Description
This course covers indications, contraindications, safety, instrumentation and equipment, and sterile techniques associated with surgery. In addition, the knowledge and physical skills needed to assist with orthopedic surgical procedures as well as pre-operative preparation and pre-and post-operative care and patient management are covered. The surgical procedures covered involve the upper and lower extremities and spine and include reduction procedures on bone and joints; reconstruction surgery on joints and ligaments; repairs of muscles, tendons, and ligaments; transfers of tendon and nerves; amputations and the removal of foreign bodies; and arthroscopic procedures. Students also learn proper positioning of the patient for surgery, how to monitor anesthesia and how to close and care for traumatic wounds and surgical incisions. Students are instructed about potential medical errors that can occur with surgery and how best to avoid these. Observation of video and live surgeries, along