Categories
Cardiovascular
Diagnostics
Endocrinology
Health Insurance
Medical Devices
Mental Health
Nutrition
Oncology
Public Health
Sexual Health
Popular Articles

Enhancing The Effects Of Platinum-Based Anti-Cancer Drugs
Daqing Li and colleagues, at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, have identified in vitro and in mice a way to enhance the anticancer effects of the commonly used platinum-based drug cisplatin.
generic viagra online
Ethicists Debate New York State's Decision To Pay Egg Donors Who Aid Stem Cell Research
New York state"s decision last month to allow state-funded embryonic stem cell researchers to pay women for donating their eggs had drawn support from many scientists and doctors but fueled debate among some ethicists, Long Island Newsday reports. The state"s Empire State Stem Cell Board said that researchers can pay women up to $10,000 as compensation for their time and the invasive nature of the procedure.Scientists and research advocates say the decision could boost important research into cures of serious diseases while attracting investments and new jobs to the state. Opponents raise ethical concerns about using taxpayer money for research that some people find morally objectionable. Some also contend that payment might exploit low-income women, according to Newsday. The National Academy of Sciences and NIH do not permit payments to research participants beyond reimbursement.Thomas Berg -- director of the Westchester Institute for Ethics and the Human Person and a Roman Catholic priest opposed to embryonic stem cell research -- cast the sole dissenting vote in the stem cell board"s decision. Berg said the board ignored his suggestions to open the discussion to the public. However, Samuel Packer -- a member of the board and chair emeritus at the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System"s Department of Ophthalmology -- said the decision was made during a public meeting following a "long, lively debate." Packer said, "At some point the dissenting voice can"t stop the progress of science or anything else in society." He added, "There is a direct link between having better eggs and doing better research" (Ochs, Long Island Newsday, 7/9).
News of the day
Fatal Injuries To Workers In Britain At Record Low, UK
The number of people killed at work in Britain has fallen to a record low, new figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reveal.
Endocrinology

Why Is It Important To Get A Second Opinion For A Total Knee Replacement?

While total knee surgery is a common procedure with a high success rate in the US, getting a second opinion is still recommended. Each surgeon has had a specific training and education, and more experience with certain procedures over others. Some surgeons embrace new technologies and methods while others are more traditional in their practice. Furthermore, you want to feel comfortable with your surgeon. Taking the additional steps to research, interview, and visit more than one doctor can pay off in the long run. Here are three scenarios that illustrate why getting a second opinion for a total knee replacement can save you time, money, and medical complications. The surgeon recommends something not appropriate for the current condition of your arthritic knee. For example, the surgeon will recommend a total knee replacement but only a partial knee replacement is necessary (or vice versa). Total knee surgery is far more common than partial knee surgery, but in some cases the damage to the joint is confined to a limited area and a less invasive surgery is more appropriate. By getting a second opinion, you will discover whether another doctor thinks a total knee surgery is necessary. The surgeon installs the prosthesis poorly and it needs to be removed. Revision is quite common in total knee surgery. Revision can be due to misalignment of the prosthesis or a loose artificial joint. You can find out how many joint procedures your surgeon does each year by simply asking. On average, surgeons in the US do about 7-10 joint procedures each year. Anything higher is desirable in a surgeon; for example, 1-2 procedures in a week is good. The surgeon has financial ties to the company that manufactures the artificial joints they recommend. There have been reports of surgeons receiving "consulting fees" from leading artificial joint manufacturers. A surgeon"s decision to use a certain joint for total knee replacement should not be dictated by monetary gain. A surgeon is required by law to declare any such relationships. For these reasons, it is a good idea to bring a list of questions with you to the doctor"s office. At the top of your list, you want to ask your surgeon why they recommend this procedure over others and how many they do of this procedure each year. In addition, have the surgeon give you a simple explanation of the surgery and the technique involved. Don"t be afraid to ask your surgeon what their experience is with the procedure they recommend. This includes good and poor outcomes, infection rate, and information about the setting where the operation will take place. You also want to ask the surgeon about alternatives to the procedure, nonsurgical or otherwise. Lastly, you can ask your surgeon about the anticipated outcome of the procedure. Different surgeons will have different ideas on how to treat your condition. There may be more than one procedure suitable for your knee and getting a second or third opinion will most likely reveal what"s best for you.longevity and suitability for various applications. With this information the potential patient may be better informed when discussing options with his or her surgeon. BoneSmart®


Add your comment:
Name:
Site address: http://
Your message:
Enter today\\\\'s date, 2 digits
(spam protection):

© Copyright 2009