One in the eye for an orthopaedic surgeon

Area of Science:

• Orthopaedic Surgery
• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Safety

Background:

• Surgeon injuries during operations are documented, but foreign body-induced eye injuries remain unrecorded.
• Orthopaedic surgeons performing bone procedures are identified as a high-risk group for ocular trauma.
• Standard eye protection like visors may not fully prevent eye injuries from operative debris.

Observation:

• A specific case details a penetrating eye injury sustained by a surgeon during a hip replacement procedure.
• The injury occurred while the surgeon was using a hammer and rasp on the femur bone.
• The foreign body's trajectory potentially bypassed the protective visor, reaching the surgeon's eye.

Findings:

• This report documents the first known instance of a foreign body causing a penetrating eye injury in a surgeon.
• Hammering instruments in orthopaedic surgery presents a unique risk for ocular foreign body penetration.
• The study identifies a potential oblique trajectory pathway for foreign bodies from the surgical field to the eye.

Implications:

• Highlights the need for enhanced eye protection protocols in orthopaedic surgery.
• Suggests re-evaluation of surgical techniques and protective equipment to mitigate ocular risks.
• Emphasizes the importance of reporting all surgical injuries, including previously undocumented types, to improve patient and surgeon safety.