The rate of arterial injury in trauma patients with pelvic ring fractures has been cited as high as 15%. Addressing this source of hemorrhage is essential in the management of these patients as mortality rates are reported as 50%. Percutaneous techniques to control arterial bleeding, such as embolization and REBOA, are being employed with increasing frequency due to their assumed lower morbidity and invasiveness than open exploration or cross clamping of the aorta. There are promising results with regards to the mortality benefits of angioembolization. However, there are concerns with regards to morbidity associated with embolization of the internal iliac vessels and its branches including surgical wound infection, gluteal muscle necrosis, nerve injury, bowel infarction, and thigh / buttock claudication. The primary aim of this study is to determine whether pelvic arterial embolization is associated with surgical site infection (SSI) in trauma patients undergoing pelvic ring fixation. This observational cohort study was conducted using US trauma registry data from the American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Trauma Database for the year of 2018. Patients over the age of 18 who were transported through emergency health services to an ACS Level 1 or 2 trauma hospital and sustained a pelvic ring fracture treated with surgical fixation were included. Patients who were transferred between facilities, presented to the emergency department with no signs of life, presented with isolated penetrating trauma, and pregnant patients were excluded from the study. The primary study outcome was surgical site infection. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to estimate treatment effects of angioembolization of pelvic vessels on surgical site infection, adjusting for known risk factors for infection. Study analysis included 6562 trauma patients, of which 508 (7.7%) of patients underwent pelvic angioembolization. Overall, 148 (2.2%) of patients had a surgical site infection, with a higher risk (7.1%) in patients undergoing angioembolization (unadjusted odds ratio (OR) 4.0; 95% CI 2.7, 6.0; p < 0 .0001). Controlling for potential confounding, including patient demographics, vitals on hospital arrival, open fracture, ISS, and select patient comorbidities, pelvic angioembolization was still significantly associated with increased odds for surgical site infection (adjusted OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.3, 3.2; p=0.003). This study demonstrates that trauma patients who undergo pelvic angioembolization and operative fixation of pelvic ring injuries have a higher surgical site infection risk. As the use of percutaneous hemorrhage control techniques increase, it is important to remain judicious in patient selection

Corynebacterium Jeikeium is a pathogen rarely involved in orthopaedic infections. Till date only 14 cases of osteomyelitis are described in the literature, envolving the tibia, foot and prosthethic (hip and joint) infection. To our knowledge, Corynebacterium Jeikeium as not been reported as an infectious agent of the spine. Our goal is to describe a case of scoliosis surgical site infection by a Corynebacterium Jeikeium specimen. This is a retrospective and descriptive case report based on data from clinical records, patient observation and analysis of complementary exams. We present a 24 year old female with a history of premature birth, West syndrome, spastic cerebral palsy and spina bifida. She was sent to our consult for evaluation of dorsolombar scoliosis. In October of 2014, she was submitted to surgery – posterior spine arthrodesis and instrumentation (D10 to L5) with bilateral pedicle screws and two chromium-cobalt bars. The early post-operative period was without complications. She was discharge at the seventh day of internment and was seen, fifteen days postoperative, at the consultation office, where the dressings were changed, with no signs of surgical site infection. One month post-operative, she recurs to the office because of an apparent seroma at the surgical site wound. There was no reference to fever or other signs of local/systemic infection. A swabbing of the wound was done and the patient was medicated with Ciprofloxacine, 500mg 12/12 hours – the culture came back negative. Seven days later she was seen again, maintaining the seroma with purge of a serous-aspect fluid. Antibiotic therapy was maintained and another swabbing was collected – culture came back negative. Because of suspected surgical site infection, she was re-operated at December of 2014. Surgical wound debridement was performed; three tissue samples and one exudate were sent to the microbiological department. In all samples but one was identified a Corynebacterium Jeikeium. No sensitivity test was performed. Intravenous Vancomicine, 1 gram 12/12 hours was started and maintained during 8 days. Eleven days post-operative she was discharged with oral Vibramicin, 100 milligrams 12/12 hours for two weeks. She is currently being followed at the doctor's office, with no sign of reinfection of the surgical site. This is the first reported case describing an infection of the spine by a Corynebactereium Jeikeium. Isolation of the causative agent of infection and literature-based directed antibiotherapy are important for a successful outcome

