Intraoperative Wound Irrigation in Orthopaedic Surgery: A Survey of Current Understanding and Practice Across the...

Periprosthetic joint infections remain a serious complication following arthroplasty surgery, causing significant patient morbidity and economic burden to health-care systems. While surgical site infection (SSI) preventive measures have shown effectiveness, there remains a significant gap in literature regarding surgeon intraoperative practice, such as the use of intraoperative wound irrigation (IOWI). While studies highlight the potential in reducing SSIs, variability in clinical application and the lack of standardized, evidence-based guidelines necessitate a comprehensive understanding of current practices.

A 46-question survey was developed following literature review and validation with high-volume primary and revision arthroplasty surgeons. Deployed via online clinician engagement platform, the survey queried challenges of SSI in relation to IOWI, current IOWI practice, the role of biofilm in periprosthetic joint infections, and ideal properties of irrigation solutions.

A total of 112 orthopaedic surgeons across the United States participated in the survey. Respondents indicated a high level of knowledge regarding the role of IOWI in SSI treatment and prevention. Key attributes of an ideal IOWI varied depending on procedural step (exposure, instrumentation, implantation, and closure) and procedure type (primary or revision). Variation in IOWI practice was evident in irrigant selection and decision rationale, with relatively lower alignment to contact time and residual antimicrobial activity.

This survey highlights the perception that IOWI is an important part of routine SSI reduction measures and suggests variation in practice interventions and solution preference. Our findings support the necessity for a rigorous, evidence-based consensus via expert guidance to address the key surgical challenges to improve consistency of IOWI solution utilization.