The Most Important Risk Factor of SSI in a Bioclean Room

• Published in: Orthopedics & Traumatology Vol. 53; no. 2; pp. 421 - 425
• Main Authors: Shigematsu, Masamori, Hotokebuchi, Takao
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese; English
• Published: West-Japanese Society of Orthopedics & Traumatology 2004
• Subjects: air cleanliness; bioclean room; surgical site infection
• ISSN: 0037-1033; 1349-4333
• DOI: 10.5035/nishiseisai.53.421

Surgical site infection (SSI) is the most common postoperative complication. We used one bioclean room 3 times daily, and perfoming joint replacement over 300 times per year. However, we have never experienced a case of deep SSI. The present study was conducted in order to investigate the air cleanliness of a bioclean room in our institution, and the risk factor of SSI during an operation. Airborne particle and microorganism measurement were performed in order to assess the degree of air cleanliness. Air samples were collected during 16 elective hip and knee arthroplasties which were performed at our institution. Our result, clearly revealed that there were no problems regarding the air cleanliness of a bioclean room at our institution. However, a marked increase in the number of airborne microoganisms was observed in proportion to staff movement. Therefore, the risk factor for SSI was the movement of the staff. We concluded that the proper education of all staff was the most important factor in the prevention of SSI.