Various imaging methods assist in diagnosing periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). These include radiological techniques such as radiography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound (US); as well as advanced nuclear medicine techniques including bone scintigraphy (BS), anti-granulocyte antibody imaging (AGS), leukocyte scintigraphy (LS), and fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET and FDG-PET/CT). Each imaging technique and radiopharmaceutical has been extensively studied, with unique diagnostic accuracy, limitations, and benefits for PJI diagnosis. This review aims to detail and describe the most commonly used imaging techniques and radiopharmaceuticals for evaluating PJI, focusing particularly on knee and hip arthroplasties.
2 May 2024 in Archives of orthopaedic and trauma surgery
BACKGROUND: Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is a viable alternative to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for osteoarthritis patients with single-compartment involvement, with advantages including accelerated recovery, reduced pain, and improved function. Robotic-assisted UKA (rUKA) is a promising development that ensures precise implant positioning and limb alignment. However, concerns about complications remain. OBJECTIVE: This study looks at patient satisfaction as a key metric for determining the efficacy of rUKA versus manual UKA (mUKA). METHODS: The search strategy for this study followed PRISMA. Using precise keywords, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane library were searched. English articles were searched until August 2, 2023. Selection criteria included mUKA and rUKA patient satisfaction studies. The NOS scale evaluated study quality. Meta-analysis was done with R and heterogeneity analysis. RESULTS: This systematic review examined 5 studies with 1060 UKAs (532 robotic-assisted and 528 manual). Variable satisfaction assessment methods were used. Three studies found no difference in patient satisfaction after robotic-assisted UKA, but two found a higher satisfaction. Meta-analysis showed robotic-assisted UKA improved patient satisfaction (OR 1.72 [1.25–2.37]). Overall, most studies showed low risk of bias, except one with higher bias. CONCLUSION: This review suggests that robotic assistance may enhance patient satisfaction in UKA procedures.
1 April 2023 in Journal of Biomedical Physics and Engineering
(COVID-19) is the latest global health threat recognized for the first time in December 2019. Social distancing was announced as the most effective strategy to control the pandemic until developing a treatment, vaccine, or both [1]. This announcement led to the universities making new rules affecting the medical profession education. In Iran, students experienced an unintended temporary pause in their education which was resumed by virtual learning. Students of Bachelor of Science in radiotherapy technology (BSc. RTT) were no exception. The major consists of two main stages, clinical and pre-clinical. While many clinical fields limited their activities to the treatment of emergency cases, RT was continued almost the same as pre-COVID-19 age, as it is a lifesaving treatment [2]. Thus the clinical-stage students of BSc. RTT had the ability to continue their learning and practice in less crowded rotation groups using personal protective equipment and the observance of social distancing. However, the theoretical content was provided through national virtual systems. The first three years, BSc. RTT are dedicated to the pre-clinical stage, including theoretical and practical courses. The universities of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MOHME) of Iran have developed a virtual learning platform delivering theoretical educational content through a National Learning Management System called NAVID. This free, unlimited learning system causes the instructors to monitor the students, reposit the medical contents, manage courses, take quizzes, and facilitate checking the students' homework. Although there were some deficiencies in content preparation at the start of the pandemic, the professors of RTT adapted their educational system with the new infrastructures. In some other majors, such as medicine, Iran's Virtual University of Medical Sciences (VUMS) provided national educational content for medical doctor (MD) students all around our country. However, this university has not provided much content for BSc. RTT students. Providing national content has considerable benefits, it costs less in both money and time, and avoids duplicate work. Students can learn from the country's best professors in each field without regard to the university at which they are studying. Virtual Learning for Practical Courses Although virtual learning has its positive points, it is not without challenges. The most difficult challenges in BSc. RTT education are for practical courses. There is still a notable lack of virtual laboratories for this field. Most practical lessons have been postponed for the post-vaccination age. However, simultaneous learning of related theoretical and practical cours
1 February 2021 in International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
Introduction: Radiology plays an important role in medical diagnoses, and proper techniques are critical in disease diagnosis. As a result, physicians’ and medical students’ knowledge of this field, as well as their mastery of imaging techniques, is critical. The purpose of this study was to assess Iranian medical students, residents, and physicians’ knowledge of the fundamentals of various imaging methods, the amount of ionizing radiation in each type of imaging, and diagnostic imaging techniques. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study in which 454 general practitioners, residents and medical interns in Iran have filled out an online questionnaire regarding the details of different imaging methods. The results after correcting and scoring this the questionnaires were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: Only 5.2% of the questions about the amount of ionizing radiation in all types of imaging were correctly answered. Twenty two% of interns, 16% of general practitioners, and 23% of residents had accurate information about the side effects of diagnostic imaging. Ninety four% of participants were aware that the sonography method does not use ionizing radiation. Also, while 90% of participants were correct about the computed tomography (CT) scan, the percentage of those who were correct about the barium, positron emission tomography (PET), mammography, and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was lower. Conclusion: This study reveals a significant knowledge gap among Iranian medical professionals regarding ionizing radiation risks and dosages, despite frequent use of CT and PET scans. Findings highlight the need to enhance radiology education for safer diagnostic practices and better patient outcomes. This research provides a foundation for future studies on radiologic knowledge.