Supine position

Variations of this position are useful for plating and nailing the distal femur, plate fixation of the proximal tibia, and fixation of the patella.

Verify site and side of fracture with the patient along with the type of operation planned
Ensure that the operative site has been marked by the surgeon
Condition of the soft tissues (fracture open or closed)
Implant to be used (note: plate comes in right and left versions)
Patient positioning
Details of the patient (including a signed consent form and appropriate antibiotic and thromboprophylaxis)
Comorbidities, including allergies

This procedure is performed with the patient under general or regional anesthesia.

If a spinal anesthetic is used, the surgeon and anesthetist need to be confident that the procedure will not last more than 1.5 hours.

Antibiotics are administered according to local antibiotic policy and specific patient requirements.

Place the patient supine on a radiolucent operating table.
Carefully pad all pressure points, especially in the elderly.
Position the image intensifier on the opposite side of the injury and the surgeon.
Before preparing and draping, ensure adequate imaging of the femur from the hip joint to the knee in the AP and lateral views.
The C-arm should be able to pass freely under the table to obtain a cross-table lateral view in addition to the illustrated position for the AP view.

Maintain light manual traction (the assistant may need to stand on a stool) on the limb during preparation to avoid excessive deformity at the fracture site.

Disinfect the whole leg from the hip including the foot with the appropriate antiseptic.

Drape the limb with a single-use U-drape. A stockinette covers the lower leg and is fixed with tape.
Consider prepping and draping the uninjured leg to facilitate comparison of frontal plane alignment and rotation
Drape the image intensifier.