Although it may appear as though I am on my way to play virtual Tron or that I have the worst dental apparatus around, this little device was quite fascinating to myself, the naive student on orthopedic surgery.Surgical Expectations
My first day in the operating room was a little of what I expected and a lot of what I hadn't. When they handed me a helmet, I thought perhaps I was about to be the brunt of a prank. It was legit and even had a nifty battery pack to boot. When we scrubbed in they attached the bio-hazard-like helmet cover to keep us sterile. It was quite comfortable inside with a little fan to keep the air flowing in the hood almost like a personalized air conditioning device. Apparently, with the amount of fluid and debris flying during orthopedic procedures, this is a rather important device. Thankfully I didn't sneeze on my little window, but the runny nose was on full display for everyone else as there was no way to get a tissue inside the hood.
I did expect to see hammering and the use of a chisel, after all this is orthopedics. I did not expect to see the jackhammer that was used to prepare for the femoral implant, however. It was akin to something out of a horror movie. The team and I held open the hip while the doctor got to work. As could be expected for any medical student, I held the retractors long enough that my hands ached with pain and lost sensation from the lack of blood. Fortunately, there was enough movement and hands available throughout the procedure to avoid too much damage. Being the new medical student on board meant I wasn't expected to know much. If it wasn't for the scrub nurse, I am rather certain I would have had no idea what instruments to use during the procedure. In the end, it was a great learning experience and now I kind of want one of those helmet and hood devices to brave the Las Vegas heat.
Question of the Week
A 70 year old women has recently been operated on for a total right hip arthroplasty. All of the following are appropriate prophylaxis for deep-vein thrombosis EXCEPT
A. Warfarin
B. pneumatic compression boots
C. subcutaneous low molecular weight heparin
D. intravenous heparin
E. Aspirin
Answer & Explanation
I want one of those helmets for the Florida heat, where can I buy one?! LoL.
ReplyDeleteHa! It might be cheaper to buy a fan and duct tape it to your head. We were using one of the models below, but you can search surgical helmet system and a variety pop up.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.medcompare.com/spotlight.asp?spotlightid=103
Orthopedic surgery refers to surgery procedures concerning the musculoskeletal system. This branch of surgery contains sports injury, hand surgery, the replacement of major joints such as knees and hips, spine surgery, and foot and ankle operations. The recovery can be long, but orthopedic surgery usually reduces pain and greater mobility. Major surgery can be overwhelming, but understanding what to expect helps you to be prepared for the event and ease into a smooth and steady recovery. Also, be sure to ask your doctor any questions you may have to alleviate your concerns.Orthopedic Instruments
ReplyDeleteHey Groves Bone Holding Forceps are available in standard as well as customized forms and are known for corrosion resistance. Orthopedic Instruments are made from the highest grade materials and made by fully qualified and highly trained surgical instrument makers.
ReplyDelete