Elective interventions

This chapter provides an overview of common elective interventions used in the specialty of orthopaedics. Evidence-based concise information is provided regarding total joint replacements and revision of joint replacements including preoperative preparation. Other procedures such as osteotomy, arthrodesis, and arthroscopic surgery are also explained. Common procedures used for correction of deformity of hands and feet are also explained with an emphasis on good pain management and a holistic approach to supporting patients before and following these procedures.

General principles of care

This chapter considers the general principles of care for the orthopaedic and trauma patient. It provides the practitioner with all those aspects of care which need to be considered for the patient in general, relating to fundamental aspects of nursing care with a focus on orthopaedic and/or trauma surgery, recovery and rehabilitation from surgery or injury, and discharge and health promotion.

Musculoskeletal conditions

This chapter provides an overview of the common disorders and conditions of the musculoskeletal system. It includes the aetiology, pathology, signs and symptoms, and principles of treatment. Often referred to as elective orthopaedic treatments, the chapter covers treatments for bone and joint infections, degenerative conditions, tumours, endocrine disorders, and genetic disorders.

Musculoskeletal trauma care

This chapter provides an overview of the principles of care of the patient who has sustained a traumatic injury. It considers the physiology of trauma and trauma psychology. There is a focus on the general care of the injured patient, considering head, chest, and abdominal trauma in the patient who also has a musculoskeletal injury, as well as a section on Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS®). Further sections consider the principles of fracture healing and management, soft tissue and nerve injury, peripheral nerve injury, and crush injuries and traumatic amputation.

Complications

This chapter deals with the potential complications that can occur for orthopaedic and trauma patients. Identification, assessment, and control of risk are fundamental in the efficient and effective care of the orthopaedic and trauma patient. This chapter covers the active prevention, clinical risk assessment, and management of these potential complications.

Introduction

This chapter provides an overview of the origins of orthopaedic and trauma nursing and care of the orthopaedic patient along the lifespan from birth to death in the twenty-first century. It explores contemporary healthcare in the context of a shift away from hospital-based care to more services being delivered in the community and primary care. It also looks at new ways of delivering care such as fast-track, enhanced recovery pathways and virtual or non-face-to-face clinics. Special attention has been given to supporting the person with a learning disability within orthopaedic and trauma settings. This chapter provides an update on standards and competencies for advanced practice roles and competencies within the field to optimize evidence-based care.

Assessment of the musculoskeletal system

This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the assessment of a patient’s musculoskeletal system. The chapter adopts a systematic approach to holistic patient assessment including history taking, examination, clinical investigations, and use of patient-reported outcome measures. Updated evidence-based information is provided regarding assessment of the trauma patient.

Regional musculoskeletal injuries

Following on from Chapter 9, this chapter describes the specific care and management of regional musculoskeletal injuries. The chapter starts by considering spinal fractures and the care and management of the patient with a spinal cord injury. It then moves on to consider in detail injuries of the upper limb, the chest wall, the pelvis, and the lower limb.

Injury management

This chapter provides an overview of injury management for the orthopaedic and trauma patient. It covers the principles of casting, including safe application, potential complications, and care of casts, orthotic appliances, and braces. It includes the principles of traction, including Thomas splint traction, and external fixation. It also incorporates pin site management and the care and education of the patient with an external fixator. The chapter acts as pre-reading for Chapter 10.

Musculoskeletal anatomy and physiology

This chapter uses text and illustrations to provide an overview of anatomical terminology, musculoskeletal anatomy, and the physiology of bone. It emphasizes the importance of practitioners having a sound understanding of anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system to underpin patient assessment and examination and understanding of pathophysiology and injury. The use of a common language is essential to effective multidisciplinary communication and consequent safe and effective patient care.