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Arthroplasty: Joint Reconstruction Surgery
You’re reviewing a patient’s chart and see the word arthroplasty in the history section. Now what? This isn’t just a surgical term to memorize—it’s the…
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Spinal Fusion: Vertebrae Joining Procedure
You’re reviewing the post-op orders for a 55-year-old patient who just underwent an L4-S1 Spinal Fusion. They’re asking when they can bend to tie their…
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Laminectomy: Spinal Decompression Surgery
You’ve just finished evaluating a patient with lumbar spinal stenosis who is on your schedule for post-op care after a laminectomy. Their pain is finally…
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Meniscectomy: Meniscus Removal Surgery
You’re evaluating a patient two weeks post-op who reports sharp knee pain with squatting and a sensation of catching. They had a meniscectomy—and understanding what…
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Rotator Cuff Repair: Shoulder Tendon Surgery
You’ve just finished a total shoulder arthroplasty case and now you’re seeing a patient who is 6 weeks post-rotator cuff repair. They’re still in a…
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ORIF: Open Reduction Internal Fixation Surgery
You’re in the middle of a post-op evaluation for a patient who just had an ORIF of the ankle. The surgeon’s note is full of…
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Carpometacarpal (CMC) Joint: Thumb Basilar Joint
You’re evaluating a patient with thumb pain during gripping and pinching tasks, and you suspect the issue is more than just “wear and tear.” When…
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Metatarsophalangeal (MTP) Joint: Toe Joint
You’re watching your patient push off during the terminal stance phase of gait, and instead of a smooth roll over the big toe, they compensate…
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Q Angle (Quadriceps Angle): Knee Alignment Measure
When you’re evaluating a patient with anterior knee pain, one of the first things you’ll measure is the Q angle (quadriceps angle). It’s a quick,…
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Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA/THR): Hip Replacement Surgery
You’re walking into a patient’s room on postoperative day one after a Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) —and a few moments later, you’re helping them out…
