DR. JUSTIN L. CASHMAN III, MD

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This study looked at the results of a special type of surgery called two-stage revision surgery for patients with chronic knee infections related to joint replacements. Out of 78 patients followed for an average of 7 years, 11.5% had a re-infection, and 91.8% of patients were infection-free after two years. The surgery significantly improved knee function, with patients seeing a drop in pain and disability scores. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic knee joint infections and their doctors.

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This study developed a new method called FraMiTrACR for preparing laboratory samples, specifically for analyzing contaminants in food. Researchers found that using FraMiTrACR resulted in up to 45% less waste, a 43% lower carbon footprint compared to another method, and significant time and labor cost savings—up to 87% in time and 84% in labor costs. This matters because it makes the process of preparing samples more eco-friendly and efficient, benefiting both the environment and lab operations. Who this helps: This helps laboratories and researchers involved in food safety testing.

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This study looked at the results of a specific type of surgery called two-stage revision surgery to treat infections in hip joint replacements over a 20-year period. Out of 158 hips treated, 13.9% got re-infected, and most of those stayed infection-free for a long time, with 94.4% remaining infection-free after 2 years and 82.6% after 15 and 20 years. The surgery also improved patients' hip function scores significantly, going from an average score of 68.3 before surgery to around 35 after a couple of years. Who this helps: This benefits patients with hip replacement infections and their doctors by providing evidence of effective treatment outcomes.

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This study looked at how teaching people to use naloxone, a life-saving medication for opioid overdoses, affects their confidence in emergencies. Out of 100 participants, 75% had seen at least one overdose, and after receiving training, 96% reported they would be willing to help by using naloxone. This matters because boosting naloxone knowledge can potentially lower the number of fatal overdoses. Who this helps: This helps individuals who are likely to witness an opioid overdose, such as friends or family of people using opioids.

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This study looked at whether it’s necessary to routinely check blood levels after hip or knee replacement surgeries. Researchers found that out of 490 patients, only 0.8% needed a blood transfusion despite a typical post-surgery drop in hemoglobin of just 2.1 g/dL. This is important because it shows routine blood tests may not be needed after these surgeries, which could save time and money without harming patient care. Who this helps: Patients undergoing hip or knee replacement surgeries.

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This study looked at Ireland's first state-funded program for same-day hip replacement surgeries, which started in June 2018. Out of the first 109 surgeries, 90.8% of patients were able to go home the same day, and only 4.6% had to return for further treatment. This is important because it shows that with the right care, patients can recover faster and hospitals can use their resources more efficiently. Who this helps: This benefits patients needing hip replacement surgery and the healthcare system overall.

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This study examined how idiopathic toe walking (ITW) affects the quality of life for children under 18 years old. Researchers found that children with ITW scored significantly lower in areas related to physical health, school and play, and emotional well-being compared to healthy kids. Specifically, the study involved 157 children, and those with more severe ankle stiffness (called equinus contracture) had even worse scores in physical health. Who this helps: This research benefits children with ITW and their families by highlighting the challenges they face and the importance of addressing their health and well-being.

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Researchers developed a new, simple method to test raw milk for harmful antibiotic residues. This method quickly separates the milk into water and fat/protein parts, allowing for efficient testing with liquid chromatography, which can detect various antibiotic groups at very low levels. The new approach is faster and cheaper than existing methods, ensuring safer milk for consumers. Who this helps: This helps dairy farmers, milk processors, and consumers by ensuring milk is safe from antibiotic residues.

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This study examined whether surgeries that aim to save the hip joint lead to problems after a total hip replacement later on. It involved 2,576 patients, showing that those who had previous hip surgeries experienced longer surgery times, more blood loss, and a higher chance of specific complications. Importantly, these patients faced poorer improvements in how well they could move after the hip replacement and their implants lasted less time after five years. Who this helps: This information benefits patients who may need hip replacement surgery, ensuring they make informed choices about earlier joint-preserving procedures.

