Elbow arthrodesis refers to the surgical fusion of the elbow joint. It is not a commonly performed procedure in modern times. Historically, infection, mainly tuberculosis leading to a painful ankylosed elbow has been the main indication for performing elbow arthrodesis. But with modern chemotherapy, socioeconomic development has led to the reduction of tuberculosis drastically. Nowadays, […]
Procedures
Radioscapholunate Arthrodesis – Indications and Procedure
Radioscapholunate arthrodesis is a type of partial arthrodesis of the wrist which preserves some of the motion in the wrist joint. It is based on the observation that most activities of daily living can be accomplished with wrist motion in the range of 10° flexion, 35° extension, 10° radial deviation, and 15° ulnar deviation. Wrist […]
Four Corner Arthrodesis [Fusion] of the Wrist
Four corner arthrodesis involves excision of scaphoid and fusion of the remaining wrist bones in neutral alignment. It is motion preserving limited arthrodesis and provides pain relief and improved grip strength. This four corner arthrodesis is based on the principle that the radiolunate articulation is often spared from degenerative changes from conditions. Indications SLAC wrist […]
Skeletal Survey or Bone Survey – Indications and Uses
A skeletal survey is a series of x-rays which are done to view the entire skeleton, performed systematically to cover the entire skeleton or the anatomic regions as per clinical indications. Different clinical indications may demand a different set of x-rays. In the case of child abuse, which is a common indication, the local health […]
Laminoplasty – Indications and Procedure
Laminoplasty is a process of increasing the space available for the spinal cord by reconstruction of the laminar arch via a posterior approach. It is done by hinging or opening the lamina to allow access to the canal and may include augmentation or reconstruction of the spinal canal. Laminectomy is just removal of the lamina […]
Dynamization of Nail- Principle and Procedure
What is Dynamization of nail? Dynamization of nail is the process of converting a static interlock nail to dynamic nail by removing screw of the proximal static hole [read further for explanation]. Interlock nail is a common surgery in orthopedics. It is most commonly used for fracture of femur [read further for explanation]nd fracture of […]
Ganglion Impar Block
The ganglion impar is a sacrococcygeal ganglion, also called ganglion of Wather. It is a retroperitoneal structure located at the level of the sacrococcygeal junction. It is the final terminus of sympathetic chains formed by the fusion of both the chains. Therefore, the ganglion impar block is used in patients with the pain in pelvic […]
Classification of Anesthetic Agents
There are many different anesthetic agents available and the user may vary depending on the site of the procedure, type of anesthesia [local versus spinal] and duration of anesthesia sought. In addition to this patient’s allergy profile needs to be taken into account. Lidocaine is the most commonly used anesthetic and belongs to the amide […]
Digital Block Procedure – Indications and Techniques
Digital nerve blocks are used for numbing digits [fingers, toes] for a procedure on the digits. Injury and infection are the two most common reasons for surgical procedures of digits. The digital block is generally effective for procedures distal to metatarsal or metacarpal heads. Relevant anatomy Each digit is innervated by 4 digital nerves – […]
Trigger Point Injection Procedure
Trigger point injections are used as a treatment modality for inactivating trigger points to provide prompt relief. Trigger points are palpable painful nodules in the taut band of muscle fibers. Trigger points are also called myofascial trigger points as they are seen in myofascial pain syndrome, a painful muscle disorder. [Read more on myofascial pain […]