Septic Tenosynovitis Research Articles

Equine brucellosis in Iran: serological, bacteriological and molecular analysis.

Equine brucellosis significantly impacts the health and functionality of horses, leading to complications such as bursitis infection, septic tenosynovitis, septic arthritis, and non-specific lameness resulting from joint infections. In the present study, we used the Rose Bengal plate agglutination test (RBPT), serum agglutination test (SAT), and the 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME) assays to find equine brucellosis. From June 2018 to September 2022, 876 blood samples were randomly taken from apparently healthy racing horses in certain parts of Iran, such as Kerman, Isfahan, Tehran, Qom, and Kurdistan. DNA extraction was carried out directly on all 63 serum samples identified as seropositive through RBPT. An additional 30 seronegative serum samples were also randomly chosen for study. Bacterial culture was also done on milk, blood, and vaginal swabs taken from seropositive horses.The bacteria that were found in the samples were then put through Bruce-ladder PCR. Our results indicated that 63 (7.1%), 21 (2.3%), and 2 (0.2%) of horses were seropositive using RBPT, SAT, and 2-ME, respectively. Also, none of the 30 DNA-extracted serum samples from seronegative horses tested positive for Brucella DNA, while 44.5% (28/63) of the DNA samples from seropositive horses yielded positive results for Brucella DNA. Out of the seropositive samples, 26 had DNA from Brucella abortus and 2 had DNA from Brucella melitensis. Also, B. melitensis biovar 1 was found in two milk samples from mares in the provinces of Kerman and Isfahan. It was identified using classical biotyping, and molecular assays. It was seen that some of healthy racing horses in some parts of Iran had antibodies against Brucella. The bacteriology and PCR methodologies provide a more comprehensive and reliable means of identifying Brucella spp. infections in horse, especially when the RBPT test came back positive. This underscores the imperative for employing molecular, bacterial, and serological methods in the diagnosis and monitoring of this zoonotic infection. Additionally, this finding suggests that Brucella is being transmitted to equine hosts as a result of its presence in ruminants. The mechanism of transmission may involve interactions between infected ruminants and susceptible equines. This discovery is significant as it underscores the potential cross-species transmission of Brucella and highlights the importance of understanding and managing the spread of the pathogen in both ruminant and equine populations.

Consensus guidelines on the management of musculoskeletal infection affecting children in the UK.

The aim of this study was to determine the consensus best practice approach for the investigation and management of children (aged 0 to 15 years) in the UK with musculoskeletal infection (including septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, pyomyositis, tenosynovitis, fasciitis, and discitis). This consensus can then be used to ensure consistent, safe care for children in UK hospitals and those elsewhere with similar healthcare systems. A Delphi approach was used to determine consensus in three core aspects of care: 1) assessment, investigation, and diagnosis; 2) treatment; and 3) service, pathways, and networks. A steering group of paediatric orthopaedic surgeons created statements which were then evaluated through a two-round Delphi survey sent to all members of the British Society for Children's Orthopaedic Surgery (BSCOS). Statements were only included ('consensus in') in the final agreed consensus if at least 75% of respondents scored the statement as critical for inclusion. Statements were discarded ('consensus out') if at least 75% of respondents scored them as not important for inclusion. Reporting these results followed the Appraisal Guidelines for Research and Evaluation. A total of 133 children's orthopaedic surgeons completed the first survey, and 109 the second. Out of 43 proposed statements included in the initial Delphi, 32 reached 'consensus in', 0 'consensus out', and 11 'no consensus'. These 11 statements were then reworded, amalgamated, or deleted before the second Delphi round of eight statements. All eight were accepted as 'consensus in', resulting in a total of 40 approved statements. In the many aspects of medicine where relevant evidence is not available for clinicians to base their practice, a Delphi consensus can provide a strong body of opinion that acts as a benchmark for good quality clinical care. We would recommend clinicians managing children with musculoskeletal infection follow the guidance in the consensus statements in this article, to ensure care in all medical settings is consistent and safe.

Treatment of Septic Tenosynovitis and Osteoarthritis in an American White Pekin (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) with Repeated Intravenous Regional Limb Perfusion and Antibiotic-Impregnated Calcium Sulfate Beads.

