title: The risks of splash injury when using power tools during orthopaedic surgery: a prospective study.
abstract: Transmissible blood-borne infection can occur at muco-cutaneous membranes. During trauma and orthopaedic surgery, the use of power tools increases spraying of bodily fluid, hence resulting in an increased risk of infectious splash injury to the face. This prospective study involved 25 patients. The visors worn by the operating team were examined postoperatively to identify any visible blood, fat and body tissue splashes. Eleven patients underwent knee arthroplasty. Splash counts to the surgeon's mouth/lip, nose/cheek and eye regions were 217, 105, and 62 respectively; they were 258, 147, and 82 for the assistant. Fourteen patients had hip replacement; splash counts to the surgeon's mouth/lip, nose/cheek and eye regions were 214, 90, and 53 respectively, and 137, 39 and 27 for the assistant. To conclude, the face is vulnerable to material and fluid strikes during joint arthroplasty surgery. The visor is a reliable barrier to blood, fat and body tissue splashes and minimises the risk of exposure to blood-borne viruses. Therefore, a visor should be worn during all joint arthroplasty procedures and any procedure that involves the use of power tools.
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Infirmary Square, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE1 5WW, United Kingdom. asefmiqdad@gmail.com
authors.forename: Asef
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Alani
authors.forename: Cheaten
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Modi
authors.forename: Sami
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Almedghio
authors.forename: Ian
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Mackie
mesh_terms: D001178:Arthroplasty; D017848:Blood-Borne Pathogens; D005145:Face; D006801:Humans; D017758:Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011482:Protective Devices