BUGS AND BONES: PREVENTING AND MANAGING INFECTION IN ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY

摘要

Infection involving bone, joints, tendons and ligaments is a significant issue for the patient and for the surgeon who has to manage them. Bone has poor blood supply; implants used for stabilization can harbor bacterial; joints are often rapidly damaged by the intense inflammation; tendons and ligaments are dissolved by the inflammatory "soup". The adage "Prevention is better than cure", while requiring effort without obvious reward, is very worthwhile. There are many techniques in different areas that can reduce the incidence of infections acquired in your hospital. Overall cleanliness, with thorough cleaning of exam tables and cages before contact with a new patient, is an essential practice. Cages should be thoroughly cleaned between each use. Table surfaces in treatment areas, radiology and surgery must be cleaned and disinfected after each patient. A regular floor cleaning protocol, with increased frequency in high traffic areas, is essential to prevent spread around all areas of the hospital.A system of culturing various locations that will reflect the effectiveness of the cleaning can be useful to heighten awareness. The most essential feature of prevention is to have a level of awareness and by-in amongst clinicians and technicians, and have support for the importance and costs of these measures from area supervisors and hospital managers.