The medical field has long held largely anecdotal beliefs that polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) vapors are dangerous to a growing fetus, and as such, women who are pregnant should avoid exposure. This study investigates the perceptions of female orthopedic surgeons regarding PMMA cement exposure during pregnancy, and if it influences 1) currently held beliefs / practices and 2) clinical and career choices. A 23-question survey was distributed via e-mail to active members of the Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society and a private social media group for women in orthopedics. Questions included demographics, current usage of PMMA, previous exposure during pregnancy and/or breastfeeding, and beliefs regarding current or future willingness of exposure. Additionally, questions were asked regarding PMMA training and whether beliefs influenced specialty choices.Introduction
Methods
Vancomycin is a prophylactic antibiotic used to protect against methicillin resistant staph aureus. Recent literature has suggested that using intraosseus (IO) infusions are capable of providing improved local tissue concentrations compared to intravenous (IV) access. The purpose of this study is to evaluate clinical outcomes of patients who received pre-operative IO vancomycin for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Patients who received IO vancomycin (500mg vancomycin in 200ml NS) as standard of care from September 1, 2018 to March 1, 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. This data was compared to primary and revision TKAs performed immediately prior to the initiation of IO administration. Evaluation included pre and post-op creatinine values, tourniquet time (TT), and knee-related 30 and 90-day complications. Data for primary and revision TKA cases were analyzed independently.Introduction
Methods