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This study focused on creating a set of agreed-upon guidelines for assessing and treating children who walk on their toes without a clear medical reason, known as idiopathic toe walking (ITW). Out of 54 initial proposals, researchers reached agreement on 31 key statements that define how to properly care for these children, ensuring that doctors across different areas provide consistent treatment. This is important because it helps streamline care, making sure that all children with ITW receive the best possible help, regardless of where they live. Who this helps: This helps children with idiopathic toe walking and their caregivers.

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This study looked at how magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) affects the treatment of knee pain in people over 50 with osteoarthritis. Researchers reviewed 222 cases and found that while MRIs showed extra details about knee damage—in 89.6% of cases—they only changed treatment plans in a small number of instances: 9.5% overall and 23% for those with existing plans. This matters because it indicates that while MRIs can provide useful information, they should be used selectively, and doctors should first utilize standard X-rays to guide treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors decide when an MRI is necessary for knee pain management.

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This study looked at whether having a telehealth consultation before knee surgery would help patients remember the risks of the procedure better. It found that 16% of patients who had the teleconsultation could recall the risks, compared to 12% who did not, which is not a significant difference. However, those who received the teleconsultation were more satisfied with the process, scoring an average of 9.8 out of 10, compared to 9 out of 10 for the control group. Who this helps: Patients undergoing knee arthroplasty.

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This study looked at how the availability of physiotherapy affects the length of hospital stays after hip and knee surgeries (arthroplasties). It found that patients who had surgery on Thursdays or Fridays stayed an average of 3.89 days in the hospital, compared to 3.02 days for those who had surgery earlier in the week. Implementing a seven-day physiotherapy service could save hospitals a significant amount of money and help patients get home faster. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing hip and knee surgeries.

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On May 14, 2021, a cyberattack shut down all computer systems in the Irish public healthcare system, including the Irish National Orthopaedic Register, which tracks hip and knee surgeries. The system was down for a median of 134 days, costing hospitals around $181,000 to $216,000 in extra work for staff who had to handle data manually. While no serious patient harm was reported, the attack disrupted hospital operations and caused delays in patient care, highlighting the need for better security and backup systems in healthcare. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare workers by improving the reliability of medical data systems.

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This study looked at a rare type of injury called a Morel-Lavallée lesion, which is a fluid buildup that can occur after blunt trauma. A 14-year-old boy who hurt his knee during a football game was found to have this condition, where a large area of fluid was discovered on his knee during an ultrasound. The doctors removed 26 milliliters of fluid and treated the injury, which is important because recognizing and treating these lesions early can prevent more serious complications. Who this helps: This helps young athletes who may experience similar injuries.

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This study looked at how common hip dysplasia is in people under 50 who are getting total hip replacement surgery. The researchers found that 22% of these patients had hip dysplasia based on one test and 42.6% based on another test, indicating that hip dysplasia is quite prevalent in this age group. Understanding how often this condition occurs can help improve how doctors diagnose and treat hip problems early on. Who this helps: This helps patients facing hip surgery and their doctors.

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This study looked at whether giving patients a specific consent document before surgery would help them remember the risks of total hip replacement surgery four weeks later. Researchers found that only 16% of patients who received the new document remembered the risks and only 13% of those who didn't receive it remembered, showing that both groups had poor recall overall. However, when they focused on patients who were more engaged, recall improved slightly to 24.5% in the group that received the document compared to 18.25% in the other group. This matters because it highlights the ongoing challenge of ensuring patients understand the risks of surgery, which is crucial for making informed decisions. Who this helps: This helps patients preparing for surgery.

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This study looked at hip fractures in patients at six teaching hospitals in Dublin, focusing on how many patients suffered a second hip fracture after their first one. They found that 8.7% of hip fractures were second fractures, and almost half of those occurred within the first three years after the initial fracture. This is important because it highlights a significant need for services to help prevent additional fractures, which can lead to more serious health problems and increased healthcare costs. Who this helps: This helps patients who have experienced a hip fracture, as well as healthcare providers aiming to improve patient outcomes.

