Dorsal recumbency (hanging limb)

The cat is placed in dorsal or lateral oblique recumbency (with affected limb down) on the surgery table with the injured limb hanging. This exposes the medial part of the tibia and allows the limb to be draped completely.

Positioning the patient in dorsal recumbency allows for better visual assessment of the limb alignment. The limb hanging during preparation facilitates traction on the fracture and fracture alignment.

Preparation of the limb is done outside of the surgical suite. The entire limb is clipped circumferentially starting from the proximal femur to the end of the metatarsal bones. The clipped hair is vacuumed.

The tarsus and metatarsus are isolated with a non-sterile wrap in a way that allows the limb to be hung during the sterile scrub and draping. A general scrub is done before bringing the patient into the operating room.

In the operating room, the limb is put into a hanging limb position. The limb is prepared for aseptic surgery by performing the final sterile surgical scrub.

Corner drapes are placed around the surgical site and secured with towel clamps.

A non-sterile assistant releases the distal limb from the hung position while the surgeon sterilely grabs and covers the distal limb.

An optional step is to cover the entire limb with a sterile water-resistant drape.

An extremity or laparotomy drape covering the entire surgery table is recommended on top of the corner drapes.

Betadine impregnated plastic drape that sticks to the skin can be used at the site of the incision, minimizing contact with the skin during the operation.