MRSA in patients presenting with femoral fractures

To assess MRSA carrier status in patients from different residences presenting with femoral fractures and to assess the incidence of MRSA deep wound infections post-operatively with regard to MRSA status on presentation.

One hundred and five patients were screened for MRSA on arrival over a 20-week period. They were then followed up post-operatively to determine the number of patients developing MRSA deep wound infection.

One out of three patients came from an institution (nursing, residential home or hospital). Nearly one in four of these patients were MRSA carriers, compared with a carrier rate of less than 1 in 20 in patients admitted from home. Of the 11 cases presenting as MRSA carriers, two developed a MRSA deep wound infection, compared with 2 out of the 94 patients not colonised with MRSA (X2 p < 0.01).