Surgical site infection in orthopaedic surgery: an audit of peri-operative practice at a tertiary centre

IntroductionSurgical site infection (SSI) is a common but serious complication in orthopaedic surgery. Multiple peri-operative risk factors have been identified in the incidence of SSIs. A ‘bundle of care’ approach has been used to identify and treat the most common risk factors. The aim of this study was to audit current peri-operative practice and compare with current hospital protocols.MethodsOrthopaedic surgeries were retrospectively audited at a 350-bed tertiary hospital. Data on peri-operative practice, including patient temperature, blood sugar levels (BSLs), oxygenation, antibiotic use and incidence of SSIs, were collected via online surveying software. Descriptive analysis was performed.ResultsThere were a total of 88 patients who had 95 orthopaedic surgeries. Seven patients developed SSIs. Temperature monitoring occurred in 96% of patients. BSL monitoring was less prevalent, occurring in only 16% of patients without diabetes. Post-operative oxygenation was universal. Only three patients did not receive prophylactic antibiotics in the peri-operative stage.ConclusionsWe found current peri-operative care to be generally excellent, although implementing a formal ‘bundle of care’ may achieve higher rates of normoglycaemia and normothermia.