Introduction Orthopedics is concerned with disorders/injuries involving bones, joints, muscles, tendons and nerves – the skeletal system and all that makes it move. The important symptoms that patient may exhibit include: pain, stiffness, swelling, deformity, altered sensibility and loss of function, muscle weakness which may be associated with any joint dysfunction and may also suggest a more specific neurological disorder or instability where a joint gives way or moves out of position repeatedly
Cont … Taking care of orthopedic patients is challenging. The challenge is in carrying out basic nursing care procedures while understanding and working with orthopedic devices used in the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases and injuries. To avoid self-injury, those engaged in orthopedic nursing must also understand and apply principles of good body mechanics. Many orthopedic patients are immobilized by casts, traction, or other means for long periods of time. Therefore orthopedic nursing usually includes maintaining muscle tone and circulation, prevent contractures, deformity, and pressure sores by frequently changing the position of immobilized patients.
Cont … Orthopedic patients are often confined to bed and in many cases immobile, the orthopedic patient may require a great deal of assistance with daily living activities. His bedding should be kept clean, dry, and wrinkle free. Because he is susceptible to skin breakdown and pressure sores, he should be assisted and encouraged to change positions within the limits prescribed by the physician. He should be encouraged to be as independent as possible within the limits of his immobility and personal hygiene should be emphasized. Nurses must encourage self-reliance, but give help willingly and cheerfully when the patient needs assistance.
Cont.. Orthopaedics is a science which is a specialized branch of surgery that involves the study and treatment of the diseases of the bones. It encompasses a number of conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system such as fractures, amputation, rheumatoid arthritis, septic arthritis, osteomyelitis etc . “Ortho” means straighten while”paed ” means child in Latin, literally meaning straightening a child (whose bones are soft).
Definition Orthopaedic nursing is a nursing specialty focused on the prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. These orthopedic issues include conditions like arthritis, bone fractures, broken bones, joint replacements, genetic malformations and osteoporosis. Therefore, orthopaedic nurses have specialized skills in monitoring neurovascular status, traction, casting, and care of patients with external fixation.
Terms used in Orthopedics Bone cysts - A growth containing liquid or semisolid material on a bone. Bone metastases - The spread of malignant cancer cells to bone. Bursa - a sac filled with fluid located between a bone and a tendon or muscle. Bursitis – inflammation of the bursa and can be due to repeated stress and overuse Chondrosarcoma - A type of cancer that forms in bone cartilage. It usually starts in the pelvis (between the hip bones), the shoulder, the ribs, or at the ends of the long bones of the arms and legs. Club feet - Turning of the heel inward with increased plantar flexion (the toe-down motion of the foot at the ankle).
Kyphosis - Any forward-bending area or deformity in the spine. Leg length inequity - One leg is shorter than the other. This is a common sequel of many congenital and acquired musculoskeletal diseases. Malunion - State of healing of the bone in which bone unites but in abnormal position and/or alignment.
Cont.. Achilles tendonitis - Inflammation of the heel cord that is the extension from the triceps surae group of muscles. Arthritis - inflammation of a joint, usually accompanied by pain, swelling, and sometimes change in structure. Arthroscopy - a surgical procedure used to visualize, diagnose, and treat problems inside a joint. Ankylosing Spondylitis - A rheumatoid arthritis-type disease causing spontaneous fusion of the spine. Arthroplasty - Reconstructive surgery of a joint or joints to restore motion because of ankylosis or trauma or to prevent excessive motion. Asteonecrosis - Death of bone tissue. Atrophy - Reduction in size of an anatomic structure, frequently related to disuse or decreased blood supply.
Cont … Nonunion - State of healing of the bone in which there is no healing. Orthopaedic surgeon (or orthopaedist ) - the physician who diagnoses, treats, manages the rehabilitation process, and provides prevention protocols for patients who suffer from injury or disease in any of the components of the musculoskeletal system. Orthopaedic surgery (or orthopaedics ) - the medical specialty devoted to the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention of injuries and diseases of the body's musculoskeletal system.
Cont … Osteoarthritis - generally, a condition caused by wear and tear that causes inflammation of the joint, causing swelling, pain, and stiffness. Osteomyelitis - Inflammation of bone marrow, cortex, tissue and periosteum ; can be caused by any organism, but usually bacteria. Osteoporosis - (porous bone) - a condition that develops when bone is no longer replaced as quickly as it is removed. Osteotomy - Surgical procedure that changes the alignment of bone with or without removal of a portion of that bone. Prosthetics - The science that deals with functional and/or cosmetic restoration for all or part of a missing limb. (prostheses = artificial limb) Scoliosis - Side-to-side curve in the back, a lateral and rotational deviation of the spine from the normally straight vertical line of the spine. Such a curve may be termed fixed, which means that any attempt to eliminate the curve by body motion is not successful.
Cont …. Sprain - a partial or complete tear of a ligament. Strain - a partial or complete overstretched muscle or tendon. Stress Fractures - a bone injury caused by overuse. Tendon - The extension of muscle into a firm, fibrous cord that attaches into a bone or other firm structure. Tendonitis - Inflammation of a tendon. Total Joint Replacement - A joint replacement involving an internal prosthesis by removing the diseased joint and replacing the acetabluar components with either metal or plastic materials and a metal prosthesis of the femoral segment
Principles of Orthopaedic Nursing and Treatment 1. The first priority in the management of a fracture is considering the client’s airway, his breathing and ensuring blood circulation (ABCs) but do not let the obvious fractures deter from ABCs. 2. Hypovolaemic shock may be possible after sustenance of fractures. The shock may result from blood loss and body fluids as well as from severe pain. Hence reassess the client’s blood, fluid and pain threshold to prevent and or treat shock. 3. Always immobilize the joint proximal and distal by plaster splinting
Cont … 4 . Circumferential casting is rarely done for an acute fracture due to evolving oedema may lead to compartment syndrome 5 . Always apply Ice and elevate for 48 hours post injury 6.Healing occurs over 4 – 10 weeks if properly immobilized 7 . For joint injuries: immobilize the affected part or joint only. Immobilization helps further soft tissue injury and continued pain 8 . Reassess the patient’s neurovascular status after immobilization or manipulation 9 . Always consider analgesia and/or sedatives prior to attempting reduction
Role of Orthopedic Nurse An orthopedic nurse is an expert in orthopedic conditions and caring for patients experiencing these conditions. Their role are as follows: Collaborator and coordinator - Orthopedic nurse works closely with the patient, their family, and the orthopedic team to ensure clear client education, a smooth recovery, and minimal complications. Carer - The orthopedic nurse performs musculoskeletal health examinations, assists with casting and traction, and administers pain medication to patients. Educator - The nurse is involved in continuous teaching helps the patient to understand his/her condition and limitations and enable him/her to become more independent as his condition improves and is rehabilitated.
Cont …. Counselor - Immobility, fear of deformity, and a potentially long hospitalization may cause the patient to become depressed or discouraged. The understanding and encouragement of nursing personnel can increase morale. Therefore , an orthopedic nurse spends time encouraging patients to increase their mobility, educates about how to protect their joint and bone health, and implements strategies to minimize their pain and complications.