Clostridium tetani is a rod-shaped, anaerobic species of pathogenic bacteria, of the genus Clostridium. Like other Clostridium genus species, it is Gram-positive, and its appearance on a gram stain resembles tennis rackets or drumsticks. C. tetani is found as spores in soil or in the gastrointestinal tract of animals. C. tetani produces a potent biological toxin, tetanospasmin, and is the causative agent of tetanus, a disease characterized by painful muscular spasms that can lead to respiratory failure and, in up to 10% of cases, death.
K+ levels should be monitored pre-op in pts who are
taking diuretics to prevent cardiac arrhythmias. Replace if K + <3.5 mEq/L
Allograft - osteoconduction
Anticoagulant agent: Warfarin, Lovenox, Heparin, Apixaban (Eliquis), Dabigatran (pradaxa), Rivaroxaban (Xarelto)
Cotton procedure - dorsal opening wedge of medial cuneiform to correct pes planus
Matles resting tension position: patient lies prone on the examination table with the knee flexed at 90 degrees. Normally, flexing the knee causes the gastrocnemius muscle to shorten, leading to plantarflexion of the foot. With an AT rupture, the affected foot often lies in slight dorsiflexion compared to the uninjured side.
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) 50 mg IV
Ranitidine (Zantac) - H2 blocker
Treatment: sequence is not important. Elevate extremity, remove ice, compression dressing, and time and patience
What is the name of the procedure to counterbalance an anatomic defect characterized by congenital absence of the medial cuneiform bone in a child with metatarsus adductus?
Krystexxa - pegloticase. Its recombinant purine-like uricase. Used for severe, treatment-refractory, chronic gout. It is a third line treatment in those in whom other treatments are not tolerated. The drug is administered by infusion intravenously.
Moderate surgical stress (pan-metatarsal head resection): 100 mg hydrocortisone prior to sx, then 50 mg q6h for day 1 and 25 mg q6h for day 2.
Minor surgical stress (hammertoe): 100 mg hydrocortisone at the time of sx
Treatment for post-operative ischemic toe: (sequence is very important!!!)
1) Remove ice
2)Place foot in dependent position
3) Loosen bandages
4) Slide digit proximally along K-wire
5) Local PT block
6) Remove K-wires
7) Remove sutures
8) Nitroglycerine patch in femoral area
9)Consult vascular surgeon
An ulcer that refers to an aggressive ulcerating squamous cell carcinoma presenting in an area of previously traumatized, chronically inflamed, or scarred skin and they are commonly present in the context of chronic wounds including burn injuries, varicose veins, venous ulcers, ulcers from osteomyelitis, and post radiotherapy scars. What ulcer?
2) Stop Warfarin 6 days before the sx (if INR 3 to 4.5)
3) Start Heparin 36 hours after the last dose of warfarin
4) On the day of the surgery, make sure to check INR < 1.5 (maybe 1.2)
5) Restart Heparin 24 hours post-operatively
Pin tract infections: Dahl’s Classification
Grade 0 – clear fluid – NaCl cleansing with topical abx
Grade 1 – slightly red fluid - NaCl cleansing with topical abx
Grade 2 – red/tender yellow drainage – PO abx with TD pin care
Grade 3 – red/painful/purulent – definitive PO abx
Grade 4 – radiolucency with purulence – removal of pin/possible IV abx
Grade 5 – sequestrum – removal of pin/debridement of pin tract and IV abx
What is the recommendation for fixating Maisonneuve fracture? (be specific with everything, type of screw, type of plate, placement of screw, etc)
With a Maisonneuve fracture, the fracture is fixated with a one-third tubular plate and distally, two 3.5 mm cortical screws fully threaded are placed 3 to 5 cm proximal to the syndesmosis level. The screws should be directed from posterolateral to anteromedial at an angle of 25-30 degrees from the sagittal plane of the leg. The transfixation screw must purchase both cortices of the fibula and the lateral cortex of the tibia (3 total cortices). In Maisonneuve fractures - *** don't open reduce due to complication with peroneal nerve ***