A 2-year-old female American white pekin (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) was assessed for a 2-month history of chronic lameness and swelling involving the left leg. Radiographic images of the left leg showed soft tissue swelling of the digits and tarsometatarsus with osteolysis of the tarsometatarsal-phalangeal joint. A complete blood count revealed marked leukocytosis and hyperproteinemia. A Streptococcus species was isolated from a bacterial culture of fluid obtained from the left tarsometatarsal-phalangeal joint. Biweekly intravenous regional limb perfusions of the left leg with ampicillin-sulbactam and amikacin were performed on the patient. Despite initial improvement in left leg lameness and swelling, follow-up radiographic images showed progressive osteolysis of the tarsometatarsal-phalangeal joint and associated digits. Surgical placement of antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate beads into the left tarsometatarsal-phalangeal joint was next performed with concurrent, repeated intravenous regional limb perfusion using the same antibiotic. Following the placement of antibiotic-impregnated beads and continued intravenous regional limb perfusion, the duck had decreased lameness and swelling of the left leg. Repeated antibiotic treatment through intravenous regional limb perfusion and concurrent placement of antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate beads is a practical treatment option for complicated distal limb infections in avian species. This therapeutic protocol has great potential in treating aggressive distal leg infections in many avian species because regional limb perfusion alone may not penetrate the joint adequately to achieve complete resolution of infection.

Septic Tenosynovitis of the Lower Extremity: A Case Report

Category: Other Introduction/Purpose: Tibialis anterior rupture is an exceptionally rare complication of septic tenosynovitis. One case of septic tenosynovitis of TA has been previously documented by Lowell et al. 2020 It is worth noting in this case, that TA was unruptured. In this abstract, we present a case of TA rupture secondary to septic tenosynovitis. Methods: A 46-year-old female with a past medical history of depression, HIV, HCV, Diabetes Mellitus, medication noncompliance and current heroin abuse presented with 2 days of right ankle pain. She also reported fever, chills, diaphoresis, nausea and vomiting. She was diagnosed with right foot cellulitis based on clinical findings of erythema, induration and tenderness. She underwent computed tomography (CT) with contrast of her right lower extremity which showed a peripherally enhancing fluid collection surrounding the tibialis anterior tendon consistent with tenosynovitis. There appeared to be medial extension beyond the tendon sheath (Figure 1). A sagittal view is provided in Figure 2, which further demonstrates the fluid collection. Results: She had an I&D of the fluid collection and started on IV vancomycin. After admission to the medical floor, blood cultures were drawn. The patient failed to improve after 2 days of vancomycin therapy. The blood cultures were negative. She subsequently had MRI of her right lower extremity that showed a persistent peripherally enhancing fluid collection anterior to the tibialis anterior tendon and high-grade partial tear of the tibialis anterior tendon (Figure 3). She was then taken to the operating room for a repeat incision and drainage where the tendon sheath of the tibialis anterior was incised and the tendon was exposed with washout. Wound cultures were drawn, and afterward, her antibiotic regimen was broadened with Piperacillin-Tazobactam. She was taken back to the operating room a third time for primary closure of the wound. Wound cultures grew methicillin- sensitive Staphylococcus Aureus resistant to clindamycin and she was discharged on Bactrim. Conclusion: Septic or suppurative tenosynovitis is the infection and inflammation of the closed synovial sheath of a tendon. These infections typically involve the tendons and tendon sheaths of the flexor muscles in the hand. The potential spaces of tendon sheaths create a walled-off environment ideal for pathogens to grow in isolation from host defenses. he pathogenesis of septic tenosynovitis typically involves trauma from a laceration, puncture or bite but other cases of disseminated hematogenous spread have been reported (Newman et al., 1989). Both medical and surgical management is recommended for the best possible outcome.

Surgical treatment of synovial sepsis: Is endoscopy the best approach?

SummaryTreatment of synovial sepsis (septic arthritis, bursitis and tenosynovitis) typically involves surgical lavage of the infected synovial cavity(ies). The two most used techniques are through‐and‐through needle lavage and endoscopic lavage. Endoscopic lavage is considered to have several advantages, and anecdotally, there appears to be a general shift towards favouring this technique. However, there are only a limited number of published studies directly comparing the outcomes of the two treatment techniques. The available published literature suggests that the outcomes (short‐term survival, return to work) are comparable. Further studies are required to expand the available veterinary literature and to assess such factors as the costs associated with the different treatment methods. A variation in diagnostic values used for diagnosing synovial sepsis is apparent in the current literature and further clarification of inclusion/diagnostic criteria would be useful for clinicians.

