Treatment of Fracture-Dislocations of Proximal Interphalangeal Joint by Applying of Dynamic Mini External Fixator: Clinical and Radiographic Results.

BACKGROUND: Fracture-dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint of fingers are believed to be challenging injuries that usually lead to residual pain and stiffness. To date, several treatment options have been applied. Dynamic traction-external fixation is a safe and easy technique offering good results in many works of literature. The dynamic mini external fixator using K-wires and  mini rods provide sufficient dynamic traction and facilitate early mobilization of the injured joint. The present study was conducted to evaluate the results of a dynamic mini external fixator for the treatment of those lesions. METHODS: In total, 40 patients who suffered from proximal interphalangeal fracture-dislocations were treated at our institution between November 2017 and November 2019. Dynamic mini external fixator device was utilized for their treatment. Clinical and radiographic parameters were evaluated at 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: This study included 30 (75%) males and 10 (25%) females with a mean age of 38.7±9.9 years. In total, 6 (15%) patients had concomitant fractures or fractures in their hands. All the fractures, including 27 (67.5%) dorsal fracture-dislocations and 13 (32.5%) Pilon fractures, were united without the occurrence of any malunion or major residual subluxation. One Pilon fracture needed to be realigned by reassembling the device at the second week of follow-up. Furthermore, 36 (90%) patients achieved full range of joint motion, and 4 (10%) patients had mild loss of motion arc. In addition, 8 (20%) patients developed mild pin site infection treated with oral antibiotics without device removal. Following six months, one (2.5%) patient mentioned minimal residual pain. CONCLUSION: The dynamic mini external fixator was found to be a safe and applicable technique to manage proximal interphalangeal fracture-dislocations. To obtain significantly accurate results, regular follow-up and accurate device care are of great necessity.

The efficacy of topical red clover oil on knee osteoarthritis: A pilot prospective randomized triple-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.

A triple-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed to evaluate the efficacy of topical red clover oil (containing standardized red clover extract in olive oil) on knee osteoarthritis (OA). A total of 80 patients, 50-80 years old, with primary knee OA were randomly allocated to two groups. The study group used topical red clover oil and the control group used olive oil for 4 weeks (20 drops twice a day). Both groups adhered to nonpharmacological American College of Rheumatology recommendations and took meloxicam tablets during the study (0-8 weeks), and were followed up from Week 4 to 8. Efficacy measures were evaluated using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scale and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). At baseline, both groups were homogeneous regarding demographic characteristics. In addition, they were asked about the side effects during the intervention. The results showed that the WOMAC score and its subscales of pain and stiffness and function scores and VAS significantly increased over time in both groups (p < .001). The study group showed a significant increase regarding pain (p = .001), function (p = .010), VAS (p < .001), and the WOMAC total score (p = .018). No serious drug side effects were observed. Red clover oil may have positive effects on symptoms of knee OA and can be considered as a complementary treatment.

Salt and its Role in Health and Disease Prevention from the Perspectives of Iranian Medicine and Modern Medicine.

BACKGROUND: Salt in Iranian medical sources is mentioned as Malh and has a special place in people's nutrition. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of correct use of salt on health and disease prevention in the context of Iranian medicine and its comparison with modern medicine. METHODS: This article reviews Iranian medicine references on the usage of salt and its benefits. Additionally, modern medicine references were searched to identify the dos and don'ts of salt consumption. Then the results from both approaches were compared and analyzed. RESULTS: The main application salt in Iranian medical resources includes usage in latif supplier, solvent, dryer, laxative of phlegm and melancholy, slimy moisture body repellent, opening obstruction of liver and spleen, aid in digestion, beneficial for seeds and corruption of foods, appetizing, cold foods reformer and improving the flavor of foods. On the other hand, the major benefits of salt according to modern medicine resources are; aiding the balance of electrolytes and fluids, carry nutrients into cells, regulation of acid-base balance, support transfer of nerve impulses, regulate blood pressure, and secretion of gastric acid. CONCLUSION: According to the Iranian medicine, the amount and type of salt to maintain health and prevent diseases is determined based on factors such as temperament, age, health and disease, season, and location. While a unique approach is not prescribed for every individual, in modern medicine resources, a fixed set of guidelines is recommended for all healthy individuals. Consequently, the modern medicine pays less attention to physiological, structural, and genetic issues. Considering the importance of salt and its undeniable impact on human health, it is apparent that additional research is required to determine factors affecting the actual amount of salt per person.

One step closer to sparing total blood loss and transfusion rate in total knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis of different methods of tranexamic acid administration.

BACKGROUND: Tranexamic acid (TXA) in orthopedics has recently been gaining favor due to its efficacy and ease of use, both in intravenous (IV) and intraarticular (IA) usage. However, because of safety concerns with IV administration, there has been a growing interest in the IA use of TXA to prevent bleeding. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis that included 31 randomized, controlled trials in which the effect of systemic and topical TXA on total blood loss (TBL), rates of transfusion, and thromboembolic events was investigated. RESULTS: Compared to the control, the IA administration of TXA led to the significant reduction of mean TBL (p < 0.001), rate of transfusion (p < 0.001), and reduction of rate of thromboembolic events (p = 0.29). Compared to the control group, the IV administration of TXA resulted in significant reduction of mean TBL (p < 0.001), rate of transfusion (p < 0.001), and rate of thromboembolic events (p = 0.66). Although no significant differences in efficacy and safety between the IA and IV administration of TXA were found, the IA method was safer than the IV method in that it reduced rate of transfusion and thromboembolic events. CONCLUSION: This study showed that TXA leads to significant reductions in TBL and the rate of allogeneic transfusions. Generally, no significant difference was detected between IA and IV administration of TXA; however, more studies with focus on safety and efficacy are warranted.

What is the source of low back pain?

AIMS: Determining the source of low back pain (LBP) is still controversial. This study was designed to determine the source of LBP and its relations with age and gender. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A retrospective chart review at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1,125 patients were evaluated to determine the sources of their LBP with physical examinations, imaging, injections, and other laboratory examinations, if needed. The patients were divided into five groups based on their ages. Frequencies of the sources of pain were assessed in the five age groups, and the assessments were done separately by gender. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Independent t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), chi-square test. RESULTS: The patients enrolled in this study consisted of 527 males (46.8%) and 598 females (53.2%). The frequencies of the sources of pain were, in descending order, spine (689, 61.2%), no cause found (163, 14.5%), spine with sacroiliac joint (SIJ) (72, 6.4%), spine with hip (65, 5.8%), SIJ (60, 5.3%), hip (44, 3.9%), spine along with hip and SIJ (20, 1.8%), hip with SIJ (8, 0.7%), and other diseases (4, 0.4%). There were significant statistical differences between the genders and mean ages for different sources (P = 0.03 and 0.000, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the spine was the main source of LBP in all age groups. Physicians should always be alert for other sources in middle-aged and older patients. Future studies with long-term follow-up for determining the benefits of treatments are warranted.