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Findings show relationship between door openings and OR pressure during joint arthroplasty
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Results from this study demonstrated OR door openings and room pressure are significantly correlated and that loss of positive room pressure was temporary and later recovered.
Researchers retrospectively identified and monitored 191 primary hip and knee arthroplasties performed from March 2011 to June 2011 for door openings and OR air pressure during the procedures. For each case, investigators recorded the time point for each change in status and calculated the number and duration of door openings.
Investigators found doors were open for about 10 minutes in each case. In addition, they found the positive pressure was defeated and air flowed into the OR in 77 cases.
Results also showed the minimum pressure recorded was significantly affected by total open-door time. However, average room pressure was not significantly impacted. Investigators cited these findings may demonstrate positive pressure during door opening could be a transient event. The duration of the surgery significantly correlated with the number and duration of door openings.
According to researchers, hip and knee cases were not significantly different with regard to the number and duration of door openings. They also found there were both fewer and shorter duration of door openings on average during knee vs. hip procedures.
However, investigators noted further research is required to determine whether postoperative infections after joint arthroplasties are associated with door openings and less positive pressure. ‒ by Monica Jaramillo
Disclosures: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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