Aim. To investigate the incidence and time-trend in reoperation due to deep Surgical Site Infection (SSI) following hip fracture surgery. Method. This was a population-based, nationwide, cohort study. We included 74,771 from the Danish Multidisciplinary Hip Fractures Register (1) consisting of patients 65 years of age or older, who underwent surgery between January 1. st. 2005 and December 31. st. 2016 for all types of hip fracture. Cross-linkage with the Danish National Patient Register and The Danish Civil Registration system was made. Demographic data extracted included vital status, civil status, gender, age, Body Mass Index (BMI), fracture classification (AO/OTA 31A-C) and surgical procedures binary registered as joint replacement or internal fixation, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) and secondary diseases not included in CCI. Outcome was reoperations due to deep SSI in accordance with the definition from Centre for Disease Control (2). We computed cumulative incidence rates and risk ratios (RR) by calendar year periods and by different risk factors, considering death as competing risk and adjusting for age, gender, CCI, fracture type and surgery type. Results. Within 365 days of primary surgery 2.1% of all hip fractures had undergone reoperation due to deep SSI. During the period 2005–2016, the incidence of reoperation due to SSI decreased from 2.7% to 1.7%, We could not identify differences in reoperation due to SSI within one year regarding gender, BMI or CCI. Patients aged above 85 had about 50% lower risk of being reoperated compared with the youngest age group; 65–74 years (RR: 0.5; 95% CI: 0.4:0.6). The RR for reoperation due to deep SSI was lower for patients with pertrochanteric or subtrochanteric fractures (AO/OTA: 31A1-3) versus femoral neck fractures (AO/OTA: 31B1-3), RR was 0.7 (95%CI: 0.7:0.8). However, RR for surgery type (joint replacement vs internal fixation) at 365 days was significantly lower for joint replacement, RR: 0.6 (95% CI: 0.6:0.7). Conclusions. This study shows reoperation risk due to SSI for all types of hip fractures of 2.1%. There was a 45% decrease in reoperation over time from 2005 to 2016. However, the risk of revision is still high, and further action in avoidance of SSI should be taken

As of April 2010 all NHS institutions in the United Kingdom are required to publish data on surgical site infection, but the method for collecting this has not been decided. We examined 7448 trauma and orthopaedic surgical wounds made in patients staying for at least two nights between 2000 and 2008 at our institution and calculated the rate of surgical site infection using three definitions: the US Centers for Disease Control, the United Kingdom Nosocomial Infection National Surveillance Scheme and the ASEPSIS system. On the same series of wounds, the infection rate with outpatient follow-up according to Centre for Disease Control was 15.45%, according to the UK Nosocomial infection surveillance was 11.32%, and according to ASEPSIS was 8.79%. These figures highlight the necessity for all institutions to use the same method for diagnosing surgical site infection. If different methods are used, direct comparisons will be invalid and published rates of infection will be misleading

Purpose. Surgical site infection (SSI) is an infrequent but serious complication of total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Orthopaedic SSI causes substantial morbidity, prolonging the hospital stay by a median of 2 weeks, doubling the rates of rehospitalization, and more than tripling overall healthcare costs. Colonization with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) is known to be associated with an increased risk of subsequent SSI. Carriers are two to nine times more likely to acquire S. aureus SSIs than non-carriers. Screening of the nose and throat for MRSA colonization and preoperative patient decolonization have been shown to decrease the incidence of subsequent MRSA infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the results of MRSA colonization screening and the incidence of SSI in our hospital. Materials and Methods. Between June 2007 and June 2010, 238 patients were admitted for TJA, among whom 235 underwent preoperative assessment that included screening of the nose and throat for MRSA colonization. Fifty-nine of these patients underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA), 69 underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA), 6 underwent unilateral knee arthroplasty (UKA), and 101 underwent bipolar hip prosthesis arthroplasty (BPH). The mean age of the patients was 72.7 (49–95) years and the male to female ratio was 1:3.8. We analyzed these patients retrospectively, and determined the site of colonization, eradication prior to surgery, and subsequent development of SSI in the year after surgery. SSI was defined according to the criteria established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Results. MRSA colonization was positive in 12 patients (5.1%) at the initial preoperative assessment (Fig. 1). All except 2 of the positive patients underwent nasal eradication with mupirocin 2% three times daily for three days. Eight of 10 patients were confirmed to be MRSA-negative after re-swabbing. During surgery, all patients received perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis. The standard regimen was cefazolin 1 g administered 15 to 30 min before incision, followed by 1 g every 3 hours until skin closure. One hundred eighty-six patients were monitored for development of SSIs for 1 year after TJA. Among these patients, 1 in the MRSA-positive group and 1 in the negative group developed MRSA SSIs (P<0.01)(Fig. 2). Discussion. Bode et al. recently reported that rapid screening and decolonizing of nasal S. aureus carriers with intranasal mupirocin prevented SSIs after mixed surgery. However, several studies of the effect of screening and decolonization for such carriers have yielded paradoxical findings because of differences in study design or sample size. Conclusion. We conclude that MRSA-colonized patients undergoing TJA are at an increased risk of SSI, despite eradication therapy prior to surgery. Use of prophylactic antibiotics such as vancomycin or teicoplanin may be beneficial

