title: The effect of strict infection control policies on the rate of infection after elective foot and ankle surgery: a review of 1737 cases.
abstract: The rate of surgical site infection after elective foot and ankle surgery is higher than that after other elective orthopaedic procedures. Since December 2005, we have prospectively collected data on the rate of post-operative infection for 1737 patients who have undergone elective foot and ankle surgery. In March 2008, additional infection control policies, focused on surgical and environmental risk factors, were introduced in our department. We saw a 50% reduction in the rate of surgical site infection after the introduction of these measures. We are, however, aware that the observed decrease may not be entirely attributable to these measures alone given the number of factors that predispose to post-operative wound infection.
authors.affiliation: Aintree University Hospital, Liverpool L9 7AL, UK.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ralte
authors.affiliation: Aintree University Hospital, Liverpool L9 7AL, UK.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Molloy
authors.affiliation: Aintree University Hospital, Liverpool L9 7AL, UK.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Simmons
authors.affiliation: Aintree University Hospital, Liverpool L9 7AL, UK.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Butcher
mesh_terms: D000842:Ankle / Q000601:surgery*; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000592:standards; D005528:Foot / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods*; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000592:standards; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*
keywords: Ankle; Elective; Foot; Infection; Surgery