A cheap and readily available assistant in hand surgery

Controlling the digits during hand surgery can be challenging. During elective and emergency surgery, a "lead hand" can be used; however, during fracture surgery where an image intensifier is required, the lead hand prevents imaging. Sterile surgical gloves provide a cheap and readily available radiolucent alternative. The surgeon can use bands cut from the cuff of the glove. Performing procedures such as Kirschner wiring or plating of phalangeal fractures without an assistant become much easier with the use of this technique.