Abstract
Objectives:
This prospective study investigated whether preoperative antiseptic whole-body skin cleansing reduces bacterial contamination and surgical site infections (SSI) after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). We hypothesized that antiseptic cleansing would decrease bacterial load, thereby lowering intraoperative contamination and early postoperative infections.
Methods:
A total of 119 patients scheduled for ACLR were enrolled in this prospective, nonrandomized study and allocated to two groups. Patients in the intervention group used octenisan® wash lotion once daily for three consecutive days preoperatively, replacing their usual shower gel, and additionally wiped the operative leg with octenisan®-soaked gloves on the morning of surgery. The control group continued their usual hygiene routine without specific instructions. Fluid samples were obtained before incision from the irrigation bag and every 15 minutes intraoperatively from the reservoir of the sterile surgical drape. Suture materials used for ACL graft fixation and meniscal repair were also collected. All samples were incubated for 14 days. Clinical follow-up was performed at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 6 months, with a final assessment at 12 months.
Results:
There was no significant difference in contamination rates between the control and intervention groups. The mean contamination rate was 6.4% (n = 22) in the control group and 6.6% (n = 24) in the intervention group (p = 0.28). At 12-month follow-up, 110 of 119 patients were available for evaluation (52 control, 58 intervention). T tests for age (p = 0.19), BMI (p = 0.66), and duration of surgery (p = 0.38) revealed no significant between-group differences. No early SSI occurred in either group postoperatively.
Conclusion:
The use of preoperative antiseptic wash lotion and antiseptic gloves did not influence the risk of bacterial contamination during ACL reconstruction.