Septic acute Tenosynovitis of the Flexor Hallucis Longus Tendon Complicating a Lower Limb Erysipelas

Erysipelas is the most common bacterial dermal-hypodermal acute not necrotizing infection [1,2]. Its evolution is usually mild but can be complicated mainly by local abscess or necrosis [3-7]. In this context osteo-articular complications and septic acute tenosynovitis are rarely described in the literature with a rate of 1.2% [3]. We report in the light of a literature review a case of recurrent erysipelas of the leg in a young patient of 29 years complicated by septic acute tenosynovitis of the flexor hallucis longus (FHL), to remind this complication mainly observed in severe forms of erysipelas which is not the case of our patient.

A Simple Technique to Facilitate Sheath Irrigation of Septic Flexor Tenosynovitis

Septic flexor tenosynovitis is an aggressive hand infection that requires expedient attention. We describe the use of readily available red rubber catheters and arthroscopy tubing in operative irrigation of septic flexor tenosynovitis. The advantage of this technique over more open or invasive techniques is its simplicity, minimally invasive and tissue sparing nature, and rapid flow of fluid within the tight flexor sheath.

Tenectomy of the superficial digital flexor tendon as a treatment of suspected septic tendinitis and tenosynovitis of the digital flexor tendon sheath followed by rehabilitation with an orthotic device

SummaryA 15‐year‐old Sports horse gelding was referred for nonweightbearing lameness of the left hindlimb. Septic cellulitis was diagnosed and managed medically. After 14 days, septic tenosynovitis of the digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS), with septic tendinitis of the superficial (SDFT) and deep (DDFT) digital flexor tendons, became evident. Surgical resection of the intrathecal portion of the septic SDFT was performed. Post‐operatively, a half‐limb cast was placed on the operated limb for 10 weeks followed by an articulated orthotic support boot during a rehabilitation period of 6 weeks. The horse recovered and regained long‐term pasture soundness. Ultrasonography demonstrated the presence of bridging connective tissue in the location of the resected SDFT.

Septic Tenosynovitis of the Digital Flexor Tendon Sheath in 83 Cattle.

Simple SummaryLameness is an ongoing challenge for the cattle industry because it affects the wellbeing and productivity of the animals. Lameness is mostly caused by claw disorders; however, infection of the digital flexor tendon sheath (septic tenosynovitis) is a frequent complication of claw lesions and penetrating wounds located at the lower limb in cattle. Our aim was to describe clinical findings, methods of diagnosis, and outcome in cattle diagnosed with this condition. We aimed to illustrate three different surgical techniques and their success, including the improvement of gait (locomotion) and life expectancy of cattle after surgery. We found that most animals that were subjected to surgical treatment could be discharged cured, even though postsurgical complications had occurred in 17 animals. In all cattle, locomotion improved over the course of hospitalization, which lasted between 13 and 21 days in most cases. After treatment, cattle lived for another 23.7 months on average. This allowed the patients to almost reach the life expectancy of an average Austrian dairy cow. Therefore, we conclude that surgical treatment of cows for septic tenosynovitis of the digital flexor tendon can be performed successfully and is an economically viable option to keep cattle in the herd.Septic tenosynovitis of the digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS) is the second most prevalent infection of deeper structures of the distal limb in cattle, after septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint. Depending on the type of infection and the involvement of adjacent anatomical structures, various surgical techniques may be used for therapy: Incising the DFTS to resect one or both digital flexor tendons (RDFT), additional resection of the DIP joint (RDIP) or additional digital amputation (RAMP). Our goal was to describe clinical findings and outcome in cattle patients (euthanasia vs. treatment) and the success of surgical methods including improvement of locomotion and postoperative survival time (POST). Data of eighty-three cattle with a mean age of 4.3 years were reviewed in this retrospective study. Overall, 57.7% of tenosynovitis cases were in the lateral DFTS of a hind limb. Fifty-five cattle were treated surgically; the remaining 28 cattle were euthanized following diagnosis. The median cumulative POST was 17.3, 83.1, and 11.9 months for RDFT, RDIP, and RAMP, respectively. Fatal postoperative complications occurred in three cattle. We conclude that the applied methods were successful and allowed the animals to almost reach the average life expectancy of an Austrian dairy cow.

