Skip to content
Medical bone plates, especially rib fixation plates, are commonly used external fixation devices in the treatment of fractures. When using medical bone plates, to ensure their effectiveness and safety, the following points should be noted:
First, preparations before selection and use
Choose the appropriate product:
Select the appropriate type of medical bone plate according to the patient’s injury condition. For example, patients with closed injuries can use alloy-reinforced preoperative rib fixation plates, while patients with open injuries can use alloy-reinforced postoperative rib fixation splints.
Make sure that the medical bone plates purchased come from regular medical device manufacturers or institutions such as hospitals and pharmacies, and the products are compliant and of reliable quality.
Patient skin preparation:
Before use, it is essential to ensure that the skin at the pasting area is clean, dry, and free of oil stains, sweat, and other residues. Medical alcohol or appropriate cleaning agents can be used for cleaning.
Pay attention to checking whether there is any skin damage, infection or allergy at the bonding site. If so, medical bone plates should not be used.
Product preparation:
After opening the package, check whether the medical bone plate is intact and undamaged.
According to the shape of the patient’s chest and the tortuous Angle of the ribs, adjust the shape of the bone plate to make it closely conform to the contour of the ribs.
Second, usage methods and precautions
Pasting and fixing
Tear off the release paper in the middle of the bone plate. While the patient inhales, align the bone plate along the rib direction with the pasting area for pasting.
Press the bone plate tightly to ensure it adheres closely to the skin without bubbles or wrinkles.
Use special fixation belts to fix the bone plates on the thoracic cage. The fixation belts should be tightly bound but not too tight to avoid affecting the patient’s breathing and comfort.
Precautions during use:
During the use of medical bone plates, patients should avoid strenuous exercise or excessive force to prevent affecting the healing of fractures.
Regularly check whether the bone plates are displaced or damaged to ensure the fixation effect. If loose or detached bone plates are found, medical treatment should be sought promptly.
If a patient is found to be allergic to medical bone plates or fixation bands, their use should be immediately stopped and anti-allergy treatment should be carried out under the guidance of a doctor.
Bathing and replacement:
For medical bone plate products that can be used for bathing, the fixing band should be removed before bathing. After bathing, the splint should be wiped clean and then the fixing band should be tightened. Be careful to avoid direct contact of water with the bone plate bonding area.
For disposable medical bone plates, such as alloy-reinforced preoperative rib fixation plates, new bone plates should be replaced in a timely manner after the expiration of use.
When replacing the bone plate, the skin at the bonding site should first be cleaned with medical alcohol or an appropriate cleaner. Wait until the skin is dry before bonding the new bone plate.
Third, handling of special circumstances
Wound care
For patients with open injuries, the wounds should be cleaned, disinfected and dressings changed before applying medical bone plates, and sterile dressings should be applied.
During the usage period, the condition of the wound should be observed regularly. If there are any signs of infection, medical treatment should be sought promptly.
Complication management:
If serious complications such as breathing difficulties and chest pain occur, medical treatment should be sought immediately.
If skin damage, infection or other conditions caused by medical bone plates are found, medical treatment should also be sought promptly.
Fourth, post-use handling
Destroy disposable products
Disposable medical bone plate products after use should be destroyed in accordance with the relevant regulations on medical waste treatment.
Properly store reusable products:
For reusable medical bone plates or fixation bands, they should be properly stored in a dry and well-ventilated place, avoiding direct sunlight and damp environments.
Regularly check the integrity and service life of reusable products. If any damage or expiration occurs, replace them in a timely manner.
Fifth, other precautions
Follow the doctor’s advice
When using medical bone plates, one should strictly follow the doctor’s guidance and suggestions. If you have any questions or discomfort, you should seek medical advice in time.
Pay attention to the use of drugs:
After a fracture, patients may need to use pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory and other drugs to relieve symptoms. When using these medications, one should strictly follow the doctor’s instructions and avoid increasing or decreasing the dosage or stopping the medication on their own.
Rehabilitation exercise
Under the guidance of a doctor, carry out appropriate rehabilitation exercises to promote the healing of fractures and the recovery of functions. Be careful to avoid excessive force or vigorous exercise that may cause the fracture to shift again or aggravate the injury.