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This study looked at how using a secure messaging app, which complies with data protection regulations, can improve the care of hip fracture patients in a trauma hospital. Researchers found that the average time to surgery for these patients dropped from about 84 hours in 2017 to around 39 hours in 2018, which is a significant improvement. This matters because quicker surgery can lead to better outcomes for patients with hip fractures, reducing complications and speeding up recovery. Who this helps: Patients with hip fractures and the healthcare professionals who care for them.

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This study looked at how often flubromazolam, a new type of sedative drug, was found in patients who arrived at emergency rooms in the UK due to suspected drug misuse. Out of 957 patients studied from March 2015 to January 2021, flubromazolam was detected in 14 patients, all of whom showed symptoms like confusion or low alertness since July 2020. It's important because the long-lasting effects of this drug might contribute to serious health issues, even after patients leave the hospital. Who this helps: This information is valuable for doctors treating patients with drug-related issues.

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This study looked at how using bar code scanning to record details of hip and knee joint implants in Ireland affected the accuracy and completeness of data in the Irish National Orthopaedic Register (INOR). The results showed significant improvements: missing data dropped from 7% to 0%, incorrect entries fell from 2% to 0%, and the accuracy of records increased from 53% to 100%. This matters because precise data is crucial for patient safety and effective surgical planning. Who this helps: Patients receiving joint implants and the doctors who treat them.

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This study examined the effectiveness of a new virtual clinic set up for patients needing follow-up after joint replacement surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among 30 patients, pain levels dropped significantly from an average rating of 8.1 before surgery to 2.3 after six weeks, and 70% were satisfied with their virtual follow-up appointment. This is important because it shows that patients can successfully receive quality care remotely when in-person visits are limited, easing concerns about healthcare access during the pandemic. Who this helps: This benefits patients who require follow-up care after joint surgeries, particularly in times of crisis like the pandemic.

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This study looked at two methods for concentrating viruses from cell cultures: ultrafiltration (UF) and ultracentrifugation (UC). The researchers found that UF was almost as effective as UC for concentrating canine parvovirus (CPV-2), increasing viral levels by over 1.0 logTCID/mL, but was less effective for feline coronavirus (FCoV), which only reached 0.7-1.0 logTCID/mL compared to more than 2.0 logTCID/mL with UC. The simpler UF method uses less volume and could be a practical option for researchers needing more concentrated doses of these viruses for experiments. Who this helps: This benefits researchers working with canine and feline viruses.

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This study examined how well patients remembered the risks of surgery four weeks after having a total hip replacement, comparing two types of consent forms: a generic one and a specific one tailored to the procedure. Patients who received the procedure-specific consent form recalled an average of 1.43 risks, while those with the generic form recalled only 0.67 risks. This finding is important because it highlights that specific consent forms can improve patient understanding, even though overall recall remained low in both groups. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing total hip replacement by providing them with clearer information about their surgery.

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This study looked at how well patients remember important information about their surgery after being given consent forms and information sheets. Researchers found that patients who received printed information recalled significantly more details the next day, with an average score of 9.54 compared to 6.45 for those who did not get any written material. This is important because it highlights that providing clear, standardized information can help patients make better decisions about their care. Who this helps: This helps patients preparing for surgery.

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This study looked at a new imaging technique called tomosynthesis, which might help doctors diagnose scaphoid fractures more easily and safely. Researchers tested different positions for examining the wrist and found that tomosynthesis works as well as CT scans at spotting these fractures while being cheaper and exposing patients to less radiation. This is important because quicker and safer diagnosis can lead to better treatment outcomes for patients with wrist injuries. Who this helps: This benefits patients with suspected wrist fractures and the doctors treating them.

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The study explored how "enhanced recovery protocols," which include better preparation and care processes for patients undergoing joint replacement surgery, can reduce hospital stays and improve recovery. It found that the average hospital stay has decreased from weeks to just a few days, thanks to these strategies, which help patients recover quickly and safely. This matters because it not only improves patient satisfaction but also makes healthcare more efficient and cost-effective. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing joint replacement surgery, as well as doctors and healthcare providers aiming to improve surgical outcomes.

