title: Role of Surgical Dressings in Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
abstract: We conducted a randomized controlled trial to compare efficacy of an occlusive antimicrobial barrier dressing and a standard surgical dressing in patients who underwent primary total joint arthroplasty. Two hundred sixty-two patients were randomized to receive either an occlusive dressing or a standard dressing. Wounds were closed in identical fashion. Outcomes included wound complications, dressing changes, and patient satisfaction. With use of occlusive dressing (vs standard dressing), wound complications (including skin blistering) were significantly (P = 0.15) reduced; there were significantly (P < .0001) fewer dressing changes; and patient satisfaction was significantly (P < .0001) higher. Use of occlusive dressings can reduce wound complications and promote wound healing after total joint arthroplasty.
authors.affiliation: OrthoCarolina Hip and Knee Center, Charlotte, NC. bryan.springer@orthocarolina.com.
authors.forename: Bryan D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Springer
authors.forename: Walter B
authors.initials: WB
authors.lastname: Beaver
authors.forename: William L
authors.initials: WL
authors.lastname: Griffin
authors.forename: J Bohannon
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Mason
authors.forename: Susan M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Odum
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001178:Arthroplasty / Q000379:methods*; D001458:Bandages; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009779:Occlusive Dressings; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000517:prevention & control; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology*