Efficacy of different irrigating solutions for wound washing in musculoskeletal injuries

Abstract

Background: There is much to learn about the effectiveness of different methods currently used for the irrigation of open wounds. The purpose of this study was to compare various irrigating solutions for wound washing in musculoskeletal injuries. Materials and methods: The proposed study is a hospital based prospective study. It was done between 2013 and 2016. 120 patients of open fractures were included in the study. The cases were randomized into 3 group’s normal saline, amikacin and povidone iodine. All wounds received sharp débridement and irrigation. Necessary plastic surgery intervention was given. Post-operative wound and implant infection rates were compared Results: In the Study, the irrigation treatment lowered the post-operative infection rates in all treatment groups. The normal saline group had 7.5% (n=3) infection, amikacin group had 10% (n=4) infection, povidone iodine group had 10% (n=4) infection post operatively. The average wound healing time was more in povidone iodine group and these wounds had more serous discharge. Conclusion: All the 3 methods decreased the post op infection rate in open fractures. Normal saline is more effective and cheaper method for wound wash. n=number of cases