Diluted povidone-iodine versus saline for dressing metal-skin interfaces in external fixation

Chan, C.K. and Saw, A. and Kwan, M.K. and Karina, R. (2009) Diluted povidone-iodine versus saline for dressing metal-skin interfaces in external fixation. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery, 17 (1). pp. 19-22. ISSN 1022-5536,

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Abstract

PURPOSE: To compare infection rates associated with 2 dressing solutions for metal-skin interfaces. METHODS: 60 patients who underwent distraction osteogenesis with external fixators were equally randomised into 2 dressing solution groups (diluted povidone-iodine vs. saline). Fixations were attained using either rigid stainless steel 5-mm diameter half pins or smooth stainless steel 1.8-mm diameter wires. Half-pin fixation had one metal-skin interface, whereas wire fixation had 2 interfaces. Patients were followed up every 2 weeks for 6 months. RESULTS: Of all 788 metal-skin interfaces, 143 (18) were infected: 72 (19) of 371 in the diluted povidone-iodine group and 71 (17) of 417 in the saline group. Dressing solution and patient age did not significantly affect infection rates. Half-pin fixation was more likely to become infected than wire fixation (25 vs 15). CONCLUSION: Saline is as effective as diluted povidone-iodine as a dressing solution for metal-skin interfaces of external fixators. Saline is recommended in view of its easy availability and lower costs.

Item Type:	Article
Funders:	UNSPECIFIED
Uncontrolled Keywords:	External Fixators; Infection; Occlusive Dressings; Povidone-Iodine
Subjects:	R Medicine
Divisions:	Faculty of Medicine
Depositing User:	Ms azrahani halim
Date Deposited:	13 Oct 2014 01:14
Last Modified:	13 Oct 2014 01:14
URI:	http://eprints.um.edu.my/id/eprint/11065

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