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Adding sterile surgical lubricating jelly to a wound before clipping the hair is a prophylactic measure to deter hair from entering the wound and causing further contamination. The lubricated jelly also serves as a protective barrier for exposed soft tissue, as contact with antiseptic detergent can cause irritation, pain, and structure damage. After clipping, a syringe containing sterile 0.9% saline is used to flush out the remaining hair, jelly, and debris from the wound. Distal fractures (i.e., radius/ulna, tibia/fibula) require a full circumferential clip of the entire limb, including the paw, whereas proximal fractures (i.e., humerus/femur) warrant a more conservative circumferential clip extending 10–15 cm proximal and distal to the incision site. In these cases, the unshaved portion of the distal limb should be inserted into an exam glove and taped to avoid hair exposure. For distal fractures, soaking the foot in dilute chlorhexidine solution (0.05%) or wrapping the foot in chlorhexidine‐soaked gauze until the patient enters the operating room is advocated. The patient is ready for transfer to an operating room once a preliminary scrub has been performed. It is the surgeon’s preference to use chlorhexidine gluconate or povidone‐iodine to scrub the limb, however, the residual activity in chlorhexidine is greater than with povidone‐iodine. If the surgeon elects to drape the limb with a povidone‐iodine‐impregnated antimicrobial adhesive sterile drape, such as Ioban™ (3M, Maplewood, MN), a povidone‐iodine‐based final preparation solution must be used rather than chlorhexidine solution for Ioban to adhere to the limb.

Positioning is in lateral or dorsal recumbency with the limb suspended. The position should be confirmed with the surgeon prior to surgery.