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Peter R Kurzweil

Publications and source records attributed to Peter R Kurzweil.

8 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Antibiotic prophylaxis for arthroscopic surgery.

Because the incidence of infection in arthroscopic surgery is very low, one can argue both for and against the use of prophylactic antibiotics. Administering antibiotics adds expense and introduces the potential for both exposure to allergic reactions and selection of resistant organisms. Antibiotics are given to prevent deep infection; such treatment may require further surgery, prolonged use of intravenous antibiotics, high costs, and outcomes that may be less than satisfactory. An answer to this controversial issue would require a study that includes large numbers of patients to make it adequately statistically powered because the incidence of infection is so low. No such research has yet been performed, and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) has not produced an advisory statement addressing this issue. It is the opinion of this author that antibiotic prophylaxis is indicated for arthroscopic surgery. Despite surgical team best practices, mistakes can occur. This has led the AAOS to issue an advisory statement to prevent wrong-site surgery. Similarly, complacency with repetition may produce breaks in sterility that may occasionally go undetected. Antibiotic usage may help to reduce infection in such circumstances. Arthroscopic procedures are not always performed in healthy patients. The risk of infection in "high-risk" patients, such as those with diabetes, immune problems, and skin disorders, may be reduced by prophylactic antibiotics. How one defines a case as arthroscopic can be debated. If small incisions are made, or if the scope is used for only a portion of the procedure, many would still consider the case to be arthroscopic. Surgeries are becoming more complex, which adds to their duration. Some cases also involve the use of implants such as interference screws and suture anchors. It is my opinion that antibiotics should be used in these situations. The potential exists for litigation in cases of infection. Medicolegally, it is easier to argue that all measures were taken to prevent infection if prophylactic antibiotics were given, although patient care issues supersede defensive medicine. Risk of infection in arthroscopic surgery is multifactorial, and antibiotic prophylaxis is only one facet of the issue. Although it is my opinion that antibiotics are recommended, others could be justified in supporting the opposite opinion, pending appropriately designed and adequately powered future investigations.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
PubMed2006

Physical examination and imaging of the medial collateral ligament and posteromedial corner of the knee.

The medial side is one of the most commonly injured areas of the knee. The anatomy, diagnosis, and treatment of medial collateral ligament and posteromedial corner (PMC) injuries can be challenging. Understanding the mechanism of injury and performing a thorough physical examination and radiographic evaluation is essential. Frequently, there are concomitant meniscal and other ligament injuries associated with medial-side injuries. Correct identification of all injured structures is important, as missed diagnoses can lead to significant disability. Unrecognized PMC injuries have been implicated in anteromedial rotary instability and failed anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions. Valgus stress testing is the cornerstone for the identification of medial-side knee injuries. Coronal sequences from magnetic resonance imaging are the most useful tool to view the medial collateral ligament and posteromedial structures. Stress x-rays and ultrasound may also be helpful. Thorough physical examination and imaging of injuries to the PMC should dictate the appropriate treatment for optimal results.

Angiography↗
PubMed2005

Unsatisfactory clinical results of meniscal repair using the meniscus arrow.

