Surgical Gloves in Orthopedic Trauma Procedures: How Many Lose Their Integrity?

Introduction  The possibility of perforation of gloves during orthopedic surgeries can reach 56.8%, and it mainly related to the manipulation of blunt instruments. Surgeries for the treatment of fractures and trauma present additional risk due to contact with bone spires. Objective  Analysis of the prevalence of loss of integrity of surgical gloves in orthopedic trauma procedures, especially fractures, and evaluation of the surgeon's exposure and contact with secretions from the patient. Methods  Macroscopic inspection of the gloves of two surgeons specialized in trauma, over a period of 4 months. Both used two gloves for all procedures and, at the end of the surgery, analyzed the presence or absence of blood stains on the internal gloves and/or fingers. The procedures were categorized according to the time and type of surgery. The intercurrence investigated was the perforation of one or two gloves; if the tear was perceived immediately or only at the end of the surgery, and the location of and reason for the tear, if identified. Results  A total of 210 surgeries were included, 87 of which presented perforations, with 17 cases occurring in both gloves and 70 only in the outer glove. Finally, there was a more significant relationship with open focus surgeries and duration > 60 minutes. Conclusion  Our results suggest that greater care and inspection of gloves to look for damage are needed in prolonged surgeries with an open focus.