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Related Experiment Videos

What's in a nail?

P J Singer1, D Seligson

  • 1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Louisville, Kentucky 40207.

Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma
|January 1, 1990
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Routine swab methods in asymptomatic patients did not detect subclinical infections in hollow intramedullary nails. Pathologic review confirmed the absence of microbial growth, suggesting low infection risk with this diagnostic approach.

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Area of Science:

  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Infectious Disease
  • Medical Microbiology

Background:

  • Subclinical infections in orthopedic implants can complicate patient recovery.
  • Hollow intramedullary nails are commonly used for fracture fixation.
  • Assessing infection in asymptomatic patients requires reliable diagnostic methods.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the incidence of subclinical infection in asymptomatic patients with hollow intramedullary nails.
  • To determine the efficacy of routine swab methods for detecting microbial presence in nail lumens.
  • To correlate patient factors and implant characteristics with potential infection.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study of 30 consecutive hollow intramedullary nails in asymptomatic patients.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Specimen collection via routine swab from the nail lumen for bacterial, fungal, and acid-fast cultures.
  • Pathologic review of collected material using hematoxylin and eosin staining.
  • Analysis of variables including leukocyte count, patient complaints, and implant details.

    • Main Results:

    • No significant positive microbial cultures were obtained from any intramedullary nail specimens.
    • Pathologic examination revealed granulation tissue, fibrous tissue, or osseous tissue, but no organisms.
    • No deep or superficial wound infections were observed post-implant removal.
    • The swab method and quantitative bacteriology failed to detect microbial growth.

    Conclusions:

    • Routine swab methods are insufficient for detecting subclinical infections within hollow intramedullary nails in asymptomatic patients.
    • The material within the nail lumen typically consists of host tissue rather than infectious agents.
    • Further investigation into more sensitive diagnostic techniques for subclinical implant infections may be warranted.