Introduction to Kyphosis

 General Medicine  1 Response »
Sep 302010
 
Kyphosis, also known as roundback, is an anteroposterior curving of the spine that causes a bowing of the back, commonly at the thoracic, but sometimes at the thoracolumbar or sacral, level.
Normally, the spine displays some convexity, but excessive thoracic kyphosis is pathologic. Kyphosis occurs in children and adults.

Causes
Congenital kyphosis is rare but usually severe, with resultant cosmetic deformity and reduced pulmonary function.
Adolescent kyphosis
Also called Scheuermann’s disease, juvenile kyphosis, and vertebral epiphysitis, adolescent kyphosis is the most common form of this disorder. It may result from growth retardation or a vascular disturbance in the vertebral epiphysis (usually at the thoracic level) during periods of rapid growth or from congenital deficiency in the thickness of the vertebral plates.
Other causes include infection, inflammation, aseptic necrosis, and disk degeneration. The subsequent stress of weight bearing on the compromised vertebrae may result in the thoracic hump commonly seen in adolescents with kyphosis. Symptomatic adolescent kyphosis is more prevalent in girls than in boys and usually occurs between ages 12 and 16.
Adult kyphosis
Also known as adult roundback, adult kyphosis may result from degeneration of intervertebral disks, atrophy, or osteoporotic collapse of the vertebrae that’s associated with aging; from an endocrine disorder, such as hyperparathyroidism or Cushing’s disease; or from prolonged steroid Continue reading »
VN:F [1.9.20_1166]
Rating: 9.0/10 (2 votes cast)
VN:F [1.9.20_1166]
Rating: +1 (from 1 vote)

Social Share Toolbar

Understanding Bone marrow Transplantation

 General Medicine  Comments Off
Sep 222010
 
In bone marrow transplantation, usually 500 to 700 ml of marrow is aspirated from the pelvic bones of a human leukocyte antigen (HLA)–compatible donor (allogeneic) or of the recipient himself during periods of complete remission (autologous). The aspirated marrow is filtered and then infused into the recipient in an attempt to repopulate the patient’s marrow with normal cells.
This procedure has effected long-term, healthy survivals in about half of the patients with severe aplastic anemia. Bone marrow transplantation may also be effective in treating patients with acute leukemia, certain immunodeficiency diseases, and solid-tumor cancers.
Because bone marrow transplantation carries serious risks, it requires strict adherence to infection protection techniques and strict aseptic technique. It also requires that a primary caregiver provide consistent care and continuous monitoring of the patient’s status.
Before bone marrow infusion
  • Explain to the patient that the success rate depends on the stage of the disease and on finding an HLA-identical sibling match.
  • After bone marrow aspiration is completed under local anesthetic, apply pressure dressings to the donor’s aspiration sites. Observe the sites for bleeding. Relieve pain with an analgesic and ice packs as needed.
  • Assess the patient’s understanding of bone marrow transplantation. If necessary, correct any misconceptions about the procedure and provide additional information. Prepare the patient to expect an extended facility stay. Explain that chemotherapy and, possibly, radiation therapy are necessary to remove cells that may cause the body to reject the transplant.
  • Various treatment protocols are used. For example, I.V. cyclophosphamide may be used Continue reading »
VN:F [1.9.20_1166]
Rating: 10.0/10 (1 vote cast)
VN:F [1.9.20_1166]
Rating: +1 (from 1 vote)

Social Share Toolbar

Brief Summary of Inguinal hernia

 General Surgery  Comments Off
Sep 202010
 
A hernia occurs when all or part of a viscus protrudes from a normal location in the body. Most hernias are protrusions of part of the abdominal viscus through the abdominal wall. Although many kinds of abdominal hernias are possible, inguinal hernias are most common.
With an inguinal hernia, the large or small intestine, omentum, or bladder protrudes into the inguinal canal. Hernias can be reducible, incarcerated, or strangulated.

Causes

In males, during the 7th month of gestation, the testes normally descend into the scrotum, preceded by the peritoneal sac. If the sac closes improperly, it leaves an opening through which the intestine can slip. In either sex, a hernia can result from weak abdominal muscles or increased intra-abdominal pressure. An inguinal hernia may be indirect or direct.
Indirect inguinal hernia
An indirect inguinal hernia, the more common hernia, results from weakness in the fascial margin of the internal inguinal ring. This type of hernia enters the inguinal canal through the internal inguinal ring and emerges through the external inguinal ring. The hernia extends down the inguinal canal into the scrotum or labia.
An indirect inguinal hernia may develop at any age, is three times more common in males, and is Continue reading »
VN:F [1.9.20_1166]
Rating: 7.0/10 (1 vote cast)
VN:F [1.9.20_1166]
Rating: +1 (from 1 vote)

Social Share Toolbar

Page 1 of 512345