ABSTRACT
Current theatre practice and protocol involves the use of pressure sore prevention pads in the positioning and support of all patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery. Microbiological swabs were taken from those pads placed adjacent to the operative field immediately before implant surgery. Eleven out of the 13 pads sampled yielded bacterial growth capable of causing deep-seated infection. The transfer of these pads between the designated orthopaedic theatres and the rest of the theatre complex was also noted. We recommend that the use of these pads should be closely reviewed. They should either be used with stricter guidelines for decontamination between use or disposable 'clean' alternatives sought.
Subject(s)
Equipment Contamination , Orthopedic Equipment/microbiology , Pressure Ulcer/prevention & control , Bedding and Linens/microbiology , Cross Infection/prevention & control , Humans , Operating RoomsABSTRACT
Modern day fast bowling places immense strain on the spine. Stress fractures of the lumbar region are common. If a period of conservative treatment fails to return a fast bowler to professional sport, surgery is considered. Good results have been reported using a direct screw repair of the spondylolytic defect. A case is presented of a failed surgical intervention with an alternative technique.
Subject(s)
Athletic Injuries/surgery , Lumbar Vertebrae/surgery , Spondylolysis/surgery , Adult , Fractures, Stress/surgery , Humans , Male , Spinal Fractures/surgery , Spinal Fusion , Treatment FailureABSTRACT
The physical demand of the modern game of cricket on the fast bowler is known to cause stress fractures of the lumbar spine. Between 1983 and 2001, we diagnosed pars interarticularis defects in 18 professional cricketers contracted to a single English County Cricket Club. Eight of these players were treated conservatively, with rest, supervised rehabilitation, bowling action analysis and re-education where necessary. The remaining 10 were treated operatively, 9 by Buck's repair of the spondylolytic lesion. All 18 players returned to professional sport.We recommend treatment of this select group of sportsmen in a unit consisting of a specialist physiotherapist, a bowling coach and a spinal surgeon. Should conservative measures fail, we recommend Buck's repair as the operation of choice.
