Surgical Tech Practice Exam

The most critical function of wire cutters in surgical procedures is to cut wires after fixation. In surgeries, particularly orthopedic ones, wires are often used to stabilize fractures or secure implants and other fixation devices. Once the care is finalized and there is a need to detach the wires to close the incision or move on to the next step, the wire cutters serve a crucial role in providing a clean and effective cut. This ensures that the wires can be safely and precisely removed without damaging surrounding tissues. While wire cutters may also be capable of performing other cutting tasks, their primary design and function focus on handling wire, making their role in cutting wires after fixation particularly significant in maintaining the integrity of the surgical field and the safety of the patient.