Image Diagnosis in Extensor Tendons Injuries in the Radiocarpal Region in Horses

Background: Soft tissue injuries are common in sport horses, especially those involving tendons, with few current reports in the literature on the diagnosis of extensor injuries, especially with regard to ultrasound characteristics, being essential for the diagnosis of these injuries. The objective of the study is to characterize the clinical signs and the alterations of images, especially ultrasound, in the diagnosis of these lesions of the dorsal radiocarpal region, through case reports of horses seen at the Medical Clinic of Large Animals of the Federal University of Campina Grande (MCLA/UFCG), Patos-PB, Brazil.Cases: The study includes five “vaquejada” competitions horses, of which two were active and the others were away from the sport before the onset of the problem, with injuries to the extensor tendons in the radiocarpal region. Two of the animals had involvement of the common digital extensor muscle tendon (CDEMT), with acute and chronic tenosynovitis, and three with involvement of the extensor carpi radialis muscle tendon (ECRMT), presenting acute tendonitis, septic tenosynovitis and rupture, all of traumatic etiology, except for one whose cause has not been determined. On physical examination, the affected tendon was noticeable in three cases, and two had other injuries associated with the tendons. Bone alteration in the radiographic examination was observed in two cases, however, one of them related to another disease in the radiocarpal palmar region. Ultrasound images, performed in all cases, showed different characteristics and degrees of the involvement of the tendon and its sheath.Discussion: The scarcity of current reports of extensor tendon injuries in horses can be attributed to the fact that they do not suffer as much overload or effect from biomechanics compared to flexor tendons, in addition to being an area of little soft tissue covering these tendons. Although the involvement of the extensor tendons is more frequent in the pelvic limbs, due to lacerations, the occurrence of lesions in the dorsal radiocarpal region may be related to excess flexion, being easily susceptible to trauma to solid objects. The specific clinical examination, associated with a well-explored anamnesis, can allow us to locate the lesion and achieve a presumptive diagnosis. In three cases, tendon injuries were noticeable on inspection and palpation, important points to guide the diagnosis. However, in two cases with associated injuries this perception became difficult. Regardless of the clinical diagnosis, imaging diagnosis in lesions of the locomotor system was essential, as it allowed us to assess bone involvement, accurately determine the location of the lesion, its extent and prognosis, which would not be possible only in the clinic. Through ultrasonography it was possible to classify the lesions into acute (hypoechoic areas) and chronic (hyperechoic areas or with heterogeneous pattern of variable echogenicity), in addition to the thickness and characteristic of the liquid in the tendon sheath, which are also important aspects for lesion classification. Thus, we conclude that the dorsal region at the carpal level is susceptible to trauma and can easily compromise the extensor tendons. And for the diagnosis and adequate conduct, it is necessary to determine ultrasound image regarding the different types of lesions, which is provided in the present study.

High-Pressure Water Injection Injuries of the Hand May Not Be Trivial

High-pressure water injection injuries of the hand are uncommon, and there is limited literature to guide their treatment. The ideal management of these injuries, whether nonoperative with close observation or early surgical debridement, remains unknown. The authors retrospectively identified a cohort of patients with high-pressure water injection injuries to the hand during a 16-year period. Data collected included demographics, location of injection, hand dominance, type of treatment, need for additional surgery, and complications. The authors attempted to reach all patients by phone and email to assess long-term motion loss, sensation loss, and chronic pain. Nineteen patients met the inclusion criteria. The nondominant hand was involved in 84% and the index finger in nearly half. Two of 10 patients in the early surgery group required additional procedures, including a trigger finger release and serial debridements for Pseudomonas infection. Three of 9 patients without early debridement eventually required surgery, including debridement of a septic flexor tenosynovitis, fingertip amputation, and metacarpophalangeal disarticulation. Sixteen percent of patients developed infection, and 1 patient developed compartment syndrome. This is the largest reported cohort of both operatively and nonoperatively treated high-pressure water injection injuries to the hand. This is the first report of amputation as a complication. Infection and delayed presentation portend a poor outcome. Complications may arise even after early surgical debridement, and long-term sequelae are common. These injuries are not inherently benign and warrant immediate medical attention, early antibiotics, and a low threshold for close observation or surgical debridement. [Orthopedics. 2018; 41(2):e245-e251.].

