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Glove perforation in elective orthopedic surgery.
N Maffulli1, G Capasso, V Testa
1Anesthetic and Respiratory Unit, Institute of Child Health, London, U.K.
Acta Orthopaedica Scandinavica
|October 1, 1989
Summary
Orthopedic surgeons experienced glove perforation in 26% of tested gloves during elective surgeries. This study highlights the prevalence of surgical glove compromise in orthopedic procedures.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Infectious Disease Control
- Medical Device Safety
Background:
- Surgical site infections remain a significant concern in orthopedic procedures.
- Maintaining aseptic technique is paramount to prevent surgical site infections.
- The integrity of surgical gloves is a critical factor in preventing pathogen transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the incidence of glove perforation among orthopedic surgeons.
- To assess the prevalence of glove compromise during elective orthopedic operations.
Main Methods:
- A prospective survey was conducted over a 6-month period.
- The study involved 16 orthopedic surgeons performing 304 elective operations.
- A total of 1,398 pairs of surgical gloves were examined for evidence of perforation.
Main Results:
- A significant rate of glove perforation was observed.
- Evidence of perforation was found in 26% of the 1,398 pairs of gloves tested.
- The findings indicate a substantial risk of intraoperative contamination.
Conclusions:
- Glove perforation is a common occurrence in orthopedic surgery.
- The high prevalence of perforation necessitates strategies to mitigate infection risk.
- Further research into glove materials and surgical techniques is warranted to improve glove integrity.