Minimising the risk of infection: a peri-operative checklist

Association of Surgical Adhesive and Glue System With Incidence of Allergic Dermatitis Post Unilateral and Staged Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty

Background Skin closure is an important step in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Several techniques are described in the literature with emerging interest in skin adhesives. This study aims to highlight the adverse reactions related to skin adhesives and to identify potential risk factors. Methods A retrospective review of 250 patients (295 knees, 45 being staged bilateral TKA) who underwent TKA was conducted at our facility. All patients underwent the same perioperative protocol with application of surgical glue over the wound edges. Postoperative adverse reactions were classified as allergic dermatitis (AD), cellulitis, and superficial infection. Results Incidence of adverse reactions in the form of AD was noted in 4.8% of patients. Demographics and comorbidities had no influence on this occurrence (p>0.05). However, in patients who had bilateral staged TKA, AD manifested after performing the second contralateral TKA in 22% of patients. This incidence of AD was significantly higher when compared to those who had single unilateral TKA (p =0.001) Conclusion The theory of allergic sensitization may explain the higher incidence of AD in bilateral staged TKA due to prior exposure to glue components in the first knee; thus, we recommend avoiding its use if there was previous exposure.

Comparison of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate with polyester mesh with standard suture and staples in total knee and hip arthroplasty

OBJECTIVE

The use of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate with polyester mesh (OCA-M) has become common in total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA, TKA). We aimed to compare the safety and cosmetic outcomes between OCA-M and standard suture techniques and staples, and determine whether OCA-M can safely be used for TKA.

METHOD

Inclusion criteria were patients who underwent THA or TKA from January 2010 to October 2011 (Suture group), November 2011 to August 2013 (Staple group), March 2017 to September 2018 (OCA-M group). Exclusion criteria was loss of imaging data. Complications during hospitalisation (early complication) and after discharge (late complication) were compared in groups. Plastic and orthopaedic surgeons performed cosmetic evaluations with the modified Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and Likert scale at three and six months postoperatively and compared in groups.

RESULTS

A total of 249 arthroplasties (suture group=88 patients; staple group=94 patients; OCA-M group=67 patients) were included in the study. The OCA-M group had a significantly lower early complication rate than the suture group (p=0.015). For THA, the OCA-M group had a significantly lower total complication rate than the suture group (p=0.048). For TKA, there was no significant difference among the three groups. The complication rate in the OCA-M group showed no significant difference between THA/TKA. With regards to the VSS, the OCA-M group was significantly better for cosmetic qualities than the suture group (p=<0.001, p=0.021 at three and six months, respectively). For the Likert scale, the OCA-M group was also significantly better for cosmetic qualities than the suture group and staple group (suture-OCA-M, p=0.003 (three months), p=<0.001 (six months); staple-OCA-M, p=0.027 (three months)).

CONCLUSION

In this study, the OCA-M complication rate was low compared to suturing and similar to stapling. Moreover, better cosmetic outcomes were achieved compared to suturing and stapling.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Octyl Cyanoacrylate Skin Glue After Surgical Wound Closure: A Systematic Review

The rising incidence of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) after cyanoacrylate adhesive use necessitates a comprehensive understanding of its clinical presentations, risk factors, and management. In this systematic review, we conducted an exhaustive search following PRISMA guidelines within Medline and PubMed databases to identify studies reporting cases of ACD resulting from cyanoacrylate adhesive application in wound closure. A total of 47 studies, covering 193 ACD cases, were included in our analysis. These cases involved 35 male, 120 female patients, and 38 cases without gender information (M:F ratio = 1:3.43), with ages ranging from 7 to 92 years (mean age 43.9 years). The majority of cases (n = 140) were part of 6 orthopedic studies, focusing on joint replacements (n = 68), orthopedic surgeries (n = 38), and breast surgeries (n = 29). The remaining 58 cases encompassed various surgical procedures. Common clinical manifestations included swelling, pruritic rash, erythema, vesicles, and itching around the surgical sites, typically appearing around 10 days post-adhesive application (within a range of 6 hours to 6 weeks). Patients with prior exposure to 2-octyl cyanoacrylate tended to exhibit earlier symptoms. Similar rates of dermatitis were observed across different adhesive brands, suggesting brand independence. Treatment strategies involved adhesive removal, administration of steroids and antihistamines, meticulous wound care, and, in some cases, surgical intervention. Notably, 3.1% of the 193 cases required surgical intervention. Risk factors, including a history of atopic dermatitis, high body mass index, diabetes, prior adhesive exposure, and surgical history, were identified in the studies. Patch tests confirmed 2-octyl cyanoacrylate as the allergen in 21 studies. Our review aims to enhance health care professionals' understanding of ACD resulting from the use of cyanoacrylate adhesive, facilitating improved postsurgical management and prevention strategies. Recognizing diverse risk factors, understanding varying clinical presentations, distinguishing ACD from infection, and employing appropriate treatment approaches are essential for achieving optimal outcomes in such cases.

