ABSTRACT
Broken drill bits constitute the largest proportion of broken orthopedic instruments. We report a new technique which allows atraumatic removal of cannulated drill bits. The technique is simple and does not require any special instrumentation.
Subject(s)
Bone and Bones/surgery , Foreign Bodies/etiology , Intraoperative Complications , Orthopedic Procedures/instrumentation , Surgical Instruments , Adolescent , Adult , Equipment Failure , Humans , Middle Aged , Time FactorsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Repair of acute and remote ruptures of the tendo Achillis by a modified open technique to reduce wound healing complications and the incidence of reruptures. INDICATIONS: Acute and remote ruptures of the tendo Achillis in diabetic patients and those with any underlying local or systemic conditions that may delay skin healing or predispose to wound dehiscence. This technique is also helpful in instances of a large dehiscence of the ruptured tendon stumps. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Medically unfit patients. Noncompliant patients. Local skin infection. Severe neuropathy. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Two longitudinal skin incisions made proximal and distal to the site of rupture leaving a bridge of skin over the site of tendon tear. One lateral and one medial strip are fashioned from the proximal stump. The strips are passed under the skin bridge and sutured to the distal stump with the foot in plantar flexion. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Below-knee cast for 6 weeks. RESULTS: Report of eleven patients (seven men, four women). No re-rupture or local wound complications. All but one patient returned to their prerupture activity level.
