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The use of double latex gloves during hip fracture operations
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong.
Abstract:
A prospective study was undertaken to determine the perforation rate of surgical gloves when double-gloving techniques were employed in 120 hip fracture operations. One or more perforations occurred in 30 operations (25%). In 10 operations (8.3%), perforations of both the outer and inner gloves occurred at corresponding sites. The surgeons were able to recognize the perforations during the surgery on five occasions only. Of the 64 perforations identified, 41 (64%) occurred in the left (nondominant) hands, and 42 (65.6%) occurred at the tips of thumbs and index fingers. Nearly half of the perforations (46.9%) occurred at the thumb and index finger of left (nondominant) hands. To reduce the perforation rate, further protection of the thumb and index finger of the nondominant hand of surgeons is therefore required.
Insights
Surgical glove perforations occur in 25% of hip fracture surgeries. Enhanced protection for the non-dominant hand
Area of Science:
- Surgical Safety
- Infection Control
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Double-gloving is a standard practice to prevent surgical site infections.
- However, glove perforations can compromise this barrier, increasing infection risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the perforation rate of surgical gloves during double-gloving in hip fracture operations.
- To identify specific areas and hands most susceptible to glove perforation.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study was conducted involving 120 hip fracture surgeries.
- Surgical gloves were examined post-operatively for perforations.
Main Results:
- One or more glove perforations occurred in 30 operations (25%).
- Both inner and outer gloves were perforated in 10 operations (8.3%).
- Perforations were most common on the left (nondominant) hand (64%), particularly the thumb and index finger (65.6%).
Conclusions:
- A significant rate of surgical glove perforation occurs during hip fracture surgery.
- The non-dominant hand, specifically the thumb and index finger, requires enhanced protection to reduce perforation risk.