Effects of Umbilical Preparation Before Trans-umbilical Laparo-endoscopic Single-site Surgery on Umbilical Wounds Healing: a Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

The umbilicus is the only anatomic entrance and incision site for trans-umbilical laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (TU-LESS). Data on incisional surgical site infections (ISSI) and incision healing in TU-LESS are lacking. Therefore, we aimed to observe umbilical incision healing and possible hernia after TU-LESS and explore the efficacy of preoperative umbilicus preparation on ISSI.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Consecutive patients aged 18 to 65 years, who were scheduled to undergo TU-LESS at a teaching hospital between March 2020 and November 2021, were enrolled in this prospective study. All patients were randomized to the study group with preoperative umbilicus preparation 30 minutes before patients were sent to the operating room and to the control group without preparation. The umbilical dimple was disinfected twice using povidone-iodine in both groups before the skin incision. The primary outcome was ISSI within 30 days of surgery. Umbilical hernia at 3 months after surgery and perioperative data such as operation time, complications, and incision healing were recorded and compared.

RESULTS

A total of 400 patients were recruited for this study. TU-LESS was performed in all patients without major complications. ISSI occurred in 5 patients in the study group (2.5%) and 3 patients in the control group (1.5%), with no significant differences between both groups ( P =0.479). No umbilical hernia occurred in any patient during the 3 months follow-up. Six patients in the study group (3.1%) and 1 in the control group (0.5%) experienced excessive scarring, a relatively high incidence in the study group, though the difference was not statistically significant ( P =0.067).

CONCLUSIONS

TU-LESS-related umbilical hernias are rare with existing suturing methods. Umbilicus preparation before TU-LESS could not decrease ISSI; however, it increased the nursing workload, which should be avoided.

Comparison of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate skin adhesive and interrupted polypropylene sutures for wound closure in total ankle arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Adhesive skin materials have increasingly been used in orthopedic surgery. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of skin adhesive (2-octyl cyanoacrylate and polymer mesh, Dermabond Prineo) and interrupted polypropylene sutures for wound closure in patients undergoing total ankle arthroplasty (TAA).

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled 107 consecutive patients (108 ankles) undergoing TAA and divided them into two groups: skin adhesive group (36 ankles) and suture group (72 ankles). The primary outcome assessment included wound complications and patient satisfaction for wound cosmesis. The secondary outcome assessment included duration of surgery, length of hospital stay, and the Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS) pain and disability score.

RESULTS

There was one case of allergic contact dermatitis, three cases of wound dehiscence, and one case of superficial surgical site infection in the skin adhesive group. Among them, one case each with allergic contact dermatitis and wound dehiscence finally progressed to deep surgical site infection. Three cases of wound dehiscence were also reported in the suture group; however, there was no case of surgical site infection. Patient satisfaction for wound cosmesis was significantly higher in the skin adhesive group than in the suture group (p = 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of secondary outcomes (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the use of Dermabond Prineo showed better patient satisfaction for wound cosmesis, it showed significantly high wound complication rates and no other clinical benefits compared to interrupted polypropylene suture in TAA. Our results suggest that awareness of the possibility of wound complications is necessary when Dermabond Prineo is used in TAA.

