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THE ANATOMY OF COMPLICATIONS IN THE UPPER LIMB
Author(s) -
Luo D. Y. W.,
Tai E.,
Lim T. S.,
Stokes B.,
McMenamin P.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
anz journal of surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.426
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1445-2197
pISSN - 1445-1433
DOI - 10.1111/j.1445-2197.2007.04129_20.x
Subject(s) - medicine , surface anatomy , peripheral nerve , anatomy , surgery
Complications in clinical medicine and surgery may arise from an inadequate knowledge of topographical anatomy. Consequently, a thorough understanding and knowledge of topographical anatomy is one of the major pillars in the training of many surgical and medical disciplines. In Western Australia, we have found that even simple procedures done on the ward by junior medical staff can result in a complication due to a lack of understanding of anatomy. For example, procedures such as intravenous cannulation at the wrist may result in superficial radial nerve injuries and debilitating neuromas. The authors, with the support of The Office of Safety and Quality in the Department of Health have put together a teaching DVD which focuses on the applied anatomy of the upper limb, with a focus on procedures involving the peripheral vascular system. This DVD emphasizes vascular and related topographical anatomical features prior to introducing the viewers to procedures like intravenous cannulation, peripheral lines, peripherally inserted central cannulas and central venous lines. It thus raises awareness of possible complications that may arise from these procedures which can be avoided from understanding the anatomy. The amount of topographical anatomy taught in medical school has been reduced compared to 30–50 years ago. This has been necessary to accommodate the increase in knowledge in other pre‐clinical, para‐clinical and clinical sciences. This DVD is a timely reminder of the importance of a sound knowledge of anatomy for those practitioners required to perform invasive procedures. We hope that this will be a prototype for further teaching material produced in collaboration with The Department of Health.