Researchers implemented a protocol for primary total knee and total hip arthroplasty in which the wound is soaked with the diluted betadine solution for three minutes following implantation of the prosthetic components. This is followed by a pulsating lavage of normal saline without antibiotics. Prior to final closure, betadine is applied to the skin surrounding the incision. Prior to this protocol, wounds were lavaged with normal saline only.
Acute post-operative deep infection was diagnosed in 18 out of the 1862 cases performed prior to the initiation of the betadine lavage protocol and in only one of the 688 total joint arthroplasties following initiation of this protocol, representing a reduction of the infection rate from 0.97 percent to 0.15 percent. There were no side complications associated with the treatment.
Read the news release about betadine in orthopedic surgery.
Read other coverage about infection control:
– Study: New Protocol Nearly Eliminates Infection in Spinal Surgery Patients
– Researchers Suggest ICD-9 Should Not Be Used to Predict, Measure MRSA Infections
– Transfer Patterns, Transfer Rates Do Not Affect Transmission of MRSA
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