Chapter 1433: Orthopedics First Attempt

Chapter 1433: Chapter 1433: Orthopedics First Attempt

"Teacher Liu, can’t his fractured bone be fixed directly with plaster? I’ve seen patients you’ve treated before; many just needed plaster after repositioning without requiring internal fixation surgery."

Liu Yiqing asked curiously.

"It depends on the specifics of the patient’s bone injury. His fracture isn’t in good shape; there’s also a bone fragment," Liu Banxia replied.

"If the fracture had clean edges, plastering directly after repositioning wouldn’t be a problem. His fracture has a sharp end; the fact that it hasn’t pierced the skin yet is sheer luck."

Liu Yiqing nodded; she understood this.

Had it pierced, it would be an open fracture, posing an infection risk. Not piercing the skin is very beneficial for the patient’s prognosis.

This is why Liu Banxia just advised during transport to protect the fracture site carefully.

"The swelling is severe now; doing internal fixation surgery right now would complicate stitching. Better to wait for the swelling to subside, which would be more beneficial for the patient," Liu Banxia continued.

"Without traction during this process, the fracture might pierce outward. Applying traction provides a stabilizing effect."

"He’s actually quite lucky; despite the car accident severity, his internal organs have no issues. Though traction is a minor procedure, contact with the family is preferred; if not possible, come directly."

Liu Yiqing nodded, she comprehended everything now.

Orthopedics differs greatly from general surgery; if not for Liu Banxia’s detailed explanation, she might not have grasped it.

In her understanding, as long as Liu Banxia successfully repositioned the bone, plastering could follow directly.

In the past, this was indeed how they coped.

Back then, methods were limited; even for comminuted fractures, initial response was reposition. Once the fracture was set, splints and plaster were applied.

Then came the extraordinarily lengthy recovery period, and the fracture’s healing predominantly depended on luck. Many faced deformities due to repositioning techniques.

Now with advanced medical science, internal fixation surgery is available. Although there might be issues with plates and screws, recovery is faster and bone healing improves.

Liu Banxia contacted Wu Mingyu in the operating room; as Ming Yu was busy, Banxia continued handling traction tasks.

After some waiting, the CT results were negative.

Must say, this patient is truly fortunate. Not only are abdominal organs fine, the head shows no issues.

Clear judgment is possible; even without witnessing the accident scene, head wound analysis shows severe impact.

"Alright, send to the ward first, then apply traction. Has the family been contacted?" Liu Banxia asked.

"They’ve been contacted, currently on their way. The patient’s consciousness has returned, but there is some concussion," Qi Wentai stated.

"Indeed a lucky one, quite remarkable," Liu Banxia remarked.

This is everyone’s sentiment; hoping for more patients like this, easier to handle. Otherwise, managing a crushed leg during emergency care is tough.

Upon reaching the ward, the patient’s wound was treated.

"How are you feeling now, any discomfort?" Liu Banxia inquired.

"My head’s buzzing, it hurts," the patient responded.

"That’s normal; such a severe accident, of course it hurts," Liu Banxia replied.

"It will ache a little more shortly, you’ll have to endure. We’ll need to drill into your foot and insert a steel needle for traction."

"Otherwise, the leg’s fracture might pierce your skin. Furthermore, frequent movement of the fracture could damage your blood vessels."

"Try moving your toes. There’s no issue with nerves and blood circulation, continue protecting the fracture site. Move your toes occasionally to prevent compartment syndrome and thrombosis."

"Doctor, can’t the surgery be done now? I can sign the consent," the patient asked.

"Not now; look at your leg’s swelling. If we operate now, stitching through the severe swelling will cause significant postoperative issues," Liu Banxia explained.

"Director Liu, the tools have arrived." The nurse came over with a drill and traction device.

"Disinfect and apply local anesthesia, it should ease the pain somewhat," Liu Banxia instructed.

Liu Yiqing quickly proceeded.

Traction applies force to keep the fracture stable, preventing it from piercing the skin. For the traction device to work, a pressure point is required on the patient’s foot.

This pressure point is achieved by inserting a steel needle.

"Teacher Liu, it’s done." Liu Yiqing reported post-operation.

"Alright, the drill. Bear with it, it’s to protect your leg. Without proper care, it might result in disability," Liu Banxia cautioned.

Before the young man could respond, the drill went in directly.

No time for psychological preparation, longer prep time increases fear.

Even with local anesthesia, the procedure is painful. The young man, despite intense pain, endured through gritted teeth.

"Well done, good endurance."

Once finished, after mounting the setup, attaching the line, and adding the weight, Liu Banxia said.

Ding! Emergency surgery task completed

Earned 200 experience points, 200 bone setting technique proficiency points, 3 Glory Points

"Doctor, is it... is it done with this?" the patient asked.

"This is sufficient; when your family arrives, tonight will require some effort," Liu Banxia replied.

"Need to rotate ice packs roughly every half hour. Helps reduce swelling; your toes should also move a bit. Tonight might be tough; we’ll check your condition tomorrow."

"At night, family must closely observe the calf. If compartment syndrome occurs, surgery will be necessary."

The patient nodded, limited in understanding at present.

During the accident, fear was minimal. The sudden occurrence left him focused on pain, without other thoughts.

Now, however, there’s stability, and a late reaction of fear has emerged.

Coupled with physical pain, tonight will be incredibly challenging.

Family hasn’t arrived yet, so the nurse temporarily provides care.

"Sigh... it’s gonna be tough, the severe swelling likely won’t subside for five to six days," Liu Yiqing remarked.

"Indeed, in his immobile state, it’s quite challenging. Once family arrives, they’ll care for him. Currently, there’s no other solution," Liu Banxia noted.

"Comparatively, enduring now is better than worsening leg injuries. He’s lucky enough; once swelling reduces, a well-done surgery will be even more ideal."

"Teacher Liu, I recall tibia surgeries can sometimes result in tibial skin necrosis post-op?" Liu Yiqing probed.

Liu Banxia nodded, "Due to contusions and abrasions around the fracture, complex factors influence this; a lot relies on luck."

"If necrosis occurs, treatment choice varies by situation. Small extent means debridement, drainage, dressing can gradually heal."

"Larger necrosis, exposing the plate, might necessitate graft surgery. No alternatives, tibia’s front skin is thin with little fat or muscle tissue."

"Current medical interventions are appropriate. For many, luck’s a key factor."

No certainty can be provided; even for him, it’s hard to give a definitive answer.

For anyone in the field, it’s challenging to offer assurance.

This is likely to occur, with variation among similarly afflicted patients in severity.

Even doctors hesitate to guarantee outcomes in such scenarios.

Necrosis demands longer recovery; adding to fracture healing, it’s truly challenging.

Given the present situation, likelihood appears low.

Back in the emergency center’s lobby, Liu Banxia stretched broadly.

Today’s procedure, he hadn’t experienced before, only read in textbooks.

The time was tight; waiting for orthopedists could heighten patient risk. Nurses couldn’t wait here solely, as they’re busy too.

Unexpectedly, post-procedure, he felt significant accomplishment. A preliminary orthopedic surgery attempt, effectively aiding the patient.

Despite it being a simple traction procedure, incomparable to liver transplants or TaTME operations, the sense of achievement was profound.

"Why so pleased?" Wang Chao inquired.

"Helping patients naturally brings joy. If there’s nothing else, I’ll continue resting. You all work hard; remember, I’m the leader now," Liu Banxia stated earnestly.

"Go on, enjoy your rest. We’re just the unfortunate workers," Wang Chao replied with a resigned expression.

This guy seizes every chance to tease.