Page 77 - C:\Users\cbaro\OneDrive\Documents\Flip PDF Professional\Study Guide for the Orthopaedic Technology Certification Exams\

• Assist in sterile dressing application, ensuring proper wound coverage to minimize infection
risk.
• Prepare postoperative immobilization devices such as splints, casts, or braces as directed by the
surgeon.

b. Cast, Splint, and Immobilization Application

• Apply appropriate postoperative splints or immobilizers for joint protection.
• Assist in fitting custom braces or external fixation devices when required.
• Educate patients on cast and splint care, emphasizing signs of complications (e.g., increased
pain, swelling, numbness).

c. Patient Transfer and Recovery Assistance

• Safely transfer patients from the OR to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU).
• Provide neurovascular assessments immediately post-op, checking for proper circulation and
nerve function.
• Communicate critical intraoperative findings with the recovery team for ongoing monitoring.

By ensuring precise preparation, efficient intraoperative assistance, and thorough postoperative
care, orthopaedic technologists play an indispensable role in optimizing surgical outcomes and
patient recovery.

• Wound Closure Assistance:
o Assist with suturing, stapling, or dressing application.
• Cast or Splint Application:
o Apply postoperative immobilization devices as required.
• Patient Transfer and Recovery Assistance:
o Safely transport patients from the OR to the recovery unit.
o Provide immediate post-op support, including neurovascular assessments.

Aseptic Technique and Surgical Environment

Maintaining a sterile surgical environment is critical for preventing infections and ensuring
patient safety. Orthopaedic technologists must strictly adhere to aseptic principles and infection
control protocols.

1. Principles of Aseptic Technique

• Sterile Field Maintenance:
o Keep hands and instruments above the waist and within the sterile area.
o Avoid crossing sterile fields unnecessarily.
• Proper Hand Hygiene and Gowning:
o Perform surgical hand scrubbing following hospital protocols.
o Wear sterile gowns and gloves correctly to prevent contamination.
• Handling Sterile Equipment:
o Only touch sterile surfaces with sterile gloves.