Perioperative Laboratory Markers as Risk Factors for Surgical Site Infection After Elective Hand Surgery

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to test the null hypothesis that there is no association between perioperative laboratory markers (serum albumin and hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c]) and incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) after soft tissue upper extremity surgery.

METHODS

We analyzed patient-level data from a large, insurance-based database containing supplemental laboratory results. We identified patients undergoing soft tissue upper extremity surgery (defined as carpal tunnel release, trigger finger release, wrist ganglion excision, cubital tunnel release, Dupuytren partial fasciectomy, or first dorsal compartment release) with serum albumin or HbA1c measurements within 90 days of surgery. We stratified patients into cohorts based on serum albumin concentration (<3.5 g/dL) and HbA1c (≥7%) thresholds. The primary outcome was incidence of SSI within 30 days following surgery. We constructed multivariable logistic regression models to adjust for patient demographics and baseline comorbidities using the Elixhauser comorbidity index.

RESULTS

Patients with hypoalbuminemia experienced an SSI incidence of 3.5% compared to 0.9% in patients with normal serum albumin. In multivariable analysis, the odds ratio of SSI with hypoalbuminemia was 3.32 (95% CI, 2.32-4.65). Patients with HbA1c ≥ 7% experienced an SSI incidence of 1.1% compared to 0.7% in patients with HbA1c < 7%. Multivariable analysis revealed odds ratios for SSI of 1.47 (95% CI, 1.02-2.11) in patients with HbA1c ≥ 7% compared to those with HbA1c < 7%.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypoalbuminemia and elevated HbA1c (in patients with diabetes) are risk factors for SSI within 30 days following soft tissue upper extremity surgery. Preoperative measurement of these laboratory markers may be a useful tool for risk stratification and identification of high-risk patients for nutritional or glycemic optimization.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic II.

Functional and Cost Audit of Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty in Public vs Private Hospitals: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Government funded hospitals are believed to be stigmatised with 'substandard care' and constant fear of infection. The aim of this study is to compare the results and direct expenditure incurred for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) done at a government funded public teaching hospital with an economy packaged private hospital in India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A review of electronic and physical records of the patients operated by the senior author for primary TKA at a government funded hospital and a private hospital spanning 2007 to 2019 was done. A retrospective cohort study was designed matching the implant design and the ASA grade of the patients. Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Hospital for Special Surgery score (HSS), Knee Society Score (KSS) at 2 years follow-up were the primary outcome parameters. The retrieved data describing the cost of surgery and perioperative complications were analyzed. The confounders were minimized by including only the surgeries performed by the author, using the same instruments and implants in similar operating theatre environments.

RESULTS

This study involved two cohorts comprising 280 patients each, with no differences in gender, ASA grade and primary diagnosis. There was no significant difference in the 2-year HSS, KSS and KOOS score between the two groups. The 2-year cumulative incidence of major and minor complications in both the study cohorts showed no significant difference. The mean cost of an uncomplicated primary TKA (2019) in government hospital was INR. 85,927; 39.476% of that required in a private setup (INR. 2,17,667).

CONCLUSION

Affordable TKA package in a government funded hospital can produce results comparable to that in a private hospital setup at a reasonably lower cost without increasing the complication rates.

Contributing factors to surgical site infection after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy: A follow-up retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

To identify factors associated with surgical site infection (SSI) after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

ANIMALS

Dogs (n = 541) that underwent TPLO (n = 659).

METHODS

Medical records of dogs that underwent TPLO from 2011-2018 were reviewed. Data collected included perioperative and postoperative antimicrobial administration, stifle inspection, duration of surgery and anesthesia, comorbidities, and development of SSI including timing, microbiological investigation, and implant removal. Referring veterinarians were contacted for all dogs without a recorded return visit. Risk factors for SSI were assessed by using a multivariable logistic regression model built by using a stepwise approach.

RESULTS

Surgical site infection was documented in 71 of 659 (11%) TPLO, with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius accounting for 20 of 71 (28%) infections. Protective factors against SSI included administration of postoperative antimicrobials (odds ratio [OR] 0.263; 95% CI = 0.157, 0.442) and timing of preoperative antimicrobial administration. Preoperative antimicrobial timing was protective against SSI when it was administered more than 60 minutes before the first incision compared with administration within 30 minutes (OR 0.275; 95% CI = 0.112, 0.676) or within 60 minutes (OR 0.419; 95% CI = 0.189, 0.929) of the first incision.

