Introduction to orthopaedics

Question 1

List 6 indications for adult orthopaedic surgery?

Answer 1

Degenerative disease (e.g. osteoarthritis)

Inflammatory disease (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis)

Trauma (e.g. fracture neck of femur / fracture neck of humerus)

Tumour

Vascular disease (e.g. Avascular necrosis)

Revision of previously failed / worn out joint replacement

Question 2

What are cement prosthetics made out of?

Answer 2

acrylic polymer

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)

Question 3

What is the difference between cement and non cement prosthesis

Answer 3

Cement simply acts as a filler between the bone and the implant

Uncemented have rough surface covered with porous or hydroxyapatite covering

Question 4

When are cement and uncemented prosthesis most appropriate?

Answer 4

Cemented more suitable for obese patients, or dysplastic hips, or patients with osteoporosis, less chance of intra-operative fractures

uncemented-
more suitable for younger more active patients (were there are lower revision rates)

Question 5

When can someone weight bear with cemented and uncemented prosthesis?

Answer 5

Cemented- straight away

Uncemented- after 4-6 weeks

Question 6

Which syndrome can develop with a cemented implant?

Answer 6

implant syndrome may develop

Question 7

Which material combinations are used for the cup of a hip replacement that have the least wear rate

Answer 7

Ceramic on ceramic

Metal on metal

Ceramic in cross-linked polyethylene

Question 8

When is spinal decompression surgery used?

Answer 8

Spinal stenosis
Damaged IV disc
Fractured vertebrae
Tumours

Question 9

Describe the procedure of spinal fusion surgery

Answer 9

Where 2 or more vertebrae are joined together with a section of bone to stabilise and strengthen the vertebral column