Science Files
By Daily Bruin Staff
May 5, 1998 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 6, 1998
Science Files
Surgeons find tools for injuries
UCLA orthopedic surgeons are now offering a breakthrough
procedure, using a unique heat probe to help heal individuals with
shoulder injuries.
The procedure – ElectroThermal Arthroscopy – cuts recovery time
in half, increases the shoulder’s range of motion and reduces
medical costs.
"The difference between this new procedure and the old shoulder
surgery is revolutionary," said UCLA sports medicine orthopedist
Dr. Stephen Liu, who has performed 30 procedures.
"It’s like taking a stretched-out pair of blue jeans and
throwing them in the dryer to shrink. That’s what we can now do
with the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint."
Doctors insert a probe into one of two incisions and then sweep
the problem area with a precise radiofrequency energy, shrinking
the surrounding ligaments. This reduces the joint volume and
stabilizes the shoulder.
Patients are able to go home only a few hours later, compared to
several months for standard treatments.
Surgeons say the technique helps competitive athletes and
weekend warriors return to sports and an active lifestyle.
Although orthopedists consider the procedure a breakthrough,
longer-term evaluations are necessary to determine the permanency
of the results.
Researchers test brain tumor drugs
UCLA medical researchers are testing a new chemotherapeutic drug
aimed at treating non-cancerous brain tumors, known as
meningiomas.
Many of these non-cancerous tumors continue to grow even after
traditional surgery and radiation treatments fail.
When left untreated, they can impair brain function and even
cause death.
"For patients who have exhausted traditional forms of therapy,
an effective and non-toxic chemotherapy would be a welcome
alternative," said Dr. Greg Rubino, UCLA neurosurgeon and the lead
investigator.
The study will establish the safe and proper dose size and side
effects as well.
Compiled by Matt Grace, Daily Bruin contributor
Courtesy of Steven Liu
Dr. Steven Liu
MICHAEL ROSS WACHT/Daily Bruin
Dr. Greg Rubino