CONCLUSION

Early administration of perioperative antimicrobials and postoperative antimicrobial administration were protective against SSI after TPLO.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Antimicrobials can influence the risk of SSI after TPLO. Perioperative and postoperative antimicrobial administration timing should be considered to reduce SSI.

The prevention of infection: 12 modifiable risk factors

AIMS

Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains a serious complication that is associated with high morbidity and costs. The aim of this study was to prepare a systematic review to examine patient-related and perioperative risk factors that can be modified in an attempt to reduce the rate of PJI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A search of PubMed and MEDLINE was conducted for articles published between January 1990 and February 2018 with a combination of search terms to identify studies that dealt with modifiable risk factors for reducing the rate of PJI. An evidence-based review was performed on 12 specific risk factors: glycaemic control, obesity, malnutrition, smoking, vitamin D levels, preoperative Staphylococcus aureus screening, the management of anti-rheumatic medication, perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis, presurgical skin preparation, the operating room environment, irrigant options, and anticoagulation.

RESULTS

Poor glycaemic control, obesity, malnutrition, and smoking are all associated with increased rates of PJI. Vitamin D replacement has been shown in preliminary animal studies to decrease rates of PJI. Preoperative Staphylococcus aureus screening and appropriate treatment results in decreased rates of PJI. Perioperative variables, such as timely and appropriate dosage of prophylactic antibiotics, skin preparation with chlorohexidine-based solution, and irrigation with dilute betadine at the conclusion of the operation, have all been associated with reduced rates of PJI. Similarly, aggressive anticoagulation and increased operating room traffic should be avoided to help minimize risk of PJI.

CONCLUSION

PJI remains a serious complication of arthroplasty. Surgeons should be vigilant of the modifiable risk factors that can be addressed in an attempt to reduce the risk of PJI.

Malnutrition and the Development of Periprosthetic Joint Infection in Patients Undergoing Primary Elective Total Joint Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Although an abundance of literature exists linking malnutrition with infectious complications in surgical patients, there is little specifically examining the link between malnutrition and periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). This study evaluated the relationship between abnormal nutritional parameters and development of PJI in patients undergoing primary total joint arthroplasty (TJA).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed TJA patients from 2000 to 2016 with preoperative nutritional screening at a single institution. Any development of PJI at 2 years was assessed as the primary outcome. The Musculoskeletal Infection society criteria were used to define PJI. The association between the aforementioned nutritional markers and PJI was evaluated in a bivariate analysis followed by multivariate logistic regression. Performance for markers was assessed using receiver operator characteristic curves. Sensitivity and specificity were also compared.

RESULTS

Multivariate analysis demonstrated that low albumin (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 4.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.428-9.085; P < .001) and low hemoglobin (adjusted OR, 2.718; 95% CI, 1.100-2.718; P = .018) were significantly associated with PJI. Albumin had the highest specificity and (95% CI, 97.8%-98.4%) and positive predictive value compared to all other markers. Platelet-to-white blood cell ratio had the highest sensitivity (95% CI, 29.5%-40.3%). The area under the curve was greatest for albumin (0.61; 95% CI, 0.55-0.67) followed by hemoglobin (0.57; 95% CI, 0.51-0.63), platelets (0.56; 95% CI, 0.50-0.62), and platelet-to-white blood cell ratio (0.54; 95% CI, 0.49-0.60).

CONCLUSION

The most valuable predictor of PJI following primary TJA, among nutritional parameters examined, was preoperative albumin with a very high specificity and positive predictive value.

The effect of triclosan-coated sutures on the rate of surgical site infection after hip and knee arthroplasty: a double-blind randomized controlled trial of 2546 patients

Aims

Surgical site infection (SSI) is a common complication of surgery with an incidence of about 1% in the United Kingdom. Sutures can lead to the development of a SSI, as micro-organisms can colonize the suture as it is implanted. Triclosan-coated sutures, being antimicrobical, were developed to reduce the rate of SSI. Our aim was to assess whether triclosan-coated sutures cause a reduction in SSIs following arthroplasty of the hip and knee.

