Surgical Tech Practice Exam

In a total hip arthroplasty, abduction refers to the movement of the leg away from the midline of the body. This movement is essential during the procedure as it allows the surgeon better access to the hip joint for the implantation of the prosthetic components. Abduction facilitates surgical manipulation and exposure necessary for an effective operation. By moving the leg away from the midline, you are creating space between the limbs, which is particularly important for the visualization of the surgical field and for maneuvering instruments. This positioning is critical during procedures that involve the hip joint since the surrounding anatomy needs to be preserved and accessed safely. Therefore, during total hip arthroplasty, when the surgical technologist is instructed to assist in abducting the hip, the correct movement is indeed to move the leg away from the midline.