title: Hang Them High: A Hands-Free Technique for Upper Extremity Limb Holding During Surgical Preparation.
abstract: Lifting and holding upper and lower limbs during the "prep and drape" portion of certain orthopaedic procedures exert strong forces on the holder and may lead to musculoskeletal disorders. To address these challenges during upper extremity procedures, this article describes a hand-free elevation and traction technique of the upper limbs during preoperative skin preparation with the use of items readily available within the operating room (OR). This technique is particularly useful for heavy or fractured limbs that may impose a physical challenge to lift and maintain in a stable position. Implementation of this technique reduces the risk to nurses, OR personnel, and caregivers of developing work-related musculoskeletal injuries while lifting and holding limbs in the orthopaedic OR.
authors.affiliation: Arun Aneja, MD, PhD, Orthopaedic Trauma Fellow, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC. Patrick Leung, MD, Orthopaedic Resident, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Alejandro Marquez-Lara, MD, Orthopaedic Resident, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC.
authors.forename: Arun
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Aneja
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Leung
authors.forename: Alejandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Marquez-Lara
mesh_terms: D001458:Bandages; D005121:Extremities; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D017770:Lifting; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000379:methods; D011300:Preoperative Care; D034941:Upper Extremity