Diluted povidone-iodine versus saline for dressing metal-skin interfaces in external fixation
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...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
2009
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://eprints.um.edu.my/11065/1/Diluted_povidone-iodine_versus_saline_for_dressing_metal-skin_interfaces_in_external_fixation.pdf http://eprints.um.edu.my/11065/ |
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| Summary: | 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. |
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