title: Orthopaedic referrals from a cardiothoracic transplant population.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester.
authors.forename: D S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: T H
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Meadows
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001847:Bone Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D016027:Heart Transplantation; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D016040:Lung Transplantation; D008485:Medical Audit; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*