1.Psychiatric Manifestations in Orthopedic Patients on Celecoxib Therapy
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2010;6(2):41-42
Introduction: The Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme is responsible for the synthesis of prostaglandin which is responsible for inflammation and pain. Celecoxib a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor was first used as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug in 1999. Celecoxib is as effective as NSAIDs but causes less ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract, hence it is commonly used. It has been widely used in patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. We present 3 cases of temporary psychiatric disorders associated with consumption of celecoxib,two of the patients presented with auditory hallucinations while one was diagnosed to be having depression. None had pre-existing psychiatric disorders or consumed alcohol or substance of abuse. All 3 patients recovered from their temporary psychiatric disorders after stopping celecoxib.Discussion: It is important to be aware of the psychiatric side effects when prescribing the drug for prolonged periods
4.Office Exercise Training to Reduce and Prevent the Occurrence of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Office Workers: A Hypothesis
Ardalan Shariat ; Shamsul Bahri Mohd Tamrin ; Manohar Arumugam ; Mahmoud Danaee ; Rajesh Ramasamy
Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences 2016;23(4):54-58
Pain in specific areas of the body (including the lower back, neck, and shoulders) due
to extended periods of sitting and inactivity is the most widespread musculoskeletal disorder
worldwide and has consequences that are both socio-economic and personal. This condition is
particularly prevalent in industrialised countries, affecting roughly 70% to 80% of adults at some
point in their lives; approximately 1% of the U.S. population is chronically disabled by this type
of pain disorder. A practical way to reduce the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among office
workers would have a significant positive impact. More work is required to develop a package of
exercises designed to prevent and treat musculoskeletal pain in office workers. Such a package
would be preferable to pharmacological treatments, which can have undesirable side effects. The
main objective of this package would be to increase the flexibility and strength of trunk muscles in
order to decrease the soreness, pain, and degree of discomfort. In this article, we introduce our
proposed package of exercises, which are based on guidelines issued bythe American College of
Sports Medicine.
5.Acrometastases: The nasty alter ego of fingertip infections
Collin Looi Seng Kim ; Manohar A/L Arumugam
Malaysian Family Physician 2021;16(2):86-89
Fingertip infections are commonly diagnosed in primary care. There is a serious condition, acrometastases, that is often mistaken for these infections. Acrometastases are defined as metastases located distal to the elbow or knee. We present a case of a malignant phyllodes tumour with acrometastases to the distal phalanx of the left middle finger that was misdiagnosed as a fingertip infection on 2 separate occasions, highlighting the need for vigilance regarding acrometastases.
6.Ulnar Nerve Reconstruction With a Basilic Vein Tributary Graft: A Practical and Easily Replicable Technique With Favourable Outcomes
Collin Looi Seng Kim ; Zuhri Md Yusoff ; Manohar Arumugam ; Siew Khei Liew ; Firdati Mohamed Saaid
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2024;20(No.1):389-391
A young gentleman presented with a closed fracture of the left radius and an open fracture of the left ulna complicated with segmental loss of the ulnar nerve measuring 1.5cm. After thorough debridement and stabilization of the bone
injuries, the ulnar nerve gap was bridged with an autologous venous graft harvested off a tributary of the basilic vein
that served as a nerve conduit. At 18 months post-surgery, sensori-motor function of the patient’s left ulnar nerve was
nearly fully restored, indicative of successful reconstitution of the ulnar nerve using a basilic vein tributary vein graft.
7.Orthopaedic Specialty Committee Exit Examination Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic in Malaysia- Experiences and Reflections from the Candidates
Firdati Mohamed Saaid ; Nur Ayuni Khirul Ashar ; Zuhri Md Yusoff ; Norazian Kamisan ; Imma Isniza Ismail ; Liew Siew Khei ; Manohar Arumugam
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2023;19(No.2):130-137
Introduction: The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic had affected the Orthopaedic Specialty Committee (OSC)
Exit Examination candidates. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of this pandemic on the candidates’ teaching and learning, mental well-being, and personal experience during the examinations. Methods: A
cross-sectional study was conducted from 1st to 31st January 2021. 103 candidates for the OSC Exit Examination
November 2020 were asked to answer a questionnaire. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to compare differences in the frequencies before and during the pandemic. A p-value of less than 0.05 was taken as significant. Results:
There was a significant reduction in the number of classes (P-value < 0.001) and examination preparatory courses
conducted, reduced number and variety of patients attended and limited exposure in the operation theatre. Most
candidates had virtual and physical classes, and agreed virtual clinical teaching was less effective. A majority had
increased caffeine intake and smoking habits, decreased time spent with family and sports activities and no impact
on sleeping hours, alcohol and analgesic usage. During the examinations, most candidates felt disturbed by the
COVID-19 safety protocol and worried about the risk of contracting the infections. Conclusion: The effect of this pandemic on the post-graduate Orthopaedics students teaching and learning is massive. Virtual teaching programmes
or applications that can replace the traditional clinical teaching methods should be explored and developed for the
benefit of our education system.