Best Practices for Using Silicon Gel Pads During Orthopedic Surgeries

 Many orthopedic surgeries involve positioning of the patients in various ways depending on the surgical approach and location to be operated on as well as to avoid complications. Amongst these elements, it is important for the patient to be comfortable and safe during those procedures with the help of positioning aids like the silicon gel pads for example. These pads are specifically designed to offer soft padding, support, and prevent nerve and muscle injury, pressure ulcers during protracted surgeries. To that end, in this blog, let’s define how to apply Silicon gel pads correctly during orthopedic surgeries, how to apply Silicon gel pads when a patient is in the lithotomy position, and what is the purpose of OT table mat?


1. Selection of the Right Silicon Gel Pads for the Procedure

The first use of the silicon gel pads involves identifying the right pads for the right surgery or patient as it will be later seen. Silicon gel pads present the following main features; it has good cushioning ability, it is flexible and non-absorbent. When it comes to orthopedic surgeries only those gel pads that are capable of maintaining their shape and function for long and lasting pressure should be used.


In procedures where the patient needs to be in the lithotomy position, proper gel pads for this position are very important. Lithotomy position gel pads are generally conformed to support legs and off load axial weight from perineal and lumbar areas. These pads assist in ensuring that the patient does not slide on the surface while at the same time protecting a part from being crushed for a long time.


2. Proper Placement of Silicon Gel Pads

Positioning of the silicon gel pads is very important in order to afford the patient the desired comfort and protection. The pads should be positioned at areas prone to high pressure and pressure relief points in the supine and the lateral positions, common areas that are the heels, sacrum and elbows. This ensures that the pressure is evenly spread therefore no cases of pressure sores or even nerve damage occur.


When using OT table mats, cover the entire surface more for extra safeguarding. OT table mat are useful in that it creates a firm and slip resistant plane that is of great use in restraining the patient during surgery. They extend the support that silicon gel pads offer by increasing the positioning for a longer duration especially during long surgical procedures. Make sure that mats are well secured to the operating table so that they don’t move around.


When using lithotomy position gel pads, the patient's legs should be adequately supported. These pads, therefore, should be placed under the legs and hips to reduce pressure on the groin and the lower back. Hip dislocation or strain is also important to ensure there is sufficient padding around that region of the body.


3. Ensuring Proper Alignment and Support

Each orthopedic surgery must maintain proper orientation to avoid joint malposition or any issues that may arise at the time of the operation. Silicon gel pads support the patient in a manner that the body of the patient is positioned in a correct form considering the shape of the body.


Adding silicon gel pads for immobilizing the patients along with other restraints or supports eliminates chances of position shift during the surgery and so there are less chances of being repositioned or injured. Ensure that there are any alterations in the patient positions during the surgery because the positions such as lithotomy or prone increases pressure on certain body areas.


Conclusion

Silicon gel pads are one of the most useful surgical aids in orthopedic surgeries since they provide optimal support in the comfort of the patient. Lithotomy position gel pads, general gel pads for pressure point, and OT table mat are all crucial instruments in surgical procedures, and their correct usage also play an important role for a surgery. Here are the guidelines for getting it right, which include, selecting the right pads, positioning them properly, maintaining body alignment and finally, constantly observing the effectiveness - All these can go a long way in avoiding pressure related injuries and attending to your patient’s needs throughout the procedure.

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