Acute hand and wrist injuries sustained during recreational mountain biking: a prospective study

Background

Recreational mountain biking continues to increase in popularity and is a significant source of traumatic injury, including injuries to the hand and wrist.

Methods

A prospective survey of all hand and wrist injuries sustained while participating in recreational mountain biking presenting to the emergency department at the Municipality of Whistler and the District of Squamish was conducted over a 12-month consecutive period.

Results

An analysis of 765 unique emergency department visits with 1,079 distinct injuries was performed. Of these injuries, 511 were sustained to the upper limb. Injury to the metacarpal and metacarpal phalangeal joints was the most common hand injury (52) followed by proximal phalanx and proximal interphalangeal joint (20).

Conclusions

Mountain biking is a frequent source of a variety of upper limb trauma, and preventative efforts are necessary to minimize the burden of these injuries.     

Analysis of the characteristics of mouthguards that affect isokinetic muscular ability and anaerobic power

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to estimate the effects of occlusal stability to identify action mechanisms of mouthguards, known to have a modulatory effect on limb muscle function.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study included 20 male subjects to perform the isokinetic muscle tests and the Wingate anaerobic power test on both knee joints under five closed-mouth conditions: without or with 4 types of mouthguards with thickness of 2 mm based on premolar area: (1) full-coverage, (2) anterior partial-coverage, (3) right posterior partial-coverage, and (4) left posterior partial-coverage. The obtained results were subjected to One-way ANOVA with repeated measures, followed by post hoc test of the contrast method (α=.05).

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the closed position with and without a full-coverage mouthguard in all variables. However, significant differences were observed between with and without a partial-coverage mouthguard in muscular endurance during extension of the left knee, muscular power and endurance during flexion of the right knee. Additionally, significant differences were found between occlusal states with full- and partial-coverage mouthguards in muscular power and endurance during extension of the left knee.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate the elevation of vertical dimension by 2 mm or the inducement of occlusal stability had little effect on isokinetic muscle strength and anaerobic performance, while uneven distribution of occlusal force might have some positive effects.     

Application of forensic anthropology to non-forensic issues: an experimental taphonomic approach to the study of human body decomposition in aerobic conditions

The knowledge of the decomposition process takes a progressively central role in cemetery management. In Europe there is an increase in constructing concrete modules that allow aerobic decomposition, which, theoretically, have advantages. By allowing the circulation of oxygen they will lead to a rapid decomposition, and, consequently, permit burial space rotation. This method also allows the burial of several corpses in small areas. In addition, it solves environmental issues. However, the ways in which the decomposition occurs under these conditions and the time required for skeletonization are still unknown. The aim of this study is to analyse the changes of the cadavers buried in aerobic module systems, realize the time necessary for skeletonization, and study solutions that might enable a faster decomposition. This experimental study utilized three aerobic module systems already used in Portuguese cemeteries and a prototype, with four pig carcasses as animal models. The evolution of the decomposition process was assessed weekly, over 147 days (2184 ADD). This study showed differences in the decomposition process between the four systems. The results allowed us to select the necessary characteristics for the construction of aerobic modules enabling faster decomposition.     

Epidemiological profile of sports-related knee injuries in northern India: An observational study at a tertiary care centre

BackgroundSports-related knee injuries occur commonly in athletes. However, there is no published epidemiological study from India till date.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to identify common injuries sustained by Indian athletes participating in different sports and to study various associated demographic features. A secondary objective was to investigate different factors, which may affect return to sport by the athlete.Study designCross-sectional study (observational study).Study centreSports injury clinic, PGIMER, Chandigarh.MethodsOut of 465 athletes who presented to us with sports-related knee injuries over a 5-year period, 363 athletes (from 24 different sports) with complete records were identified. Data were analysed for demographic features, type of sport, mechanism of injury, injury scenario, athlete's level of play, injury duration at presentation, injury patterns and type of management. Telephonic interviews were conducted with each athlete to enquire about return to sport and time lost in sport due to the knee injury. Factors associated with return to sport were investigated using statistical tests of association.ResultsSoccer was found to be the most common sport associated with knee injuries accounting for 30.6% of the injuries followed by kabaddi (20.9%). The most common mechanism was non-contact injury (64.4%). Competitive injuries were found to be significantly more than practice/training injuries (p < 0.0001). The most common injuries noted were ACL tears (n = 314) followed by meniscus injuries (n = 284) and the most common combination of injuries were an ACL tear with medial meniscus tear (n = 163). Only 39.8% of the athletes returned to sport. Mean duration of time lost in sport among those who returned to sport was 8.84 months. Return to sport was significantly associated with body mass index, level of competitiveness of the athlete and type of management (p = 0.017, 0.045 and <0.0001, respectively).ConclusionKnee injuries take a huge toll on an athlete's career as observed in this study. Prevention of knee injuries is of paramount importance and more focussed epidemiological studies are needed for formulating policies to prevent sports injuries in both professional and amateur athletes.Level of evidenceIV.     

Deceased Donor Intervention Research: A Survey of Transplant Surgeons,Organ Procurement Professionals,and Institutional Review Board Members

Innovative deceased donor intervention strategies have the potential to increase the number and quality of transplantable organs. Yet there is confusion over regulatory and legal requirements, as well as ethical considerations. We surveyed transplant surgeons (n = 294), organ procurement organization (OPO) professionals (n = 83), and institutional review board (IRB) members (n = 317) and found wide variations in their perceptions about research classification, risk assessment for donors and organ transplant recipients, regulatory oversight requirements, and informed consent in the context of deceased donor intervention research. For instance, when presented with different research scenarios, IRB members were more likely than transplant surgeons and OPO professionals to feel that study review and oversight were necessary by the IRBs at the investigator, donor, and transplant center hospitals. Survey findings underscore the need to clarify ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements and their application to deceased donor intervention research to accelerate the pace of scientific discovery and facilitate more transplants.