Open AccessSurgical Loupes Worn by Orthopaedic Surgeons Are a Reservoir for Microorganisms
Author(s) -
Jack G. Graham,
Antonia F. Chen,
Noreen J. Hickok,
Samantha Knott,
Caroline Purtill,
Dennis P. Martin,
Pedro K. Beredjiklian
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
clinical orthopaedics and related research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1528-1132
pISSN - 0009-921X
DOI - 10.1097/corr.0000000000000651
Subject(s) - medicine , orthopedic surgery , surgical procedures , surgery
Surgeons frequently use optical loupes to magnify the surgical field; they are typically unprotected when positioned directly over the wound, where particulate shedding containing microorganisms could potentially lead to surgical site infections (SSIs). SSIs are rare in some orthopaedic subspecialties such as hand surgery; however, in other subspecialties, for example, the spine, where surgeons often use loupes, SSIs can have devastating consequences.