Acta Orthop Belg
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Comparative Study
Comparison of glove donning techniques for the likelihood of gown contamination. An infection control study.
The creation of an optimal environment, whenever major joints are opened or metal is implanted into bone, is important to reduce infection following orthopaedic surgery. Following normal hand washing protocols, it is possible that pathogenic bacteria can remain on the skin. These bacteria may inadvertently be transferred to the surgical gown during the glove donning procedure and therefore contamination of the surgical wound could follow. ⋯ There were no contamination patches in the scrub staff assisted technique. Glove donning, using the scrub staff assisted technique can minimise the possibility of gown contamination. This is important in surgical procedures where the results of infection can be devastating.
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Open reduction and internal fixation has been shown to be effective in the treatment of unstable distal radius fractures. When a dorsal approach is used, extensor tendons rupture or irritation are frequent and well known complications. Complications associated with volar plate fixation have not been studied to the same extent. ⋯ In this study, volar plate fixation appeared as a safe procedure in the management of unstable distal radius fractures, with a low rate of complications. Accurate placement of the plate and exact measurement of the screws may further minimize the incidence of complications. When radiographs reveal conditions that may predispose to tendon attritional lesions (prominent edge of the plate, dorsal protrusion of the screw tips) we strongly recommend early removal of the fixation device.