Instructional course lectures
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Pain management is a major concern for patients contemplating total knee replacement surgery and is one of the leading causes of dissatisfaction after knee replacement. Substantial progress has been made over the past several years in improving pain control after total knee replacement using multimodal pain control, preemptive analgesia, and periarticular injections.
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An increasing percentage of emergency departments are reporting an inadequate number of on-call specialists. This situation is causing a growing crisis in emergency department on-call coverage for patients requiring orthopaedic care. Many orthopaedic surgeons are electing to opt out of emergency department on-call service. ⋯ Initially, it may be necessary to incentivize on-call service so more surgeons are willing to participate. Incentives may include improving the group governance and bylaws to avoid confusion on the rules for providing on-call coverage. The on-call experience may require financial improvements, outsourcing with locum tenens, or a complete restructuring of the on-call arrangement with the formation of a hospitalist program.
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Pelvic fractures represent a significant transfer of kinetic energy to the body, and more than 80% of patients with unstable pelvic fractures have additional musculoskeletal injuries. A systematic approach with prompt intervention is critical in the initial management of patients with pelvic fractures. If intra-abdominal bleeding is suspected, diagnostic peritoneal lavage, focused assessment with sonography for trauma, or a CT examination is usually performed. ⋯ The orthopaedic surgeon provides prompt stabilization using external immobilizers, external fixation, or traction. The bladder, urethra, and nerve roots have an intimate location within the pelvis and are predisposed to injury in patients with pelvic fractures. Appropriately identifying associated abdominal, urologic, or neurologic injuries will provide important opportunities to reduce patient morbidity and improve long-term outcomes.
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Unstable posterior pelvic ring injuries are commonly treated with percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation. Despite the efficiency of the minimally invasive technique, complications and failures occur. To maximize reduction quality and fixation stability, open techniques for pelvic ring fixation exist. Timing, approaches, clamp positioning, and implant options determine the effectiveness of the open techniques.
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The scaphoid is the most commonly fractured carpal bone of the wrist. It is an unusual carpal bone in that it bridges both the proximal and the distal rows; this subjects it to continuous shearing and bending forces. Approximately 80% of the scaphoid is covered by cartilage, which limits its ligamentous attachment and vascular supply. ⋯ There also has been a significant improvement in the management of difficult scaphoid nonunions, with or without deformity. Improved techniques include open and dorsal approaches and vascularized bone grafting of resistant scaphoid nonunions. Declining in popularity is the prolonged immobilization of unstable fractures when surgical stabilization may have been a better treatment option.