A diagnostic pathologist's guide to carpal disease in racehorses.

As a pathologist, postmortem examination of the equine carpus can be daunting. The anatomy is complex and oftentimes, small or subtle lesions have significant impact on lameness and secondary lesions such as catastrophic musculoskeletal fractures and other injuries. In performance horses, particularly racehorses, the carpus is a common site of injury and source of lameness. Given the predisposition of racehorses to developing carpal disease, familiarity with clinically relevant anatomy and common developmental, degenerative, traumatic, and inflammatory processes are imperative for thorough postmortem examination. Our aim is (1) to provide a concise summary of clinically relevant anatomy and function that serves as a guide for postmortem evaluation of the equine carpus, and (2) to review common carpal injuries and diseases in actively training, racing, or retired racehorses, including developmental lesions (incomplete ossification, osteochondromata), infectious and inflammatory lesions (septic arthritis and tenosynovitis), and degenerative and traumatic lesions (degenerative and traumatic osteoarthritis, osteochondral fragmentation, and polyostotic catastrophic "breakdown" fractures). Representative gross and histologic images are presented along with corresponding antemortem and postmortem diagnostic images, and a review of current scientific literature pertaining to the pathogenesis of these equine carpal lesions.

Update: Imaging of Lower Extremity Infection.

Pedal infection is a difficult diagnostic problem for clinicians and radiologists alike, especially in patients with diabetes. Vascular and neuropathic disease complicates the clinical picture and imaging appearance. Radiographs are usually the first examination ordered, offering an excellent overview of previous surgery, structural deformities, and neuropathic joint disease. Ultrasound and computed tomography are occasionally useful to answer specific questions. Scintigraphy has become less popular because MRI provides high sensitivity and specificity as well as detailed anatomical information. Almost all diabetic foot infections originate from a foot ulcer. Thus demonstrating communication from the skin to underlying bones, joints, tendons, and other structures is key. Careful examination of the soft tissues at MR imaging allows the radiologist to determine the extent of soft tissue infection, the presence of abscesses and septic tenosynovitis, as well as the presence of necrotic tissue. Pitfalls include fracture, neuropathic osteoarthropathy, neoplasia, and noninfectious inflammatory conditions such as gout.

Successful treatment of a multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection following a digit amputation in a Belgian Blue calf

Digit amputation is a commonly performed surgery in cattle practice. The most frequent reason for digit amputation is septic pedal arthritis, but other indications include severe trauma, pedal osteitis, non-healing...

Tenoscopy for Acute Septic Digital Flexor Tenosynovitis Treatment in 13 Thoroughbred Horses

Septic tenosynovitis of the digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS) is a potentially career-ending and lifethreatening problem in horses. This study aimed to describe the outcomes of tenoscopy for the treatment of acute septic digital flexor tenosynovitis in horses. Tenoscopy was performed on 13 Thoroughbred horses with acute septic tenosynovitis of the DFTS. Surgical time was 56-148 min (mean 85.6 min, median 84.0 min). In the synovial fluid analysis, mean white blood cell count, mean neutrophil proportion, and mean total protein were 42.9 × 10 3 cells/μl (range, 7.2-109.5 cells/μl), 89.5% (range, 68-97%), and 4.0 g/dl (range, 2.5-5.2 g/dl), respectively. Microbial growth in the synovial fluid culture was detected in 2 of 11 horses. All horses survived and returned to their intended use without complications. The present study demonstrated that the tenoscopy is useful for treating acute septic tenosynovitis of the DFTS in horses.

Septic Tenosynovitis of the Hand: Factors Predicting Need for Subsequent Débridement.

