Conditions of the Spine (Non-Trauma)

Anatomy of the spine The spine consists of 33 vertebrae divided into 5 sections. There are 7 cervical vertebrae (in lordotic alignment), 12 thoracic rib-bearing vertebrae (in kyphotic alignment) and 5 lumbar vertebrae (in lordotic alignment). These upper 24 are…

Osteomyelitis

Overview Osteomyelitis is an infection of bone characterised by progressive inflammatory destruction and apposition of new bone. Infection commonly occurs after an open fracture or from haematological seeding in the setting of acute bacteremia. It is common in the Paediatric…

Bone Tumours

Overview Classification of bone tumors Classification Tumors Primary Bone forming (benign) Osteoma, osteoid osteoma, osteoblastoma Primary Bone forming (malignant) Osteogenic sarcoma (osteosarcoma) Primary Cartilaginous (benign) Osteochondroma, chondroma, chondroblastoma (enchondroma) Primary Cartilaginous (malignant) Chondrosarcoma Primary Fibrous Non-ossifying fibroma, ossifying fibroma, fibrous…

Paediatric Hip Conditions (Non-Trauma)

Summary Condition Presentation Radiologic findings Treatment Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) Common in extended breech babies. Positive barlow and ortolani test on screening. Limb length discrepancy in unilateral disease (Galeazzi). Limp may be present as disease progresses and early…

Complications of Fractures

Complications of Fractures Summary of complications of fractures Onset Examples Urgent early complications Visceral injury, vascular injury, nerve injury, compartment syndrome, hemarthrosis, infection, gas gangrene Less urgent early complications Fracture blister, pressure sore, heterotrophic ossiifcation, ligament injury, tendon injury, nerve…

Treatment of Fractures

Overview The main objective of treating fractures is to enable the patient to return to normal function as soon and as safely as possible. The 4 principles of managing fractures include resuscitation, reduction, restriction (holding reduction) and rehabilitation. Treating the…