In the first population-based estimate of ischemic amputation at the state level, researchers found that the incidence of related lower limb amputation — the most serious consequence of critical limb ischemia — was high, resulting in major illness and health…
Year: 2011
Blood Test for Traumatic Brain Injury May Reduce Need for CT Scans
A blood test may potentially reduce the number of computed tomography scans performed in emergency departments. According to a preliminary study published online in Annals of Emergency Medicine, patients with traumatic brain injuries had significantly higher levels of glial fibrillary…
Neuromuscular Warm-Up May Reduce Lower Extremity Injuries in Adolescent Female Athletes
Female high school athletes who participated in neuromuscular warm-up before sports practice had a reduced risk of lower extremity injuries, according to a study in the November issue of Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. “In girls’ high school sports,…
Autoimmune Diseases Linked to Wounds That Don’t Heal
A new study shows that autoimmune diseases may be an underlying cause in patients with wounds that don’t heal. Although most wounds that don’t heal are typically associated with diabetes, the findings represent an overlooked link that could lead to…
Prescription Painkiller Overdoses Rise in US
The death toll from overdoses of prescription painkillers in the US has more than tripled in the past decade, according to an analysis in the CDC Vital Signs report released from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This new…
Össur Reports Third Quarter Results
Össur announced a 12% sales growth for the third quarter, according to company press release. Total sales amounted to $101 million compared with $87 million for the third quarter in 2010. All markets and product segments contributed to the growth.…
Spine Surgery Patients Have Low Vitamin D Levels, Study Finds
A new study indicates that many patients undergoing spine surgery have low levels of vitamin D, which may delay their recovery. Orthopaedic surgeons at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis found that more than half of the 313…
Hospitals Lack Perioperative Pain Management in Pediatric Surgery
A recently published study in the Journal of Pediatric Surgery suggests that physicians should focus on perioperative care for pediatric patients, as some children exiting surgery may report chronic pain lasting for weeks or months. In a press release about…
Spozio Family Donates Gift to Amputee Coalition
The family of the late Kathy Spozio, an Amputee Coalition board member and activist, presented a gift of $4,500 to the Bridge to Ability Scholarship Fund, a program that provides new amputees the financial means to attend and enjoy the…
VA Dedicates Fifth Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) dedicated a new Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center (PRC) at the South Texas Veterans Health Care System in San Antonio. The $66 million inpatient/outpatient rehabilitation center will treat veterans and active duty service members with multiple…