Introduction. The purpose of this study was to introduce our perioperative prophylaxis method for infection and clarify surgical site infection rate in our patients performed total hip arthroplasty (THA). Method. Two hundred and eighty four THA (including revision 18 cases) performed by single surgeon between Oct. 2007 and Jan. 2013 were evaluated. The mean age of patients was 65.7 years old. The male to female ratio was 46 to 238. BMI was 23.6. Ninety patients (32%) were compromised host suffering from diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune disease, history of malignant tumor, hemodialysis or skin disease at surgical site respectively. At preoperative period, we checked decayed tooth, alveolar pyorrhea, hemorrhoids, and leg skin condition. In addition, we examined culture of nasal cavity. At the day of surgery, patient took a shower just before entering surgical room. All of THA was performed in clean room NASA class 100. Surgeons and assistant nurse put on nonwoven fabric gown, space suit and double rubber gloves. We wiped surgical site leg by gauze impregnated by 0.5% chlorhexidine alchohol to eliminate skin bacteria twice just before surgeons scrubbing hands. Surgical site was covered by povidone iodine containing drape. Surgeons or nurse changed gloves when glove was broken at each time. We cleaned surgical field by pulse washer whenever necessary. We did not use drain except for 5 revision THAs. Regarding to prophylactic antibiotics usage, we administered cefcapene pivoxil orally the day before surgery. Drip infusion antibiotics (PIPC: until Oct. 2008, CEZ: after Oct. 2008) was administered at the period of 30 min. before surgery and 4 hours after surgery in case of prolonged surgical time (4 hours >). Skin closure was performed by staple and covered by gauze until May 2010. After that, we used surgical tape and transparent water proof sheet. After finishing surgery, antibiotic was administered 8 hours interval at surgery day and 12 hours interval for additional two days. In case multi-drug resistant bacteria (MRSA, MRSE) was positive in nasal culture, we applied mupirocin ointment to nasal cavity for 3 days before surgery and administered vancomycin (from Aug. 2011) or linezolid (from 2012) for prophylactic antibiotics in perioperative period. Results. Multi-drug resistant bacteria was detected from nasal cavity in 23 patients (8%). The mean operation time was 194 min (due to education for young surgeon). Intraoperative bleeding was 598g. Length of skin incision was 13.6 cm. Intraoperative wash volume was 4500 ml. The infection rate were 0 % in early period and 0.7 % (two case) in late period respectively. One infected case was 75 years old female. Deep infection was occurred 3 years after surgery. She was administered steroid and immunosuppressive drug due to metal allergy after total knee arthroplasty. The other case was 64 years old female. Superficial infection happened 3 months after THA. The patient was suffered from collagen disease and diabetes. Conclusion. Our prophylaxis method for surgical site infection of THA achieved 0 % in early infection and 0.7% late chronic infection respectively

