No abstract

Antibacterial activity, zinc concentrations and pH were measured in Müller-Hinton broth containing different amounts of zinc oxide and inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus (10(6) colony forming units/ml). The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of zinc oxide to different clinical isolates were determined using the Müller-Hinton agar dilution tests. Gram-positive bacteria were most susceptible. Gram-negative aerobic bacteria and streptococci were usually not inhibited even at the highest concentrations used (1024 micrograms/ml), but staphylococci--particularly some isolates of Staphylococcus epidermidis--were sensitive enough to allow determination of their MIC.

W e report two cases of bilateral chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CCS) in the forearm and hand. Measurement of the intramuscular pressure was useful for diagnosis. These two cases illustrate that bilateral CCS should be suspected in patients complaining of bilateral exercise-induced pain in the anconeus muscle, the forearms, the thenar and hypothenar regions and in the first dorsal interosseous muscle. Fasciotomy relieved the pain in both cases.

The long-term results following 36 surgically and 34 conservatively treated fingertip amputations with bone exposure are presented in a retrospective study. Surgery did not produce better results even though it was performed by skilled hand surgeons. The advantages of the conservative (mainly adhesive zinc tape) treatment method are pointed out. The regenerative capacity of the amputated fingertip is shown and discussed.