Procedures

What Is Open Mouth View X-ray?

By Dr Arun Pal Singh

An open mouth view x-ray is a special view to visualize upper cervical spine problems especially C1 and C2 vertebrae. Routine anteroposterior cervical spine view shows the spine from C3 segment and is usually less helpful in diagnosing acute injuries. Open mouth view x-ray is not done routinely and is ordered when a problem is […]

Skin Traction and Skeletal Traction

By Dr Arun Pal Singh

Skin traction is a type of traction that transmits the force via skin. A traction is a directional pull on the trunk or on an extremity. Its applications include immobilization and reduction of fractures, correction of deformities, and elevation of extremities for the management of soft tissue injuries and burns. It is accomplished by attaching […]

Removal of Plaster Casts- Procedure and Aftercare

By Dr Arun Pal Singh

Removal of plaster cast is a procedure that is done by qualified and experienced medical personnel. The procedure involves risk of injury to the patient and should be done with utmost care. Equipment Needed for Cast Removal Following equipment are necessary for removing a cast Scissors Benders Electric cutter Materials for washing limb Supportive bandages […]

Complications of Plaster Cast

By Dr Arun Pal Singh

A plaster cast is given for the treatment of fractures and other orthopedic ailments. Though a very safe mode of treatment, complications of plaster cast may occur. The main complications of plaster cast are stiff joints, muscle wasting, and impaired circulation. Physiotherapy and good nursing can help reduce these complications and speed the final recovery. […]

Facet Joint Injection- Indications and Complications

Facet joint injection is given to diagnose and treat pain originating from facet joint of spine. Facet joint are small but important joints between superior and inferior articular processes. These joints provide stability and help guide motion. These joints can become painful and cause pain in the back following arthritis of the spine, a back […]

Tarsal Coalition – Presentation and Treatment

Tarsal coalition is a congenital abnormality of the foot in which two or more of the tarsal bones are joined by bone, cartilage, or fibrous tissue. Tarsal bones in a normal foot are otherwise separate. More than half of the cases of the tarsal coalition are bilateral. Tarsal coalition belongs to the category of flatfoot […]

Internal Fixation of Scaphoid Fracture

Internal fixation of scaphoid can be done either percutaneously or using open reduction. In modern orthopedic practice, percutaneous fixation of the scaphoid is preferred where feasible because it is minimally invasive and there is no need for wide dissection and tissue injury caused by surgical dissection. Preoperative Planning The fracture pattern should be clear. Conventional […]

What is Spinal Tumor Syndrome?

Spinal tumor syndrome is not a condition in itself. It is a clinical label for the patient’s condition with many differentials in the offering. Most often, the term is used in cases of spine tuberculosis where there is no apparent osseous lesion. To understand spinal tumor syndrome one must first know about the typical presentation […]

Interesting Names for Common Calluses

Callus is hyperkeratotic thickening due to repetitive friction. Presentation of calluses and corns are discussed here. In this article, I am writing about the commonly used terms for different types of calluses. These are vernacular terms and are interesting to note as they try to convey the etiology. Jeweler’s callus or Cherry Pitter’s thumb or […]

Clavicle Anatomy and Attachments

The clavicle elongated, S-shaped bone that lies horizontally between the sternum and the acromial end of the scapula. It is an important connection between the axial skeleton and the pectoral girdle. The pectoral girdle or the shoulder girdle is the term used for bones in the appendicular skeleton which connects to the arm on each […]

Knee Arthrocentesis or Knee Joint Aspiration

Knee arthrocentesis refers to puncture of the knee joint and the aspiration of its synovial fluid. It is used for synovial fluid analysis to aid in diagnosis and also for therapeutic purposes. Knee joint can be approached by multiple approaches [discussed below] Indications of Knee Arthrocentesis Diagnosis Acute monoarticular [that affects a single joint] arthritis […]