Introduction: Assumption of Knowledge

It has been assumed from the outset that those using this manual will already be well schooled in standard operating room practice and procedures. Therefore, aseptic technique, general surgical instrument preparation, their handling and maintenance, as well as preoperative preparation of the patient in general are not discussed in this book. However, considering the often complex injuries that are dealt with in traumatology and orthopaedics, a strict adherance to all these basic principles must be kept in mind.