Surgical training and incidence of infective complications in elective orthopaedic practice

Abstract

Numerous factors are known to be associated with an increased rate of deep infection in joint arthroplasty. However, most deep infections occurring during total joint arthroplasty result from airborne contaminants shed by the operating personnel. Ultra-clean air sources in orthopaedic theatres and prophylactic antibiotics are thought to reduce the incidence of infection. Other factors such as the use of non-disposable drapes, poor theatre discipline, the method of skin preparation and surgical suction devices are all implicated in the genesis of wound infection. We are not aware of any study that has investigated the impact of training junior orthopaedic surgeons on the incidence of deep wound infection.