The effect of laminar air-flow on the results of Austin-Moore hemiarthroplasty.
BACKGROUND
A second cycle audit to evaluate the results after introduction of water impervious surgical gowns and drapes while performing Austin-Moore hemiarthroplasty as recommended by our previously published study.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the difference in the re-operation rate following Austin-Moore hemiarthroplasty between procedures performed under laminar air-flow to those performed in conventional (non-laminar flow) theatres, after the introduction of water impervious gowns and drapes in 2000.


METHODS
A consecutive cohort of patients who had Austin-Moore hemiarthroplasties performed at our district general hospital between August 2000 and July 2004 were included in the study. The minimum follow-up period was 1 year. Of the total of 435 patients, 223 were operated in non-laminar air-flow theatres and 212 were operated in laminar air-flow theatres. Peri-operative antibiotics and water-impervious surgical gowns and drapes were used in all cases.


RESULTS
The overall re-operation rate for all indications was 1.4% (3/212) in the laminar air-flow theatre group and 5.8% (134/223) in the non-laminar air-flow theatre group.


CONCLUSIONS
The rate of re-operation for all indications in the non-laminar air-flow theatre group was four times greater than in the laminar air-flow group. We recommend that Austin-Moore hemiarthroplasty procedures should be performed in laminar air-flow equipped theatres.
Kakwani
R G
RG
Good Hope Hospital NHS Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom. rajeshkakwani@hotmail.com
Yohannan
D
D
Wahab
K H A
KH
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D004780:Environment, Controlled; D005260:Female; D005265:Femoral Neck Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009873:Operating Rooms; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D012086:Reoperation; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*