Conjunctival contamination in orthopedic surgery
Pitto, R.P.; Caruso, G.
Archivio "putti" di Chirurgia Degli Organi di Movimento 38(2): 439-441
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0066-670X PMID: 1983190 Document Number: 348474
Operating theatres expose health workers to close contact with body fluids and thus to the risk of contracting blood-borne infections. The conjunctiva of the eye offers a portal of entry for infection; an abrasive mixture of bone, marrow and blood propelled at high speed by power tools and reamers could damage any epithelial surface. 100 consecutive operations were studied and contaminating particles were counted on the glasses lens. 67% out of 100 times the surgeon's and the assistant's glasses were contaminated. Orthopaedic surgeons work in a high-risk environment and should protect themselves against possible contamination of the conjunctiva by wearing glasses with broad lens.