Chondral fracture of the femoral trochlea

No Abstract. South African Medical Journal Vol. 96(8) 2006: 683-68

Case Report: Humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligament of the shoulder

A 24-year-old rugby player presented to an orthopaedic surgeon with a history of dislocation of the left shoulder. It reduced spontaneously and dislocated again later during the same match. On examination there was no residual instability, but the apprehension test for anterior instability was positive. Speed s test as well as O Brien s test for SLAP (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior tear) lesions were negative. There were no signs of rotator cuff tear or impingement. South African Sports Medicine Vol.17(1) 2005: 27-2

The use of lumbar X-rays to facilitate neuraxial anaesthesia during knee replacement surgery in patients who have had previous spinal surgery

Background: Knee replacement surgery is an operation that is performed on older patients, with a few exceptions. Many of these patients have co-existing diseases and have had previous surgery, of which lumbar spinal surgery is of particular relevance. Neuraxial anaesthesia is the anaesthetic of choice.Method: This study offers a practical approach to how anterioposterior and lateral X-rays of the lumbar spine contribute to the ease and safety of the neuraxial anaesthesia procedure. The study group comprised 100 patients, scheduled for knee replacement surgery. The patients had to have undergone previous lumbar spinal surgery. This was the only prerequisite.Results: The success rate of neuraxial anaesthesia improved progressively during the study. It became clear that specific clinical aspects had potential for future application in this particular group of patients. Only four of a total of 23 combined spinal epidural procedures were not successful. There were three dural taps without any post-dural puncture headaches being experienced. Spinal blocks totalled 77, of which two were incomplete and five complete failures.Conclusion: Calculated performance of neuraxial anaesthesia on patients who had undergone previous lumbar spinal surgery set the scene for a more predictable and largely atraumatic outcome.Keywords: neuraxial anaesthesia, previous spinal surgery, knee replacement surgery, lumbar X-rays, atraumaticSouth Afr J Anaesth Analg 2012;18(6):319-32