Patients and Methods

This two-arm, parallel, double-blinded study involved 2546 patients undergoing elective total hip (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) at three hospitals. A total of 1323 were quasi-randomized to a standard suture group, and 1223 being quasi-randomized to the triclosan-coated suture group. The primary endpoint was the rate of SSI at 30 days postoperatively.

Results

The baseline characteristics of age, gender and comorbidities were well matched in the two groups. The rates of superficial SSI were 0.8% in the control group and 0.7% in the intervention group (p = 0.651), and when deep and superficial SSIs were combined the rates were 2.5% and 1.8 (p = 0.266). The length of stay in hospital and the rates of medical complications did not differ significantly between the groups (p = 1.000).

Conclusion

This trial provided no evidence that the use of triclosan-coated sutures at THA and TKA leads to a reduction in the rate of SSI. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:296-302.

Can next generation sequencing play a role in detecting pathogens in synovial fluid?

Aims

The diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection can be difficult due to the high rate of culture-negative infections. The aim of this study was to assess the use of next-generation sequencing for detecting organisms in synovial fluid.

Materials and Methods

In this prospective, single-blinded study, 86 anonymized samples of synovial fluid were obtained from patients undergoing aspiration of the hip or knee as part of the investigation of a periprosthetic infection. A panel of synovial fluid tests, including levels of C-reactive protein, human neutrophil elastase, total neutrophil count, alpha-defensin, and culture were performed prior to next-generation sequencing.

Results

Of these 86 samples, 30 were alpha-defensin-positive and culture-positive (Group I), 24 were alpha-defensin-positive and culture-negative (Group II) and 32 were alpha-defensin-negative and culture-negative (Group III). Next-generation sequencing was concordant with 25 results for Group I. In four of these, it detected antibiotic resistant bacteria whereas culture did not. In another four samples with relatively low levels of inflammatory biomarkers, culture was positive but next-generation sequencing was negative. A total of ten samples had a positive next-generation sequencing result and a negative culture. In five of these, alpha-defensin was positive and the levels of inflammatory markers were high. In the other five, alpha-defensin was negative and the levels of inflammatory markers were low. While next-generation sequencing detected several organisms in each sample, in most samples with a higher probability of infection, there was a predominant organism present, while in those presumed not to be infected, many organisms were identified with no predominant organism.

Conclusion

Pathogens causing periprosthetic infection in both culture-positive and culture-negative samples of synovial fluid could be identified by next-generation sequencing. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:127–33.

Characterizing the Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergic Contact Dermatitis to 2-Octyl Cyanoacrylate Used for Skin Closure in Elective Orthopedic Surgery

BACKGROUND

While studies have shown that postoperative wound complications can predispose to deep infection following orthopedic surgery, the best form of skin closure has not been elucidated. Furthermore, the unique risks and benefits of each type of wound closure have not been studied. The goal of this study is to present the diagnosis and treatment of patients with allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) from 2-octyl cyanoacrylate, a skin adhesive commonly used in wound closure.

METHODS

Twenty-nine patients with ACD to 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (Prineo, Ethicon, NJ) following elective orthopedic surgeries from 2013 to 2016 were retrospectively reviewed; this occurred in 29 of 6088 units of Prineo used at our institution, for an estimated incidence of 0.5%. Nineteen patients (66%) had knee operations. Mean age was 55 years (range, 15-92 years). We classified patients by symptom severity and treatment requirements into mild, moderate, and severe reactions.

RESULTS

Most reactions were moderate (48%) or severe (38%) reactions. Mean time from surgery to diagnosis was 11.8 days (range, 2-42 days). All patients underwent removal of the Prineo dressing and daily dressing changes with a specific protocol. Twenty patients (69%) received oral antihistamines, 16 patients (55%) required topical corticosteroids, and 5 patients (17%) required oral corticosteroids. All cases of ACD ultimately resolved at a mean of 22 days (range, 13-56 days) postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

2-Octyl cyanoacrylate skin adhesive occurs in an estimated 0.5% of cases and can lead to severe postoperative ACD when used following orthopedic operations. However, with early recognition and appropriate treatment, patients' symptoms resolve without a significant impact on wound healing.