Surgical Site Infection (SSI) is one of the most frequent nosocomial infections and depends on many factors: patient, microorganism, antiseptic solution use, antibiotic prophylaxis, hand scrubbing, wound care or hospital stay lenght. With the present paper the authors aim to study the SSI incidence after Total Knee (TKA) or Hip Arthroplasty (THA). All patients who underwent primary TKA or THA between January 2011 and May 2012 at our institution were considered. Patients who died within 1 year after the procedure of unrelated causes were excluded. Data collected included ASA classification, type of procedure, total and post-operative hospital stay, type and duration of antibiotic prophylaxis. Data were collected from the consultation at 1 month and 1 year post-operative, clinical registries and telephone interview. SSI was defined according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria. Suspected cases of SSI included antibiotic administration longer than 5 days or absence of antibiotic prescription, hospital stay after the procedure longer than 9 days, patient referring infection symptoms, and clinical data reports of infection or re-intervention. During the studied period and after exclusion of 5 cases, a total of 251 surgeries (104 TKA, 147 THA) were performed, of which 2 were urgent. For both TKA and THA, the average total hospital stay was 9 days (8 days post-operative). The majority were American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification 2 and 3. There were 4 SSI (1,60%), 2 TKA (1,92%) and 2 THA (1,36%), all of them after discharge. Their average total hospital stay was 10,5 days. Antibiotic prophylaxis was used in 93% of the patients (97,4% a cephalosporin), with an average length of 5,7 days. Recommended hospital stay after a TKA or THA is about 5 days. On HELICS-CIRURGIA 2006–2010 report it was 10 days, similar to ours. In infected patients, our total hospital stay was lower (10,5 vs 26). Recommended duration of antibiotic prophylaxis is 24h. On HELICS-CIRURGIA more than 50% had it for more than 24h, which also happened with us; our antibiotic coverage was similar. Comparing to HELICS-CIRURGIA, the predominance of ASA 2 and 3 classifications was similar, but the overall SSI rate was lower (1,6% vs 2,24%). We conclude we must reduce hospital stay and antibiotic duration and keep the surveillance of SSI after TKA or THA

There is mixed evidence in the literature regarding increasing age, ASA and BMI as risk factors for surgical site infection in orthopaedic surgery. To investigate the matter further, we examined 1055 wounds in 1008 patients in the Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery at University College London Hospital between 2000 and 2006. All patients with a minimum two-night stay were included. Data was collected by four designated research nurses. The age, height, weight and ASA status of each patient was recorded. All wounds were classified using ASEPSIS. This is a quantitative wound scoring method which is a summation of scores calculated from visual wound characteristics and the clinical consequences of infection. Our results showed a strong linear association between age and ASEPSIS scores. Single variable regression analysis showed a t value of 3.32 and p value of 0.001. A similar linear association was seen between ASA grading and ASEPSIS scores. Single variable regression analysis showed a t value of 2.75 and p value of 0.006. The association between BMI and ASEPSIS scores was markedly different from that seen with age and ASA. The graph was U-shaped with patients with a BMI of 25-30 having the lowest average ASEPSIS scores. Patients with a lower and a higher BMI had higher average ASEPSIS scores. Single variable regression analysis was not significant since the relationship between BMI and ASEPSIS scores is not linear. In conclusion, there are clearly defined patient groups who are at increased risk of developing a surgical site infection: older patients, patients with a higher ASA, and patients with both a low and high BMI. These patients should be targeted to reduce overall infection rates. This can be achieved by ensuring adequate antibiotic prophylaxis, having a low threshold to treat suspected infection and arranging regular follow-up

Aim. Reveal the rate of surgical site infection (SSI) after primary hip and knee arthroplasty in patients with inflammatory joint disease and analyse if the infection rate was correlated to the given anti-rheumatic treatment. The background is that since 2006 patients operated at the orthopaedic department at Skåne University hospital, Lund, Sweden, have continued treatment with TNF-alpha inhibitors during the perioperative period. Method. During 2006 to 2015 494 planned primary hip and knee arthroplasties were performed on 395 patients (236 hip arthroplasties and 239 knee arthroplasties). Data on age, sex, diagnosis, BMI, operation time, ASA-classification, treatment with cDMARDs (conventional disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs) and bDMARDs (biological disease modifying antirheumatic drugs) and use of prednisolone was collected. The primary outcome variable was prosthetic joint infection (PJI) within 1 year from surgery with a secondary outcome variable being superficial SSI. Results. In 32% (n=159) of the cases the patient was treated with a TNF-alpha inhibitor. The rate of PJI was 1.4% (n=7). The overall rate of infection, including superficial infections, was 2.4% (n=12). All the PJIs occurred after a knee arthroplasty and only 1 patient was treated with a TNF-alpha inhibitor (etanercept). Conclusions. We could not find that continuing treatment with TNF-inhibitors perioperatively led to a higher incidence of PJI or SSI than generally would be expected in a group of patients with an inflammatory joint disease. Based on these results there is no need to discontinue treatment with TNF-inhibitors when performing arthroplasty surgery

