The Journal of arthroplasty
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Airport security can detect in vivo metallic implants. We hypothesized that a soft tissue shield and fast transit through archway detectors would decrease implant detectability, whereas greater implant mass would increase detectability. Twelve patients with 8 orthopaedic implants in vivo and 60 trauma and arthroplasty implants in vitro were subjected to standard airport security measures at Stanstead Airport (British Airports Authority), including arch and standard and nonstandard hand-held detectors. ⋯ Positive archway detection was related to implant transit speed through the detection field. The implant mass consistently affected detection in stainless steel and titanium implants, and a 1-inch wax shield had no effect. Patients with metallic implants should prepare routinely with documentation of their implant before traveling through security ports.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of the perioperative administration of rofecoxib for total knee arthroplasty.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) frequently are discontinued before elective total knee arthroplasty (TKA) because of the increased incidence of perioperative bleeding. Rofecoxib, a selective cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitor, does not interfere with the coagulation system and may be a safer NSAID for patients undergoing TKA. ⋯ The administration of rofecoxib resulted in improved preoperative pain scores and no significant increase in the incidence of perioperative bleeding or international normalized ratio compared with placebo. Rofecoxib does not need to be discontinued before elective TKA.