A safe and effective vaccine against EV71 is certainly warranted in view of its potential neurovirulence and its role in HFMD epidemics of recurring frequency with resultant fatalities in Asia, as well as other parts of the world.

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We assessed the effectiveness of the 3-in-1 continuous femoral block as a form of postoperative pain relief for unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Sixty patients undergoing elective unilateral TKA under subarachnoid block were randomized into three groups. Postoperative analgesia was provided with a continuous 3-in-1 femoral nerve catheter with 0.15% ropivacaine in group A, a continuous 3-in-1 femoral nerve catheter with 0.2% ropivacaine in group B, or patient controlled intravenous morphine in group C (control group). Groups A and B received patient controlled intravenous morphine pumps for rescue analgesia. Patients in each group were followed for 72 hours postoperatively. Five patients were excluded after randomization. In the remaining 55 patients there was no statistical difference in pain score between the groups. Total morphine use was highest in group C (P< 0.05). No appreciable difference could be found with sensorimotor blockade, morphine usage and satisfaction scores when comparing groups A and B. Femoral catheter dislodgement rate was 7.9%. There was no statistical difference between the groups when comparing the day of first ambulation and the time to discharge from the hospital. Satisfaction scores were higher in group A (P = 0.028) and group B (P = 0.002) compared to group C. We conclude that a continuous 3-in-1 femoral nerve block with ropivacaine 0.15% or 0.2% for elective unilateral TKA has an opioid-sparing effect.

AimsClavicle fracture nonunions are extremely rare in children. The aim of this systematic review was to assess what factors may predispose children to form clavicle fracture nonunions and evaluate the treatment methods and outcomes.MethodsWe performed a systematic review according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, aiming to find papers reporting clavicle fracture nonunion in children under the age of 18 years. Data was collected on patient demographics, fracture type, mechanism of injury (MOI), surgical intervention and reported outcome. Two independent reviewers evaluated all the data.ResultsA total of 13 articles reporting 21 cases of clavicle fracture nonunion were identified. The mean age at time of injury was 11.4 years (4 to 17). Falls were the most common MOI. The majority of nonunions occurred after displaced fractures on the right side. Six were refractures. Mean time of presentation following injury was 13.5 months (4 to 60). In all, 16 were treated surgically. Radiographic union was eventually achieved in 12 cases, with functional outcome satisfactory in all cases.ConclusionClavicle nonunion is an extremely rare but possible complication in children. The majority occur after displaced right-sided fractures or refractures and present around one year after injury. Surgical fixation provides good radiographic healing and functional outcomes.Level of evidenceIV