Fresh-frozen allograft bone is frequently used in orthopaedic surgery. We investigated the incidence of allograft-related infection and analysed the outcomes of recipients of bacterial culture-positive allografts from our single-institute bone bank during bone transplantation. The fresh-frozen allografts were harvested in a strict sterile environment during total joint arthroplasty surgery and immediately stored in a freezer at −78° to −68° C after packing. Between January 2007 and December 2012, 2024 patients received 2083 allografts with a minimum of 12 months of follow-up. The overall allograft-associated infection rate was 1.2% (24/2024). Swab cultures of 2083 allografts taken before implantation revealed 21 (1.0%) positive findings. The 21 recipients were given various antibiotics at the individual orthopaedic surgeon's discretion. At the latest follow-up, none of these 21 recipients displayed clinical signs of infection following treatment. Based on these findings, we conclude that an incidental positive culture finding for allografts does not correlate with subsequent surgical site infection. Additional prolonged post-operative antibiotic therapy may not be necessary for recipients of fresh-frozen bone allograft with positive culture findings. Chang Gung Medical Foundation

Background. Hospital acquired MRSA is globally endemic and is a leading cause of surgical site infection (SSI). Of great concern is the emergence of community acquired MRSA (CA MRSA) with its unique virulence characteristics. Infected hip or knee prostheses due to MRSA are associated with multiple reoperations and prolonged hospital stay. Few studies have been done to assess for risk of SSI in MRSA carriers undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery following decolonisation. However in these studies, the eradication status was not confirmed prior to proceeding for surgical intervention. Aim. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the incidence of SSI in MRSA carriers undergoing elective hip and knee arthroplasty, who had confirmed eradication of MRSA carrier status and to compare it with incidence of SSI in non MRSA carriers. Material and Methods. This is a retrospective analysis of 6613 patients who underwent elective hip (3347) and knee arthroplasty (3266) at our institution between January 2008 and August 2012. A cohort of patients who were preoperatively colonised with MRSA was identified. These patients were offered decolonisation protocol and successful eradication was ensured prior to surgery. The MRSA negative patients served as the control group and we looked into the incidence of SSI in both groups up to one year after surgery. Categorical variables were investigated between groups using chi-squared tests and p value of < 0.05 was taken as significant. Results. Out of 6613 patients, MRSA colonisation was observed in 83 patients (a mean age of 76 years with a M:F ratio of 1:1.2) pre-operatively with a colonisation rate of 1.3%. A total of 79 patients had confirmed eradication of carrier status prior to surgical intervention. Of these 38 were THRs and 41 were TKRs. Total number of MRSA negative patients were 6530 with 3307 THRs and 3223 TKRs in control group. Teicoplanin was used for antibiotic prophylaxis in these patients. 5 of 79 patients had “deep SSI” within 1 year of surgery giving an infection rate of 6.32%. There were 2 MRSA infections in hip replacements with an infection rate of 5.26%. There were 2 MRSA and 1 MSSA infection in TKR resulting in an infection rate of 7.31%. These patients did not belong to the “high-risk” group for MRSA colonisation. A significant statistical difference in infection rates from MRSA negative control group was noted, which had a deep sepsis rate of 1.17% (p value − 0.03) in THRs and 0.87% in TKRs (p value − 0.0016). Conclusions and Clinical Implication. In spite of a selective treatment program for carriers and confirmed eradication in terms of achieving a reduction in the rate of SSI, there is still a significantly increased risk of SSI in MRSA colonised patients undergoing hip and knee replacements. Also, should infection develop, MRSA is the most likely causative organism. Patients should be made aware of this higher risk of infection and the serious consequences of developing MRSA SSI

The goals of the present study are to describe the prevalence of both methicillin sensitive and resistant S.aureus carriage among elective total hip and knee arthroplasty candidates and to evaluate the real impact of preoperatively treating carriers in preventing prosthetic joint infection.

