Sternal recumbency - Mandible

The patient is positioned in sternal recumbency. The head is elevated and supported with padded material.

This positioning is useful for interdental wiring and intraoral composite splint.

Two intravenous poles are used to open the mouth for access to the oral cavity.

The surgical site is clipped with a number 40 clipper blade and scrubbed in a circular manner with sterile gauze and 0.05-0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate, followed by 70% isopropyl alcohol. Care should be taken not to touch the eyes.

Alternatively, povidone iodine may be used instead of chlorhexidine gluconate and alcohol.

The surgical site is draped with surgical towels and clamps. A sterile surgical technique is maintained throughout the surgery.