Dynamic compression plate (DCP) – An orthopedic nurse is a nurse who specializes in treating patients with bone, limb, or musculoskeletal disorders. Nonetheless, because orthopedics and trauma typically follow one another, head injuries and infected wounds are frequently treated by orthopedic nurses.
Ensuring that patients receive the proper pre-and post-operative care following surgery is the responsibility of an orthopedic nurse. They play a critical role in the effort to return patients to baseline before admission. Early detection of complications following surgery, including sepsis, compartment syndrome, and site infections, falls under the purview of orthopedic nurses.
Dynamic compression plate (DCP)
Dynamic compression plate (DCP) fixation:
A dynamic compression plate (DCP) is a metallic plate used in orthopedics for internal fixation of bone, typically after fractures. As the name implies, it is designed to exert dynamic pressure between the bone fragments to be transfixed.
Or
It is a process of fixing bone in correct position using DCP plate with screw which helps to reunion of one.
[Ref-Jahn Ebnezar/ /701]
Indication of DCP fixation: Fracture of shaft of humerus.
Advantages of DCP:
1) Less surgical exposure than the conventional surgery.
2) Screw may be inserted at any angle.
3) Early mobilization can be done.
Disadvantage of DCP:
1) Heals by primary intentions.
2) Excessive compression causes osteonecrosis.
3) Refracture is common after removal.
4) Requires wide exposures.
[Ref-John Ebnezar/4/701)
Postoperative care of DCP fixation:
1) Arm is supported in a sling.
2) Assess pain level.
3) Give analgesics if pain is severe.
4) Give mental support.
5) Maintain personal hygiene.
6) Record vital signs.
7) Give proper antibiotics to prevent secondary infection.
8) Check X-ray of limb to find any displacement, reunion.
9) Range of motion active and active assisted exercise are begun after 3-4 days…
10) Suture are removed after 14 days.
11) Gradual activity of shoulder and elbow are commenced.
[Ref- John Ebnezar/4/702)
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