My Orthopaedic Surgeon

The authors performed a before/after study in 8 hospitals located in 8 countries. They collected morbidity and mortality data on 3733 patients before and an additional 3995 patients after introduction of a World Health Organization-approved surgical checklist that included items such as patient identification, preoperative preparation for blood loss, surgical site marking, use of a pulse oximeter, prophylactic antibiotic administration, etc. After introduction of the checklist, overall complication rate dropped from 11% to 7% and the mortality rate dropped from 1.5% to 0.8%. In addition, significant reductions were observed in surgical site infection and unplanned returns to the operating room.
Haynes AB, Weiser TG, Berry WR, et al N Engl J Med. 2009;360:491-499

hemiarthroplasty, preoperative preparation, osteotomy, operative technique, fasciotomy, internal fixation, arthroscopy, skin incision, tibial, radial head, acromioplasty, fifth metatarsal, arthroscopic, external fixation, arthroplasty,

Various forms of massage, traction, and manipulation have been used in medicine throughout the world for several thousand years. Each modality represents an approach to treatment of the musculoskeletal and other systems sought by a steadily increasing number of people. While research on each of these modalities continues, a long-standing variable exists that unites them all—the concept of touch. In the 1940s, Rene Spitz reported on infants in foundling homes who, although otherwise healthy and well cared for, failed to thrive and often died in the absence of being held or touched. Kunz and Krieger additionally defined and taught the principles behind the related concepts of healing touch and therapeutic touch in the 1970s. Although no consensus exists on the complete physiology of massage, traction, or manipulation, these treatment approaches are generally accepted as more than just the interaction of mechanical forces and human anatomy. Touch has a long history of being a natural, essential component of healing and health maintenance.
Synonyms and related keywords: massage, traction, manipulation, healing touch, Eastern massage, Western massage, therapeutic manipulation, soft-tissue manual therapy, effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, deep friction massage, percussion message, deep pressure, Shiatsu, acupressure, reflexology, auriculotherapy
Wieting & Cugalj 2007

Metal has been used extensively in the manufacturing of orthopedic implants in a multitude of different forms. Multiple different materials throughout history have been tested as replacements for bone. Materials as diverse as ivory, wood, rubber, acrylic, and Bakelite have been used in the manufacture of prosthetic implants.
The extensive use in modern times of metallic alloys is related to the availability and success at the beginning of the 20th century of several different alloys made of the noble metals. Implants made from iron, cobalt, chromium, titanium, and tantalum are commonly used. Clinical studies have demonstrated that alloys made from these metals can be used safely and effectively in the manufacturing of orthopedic implants that are left in vivo for extended periods. The mechanical, biologic, and physical properties of these materials play significant roles in the longevity of these implants.
Corces & Garcia 2007

Links to articles in the list of musculoskeletal procedures prepared by eMedicine. Many of these procedure have already been added to OWL but new titles may be added.

When operations are planned on the bony skeleton, the following broad categories of operations are available. Factors such as age and physical fitness are important in making the choice regarding the most appropriate procedure
* Osteotomies
* Arthrodesis
* Excision arthroplasty
* Joint replacement

30 min video/slide show

In contrast to deep heating modalities, superficial heating modalities usually do not heat deep tissues, including muscles, because the subcutaneous layer of fat beneath the skin surface acts as a thermal insulator and inhibits heat transfer. Additionally, increased cutaneous blood flow from superficial heating causes a cooling reaction as it removes the heat that is applied externally. In general, the transfer of heat (whether the purpose is heating or cooling) often is classified into 3 general types of heat transfer (ie, conduction, convection, conversion).
Synonyms and related keywords: superficial heat, superficial cold, ice packs, paraffin baths, cryotherapy, Fluidotherapy, hydrotherapy, moist air therapy, radiant heat therapy
Milton J Klein, DO, MBA 2006

A Training Manual
A training manual for South Africa that grew out of Marian Loveday's work as the only physiotherapist working in a community of about 300,000 people. Given the overwhelming needs in this community, she determined her task to be passing on basic rehabilitation skills to people of the community. She defined the community she was working with as the community of disabled people, which included disabled adults and the mothers of disabled children. In each area in which she planned to work, a meeting was held with this community of disabled people. They chose from amongst themselves a person who would receive training and then work as a rehabilitation worker in that area. Marian Loveday 248 pages, 8.5" x 11", Full-Color, English, 2006. Originally published by SACLA Health Project, 1990.

DeLateur defined therapeutic exercise as the prescription of bodily movement to correct an impairment, improve musculoskeletal function, or maintain a state of well-being.1 It may vary from highly selected activities restricted to specific muscles or parts of the body, to general and vigorous activities that can return a convalescing patient to the peak of physical condition.
Synonyms and related keywords: therapeutic exercise, enable ambulation, release contracted muscles, release contracted tendons, release contracted fascia, mobilize joints, improve circulation, improve respiratory capacity, improve coordination, reduce rigidity, improve balance, promote relaxation, improve muscle strength, maximal voluntary contractile force, MVC, improve exercise performance, improve functional capacity, improve endurance
Lieberman, Bockenek & Stendig-Lindberg 2007

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) currently is one of the most commonly used forms of electroanalgesia. Hundreds of clinical reports exist concerning the use of TENS for various types of conditions such as low back pain (LBP), myofascial and arthritic pain, sympathetically mediated pain, bladder incontinence, neurogenic pain, visceral pain, and postsurgical pain. Because many of these studies were uncontrolled, there has been ongoing debate about the degree to which TENS is more effective than placebo in reducing pain.
Kaye & Brandstater 2007