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2. Dressing Application Considerations
• Choose dressings based on wound depth, exudate levels, and infection risk.
• Ensure proper wound cleansing before applying a new dressing.
• Secure dressings with medical tape or bandages, avoiding excessive compression.
• Change dressings per protocol, monitoring for signs of infection.
Suture and Staple Management
Sutures and staples are commonly used in orthopaedic surgery to close wounds and incisions.
Proper management ensures effective wound healing and minimizes scarring or complications.
1. Types of Sutures and Staples
• Absorbable Sutures: Dissolve over time; used for deep tissue closure.
• Non-Absorbable Sutures: Require removal; used for external skin closures.
• Surgical Staples: Used for quick, strong wound closure; typically removed within 10-14 days.
2. Suture and Staple Removal Techniques
• Assess wound healing before removal.
• Use sterile forceps and suture scissors.
• Remove sutures one at a time with minimal tension to avoid disrupting the wound.
• For staples, use a staple remover tool, lifting each staple carefully.
• Apply sterile strips (Steri-Strips) if needed after removal for additional support.
Infection Control and Prevention in Orthopaedic Practice
Wound infections can lead to serious complications, including delayed healing, sepsis, and
chronic wounds. Strict infection control protocols are necessary in wound management.
1. Infection Prevention Strategies
• Hand hygiene before and after wound care.
• Aseptic technique when dressing wounds or removing sutures.
• Use of sterile gloves and instruments to prevent bacterial contamination.
• Appropriate antibiotic therapy for high-risk wounds.
2. Recognizing Signs of Infection
• Increased redness, swelling, and warmth around the wound.
• Purulent drainage (pus) or foul odor.
• Pain that worsens instead of improving.
• Systemic signs such as fever and malaise.