PURPOSE: The all-inside technique using the Meniscus Arrow (Bionx Implants, Malvern, PA) has become a popular method for repairing meniscal tears. The few published clinical studies have been promising. The present study, with longer follow-up and larger numbers, does not show encouraging results. The clinical efficacy, failure rate, and associated complications of meniscal repair using the Meniscus Arrow with a minimum follow-up of 3 years are described. TYPE OF STUDY: Consecutive case series. METHODS: We studied 60 consecutive meniscal repairs in 57 patients (average age, 27 years) using exclusively the Meniscus Arrow. Follow-up averaged 54 months (range, 36 to 70 months). The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) was intact in 12 knees (12 repairs), whereas 42 patients (45 repairs) underwent concomitant ACL reconstruction. One patient (2 repairs) had radiofrequency shrinkage of the ACL and another patient (1 repair) underwent concomitant arthroscopic fixation of a tibial eminence fracture. RESULTS: Seventeen of 60 repairs (28%) were documented as failures by repeat arthroscopy or magnetic resonance imaging; 5 of 12 repairs (42%) performed in knees with an intact ACL failed; and 9 of 45 menisci (20%) repaired in conjunction with an ACL reconstruction also failed. The remaining 3 failures occurred in knees with unsuccessful ACL procedures. The type of meniscus tear and the postoperative rehabilitation regimen were also factors that influenced the success rate in this study. Fifteen patients (26%) underwent a second operation because of persistent postoperative symptoms. One patient, whose repair failed, deferred a repeat operation after sustaining a postoperative pulmonary embolism. CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to previously published studies that reported good clinical results, this series revealed a 28% failure rate with significant postoperative complications, such as chondral scoring, fixator breakage, and postoperative joint-line irritation. This study has raised concerns about the continued liberal use of the Bionx Meniscus Arrow, leading the authors to abandon its use for repairing meniscal tears. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Absorbable Implants↗
PubMed2004

Intra-articular hyaluronans in knee osteoarthritis: rationale and practical considerations.

Intra-articular hyaluronans are used to treat pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee. Many controlled clinical studies have demonstrated their efficacy for this indication. The rationale for the use of hyaluronans therapeutically is based on observations that hyaluronic acid is an important component of the synovial fluid acting as a cushion and lubricant for the joint and also serving as a major component of the extracellular matrix of the cartilage, helping to enhance the ability of cartilage to resist shear and maintain a resiliency to compression. While intra-articular hyaluronans are indicated at this time only for the treatment of pain in osteoarthritis of the knee, there are data to suggest that they may also be useful in treating degenerative disease of other articular joints, as well as have an impact on disease progression. The mechanisms by which hyaluronans mediate their clinical benefit seem to be multifactorial and biologically related, in contrast to the notion that they provide only viscous fluid replacement. The safety profile of intra-articular hyaluronans is very favorable and, because they are used as a local therapy, there are no known drug interactions-an advantage for patients receiving treatment for comorbid conditions. Some adverse effects, such as pseudosepsis, have been associated with cross-linked hyaluronan agents and do not appear to be class related.

Humans↗
PubMed2004

Restoring articular cartilage in the knee.

Following damage or injury, as well as normal wear and tear, articular cartilage in adults has limited healing potential. Repair of cartilage is dependent on the extent and depth of the injury, its location, and the surviving chondrocytes and extracellular matrix. The ultimate goal of cartilage repair is to restore the normal composition and matrix of the cartilage, but for most patients this is not feasible. In these cases, filling the defect using interventions that provide adequate, albeit not optimal, functionality and pain relief is desirable. Therefore, a more realistic goal in these patients may be restoration of their respective activity levels and the delay or avoidance of prosthetic replacement. Depending on the age, activity level, and degree of cartilage damage, several methods to decrease pain and attempt cartilage repair are available; these include lavage and debridement, abrasion arthroplasty, and tissue and cell transplantation. Future strategies for cartilage repair may involve tissue engineering techniques, possibly coupled with specific growth factors. Randomized clinical trials must be established.

Cartilage, Articular↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Electromyographic evaluation after primary repair of massive rotator cuff tears.

Anatomic dissections have suggested that mobilization of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons greater than 1 cm may cause suprascapular nerve injury. This study evaluated rotator cuff function by use of electromyographic (EMG) analysis after primary repair of massive tears in 9 patients. All subjects had massive rotator cuff tears involving at least the entire supraspinatus and entire infraspinatus tendons. Rotator cuff advancement averaged 2.5 cm (range, 2.0-3.5 cm). No EMG evidence of suprascapular nerve injury was found postoperatively. The UCLA shoulder score improved from a preoperative mean of 11 to a postoperative mean of 28. There was 1 excellent, 6 good, 1 fair, and 1 poor result. The poor result was due to a documented failed repair. The EMG results suggest that mobilization and advancement of the rotator cuff up to 3.5 cm during primary repair may be performed safely without as much risk to the suprascapular nerve as anatomic studies would suggest.

Aged↗