Weather Warm Up Sees Increase In Broken Bones, Itchy Casts
Spring weather signals the start of many outdoor activities as people of all ages eagerly embrace the change in weather. Paul Prinz, MD, orthopaedic surgeon at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital, part of Loyola University Health System says, "Broken bones and fractures occur year 'round but the change in seasons always creates an increase of patients in our offices." 6.8 million broken bones and fractures are reported each year in the United States and the number is growing due in part to an older, active population of "baby boomers.
Compounds Show Promise In Blocking STAT3 Signaling As Treatment For Osteosarcoma
A study appearing in the journal Investigational New Drugs and conducted by researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital, discovered that two new small molecule inhibitors are showing promise in blocking STAT3, a protein linked to the most common malignant bone tumor, osteosarcoma. These small molecule inhibitors one derived from a portion of the turmeric spice may serve as a new, non-toxic treatment for these deadly tumors. Osteosarcoma is aggressive and its treatment outlook has not changed significantly over the last 20 years.
Large Randomized FDA Trials Compare Two Common Procedures Used For Cervical Disc Disease And Associated Radiculopathy
Thousands of Americans suffer from episodes of acute or persistent neck and arm pain every year as a result of underlying cervical disc disease. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) has been the mainstay treatment for many years. More than 200, 000 cervical procedures are performed each year to relieve compression on the spinal cord or nerve roots. Spinal fusion surgery creates a solid union between two or more vertebrae to help strengthen the spine and alleviate chronic neck pain. The first artificial cervical disc was introduced and received FDA approval in 2007.