Treatment of septic hand tenosynovitis is complex, and often requires multiple débridements and prolonged antibiotic therapy. The authors undertook this study to identify factors that might be associated with the need for subsequent débridement (after the initial one) because of persistence or secondary worsening of infection. In this retrospective single-center study, the authors included all adult patients who presented to their emergency department from 2007 to 2010 with septic tenosynovitis of the hand. The authors identified 126 adult patients (55 men; median age, 45 years), nine of whom were immunosuppressed. All had community-acquired infection; 34 (27 percent) had a subcutaneous abscess and eight (6 percent) were febrile. All underwent at least one surgical débridement and had concomitant antibiotic therapy (median, 15 days; range, 7 to 82 days). At least one additional surgical intervention was required in 18 cases (median, 1.13 interventions; range, one to five interventions). All but four episodes (97 percent) were cured of infection on the first attempt after a median follow-up of 27 months. By multivariate analysis, only two factors were significantly associated with the outcome "subsequent surgical débridement": abscess (OR, 4.6; 95 percent CI, 1.5 to 14.0) and longer duration of antibiotic therapy (OR, 1.2; 95 percent CI, 1.1 to 1.2). In septic tenosynovitis of the hand, the only presenting factor that was statistically predictive of an increased risk of needing a second débridement was the presence of a subcutaneous abscess. Risk, III.

Changing patterns of septic tenosynovitis of the distal extremities.

The medical literature reports that human pyogenic tenosynovitis occurs almost exclusively in flexor tendons of distal extremities with only rare case reports in extensor compartments. We report a series of patients with septic extensor compartment tenosynovitis of the extremity. Twenty cases of septic tenosynovitis tendons of the wrist, hands, feet, and ankles were presented to our emergency department over a 4.17-year period, 15 men (one, twice over a 2.5-year span) and 4 women with an average age of 39 years. Diagnosis was made using CT (n = 6), MRI (n = 14), and in one case ultrasound (US). All cases were confirmed surgically. During the data collection period, no case of flexor septic tenosynovitis were presented. All patients were intravenous drug users. All imaging modalities showed fluid within the infected tendon sheaths and evidence of enhancement after contrast administration where contrast was administered. The single US showed hypervascularity on Doppler imaging. All wrist and hand infections (n = 15) occurred in the non-dominant hand, and all cases involved the fourth and next most commonly (n = 9 each) in the second and third extensor compartments. In the ankle and foot (n = 5), the extensor digitorum longus tendon was most commonly infected. Twelve patients (60 %) had soft tissue abscesses adjacent to infected tendon sheaths. The most common organism cultured from the tendon sheaths was Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin sensitive and resistant and often admixed with other flora. Common use of intravenous drugs now makes extensor septic tenosynovitis an important clinical diagnosis and likely now more common than flexor septic tenosynovitis.

Successful treatment of a complete laceration of both flexor tendons and septic tenosynovitis using the fetlock support brace – a case report

Successful treatment of a complete laceration of both flexor tendons and septic tenosynovitis using the fetlock support brace – a case report

An iatrogenic septic tenosynovitis of the digital flexor tendon sheath after diagnostic anaesthesia in a horse

An iatrogenic septic tenosynovitis of the digital flexor tendon sheath after diagnostic anaesthesia in a horse

Biomechanical effects of steroid injections used to treat pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis

BackgroundA recent study from our laboratory has demonstrated improved range of motion in the toes of broiler chickens afflicted with pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis when treated with local antibiotic and corticosteroid injections, without surgical drainage. However, the use of corticosteroids as an adjunct treatment raised peer concern, as steroids are thought to have deleterious effects on tendon strength. The purpose of this study was to compare the tensile strength of the aforementioned steroid treated tendons, to a group of tendons administered with the current standard treatment: systemic antibiotics, surgical drainage and no corticosteroids.MethodsTwenty-three tendons’ structural and material properties were investigated (fifteen receiving the standard treatment, eight receiving the steroid treatment). The measurements from each group were interpreted via Student’s unpaired t-test and a post-hoc power analysis.ResultsThe steroid treated tendons did demonstrate a trend toward decreased mechanical properties when compared with the standard treatment group, but the results were not statistically significant.ConclusionsTreatment of septic tenosynovitis with local corticosteroid and local antibiotic injections resulted in better digital motion, without a significant loss of tendon strength, over a twenty-eight day recovery period.