The Knee
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While single shot femoral nerve blocks and indwelling femoral nerve catheters provide significant peri-operative analgesia, there are small but serious risks of neurovascular complications. We aimed to determine the incidence and characterise the nature of neural complications arising from femoral nerve blocks performed for knee surgery. ⋯ The incidence of neurological complication after FNB was higher in this series than typically reported and the symptoms significantly influenced the quality of life in the affected cases. The decision to include a femoral nerve block in the peri-operative analgesic regimen should be made on an individual basis considering the risks and benefits.
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Artificial playing surfaces are widely used for American football practice and competition and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common. This study analyzed the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Injury Surveillance System (ISS) men's football ACL injury database from 2004-2005 through 2008-2009 to determine the effect of playing surface on ACL injury in NCAA football athletes. ⋯ NCAA football players experience a greater number of ACL injuries when playing on artificial surfaces.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
A physiotherapist-delivered, combined exercise and pain coping skills training intervention for individuals with knee osteoarthritis: a pilot study.
Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is associated with a number of physical and psychological impairments. Unfortunately, very few treatment strategies are capable of addressing both types of impairments concurrently. We performed a pilot, randomized controlled, proof of principle trial investigating the feasibility and effects of an intervention combining physical exercise and pain coping skills training (PCST). ⋯ Level II Clinical Trials Registry number: ACTRN12609000623291.
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Patellar instability is a complex, multi-factorial disorder. Radiological assessment is regarded as an important part of the management of this population. The purpose of this study was to determine the intra- and inter-rater reliability of common radiological measurements used to evaluate patellar instability. ⋯ Many of the standard measurements used to assess the patellofemoral joint on plain radiographs have poor precision. Intra-rater reliability may be related to experience but it seems likely that to achieve good inter-rater reliability, specific training may be required to calibrate observers. More formal training in the technique of radiological measurement for those who were inexperienced might have improved the inter-rater reliability.
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The purpose of this investigation is to evaluate the T(1ρ) relaxation times of articular cartilage surrounding focal defects in the tibiofemoral joint. ⋯ Cartilage defects were not associated with degeneration in the immediately adjacent cartilage.