Final answer:
In orthopedic surgery, the size of the first reamer used to ream the distal fibula depends on the surgical procedure and surgeon's preference. The surgeon typically selects a reamer slightly larger than the guidewire to achieve the desired canal size. The depth of reaming is determined by the surgical procedure and the surgeon's judgment.
Step-by-step explanation:
In orthopedic surgery, the term 'reaming' refers to the process of enlarging a hole or canal using reamers. In the context of reaming the distal fibula, the size of the first reamer used will depend on the specific surgical procedure being performed and the preferences of the surgeon.
To determine the appropriate size of the first reamer, the surgeon will typically take into consideration the size of the guidewire that was previously placed. Reamers are available in different diameters, and the surgeon will select a reamer that is slightly larger than the guidewire diameter to achieve the desired size for the canal.
The depth to which the surgeon reams the distal fibula will again depend on the specific surgical procedure and the condition being treated. The surgeon may ream to a specific depth or until a desired resistance is encountered. It is important to note that these decisions are made by the surgeon during the surgery based on their clinical judgment.