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Approximately 10%-15% of human bite wounds become infected owing to multiple factors. The bacterial inoculum of human bite wounds contains as many as 100 million organisms per milliliter and is made up of as many as 190 different species. Many of these are anaerobes that flourish in the low redox environment of tartar that lies between human teeth or in areas of gingivitis. Most injuries due to human bites involve the hands. Hand wounds, regardless of the etiology, have a higher rate of infection than do those in other a locations. (See Pathophysiology and Etiology.) Infections associated with human bites are often far advanced by the time they receive appropriate care. Patients often wait until infection is well established before seeking medical treatment. These wounds are frequently more extensive than estimated on initial examination by the inexperienced observer and are frequently managed inadequately. (See Prognosis, Presentation, Treatment, and Medication.) Human bites have been shown to transmit hepatitis B, hepatitis C, herpes simplex virus (HSV), syphilis, tuberculosis, actinomycosis, and tetanus. Evidence suggests that it is biologically possible, but quite unlikely, to transmit human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) through human bites. (See Pathophysiology, Presentation, and Workup.)
DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital offers hope for severe sinus sufferers through new image-guided surgery that opens up passages, allowing freer breathing and higher quality of life. See two patients who have undergone the procedure and hear about their new lease on life. ~ Detroit Medical Center
Your baby is still tiny, but already your body is changing. Your breasts start to swell and may feel tender. Tiredness, nausea, and a frequent need to pee are common pregnancy symptoms. In your second trimester, your growing uterus gradually rises up out of your pelvis.
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that occurs most often during the growth spurt just before puberty. While scoliosis can be caused by conditions such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, the cause of most scoliosis is unknown. Most cases of scoliosis are mild, but some children develop spine deformities that continue to get more severe as they grow. Severe scoliosis can be disabling. An especially severe spinal curve can reduce the amount of space within the chest, making it difficult for the lungs to function properly. Children who have mild scoliosis are monitored closely, usually with X-rays, to see if the curve is getting worse. In many cases, no treatment is necessary. Some children will need to wear a brace to stop the curve from worsening. Others may need surgery to keep the scoliosis from worsening and to straighten severe cases of scoliosis.
A pancreas transplant is a surgical procedure to place a healthy pancreas from a deceased donor into a person whose pancreas no longer functions properly. Your pancreas is an organ that lies behind the lower part of your stomach. One of its main functions is to make insulin, a hormone that regulates the absorption of sugar (glucose) into your cells. If your pancreas doesn't make enough insulin, blood sugar levels can rise to unhealthy levels, resulting in type 1 diabetes. Most pancreas transplants are done to treat type 1 diabetes. A pancreas transplant offers a potential cure for this condition. But it is typically reserved for those with serious diabetes complications, because the side effects of a pancreas transplant are significant. In some cases, pancreas transplants may also treat type 2 diabetes. Rarely, pancreas transplants may be used in the treatment of pancreatic, bile duct or other cancers. A pancreas transplant is often done in conjunction with a kidney transplant in people whose kidneys have been
A closure device and method to close the abdomen between surgical procedures and maintain a normal physiologic tension on the fascia to prevent undue retraction. In one embodiment, the closure device includes a “needled carabiner” attached to a rubberband of specific tension. The rubberband mimics the physiologic tension the abdominal wall normally experiences during daily activities and allows the abdominal compartment to expand as needed to maintain a healthy intra-abdominal pressure. The bands contract to maintain the intra-abdominal pressure and slowly pull the abdominal fascia back to the midline to facilitate surgical closure of the abdomen. In one embodiment, the “needled carabiner” includes a hinged surgical needle with a protected cap. The hinged needle is placed outside the normal suture line, thereby limiting the amount of surgical trauma the fascia endures. The strength of the rubberbands may be varied to accommodate differently sized individuals.
A burn is tissue damage that results from scalding, overexposure to the sun or other radiation, contact with flames, chemicals or electricity, or smoke inhalation. Is it a major or minor burn? Call 911 or seek immediate care for major burns, which: Are deep Cause the skin to be dry and leathery May appear charred or have patches of white, brown or black Are larger than 3 inches (about 8 centimeters) in diameter or cover the hands, feet, face, groin, buttocks or a major joint A minor burn that doesn't require emergency care may involve: Superficial redness similar to a sunburn Pain Blisters An area no larger than 3 inches (about 8 centimeters) in diameter Treating major burns Until emergency help arrives: Protect the burned person from further harm. If you can do so safely, make sure the person you're helping is not in contact with the source of the burn. For electrical burns, make sure the power source is off before you approach the burned person. Make certain that the person burned is breathing. If needed, begin rescue breathing if you know how. Remove jewelry, belts and other restrictive items, especially from around burned areas and the neck. Burned areas swell rapidly. Cover the area of the burn. Use a cool, moist bandage or a clean cloth. Don't immerse large severe burns in water. Doing so could cause a serious loss of body heat (hypothermia). Elevate the burned area. Raise the wound above heart level, if possible. Watch for signs of shock. Signs and symptoms include fainting, pale complexion or breathing in a notably shallow fashion. Treating minor burns For minor burns: Cool the burn. Hold the burned area under cool (not cold) running water or apply a cool, wet compress until the pain eases. Remove rings or other tight items from the burned area. Try to do this quickly and gently, before the area swells. Don't break blisters. Fluid-filled blisters protect against infection. If a blister breaks, clean the area with water (mild soap is optional). Apply an antibiotic ointment. But if a rash appears, stop using the ointment. Apply lotion. Once a burn is completely cooled, apply a lotion, such as one that contains aloe vera or a moisturizer. This helps prevent drying and provides relief. Bandage the burn. Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage (not fluffy cotton). Wrap it loosely to avoid putting pressure on burned skin. Bandaging keeps air off the area, reduces pain and protects blistered skin. If needed, take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), naproxen sodium (Aleve) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).
Most people develop several moles (nevi) throughout adulthood. Moles can be found anywhere on the body, usually in sun-exposed areas, and are usually brown, smooth, and slightly raised. In most cases, a nevus is benign and doesn't require treatment. Rarely, they turn into melanoma or other skin cancers. A nevus that changes shape, grows bigger, or darkens should be evaluated for removal.