PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

J L Rook

Publications and source records attributed to J L Rook.

9 recordsLinked to original sources

Wound care pain management.

Undertreatment of all types of acute and chronic pain is common, both in the United States and around the world. Moreover, a literature review of pressure ulcer pain and its management suggests that this area of pain medicine is truly in its infancy. This article includes a discussion of current literature, anatomy and physiology of pain related to pressure and ischemic ulcers, and assessment methods. It also describes treatment modalities, including conservative measures, medication management, and invasive procedures. Special emphasis is placed on the use of opioid analgesics in the management of severe acute and chronic wound pain.

Acute Disease↗

Pectoralis major muscle rupture in windsurfing.

Board sailing (windsurfing) has become a popular water recreational activity. However, there is little in the medical literature concerning musculoskeletal complications resulting from participation in this sport. We present the first reported case of pectoralis major rupture sustained during board sailing. The patient was initially misdiagnosed, which happens commonly when this muscle ruptures. Only after conservative management failed was the correct diagnosis made and appropriate surgical intervention provided. Proper technique in board sailing requires sustained isometric contraction of the pectoralis major, deltoid and scapular stabilizers to maintain appropriate pull of the sail against wind resistance. Sharp increases in wind speed underly the mechanism of injury. Ruptures of the pectoralis major are usually complete, occur at or near the humeral insertion, and can be associated with misleading physical signs. Therefore, anatomy, clinical findings, surgical technique, and the postoperative rehabilitation program are stressed as to expedite diagnosis and maximize functional outcome.

Adult↗

Complications associated with intermittent pneumatic compression.

The intermittent pneumatic compression device (IPCD) is prophylaxis for prevention of deep-venous thrombosis (DVT). This pneumatic leg sleeve has been used extensively in high-risk surgical patients, without complication. We describe two cases, one with peroneal neuropathy and the other with compartment syndrome, associated with IPCD use during surgery. Case 1 involves a patient with pancreatic cancer and weight loss who developed bilateral peroneal nerve palsies during surgery. Case 2 involves a patient with bladder cancer who developed lower leg compartment syndrome during prolonged surgery in the lithotomy position. These cases are unusual for several reasons. First, patients wearing IPCDs during surgery are at increased risk of neurovascular compression. Second, significant weight loss may predispose the peroneal nerve to injury from intermittent compression garments. Third, patients undergoing surgery in the lithotomy position are at risk of compartment syndrome. Therefore, physicians may wish to use another method of DVT prophylaxis in surgical patients with cancer or significant weight loss, or those who are undergoing procedures in the lithotomy position.

Aged↗

Spinal accessory nerve palsy: an unusual complication of coronary artery bypass.

The neurologic complications of coronary artery bypass surgery have been well documented, with a reported incidence of 61% in one large study. Most injuries to the peripheral nervous system involve the brachial plexus. We report the first case of a spinal accessory nerve lesion after coronary bypass surgery. The patient presented with progressive right shoulder weakness. Electrodiagnostic studies revealed a partial lesion of the right spinal accessory nerve. Physical therapy, including strengthening, range of motion, and electric stimulation to the right shoulder, was prescribed to assist recovery of strength and function. Repeat electrodiagnostic studies confirmed nerve regeneration. Prompt recognition of spinal accessory nerve damage after coronary bypass surgery is essential. Early rehabilitation will improve the chances of a better functional outcome.

Accessory Nerve↗

Lower extremity weakness as the initial manifestation of lung cancer.

A 55-year-old woman had progressive lower extremity weakness. She had an 80-pack-per-year history of cigarette smoking. Electromyographic findings were consistent with the Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome. Despite a normal chest x-ray, normal laboratory studies, and negative bronchoscopy, investigation for lung cancer was pursued. The final thoracotomy and pathology reports indicated a diagnosis of oat cell carcinoma. After treatment with chemotherapy and radiation therapy, clinical and electrophysiologic findings have resolved. Two years after diagnosis, the patient remains in good health without evidence of recurrence.

Carcinoma, Small Cell↗

Thrombosis of axillary-femoral bypass secondary to prosthesis suspension belt.

Patients with peripheral vascular disease and lower extremity amputation frequently undergo arterial bypass surgery to salvage the opposite leg. Compression of axillary-femoral bypass grafts can occur from a variety of causes. The primary physician should monitor graft pulses closely. Compression should be avoided by using forearm crutches instead of axillary crutches. Waist belts for prosthetic support should not be used, and alternatives such as a thigh corset or shoulder suspension should be used. The patient should avoid sleeping on the graft, using a wrist restraint when necessary. If the patient gains weight, garments should be adjusted so as not to be constricting. Upper extremity exercises, particularly in should abduction and extension, should not be so vigorous as to put tension on the graft. A 77-year-old woman with a left below-knee amputation underwent an axillary-femoral bypass for right lower extremity arterial insufficiency which subsequently thrombosed due to compression by the waist belt of her below-knee prosthesis. A series of guidelines are outlined, so that the physiatrist can help maintain graft patency, prolong limb salvage, and avert similar complications in such patients.

Aged↗

Wound care pain management.

Undertreatment of all types of acute and chronic pain is common, both in the United States and around the world. Moreover, a literature review of pressure ulcer pain and its management suggests that this area of pain medicine is truly in its infancy. This article includes a discussion of current literature, anatomy and physiology of pain related to pressure and ischemic ulcers and assessment methods. It also describes treatment modalities, including conservative measures, medication management and invasive procedures. Special emphasis is placed on the use of opioid analgesics in the management of severe acute and chronic wound pain.

Acute Disease↗