Patients undergoing elective primary THA or TKA at a single institution were enrolled in a prospective randomized trial. S.aureus nasal carriage screening was performed in the outpatient setting and selected carriers underwent a 5-day preoperative treatment of nasal mupirocin and chlorhexidine bathing. All patients were followed regularly in the outpatient clinic. No patients were lost to follow-up at a minimum of one year after surgery. The main outcome of the study was the diagnosis of prosthetic joint infection occurring in the first year after surgery including all pathogens and a secondary outcome was defined as infections involving S.aureus bacteria only.

From January 2010 to December 2012, 1305 total joint arthroplasties were performed and 1028 of those were screened. We observed a 22.2% (228/1028) S.aureus colonization rate and only eight patients colonized with MRSA (0.8%). Twenty five cases of prosthetic joint infections were identified with an overall infection rate of 2.4%. S.aureus was involved in 14 cases. PJI rate in S.aureus carriers was 3.9% (9/228), which was not significantly higher than the 2.0% (16/800) found among non carriers. Treated and untreated carriers infection rate also showed no significant differences – 3.4% (3/89) vs. 4.3% (6/139). Multivariable analysis substantiates ASA≥ 3 (OR=3.42, 95% CI=1.51 – 7.74) and duration of surgery above the 75th percentile (OR=2.74, 95% CI=1.22 – 6.16) as independent predictors of PJI but not S.aureus carrier state. We obtained similar results when considering infection involving S.aureus bacteria only.

Of the 14 cases where S.aureus was present in PJI, only five were carriers preoperatively. Of those five cases, one was an untreated MSSA carrier that ultimately got an MRSA infection.

Our results show no clear benefit in screening and decolonizing S.aureus nasal carriers before total joint arthroplasty. There seems to be a lack of causal relation between nasal S.aureus and PJI pathogen as most of S.aureus PJI seems to have an exogenous source.

The purpose of this article is to provide the reader with a seven-step checklist that could help in minimising the risk of PJI. The check list includes strategies that can be implemented pre-operatively such as medical optimisation, and reduction of the bioburden by effective skin preparation or actions taking during surgery such as administration of timely and appropriate antibiotics or blood conservation, and finally implementation of post-operative protocols such as efforts to minimise wound drainage and haematoma formation.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B(1 Suppl A):18–22.

Surgical site infections following orthopaedic surgery are a serious complication associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Intra-wound antibiotic powder may be able to provide infection prophylaxis locally with less systemic adverse effects, and promising results have been reported in systematic reviews of its use in spine surgery. This study aims to analyse the efficacy and adverse effect profile of intra-wound antibiotics in reducing surgical site infections in orthopaedic surgery for traumatic pelvic and lower limb fractures. A systematic review was conducted for studies reporting on the incidence of surgical site infections following administration of intra-wound antibiotic powder in pelvic and lower limb trauma surgery. Randomised controlled trials, cohort and case-control studies were included. A meta-analysis was conducted for deep surgical site infections. Seven studies were included in the systematic review including six retrospective case-control studies and one randomised controlled trial. Results of the meta-analysis suggest a potential 23% reduction in the odds of developing a deep surgical site infection in patients treated with intra-operative antibiotic powder compared with those managed with intravenous antibiotics alone (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.52 – 1.13), although the results did not reach statistical significance. Notable selective bias against intra-wound antibiotics and suboptimal study design were found in the retrospective studies, however the randomised controlled trial reported a significant reduction in deep surgical site infections with intra-wound vancomycin powder. There were no reports of systemic adverse outcomes and minimal risk of wound complications with the use of intra-wound antibiotics. This review suggests the use of intra-wound antibiotic powder in pelvic and lower limb trauma surgery may reduce the incidence of deep surgical site infections. Further powered studies including randomised controlled trials are required to confirm the results highlighted in this study

This study aims to determine the incidence of surgical site infection leading to reoperation for sepsis following minor hand procedures performed outside the main operating room using field sterility in the South African setting. The investigators retrospectively reviewed the records of 485 patients who had WALANT-assisted minor hand surgery outside a main operating theatre, a field sterility setting between March 2019 and April 2023. The primary outcome was the presence or absence of deep surgical site infection that required reoperation within four weeks. Cases included where elective WALANT minor hand procedures, a minimum age of 18 with complete clinical records. The patients were mostly female (54.8%), with a mean age of 56.35 years. The majority of cases were trigger finger and carpal tunnel release. An overall 485 cases were reviewed, the deep surgical site infection rate resulting in reoperation within 4 weeks post-operatively was 1.24% ((95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.0034 to 0.0237); p = 0.009). Minor hand procedures performed under field sterility using WALANT have a low surgical site infection rate. The current study's infection rates are comparable to international surgical site infection rates for similar surgeries performed in main operating rooms using standard sterilisation procedures. Field sterility is a safe and acceptable clinical practice that may improve work efficiency in public sector

