Orthopaedic referrals from a cardiothoracic transplant population. |
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Authors: | D. S. Johnson and T. H. Meadows |
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Affiliation: | Department of Orthopaedics, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester. |
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Abstract: | In this study we audited the orthopaedic referrals from the cardiothoracic transplant population at Wythenshawe Hospital, South Manchester. A total of 33 referrals in 29 patients were made during the period of study. The referrals represented 10.3% (33/321) of the transplant population. However, the rate of referral per postoperative year was 37.9/1000, which was of a similar order to that of the general population. The diagnosis at referral was activity related in 24 (72.7%) referrals, with one-half of these being related to some form of sporting activity. Complications of immunosuppression may have contributed in up to 15 (45.4%) of referrals. We believe that musculoskeletal problems after cardiothoracic transplantation do not place an excessive burden on our orthopaedic department and that the pattern of referrals indicates that the transplant programme is a success. |
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