A Comparison Of Outcomes In Osteoarthritis Patients Undergoing Total Hip And Knee Replacement Surgery

Objective The aims of this study were to assess changes in physical function and quality of life with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the instrument of the Medical Outcomes Study SF-36 Health Survey (MOS SF-36), respectively, in patients undergoing hip and knee joint replacement surgery and to compare the responsiveness of these two outcome measures 1 year after surgery. Design One hundred and ninety-four patients with osteoarthritis (OA knee 108, OA hip 86) admitted to four hospitals in Sydney were followed over a period of 1 year at 3 monthly intervals. Results WOMAC measures improved significantly after 1 year for OA hip and OA knee: there was reduction in pain of 71% and 53%, reduction in stiffness of 55% and 43% and improvement in physical function of 68% and 43%, respectively. MOS SF-36 measures in those having hip surgery improved significantly for pain (222%), physical function (247%), physical role functioning (402%), general health (110%), vitality (143%), social functioning (169%) and mental health (114%). For those in the knee surgery group, significant improvement was seen for pain (175%), physical function (197%), physical role functioning (275%), vitality (125%) and social functioning (119%). The WOMAC was a more responsive measure than the MOS SF-36. Conclusion WOMAC and MOS SF-36 detect significant and clinically meaningful changes in outcome after hip and knee replacement. WOMAC requires a smaller sample size and is more responsive in the short term. For a follow-up longer than 6 months MOS SF-36 provides additional information. The improvement in outcomes following hip joint surgery were significantly greater than those following knee surgery

A mathematical model and analytical solution for the fixation of bacteria in biogrout

Biogrout is a new method for soil reinforcement, which is based on microbialinduced carbonate precipitation. Bacteria and reactants are flushed through the soil, resulting in calcium carbonate precipitation and consequent soil reinforcement. Bacteria are crucially important in the Biogrout process since they catalyse the reaction. Hence, to control the process, it is essential to know where the bacteria are located. The bacteria are possibly in suspension but can also be adsorbed or fixated on the matrix of the porous structure. In this article, a model is derived for the placement of bacteria. The model contains three phases of bacteria: bacteria in suspension, adsorbed bacteria and fixed bacteria. An analytical solution is derived for instantaneous reactions between these three phases. The analytical solution is compared to numerical simulations for finite reaction rates. For the numerical simulations the standard Galerkin Finite Element Method is used.Delft Institute of Applied MathematicsElectrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Scienc

Microorganisms in the aetiology of atherosclerosis.

Recent publications have suggested that infective pathogens might play an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. This review focuses on these microorganisms in the process of atherosclerosis. The results of in vitro studies, animal studies, tissue studies, and serological studies will be summarised, followed by an overall conclusion concerning the strength of the association of the microorganism with the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The role of the bacteria Chlamydia pneumoniae and Helicobacter pylori, and the viruses human immunodeficiency virus, coxsackie B virus, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, herpes simplex virus, and measles virus will be discusse