[Objective]We performed a questionnaire for the purpose of investigating the present conditions of infection control education in Japanese acupuncture schools and to discuss the problems.
[Methods]We conducted a postal survey by sending out questionnaires to 153acupuncture schools in Japan from December 2008 to March 2009.
[Results]Replies were obtained from 69.9%of the schools (107 out of 153schools). In their responses, 65%of the schools taught hand-washing with soap and alcohol-based hand rub as methods of hand hygiene. Moreover 58%of the schools used only single use needles (SUNs), 40%used both reusable and single use needles, and 2%used only reusable needles. However, single use was observed only at 25%of the schools that introduced SUNs.
Furthermore, we inquired whether the students were taught to use sterilized gloves and finger cots. The results illustrated that a proportion of schools provided the instruction;the proportion of constant instruction was 17%, that of the instructor's option was 35%, that of no requisite was 48%.
[Conclusion]From the above-mentioned results, it became clear that the direction for use of SUNs was not instructed adequately. In addition, this aseptic technique for puncture is not yet standardized in the school's education. It is necessary to realize the measures based on evidence and to employ them in educational programs at acupuncture schools.

PURPOSE: The fixed flexion view (FFV) of the knee is considered useful for evaluating the joint space when assessing the severity of osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. To clarify the usefulness of FFV for evaluation of the joint space and severity of knee OA, this study evaluated changes in the joint space on the FFV and standing extended view (SEV) in patients with knee OA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The SEV and FFV images were acquired in 567 patients (1,102 knees) who visited the hospital with a chief complaint of knee joint pain. Medial joint space width (MJSW) and Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) classification assessed using the SEV and FFV images were compared. RESULTS: Mean MJSW was significantly smaller when assessed on the FFV than on the SEV (3.02±1.55 mm vs. 4.31±1.30 mm; p<0.001). The K-L grade was the same or higher on the FFV than on the SEV. CONCLUSIONS: The FFV is more useful than the SEV for evaluating the joint space in OA knees. Treatment strategies in patients with knee OA should be determined based on routinely acquired FFV images.
Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Classification ; Humans ; Joints ; Knee Joint ; Knee ; Osteoarthritis ; Radiography