Haroon Rehman1, Iain Rankin2, Kim Ferguson3, Bryn Jones4, Mark Frame2. 1. Trauma & Orthopaedics Unit, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZN, United Kingdom. Electronic address: haroon.rehman.06@aberdeen.ac.uk. 2. Trauma & Orthopaedics Unit, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZN, United Kingdom. 3. Trauma and Orthopaedics Unit, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, United Kingdom. 4. Department of Orthopaedics, Golden Jubilee National Hospital, Agamemnon Street, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Metal debris can produce a foreign body inflammatory reaction or as third body wear in the situation of joint arthroplasty. We evaluate a simple method for reducing this debris using a sterile water-based lubricating gel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight experimental surgical models consisting of porcine muscle overlying a polyethylene tube with a titanium locking plate and screws secured were constructed. Four models had water based lubricating gel applied to the wound edges, four were left without as controls. Image were then captured before and after irrigation from which the amount of debris could be quantified. RESULTS: The reduction of surface area covered by debris for models with water-based gel was greater (p=0.001). The average reduction in surface area was 27.2% for the control group and 94.1% for the models covered with lubricating gel. CONCLUSION: We show that using a safe, inexpensive and easily available water-based lubricating gel reduces the amount of embedded debris when burring metal implants using a high-speed burr.
INTRODUCTION:Metal debris can produce a foreign body inflammatory reaction or as third body wear in the situation of joint arthroplasty. We evaluate a simple method for reducing this debris using a sterile water-based lubricating gel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight experimental surgical models consisting of porcine muscle overlying a polyethylene tube with a titanium locking plate and screws secured were constructed. Four models had water based lubricating gel applied to the wound edges, four were left without as controls. Image were then captured before and after irrigation from which the amount of debris could be quantified. RESULTS: The reduction of surface area covered by debris for models with water-based gel was greater (p=0.001). The average reduction in surface area was 27.2% for the control group and 94.1% for the models covered with lubricating gel. CONCLUSION: We show that using a safe, inexpensive and easily available water-based lubricating gel reduces the amount of embedded debris when burring metal implants using a high-speed burr.