Surgical glove perforation often goes undetected during orthopedic trauma surgery, according to a study in The Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma.
Here are four things to know:
1. In the study, four investigators performed six high-risk maneuvers in a simulated laboratory setting. Alternative techniques were also performed for most maneuvers.
2. Investigators were able to identify only 14.3 percent of perforations.
3. Here are the perforation rates:
- Cleaning drill bit flutes by hand: 85 percent
- Catching a glove along the guide wire while passing a cannulated drill: 50 percent
- Catching a glove around a rotating drill shaft: 40 percent
- Palpating the end of a flexible nail cut with a wire cutter: 35 percent
- Blind digital fracture reduction: 20 percent
- Directly visualizing the reduction: 15 percent
- Inserting screws while stabilizing the threads with fingers: 15 percent
- Palpating the end of a flexible nail cut with a nail-specific tool: 5 percent
4. Study authors conclude orthopedic surgeons should consider modifying or using alternative techniques when performing certain maneuvers.