Supine position for ring fixation
1. Perioperative checklist
Before starting the procedure, it is good practice to confirm a number of basic but important factors:
- Confirm the patient and the limb to be operated on
- Reevaluate the soft-tissue condition
- Check that IV antibiotics have been started within the last 60 minutes
- Prep the leg
Note: Improve the preoperative preparation with the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist.
2. Patient positioning
The patient is placed in a supine position, with the leg elevated above the knee and at the ankle, allowing an unobstructed approach to the proximal tibia.
Bolsters are placed under the thigh and the hindfoot to suspend the lower leg high enough to have maneuvering space for the rings. Alternatively, folded or rolled towels can be used during surgery to aid in ring clearance. It is important to anticipate the ability to obtain lateral C-arm images during surgery.