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This study examined how well a program in Malawi treated clubfoot, a condition affecting children's feet, using a method called sustainable serial casting. Out of over a thousand children, data from 596 showed that their clubfoot severity, measured by a scoring system, improved significantly from an average score of 4.55 to 1.39 after treatment. This matters because it demonstrates that effective treatment is possible in low-resource settings, making it easier for more children to access care. Who this helps: This helps children with clubfoot and their families.

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This paper studied mycosis fungoides, a common type of skin cancer that often looks like other skin conditions, making it hard to diagnose. The authors shared the case of a 69-year-old man with this condition and found that a type of light therapy called monochromatic excimer light therapy is the best and most tolerated treatment for early stages of the disease. This matters because identifying and treating mycosis fungoides effectively can improve patients' lives and reduce the chances of it coming back. Who this helps: Patients with early-stage mycosis fungoides.

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This study looked at new MRI techniques to better visualize knee cartilage issues, testing them on 16 healthy volunteers and 57 patients with known cartilage problems. The researchers found that a specific MRI method called TrueFISP was particularly effective, detecting 161 cartilage lesions with high accuracy—84.7% for sensitivity and 92% for specificity. This matters because it allows doctors to identify knee cartilage damage more effectively, leading to better diagnosis and treatment. Who this helps: Patients with knee problems.

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This study focused on developing a new way to manufacture prexasertib, a drug used in clinical trials. Researchers created a continuous-flow system that produced 24 kilograms of this drug, working at a rate of about 3 kilograms every day, which is both faster and safer than traditional methods. This approach not only enhances the drug's production but also makes it easier to handle safely. Who this helps: This helps pharmaceutical companies and researchers developing new cancer treatments.

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The study focused on finding out what causes severe leg deformities, similar to rickets, in children in Malawi. Researchers found that these deformities are likely due to Blount disease in 22 kids and calcium deficiency rickets in 20 kids, both leading to different biochemical changes in their bodies. They highlight that adding calcium supplements before surgery could be beneficial for those with rickets-like disease, as low calcium levels were linked to the deformities. Who this helps: This research helps children with rickets-like deformities and their doctors in Malawi.

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This paper looked at the causes and treatment of groin pain in athletes, especially those in sports that involve quick movements and kicking. It identified common issues like adductor injuries and osteitis pubis, highlighting that these conditions are challenging to diagnose and treat effectively. This matters because understanding these issues can lead to better care and recovery for athletes dealing with this pain. Who this helps: This helps athletes, doctors, and sports medical professionals.

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This study looked at patients who had surgery at a specialized orthopaedic hospital and needed to be transferred to another hospital due to complications. Out of 2,853 surgeries performed, 51 patients (1.8%) required such transfers, with an average age of 67. Most patients who were transferred had undergone hip or knee surgeries and had higher body mass indexes and more significant health risks than typical surgery patients. This research is important because it helps hospitals identify which patients are at higher risk for complications after surgery, allowing for better preoperative care. Who this helps: This helps doctors improve care for older patients and those with existing health issues who are undergoing joint replacement surgeries.

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This study focused on creating a specific antibody against soman, a dangerous chemical compound, by modifying proteins in the lab. Researchers found that the antibody they developed could effectively recognize soman-bound proteins in different species, including humans and mice, achieving a very sensitive detection limit of 0.01 micrograms. This discovery is important because it could help identify other harmful effects of soman on the body beyond its initial impact. Who this helps: Patients who have been exposed to soman and healthcare providers treating them.

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This study looked at 50 children in Malawi with a condition called "foot drop," where they have difficulty lifting the front part of their foot. The researchers found that 90% of these kids had received a specific injection of a medication called quinine, and more than half of them had been treated in private clinics. This finding is important because it highlights that a common treatment could be causing this serious issue in children. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers better understand the risks associated with specific injections in children.

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This research paper looks at how transition services, which help students with disabilities move from school to adulthood, have improved over the last 30 years. It found that while there are effective ways to support these students, many school reform efforts ignore them, focusing instead on youth without disabilities. To improve outcomes for all students, the authors recommend that teachers and community members work together to integrate these transition services into general education reforms. Who this helps: This helps students with disabilities by ensuring they get better support as they prepare for life after school.