The history, evolution and basic science of osteotomy techniques.

Osteotomy techniques date back to Hippocrates circa 415 BC (Jones Hippocrates collected works I, Harvard University Press, Cambridge, 2006; Brorson in Clin Orthop Relat Res 467(7):1907-1914, 2009). There is debate about the best way to divide the bone surgically and which technique yields the best bone regenerate in lengthening; ensuring predictable new bone formation and healing of the osteotomy are the primary goals. We review the history and techniques of the osteotomy and consider the evidence for optimum bone formation.

Inadequate Preoperative Team Briefings Lead to More Intraoperative Adverse Events.

Introduction: Implementation of the World Health Organization checklists has reduced major surgical complications and errors; however, the impact of preoperative briefings on intraoperative adverse events has not been assessed.

Materials And Methods: A prospective case-control study assessing the association between preoperative briefings and minor, potentially major, and major adverse intraoperative events was performed in 2 phases. Phase 1 involved prospective data collection for all trauma and orthopedic lists during a 2-week period.

Posterior ankle and hind foot arthroscopy - how do you responsibly learn this new technique?

Posterior ankle and hind foot arthroscopy has become an important diagnostic and therapeutic tool when dealing with ankle pathology. Although not yet widely adopted it is gaining popularity and there have been various descriptions of the technique [1] and its outcomes [2,3]. With posterior arthroscopy there are well-documented risks of injury to the sural nerve and medial neurovascular bundle in particular [7-9].

The Use of the S-MART Tourniquet in Hand Surgery: A Safe and Effective Way to Provide a Bloodless Field.

We have retrospectively reviewed our use of the S-MART sterile silicon ring self-exsanguinating tourniquet in 300 consecutive minor hand surgical procedures. A total of 3 postoperative complications were identified, only 1 of which was directly related to the tourniquet's use. We outline the reasons of why we feel that this device provides a safe and effective bloodless field and the benefits of its use.