postoperatively, may encounter decreased functional outcomes and serious challenge, during activities of daily living. Management guidelines lack clarity, with possible options including fracture fragments fixation or hip joint replacement. Case Report: A 45-year-old patient was diagnosed with posterior dislocation of hip with ipsilateral femur neck and acetabulum fracture. Plan for emergent hip reduction and primary surgical fixation of fracture fragments was made. Intraoperatively, posterior wall acetabulum fracture was found to be excessively comminuted and non-amenable for fixation and femoral head was found to be avascularized. Subsequently, plan was changed to total hip replacement with acetabular defect reconstruction. At 1-year follow-up, no aseptic loosening was observed on radiographic views of pelvis, with total Harris Hip Score of 91. Conclusion: Early operative management for such complex injuries is a necessity. Definitive management in the form of primary fracture fixation/arthroplasty should be decided intraoperatively.

Effect of COVID-19 on surgical management of open fractures and infection rates: A tertiary care experience in Indian set-up.

BACKGROUND: Open fractures form one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries and are often complicated by infection. In this unprecedented situation, the additional infection rates, further add to the burden of the already compromised healthcare setup. The present study is done to see the effect of COVID-19 on management of open fractures. METHODS: A retrospective evaluation of patients with open fractures from March 25th, 2020 to July 21st, 2020 (group 1) and March 25th, 2019 to July 21st, 2019 (group 2) was performed. These patients were assessed for demographic details, diagnosis, type of surgery, delay from injury to admission, delay from admission to surgery, postoperative hospital stay, acute infection rates, readmission rates and associated injuries. RESULTS: A total of 52 patients with 59 open fractures in 2020 and 89 patients with 101 open fractures in 2019 met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 34.76 years and 32.74 years in 2020 and 2019 respectively. Road side accidents were predominant in both the groups, comprising of 38 (73.07%) and 67 (75.28%) respectively(n.s.); adult patients were 42 (80.76%) and 79 (88.76%) respectively(n.s.); paediatric patients were 10 (19.23%) and 10 (11.23%) respectively(n.s.); tibia was the most common bone involved, comprising of 14 (23.72%) and 27 (26.73%) open fractures respectively(n.s.); external fixator was the most commonly used implant during COVID-19 time with 42 (71.18%) and 51 (50.49%) respectively(p = 0.005); the infection rate was 25.42% and 20.79% respectively(n.s.); the time for administration of first intravenous antibiotic dose was on 6.75 h and 4.04 h respectively(p < 0.0001); average time between the admission and surgical debridement was 24.04 h and 19.32 h respectively(n.s.); referral cases were 33 (63.46%) and 44 (49.43%) respectively(n.s.); re-admission rates were 7/52 (13.46%) and 10/89(11.23%) respectively(n.s.). CONCLUSION: Despite the decrease in total trauma cases, a delay in presentation to the emergency room/administration of first dose of antibiotic and increase in temporary fixation in form of external fixator was observed. Further, an increase in infection rates, referral cases and readmission rates were observed, though not statistically significant.

Cyst between Femoral Attachments of Cruciate Ligaments: Unusual Cause of Knee Pain and Review of Literature.

INTRODUCTION: Cysts associated with the cruciate ligaments are rare with an incidence of less than 1%. Most are asymptomatic and detected as incidental findings, but some are symptomatic presenting with knee pain and restricted range of motion. Case report. A 33-year-old female presented with pain and restriction of terminal flexion at the knee. No history of trauma was present. Clinically no diagnosis could be established. MRI showed a cyst located between the femoral attachments of cruciate ligaments which was further confirmed by diagnostic arthroscopy. Rupture of the cyst was done arthroscopically. Postoperatively, patient was relieved of the pain. There were no subsequent recurrences. CONCLUSION: Cysts between the cruciate ligaments must be kept as a differential while dealing with a patient of knee pain, with no antecedent history of trauma and where clinically no diagnosis can be made. Arthroscopic excision or rupture has a good success rate with no recurrences.

Primary tuberculosis of the fibular diaphysis: A rare case report.

INTRODUCTION: Primary diaphyseal tuberculosis has very low occurrence. With no systemic signs and specific radiographic features, there exists low index of suspicion, which may delay the diagnosis of tuberculosis. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A female aged 15 years presented with chronic leg pain and swelling for past 7 months. There was no significant history of tuberculosis present. On investigations ESR was 44 mm and positive mantoux test. Chest radiograph was normal. On x-ray (R) fibula intramedullary eccentric lytic lesion and on MRI (R) leg intramedullary lytic lesion was present suggestive of ewing's sarcoma. On histopathology epitheloid granulomas with langhans giant cells were present. Category 1 antitubercular drug regimen was started and lesion healed with alleviations of signs & symptoms. DISCUSSION: Tuberculosis presents with typical signs and symptoms in adults compared with children in whom cystic tubercular lesions in shaft of long bones presents mostly as a single solitary intramedullary lytic lesion on MRI, which corresponds with other more common differentials. This clinical and radiological heterogeneity warrants lesional biopsy and culture to determine the right diagnosis to aid in early starting of correct treatment and recovery of the patient. CONCLUSION: With atypical presentation of diaphyseal tuberculosis in children, a high index of suspicion with unexplained pain and swelling of the bone could help to establish the diagnosis.

Iatrogenic median nerve injury as a result of venous cut down procedure: A rare case report.

INTRODUCTION: Venous cut down is an emergency procedure done to get vascular access in trauma patients where peripheral cannulation/central venous catheter is challenging or causes delays. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We present a rare case of iatrogenic injury of right median nerve which occurred during basilic vein cut down. The injury came to notice when the patient presented with complaints of paraesthesia and weakness in his right hand for the past 6 weeks. On examination, tests for median nerve function were indicative of median nerve injury. Median nerve palsy was subsequently confirmed on electrodiagnostic studies. Upon exploration, it was noted that the median nerve was tightly tied circumferentially with a suture forming a constriction band which was released and neurolysis done. At 4 months follow up, patient showed complete recovery in terms of motor and sensory function of median nerve. DISCUSSION: The anatomical variations in the pattern of cubital veins have been reported in literature. These anatomical variations and close proximity of nerves should be kept in mind and anticipated for while performing venesection. Moreover, these procedures are done by junior doctors in emergency settings, under stressful circumstances and suboptimal conditions, especially in developing countries, which increase the risk of an iatrogenic injury. CONCLUSION: With good anatomical knowledge and high caution during the procedure, such complication could have been avoided.

Sports medicine in COVID Era.

With impact of COVID-19 gradually increasing in many countries of the world with each passing day, there is a need to relook into the conservative management for some common sports related injuries. Awareness of all kinds of sports injuries, their symptoms, and preventive measures including education on rehydration, nutrition, monitoring team members, behavioural skills and techniques will further help in preventing the potential sporting injuries. Further, telemedicine and online portals including eSanjeevani outpatient department services should be encouraged.