Cotton-Swab-Anchored Suspension Technique for Hands-Free Lower Extremity Limb Sterilization During Surgical Preparation.

Manual limb suspension during surgical preparation is labor-intensive, requires additional personnel, and may increase the risk of musculoskeletal injuries among surgical staff. We describe a cotton-swab-anchored suspension technique that uses a sterile bandage (Kerlix) looped around the ankle, secured with 2 cotton swabs inserted into the knot, and suspended from a heavy-duty intravenous pole. This method enables hands-free limb elevation, allowing efficient preoperative preparation. After completion of preparation, the limb is released by simply removing the cotton swab. This technique eliminates the need for manual limb holding, reduces occupational strain, provides stable mechanical support, and enables quick, controlled limb release without instruments. It is cost-effective, reproducible, and suitable for various lower extremity procedures.