Surgical site infections (SSIs) after spinal fusion surgery increase healthcare costs, morbidity and mortality. Routine measures of obesity fail to consider site specific fat distribution. We aimed to assess the association between the spine adipose index and deep surgical site infection and determine a threshold value for spine adipose index that can assist in preoperative risk stratification in patients undergoing posterior instrumented lumbar fusion (PILF). A multicentre retrospective case-control study was completed. We reviewed patients who underwent PILF from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2018. All patients developing a deep primary incisional or organ-space SSI within 90 days of surgery as per US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention criteria were identified. We gathered potential pre-operative and intra-operative deep infection risk factors for each patient. Spine adipose index was measured on pre-operative mid-sagittal cuts of T2 weighted MRI scans. Each measurement was repeated twice by three authors in a blinded fashion, with each series of measurement separated by a period of at least six weeks. Forty-two patients were included in final analysis, with twenty-one cases and twenty-one matched controls. The spine adipose index was significantly greater in patients developing deep SSI (p =0.029), and this relationship was maintained after adjusting for confounders (p=0.046). Risk of developing deep SSI following PILF surgery was increased 2.0-fold when the spine adipose index was ≥0.51. The spine adipose index had excellent (ICC >0.9; p <0.001) inter- and intra-observer reliabilities. The spine adipose index is a novel radiographic measure and an independent risk factor for developing deep SSI, with 0.51 being the ideal threshold value for pre-operative risk stratification in patients undergoing PILF surgery

Malnutrition is considered a risk factor for postoperative complications in total hip and knee arthroplasty, though prospective studies investigating this assumption are lacking. The aim of this study was to prospectively analyse the 90-day postoperative complications, postoperative length of stay (LOS) and readmission rates of patients undergoing primary total hip and total kneearthroplasty using albumin, total lymphocyte count (TLC) and transferrin as serum markers of potential malnutrition. 603 primary hip and 823 primary knee arthroplasties over a 3-year period from a single centre wereprospectively analysed. BMI, demographic and comorbidity data were recorded. Complications werecategorised as surgical site infection, venous thromboembolism (deep vein thrombosis andpulmonary embolus), implant related (such as dislocation), and non-implant related (such aspneumonia). Outcomes were compared between groups, with malnutrition defined as serumalbumin <3.5g/dL, transferrin <200 mg/dL, or TLC <1,500 cells/mm³. Potential malnutrition was present in 9.3% of the study population. This group experienced a longeraverage LOS at 6.5 days compared to the normal albumin group at 5.0 days (p=0.003). Surgical siteinfection rate was higher in the malnourished group (12.5 vs 7.8%, p=0.02). There was no differencebetween the two groups in implant related complications (0.8 vs 1.0%, p=0.95) medicalcomplications (7.8 vs 13.3%, p=0.17), rate of venous thromboembolism (2.3 vs 2.7%) or 90-dayreadmission rate (14.1 vs 17.0%, p=0.56). TLC and transferrin were not predictive of any of theprimary outcomes measured (p<0.05). Pacific Island (p<0.001), Indian (p=0.02) and Asian (p=0.02) patients had lower albumin than NZ European. This study demonstrates an association between low albumin levels and increased postoperativeLOS and surgical site infection in total joint arthroplasty, providing rationale for consideration ofpreoperative nutritional screening and optimisation

