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Updated: May 2, 2026
Novel Diagnostics in Revision Arthroplasty: Implant Sonication and Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction
Published on: December 3, 2017
[No contamination of instruments on the trolley during elective arthroplasty]
Mikkel Christensen1, Mikkel Sundstrup, Helle Raagaard Larsen
1Ortopædkirurgisk Afdeling, Hillerød Hospital, Abildvang 86, 2700 Brønshøj. jjmikkel@hotmail.com
Abstract:
Infection following arthroplasty is a very serious complication as it has major impact on morbidity and mortality. This study set out to examine if leaving the instruments on the trolley would result in contamination from airborne pathogens during elective hip and knee arthroplasty. We conclude that instruments placed in a laminar airflow field do get contaminated, but further studies with a larger sample size are needed to verify the results.
Insights
Instruments left on trolleys during hip and knee replacements can become contaminated by airborne pathogens. Further research is needed to confirm these findings on surgical site infection prevention.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Infectious Disease Control
Context:
- Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a significant risk following arthroplasty procedures.
- Maintaining a sterile environment is crucial to prevent complications like SSIs.
Purpose:
- To investigate the potential contamination of surgical instruments left exposed on trolleys during elective hip and knee arthroplasty.
- To assess the risk of airborne pathogen transmission to instruments in the operating room.
Summary:
- Surgical instruments placed within a laminar airflow field during arthroplasty showed signs of contamination.
- Airborne pathogens pose a risk to instrument sterility even in controlled airflow environments.
Impact:
- Findings suggest a potential pathway for SSIs in arthroplasty.
- Highlights the need for stringent protocols to minimize instrument contamination.
- Emphasizes the requirement for larger-scale studies to validate contamination risks and inform best practices in surgical hygiene.
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