Prevalence of surgical site infection after orthopaedic surgery with two types of drainage at three public hospitals in Iran

Introduction: Orthopaedic surgical site infections (SSIs) are among the most important and prevalent because implanted devices are used in such surgeries which increase the risk of infection. This study aimed to examine the incidence of infection in orthopaedic surgeries and related factors in a group of public hospitals in Iran.

Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was condcuted in 2018. Data were collected about the incidence of infection and related factors including use/non-use of drains and well as types of drain . The presence of SSIs were determined using a researcher-devised Wound Infection Checklist (WIC) and microbial cultures.

Results: Of 110 included patients undergoing orthopaedic surgeries, 18.2% had an infection. The highest rate of infection was associated with lower extremity surgeries following tibia and fibula fractures. The incidence of infection among individuals under the age of 35 years was also higher. Emergency procedures demonstrated a higher incidence of infection. No significant relationship was observed between use of wound drains and development of SSIs.

Conclusion: Reducing the incidence of orthopaedic infection can be achieved by focusing more attention on open fractures occurring in the lower extremity. Use of surgical drains for the sole purpose of reducing the rate of infection is not effective. Accordingly, infection provention protocols should be implemented in orthopaedic surgery units to control and reduce rates of infection.