ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the principles applying to the orthopaedic operations and describes the fundamental techniques of soft-tissue and bone repair. The minimum requirements for orthopaedic operations are drills, osteotomes, saws, chisels, gouges and plates, screws and screwdrivers. Many operations such as joint replacement, spinal fusion and the various types of internal fixation require more specialized implants and instruments to ensure that the bone and implants are correctly aligned and fixed. Intraoperative radiography is often helpful and sometimes essential. Fracture reduction, osteotomy alignments and the positioning of implants and fixation devices is checked before completing the procedure. Fluoroscopy, where available, is quick and easy to use. By using a navigation system based on techniques such as optical tracking, implanted markers and intraoperative radiography with suitable computer software, surgeons may be able to improve their accuracy and consistency in placing implants correctly.
