JANUARY 2015
|
The Surgical Technologist
|
15
Trochanteric
Fixation Nail
L E A R N I N G O B J E C T I V E S
s
Learn about how orthopeadic surgery
evolved
s
Identify the typical demographics
for hip fracture patients
s
Recall the various instrumentation
used for a trochanteric fixation nail
procedure
s
Examine the role of the surgical
technologist throughout the
operation
s
Read tips and reminders on X-ray
safety
A B R I E F H I S T O R Y O F O R T H O P E A D I C S U R G E R Y
Nicolas Andry coined the phrase, “orthopédie” in French, from the
Greek words
orthos
(“correct,” “straight”) and
paidion
(“child”). In
1741, he published Orthopédie: or the Art of Correcting and Pre-
venting Deformities in Children. Initially, the publication focused on
children, but later it grew to mean the correction of spinal and bony
deformities in all stages of life and eventually would become the cor-
nerstone of the modern orthopeadic practice.
Many developments in orthopedic surgery resulted from experi-
ences during wartime. In the Middle Ages, the injured were treated
with bandages soaked in horse blood, that would later dry to form a
stiff split. The unsanitary splint was discontinued as orthopedic and
aseptic practices were developed to more modern standards.
The first orthopedic institute was established in 1780 by Jean-
Andre Venel. The institute became the first hospital dedicated to the
treatment of children’s skeletal deformities. Venel went on to develop a
shoe for children with club feet as well as developing various methods
to treat scoliosis of the spine.
Jes se C Plummer , cst
Every year, more and more hip fractures are seen through the nation’s hospi-
tal emergency departments. Although costs associated with hip fractures are
constantly on the rise, mortality rates have been substantially reduced thanks
in part to new techniques and surgical intervention. The Trochanteric Fixation
Nail is only one system used to help reduce a patient’s mortality and costs, all
while returning the patient tomobility as soon as possible.
