Prevention of tape blisters after hip replacement surgery: A randomized clinical trial

SummaryBackgroundTape blisters are common in orthopaedic patients. The method used for covering the surgical field may be an independent risk factor for the development of blisters.MethodsThe present randomised clinical trial was conducted to compare two different methods of draping at hip replacement surgery. Patients were randomized to receive the standard or the new procedure. Presence of tape blisters after surgery along with their number, size and location was recorded for 100 patients.ResultsTape blisters developed in 30% of the patients. Women were more likely to develop tape blisters compared to men (38.6% vs. 18.6%; p = 0.03). Age, surgical procedure, operating time, BMI, nutritional status, smoking history, medication, comorbidity and type of surgical incision were not significantly associated with the risk of developing tape blisters. Tape blisters were more common amongst patients treated according to the standard method (35.5% vs. 24.5%; p = 0.24). However, this difference was not statistically significant.ConclusionWomen are more likely to develop tape blisters after hip surgery than men. The method used for draping might be an important factor in the development of tape blisters. Further research is required.