Radiofrequency-induced intradiscal nucleoplasty chronic low back pain secondary to lumbar disc herniation.

UNLABELLED: We set out to assess the efficacy of radiofrequency-induced intradiscal nucleoplasty in reducing pain in symptomatic patients with MRI-defined lumbar disc herniation and their satisfaction with the procedure. We compared the patients' pain intensity and severity of disability scores before and after undergoing the procedure in a retrospective questionnaire. These patients reported statistically significant reduction of pain intensity and disability level after the procedure. We conclude that radiofrequencyinduced intradiscal nucleoplasty is an acceptable alternative minimally invasive procedure in relieving the symptoms of patients with lumbar disc herniation. KEY WORDS: Radiofrequency-induced intradiscal nucleoplasty, coblation therapy, percutaneous lumbar disc decompression, intervertebral disc herniation, low back pain.

Chronic osteomyelitis secondary to human bite: a case report.

ABSTRACT: We report a case of a human bite that was initially inadequately treated and progressed to chronic osteomyelitis, finally resulting in digital amputation. Human bites are seemingly innocuous, but if neglected, may lead to subsequent infection and morbidity. Persistence of symptoms should alert the practitioner to the possibility of infection extending to the soft tissue or bone. Bacteriological studies commonly yield mixed aerobic and anaerobic flora. Early debridement and antibiotic treatment may prevent development of severe soft tissue or bone infection. KEY WORDS: human bite, osteomyelitis, amputation.

Management of osteonecrosis of the hip complicated with fracture: a case report.

ABSTRACT: A 47-year-old gentleman, with underlying seborrhoeic dermatitis that was treated with steroid therapy, and hepatitis B, presented with pain in his right hip. He was diagnosed with stage 2 osteonecrosis of the right hip (Ficat and Arlet classification). Core decompression and bone grafting was performed but recovery was complicated by a surgical site infection. Wound debridement, removal of bone graft and clearance of the bone tunnel were carried out. The patient was allowed to bear weight after surgery. Twelve days later, he developed right hip pain and radiographs showed fractured femur neck; the patient then underwent a two-stage total hip replacement (THR). KEY WORDS: Osteonecrosis, avascular necrosis, hip, core decompression, total hip replacement.

Saturday Morning Palsy: Closed Traumatic Peripheral Neuropathy

Traumatic peripheral neuropathy can occur following fracture, dislocation, forceful reduction or direct compression. During the emergency medical relief mission for earthquake victims in Pakistan, between 30th Oct and 14th Nov 2005, four patients presented with wrist drop and two others with foot drop, all with no underlying fracture or dislocation. All of them were attended by medical teams two to three days for the first time due to difficult rescue work and hard terrain. They were seen in field hospital

Case Report: Total Hip Replacement for Recurrent Histiocytosis X of the Pelvis Involving the Hip Joint

In 1977, a female patient, aged 31y, presented with histiocytosis X in the right pelvis and was treated with radiotherapy. She presented again in 1999 at the age of 53y with a similar problem at the same location this time also involving the acetabulum. The affected right hip was treated with cemented total hip replacement. Two years postoperatively, the patient was pain free with no evidence of local recurrence or loosening of implant, thus demonstrating that total hip replacement is a viable treatment op