When are thoracic incisions performed? Through a thoracic incision, the surgeon can access the lungs, heart, food pipe (esophagus), thoracic aorta, or the spine. A thoracic incision is a surgical cut made on the chest (thorax) to get access to the space between the lungs and chest wall. Through a thoracic incision, the surgeon can …
Read More »How Do You Wrap a Thumb Spica Splint?
What are splints? A thumb spica splint is used to minimize movement and support an injured thumb. A splint is a rigid or flexible device that maintains in position a displaced or movable part and protects it from any further damage. Splints are usually applied to reduce movement and provide support and comfort by stabilizing an injury. Splints are primarily …
Read More »Scarlet Fever Symptoms, Treatment, Contagious Period & Causes
Facts you should know about scarlet fever Picture of rash on the arm due to scarlet fever. Source: CDC Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria that results in a rash and fever. Group a beta hemolytic streptococci produce an erythrogenic toxin that causes scarlet fever. The incubation period for scarlet fever is about 12 …
Read More »What Are Intrauterine Devices for Birth Control?
An intrauterine device (IUD) is a method of contraception that requires the placement of a small, T-shaped device inside the uterus. Contraception refers to precautionary measures to prevent vaginal intercourse from resulting in pregnancy. Intrauterine devices are one of the most effective methods of contraception. IUDs are useful for long term contraception because they last for several years, some even …
Read More »What Are the Hormonal Methods of Contraception?
What is the hormonal method of contraception? Hormonal birth control, often in the form of a daily pill, alters the delicate balance of hormones in a woman's body to prevent ovulation. Contraception refers to the precautions taken before and/or after vaginal intercourse to prevent pregnancy. The hormonal method of contraception involves the use of hormones by the woman on a …
Read More »Why Is a Spleen Removed in a Distal Pancreatectomy?
What is distal pancreatectomy? A distal pancreatectomy involves surgical resection of the body and tail of the pancreas. A pancreatosplenectomy (pancreaticosplenectomy) or spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy is performed to surgically treat the pancreatic disease of the tail and body. A distal pancreatectomy involves surgical resection of the body and tail of the pancreas with or without splenectomy. There are various surgical …
Read More »What Is Splinting Used For? Broken Bones, Pain, Swelling
What is a splint? The main purpose of splinting is to immobilize the joints and bones above and below the fracture site. This is to prevent bone edges from moving and damaging other muscles, vessels, or nerves and further complications. A splint is a medical device that immobilizes the injured body part and protects it from further injury. It heals …
Read More »What Is a Sugar-Tong Forearm Splint? Applications
What is a sugar-tong forearm splint? The main purpose of sugar-tong splinting is to immobilize the joints and bones above and below the fracture site. A sugar-tong forearm splint is a long U-shaped splint that immobilizes the injured forearm or wrist and prevents forearm rotation and wrist motion. They heal the fractured bones by keeping the broken ends together and …
Read More »What Is a Shoulder Subacromial Injection? Types
What is a subacromial space? Injecting corticosteroids into the subacromial space is one method to treat inflammation and pain. Injections can reduce pain and inflammation and restore the mobility of shoulder joints. A subacromial space is the area below the top of the shoulder blade (acromion) and above the rotator cuff tendons present on the top of the bone of …
Read More »What Is a Short Arm Splint? 5 Types and Used For
What is a short arm splint? Short arm splints are used for several different types of injuries include fractures to the bone close to the wrist and others. Short arm splints are short splints that immobilize joints of the hand and wrist or to protect bony and soft tissues in the forearm (between the elbow and wrist). They also extend …
Read More »