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Medical bone plates, especially rib fixation plates, are commonly used external fixation materials in fracture treatment. They are used to fix and protect the fracture site and promote fracture healing. When using medical bone plates, the following points should be noted:
First, select the appropriate type of bone plate
Choose according to the injury condition:
For closed injuries (such as fractures of the ribs that do not penetrate the skin), alloy-reinforced preoperative rib fixation plates should be selected.
For open injuries (such as skin damage caused by rib fractures), alloy-reinforced postoperative rib fixation splints should be selected and covered with sterile dressings.
Ensure product compliance:
When purchasing, one should choose compliant products provided by regular medical device manufacturers or institutions such as hospitals and pharmacies.
Single-use products cannot be reused, such as alloy-reinforced preoperative rib fixation plates.
Second, preparations before use
Clean the pasting area:
Before use, ensure that the skin at the pasting area is clean and dry to avoid residues such as oil stains.
Medical alcohol can be used to clean and disinfect the adhesive area.
Adjust the shape of the bone plate:
According to the shape of the patient’s chest and the tortuous Angle of the ribs, the bone plates are bent by hand to make them closely fit the contour of the ribs.
Ensure that the bone plate corresponds to the length of the bone and covers all the traumatized bone areas.
Third, the correct usage method
Pasting bone plates
Tear off the release paper in the middle of the bone plate.
With the patient standing on their hips and inhaling, the bone plates are adhered along the rib direction towards the cleaned affected area.
Press the bone plate tightly for 30 seconds until it is completely in line with the skin.
Fixed bone plate
Tear off the ring-shaped release paper on the outer frame around the perimeter.
Lay the waterproof membrane evenly along the edge of the bone plate and press it tightly to ensure that the bone plate is flat and adheres without any wrinkles.
Use a special fixing strap to bind the bone plate tightly. The fixing strap should be placed between the bone plate and the bone, fitting closely but not being too tight to ensure the patient’s comfort.
Fourth, precautions during use
Avoid vigorous exercise:
During the period of wearing bone plates, patients should avoid strenuous exercise or excessive force to prevent affecting the healing of fractures.
Regular inspection and replacement:
Regularly check whether the bone plates are displaced or damaged to ensure the fixation effect.
If allergic reactions or discomfort are observed, use should be stopped immediately.
The service life of the alloy-reinforced preoperative rib fixation plate is 7 to 10 days. If it needs to be replaced, the skin must be wiped clean with medical alcohol and dried before applying a new product.
During the recovery period, if the wound has healed, the special fixation band can be used separately to continue to be tightly bound and fixed until full recovery is achieved.
Operations during bathing:
When using alloy to reinforce preoperative products, you can take a bath, but you need to remove the fixing band first. After taking a bath, wipe the splint clean and then fasten the fixing band tightly.
When the outer covering film is damaged, do not take a bath to avoid moisture inside the splint causing it to fall off.
Fifth, post-use handling
Destroy disposable products
Disposable medical bone plate products after use should be destroyed in accordance with the relevant provisions of the “Regulations on the Administration of Medical Waste”.
Properly store reusable products:
For reusable products (such as alloy-reinforced postoperative splints and fixation bands), they should be properly stored for subsequent use.
Sixth, other precautions
Follow the doctor’s advice
When using medical bone plates, one should strictly follow the doctor’s guidance and suggestions.
Pay attention to the use of drugs:
After a fracture, symptoms such as pain and fever may occur. Pain-relieving and antipyretic drugs should be used under the guidance of a doctor.
Improve diet and breathing:
Rib fixation plates may affect the patient’s breathing and appetite. The diet should be adjusted, with more easily digestible foods consumed and appropriate breathing exercises carried out.
In summary, the use of medical bone plates must strictly follow the operating procedures and precautions to ensure the fixation effect and promote fracture healing. If any discomfort or abnormality occurs during use, medical consultation should be sought promptly.