Orthopaedic nursing
Encyclopedia
Orthopaedic nursing is a nursing
specialty focused on the prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders
. Orthopaedic issues range from acute problems such as fracture
s or hospitalization for joint replacement
to chronic systemic disorders such as loss of bone density
or lupus erythematosus
.
Orthopaedic nurses have specialized skills such as neurovascular status monitoring, traction, continuous passive motion
therapy, casting
, and care of patients with external fixation
.
" (ONC).
Nursing
Nursing is a healthcare profession focused on the care of individuals, families, and communities so they may attain, maintain, or recover optimal health and quality of life from conception to death....
specialty focused on the prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders can affect the body's muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Most work-related MSDs develop over time and are caused either by the work itself or by the employees' working environment...
. Orthopaedic issues range from acute problems such as fracture
Bone fracture
A bone fracture is a medical condition in which there is a break in the continuity of the bone...
s or hospitalization for joint replacement
Joint replacement
Replacement arthroplasty [from Greek arthron, joint, limb, articulate, + -plassein, to form, mould, forge, feign, make an image of], or joint replacement surgery, is a procedure of orthopedic surgery in which the arthritic or dysfunctional joint surface is replaced with an orthopaedic prosthesis...
to chronic systemic disorders such as loss of bone density
Bone density
Bone density is a medical term normally referring to the amount of mineral matter per square centimeter of bones. Bone density is used in clinical medicine as an indirect indicator of osteoporosis and fracture risk.This medical bone density is not the true physical "density" of the bone, which...
or lupus erythematosus
Lupus erythematosus
Lupus erythematosus is a category for a collection of diseases with similar underlying problems with immunity . Symptoms of these diseases can affect many different body systems, including joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, heart, and lungs...
.
Orthopaedic nurses have specialized skills such as neurovascular status monitoring, traction, continuous passive motion
Continuous passive motion
Continuous passive motion devices are used during the first phase of rehabilitation following a soft tissue surgical procedure or trauma. The goals of phase 1 rehabilitation are Control post-operative pain, Reduce inflammation, Provide passive motion in a specific plane of movement , and Protect...
therapy, casting
Orthopedic cast
An orthopedic cast, body cast or surgical cast, is a shell, frequently made from plaster, encasing a limb to hold a broken bone in place until healing is confirmed...
, and care of patients with external fixation
External Fixation
External fixation is a surgical treatment used to set bone fractures in which a cast would not allow proper alignment of the fracture.-Method:...
.
Board certification
Certification in orthopaedic nursing results in the designation "Orthopaedic Nurse CertifiedOrthopaedic Nurse Certified
Orthopaedic Nurse, Certified is the designation for an orthopaedic nurse who has earned nursing board certification from the Orthopaedic Nurses Certification Board....
" (ONC).
Dates
- International Orthopaedic Nurses Day is October 30.
- OsteoporosisOsteoporosisOsteoporosis is a disease of bones that leads to an increased risk of fracture. In osteoporosis the bone mineral density is reduced, bone microarchitecture is deteriorating, and the amount and variety of proteins in bone is altered...
Awareness and Prevention Month is May.
See also
- Agnes HuntAgnes HuntDame Agnes Gwendoline Hunt DBE RRC is generally recognised as the first orthopaedic nurse.She was born at Boreatton Park, Baschurch, a village in west Shropshire, England, and was disabled from osteomyelitis of the hip that she suffered from as a child following septicaemia...
, the pioneer of orthopaedic nursing - National Association of Orthopaedic NursesNational Association of Orthopaedic NursesThe National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses is a non-profit, volunteer-run professional organization that exists to advance the lives and careers of orthopaedic nurses....
- Journal of Orthopaedic NursingJournal of Orthopaedic NursingThe Journal of Orthopaedic Nursing is a quarterly peer-reviewed healthcare journal of orthopaedic nursing. It is published by Elsevier and contains practical and theoretical guidance for trainees and professionals including papers and comments, editorial comments, book and policy reviews, and...
- Orthopaedic Nursing (journal)