Rotator cuff repair (RCR) can be performed open or arthroscopically, with a recent dramatic increase in the latter. Despite controversy about the preferred technique, there has been an increase in the number of repairs performed arthroscopically. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to compare revision rates following open and arthroscopic RCR repair. Adult patients undergoing first-time, primary rotator cuff repair in Ontario, Canada (April 2003-March 2014) were identified using physician billing and hospital databases. Patients were followed for a minimum of two and up to 13 years for the primary outcome, revision rotator cuff repair, and secondary outcome, surgical site infection. The intervention considered was open versus arthroscopic technique. Patient factors (age, gender, residence, socioeconomic status, medical comorbidities) and provider factors (surgical volume, hospital setting, worked night before, year of surgery) were recorded. Standardized mean differences were used for covariate comparison. A Cox Proportional Hazards model was used to compare RCR survivorship between the two groups after adjustment for patient and provider factors, generating hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals (HR, 95% CIs). Censoring occurred on the first of the primary outcome, death, shoulder arthroplasty or arthrodesis, or the end of the follow-up period (March 2016). A total of 37,255 patients were included. The overall revision RCR rate was 2.9% (1,096 patients) with a median time to revision of 23 months (IQR 12–52). Revision repair was more common in the arthroscopic group in comparison to the open group (3.2% vs 2.6%, NNT 166.7, p=0.004), with an adjusted HR of 0.72 (0.63–0.83 95% CI, p < 0 .0001). The surgical site infection rate was significantly higher in the open group compared with the arthroscopic group (0.5% vs 0.2%, NNT 333.3, p < 0 .001). Patient and provider covariates had no statistically significant effect on revision rates, aside from increasing age (per 10 year increase, HR 0.85, 0.81–0.90 95% CI, p < 0 .0001). Revision rotator cuff repair is approximately 30% more common in patients undergoing arthroscopic repair, in comparison to open repair, after adjustment. Surgical site infection is uncommon regardless of surgical technique, however, it is slightly more common following open repair. In the setting of an economic healthcare crisis, trends of increasing arthroscopic RCR may demand scrutiny, as the technique is associated with higher revision rates and higher costs

One of the most important sequelae to ageing is osteoporosis and subsequently hip fractures. Hip fractures are associated with major morbidity, mortality and costs. Most patients require surgery to restore mobility. Provision of surgery and its complications is poorly understood in South Africa. Our aim was to collect and report current hip fracture care at four centres in South Africa, as well as reporting surgical and general patient outcomes. A three year retrospective cohort at four centres will be described, focussing on provision of surgical care, mortality, types of surgery and complications. We identified 562 patients who had surgical intervention for fragility fractures, 66% were females. Forty nine percent had open reduction and internal fixation, 28% had hemi-arthroplasty replacement whilst 23% had total hip replacements. Twenty percent of patients had operative intervention within 36 hours of presentation to the emergency department. Mortality was 9% at 30 days. The most common complications were lower respiratory infections (29%), urinary tract infections (21%) and surgical site infections (9%). This is the largest cohort of surgically treated hip fracture from South Africa. Proportions of patients receiving different surgical interventions such as THR are comparable to the broader literature. However a number of key performance indicators such as surgery within 36 hours are challenging to meet. Given the changing demographics of South Africa, this study provides an early insight to contemporary care and may help provide direction for broader national strategies for reporting and improving hip fracture care

Complex acetabular reconstruction for oncology and bone loss are challenging for surgeons due to their often hostile biological and mechanical environments. Titrating concentrations of silver ions on implants and alternative modes of delivery allow surgeons to exploit anti-infective properties without compromising bone on growth and thus providing a long-term stable fixation. We present a case series of 12 custom acetabular tri-flange and custom hemipelvis reconstructions (Ossis, Christchurch, New Zealand), with an ultrathin plasma coating of silver particles embedded between layers of siloxane (BioGate HyProtect™, Nuremberg, Germany). At the time of reporting no implant has been revised and no patient has required a hospital admission or debridement for a deep surgical site infection. Routine follow up x-rays were reviewed and found 2 cases with loosening, both at their respective anterior fixation. Radiographs of both cases show remodelling at the ilium indicative of stable fixation posteriorly. Both patients remain asymptomatic. 3 patients were readmitted for dislocations, 1 of whom had 5 dislocations within 3 weeks post-operatively and was immobilised in an abduction brace to address a lack of muscle tone and has not had a revision of their components. Utilising navigation with meticulous implant design and construction; augmented with an ultrathin plasma coating of silver particles embedded between layers of siloxane with controlled and long-term generation of silver ion diffusion has led to outstanding outcomes in this series of 12 custom acetabular and hemipelvis reconstructions. No patients were revised for infection and no patients show signs of failure of bone on growth and incorporation. Hip instability remains a problem in these challenging mechanical environments and we continue to reassess our approach to this multifaceted problem