The Correlation Between Level of C-Reactive Protein and Radiographic Grading of Knee Osteoarthritis

Introductions. Several studies have shown that the acute phase response may take place in osteoarthritis, suggesting that low grade systemic inflammation may be present in patients with osteoarthritis. Materials and methods. This study was aimed to measure the c-reactive protein level of knee osteoarthritis, to determine radiographic grading of knee osteoarthritis according to Kellgren-Lawrence grading, and to determine correlation between level of c-reactive protein and radiographic grading of knee osteoarthritis. This study used observational cross sectional design. Samples were 65 postmenopausal women with clinical knee osteoarthritis, aged 50 to 70 years old. Clinical and radiologic diagnoses of knee osteoarthritis were determined by clinical and radiographic examination with AP weight bearing position. Grade <3, grade 3 and grade 4 were radiographic grading of knee osteoarthritis according to Kellgren-Lawrence classification. Results. From 65 samples, 28 (43%) samples had grade < 3 with level of c-reactive protein 0.2-1.0 mg/dl (0.54±0.23 mg/dl), 22 (34%) samples had grade 3 with level of c-reactive protein 0.3-1.4 mg/dl (0.70±0.33 mg/dl) and 15 (23%) samples had grade 4 with level of c-reactive protein 0.3 -1.3 mg/dl (0.80±0.26 mg/dl). The cumulative of level of c-reactive protein was 0.2-1.4 mg/dl (0.65±0.29 mg/dl). There is correlation between level of c-reactive protein and radiographic grading of knee osteoarthritis (p=0.04), with Spearman rho correlation of 0.349 and α=5%. The level of c-reactive protein in grade <3, grade 3 and grade 4 overlaps, so the level of c-reactive protein could not be used to determine radiographic grading of knee osteoarthritis. Conclusions. There is no correlation between level of c-reactive protein and radiographic grading of knee osteoarthritis, there is a tendency that the level of c-reactive protein is higher in high grade knee osteoarthritis

Comparison Between Hydrogel Polyurethane Foam and Standard Dressing for Treatment of Chronic Ischemic Wound

Introduction.Chronic wounds are very common and difficult to treat. One of recent methods is the application of hydrogel polyurethane foam. This study aims to compare hydrogel polyurethane foam with saline wet gauze, in the healing process of chronic ischemic wounds in rabbits.Materials and methods.Ischemic chronic wounds were made to the cartilage in the left ear of 16 male rabbits. Wounds were treated with hydrogel polyurethane foam and saline wet gauze for 4 weeks.Results.Chronic wounds heal with the use of hydrogel polyurethane foam in 15 samples (93.75%). While using saline wet gauze, chronic wounds heal in 13 samples (81.25 %). Conclusions. Application of hydrogel polyurethane foam has clinically better result than saline wet gauze although there is not any statistically significant difference

Clinical Effect of the Chinese Medicine Formula Supplementation on Metastatic Bone Tumor

Background. Metastatic bone tumor occurs when cancer cells from the original tumor area travel (or metastasize) via blood stream or/and lymphatic pathway. Metastatic bone lesions are common in cancer of the breast, lung, prostate, kidney, and thyroid. One of the main symptoms of bone cancer is bone pain, which can decrease the quality of life. At present, there is no cure for metastatic bone disease. Several studies suggest Chinese medicine formula have a good result in treating Malignancy. Materials and methods. Twelve participants, were given Chinese medicine formula which obtain from The Chinese University of Hong Kong, consume every day for 24 weeks. The clinical parameters include body weight, physical performance status(Karnofsky), and pain intensity. Those parameters were evaluated every 4 weeks, and the changes of those parameter after supplementation Chinese medicine formula were analyzed statistically. Results. Participants shows positive changes on these observed parameters after supplementation Chinese medicine formula. Paired t-test study, shows these changes are significant statistically (p<0.05). Conclusions. Supplementation Chinese medicine formula for metastatic bone tumor proved could give positive clinical effect by improving quality of life patients with metastatic bone tumor

What is the Scaphoid View ?

Introduction.More than 60% of wrist injuries are associated with scaphoid bone fractures in young active people. Scaphoid fracture difficult to diagnose on initial radiography due to unique and complex structures of scaphoid bone, its overlapping position between other carpals bone and still no general consensus about how and which radiographic view should be taken for better expose. This let scaphoid fracture into potential complication such as non-union, delayed union, decrease of wrist joint motion, osteoarthritis of radiocarpal joint and avascular necrosis. Materials and Methods.Serial initial projection of radiograph was investigated to get the better view of scaphoid bone. Postero-anterior projection within wrist joint in extension 10°, 15°, and 20° with maximum ulnar deviation using wrist joint frame was found making the scaphoid clearer. The database was compared to get the ideal view of scaphoid. Extension and ulnar deviation were performed due to flexed position of scaphoid anatomically in neutral wrist joint position. Results. Good exposure of scaphoid is got from performing radiographic examination of wrist joint 10° extended with maximum ulnar deviation position, in a total of 60 right and left wrist joint samples of young active men and women. Conclusions.Ten degrees extension with ulnar deviation wrist joint position can be proposed to be one of standard scaphoid view on plain radiography. It is useful to assess suspicious or occult scaphoid fracture, besides neutral posteroanterior, lateral and oblique view