Orhtopaedic Techniques

Question 1

Why might a joint aspiration be carried out

Answer 1

diagnostic purposes

distinguish between synovial fluid, pus, or blood

Question 2

What needle is used for aspiration

Answer 2

wide-bore needle attached to a 20-50ml syringe

Question 3

How is a sample taken from the iliac crest

Answer 3

Punch biopsy

Question 4

What is the preferred technique for tumours of soft tissue and bone

Answer 4

Surgical biopsy

Question 5

What joints can be examined using arthroscopy

Answer 5

Knee
Shoulder
ankle
wrist
hip 
small joints of the fingers

Question 6

When is soft tissue release used

Answer 6

To correct the deformity caused by soft tissue contracture e.g. club foot

Question 7

What is a tenotomy

Answer 7

dividing a tendon

Question 8

When might a tendon transfer be used

Answer 8

to restore the balance or occasionally to restore a specific function e.g. in the hand

Question 9

What is an osteotomy

Answer 9

Dividing a bone usually by open operation

Question 10

When is an osteotomy used

Answer 10

To correct bone deformity and occasionally persistent joint contracture
To relieve pain in OA

Question 11

What is an arthotomy

Answer 11

Opening a joint surgically to secure drainage or to carry out an exploration or surgical procedure

Question 12

What is an arthrodesis

Answer 12

Surgical fusion of a joint

Question 13

What are reasons for arthrodesis

Answer 13

Pain relief in a joint

Stabilise a joint

Question 14

What is an arthroplasty

Answer 14

artificial joint replacement

Question 15

What is an excision arthroplasty

Answer 15

joint surfaces are excised completely or partially
Fibrous tissue forms the gap
Incomplete pain relief

Question 16

What is a semi-arthroplasty

Answer 16

Only one of the joint surfaces is replacement

Question 17

What is a total arthroplasty

Answer 17

both joint surfaces are replaced either with metal or metal and ceramic bearing against plastic usually high-density polyethylene

Question 18

What are the pros and cons of Total arthroplasty

Answer 18

Good function

Vulnerable to sepsis and mechanical failure

Question 19

What is a laminectomy

Answer 19

an approach to the spina canal by removing the laminae of one or more vertebrae with the intervening ligaments

Question 20

Why might amputation of a limb be required

Answer 20

Retention may be life threatening
Non viable
Function or appearance could be improved by replacement
Pain which is resistant to other forms of therapy

Question 21

How is muscular relaxation achieved for manipulation of fractures and dislocation

Answer 21

Carrying out the manipulation quickly and unexpectedly
Heavy sedation
Local anaesthetic
General anaesthetic

Question 22

What splint is used for a femoral shaft fracture

Answer 22

Thomas Splint

Question 23

When might a cervical collar be used

Answer 23

for the relief of pain in acute conditions
spondylosis
immobilisation of injuries