Risk factors, bacteriological profile and outcome of surgical site infections following orthopaedic surgery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Surgical site infection (SSI) is a challenge for the surgeon. Incidence of SSI reported in literature varies from 0.5% to 15%. Severity of SSI ranges from superficial skin infection to life-threatening condition like septicaemia. It is responsible for increased morbidity, mortality, and economic burden to the hospital in general, and the patient in particular. The aim of this study was to assess the risk factors, bacteriological profile, length of hospitalization, and cost due to orthopaedic SSI in patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective case control study. Cases were diagnosed based on CDC definition of nosocomial SSI. All cases were assessed preoperatively, intraoperatively and postoperatively, according to type of surgery, wound class, duration of operation, antimicrobial prophylaxis, use of drain, preoperative hospital stay, causative micro organism, total hospital stay, readmission rates and cost incurred. Age, sex and surgical procedure matched controls without SSI, were also assessed. Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used for analysis. P= <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Out of 1023 patients, 47 cases had SSI, with a rate of 4.6%. Cigarette smoking was a risk factor for SSI (P = 0.0035). The most common etiologic agents were Acinetobacter baumannii and Staphylococcus aureus. Incidence of readmission among SSI cases was more compared to controls (P= 0.0001). Costs attributable to SSI (Indian Rupees) was Rs 32,542 (17,054 to 87,514) which was significantly more than those without SSI (P= <0.001). CONCLUSION: Despite latest surgical amenities, meticulous sterilization protocols and pre-operative antibiotic prophylaxis, SSI continues to be present in healthcare settings. The increase in duration of hospital stay due to SSI adds to additional burden to an already resource-constrained healthcare system.

Unstable Distal Radius Fractures Treated by Volar Locking Anatomical Plates.

INTRODUCTION: Fracture of the distal end of radius represents the most common fracture of the upper extremity accounting for 16-20% of all fractures. Plating is now emerging as the gold standard for management of distal radius fractures due to increased rate of complications such as malunion, subluxation/dislocation of distal radio-ulnar joint or late collapse of fracture. Procedures such as closed reduction and cast immobilization, ligamentotaxis with external fixator and percutaneous pin fixation are no longer acceptable. AIM: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the functional and radiological outcome of unstable distal radius fractures treated with the volar locking plate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 53 patients from January 2011 to December 2015, treated for unstable distal radius fractures using a volar locking compression plate. Standard radiographic and clinical assessment after 12 months (range 12-16 months) were measured and final functional and radiological outcome were assessed using the Modified Mayo wrist scoring system and Sarmiento's modification of Lindstorm criteria respectively. RESULTS: There were 42 males and 11 females with an average age of 39.12±31.78 years (18-71 years). At the end of 12 months, 36 patients had an excellent radiological outcome and 10 patients had good radiological outcome as per Sarmiento's modification of Lindstorm criteria. Eleven patients had an excellent functional outcome and 26 patients had a good functional outcome as per modified Mayo wrist scoring system. There was one case of superficial wound infection which subsided with intravenous antibiotics. CONCLUSION: The volar locking plate fixation helps in early mobilization of the wrist, restores anatomy, allows early return to function, prevents secondary loss of reduction and hence is an effective treatment for unstable fractures of the distal radius.

Chronic Osteomyelitis of Clavicle in a Neonate: Report of Morbid Complication of Adjoining MRSA Abscess.

Osteomyelitis of clavicle is rare in neonates. Acute osteomyelitis of clavicle accounts for less than 3% of all osteomyelitis cases. It may occur due to contiguous spread, due to hematogenous spread, or secondary to subclavian catheterization. Chronic osteomyelitis may occur as a complication of residual adjoining abscess due to methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) sepsis. We report a newborn female with right shoulder abscess that developed chronic clavicular osteomyelitis in follow-up period after drainage. She required multiple drainage procedures and was later successfully managed with bone curettage and debridement. We report this case to highlight that a MRSA abscess may recur due to residual infection from a chronic osteomyelitis sinus. It may be misdiagnosed as hypergranulation tissue of nonhealing wound leading to inappropriate delay in treatment. High index of suspicion, aggressive initial management, and regular follow-up are imperative to prevent this morbid complication.