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Sound Medicine -- October 11, 2003

Hosts Diane Willis and Dr. Kathy Miller talk to physicians and researchers about:

Drug Interactions

Eye Floaters

Oxidized Zirconium Knee Implant

Real Media | Windows Media

Drug Interactions

There are a variety of very good medications available to treat almost every conceivable medical condition. However, drugs can also interact with each other. In this age of rapidly advancing drug developments, there is an equal demand to learn what drug combinations can be hazardous. Furthermore, drugs do not only interact with each other; certain foods can also affect the way drugs function. Consumers should also be careful with herbal supplements; although these products are often marketed as "natural," it is important to remember that they are a chemical and can have negative results when combined with other drugs.

Dr. David Flockhart has created a drug interaction website for physicians, and is a leading national expert in drug interactions. Dr. Flockhart is Chief of the Division of Clinical Pharmacology at the IU School of Medicine and a professor of medicine.

Resources:

Dr. Flockhart has created a drug interaction website to be used as a reference for physicians and other healthcare professionals.

The Food and Drug Administration explains interactions that can result from common presciption and OTC medications, and also suggests questions that people should ask their doctors and pharmacists before starting a new medication.

Check potential interactions between multiple drugs on this interactive website.

Eye Floaters

Eye floaters are those pesky spots and lines that float across the eye and cloud the vision. Although they appear to float in front of the eye, floaters are actually tiny clumps of gel inside the fluid that fills the eye. While floaters are usually common and harmless, they can occasionally indicate a more serious problem, such as a torn retina. It is important to consult an ophthalmologist if one begins seeing many more floaters than usual.

Dr. Rudy Yung is associate professor of ophthalmology at the IU School of Medicine and chief of the ophthalmology service at Wishard Memorial Hospital. He explains the technicalities behind eye floaters.

Resources:

More information about eye floaters is available at the website for American Optometric Association.

Learn what causes floaters and light flashes, as well as who is most prone to them, and what can be done about the condition.

Eye floaters are most common in adults who are middle-aged and older. Read up on other eye conditions and problems that primarily affect older adults.

Oxidized Zirconium Knee Implant

For people with bad knees, a future with less pain may come sooner rather than later. A new technology in knee implants has produced a more durable material that is expected to withstand the test of time, meaning knee pain sufferers may become candidates for knee replacement at an earlier age.

The oxidized zirconium knee, also known as the oxinium knee, has been shown to reduce joint wear by up to 85% more than traditional knee implants. Smith Nephew, an orthopedic company and developer of the oxinium knee, hopes it will last significantly longer than previous implants. The company launched the knee in 2001, following FDA approval. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Lindsey Rolston, whose practice is based in New Castle, Indiana, discusses this latest technology in knee implants.

Resources:

Curious about knee replacement surgery? WebMD supplies a guide to better help you understand your choices.

This website explains the procedure of total knee replacement surgery, complete with diagrams. It also helps patients understand what they can expect from surgery and rehabilitation.

Peruse some common questions and answers about knee problems.