The Journal of hand surgery, European volume
-
J Hand Surg Eur Vol · Oct 1985
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialA prospective trial of prophylactic povidone iodine in lacerations of the hand.
A series of 418 patients with lacerations of the hands were allocated randomly to a control group or to a group where the injury was treated with povidone iodine before suture. The incidence of infected and imperfectly healed wounds was determined seven days later. As well as the effect of povidone iodine on infection, thirteen other factors were also analysed. ⋯ It is therefore recommended that hand lacerations should be treated with povidone iodine prior to suture. Other factors found to be significantly important in wound infection or imperfect healing were the condition of the dressing, the part of the hand injured and pain. Patients should be strongly advised to keep their dressing clean and dry.