PurposeThe posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) presents commonly with avulsion fractures of its tibial attachment. An avulsion fracture of the PCL, if not surgically fixed, may lead to secondary changes in the knee joint. Various fixation techniques have been explored with use of lag screws, steel wires, absorbable screws, suture anchors and straddle nails. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and functional outcome of open reduction and internal fixation of tibial avulsion injuries of the PCL using cannulated cancellous screws.Materials and MethodsWe performed open reduction and internal fixation using cannulated cancellous screws in 14 patients (mean age, 33.9 years) with isolated PCL avulsion injuries. Patients with a duration of injury more than 12 weeks were excluded. The minimum follow-up period was 12 months. Results were assessed radiologically and clinically. Final functional outcome was assessed using the Lysholm knee scoring system.ResultsThe average follow-up period was 13.5 months. At the final follow-up, all 14 patients achieved fracture union. The average flexion was 121.7°±9.2° with full extension achieved in all patients. Mild instability (1+) was noted in 4 patients. The Lysholm functional score was excellent in 11 patients, good in 2 patients and fair in 1 patient with an average score of 97±7.6.ConclusionsStable early fixation for PCL avulsion injuries with early controlled mobilization provided excellent to good results. However, fixation should not be discouraged for late-presenting patients because good to fair results can be achieved in such cases.

Inaccessibility of pharmacotherapy in the developing countries should not deter tobacco cessation efforts as good tobacco quit rates can be achieved with health education and behavioral therapy. Tobacco cessation should be an integral activity in all BPOs, so that the employees receive this service continuously and millions of our youths are protected from the hazards of tobacco.

HighlightsMultiple diverticulosis of the jejunum constitutes an uncommon pathology of the small bowel.Jejunal diverticular perforation related to steroid/treatment has been reported only once previously.The current treatment of choice is prompt laparotomy with segmental intestinal resection and primary anastomosis.

The program is raising awareness about the common cancers and harms of tobacco among the disadvantaged women population in Mumbai. It is also helping in detecting pre-cancers and cancers among asymptomatic women and is assisting them in receiving treatment.

Hypertriglyceridaemia is the third most common cause of acute pancreatitis in the USA. The treatment approach for hypertriglyceridaemia to date has largely been conservative including weight loss, exercise and avoidance of medications that raise triglyceride levels. This approach, however, is not practical in cases of acute pancreatitis due to severely elevated triglycerides. A small number of case reports have been published supporting the treatment of acute pancreatitis due to severely elevated triglyceride levels with insulin and heparin. We report a case of acute pancreatitis in a young woman due to a triglyceride level of 15 215 mg/dl who was successfully treated with insulin and heparin.

Background:Oral cancer remains the commonest form of cancer and cancer-related deaths among Indian males due to popularity of avoidable risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol use. A workplace oral cancer screening and tobacco cessation study was commenced on World No Tobacco Day 2007 at a chemical industry in rural Maharashtra.Aims:The objectives were to screen the employees for oral neoplasia and to correlate it with their tobacco consumption pattern. In addition, the objective was to provide tobacco cessation services at the workplace.Materials and Methods:This is an interventional cohort study among 104 employees of a chemical industrial unit in rural Maharashtra. Naked eye examination of the oral cavity was performed for all employees by a doctor irrespective of the tobacco habits at the beginning and at the end of 1 year. In between, the tobacco users were regularly examined during each follow-up.Statistical analysis used:Through personal interviews of the participants, data were manually recorded and were transferred to electronic data base. Data analysis was conducted in STATA™ 8.2 on intention to treat basis.Results and Conclusions:Among the 104 employees, 50 (48.08%) were current tobacco users at the beginning of the program. Oral precancers were seen exclusively among 20 (40%) tobacco users. After 1 year of workplace tobacco cessation intervention, 80% of oral precancers regressed. This shows that screening of the oral cavity at the workplace is effective when combined with tobacco cessation.

Acquired methaemoglobinaemia is a potentially fatal impairment in oxygen delivery if not recognised early and treated appropriately. Benzocaine used as an anaesthetic for endoscopic procedures is an uncommon but clinically important precipitant of acquired methaemoglobinaemia. We present a case of an elderly woman who developed perioral cyanosis and desaturation 20 min after a transoesophageal echocardiogram. Further evaluation led to the diagnosis of benzocaine-induced methaemoglobinaemia and timely treatment with intravenous methylene blue was initiated.

Background: There are many options to treat post osteomyelitic gaps in forearm bones. We report a pediatric series with postosteomyelitic forearm segmental defects reconstructed with fibular only graft: the non vascular fibular intramedullary bridging bone and additional grafting (FIBBAG) and the results thereof. Methods: Outcomes in 8 patients treated with fibular strut and overlay matchstick grafts were retrospectively assessed. The clinical results were expressed as forearm shortening, range of motion at elbow and wrist joint. The radiological evaluation included time to union, presence of fractures and recurrence of infection, if any. Results: The average patient age was 6 years (range, 3–12 years). The radius was involved in 6 and ulna in 2. Union occurred in all patients. The average intraoperative gap to be spanned was 5.86 cm (range, 3–14 cm). The average time for union was 6.63 months (range, 2–14 months). Two patients required additional bone grafting procedures. No graft fatigues/fractures were noted in available follow up. There was no recurrence of infection in any case. A positive ulnar variance was seen in 3 patients at follow up. Forearm shortening was a major cosmetic limitation following the procedure. Conclusions: Fibular strut and additional bone grafting (FIBBAG) is one of the viable options for reconstruction of post osteomyelitic forearm defects in children with low procedural complication rate.