Use of ASEPSIS scoring method for the assessment of surgical wound infections in a Greek orthopaedic department

In Greece there is no systematic assessment of surgical wounds with the use of a validated instrument, while the ASEPSIS scoring method has been widely used internationally.

To examine the frequency of wound infections and their correlations both with patient background factors, as well as surgery factors, with the use of ASEPSIS.

In this prospective, observational study, participants undergoing orthopaedic surgeries in a large hospital in Greece were assessed during hospitalisation and the first month after discharge using the ASEPSIS wound assessment tool. The principles of the Declaration of Helsinki were applied. Non-parametric statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 20.0.

In total, 111 patients participated; nearly half (49.5%) had a total ASEPSIS score of "0". Almost 3 out of 4 patients (76.6%) had an ASEPSIS score under or equal to "10" (satisfactory healing) and only 3.6% had a minor or severe surgical wound infection. The ASEPSIS score was only positively correlated to longer surgery duration and longer postoperative stay.

The frequency of surgical wound infections in orthopaedic patients in Greece is comparable to that described in the literature. ASEPSIS could be used for assessing patients and as a performance indicator in Greek orthopaedic departments.