LocArm Holder- Helpful low cost Assistant for Disinfection in Hand Surgery Procedures
The article in Indian Journal of orthopedics by Francesco Costa et al describes an innovative easy-to-use and hands-free device that helps the surgeon during disinfection of the skin and the setup of the surgical field by keeping elevated the upper limb with respect for tissues.
Although there is no consensus regarding the best skin disinfection technique, whatever antiseptic solution is used, the "prep and drape" portion of most upper extremity procedures requires the presence of at least one operative room assistant or scrub nurse to elevate and hold the hand and forearm. Nonetheless, especially in a busy hand surgery practice and during fast procedures, an operative room assistant or scrub nurse are frequently not available leading to a reduced time efficiency between procedures.
The development of the surgical arm holder starts from three easily available and washable thermoplastic splint sheets. The design of the Surgical Arm Holder started from a parallelepiped measuring 40 cm large×25 cm high×15 cm deep with a hemispherical depression. A slightly tilted plane from distal to proximal in its superior side is created to accommodate the arm and determine an elevation of the limb above the surgical table. This shape is designed to be ergonomic and cozy, allowing for a comfortable positioning of different sizes and circumferences arms. The occupational therapist (OT) developed the model, while the technical design was realized by an architect.
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