A positive bacterial culture during re-implantation is associated with a poor outcome in two-stage exchange arthroplasty for deep infection

Aims

The aim of this study was to identify the incidence of positive cultures during the second stage of a two-stage revision arthroplasty and to analyse the association between positive cultures and an infection-free outcome.

Patients and Methods

This single-centre retrospective review of prospectively collected data included patients with a periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) of either the hip or the knee between 2013 and 2015, who were treated using a standardised diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm with two-stage exchange. Failure of treatment was assessed according to a definition determined by a Delphi-based consensus. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the predictors of positive culture and risk factors for failure. The mean follow-up was 33 months (24 to 48).

Results

A total of 163 two-stage revision arthroplasties involving 84 total hip arthroplasties (THAs) and 79 total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) were reviewed. In 27 patients (16.6%), ≥ 1 positive culture was identified at re-implantation and eight (29.6%) of these subsequently failed compared with 20 (14.7%) patients who were culture-negative. The same initially infecting organism was isolated at re-implantation in nine of 27 patients (33.3%). The organism causing re-infection in none of the patients was the same as that isolated at re-implantation. The risk of the failure of treatment was significantly higher in patients with a positive culture (odds ratio (OR) 1.7; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0 to 3.0; p = 0.049) and in patients with a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (OR 1.5; 95% CI 1.6 to 1.8; p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Positive culture at re-implantation was independently associated with subsequent failure. Surgeons need to be aware of this association and should consider the medical optimisation of patients with severe comorbidities both before and during treatment. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1490–5.

Single-Stage Revision Arthroplasty for Infection-An Underutilized Treatment Strategy

BACKGROUND

The burden of revision arthroplasty surgery for infection is rising as the rate of primary arthroplasty surgery increases. Infected arthroplasty rates are now relatively low, but the sheer increase in volume is leading to considerable patient morbidity and significant increases in costs to the health care system. Single-stage revision for infection is one of the several accepted treatment options, but the indications and results are debated. This review aims to clarify the current evidence.

METHODS

MEDLINE/PubMed databases were reviewed for studies that looked at single- or one-stage revision knee or hip arthroplasty for infection.

RESULTS

There is increasing evidence that single-stage revision for infection can control infection and with decreased morbidity, mortality, and health care costs compared with a staged approach. However, the indications are still debated. Recently, there has been a determined effort to define an infected arthroplasty in a manner that will allow for standardization of reporting in the literature. The evidence supporting single stage for knee arthroplasty is catching up with the result with hip arthroplasty. High-quality data from randomized controlled trials are now pending.

CONCLUSION

After the gradual evolution of using the single-stage approach, with the widespread acceptance of this definition, we can now standardize comparisons across the world and move toward a refined definition of the ideal patient population for single-stage arthroplasty revision in both the hip and the knee population.

Treatment of Periprosthetic Joint Infection Using Antimicrobials: Dilute Povidone-Iodine Lavage

Periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) remain a challenge for the orthopaedic surgeon to treat and remain a leading cause of failure of both primary and revision total joint arthroplasty. Once a PJI develops, surgical treatment is generally indicated and includes an aggressive irrigation and debridement. One component of the irrigation and debridement involves the use of an antiseptic irrigating solution. In primary and revision TJA, dilute povidone-iodine lavage can be performed prior to wound closure. Approximately 17.5mL of 10% povidone-iodine is diluted with 500-1000cc of normal saline. The wound is then irrigated with the dilute povidone-iodine for 3 minutes. The dilute povidone-iodine is then thoroughly irrigated and washed out of the wound with normal saline prior to wound closure. The use of dilute povidone-iodine lavage prior to wound closure has been shown to reduce the risk of deep surgical site infection in multiple surgical specialties. In primary TJA, it has been demonstrated to reduce the risk of infection, without any associated adverse effects. It is also included in multiple protocols for the surgical treatment of PJI. Dilute povidone-iodine lavage provides a safe and inexpensive method to reduce the rate of PJI in TJA.